bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantum mechanical line widths of ionized oxygen, silicon, and aluminium; comparisons with recent experimental results
Authors: Elabidi H , Sahal-Bréchot S , Dimitrijević M S , Hamdi R , Belhadj W
Published: March 2023

We present in this paper new quantum Half Widths at Half intensity Maximum (HWHM) for 101 spectral lines of the following ions: O II (35 lines), O III (20 lines), Si II (9 lines), Si III (12 lines), and Al III (25 lines). The present quantum results are compared to new experimental ones. No previous quantum calculations have been performed for these ions. The relatively high differences found between the new and previous measurements and the available theoretical calculations encourage us to conduct these quantum calculations. Our quantum method has been used many years ago and has given good results compared to other approaches, so it can be a useful tool to check the new experimental results or to understand the disagreement found for some lines. Furthermore, the obtained results can be used for the abundance determination of elements, the calculation of stellar opacity, the interpretation and modelling of stellar spectra, and the estimation of the relative transfer through stellar plasmas, etc. Part of the present results will be also implemented to the data base of Stark broadening parameters STARK-B.
Switching integrators reversibly in the astrophysical N-body problem
Authors: Hernandez David M , Dehnen Walter
Published: March 2023

We present a simple algorithm to switch between N-body time integrators in a reversible way. We apply it to planetary systems undergoing arbitrarily close encounters and highly eccentric orbits, but the potential applications are broader. Upgrading an ordinary non-reversible switching integrator to a reversible one is straightforward and introduces no appreciable computational burden in our tests. Our method checks whether the integrator during the time-step violates a time-symmetric selection condition and redoes the step if necessary. In our experiments, a few per cent of steps would have violated the condition without our corrections. By eliminating them, the algorithm avoids long-term error accumulation, of several orders of magnitude in some cases.
Roles of glutathione peroxidase 4 on the mercury-triggered ferroptosis in renal cells: implications for the antagonism between selenium and mercury
Authors: Chen Jiahao , Ma Minghao , Wang Ruixia , Gao Ming , Hu Ligang , Liu Sijin , Xu Ming
Published: March 2023

Understanding of how mercury species cause cellular impairments at the molecular level is critical for explaining the detrimental effects of mercury exposure on the human body. Previous studies have reported that inorganic and organic mercury compounds can induce apoptosis and necrosis in a variety of cell types, but more recent advances reveal that mercuric mercury (Hg2+) and methylmercury (CH3Hg+) may result in ferroptosis, a distinct form of programmed cell death. However, it is still unclear which protein targets are responsible for ferroptosis induced by Hg2+ and CH3Hg+. In this study, human embryonic kidney 293T cells were used to investigate how Hg2+ and CH3Hg+ trigger ferroptosis, given their nephrotoxicity. Our results demonstrate that glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) plays a key role in lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis in renal cells induced by Hg2+ and CH3Hg+. The expression of GPx4, the only lipid repair enzyme in mammal cells, was downregulated in response to Hg2+ and CH3Hg+ stress. More importantly, the activity of GPx4 could be markedly inhibited by CH3Hg+, owing to the direct binding of the selenol group (–SeH) in GPx4 to CH3Hg+. Selenite supplementation was demonstrated to enhance the expression and activity of GPx4 in renal cells, and consequently relieve the cytotoxicity of CH3Hg+, suggesting that GPx4 is a crucial modulator implicated in the Hg–Se antagonism. These findings highlight the importance of GPx4 in mercury-induced ferroptosis, and provide an alternative explanation for how Hg2+ and CH3Hg+ induce cell death.
Parathyroidectomy versus oral cinacalcet on cardiovascular parameters in peritoneal dialysis patients with advanced secondary hyperparathyroidism (PROCEED): a randomized trial
Authors: Wang Angela Yee-Moon , Lo Wai Kei , Cheung Stephen Chi-Wai , Tang Tak-Ka , Yau Yat-Yin , Lang Brian Hung-Hin
Published: March 2023

Background

This trial aimed to evaluate oral cinacalcet versus total parathyroidectomy (PTx) with forearm autografting on cardiovascular surrogate outcomes and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measures in dialysis patients with advanced secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT).

Design

In this pilot prospective randomized trial conducted in two university-affiliated hospitals, 65 adult peritoneal dialysis patients with advanced SHPT were randomized to receive either oral cinacalcet or PTx. Primary endpoints were changes in left ventricular (LV) mass index by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and coronary artery calcium scores (CACS) over 12 months. Secondary endpoints included changes in heart valves calcium scores, aortic stiffness, biochemical parameters of chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disease (CKD-MBD) and HRQOL measures over 12 months.

Results

Changes in LV mass index, CACS, heart valves calcium score, aortic pulse wave velocity and HRQOL did not differ between groups or within groups, despite significant reductions in plasma calcium, phosphorus and intact parathyroid hormone in both groups. Cinacalcet-treated patients experienced more cardiovascular-related hospitalizations than those who underwent PTx (P = .008) but the difference became insignificant after adjusting for baseline difference in heart failure (P = .43). With the same monitoring frequency, cinacalcet-treated patients had fewer hospitalizations due to hypercalcemia (1.8%) than patients who underwent PTx (16.7%) (P = .005). No significant changes were observed in HRQOL measures in either group.

Conclusions

Both cinacalcet and PTx effectively improved various biochemical abnormalities of CKD-MBD and stabilized but did not reduce LV mass, coronary artery and heart valves calcification, or arterial stiffness, or improve patient-centered HRQOL measures in PD patients with advanced SHPT. Cinacalcet may be used in place of PTx for treating advanced SHPT. Long-term and powered studies are required to evaluate PTx versus cinacalcet on hard cardiovascular outcomes in dialysis patients.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01447368.
Six Externally Validated Prognostic Models Have Potential Clinical Value to Predict Patient Health Outcomes in the Rehabilitation of Musculoskeletal Conditions: A Systematic Review
Authors: Naye Florian , Décary Simon , Houle Catherine , LeBlanc Annie , Cook Chad , Dugas Michèle , Skidmore Becky , Tousignant-Laflamme Yannick
Published: March 2023

Objective

The purpose of this systematic review was to identify and appraise externally validated prognostic models to predict a patient’s health outcomes relevant to physical rehabilitation of musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions.

Methods

We systematically reviewed 8 databases and reported our findings according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis 2020. An information specialist designed a search strategy to identify externally validated prognostic models for MSK conditions. Paired reviewers independently screened the title, abstract, and full text and conducted data extraction. We extracted characteristics of included studies (eg, country and study design), prognostic models (eg, performance measures and type of model) and predicted clinical outcomes (eg, pain and disability). We assessed the risk of bias and concerns of applicability using the prediction model risk of bias assessment tool. We proposed and used a 5-step method to determine which prognostic models were clinically valuable.

Results

We found 4896 citations, read 300 full-text articles, and included 46 papers (37 distinct models). Prognostic models were externally validated for the spine, upper limb, lower limb conditions, and MSK trauma, injuries, and pain. All studies presented a high risk of bias. Half of the models showed low concerns for applicability. Reporting of calibration and discrimination performance measures was often lacking. We found 6 externally validated models with adequate measures, which could be deemed clinically valuable [ie, (1) STart Back Screening Tool, (2) Wallis Occupational Rehabilitation RisK model, (3) Da Silva model, (4) PICKUP model, (5) Schellingerhout rule, and (6) Keene model]. Despite having a high risk of bias, which is mostly explained by the very conservative properties of the PROBAST tool, the 6 models remain clinically relevant.

Conclusion

We found 6 externally validated prognostic models developed to predict patients’ health outcomes that were clinically relevant to the physical rehabilitation of MSK conditions.

Impact

Our results provide clinicians with externally validated prognostic models to help them better predict patients’ clinical outcomes and facilitate personalized treatment plans. Incorporating clinically valuable prognostic models could inherently improve the value of care provided by physical therapists.
Effects of Exercise Training on Cognitive Function in Individuals With Heart Failure: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Peng Jing-Ya , Chen Yung-Hsin , Yen Ju-Hsin , Huang Wei-Ming , Chen Chiao-Nan
Published: March 2023

Objective

Cognitive function is critical for disease self-management; however, it is poorer in individuals with heart failure (HF) than in age-matched people who are healthy. Aging and disease progression collectively threaten the cognitive function of individuals with HF. Exercise has been shown to improve the mobility and mortality risk factors of this population, but the effects of exercise on the cognitive function of individuals with HF are unclear. This meta-analysis aimed to examine these potential effects.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, and ClinicalKey on literature published until January 2022. Studies examining the effects of exercise training on cognitive function in individuals with HF were included. Characteristics of participants and details of interventions were extracted. Effects of exercise training on global cognitive function, attention, and executive function were analyzed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software.

Results

Six studies were included. Individuals with chronic HF were examined in most studies. The average ejection fraction of participants was 23 to 46%. Aerobic exercise was used in most studies. All included studies had exercise frequency of 2 to 3 times per week and a duration of 30 to 60 minutes per session for 12 to 18 weeks. Compared with the control group, exercise training benefited the global cognitive function of individuals with HF and cognitive impairments (standardized mean difference = 0.44; 95% CI = 0.01–0.87). The attention of individuals with HF improved after exercise training compared with that before the intervention.

Conclusion

Exercise may improve cognitive function in individuals with HF and cognitive impairments. However, due to large heterogeneity in the study design, more studies are needed to support clinical application.

Impact

These findings should raise clinicians’ awareness about the role of exercise on the cognitive function of individuals with HF, in addition to benefits in physical domains.
Exploring Diversity of Bacterial Spot Associated Xanthomonas Population of Pepper in Southwest Florida
Authors: Subedi Aastha , Minsavage Gerald V. , Jones Jeffrey B. , Goss Erica M. , Roberts Pamela D.
Published: March 2023

Bacterial spot caused by Xanthomonas spp. is a significant disease that challenges pepper growers worldwide and is particularly severe in a hot and humid environment. Understanding the pathogen’s population biology is critical for sustainable disease management. The goal of this study was to characterize the species, race, and bactericide sensitivity of bacterial spot-associated Xanthomonas collected from pepper in Florida. A survey of pepper production fields in southwest Florida between 2019 and 2021—covering two counties, eight farms, and two transplant facilities—resulted in the isolation of 542 Xanthomonas euvesicatoria and 35 Xanthomonas perforans strains. Four races were identified on pepper, of which most strains were race P1 (42%), race P6 (26%), race P3 (24%), and less common was race P4 (8%). All X. perforans strains were characterized as race P1 and showed a compatible reaction on tomato. Sixty-two and 96% of strains were sensitive to copper sulfate and streptomycin, respectively. One farm that did not use copper to manage the disease contained only copper-sensitive strains and was the only farm with race P3 strains. Strains were assayed for starch hydrolysis activity of which a third of X. euvesicatoria strains were strongly amylolytic, a characteristic not typically observed in X. euvesicatoria. All X. perforans strains produced bacteriocins against X. euvesicatoria in vitro. The Xanthomonas population causing bacterial spot on pepper in southwest Florida is diverse and dynamic; thus, regular monitoring provides pertinent information to plant breeders and growers for designing disease management strategies.
TaqMan-MGB PCR Method for Rapid Detection of QoI Fungicide Resistance in Chinese Populations of Plasmopara viticola
Authors: Huang Xiaoqing , Wang Xina , Zhou Lianzhu , Kong Fanfang , Liu Yongqiang , Wang Zhongyue , Zhang Hao
Published: March 2023

Grape downy mildew caused by Plasmopara viticola is one of the most devastating diseases of grapevine worldwide. Quinone outside inhibitor (QoI) fungicides are commonly used for the control of the pathogen in grape fields across China. However, their recurrent use could lead to the emergence of resistance against these compounds. Based on the most common mutation in resistant isolates, a glycine to alanine substitution at amino acid position 143 (G143A) in the cytochrome b protein, a TaqMan-MGB PCR was developed for the rapid detection of resistance to the QoI fungicide azoxystrobin in P. viticola. Specificity and sensitivity of this method showed it could specifically detect the point mutations linked with QoI resistance in P. viticola, and the detection limit was 0.2 pg. It could also quantify the resistance allele even in isolate mixtures containing as little as 5% QoI-resistant P. viticola strains. With this method, a large P. viticola population (n = 2,373) was screened, and QoI-resistant isolates were identified for the first time in China. The average frequencies of the resistant genotype from eight major-grapevine regions were up to 66%. Taken together, the results not only provide a novel tool for the rapid distinction and quantification of the QoI-resistant allele in P. viticola but also provide important references for fungicide selection and application, which will facilitate resistance management of grape downy mildew and improve grape production systems in Chinese vineyards.
Spine Surgical Subspecialty and Its Effect on Patient Outcomes
Authors: Lambrechts Mark J. , Canseco Jose A. , Toci Gregory R. , Karamian Brian A. , Kepler Christopher K. , Smith Michael L. , Schroeder Gregory D. , Hilibrand Alan S. , Heller Joshua E. , Grasso Giovanni , Gottfried Oren , Kebaish Khaled M. , Harrop James S. , Shaffrey Christopher , Vaccaro Alexander R.
Published: March 2023

Study Design.

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective.

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify if intraoperative or postoperative differences in outcomes exist between orthopedic and neurological spine surgeons.

Summary of Background Data.

Spine surgeons may become board certified through orthopedic surgery or neurosurgical residency training, and recent literature has compared surgical outcomes between surgeons based on residency training background with conflicting results.

Materials and Methods.

Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines, a search of PubMed and Scopus databases was conducted and included articles comparing outcomes between orthopedic spine surgeons and neurosurgeons. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to determine the quality of studies. Forest plots were generated using mean differences (MD) for continuous variables and odds ratios (OR) for binomial variables, and 95% CI was reported.

Results.

Of 615 search term results, 16 studies were identified for inclusion. Evaluation of the studies found no differences in readmission rates [OR, ref: orthopedics: 0.99 (95% CI: 0.901, 1.09); I

2
= 80%], overall complication rates [OR, ref: orthopedics: 1.03 (95% CI: 0.97, 1.10); I

2
= 70%], reoperation rates [OR, ref: orthopedics: 0.91 (95% CI: 0.82, 1.00); I

2
= 86%], or overall length of hospital stay between orthopedic spine surgeons and neurosurgeons [MD: −0.19 days (95% CI: −0.38, 0.00); I

2
= 98%]. However, neurosurgeons ordered a significantly lower rate of postoperative blood transfusions [OR, ref: orthopedics: 0.49 (95% CI: 0.41, 0.57); I

2
= 75%] while orthopedic spine surgeons had shorter operative times [MD: 14.28 minutes, (95% CI: 8.07, 20.49), I

2
= 97%].

Conclusions.

Although there is significant data heterogeneity, our meta-analysis found that neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons have similar readmission, complication, and reoperation rates regardless of the type of spine surgery performed.
Vertebral Body Sliding Osteotomy as a Surgical Strategy for the Treatment of Cervical Myelopathy: Outcomes at Minimum Five years Follow-up
Authors: Lee Dong-Ho , Park Sehan , Lee Choon Sung , Hwang Chang Ju , Cho Jae Hwan , Cho Sung Tan
Published: March 2023

Study Design.

A retrospective cohort study.

Objective.

To evaluate the outcomes of vertebral body sliding osteotomy (VBSO) with a minimum follow-up of five years and compare the results with those of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF).

Summary of Background Data.

VBSO reportedly results in fewer complications, better lordosis restoration, and faster bone union than corpectomy. Although previous studies demonstrate the outcomes of VBSO with follow-up of two years or longer, results in longer term surveillance remain unknown.

Methods.

This study included 128 patients who underwent VBSO (n=38), ACDF (n=62), or ACCF (n=28) as a treatment for cervical myelopathy and was followed up for five years or more. Fusion, subsidence, C0-2 lordosis, C2-7 lordosis, segmental lordosis, C2-7 sagittal vertical axis, surgical complications, and neck pain visual analog scale, Neck Disability Index, and Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores were assessed. Comparisons between continuous variables in each group were made using independent sample t tests. For nominal variables, the Fisher exact test or the χ2 test was used. Paired t test was used to analyze the changes in postoperative values compared with preoperative values.

Results.

The reoperation rate (0.0%) after VBSO was significantly lower than that after ACCF (14.3%; P=0.028). VBSO had a higher fusion rate at six-month and one-year follow-up, but the fusion rate at five years (97.4%) was not significantly different from that of ACDF (85.5%; P=0.054) and ACCF (85.7%; P=0.077). Segmental lordosis at the five-year follow-up was significantly higher in the VBSO group (16.1°) than in the ACDF (11.9°; P=0.002) and ACCF (6.5°; P<0.001) groups. C2-7 lordosis at five-year follow-up was significantly higher in the VBSO group than in the ACCF group (P=0.017). Neck pain visual analog scale, Neck Disability Index, and JOA scores and the JOA recovery rate did not show significant intergroup differences during the five-year study period.

Conclusions.

VBSO showed promising long-term results in terms of low revision rate, fast solid union, and effective segmental lordosis restoration when compared with other anterior reconstruction techniques.
Short-Course Radiotherapy Followed By Consolidation Chemotherapy Is Safe and Effective In Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: Comparative Short-term Results of Multicenter Propensity Score Case-Matched Study
Authors: Benlice Cigdem , Koc Mehmet Ali , Gulcu Baris , Bilgin Ismail Ahmet , Akyol Cihangir , Baca Bilgi , Ozturk Ersin , Guney Yildiz , Utkan Gungor , Er Ozlem , Agaoglu Fulya , Yildirim Ibrahim , Avci Nilufer , Elhan Atilla Halil , Kuzu Mehmet Ayhan
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND:

Consolidation chemotherapy strategies has demonstrated improved pathological complete response and tumor downstaging rates for patients diagnosed with rectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE:

To compare perioperative outcomes and pathological complete response rates among different neoadjuvant treatment strategies in patients undergoing total mesorectal excision for locally advanced rectal cancer.

DESIGN:

Propensity score case-matched study.

SETTING:

High-volume tertiary care centers.

PATIENTS:

Consecutive patients undergoing curative total mesorectal excision for locally advanced rectal cancer between January-2014 and June-2021 were queried.

INTERVENTIONS:

Patients were divided into three groups based on the neoadjuvant treatment modality: Long-course chemoradiation therapy with (N = 128) or without (N = 164) consolidation chemotherapy or short-course radiotherapy (N = 53) followed by consolidation chemotherapy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Primary end-point was pathological complete response. Demographics, preoperative tumor characteristics, histopathologic outcomes and postoperative complication rates were reviewed and compared among the study groups. Propensity score match analysis was conducted.

RESULTS:

A total of 345 patients (mean age of 58±12 and female: 36%) met the study inclusion criteria. Time interval from neoadjuvant treatment until surgery was longer for patients receiving consolidation chemotherapy (p < 0.001). Pathological complete response rates were comparable among patients receiving long-course chemoradiation therapy with consolidation chemotherapy (20.3%) and short-course radiotherapy with consolidation chemotherapy (20.8%) when compared to long-course chemoradiation therapy alone (14.6%)(p = 0.36). After the propensity case-matched analysis, 48 patients in long-course chemoradiation therapy with consolidation chemotherapy group were matched to 48 patients in the short-course radiotherapy with consolidation chemotherapy group. Groups were comparable with respect to age, gender, clinical stage, tumor location, type of surgical approach and technique. Pathological complete response rate was comparable between the groups (20.8% and 18.8%, p = 0.99). Postoperative 30-day morbidity and anastomotic leak rates were similar.

LIMITATIONS:

Study was limited by its retrospective nature.

CONCLUSIONS:

Among recent neoadjuvant treatment modalities, pathological complete response rates and short-term clinical outcomes were comparable. Short-course radiotherapy with consolidation chemotherapy is safe and effective as long-course chemoradiation therapy in a short-term period.
Long-term Outcomes of Perianal Fistulas in Pediatric Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Vu Joceline V. , Kurowski Jacob A. , Achkar Jean-Paul , Hull Tracy L. , Lipman Jeremy , Holubar Stefan D. , Steele Scott R. , Lightner Amy L.
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND:

Approximately 30% of Crohn’s-related perianal fistulas heal in the adult population with conventional medical and surgical interventions. This healing rate remains unknown in pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVE:

Determine the healing rate of pediatric perianal Crohn’s fistula(s) and identify factors associated with healing.

DESIGN:

Retrospective case series.

SETTING:

A quaternary referral center.

PATIENTS:

Patients age <18 years old with Crohn’s perianal fistula(s), seen between January 1, 1991 and August 1, 2021.

INTERVENTIONS:

Multivariable logistic regression to identify factors independently associated with perianal fistula healing.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Healing of Crohn’s perianal fistula at the date of last clinical encounter, defined as the clinical note reporting a healed fistula or normal perianal exam.

RESULTS:

A total of 91 patients < 18 years of age with a Crohn’s-related perianal fistula were identified (59% Female, 76% White). Mean (SD) age at Crohn’s diagnosis was 12 (±4) years. The mean follow-up after Crohn’s diagnosis was 10 (±7) years. Overall, 89% of patients had perianal fistula, 2% had anovaginal fistula, and 10% of patients had ileal pouch-associated fistulas. Patients underwent a median (IQR) of 2 (1-5) operations. A seton was placed in 60% of patients, 47% underwent abscess drainage, and 44% underwent fistulotomy or fistulectomy. Fistula healing occurred in 71% of patients over a median of 1.3 (0.4 – 2.5) years. Seven patients (7%) underwent proctectomy, and 3 (3%) underwent ileal pouch excision. After multivariable adjustment, younger age at diagnosis of perianal fistula was associated with increased likelihood of healing (OR 0.56 for each increased year, 95% CI, 0.34-0.92).

LIMITATIONS:

Retrospective, single institution.

CONCLUSIONS:

Over two-thirds of fistula(s) heal in pediatric Crohn’s disease patients with conventional surgical and medical intervention. Younger age at time of fistula development is associated with increased likelihood of healing.
Community-Based Hospitals Benefit From Restrictive Transfusion Practices
Authors: Hill James L. , Dawson Jennifer L. , Ramic Meghan , Manzo Julia , Pronovost Peter J.
Published: March 2023

Blood availability was uncertain during the COVID-19 pandemic, yet transfusion remained a common and sometimes necessary procedure. Substantial work on optimizing transfusion practices is centered in tertiary hospitals as high utilizers of blood while the care delivered in smaller community hospitals comprises more than half the nation's transfusions. Improving transfusion practices in community hospitals represents a substantial opportunity to enhance patient safety and the availability of blood resources. Clinical specialists developed a dashboard to retrospectively examine transfusion events including an evidence-based analysis of the patient's clinical situation at the time of transfusion to more accurately identify how appropriately blood was used. The compiled data were discussed and shared with transfusing providers. It was hypothesized that the data provided and communication strategies used would educate providers to current evidence-based practice, leading to more appropriate transfusion with an overall reduction in packed red blood cell utilization. There was an 11% increase in transfusion appropriateness (p = <.001) and a 14% decrease in the units transfused (p = .004). Improvement in transfusion practices demonstrates a significant impact on patient safety and the availability of blood resources. Although absolute opportunity may be less in a community hospital, fewer resources are needed to achieve meaningful change.
A patient reminder to improve colorectal cancer screenings
Authors: Breedlove Shirley Rene’ , McCraney Paige , Chalmers Sharon
Published: March 2023

Background:

Colorectal cancer screenings detect the early, treatable, and often curable stages of the disease. Screenings are now recommended beginning at 45 years of age. Health care providers are expected to have patient’s complete screenings, and reimbursement rates can be affected if results are not documented.

Local Problem:

An independent review of expected organizational core measures revealed inadequate colorectal cancer screenings completed and no formal patient outreach program for patients who had not completed ordered screenings. The lack of a formal reminder to patients resulted in a cumulative completion rate of 19%.

Methods:

A phone call intervention was designed to notify patients of the need to complete colorectal cancer screenings. A preimplementation and postimplementation design was used to compare completed colorectal cancer screenings.

Intervention:

Patients with ordered colorectal cancer screenings received one reminder phone call to complete the screening. Preintervention and postintervention completion rates were evaluated using data from the electronic medical record.

Results:

Results revealed a colorectal cancer screening rate of 19% preimplementation and 43% postimplementation and reflected a 61.9% increase in cumulative completion rates over a 12-week intervention period.

Conclusion:

The colorectal cancer patient reminder intervention showed clinical significance in improving completion rates of colorectal cancer screenings. The intervention was a successful method to improve patient compliance with the expected screening and helped improve provider core measure expectations.
Nonpharmaceutical interventions for managing SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Murphy Caitriona , Wong Jessica Y. , Cowling Benjamin J.
Published: March 2023

Purpose of review

Initial response strategies to the COVID-19 pandemic were heavily reliant on nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), a set of measures implemented to slow or even stop the spread of infection. Here, we reviewed key measures used during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recent findings

Some NPIs were successful in reducing the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Personal protective measures such as face masks were widely used, and likely had some effect on transmission. The development and production of rapid antigen tests allowed self-diagnosis in the community, informing isolation and quarantine measures. Community-wide measures such as school closures, workplace closures and complete stay-at-home orders were able to reduce contacts and prevent transmission. They were widely used in the pandemic and contributed to reduce transmission in the community; however, there were also negative unintended consequences in the society and economy.

NPIs slowed the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and are essential for pandemic preparedness and response. Understanding which measures are more effective at reducing transmission with lower costs is imperative.
Doula Care: A Review of Outcomes and Impact on Birth Experience
Authors: Ramey-Collier Khaila , Jackson Maya , Malloy Angela , McMillan Cindy , Scraders-Pyatt Andora , Wheeler Sarahn M.
Published: March 2023

Importance

Doulas are trained professionals that provide comprehensive support during the perinatal period. Doula-supported care is associated with improved maternal and infant outcomes including decreased preterm birth, increased breastfeeding initiation, and higher patient satisfaction. In addition, research suggests that doula support is a promising strategy to mitigate racial disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes.

Objective

This article reviews doulas' scope of practice, perinatal outcomes associated with doula-assisted care, and their impact on alleviating racial disparities in maternal-infant outcomes.

Evidence Acquisition

A literature search using the search engine PubMed was done. The search terms included ([Doula OR doulas OR labor coach] AND [Preterm OR prenatal care OR race OR racial OR racism OR Black OR African American]). Studies had to be written in English.

Results

The search resulted 90 articles of which 18 original articles and 16 review articles were reviewed. The literature demonstrates that doula support increases vaginal delivery while decreasing preterm birth and low birth weight. Studies also show that doula support is uniquely effective for Black patients and is a promising strategy to reduce health care inequities.

Conclusions and Relevance

Doulas may provide significant perinatal benefit for birthing patients and their infants, with advantages also noted for Black patients. The current article provides an overview of the literature focused on doula support.

Target Audience

Obstetricians and gynecologists, family physicians

Learning Objectives

After completing this activity, the learner should be better able to describe the role of doulas during labor and postpartum period; discuss the improved perinatal outcomes that are associated with doula-supported care; and identify the benefits of doula care for Black birthing individuals, who are disproportionately affected by adverse outcomes.
Against Medical Advice for Induction of Labor Due to Post-term Pregnancies—The Impact on Pregnancy Outcome
Authors: Blecher Yair , Michaan Nadav , Baransi Saher , Baruch Yoav , Yogev Yariv
Published: March 2023

Postterm pregnancies are associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, including meconium and meconium aspiration syndrome, Apgar score <4 at 5 minutes, oligohydramnios, fetal macrosomia, and stillbirth. To prevent or minimize these complications in pregnancies >41 weeks of gestation, routine antenatal surveillance is recommended. In comparison to expectant management, most evidence supports benefits from induction of labor in pregnancies at 41 and 42 weeks of gestation. Yet, individuals with postterm pregnancies may decide to decline the medical recommendation for induction. Evidence on the outcomes associated with choosing care that is against medical advice (AMA) is scant in this population. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of refusing medical advice for labor induction in postterm pregnancies on maternal and neonatal outcomes.

This was a retrospective cohort study of women with pregnancies >41 + 3 weeks' gestation who refused labor induction AMA. Included were healthy, adult women with low-risk, singleton pregnancies and cephalic presentation, who received care at a single tertiary hospital between 2017 and 2019. Excluded were those with a suspected small-for-gestational-age infant, as well as those in active labor or with premature rupture of membranes, nonreassuring fetal heart rate, hypertensive disorders, diabetes, or oligohydramnios. Women who refused induction AMA (study group) were compared with those who agreed to the medical recommendation (control group) in a 1:2 ratio.

The analysis included 249 postterm women—83 in the study group and 166 in the control group. There were significantly higher rates of cesarean delivery (21.7% vs 10.2%, P = 0.04), longer postdelivery hospitalizations (2.9 vs 2.4 days, P < 0.05), and more advanced gestational age at delivery (41 + 6 vs 41 + 4 weeks, P < 0.05) in the study group versus the control group. Cesarean delivery also was indicated most often for nonreassuring fetal heart rate (77% vs 47%), followed by arrest of dilation and arrest of descent (16% vs 17.6%) and failure of induction of labor (5.5% vs 35.2%) in the study group. Among those who refused induction AMA, 67% returned to the hospital at the onset of active delivery, 24% chose to continue surveillance twice a week, and 8% were admitted upon their request for daily nonstress test and biophysical scoring. They also experienced significantly higher rates of meconium stained amniotic fluid (44% vs 15.7%, P < 0.01), admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (9.6% vs 5%, P < 0.01), and mechanical ventilation (4.81% vs 0.6%, P < 0.01). The composite of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes was higher in the study group than the control group (25.3% vs 17.46%, P < 0.001).

In conclusion, the risk of choosing to refuse induction AMA in postterm pregnancies is associated with increased risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, as well as cesarean delivery.
Case Report: Papilledema Secondary to Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis after Severe COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Smith Levi J. , Khattar-Sullivan Alanna , Devore Eric , Blace Nancy
Published: March 2023

SIGNIFICANCE

This case highlights ocular adverse effects of a rare, potentially life-threatening complication from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Papilledema can occur because of increased intracranial pressure caused by cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, the incidence of which may be more likely in patients with a history of COVID-19 because of an induced hypercoagulable state.

PURPOSE

This case report presents a case of papilledema secondary to cerebral venous sinus thrombosis in a patient with a recent history of severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

CASE REPORT

A 29-year-old man hospitalized with a complicated course of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was referred to the ophthalmology department for episodic blurry vision of both eyes and intermittent binocular diplopia. Clinical examination revealed diffuse bilateral optic disc edema. Magnetic resonance venography of the brain during his admission revealed subtotal occlusion of the right transverse sinus by thrombosis. At the time of diagnosis, the patient was already taking systemic anticoagulation therapy for treatment of a recent pulmonary embolism also thought to be induced by COVID-19. After additional treatment with acetazolamide, there was improvement in his optic nerve edema.

CONCLUSIONS

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, can occur as a rare complication of COVID-19. In such cases, patients may develop increased intracranial pressure, papilledema, and subsequent vision loss. Magnetic resonance venography should be ordered in patients with suspected papilledema to help rule out the presence of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis.
A Qualitative Assessment of the Experiences with Eye Health and Barriers to Eyeglasses among U.S. Youth
Authors: Killeen Olivia J. , Cho Juno , Raven Sarah A. , Wang Grace M. , Mubeen Amani , Kim Lydia , Claus Anne , Woodward Maria A. , Newman-Casey Paula Anne , Chang Tammy
Published: March 2023

SIGNIFICANCE

Uncorrected refractive error is the main cause of visual impairment in U.S. youth and has profound impacts on individuals and society. Identifying and addressing barriers to eyeglasses in this population are critical to maximize youth academic performance, workplace productivity, and quality of life.

PURPOSE

We aimed to understand youth experiences with eye health, assess the value that youth place on vision, and identify barriers to refractive correction directly from a nationwide sample of youth to inform interventions to address uncorrected refractive error in this population.

METHODS

An open-ended poll was distributed to the MyVoice Text Message Cohort of U.S. youth eliciting youth experiences with eye health and barriers to wearing eyeglasses. Text message responses were coded using grounded theory.

RESULTS

Of 1204 recipients, 88.3% (n = 1063) responded. The mean age ± standard deviation was 20.3 ± 2.4 years, 58.8% (n = 625) were male, 74.0% (n = 787) were White, and 41.4% (n = 440) reported low socioeconomic status. Four major themes emerged from the open-ended responses: (1) many youth have experienced problems with their eyes or eyesight (n = 699 [65.8%]); (2) many youth value their eyesight highly (n = 905 [85.1%]; e.g., “Eyesight is one of the most important aspects of my health, particularly in our digital world…”); (3) common reasons youth might not wear glasses even if they need them include concerns over appearance (n = 553 [52.0%]; e.g., “I thought every pair made me look ugly…”), cost (n = 171 [16.1%]), inconvenience (n = 166 [15.6%]), and discomfort (n = 104 [9.8%]); and (4) youth are open to purchasing eyeglasses online (n = 539 [50.7%]).

CONCLUSIONS

Appearance, cost, inconvenience, and discomfort are critical barriers to wearing eyeglasses among U.S. youth. A multisectoral response is necessary to address these barriers.
Obesity and Kidney Transplantation—How to Evaluate, What to Do, and Outcomes
Authors: Di Cocco Pierpaolo , Bencini Giulia , Spaggiari Mario , Petrochenkov Egor , Akshelyan Stepan , Fratti Alberto , Zhang Jing Chen , Almario Alvarez Jorge , Tzvetanov Ivo , Benedetti Enrico
Published: March 2023

Obesity is a growing issue that is spreading worldwide; its prevalence is ever increasing in patients with end-stage renal disease and represents a potential barrier to transplantation. The lack of unanimous guidelines exacerbates the current disparity in treatment, which can affect outcomes, leading to a significantly longer time on the waiting list. Multidisciplinary and multimodal management (encompassing several healthcare professionals such as nephrologists, transplant physicians and surgeons, primary care providers, and nurses) is of paramount importance for the optimal management of this patient population in a continuum from waitlisting to transplantation. Development of this guideline followed a standardized protocol for evidence review. In this review, we report on our clinical experience in transplantation of obese patients; strategies to manage this condition, including bariatric surgery, suitable timing for transplantation among this patient population, and clinical experience in robotic sleeve gastrectomy; and simultaneous robotic kidney transplantation to achieve optimal outcomes.
The presence of a guard vicariously drives split sex ratios in a facultatively social bee
Authors: Hearn Lucas R. , Stevens Mark I. , Schwarz Michael P.
Published: March 2023

Split sex ratios provide broad insights into how reproductive strategies evolve, and historically have special relevance to the evolution of eusociality. Yet almost no attention has been directed to situations where split sex ratios may potentially decrease the payoffs for worker-like behaviour, increasing selective thresholds for eusociality. We examined sex ratios in a facultatively social colletid bee,
Amphylaeus morosus
. Sex ratios in this bee vary strongly with the presence of a nest guard and in a pattern that does not conform to assumptions of previous models in which split sex ratios facilitate altruism. While the production of daughters was constant across social and solitary nests, mothers produced more brood when a non-reproductive guard was present, but these extra brood were all male. This leads to split sex ratios, vicariously driven by guards that are unable to manipulate sex ratios in their favour. Importantly, if guarding becomes more common in a population this would lead to an excess of males and lower the genetic value of these extra males to guards, effectively putting a brake on selection for worker-like behaviour.
How woodcocks produce the most brilliant white plumage patches among the birds
Authors: Dunning Jamie , Patil Anvay , D'Alba Liliana , Bond Alexander L. , Debruyn Gerben , Dhinojwala Ali , Shawkey Matthew , Jenni Lukas
Published: March 2023

Until recently, and when compared with diurnal birds that use contrasting plumage patches and complex feather structures to convey visual information, communication in nocturnal and crepuscular species was considered to follow acoustic and chemical channels. However, many birds that are active in low-light environments have evolved intensely white plumage patches within otherwise inconspicuous plumages. We used spectrophotometry, electron microscopy, and optical modelling to explain the mechanisms producing bright white tail feather tips of the Eurasian woodcock
Scolopax rusticola
. Their diffuse reflectance was approximately 30% higher than any previously measured feather. This intense reflectance is the result of incoherent light scattering from a disordered nanostructure composed of keratin and air within the barb rami. In addition, the flattening, thickening and arrangement of those barbs create a Venetian-blind-like macrostructure that enhances the surface area for light reflection. We suggest that the woodcocks have evolved these bright white feather patches for long-range visual communication in dimly lit environments.
Invertebrate herbivory damage of lowland plant species decreases after an experimental shift to higher altitudes
Authors: Hrubá Karolína , Hucková Dagmar , Klečka Jan
Published: March 2023

Many species of plants and animals shift to higher altitudes in response to the ongoing climate warming. Such shifts of species distributions lead to the co-occurrence of species that have not previously lived in the same environment and allow the emergence of novel plant-animal interactions with potential implications for species diversity and community composition in mountain habitats. According to the enemy release hypothesis, the spread of plants in new geographic regions may be facilitated by the reduction of damage caused by natural enemies, such as herbivores. While the importance of this mechanism for the spread of invasive exotic species has been established, it is unclear whether the movement of plants uphill within their native region in response to increasing temperatures may be also facilitated by the reduction of herbivory at sites above their current upper altitudinal limit. In our study, we experimentally tested this hypothesis. We compared herbivory damage of six species of lowland plants grown in pots exposed to herbivores at their native sites in the lowland and at sites above their current upper altitudinal limit. As a control, we also measured herbivory damage of six plants growing naturally across the entire range of altitude. We found that lowland plants had reduced herbivory damage when they were moved to highland sites, while herbivory damage of species naturally growing at both altitudes did not differ. Changes of herbivory damage were modulated by leaf dry matter content and to a lesser degree also by specific leaf area and plant height. Our results provide support for the enemy release hypothesis in the novel context of altitudinal range shifts. We conclude that the reduction of herbivory damage may facilitate the spread of plants above their current upper altitudinal limit in response to increasing temperature.
Cholecalciferol improves cognitive impairment by amending impaired insulin signaling in sporadic Alzheimer’s Disease Rats
Authors: Das Tushar Kanti , Yong Estinnorell , Hamid Mas R.W. Abdul
Published: March 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and contributes to 50-70% of neurodegenerative brain diseases. AD has been associated with poor vitamin D nutrition, which is correlated with low mood and impaired cognitive performance in older people. The impact of vitamin D on the insulin signaling pathway in AD is not well known. Hence, this study was to explore the effects of cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) on the expression of IRS-1, IRS-2, Akt, pAkt (Ser473), and GLUT3 in the sporadic AD rat model. The rats were induced to develop sporadic AD by intraperitoneal administration of Scopolamine. The downregulation expression of IRS-1, IRS-2, Akt, pAkt (Ser473) and GLUT3 may lead to impaired insulin signaling which is associated with the development of AD. All these data were compared to Saline-treated control rats. However, cholecalciferol treatment in AD rats may improve memory performance by increasing the expression of insulin signaling proteins and hence ameliorates impaired insulin signaling. All these data were compared to Scopolamine–induced AD rats and sunflower oil-treated rats. Therefore, cholecalciferol treatment may be an alternative approach for the treatment of AD.
Maternal age effects on offspring lifespan and reproduction vary within a species
Authors: Liguori Alyssa , Korm Sovannarith , Profetto Alex , Richters Emily , Gribble Kristin E.
Published: March 2023

Across diverse taxa, offspring from older mothers have decreased lifespan and fitness. Little is known about whether such maternal age effects vary among genotypes for a given species, however. We compared maternal age effects among four strains of rotifers in theBrachionus plicatilisspecies complex. For each strain, we measured lifespan, reproductive schedule, and lifetime reproductive output of offspring produced by young, middle-aged, and old mothers. We found unexpected variability among strains in the magnitude and direction of maternal age effects on offspring life history traits. In one strain, offspring of young mothers lived 20% longer than offspring of old mothers, whereas there were no significant effects of maternal age on lifespan for the other strains. Across strains, advanced maternal age had positive effects, negative effects, or no effect on lifetime reproductive output. For all but one strain, older mothers produced offspring that had higher maximum daily reproduction early in life. Maternal age effects appear to be genetically determined traits, not features of life history strategy or due to accumulation of age-related damage in the germline. Investigating intraspecific variability is critical for understanding the ubiquity of maternal age effects and their role in the evolution of life history and aging.