bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxygen sensing in the kidney
Authors: Geis Lisa , Kurtz Armin
Published: November 2024

The kidneys fulfil several essential homeostatic functions for the body. One of them is the maintenance of sufficient oxygen supply to the organs. For this purpose, the kidneys control the formation of red blood cells by the production of the hormone erythropoietin. This control of red cell formation is not only relevant to prevent states of oxygen deficiency but also to prevent an unwanted increase of red cell numbers causing thromboembolic risks. The adequate production of erythropoietin requires a sensing of the arterial oxygen content and transduction to hormone production. This oxygen sensing is a two-step process which includes a translation of the arterial oxygen content to respective oxygen tension in the tubulointerstitium and a perception of the resulting local interstitial oxygen tension to translate them into specific cellular responses such as the production of erythropoietin. This contribution will describe these steps of oxygen sensing for the healthy kidney and for the changes occurring during states of chronic renal disease, which are commonly associated with anemia. In this context a special focus will also be set on intrarenal hypoxia and oxygen sensing in the diabetic kidney including the treatment with tubular glucose transport (sodium-glucose cotransporter 2) inhibitors which might influence the oxygen sensing in the kidney. Finally, we will consider the effects of prolyl-hydroxylase inhibitors (HIF-PHIs), which fundamentally interfere with the cellular oxygen sensing and which are meanwhile treatment options in renal anemia.
Monitoring C–C coupling in catalytic reactions via machine-learned infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Yang Li , Zhao Zhicheng , Yang Tongtong , Zhou Donglai , Yue Xiaoyu , Li Xiyu , Huang Yan , Wang Xijun , Zheng Ruyun , Heine Thomas , Sun Changyin , Jiang Jun , Ye Sheng
Published: November 2024

Tracking atomic structural evolution along chemical transformation pathways is essential for optimizing chemical transitions and enhancing control. However, molecule-level knowledge of structural rearrangements during chemical processes remains a great challenge. Here, we couple infrared spectroscopy as a non-invasive method to probe molecular transformations, with a machine-learned protocol to immediately map the spectroscopic fingerprints to atomistic structures. From the theoretical perspective, we demonstrate it here with the example of C–C coupling in catalytic reactions, elucidating various structural conformations along dynamic trajectories. Within the transferable application to the specific CO–CO dimerization reaction, the structural and energetic variations of the critical chemical species could be identified via infrared spectroscopy. This approach extends the power of spectroscopy from fingerprinting chemical configurations to using them for assigning dynamic structural information.
Taleqani’s Last Sermon
Authors: Taleqani Mahmud
Published: November 2024

Ayatollah Mahmud Taleqani (Iran, 191 1-1979) established a reputation as a reformist within the Shi’i Muslim religious establishment in the early I 960s when he helped to lead (along with Mehdi Bazargan, whose work is also included in this volume) a religious movement aimed at revitalizing both Islamic theory and Iranian politics.’ Arrested and jailed repeatedly by the monarchy for his political opposition, Taleqani was released for the last time in the fall of 1978 and immediately became one of the most respected leaders of the Iranian Revolution. Upon the shah’s fall in early 1979, Taleqani began to chart a course somewhat independent of the official policies of Imam Ruhollah Khomeini, particularly in his defense of Islamic leftists and local elections. The final sermon before his death in September 1979, excerpted here, is famous among Iranian oppositionists for its sharp criticism of religious oppression. The sermon’s reference to Sanandaj (capital of the Kurdish region of northwest Iran) concerns Taleqani’s attempted mediation between Kurds who sought autonomy through local councils-a political structure that Taleqani preferred-and the central government in Tehran, already organizing itself in an authoritarian direction. Taleqani’s mediation failed and the councils were crushed militarily.3 Brief portions of this sermon have been translated in more colorful language by Suroosh lrfani.
Humanity and Islam
Authors: Shari’ati ‘Ali
Published: November 2024

‘Ali Shari’ati (Iran, 1933-1977) may be one of the most popular figures in Iran today. During the Iranian Revolution of 1979, his photograph and his writings appeared through out the country, and the subsequent cold shoulder he received from the clerical leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran may have served to improve his reputation. Shari’ati was born and raised in northeastern Iran, the son of a religious scholar but educated in secular schools, including the Sorbonne, where he received his doctorate. Upon his return to Iran, Shari’ati launched a career as a lecturer-first at the University of Mashhad, then at the Hosseiniyeh Ershad in Tehran, a religious educational institution, where he built a large following, especially among university students, for his critique of oppressive political and religious establishments. After being tolerated by the Pahlavi regime for several years, he was imprisoned in 1973, and the Hosseiniyeh was shut down. Soon after his release from prison, he died in London. The following lecture from around 1969 defends the concept of free will in lslam. ever since the end of the 19th century, scientists, writers, and thinkers have each evaluated humankind in various ways. Yes, humankind’s position today is shakier than any other period in history.
Extremism
Authors: Al-Qaradawi Yusuf
Published: November 2024

Yusuf Al-Qaradawi (Egypt-Qatar, born 1926), dean of the law school at the University of Qatar, wrote the following essay in 1981 as an attempt to undermine rising Islamic extremism, especially in his home country of Egypt. In particular, AI-Qaradawi’s work is an extended critique of a small radical organization, the Society of Excoriation and Exodus, which kidnapped and killed an Egyptian religious official in 1977. Al-Qaradawi argues that, while extremist religious practices are allowed in Islam, they may not be forced on others.
OSCE Court of Conciliation and Arbitration (CCA)
Authors: Kwiecień Roman
Published: November 2024

This comment presents the activity of the Court of Conciliation and Arbitration within OSCE (CCA) from 1 January 2022 to 31 July 2023. The thirtieth anniversary of the adoption of the Stockholm Convention on Conciliation and Arbitration within OSCE of 1992 provides an opportunity for a realistic review and assessment existing options for the peaceful settlement of disputes offered by the CCA. As thirty years after the conclusion of the Stockholm Convention not one case has been brought before the CCA, in 2022 and until mid-2023 the actions of the CCA were not related to its principal statutory function, i.e., the peaceful settlement of disputes between states. Instead, the CCA’s Bureau took steps to make the Court itself and the procedures it offers more familiar and more attractive to the OSCE participating states. In particular, the Bureau reminded of the Court’s potential role to implement two procedures—conciliation commissions and arbitration tribunals—in a flexible and confidential manner.
The E3 ligase OsPUB33 controls rice grain size and weight by regulating the OsNAC120–BG1 module
Authors: Xie Zizhao , Sun Ying , Zhan Chenghang , Qu Chengfeng , Jin Ning , Gu Xinyue , Huang Junli
Published: November 2024

Grain size and weight are important determinants of crop yield. Although the ubiquitin pathway has been implicated in the grain development in rice (Oryza sativa), the underlying genetic and molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we report that the plant U-box E3 ubiquitin ligase OsPUB33 interferes with the OsNAC120–BG1 module to control rice grain development. Functional loss of OsPUB33 triggers elevated photosynthetic rates and greater sugar translocation, leading to enhanced cell proliferation and accelerated grain filling. These changes cause enlarged spikelet hulls, thereby increasing final grain size and weight. OsPUB33 interacts with transcription factor OsNAC120, resulting in its ubiquitination and degradation. Unlike OsPUB33, OsNAC120 promotes grain size and weight: OsNAC120-overexpression plants harbor large and heavy grains, whereas osnac120 loss-of-function mutants produce small grains. Genetic interaction analysis supports that OsPUB33 and OsNAC120 function at least partially in a common pathway to control grain development, but have opposite functions. Additionally, OsNAC120 transcriptionally activates BIG GRAIN1 (BG1), a prominent modulator of grain size, whereas OsPUB33 impairs the OsNAC120-mediated regulation of BG1. Collectively, our findings uncover an important molecular framework for the control of grain size and weight by the OsPUB33–OsNAC120–BG1 regulatory module and provide promising targets for improving crop yield.
AlGrow: A graphical interface for easy, fast, and accurate area and growth analysis of heterogeneously colored targets
Authors: McHale Marcus , Sulpice Ronan
Published: November 2024

AlGrow software provides a graphical interface to define target color volumes as hulls in color space and applies them to image segmentation and growth rate analysis across a multiplexed image series.
cunuSHT: GPU accelerated spherical harmonic transforms on arbitrary pixelizations
Authors: Belkner Sebastian , Duivenvoorden Adriaan J , Carron Julien , Schaeffer Nathanael , Reinecke Martin
Published: November 2024

We present cunuSHT, a general-purpose Python package that wraps a highly efficient CUDA implementation of the non-uniform spin-0 spherical harmonic transform. The method is applicable to arbitrary pixelization schemes, including schemes constructed from equally spaced iso-latitude rings as well as completely non-uniform ones. The algorithm has an asymptotic scaling of $\mathcal {O}{(\ell _{\rm max}^3)}$ for maximum multipole $\ell _{\rm max}$ and can be made to achieve machine precision accuracy, considering band-limited transforms for which $N\approx \ell _{\rm max}^2$ (where N is the number of pixels in the map). While cunuSHT is developed for applications in cosmology in mind, it is applicable to various other interpolation problems on the sphere. We outperform the fastest available CPU algorithm at problem sizes $\ell _{\rm max}\sim 4\times 10^2$ and larger. The speed-up increases with the problem size and reaches a factor of up to 5 for problems with a non-uniform pixelization and $\ell _{\rm max}\gt 4\times 10^3$ when comparing a single modern GPU to a modern 32-core CPU. This performance is achieved by utilizing the double Fourier sphere method in combination with the non-uniform fast Fourier transform and by avoiding transfers between the host and device. For scenarios without GPU availability, cunuSHT wraps existing CPU libraries. cunuSHT is publicly available and includes tests, documentation, and demonstrations.
Alternativizing markets: the framing of moral commerce
Authors: Bååth Jonas , Fuentes Christian
Published: November 2024

How are moral markets organized? While previous research has shown that moral markets combine conventional and alternative elements, it has failed to explain how these hybridizations can ensure the organization of moral markets. To this end, we take an economic-sociological approach using ethnographic materials from a study of Swedish Reko-rings, a direct-to-customer market for local foods, to analyse how actors address the key coordination problems of value, competition and cooperation. The analysis shows how participants of these markets enact an ‘alternative framing’, emphasizing economic certainty as instrumental for moral certainty, which enables them to develop and implement ‘alternativized’ solutions to market coordination problems. Thereby, participants make economic and moral values certain by making the former instrumental for the latter. We advance previous research by showing that moral markets require not just hybridization, but hybridization guided by a specific economic-moral framing that enables these markets to avoid co-option.
Estate planning for art collections—a German perspective
Authors: Garbers-von Boehm Katharina , Neziraj Betim
Published: November 2024

Under German law, artworks are highly attractive assets when it comes to estate planning for various reasons: First, the valuation method to be used is favourable, secondly, if applicable, payment of taxes with artworks instead of cash can ease liquidity issues, and thirdly, donations to public-benefit organizations can significantly reduce tax liabilities. Last but not least, artworks in private collections may be eligible for tax exemptions of either 60% or 100%. In the course of such estate planning in relation to artworks, it is important to consider certain provisions of inheritance law to avoid disputes among the future heirs and, if the testator wishes so, to protect the integrity of the art collection.
Association between eating rate and childhood overweight/obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fang Kehong , Liu Hui , Zhai Bingzhong , Wang Lingli , Zhao Lijuan , Hao Li , Huang Liming , Zhang Xuhui
Published: November 2024

Many studies have reported the relationship between eating rate and childhood overweight/obesity, while results remain inconclusive. The present study was done to estimate the association between eating rate and childhood overweight/obesity through a systematic review of prevalence studies. Relevant studies were searched by two independent researchers in databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, and data were collected from relevant studies published through June 2023 using predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. A summary estimate was calculated using a random-effect model, and subgroup analysis was performed to explore sources of heterogeneity. Data from 16 published studies were eligible for inclusion. Fast eating was associated with a higher risk of overweight/obesity compared with a medium eating rate (OR = 1.80; 95% CI: 1.49, 2.18), and slow eating showed a declined overweight/obesity risk among children and adolescents (OR = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.52, 0.81). Subgroup analysis performed according to age showed that in all age groups, eating fast was positively correlated with overweight/obesity, while eating slowly was negatively associated with overweight/obesity. According to our study, eating rate was closely related to childhood overweight/obesity, and eating fast was associated with an increased likelihood of being overweight/obesity. In the future, it will be necessary to understand the factors that influence fast eating and develop methods to slow down the eating rate in children and adolescents.
Maternal Mortality in the United States: Are the High and Rising Rates Due to Changes in Obstetrical Factors, Maternal Medical Conditions, or Maternal Mortality Surveillance?
Authors: Joseph K.S. , Lisonkova Sarka , Boutin Amélie , Muraca Giulia M. , Razaz Neda , John Sid , Sabr Yasser , Chan Wee-Shian , Mehrabadi Azar , Brandt Justin S. , Schisterman Enrique F. , Ananth Cande V.
Published: November 2024

(Abstracted from Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024;230:440.e1–440.e13)

High reported maternal death rates in the United States have garnered attention and skepticism, especially with reports indicating a near doubling of maternal mortality between 2018 and 2021. Some attribute this increase to changes in reporting criteria for maternal mortality developed in 2003 by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).
Enhancing Perioperative Outcomes of Pancreatic Surgery with Wearable Augmented Reality Assistance System: A Matched-Pair Analysis
Authors: Javaheri Hamraz , Ghamarnejad Omid , Widyaningsih Rizky , Bade Ragnar , Lukowicz Paul , Karolus Jakob , Stavrou Gregor Alexander
Published: November 2024

Objective:

The present study aimed to evaluate the safety of the first wearable augmented reality assistance system (ARAS) specifically designed for pancreatic surgery and its impact on perioperative outcomes.

Background:

Pancreatic surgery remains highly complex and is associated with a high rate of perioperative complications. ARAS, as an intraoperative assistance system, has the potential to reduce these complications.

Methods:

This prospective, single-center study included 20 patients who underwent pancreatic surgery using ARAS. These patients were matched in a 1:3 ratio with 60 patients from our retrospective data who underwent standard pancreatic resection. Matching variables were selected based on factors associated with poor intraoperative outcomes.

Results:

A higher proportion of patients in the ARAS group were diagnosed with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer and received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (20.0% vs 6.7%, P = 0.085). Additionally, more patients in the ARAS group required arterial resection compared with the control group (15.0% vs 0.0%, P = 0.002). Nevertheless, the ARAS group had a significantly shorter operative time (246 vs 299 minutes, P = 0.004) and required significantly fewer intraoperative blood transfusions (0.0 ± 0.0 vs 0.5 ± 1.4 units, P = 0.014). None of the patients in the ARAS group had positive resection margins (0.0% vs 20.0%, P = 0.045). Furthermore, patients in the ARAS group experienced a significantly shorter hospital stay (13.8 ± 6.6 vs 17.9 ± 8.2 days, P = 0.046).

Conclusions:

ARAS is a safe and effective assistance system for pancreatic surgery, offering superior perioperative outcomes compared with standard procedures.
Robotic Versus Thoracoscopic Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Matched Studies
Authors: De Jesus John , Estrella Jessica , Jesse Joshanna , Binny Vivasvat , Sri Radhakrishnan Parthasarathy Priyadarshini , Kabir Yasmin , Nallamotu Sandhya , Guntupalli Sri Vaishnavi , Cai Long yin , Al-Tawil Mohammed
Published: November 2024

Mitral regurgitation is the most prevalent form of valvular heart disease, impacting over 24 million people globally. Robotic and thoracoscopic minimally invasive mitral valve repair (MIMR) techniques have emerged as viable alternatives to traditional open-heart surgery. However, the comparative effectiveness and safety of these 2 approaches remain underexplored. This systematic review and meta-analysis, conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, aimed to compare robotic and thoracoscopic MIMR outcomes. A literature search was performed across PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases to identify studies comparing these 2 surgical techniques. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials and cohort studies. Six propensity score-matched studies and 1 retrospective cohort study, involving 11,823 patients, were included, with 5851 undergoing robotic mitral valve repair and 5972 receiving thoracoscopic MIMR. No significant differences were found in perioperative mortality [risk ratio (RR): 0.97, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.65–1.45] or pump/clamp times. Robotic surgery was associated with longer operative times (mean difference: 33.01 minutes) and higher intraoperative transfusion rates (RR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.07–2.18), but a lower risk of atrial fibrillation (RR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.83–0.95). In conclusion, robotic and thoracoscopic MIMR show comparable mortality and overall safety profiles. However, robotic surgery may require longer operative times and increased transfusion needs, while reducing the risk of atrial fibrillation. Further high-quality, randomized studies are warranted to validate these findings.
Evaluating Advanced Machine Learning Models for Histopathological Diagnosis of Hansen Disease
Authors: Vargas-Clavijo Mariana , Cardona-Castro Nora , Ospina-Gómez Juan Pablo , Serrano-Coll Héctor
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

Leprosy is a neglected infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis and remains a public health challenge in tropical regions. Therefore, the development of technological tools such as machine learning (ML) offers an opportunity to innovate strategies for improving the diagnosis of this complex disease.

Objective:

To validate the utility of different ML models for the histopathological diagnosis of Hansen disease.

Methodology:

An observational study was conducted where 55 H&E-stained tissue slides from leprosy patients and 51 healthy skin controls were analyzed using microphotographs captured at various magnifications. These images were categorized based on histopathological findings and processed using the Cross-Industry Standard Process for Data Mining methodology for designing and training ML models. Five types of ML models were evaluated using standard metrics such as accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity, emphasizing data normalization as a fundamental step in optimizing model performance.

Results:

The artificial neural network (ANN) model demonstrated an accuracy of 70%, sensitivity of 74%, and specificity of 65%, demonstrating its ability to identify leprosy cases with moderate precision. The receiver operating characteristic curve of the ANN model showed an area under the curve of 0.71. Conversely, models such as decision trees, logistic regression, and random forests showed similar accuracy results but with slightly lower sensitivity, potentially indicating a higher risk of false negatives in detecting leprosy-positive cases.

Conclusion:

The ANN model emerges as a promising alternative for leprosy detection. However, further refinement of these models is necessary to enhance their adaptability across different clinical settings and participation in patient care.
Quantifying Mast Cell and Eosinophil Cellular Density in Skin Biopsy Tissue From Adults With Maculopapular Cutaneous Mastocytosis as Compared With Urticaria and Normal Skin: A Retrospective Histopathologic Study
Authors: King Anne L. , Montagnon Carmen M. , Todd Austin , Agrawal Shruti , Wieland Carilyn N. , Lehman Julia S. , Johnson Emma F.
Published: November 2024

Background:

Maculopapular cutaneous mastocytosis (MPCM) is a rare disorder characterized by a pathologic accumulation of mast cells in the skin, which may or may not be accompanied by systemic mastocytosis. Diagnosis of MPCM on skin biopsy can be challenging because the findings may be subtle. Although mast cell density in MPCM has been reported, data informing a proposed cutoff for diagnosis and diagnostic criteria are limited.

Methods:

We identified adult patients diagnosed with MPCM and urticarial tissue reaction/chronic urticaria on skin biopsy and compared the mast cell and eosinophil counts per 1 mm2 in 10 cases each of MPCM, chronic urticaria, and normal skin from routine biopsies. All slides were stained with CD117, and CD117-positive mast cells were counted per 1 mm2 using digital microscopy. Eosinophils were counted on hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides per 1 mm2 using digital microscopy.

Results:

The median number of mast cells per 1 mm2 was significantly higher in MPCM than in cases of urticaria and normal skin/control tissue (177.3 vs. 26.8 vs. 47.8 mast cell per mm2, respectively; P ≤ 0.001). The calculated “cut point” for mastocytosis versus chronic urticaria and normal skin was 66 mast cells per 1 mm2, whereas the value for controls versus urticaria was 37 mast cells per 1 mm2. Eosinophils had similar density in MPCM and urticaria, and their presence was significant in the differentiation of MPCM and urticaria from normal tissue.

Conclusions:

This study adds to the literature by providing objective mast cell density data to distinguish challenging cases of cutaneous mastocytosis from urticarial reactions and normal skin. Future studies could explore the development of computer-aided estimations of cellular density with more extensive comparison with other inflammatory conditions to translate our findings more readily into clinical practice.
Ossifying Panniculitis Presenting as a Painful Nodule on the Abdomen
Authors: Oaks Rosemary , Beard Abigail , Miller Richard , Baribault Keith
Published: November 2024

Myositis ossificans is a benign ossifying nodule that can affect any type of tissue but is most commonly found in muscle. Occurrence in the soft tissue of the subcutis is less common and has been referred to as panniculitis ossificans. In this case report, we describe a 46-year-old woman who presented with a 1.7 × 2.0 cm lesion on the abdomen that had been present for several months, was painful, and easily irritated by clothing. Initial clinical assessment based on history and physical examination was an epidermal cyst and removal by excision was performed. Initial histologic findings showed a spindle cell proliferation in the subcutis along with bone formation. Osteoblasts were noted to be rimming the bone and giant cells were present. The spindle cells were SMA positive and partially factor XIIIa positive while S100 protein staining was negative, confirming the diagnosis of panniculitis ossificans.
First bipolar episode following booster dose of COVID-19 vaccination
Authors: Kudsi Maysoun , Tarcha Raghad , Khalayli Naram , Hodaifa Yara , Alghawe Fatima Alzahraa
Published: November 2024

Introduction and importance:

The interactions between the susceptibility of the host and some of the COVID-19 vaccine components happened. Viral infections, including COVID-19, are related to the pathogenesis of bipolar disorder (BD). These findings could trigger an initial bipolar episode.

Case presentation:

A 48-year-old Syrian married female, presented to the out-clinic of Modern Medical Centre Hospital, in July 2022 for episodes of sub-maniac/mania episodes, which began within 15 days after the booster dose of COVID-19 vaccination, preceded by depressive mood. Both family and personal past psychiatric and/or trauma history were negatives. Initiation of carbamazepine 600 mg/day showed significant improvement within 3 days; 3 months later, carbamazepine dose was decreased to 200 mg/day, as there were no clinical symptoms.

Clinical discussion:

mRNA vaccines of COVID-19 increase the levels of type I interferon (INF), an inflammatory cytokine that creates a signal leading to the expression of interleukins, INF, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. The pathology of BD is also unclear. Genetic predisposition, immunological effects, and the classification of BD, itself, as an autoimmune disease play a role. Although rapid improvement following treatment, prolonged and maintenance treatment by essentially mood stabilizer should be considered in bipolar episodes initiated by COVID-19 vaccination. Rare data are available about maniac episodes after COVID-19 infection, but to our knowledge, we reported the first case of bipolar onset after the booster vaccination of COVID-19.

Conclusion:

Bipolar disease can present following a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccination in previously healthy people.
Repair of Scrotal Wounds after Extensive Excision of Extramammary Paget Disease with Thick Split-thickness Skin Graft
Authors: Chen Yi , Tao Ke-Rong , Luo Zhao-He , Sun Guang-Feng
Published: November 2024

Extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) is a rare cutaneous malignant tumor. Currently, surgery is the most recommended treatment for EMPD. Here, we present a case of EMPD involving the groin, penis, and scrotum. The patient underwent two lesion resections. A thick split-thickness skin graft was utilized for scrotal reconstruction. After a 37-month follow-up period, no tumor recurrence was detected, and the outcome was deemed satisfactory.
The Effect of Breathing and Relaxation Exercises on Self-Care, Dyspnea, and Fatigue in Heart Failure
Authors: Solmaz Gürcan , Mollaoğlu Mukadder , Asoğlu Ramazan
Published: November 2024

Dyspnea, fatigue, and self-care are common occurrences of heart failure. This study evaluated the effects of yoga breathing and progressive muscle relaxation exercises on dyspnea, fatigue, and self-care in heart failure. The study conducted between April 2023 and March 2024 randomized 66 heart failure patients into 3 groups (yoga breathing exercise, progressive muscle relaxation exercise, and control). The intervention groups engaged in specific exercises tailored to their assigned regimen for 10 minutes twice daily over a 2-week period, while the control group maintained their pharmacological treatment. At the end of the intervention (second week) yoga breathing exercise notably ameliorated fatigue, dyspnea, and self-care (P< .001), changes in saturation, heart rate, and respiratory rate favoring the intervention groups (P< .05). Yoga breathing exercises enhance self-care, alleviate fatigue, and dyspnea in heart failure. Additionally, yoga breathing and progressive muscle relaxation exercises provide benefits in regulating saturation, heart rate, and respiratory rate in heart failure.
Genetic Evidence Supporting a Causal Role of Snoring in Keratoconus: A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Chen Xi , Liu Shiji , Liu Chang , Huang Yuke , Hou Xiangtao , Zhuang Jiejie , Luo Yiqi , Yu Na , Zhuang Jing , Yu Keming
Published: November 2024

Purpose:

To clarify the controversial causal association between snoring and keratoconus (KCN), which is crucial in clinical prevention and treatment.

Methods:

This is a 2-sample bidirectional mendelian randomization (MR) case–control study. MR is an innovative method that uses genetic variation as a natural experiment to investigate the causal relationships between potentially modifiable risk factors and health outcomes in observational data. The single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with snoring were retrieved from the UK biobank cohort with 218,346 participants (61,792 cases and 156,554 controls). The summary statistics of KCN were obtained from the European ancestry with 209,598 subjects (311 cases and 209,287 controls). The inverse-variance-weighted method was applied as the primary estimate, whereas weighted median and MR-pleiotropy residual sum and outlier played a subsidiary role.

Results:

Elevated risk of snoring showed a robust causal effect on KCN (inverse-variance-weighted: causal effect = 9.821, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.944–17.699, P = 0.015), which was consistent with complementary methods of the weighted median (causal effect = 11.117, 95% CI, 2.603–19.631, P = 0.010), maximum likelihood (causal effect = 10.245, 95% CI, 3.967–16.523, P = 0.001), and MR-pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (causal effect = 9.793, 95% CI, 2.316–17.269, P = 0.028). However, there was no causality of KCN on the increasing risk of snoring.

Conclusions:

This study provides genetic evidence supporting the causal role of snoring on KCN. Our findings provide new insights into potential strategies to manage KCN.
Shock wave-pretreated ADMSCs of cell-sheet scaffold (CSS) patched on the left ventricular wall (LVW) inhibited LVW remodeling in mini-pig MI: role of CSS on counteracting Laplace’s Law of LVW stress – experimental study
Authors: Sheu Jiunn-Jye , Yeh Jui-Ning , Chen Yin-Chia , Chiang John Y. , Sung Pei-Hsun , Huang Chi-Ruei , Li Yi-Chen , Yip Hon-Kan
Published: November 2024

Background:

We investigated whether shock wave (SW)-pretreated autologous adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) seeded in the cell-sheet scaffold (CSS) could inhibit left ventricular (LV) remodeling and improve LV ejection fraction (LVEF) in old myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods:

Mini-pigs (n=20) were divided into group 1 (sham-operated control), group 2 (old MI), group 3 (old MI + autologous ADMSCs/1.0×107 in CSS on LV myocardium), and group 4 [old MI + SW (0.12 mJ/mm2 for total 140 shots)-pretreated ADMSCs in CSS on LV myocardium]. Treatments started on day 28 after MI induction. In-vivo and in-vitro studies were conducted.

Results:

Cell viability/relative mitochondria DNA expression/mitochondrial cytochrome C/adenosine triphosphate concentration in ADMCSs and protein expressions of angiogenesis factors [vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1)/mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes I–IV/oxygen consumption rate] were higher in group 4 than in group 3 (P<0.001). By day 180, LVEF and small vessel numbers in the peri-infarct or infarct area were highest in group 1, lowest in group 2, and significantly lower in group 3 than in group 4. In contrast, the LV dimension was opposite to the pattern of change in LVEF in all groups (P<0.0001). The basal/middle/apical infarct and fibrotic areas were inversely related to LVEF in all groups (all P<0.0001). Protein levels of angiogenetic markers (SDF-1α/C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4/VEGF/angiopoietin-1) were significantly and persistently increased from groups 1 to 4. In contrast, protein levels of endothelial cell markers (von Willebrand factor or endothelial nitric oxide synthase) showed an identical pattern to LVEF in all groups (all P<0.0001).

Conclusion:

SW pretreatment of ADMSCs seeded in CSS offered significant benefits in preserving LV performance and ameliorating LV remodeling in mini-pigs with old MI.
Multidisciplinary care in nonmalignant central airway obstruction
Authors: Murgu Septimiu , Urrutia-Royo Blanca , Ntiamoah Prince , Dutau Hervé
Published: November 2024

Purpose of review

The management of histologically benign central airway obstruction (CAO) is complex. Published studies have focused on the diagnostic approaches and therapeutic options provided by specific specialties, but there has been no focus on multidisciplinary management of this disease. Our objective is to review the current diagnostic and therapeutic modalities available for managing nonmalignant CAO from a multidisciplinary perspective involving otolaryngology, thoracic surgery and interventional bronchoscopists.

Recent findings

For benign airway strictures, management is via medical and endoscopic therapy with surgical resection reserved for complex and recurrent stenoses. There is evidence and growing interest in intralesional corticosteroid injection in treating inflammation and potentially preventing recurrence. Airway specialists from distinct disciplines use different laser types, dilating balloons and anesthesia methods to manage benign CAO. Recent studies have demonstrated substantial improvements in patient breathlessness and quality of life following therapeutic airway interventions, highlighting the evolving landscape in this cross-disciplinary field.

Nonmalignant CAO, arising from various mechanical, inflammatory, and infectious etiologies, poses significant morbidity and mortality risks. Current treatments include endoscopic resection, dilation, stent placement, and surgical resection which are selected based on lesion's complexity, extent, operability and patient's symptoms and goals. A multimodal and multidisciplinary approach to patient care could offer the best outcomes.
Sinus mucocele leads to unilateral proptosis in an infant patient with cystic fibrosis: a literature review and a case report study
Authors: Lashkarbolouk Narges , Mazandarani Mahdi , Biazar Parastou , Shahkar Lobat
Published: November 2024

Introduction and importance:

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a widespread life-shortening recessive genetic disease and can present with sinus mucocele. Sinus mucocele is a rare condition, with limited prevalence data on unilateral proptosis.

Case presentation:

The authors present a case of a 19-month-old boy with CF who experienced worsening proptosis and exotropia in his right eye. A brain and orbit MRI revealed diffuse polypoid mucosal thickening, possible dense fungal deposit, deformity of the mid face, especially on the right side, with more prominent bulging of medical and inferior walls of the right lobe, a right ethmoidal mucocele causing ocular globe displacement, medial rectus compression, and optic nerve. An examination of the eye fundus showed disc edema and vascular congestion. Endoscopic sinus surgery successfully drained the mucocele, and treatment with antibiotics and corticosteroids led to symptom improvement and resolution of proptosis within 3 weeks.

Clinical discussion:

Mucoceles represent an uncommon complication associated with CF in pediatric patients. Consequently, any child presenting with this issue should undergo evaluation for CF. Investigating this infrequent condition’s underlying mechanisms and consequences may improve treatment approaches and outcomes for those impacted.

Conclusion:

Sinus mucocele with unilateral proptosis in CF patients is uncommon, and endoscopic sinus surgery appears to be an effective cure for this complication, even in the pediatric population at high risk, like CF patients.
Predictors of HIV seroconversion in Botswana
Authors: Cui Yifan , Moyo Sikhulile , Pretorius Holme Molly , Hurwitz Kathleen E. , Choga Wonderful , Bennett Kara , Chakalisa Unoda , San James Emmanuel , Manyake Kutlo , Kgathi Coulson , Diphoko Ame , Gaseitsiwe Simani , Gaolathe Tendani , Essex M. , Tchetgen Tchetgen Eric , Makhema Joseph M. , Lockman Shahin
Published: November 2024

Objective:

To identify predictors of HIV acquisition in Botswana.

Design:

We applied machine learning approaches to identify HIV risk predictors using existing data from a large, well characterized HIV incidence cohort.

Methods:

We applied machine learning (randomForestSRC) to analyze data from a large population-based HIV incidence cohort enrolled in a cluster-randomized HIV prevention trial in 30 communities across Botswana. We sought to identify the most important risk factors for HIV acquisition, starting with 110 potential predictors.

Results:

During a median 29-month follow-up of 8551 HIV-negative adults, 147 (1.7%) acquired HIV. Our machine learning analysis found that for females, the most important variables for predicting HIV acquisition were the use of injectable hormonal contraception, frequency of sex in the prior 3 months with the most recent partner and residing in a community with HIV prevalence of 29% or higher. For the small proportion (0.3%) of females who had all three risk factors, their estimated probability of acquiring HIV during 29 months of follow-up was 34% (approximate annual incidence of 14%). For males, nonlong-term relationships with the most recent partner and community HIV prevalence of 34% or higher were the most important HIV risk predictors. The 6% of males who had both risk factors had a 5.1% probability of acquiring HIV during the follow-up period (approximate annual incidence of 2.1%).

Conclusion:

Machine learning approaches allowed us to analyze a large number of variables to efficiently identify key factors strongly predictive of HIV risk. These factors could help target HIV prevention interventions in Botswana.

Clinical Trials Registration:

NCT01965470
Brief Report: Cystatin C Provides Substantially Higher Glomerular Filtration Rate Estimates Than Creatinine in a Subset of Black People With HIV on Current Antiretroviral Regimens
Authors: Dominguez-Dominguez Lourdes , Hamzah Lisa , Fox Julie , Vincent Royce P. , Post Frank A.
Published: November 2024

Background:

In African populations, estimated glomerular filtration rate by cystatin C (eGFRcys) is better aligned with gold-standard GFR measurements than eGFR by creatinine (eGFRcr). Moreover, eGFRcys is unaffected by the effects of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on tubular secretion and may thus provide better estimates of GFR in people with HIV on ART.

Setting:

Observational cohort study of people of African ancestry living with suppressed HIV RNA on ART in London, United Kingdom.

Methods:

Cross-sectional analysis of 360 paired serum creatinine and cystatin C measurements. Participants whose eGFRcys substantially (>10%) exceeded eGFRcr were identified, and factors associated with this outcome were identified in logistic regression analysis.

Results:

The median age of participants was 52 years, 56% were women, and 82% born in Africa or the Caribbean. The eGFRcys substantially exceeded eGFRcr in 42% of participants in the overall cohort, and in 68% of those with eGFRcr 45–75 mL/min/1.73 m2. In multivariable analysis, a higher eGFRcr was associated with lower odds (0.59 [0.50, 0.68] per 10 mL/min/1.73 m2 increase) of eGFRcys substantially exceeding eGFRcr; a higher BMI was also associated with this outcome, while ART regimens inhibiting tubular secretion of creatinine were not predictive. Of the 22 participants with eGFRcr 45–60 mL/min/1.73 m2, 16 (73%) had eGFRcys >60 mL/min/1.73 m2.

Conclusions:

We report substantially higher eGFRcys than eGFRcr in a subset of people of African ancestry with suppressed HIV, particularly among those with eGFRcr 45–75 mL/min/1.73 m2. In this population, eGFRcys provides clinically useful information irrespective of ART regimen.
The Impact of Operative Video Review versus Annotation on Training in Endoscopic Pituitary Surgery: A Preclinical Randomised Controlled Study
Authors: Burrows Emalee J. , Starup-Hansen Joachim , Khan Danyal Z. , Koh Chan Hee , Hussain Maryam , Booker James , Stoyanov Danail , Marcus Hani J.
Published: November 2024

Objective

This study evaluated the effect of active operative video annotation on surgical education, specifically focusing on implementability, knowledge acquisition, skill development, and confidence.

Background

Resident duty hour restrictions necessitate more efficient surgical training, as steep learning curves in many procedures may result in residents completing training without gaining enough experience to perform them safely. Video annotation of operative videos, involving labeling of instruments and steps, might offer a secure and risk-free environment to improve surgical learning.

Methods

A preclinical randomized controlled trial was conducted with novice neurosurgeons from multiple centres. Participants were assigned to annotate real-life operative videos or to the control group, who performed passive video review. At baseline and then following either video annotation or video review, both groups completed a simulated pituitary adenoma resection on a validated high-fidelity physical simulator and were assessed using knowledge quizzes, a modified Global Rating Scale (mGRS), and confidence surveys. Participants also completed an implementability questionnaire.

Results

Fourteen participants completed the study. Psychometric surveys indicated 100% agreement on feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness in the annotation group, significantly higher than the review group (p<0.001). Procedural knowledge score changes were significantly higher in the annotation group compared to the video review group (1.71, 95% CI: 0.19-3.41, p= 0.0479). The annotation group also significantly improved their operative performance from baseline, with mean mGRS increasing by 5.14 (95% CI: 2.36-7.93, p=0.004) versus 2.57 (95% CI: -1.30-6.44) (p=0.16) in the video review group. Confidence improved significantly in both groups (<0.05), with no significant difference between groups.

Conclusions

Active video annotation is a feasible and acceptable tool for enhancing surgical education. It led to a higher change in knowledge score compared to passive video review and also improved skills and confidence from baseline, suggesting its suitability for integration into surgical training programs. Its impact, however, on real-world surgical performance and patient outcomes requires further study.
Acute Triclosan Exposure Alters Mitochondrial Form and Function inXenopus laevisTadpoles, Including the Developing Brain
Authors: Thompson Alex H , Thompson Christopher K
Published: November 2024

Mitochondrial health is critical for normal brain development, and mitochondrial toxicants impair energy production and induce mitophagy, resulting in network fission. This can substantially impact cellular and molecular pathways essential for brain development. Recent studies have shown that triclosan, a once widely used antibacterial and antifungal agent, acts as a mitochondrial uncoupler. However, the impact of triclosan on mitochondrial function in the developing brain has yet to be thoroughly investigated. We performed a series of experiments designed to assess the effects of triclosan on mitochondrial form and function in the developingXenopus laevistadpole brain. We injected tadpole brains with TMRM, a fluorescent reporter of mitochondrial membrane potential. After two hours, we imaged the brain using high-resolution confocal microscopy to obtain a baseline level of TMRM fluorescence, then immediately treated tadpoles with either triclosan (10uM, 5uM, 1uM, 0.5uM 0.1uM), FCCP (0.5uM), or control, and then continued imaging the brain once every five min for 30 min. We found that 10uM triclosan significantly decreased TMRM fluorescence in mitochondria in the end feet of radial glial cells in ∼ 15-20 min; lower concentrations operated over a longer time course. We also observed that mitochondrial networking was disrupted as they underwent fission. We also measured metabolic function in vivo in whole tadpoles using an XF Seahorse Flux Analyzer, acutely exposing tadpoles to either triclosan (30uM, 10uM, 1uM) or control. Triclosan immediately increased oxygen consumption rates dose-dependently, suggesting mitochondrial uncoupling. These results show that triclosan has the capacity to impair mitochondrial form and function in developing neural tissue.
Lineage Detector: Efficient Tool for Detecting New SARS-Cov-2 Lineages
Authors: Zou Xu
Published: November 2024

Since the novel virus of SARS-Cov-2’s emergence, it continues to mutate at significant speed. The mutation speed and diversity of the virus has reached a level that is hard to be analysed purely via human tracing even with the help of UShER trees.

We create an open-sourced tool ofLineage Detector, an automated tool that helps highlight the most important lineages of interest on Usher trees.Lineage Detectorcan highlight the most interesting SARS-CoV-2 branches for manual investigation and reduce the work of volunteer variant hunters to 8 ∼ 10%, greatly improve their efficiency.

Since its release, it has helped the identification, proposal and designation process of more than 100 SARS-CoV-2 variants.