bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Getting a “SMART START” to gestational diabetes mellitus education: a mixed-methods pilot evaluation of a knowledge translation tool in primary care
Authors: Kandasamy Sujane , Amjad Saima , de Souza Russell , Furqan Naila , Patel Tejal , Vanstone Meredith , Anand Sonia S
Published: January 2024

Background

South Asian people living in Canada face higher rates of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) compared to national trends. The objective of this study was to design and pilot test a knowledge translation (KT) tool to support GDM prevention counselling in primary care.

Methods

This study is a mixed-methods pilot evaluation of the “SMART START” KT tool involving 2 family physicians in separate practices and 20 pregnant South Asians in Ontario, Canada. We conducted the quantitative and qualitative components in parallel, developing a joint display to illustrate the converging and diverging elements.

Results

Between January and July 2020, 20 South Asian pregnant people were enrolled in this study. A high level of acceptability was received from patients and practitioners for timing, content, format, language, and interest in the interventions delivered. Quantitative findings revealed gaps in patient knowledge and behaviour in the following areas: GDM risk factors, the impact of GDM on the unborn baby, weight gain recommendations, diet, physical activity practices, and tracking of weight gain. From the qualitative component, we found that physicians valued and were keen to engage in GDM prevention counselling. Patients also expressed personal perceptions of healthy active living during pregnancy, experiences, and preferences with gathering and searching for information, and key preventative behaviours.

Conclusions

Building on this knowledge can contribute to the design and implementation of other research opportunities or test new hypotheses as they relate to GDM prevention among South Asian communities.
SerpinA3N Regulates the Secretory Phenotype of Mouse Senescent Astrocytes Contributing to Neurodegeneration
Authors: Han Xiaojuan , Lei Qing , Liu Huanhuan , Zhang Tianying , Gou Xingchun
Published: January 2024

Senescent astrocyte accumulation in the brain during normal aging is a driver of age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. However, the molecular events underlying astrocyte senescence in Alzheimer’s disease are not fully understood. In this study, we demonstrated that senescent astrocytes display a secretory phenotype known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which is associated with the upregulation of various proinflammatory factors and the downregulation of neurotrophic growth factors (eg, NGF and BDNF), resulting in a decrease in astrocyte-mediated neuroprotection and increased risk of neurodegeneration. We found that SerpinA3N is upregulated in senescent primary mouse astrocytes after serial passaging in vitro or by H2O2 treatment. Further exploration of the underlying mechanism revealed that SerpinA3N deficiency protects against senescent astrocyte-induced neurodegeneration by suppressing SASP-related factors and inducing neurotrophic growth factors. Brain tissues from Alzheimer’s disease model mice possessed increased numbers of senescent astrocytes. Moreover, senescent astrocytes exhibited upregulated SerpinA3N expression in vitro and in vivo, confirming that our cell model recapitulated the in vivo pathology of these neurodegenerative diseases. Altogether, our study reveals a novel molecular strategy to regulate the secretory phenotype of senescent astrocytes and implies that SerpinA3N and its regulatory mechanisms may be potential targets for delaying brain aging and aging-related neurodegenerative diseases.
A high-quality chromosomal genome assembly of the sea cucumber Chiridota heheva and its hydrothermal adaptation
Authors: Pu Yujin , Zhou Yang , Liu Jun , Zhang Haibin
Published: January 2024

Background

Chiridota heheva is a cosmopolitan holothurian well adapted to diverse deep-sea ecosystems, especially chemosynthetic environments. Besides high hydrostatic pressure and limited light, high concentrations of metal ions also represent harsh conditions in hydrothermal environments. Few holothurian species can live in such extreme conditions. Therefore, it is valuable to elucidate the adaptive genetic mechanisms of C. heheva in hydrothermal environments.

Findings

Herein, we report a high-quality reference genome assembly of C. heheva from the Kairei vent, which is the first chromosome-level genome of Apodida. The chromosome-level genome size was 1.43 Gb, with a scaffold N50 of 53.24 Mb and BUSCO completeness score of 94.5%. Contig sequences were clustered, ordered, and assembled into 19 natural chromosomes. Comparative genome analysis found that the expanded gene families and positively selected genes of C. heheva were involved in the DNA damage repair process. The expanded gene families and the unique genes contributed to maintaining iron homeostasis in an iron-enriched environment. The positively selected gene RFC2 with 10 positively selected sites played an essential role in DNA repair under extreme environments.

Conclusions

This first chromosome-level genome assembly of C. heheva reveals the hydrothermal adaptation of holothurians. As the first chromosome-level genome of order Apodida, this genome will provide the resource for investigating the evolution of class Holothuroidea.
A Systematic Review of the Molecular and Cellular Alterations Induced by Cannabis That May Serve as Risk Factors for Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Delgado-Sequera Alejandra , Garcia-Mompo Clara , Gonzalez-Pinto Ana , Hidalgo-Figueroa Maria , Berrocoso Esther
Published: January 2024

Background

Cannabis use is a risk factor of psychiatric illness, such as bipolar disorder type-I (BDI). Indeed, cannabis use strongly influences the onset and clinical course of BDI, although the biological mechanisms underlying this interaction remain unknown. Therefore, we have reviewed the biological mechanisms affected by cannabis use that may trigger BD.

Methods

A systematic review was carried out of articles in which gene expression was studied in cannabis users or human-derived cells exposed to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD). A second systematic review was then performed to identify articles in which gene expression was studied in BDI samples, highlighting those that described alterations to the same molecular and cellular mechanisms affected by cannabis/THC/CBD.

Results

The initial search identified 82 studies on cannabis and 962 on BDI. After removing duplicates and applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 9 studies into cannabis and 228 on BDI were retained. The molecular and cellular mechanisms altered by cannabis use or THC/CBD exposure were then identified, including neural development and function, cytoskeletal function, cell adhesion, mitochondrial biology, inflammatory related pathways, lipid metabolism, the endocannabinoid system, the hypocretin/orexin system, and apoptosis. Alterations to those activities were also described in 19 of 228 focused on BDI.

Conclusions

The biological mechanisms described in this study may be good candidates to the search for diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for BDI. Because cannabis use can trigger the onset of BD, further studies would be of interest to determine whether they are involved in the early development of the disorder, prompting early treatment.
Target attainment of intravenous lefamulin for treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections
Authors: van Os Wisse , Zeitlinger Markus
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Lefamulin is a pleuromutilin antibiotic approved for the treatment of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP). Its spectrum of activity, good penetration into soft tissues and low rates of cross-resistance also make lefamulin a potentially valuable option for treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSIs). A Phase 2 trial of lefamulin for ABSSSI indicated similar efficacy of 100 and 150 mg q12h IV dosing regimens. In the present study, the potential of lefamulin for this indication was further evaluated from a translational pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic perspective.

Methods

PTA was determined for various dosages using Monte Carlo simulations of a population pharmacokinetic model of lefamulin in ABSSSI patients and preclinical exposure targets associated with bacteriostasis and a 1-log reduction in bacterial count. Overall target attainment against MSSA and MRSA was calculated using lefamulin MIC distributions.

Results

Overall attainment of the bacteriostasis target was 94% against MSSA and 84% against MRSA for the IV dosage approved for CABP (150 mg q12h). Using the same target, for the 100 mg q12h regimen, overall target attainment dropped to 68% against MSSA and 50% against MRSA. Using the 1-log reduction target, overall target attainment for both regimens was <40%.

Conclusions

Lefamulin at the currently approved IV dosage covers most Staphylococcus aureus isolates when targeting drug exposure associated with bacteriostasis, suggesting potential of lefamulin for the treatment of ABSSSIs. Lefamulin may not be appropriate in ABSSSI when rapid bactericidal activity is warranted.
Hope during somber times: a defining moment
Authors: Corn Benjamin W , Feldman David B
Published: January 2024

In addition to the diverse educational materials the National Cancer Institute provides to patients, caregivers, and health-care professionals, the NCI maintains an online dictionary that provides concise definitions of terms used in modern oncology. The dictionary is regarded as a valuable data reserve because it is updated frequently and employs language that facilitates comprehension among lay users and professionals alike. In this commentary, we call attention to the absence of the word hope as an entry in this important digital resource. Moreover, we propose not only including the concept of hope in this vital reference text but also basing its meaning on C. R. Snyder’s model of “hope theory,” which stresses the importance of 3 entities: goals, pathways thinking, and agency. Finally, we argue that hope can be taught as a skill to relevant stakeholders (eg, patients, caregivers, and health-care professionals) through brief workshops that have recently been expanded from in-person encounters to virtual platforms revolving around a user-friendly mobile app called “Hopetimize.”
Characterizing Community Forests in the United States
Authors: Hajjar Reem , McGinley Kathleen , Charnley Susan , Frey Gregory E , Hovis Meredith , Cubbage Frederick W , Schelhas John , Kornhauser Kailey
Published: January 2024

Research on community forests (CFs), primarily governed and managed by local forest users in the United States, is limited, despite their growth in numbers over the past decade. We conducted a survey to inventory CFs in the United States and better understand their ownership and governance structures, management objectives, benefits, and financing. The ninety-eight CFs in our inventory are on private, public, and tribal lands. They had various ways of soliciting input from, or sharing decision-making authority with, local groups, organizations, and citizens. Recreation and environmental services were the most important management goals, but timber production occurred on more than two-thirds of CFs, contributing to income on many CFs, along with a diversity of other income sources to fund operations. We discuss the difficulties in creating a comprehensive CF inventory and typology given the diversity of models that exist, reflecting local social and environmental conditions and the bottom-up nature of community forestry in the United States.

Study Implications: Despite their small footprint in the United States, community forests are a rapidly developing model of forest ownership, governance, and management that helps protect forestlands and open space and demonstrates how market and nonmarket forest goods and services can be produced for broad and enduring community benefits. This study inventories and characterizes community forests in the United States to increase understanding of this model, its prevalence, and its potential. It provides a baseline of information that serves as a foundation for further exploration and research on the impacts and contributions of community forests.
Leaf hydraulic properties of Antarctic plants: effects of growth temperature and its coordination with photosynthesis
Authors: Sáez Patricia L , Vallejos Valentina , Sancho-Knapik Domingo , Cavieres Lohengrin A , Ramírez Constanza F , Bravo León A , Javier Peguero-Pina José , Gil-Pelegrín Eustaquio , Galmés Jeroni
Published: January 2024

One of the well-documented effects of regional warming in Antarctica is the impact on flora. Warmer conditions modify several leaf anatomical traits of Antarctic vascular plants, increasing photosynthesis and growth. Given that CO2 and water vapor partially share their diffusion pathways through the leaf, changes in leaf anatomy could also affect the hydraulic traits of Antarctic plants. We evaluated the effects of growth temperature on several anatomical and hydraulic parameters of Antarctic plants and assessed the trait co-variation between these parameters and photosynthetic performance. Warmer conditions promoted an increase in leaf and whole plant hydraulic conductivity, correlating with adjustments in carbon assimilation. These adjustments were consistent with changes in leaf vasculature, where Antarctic species displayed different strategies. At higher temperature, Colobanthus quitensis decreased the number of leaf xylem vessels, but increased their diameter. In contrast, in Deschampsia antarctica the diameter did not change, but the number of vessels increased. Despite this contrasting behavior, some traits such as a small leaf diameter of vessels and a high cell wall rigidity were maintained in both species, suggesting a water-conservation response associated with the ability of Antarctic plants to cope with harsh environments.
On the treatment of phenomenological turbulent effects in one-dimensional simulations of core-collapse supernovae
Authors: Sasaki Shunsuke , Takiwaki Tomoya
Published: January 2024

We have developed a phenomenological turbulent model with one-dimensional (1D) simulation based on Reynolds decomposition. Using this method, we have systematically studied models with different effects of compression, mixing length parameters, and diffusion coefficient of internal energy, turbulence energy, and electron fraction. With employed turbulent effects, supernova explosion can be achieved in 1D geometry, which can mimic the evolution of shock in the 3D simulations. We found that enhancement of turbulent energy by compression affects the early shock evolution. The diffusion coefficients of internal energy and turbulent energy also affect the explodability. The smaller diffusion makes the shock revival faster. Our comparison between the two reveals that the diffusion coefficients of internal energy has a greater impact. These simulations would help understand the role of turbulence in core-collapse supernovae.
The AMIGA sample of isolated galaxies – effects of environment on angular momentum
Authors: Sorgho A , Verdes-Montenegro L , Hess K M , Jones M G , Jarrett T H , Sanchez-Expósito S , Garrido J
Published: January 2024

We investigate the relationship between the baryonic angular momentum and mass for a sample of 36 isolated disc galaxies with resolved neutral hydrogen (H i) kinematics and infrared Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer photometry drawn from – and representative in terms of morphologies, stellar masses, and H i-to-star fraction of – the carefully constructed Analysis of the interstellar Medium in Isolated GAlaxies (AMIGA) sample of isolated galaxies. Similarly to previous studies performed on non-isolated galaxies, we find that the relation is well described by a power law $j_{\rm bar} \propto M_{\rm bar}^\alpha$. We also find a slope of α = 0.54 ± 0.08 for the AMIGA galaxies, in line with previous studies in the literature; however, we find that the specific angular momenta of the AMIGA galaxies are on average higher than those of non-isolated galaxies in the literature. This is consistent with theories stipulating that environmental processes involving galaxy–galaxy interaction are able to impact the angular momentum content of galaxies. However, no correlation was found between the angular momentum and the degree of isolation, suggesting that there may exist a threshold local number density beyond which the effects of the environment on the angular momentum become important.
Multiple Origins of Bioluminescence in Beetles and Evolution of Luciferase Function
Authors: He Jinwu , Li Jun , Zhang Ru , Dong Zhiwei , Liu Guichun , Chang Zhou , Bi Wenxuan , Ruan Yongying , Yang Yuxia , Liu Haoyu , Qiu Lu , Zhao Ruoping , Wan Wenting , Li Zihe , Chen Lei , Li Yuanning , Li Xueyan
Published: January 2024

Bioluminescence in beetles has long fascinated biologists, with diverse applications in biotechnology. To date, however, our understanding of its evolutionary origin and functional variation mechanisms remains poor. To address these questions, we obtained high-quality reference genomes of luminous and nonluminous beetles in 6 Elateroidea families. We then reconstructed a robust phylogenetic relationship for all luminous families and related nonluminous families. Comparative genomic analyses and biochemical functional experiments suggested that gene evolution within Elateroidea played a crucial role in the origin of bioluminescence, with multiple parallel origins observed in the luminous beetle families. While most luciferase-like proteins exhibited a conserved nonluminous amino acid pattern (TLA346 to 348) in the luciferin-binding sites, luciferases in the different luminous beetle families showed divergent luminous patterns at these sites (TSA/CCA/CSA/LVA). Comparisons of the structural and enzymatic properties of ancestral, extant, and site-directed mutant luciferases further reinforced the important role of these sites in the trade-off between acyl-CoA synthetase and luciferase activities. Furthermore, the evolution of bioluminescent color demonstrated a tendency toward hypsochromic shifts and variations among the luminous families. Taken together, our results revealed multiple parallel origins of bioluminescence and functional divergence within the beetle bioluminescent system.
Deciphering the Role of Rapidly Evolving Conserved Elements in Primate Brain Development and Exploring Their Potential Involvement in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Hu Benxia , Zhuang Xiao-Lin , Zhou Long , Zhang Guojie , Cooper David N , Wu Dong-Dong
Published: January 2024

Although previous studies have identified human-specific accelerated regions as playing a key role in the recent evolution of the human brain, the characteristics and cellular functions of rapidly evolving conserved elements (RECEs) in ancestral primate lineages remain largely unexplored. Here, based on large-scale primate genome assemblies, we identify 888 RECEs that have been highly conserved in primates that exhibit significantly accelerated substitution rates in the ancestor of the Simiiformes. This primate lineage exhibits remarkable morphological innovations, including an expanded brain mass. Integrative multiomic analyses reveal that RECEs harbor sequences with potential cis-regulatory functions that are activated in the adult human brain. Importantly, genes linked to RECEs exhibit pronounced expression trajectories in the adult brain relative to the fetal stage. Furthermore, we observed an increase in the chromatin accessibility of RECEs in oligodendrocytes from individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD) compared to that of a control group, indicating that these RECEs may contribute to brain aging and AD. Our findings serve to expand our knowledge of the genetic underpinnings of brain function during primate evolution.
International consensus on post-transplantation diabetes mellitus
Authors: Sharif Adnan , Chakkera Harini , de Vries Aiko P J , Eller Kathrin , Guthoff Martina , Haller Maria C , Hornum Mads , Nordheim Espen , Kautzky-Willer Alexandra , Krebs Michael , Kukla Aleksandra , Kurnikowski Amelie , Schwaiger Elisabeth , Montero Nuria , Pascual Julio , Jenssen Trond G , Porrini Esteban , Hecking Manfred
Published: January 2024

Post-transplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM) remains a leading complication after solid organ transplantation. Previous international PTDM consensus meetings in 2003 and 2013 provided standardized frameworks to reduce heterogeneity in diagnosis, risk stratification and management. However, the last decade has seen significant advancements in our PTDM knowledge complemented by rapidly changing treatment algorithms for management of diabetes in the general population. In view of these developments, and to ensure reduced variation in clinical practice, a 3rd international PTDM Consensus Meeting was planned and held from 6–8 May 2022 in Vienna, Austria involving global delegates with PTDM expertise to update the previous reports. This update includes opinion statements concerning optimal diagnostic tools, recognition of prediabetes (impaired fasting glucose and/or impaired glucose tolerance), new mechanistic insights, immunosuppression modification, evidence-based strategies to prevent PTDM, treatment hierarchy for incorporating novel glucose-lowering agents and suggestions for the future direction of PTDM research to address unmet needs. Due to the paucity of good quality evidence, consensus meeting participants agreed that making GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations) recommendations would be flawed. Although kidney-allograft centric, we suggest that these opinion statements can be appraised by the transplantation community for implementation across different solid organ transplant cohorts. Acknowledging the paucity of published literature, this report reflects consensus expert opinion. Attaining evidence is desirable to ensure establishment of optimized care for any solid organ transplant recipient at risk of, or who develops, PTDM as we strive to improve long-term outcomes.
The Single-Pitch Texel: A flexible and practical texture-rendering algorithm
Authors: Burns David A , Klatzky Roberta L , Peshkin Michael A , Colgate J Edward
Published: January 2024

As the number of applications for tactile feedback technology rapidly increases, so too does the need for efficient, flexible, and extensible representations of virtual textures. The previously introduced Single-Pitch Texel rendering algorithm offers designers the ability to produce textures with perceptually wide-band spectral characteristics while requiring very few input parameters. This paper expands on the capabilities of the rendering algorithm. Diverse families of fine textures, with widely varied spectral characteristics, were shown to be rendered reliably using the Texel algorithm. Furthermore, by leveraging an assistive algorithm, subjects were shown to consistently navigate the Texel parameter space in a matching task. Finally, a psychophysical study was conducted to demonstrate the rendering algorithm’s resilience to spectral quantization, further reducing the data required to represent a virtual texture.
G-protein signaling of oxytocin receptor as a potential target for cabazitaxel-resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Hongo Hiroshi , Kosaka Takeo , Takayama Ken-Ichi , Baba Yuto , Yasumizu Yota , Ueda Koji , Suzuki Yutaka , Inoue Satoshi , Beltran Himisha , Oya Mototsugu
Published: January 2024

Although the treatment armamentarium for patients with metastatic prostate cancer has improved recently, treatment options after progression on cabazitaxel (CBZ) are limited. To identify the mechanisms underlying CBZ resistance and therapeutic targets, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from patients with CBZ-resistant prostate cancer. Cells were clustered based on gene expression profiles. In silico screening was used to nominate candidate drugs for overcoming CBZ resistance in castration-resistant prostate cancer. CTCs were divided into three to four clusters, reflecting intrapatient tumor heterogeneity in refractory prostate cancer. Pathway analysis revealed that clusters in two cases showed up-regulation of the oxytocin (OXT) receptor–signaling pathway. Spatial gene expression analysis of CBZ-resistant prostate cancer tissues confirmed the heterogeneous expression of OXT-signaling molecules. Cloperastine (CLO) had significant antitumor activity against CBZ-resistant prostate cancer cells. Mass spectrometric phosphoproteome analysis revealed the suppression of OXT signaling specific to CBZ-resistant models. These results support the potential of CLO as a candidate drug for overcoming CBZ-resistant prostate cancer via the inhibition of OXT signaling.
Identification of bidirectional causal links between gut microbiota and narcolepsy type 1 using Mendelian randomization
Authors: Sheng Dandan , Li Peihong , Xiao Zheng , Li Xinru , Liu Jing , Xiao Bo , Liu Weiping , Zhou Luo
Published: January 2024

Study Objectives

Narcolepsy type 1 (NT1), characterized by cataplexy and orexin deficiency, is a rare and frequently debilitating neurological disorder. It has been noted to have connections with the gut microbiota, yet the exact causal relationships remain unclear.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) study to rigorously investigate the causal links between the gut microbiota and NT1, utilizing genetic datasets from the MiBioGen consortium and FinnGen consortium, respectively. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was employed to obtain the primary MR estimates, supplemented by several alternative methods as well as sensitivity analyses including Cochran’s Q, MR-Egger, MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier, leave-one-out, and genetic colocalization.

Results

Our findings indicated that an increased relative abundance of five genera including Blautia (p = 4.47E-5), Collinsella (p = 0.036), Gordonibacter (p = 0.047), Hungatella (p = 0.015), and Lachnospiraceae UCG010 (p = 0.027) may be associated with a decreased risk of NT1. Conversely, an increased relative abundance of class Betaproteobacteria (p = 0.032), genus Alloprevotella (p = 0.009), and genus Ruminiclostridium6 (p = 0.029) may potentially heighten the risk of NT1. The onset of NT1 may lead to a decrease in the relative abundance of genus Eubacterium eligens group (p = 0.022), while a increase in the family Family XI (p = 0.009), genus Hungatella (p = 0.005), genus Prevotella (p = 0.013), and unknown genus id.2001 (p = 0.019). These findings remained robust under all sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

Our results offer robust evidence for the bidirectional causal links between particular gut microbial taxa and NT1, underscoring the significance of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in the pathological process of NT1.
Early Ovarian Cancer Detection in the Age of Fallopian Tube Precursors
Authors: Greenwood Ashley , Woodruff Elizabeth R. , Nguyen Cam , Piper Christi , Clauset Aaron , Brubaker Lindsay W. , Behbakht Kian , Bitler Benjamin G.
Published: January 2024

OBJECTIVE:

To determine biomarkers other than CA 125 that could be used in identifying early-stage ovarian cancer.

DATA SOURCES:

Ovid MEDLINE ALL, EMBASE, Web of Science Core Collection, ScienceDirect, Clinicaltrials.gov, and CAB Direct were searched for English-language studies between January 2008 and April 2023 for the concepts of high-grade serous ovarian cancer, testing, and prevention or early diagnosis.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION:

The 5,523 related articles were uploaded to Covidence. Screening by two independent reviewers of the article abstracts led to the identification of 245 peer-reviewed primary research articles for full-text review. Full-text review by those reviewers led to the identification of 131 peer-reviewed primary research articles used for this review.

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS

Of 131 studies, only 55 reported sensitivity, specificity, or area under the curve (AUC), with 36 of the studies reporting at least one biomarker with a specificity of 80% or greater specificity or 0.9 or greater AUC.

CONCLUSION:

These findings suggest that although many types of biomarkers are being tested in ovarian cancer, most have similar or worse detection rates compared with CA 125 and have the same limitations of poor detection rates in early-stage disease. However, 27.5% of articles (36/131) reported biomarkers with better sensitivity and an AUC greater than 0.9 compared with CA 125 alone and deserve further exploration.
Evaluation of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Authors: de Assis Viviana , Giugni Claudio Schenone , Ros Stephanie T.
Published: January 2024

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) affects approximately 5% of couples. Although RPL definitions vary across professional societies, an evaluation after a second clinically recognized first-trimester pregnancy loss is recommended. Good quality evidence links parental chromosomal rearrangements, uterine anomalies, and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) to RPL. In contrast, the relationship between RPL and other endocrine, hematologic, and immunologic disorders or environmental exposures is less clear. Anticoagulant therapy and low-dose aspirin are recommended for patients with RPL who have also been diagnosed with APS. Vaginal progesterone supplementation may be considered in patients experiencing vaginal bleeding during the first trimester. Surgical correction may be considered for patients with RPL in whom a uterine anomaly is identified. Evaluation and management of additional comorbidities should be guided by the patient's history rather than solely based on the diagnosis of RPL, with the goal of improving overall health to reduce complications in the event of pregnancy. Most people with RPL, including those without identifiable risk factors, are expected to achieve a live birth within 5 years from the initial evaluation. Nevertheless, clinicians should be sensitive to the psychological needs of individuals with this condition and provide compassionate and supportive care across all stages.
Intra-abdominal Content Movement in Prone Versus Lateral Decubitus Position Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LLIF)
Authors: Menezes Cristiano M. , Andrade Luciene M. , Lacerda Gabriel C. , Salomão Marlus M. , Freeborn Mark T. , Thomas J. Alex
Published: January 2024

Study Design.

A prospective, anatomical imaging study of healthy volunteer subjects in accurate surgical positions.

Objective.

To establish if there is a change in the position of the abdominal contents in the lateral decubitus (LD) versus prone position.

Summary of Background Data.

Lateral transpsoas lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) in the LD position has been validated anatomically and for procedural safety, specifically in relation to visceral risks. Recently, LLIF with the patient in the prone position has been suggested as an alternative to LLIF in the LD position.

Materials and Methods.

Subjects underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbosacral region in the right LD position with the hips flexed and the prone position with the legs extended. Anatomical measurements were performed on axial magnetic resonance images at the L4-5 disc space.

Results.

Thirty-four subjects were included. The distance from the skin to the lateral disc surface was 134.9 mm in prone compared with 118.7 mm in LD (P<0.0001). The distance between the posterior aspect of the disc and the colon was 20.3 mm in the prone compared with 41.1 mm in LD (P<0.0001). The colon migrated more posteriorly in relation to the anterior margin of the psoas in the prone compared with LD (21.7 vs. 5.5 mm, respectively; P<0.0001). 100% of subjects had posterior migration of the colon in the prone compared with the LD position, as measured by the distance from the quadratum lumborum to the colon (44.4 vs. 20.5 mm, respectively; P<0.001).

Conclusion.

There were profound changes in the position of visceral structures between the prone and LD patient positions in relation to the LLIF approach corridor. Compared with LD LLIF, the prone position results in a longer surgical corridor with a substantially smaller working window free of the colon, as evidenced by the significant and uniform posterior migration of the colon. Surgeons should be aware of the potential for increased visceral risks when performing LLIF in the prone position.

Level of Evidence.

Level II—prospective anatomical cohort study.
Pakistan fears a shortage of life-saving drugs in the wake of the ‘worst economic crisis’
Authors: Muzzamil Muhammad , Fatima Farwa , Irfan Sidra , Tahira Nusrat , Malikzai Abdullah
Published: January 2024

Objective:

In this study, we examine the issue in the context of Pakistan’s current economic situation, which is leading to a scarcity of essential goods like the raw materials used to create pharmaceuticals that save lives. Finding the problem’s root causes, consequences, and potential countermeasures.

Methods:

It is crucial to shed light on the efforts and challenges surrounding this topic to build and implement solutions based on research and accurately reflect the health industry’s current situation in light of Pakistan’s economic crisis. This brief summary follows standard procedures used in research papers, and we conducted extensive literature searches using PubMed, Google Scholar, Journals Online, and the Internet Library.

Results:

‘Drug scarcity in Pakistan’ yielded anticipated results. Pakistan’s population is growing rapidly, and so is its demand for and consumption of commodities. The economic collapse damaged foreign money and letters of credit, restricting the raw supplies of pharmaceutical materials from standing at port. These holdups are hindering the pharmaceutical industry from meeting patient demand for key drugs, which has a negative impact on the healthcare system as a whole.

Conclusion:

The pharmaceutical business was already struggling to keep up with demand before the current economic crisis. To avert life-threatening medicine shortages, policymakers must improve the supply chain, incentivize manufacturers to use effective quality control measures, and boost production. Medical personnel must be well-informed and trained to lessen health risks on the front lines.
Successfully treated anti-GAD limbic encephalitis in a 15-year-old diabetic boy with intravenous immunoglobulin: case report
Authors: Fattahzadeh Ardalani Ghassem , Samady Khanghah Ali , Jahanpanah Mohammad , Mokhtari Diana , Samady Khanghah Parisa
Published: January 2024

Introduction and importance:

Limbic encephalitides (LE) have symptoms and signs of new-onset seizures accompanied by cognitive impairment and signal changes in the MRI of the limbic system in the brain. Numerous antibodies against the neurons and synapses have been detected so far. Of those, antiglutamic acid decarboxylase antibody (Anti-GAD Ab) impairs the gamma amino butyric acid, one of the primary mediators that naturally prevents abnormal neuronal activity causing seizure.

Case presentation:

The authors have reported a case of anti-GAD Ab LE in a diabetic male adolescent who responded dramatically to intravenous immunoglobulin and reviewed all similar pediatric cases for 15 years now.

Clinical discussion:

The symptoms in children suffering from anti-GAD LE in three categories, systemic, psychiatric, and neurological, are heterogeneous. The most common manifestations were seizures followed by altered mental status and behavioral changes, respectively. The two main clinical scenarios described in GAD65-mediated autoimmune epilepsy are (1) an acute/subacute onset of seizures alone or seizures (including new-onset refractory status epilepticus, NORSE) accompanied by some degrees of cognitive and psychiatric manifestations, including amnesia and mesiotemporal inflammatory involvement consistent with LE and (2) epilepsy without clinical or MRI evidence of active central nervous system inflammation.

Conclusion:

Although rare, the neurologist should consider the potential role of anti-GAD ab-associated encephalitis in the presence of diabetes mellitus.
Prevalence and associated factors of postoperative nausea and vomiting among adult patients undergoing elective surgery
Authors: Timerga Sara , Befkadu Aynalem
Published: January 2024

Background:

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a surgical complication defined as any nausea, and vomiting with in the first 24–48 h after surgery in inpatients. Nausea is the unpleasant desire and urge to vomit, while vomiting is a forcing of gastric contents through the mouth. Nausea and vomiting is the most common complication associated anaesthesia and surgery in the postoperative period. It is considered one of the most common causes of morbidity, and it has significant effects on patient satisfaction.

Objective:

The study aimed to assess the incidence and associated factors of postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 February to 30 April 2022. All adult, elective patients who underwent elective surgery under anaesthesia during the study period were included. A total of 677 patients underwent elective surgery at the time of the study, of which 634 patients were included in the study. Data collection method included chart review and patient interview.

Result:

The overall prevalence of postoperative nausea and vomiting among post-surgical patients was 35.4%. Factors that had statistically significant relationship with PONV were history of motion sickness [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 4.04, 95% CI 1.486–10.988], smoking history (AOR 0.37, 95% CI 0.128–1.042) and intraoperative opioid use (AOR 3.59, 95% CI 1.345–9.618).

Conclusion:

The prevalence of this study is higher than studies conducted in the recent years. This result showed that the appropriate practice of PONV prophylactic regimens and anaesthesia management are required to decrease the risk of PONV.
Volume-based subglottic secretion drainage: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Du Jinlei , Chencong Nie , Wu Xiaoling
Published: January 2024

Background:

This study proposed to explore individual management mode for patients with subglottic secretion drainage.

Methods:

Randomly chosen within the hospital ICU 68 patients from 7 April to 15 June 2023, all the patients randomly assigned to the control group or observation group, and control group adopts the model of intermittent drainage management, observation group based on the volume of subglottic secretion in patients with individualized management, and then analysis the two groups of patients clinical trial results.

Results:

The clinical trial results showed that there were statistically significant differences (P<0.05) between the control group and the observation group in the incidence of tube blockage events (11 vs. 2), average diurnal pumping frequency (9 vs. 7, 5 vs. 4) between the two groups and the patient satisfaction scores (6 vs. 7), In the partial mucosa injure (22 vs 19) and VAP (5 vs. 1) there were no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). Although there was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) in the average aspiration volume (12.68±3.41 vs. 12.19±2.68, 8 vs. 8) between the two groups, but the management mode of the observation group indicated that based on patient secretion volume was more consistent with the characteristics of the body’s diurnal metabolic differences, because there was a big difference between the average total amount of daytime and nighttime suction between the two groups.

Conclusion:

Individualized management based on the volume of subglottic secretions produced by patients can further optimize the airway management of patients and reduce the risk of adverse events of subglottic secretions aspiration.
Three-dimensional printed exoskeletons and orthoses for the upper limb—A systematic review
Authors: Fernandes da Silva Joana Lima Grilo , Barroso Gonçalves Sérgio Miguel , Plácido da Silva Hugo Humberto , Tavares da Silva Miguel Pedro
Published: January 2024

This systematic review aims to assess and summarize the current landscape in exoskeletons and orthotic solutions developed for upper limb medical assistance, which are partly or fully produced using 3-dimensional printing technologies and contain at least the elbow or the shoulder joints. The initial search was conducted on Web of Science, PubMed, and IEEEXplore, resulting in 92 papers, which were reduced to 72 after removal of duplicates. From the application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria and selection questionnaire, 33 papers were included in the review, being divided according to the analyzed joints. The analysis of the selected papers allowed for the identification of different solutions that vary in terms of their target application, actuation type, 3-dimensional printing techniques, and material selection, among others. The results show that there has been far more research on the elbow joint than on the shoulder joint, which can be explained by the relative complexity of the latter. Moreover, the findings of this study also indicate that there is still a gap between the research conducted on these devices and their practical use in real-world conditions. Based on current trends, it is anticipated that the future of 3-dimensional printed exoskeletons will revolve around the use of flexible and high-performance materials, coupled with actuated devices. These advances have the potential to replace the conventional fabrication methods of exoskeletons with technologies based on additive manufacturing.
Complete genomes of Clostridium botulinum type B(F) isolates associated with a 1995 foodborne botulism outbreak from commercial pâté reveals a recombination event disrupting the ntnh gene
Authors: Harris Richard A. , Flint Annika , Blondin Brosseau Madeleine , Weedmark Kelly , Austin John W.
Published: January 2024

Foodborne botulism is a neuroparalytic disease caused by ingestion of foods contaminated with botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT), produced by

Clostridium botulinum

. In 1995 a husband and wife from Québec, Canada, were hospitalized for several months with prolonged muscle paralysis after ingesting a commercial pâté de campagne. Examination of faecal samples from both patients and the pâté produced viable Group I (proteolytic)

C. botulinum

type B from each of the three samples. Whole genome sequencing revealed that all three isolates contain identical bont/B5 and bont/F2 genes encoded on a plasmid. Both faecal isolate genomes were identical in chromosome and plasmid length, as well as gene content. The genome of the pâté isolate was nearly identical to that of the faecal isolates with the notable difference of a missing 13-gene insertion on the bont/B5 cluster disrupting the ntnh gene. Examination of the insertion revealed several mobile genetic elements that participate in recombination.
Lower negative bounds on the static electric susceptibility of nonequilibrium cubic crystals
Authors: Dutta R. , Wurzner P. D. , Castles F.
Published: January 2024

We use a classical, microscopic model of pointlike dipolarizable entities (a model that is standard in the case of positive polarizability) and investigate its behavior for simple cubic (sc), body-centered cubic (bcc), and face-centered cubic (fcc) crystals with one entity per primitive cell when the static polarizability of the entities is negative and the mutual electrostatic interaction between the entities is taken into account. We find that the static electric susceptibility is bounded below due to an instability towards self-polarization but negative values are possible in each case. The usual Clausius-Mossotti relation between the static polarizability and the static electric susceptibility remains valid in the case of negative parameters but is truncated at the lower bound; the value of the bound depends on the crystal structure and is always unrelated to the asymptote of the Clausius-Mossotti curve. The lower bounds of the static electric susceptibility are found to be −0.906 for sc and −1.00 for bcc and fcc. These results confirm that, although the magnitude of the static electric susceptibility does not diverge in the negative case (as it can in the positive case), the magnitudes attainable in the negative case for condensed media may, nevertheless, be many orders of magnitude greater than those predicted previously for inverted vapors and gases. This is a promising result in relation to the development of potential new technologies that exploit the phenomenon.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Corrections to the forward-limit dispersion relations for
γZ
-exchange contributions
Authors: Guo Qian-Qian , Zhou Hai-Qing
Published: January 2024

The weak charge of the proton Qw is one of the most fundamental quantities in physics. It can be determined by measuring the parity asymmetry APV in elastic ep scattering, where the γZ-exchange contributions are crucial. For the past fifteen years, dispersion relations (DRs) in the forward limit have been widely used as a model-independent method to estimate these contributions. In this work, we study corrections to these forward-limit DRs. We first estimate these corrections using pointlike interactions as an illustrative example. We then estimate the γZ-exchange contributions for the upcoming P2 experiment through both direct calculation and the forward-limit DRs, within the framework of low-energy effective interactions. The results indicate that the correction to the forward-limit DR for □γZV is around 47% for the upcoming P2 experiment, which will significantly modify the extracted value of Qw.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Number Density Interpretation of Dihadron Fragmentation Functions
Authors: Pitonyak D. , Cocuzza C. , Metz A. , Prokudin A. , Sato N.
Published: January 2024

We present a new quantum field-theoretic definition of fully unintegrated dihadron fragmentation functions (DiFFs) as well as a generalized version for n-hadron fragmentation functions. We demonstrate that this definition allows certain sum rules to be satisfied, making it consistent with a number density interpretation. Moreover, we show how our corresponding so-called extended DiFFs that enter existing phenomenological studies are number densities and also derive their evolution equations. Within this new framework, DiFFs extracted from experimental measurements will have a clear physical meaning.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Unidirectional Subsystem Symmetry in a Hole-Doped Honeycomb-Lattice Ising Magnet
Authors: Sanyal Sambuddha , Wietek Alexander , Sous John
Published: January 2024

We study a model of a hole-doped collinear Ising antiferromagnet on the honeycomb lattice as a route toward realization of subsystem symmetry. We find nearly exact conservation of dipole symmetry verified both numerically with exact diagonalization on finite clusters and analytically with perturbation theory. The emergent symmetry forbids the motion of single holes—or fractons—but allows hole pairs—or dipoles—to move freely along a one-dimensional line, the antiferromagnetic direction, of the system; in the transverse direction both fractons and dipoles are completely localized. This presents a realization of a “unidirectional” subsystem symmetry. By studying interactions between dipoles, we argue that the subsystem symmetry is likely to continue to persist up to finite (but probably small) hole concentrations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024