bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Axillary Skin Thickness by High-Frequency Ultrasound
Authors: Trindade de Almeida Ada Regina , Luíza de Souza Oliveira Virna , da Rocha e Souza Milena , Suarez Restrepo Maria Victoria , Rocha Vanessa Barreto
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND

High-frequency ultrasound has been utilized in dermatology to visualize superficial cutaneous structures. Axillae are often target of treatments for hair removal, for spot clearing, and for skin conditions such as hyperhidrosis, bromhidrosis, and hidradenitis. Detailed knowledge of armpit thickness can help improve existing therapies and increase their effectiveness.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the mean skin thickness of axillae, by further investigating possible correlations with variations in age, sex, and body mass index (BMI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Axillae were divided into 5 quadrants, 1 central and 4 peripherals. Skin has been assessed by ultrasonography, measuring the distance from epidermis surface to dermal depth, in millimeters, for each of the regions.

RESULTS

Thirty healthy patients participated, most of them were female (n = 22; 73%), mean age 50 years (26–70 years). Most patients have maximum thickness in the center of axillae (87%). Average skin thickness in the central region was 3.1 ± 0.4 mm. There was significant difference between axillary thickness in central and peripheral regions (p < .05). On the periphery, the mean thickness was smaller (1.8 mm) without significant variation between the squares. There was no significant variation of skin thickness by sex, age, and BMI.

CONCLUSION

This study shows a difference between thickness of axillae in the central region and in its periphery.
Loss of Functional Independence after Plastic Surgery in Older Patients: American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database
Authors: Panayi Adriana C. , Knoedler Samuel , Didzun Oliver , Ghanad Iman , Kneser Ulrich , Hundeshagen Gabriel , Orgill Dennis P , Bigdeli Amir K.
Published: September 2024

Background:

Maintenance of functional independence is an important patient-centered outcome. As the evidence on loss of independence (LOI) in older patients undergoing plastic surgery is lacking, this study investigates the extent of LOI, identifying factors associated with LOI.

Methods:

The 2021–2022 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was searched to identify patients (>65 years old) who underwent plastic surgery and provided data on their functional independence. The primary outcome was LOI on discharge. Data on perioperative factors, including patient characteristics and comorbidities, surgical details, and outcome measures such as operation time, length of hospital stay, surgical and medical complications, mortality, and discharge destination were extracted.

Results:

Of 2112 patients who underwent plastic surgery, most were independent on discharge (n = 1838, 87%). A total of 163 patients lost their independence (LOI rate: 7.7%). Patients discharged as dependent were more likely to have experienced surgical and medical complications, and less likely to be discharged home (all <0.0001). Factors independently associated with LOI included age (1.08, P = 0.0001), a history of a fall within the last 6 months (2.01, P = 0.03), inpatient setting (2.30, P = 0.0002), operation time (1.00, P = 0.01), and length of hospital stay (1.13, P = 0.0001).

Conclusions:

Approximately 8% of older patients undergoing plastic surgery are found to be at risk of postsurgical LOI. Future prospective and multicenter studies should evaluate the risks for short- and long-term LOI with the goal of developing interventions that optimize the care for this patient population.
HEAR-MHE study: Automated speech analysis identifies minimal hepatic encephalopathy and may predict future overt hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Bloom Patricia P. , Fisher Caitlyn J. , Tedesco Nicholas , Kamdar Neil , Garrido-Trevino Luis , Robin Jessica , Asrani Sumeet K. , Lok Anna S.
Published: September 2024

Background and Aims:

HE is a major cause of poor quality of life in patients with cirrhosis. A simple diagnostic test to identify minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) and predict future overt HE (OHE) is lacking. We aimed to evaluate if analysis of speech patterns using a modern speech platform (1) correlates with validated HE tests, (2) correlates with MHE, and (3) predicts future OHE.

Approach and Results:

In a two-center prospective cohort study of 200 outpatients with cirrhosis and 50 controls, patients underwent baseline speech recording and validated HE diagnostic testing with psychometric HE score. Patients were followed for 6 months to identify episodes of OHE. Seven hundred fifty-two speech variables were extracted using an automated speech analysis platform, reflecting the acoustic, lexical, and semantic aspects of speech. Patients with cirrhosis were median 63 years old (IQR 54, 68), 49.5% (99) were female. Over 100 speech variables were significantly associated with psychometric HE score (p <0.05 with false discovery rate adjustment). A three-variable speech model (2 acoustic, 1 speech tempo variable) was similar to animal naming test in predicting MHE (AUC 0.76 vs. 0.69; p=0.11). Adding age and MELD-Na improved the accuracy of the speech model (AUC: 0.82). A combined clinical-speech model (“HEAR-MHE model”) predicted time to OHE with a concordance of 0.74 (p=0.06).

Conclusions:

Automated speech analysis is highly correlated with validated HE tests, associated with MHE, and may predict future OHE. Future research is needed to validate this tool and to understand how it can be implemented in clinical practice.
Psychological Assessment for Gender-Affirming Care in Transgender and Nonbinary Youth: The Companionship Model
Authors: Lee Joonwoo , Kim Hyun-Hee , Budge Stephanie L.
Published: September 2024

This article introduces The Companionship Model as a template for conducting ethical and affirming assessment sessions for transgender and nonbinary youths (TNBY) and their guardians. The Companionship Model emphasizes proactive clinical companionship as TNBY and their guardians navigate access to gender-affirming care. The model offers specific action steps for establishing a therapeutic alliance and centers TNBY and their guardians’ access to resources based on the informed consent/assent process. In this article, we provide sample session questions and illustrative clinical examples.
Novel Trephine for Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty Surgery Improves Surgical Preparation Time and Graft Quality: Pilot Data From the “Number 7” Endothelial Keratoplasty Trephine
Authors: Samarawickrama Chameen
Published: September 2024

Purpose:

To report the safety and efficacy of a novel asymmetric marking trephine for Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) tissue preparation. The trephine design incorporates optimized curves to distribute mechanical forces and minimize the risk of tears without loss of total endothelial cell volume transplanted compared with a standard 8.00 mm circular transplant.

Methods:

A retrospective case series of 40 consecutive DMEK operations comparing 20 cases using the “Number 7” trephine against 20 using a modified shark fin technique as standard. Patient and donor characteristics, tissue preparation time and complications, total surgical time, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and endothelial cell counts at 3 months postsurgery are reported.

Results:

DMEK tissue preparation was significantly faster using the “Number 7” trephine (5.4 vs. 7.6 minutes,P= 0.008). Further, fewer complications arose during tissue preparation (0 vs. 2 complications) despite the faster preparation time. Total surgical time was similar between techniques; however, time spent manipulating the graft was reduced (5.1 vs. 6.8 minutes,P= 0.007) primarily because of the lower tissue preparation complications. Fewer postoperative complications were observed (1 vs. 3, of which 1 in the standard technique group requiring a redo-DMEK), again due to the reduced tissue preparation complications. The 3-month endothelial cell count was comparable between techniques (P> 0.05).

Conclusions:

Use of the “Number 7” trephine led to faster and safer DMEK tissue preparation, which in turn reduced graft manipulation times and postoperative complications without compromising total endothelial cell volume transplanted. This novel device is ideal for use by surgeons who prepare their own DMEK tissue and within tissue banks who provide prestripped and preloaded DMEK tissue.
Biomarkers of COVID-19 short-term worsening: a multiparameter analysis within the prospective multicenter COVIDeF cohort
Authors: Cancella de Abreu Marta , Ropers Jacques , Oueidat Nathalie , Pieroni Laurence , Frère Corinne , Fontenay Michaela , Torelino Krystel , Chauvin Anthony , Hekimian Guillaume , Marcelin Anne-Geneviève , Parfait Beatrice , Tubach Florence , Hausfater Pierre ,   for the COVIDeF study group
Published: September 2024

Background

During a pandemic like COVID-19, hospital resources are constrained and accurate severity triage of the patients is required.

Objective

The objective of this study is to estimate the predictive performances of candidate biomarkers for short-term worsening (STW) of COVID-19.

Design

Prospective, multicenter (20 hospitals in Paris) cohort study of consecutive COVID-19 patients with systematic biobanking at admission, during the first waves of COVID-19 in France in 2020 (COVIDeF cohort).

Setting and participants

Consecutive COVID-19 patients were screened for inclusion. They were excluded in presence of severity criteria defined by either an ICU admission, mechanical ventilation (including noninvasive ventilation), acute respiratory distress, or in-hospital death before sampling. Routine blood tests measured during usual care and centralized systematic measurement of creatine kinase, C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin, soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR), high-sensitive troponin T (TnT-hs), N terminal pro-B natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), calprotectin, platelet factor 4, mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM), and proendothelin were performed.

Outcome measures and analyses

The primary outcome was STW, defined by a severity criteria within 7 days. A backward stepwise logistic regression model and a ‘best subset’ approach were used to identify independent association, and the area under the receiving operator characteristics (AUROC) was computed.

Results

Five hundred and eleven patients were analyzed, of whom 60 (11.7%) experienced STW. Median time to occurrence of a severity criteria was 3 days. At admission, lower values of eosinophils, lymphocytes, platelets, alanine aminotransferase, and higher values of neutrophils, creatinine, urea, CRP, TnT-hs, suPAR, NT-proBNP, calprotectin, procalcitonin, MR-proADM, and proendothelin were predictive of worsening. Stepwise logistic regression identified three biomarkers significantly associated with worsening: CRP [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.10, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.06–1.15 for a 10-unit increase, AUROC: 0.73 (0.66–0.79)], procalcitonin [aOR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.22–0.81, AUROC: 0.69 (0.64–0.88)], and MR-proADM [aOR: 2.85, 95% CI: 1.74–4.69, AUROC: 0.75 (0.69–0.81)]. These biomarkers outperformed clinical variables except diabetes and cancer comorbidities.

Conclusion

In this multicenter prospective study that assessed a large panel of biomarkers for COVID-19 patients, CRP, procalcitonin, and MR-proADM were independently associated with the risk of STW.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04352348.
Perioperative platform for muscle-invasive bladder cancer trials: designs and endpoints
Authors: Laukhtina Ekaterina , Moschini Marco , Teoh Jeremy Yuen-Chun , Shariat Shahrokh F.
Published: September 2024

Purpose of review

This review explores the design and endpoints of perioperative platforms in clinical trials for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC).

Recent findings

The choice of clinical trial design in perioperative platforms for MIBC must align with specific research objectives to ensure robust and meaningful outcomes. Novel designs in perioperative platforms for MIBC integrate bladder-sparing approaches. Primary endpoints such as pathological complete response and disease-free survival are highlighted for their role in expediting trial results in perioperative setting. Incorporating patient-reported outcomes is important to inform healthcare decision makers about the outcomes most meaningful to patients. Given the growing body of evidence, potential biomarkers, predictive and prognostic tools should be considered and implemented when designing trials in perioperative platforms for MIBC.

Effective perioperative platforms for MIBC trials are critical in enhancing patient outcomes. The careful selection and standardization of study designs and endpoints in the perioperative platform are essential for the successful implementation of new therapies and the advancement of personalized treatment approaches in MIBC.
Insights on Excellence
Authors: Porter-O'Grady Tim , Pappas Sharon
Published: September 2024

As the Commission on Magnet® considers updates to the Magnet Recognition Program®, a new lens is suggested to both conceptualize and structure the program for more relevant metrics of excellence going forward. By focusing on exemplars of excellence that demonstrate a more outward view and the foundational role of nurses in advancing the health of society, the construct of excellence becomes more impactful and reflective of the real value of nurses and their role in these endeavors.
Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Stage I Ovarian Clear Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Horikawa Naoki , Inayama Yoshihide , Otsuki Miki , Yamauchi Kota , Mizuno Yukako , Kiyoshige Saya , Taga Yukiko , Yamano Kazuki , Umemiya Maki , Matsubara Motonori , Yamanishi Yukio , Ashihara Takahito , Emoto Ikuko , Mandai Masaki , Kosaka Kenzo , Yamaguchi Ken ,   for the KAMOGAWA Study Group
Published: September 2024

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the association between postoperative chemotherapy and the prognosis of patients with stage I ovarian clear cell carcinoma.

METHODS:

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with stage I ovarian clear cell carcinoma who underwent surgery, including hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, between 2005 and 2019 at 11 affiliated institutions. Patients with preoperative lymph node enlargement, and those who underwent fertility-sparing surgery were excluded. The primary outcome was disease-free survival and overall survival, and was investigated as a secondary outcome. We used propensity score overlap weighting to adjust for confounding factors and estimated the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for the disease-free and overall survival of patients in the control group that did not receive chemotherapy and in the platinum-based multiagent chemotherapy group during the follow-up period.

RESULTS:

In total, 283 patients (64 in the control group and 219 in the chemotherapy group) were included. Five-year disease-free survival was 0.77 (95% CI, 0.66–0.89) in the control group and 0.86 (95% CI, 0.81–0.91) in the chemotherapy group. The unadjusted HR was 0.69 (95% CI, 0.36–1.32; P=.26). After adjustment, patients who received chemotherapy had a significantly lower risk of recurrence than those in the control group (weighted HR for disease-free survival: 0.43; 95% CI, 0.20–0.90; P=.026). There was no difference in overall survival (weighted HR 0.68; 95% CI, 0.27–1.69; P=.40).

CONCLUSION:

Postoperative platinum-based multiagent chemotherapy was associated with improved disease-free survival. These findings provide crucial information for shared decision-making regarding whether to undergo adjuvant chemotherapy.
Clinicopathologic Analysis of HPV-Related Primary Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Thyroid
Authors: Zhou Chen , Li Feng , Chen Gang , Wu Chao , Jiang Jin-Gui , Duan Jing-Ling
Published: September 2024

Objective:

This study aims to explore the clinical and pathologic characteristics of HPV-related primary thyroid squamous cell carcinoma (PSCCT), a rare tumor classified by WHO-5 as a subtype of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC).

Methods:

Clinical data, histomorphology, immunohistochemistry, HPV detection, and B-raf gene point mutations of 3 PSCCT cases were analyzed. Subsequent follow-up was conducted post-treatment.

Results:

All 3 cases involved female patients aged between 60 and 76. Microscopic examination revealed squamous cell carcinoma in cases 1 and 3, whereas case 2 exhibited both squamous cell carcinoma and papillary thyroid carcinoma components. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated CK19, PAX8, and TTF1 expression in the papillary thyroid carcinoma component, and CK5/6, p63, p40, and PAX8 expression in the squamous cell carcinoma component. P16 exhibited diffuse positivity in both squamous cell carcinoma and classic papillary carcinoma. HPV analysis identified low-risk type 6 positivity in cases 1 and 3, while both squamous cell carcinoma and papillary carcinoma areas in case 2 were positive for HPV-33. B-raf gene mutation was exclusive to case 2.

Conclusion:

Diagnosis of PSCCT necessitates multidisciplinary assessment, incorporating clinical symptoms, imaging, histomorphology, and immunohistochemistry. This study, for the first time, reveals the presence of HPV DNA in both PTC and PSCCT, occurring concurrently but separately. Given the limited scope of 3 case reports, definitive conclusions cannot be drawn, warranting further investigation.
Risk of Urinary Tract Infection and Bacteremia in Infants Infected With COVID-19
Authors: Mendez Donna R. , Paul Krishna , Richardson Joan , Jehle Dietrich
Published: September 2024

Objective:

Our objective was to evaluate the risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) and bacteremia in infants 1 year or less of age infected with COVID-19.

Methods:

This was a retrospective study from TriNetX database in the United States. This study was from March 11, 2020, to May 11, 2023, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients were included if they were infants, 1 year or less, had a fever, and had a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction test 1 week before or after presentation to the emergency department (ED) or hospital. We compared outcomes of bacteremia and a UTI in those with COVID-19 and those without COVID-19. Propensity matching was done to account for the confounders of age, gender, race, immune disorders, genitourinary abnormalities, preterm birth, and circumcision.

Results:

Infants who were positive for COVID-19 were at a reduced risk of UTI and bacteremia. There was a significant decreased risk of having a UTI if one had COVID-19 (1.0%) versus those without COVID-19 (2.3%) (risk ratio = 0.37, 95% confidence interval = 0.37–0.50, P < 0.001). For bacteremia, there was also a decreased risk if the infant had COVID-19 (0.4%), versus those without COVID-19 (0.5%) (risk ratio = 0.74, 95% confidence interval = 0.56–0.97, P = 0.03).

Conclusions:

Infants with fever found to have COVID-19 had lower risks of UTI and bacteremia.
Single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis of the effects of frozen-thawed embryo transfer on the transcriptome of trophoblasts
Authors: Su Kai-Zhen , Luo Chuan , Chen Siyue , Zhang Siwei , Li Cheng , Wu Yan-Ting
Published: September 2024

Objectives:

Frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) is widely used in in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinics but is associated with an increased risk of several pregnancy complications, including large-for-gestational age and placenta-related diseases. However, the effects of FET on placentation remain unclear. Therefore, we used single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology to investigate the impact of FET on placental gene expression in different subtypes of trophoblasts.

Methods:

A mouse model of IVF and FET was constructed to collect placenta tissues. scRNA-seq was performed on placentas from two dams undergoing IVF-embryo transfer and two dams undergoing IVF-FET. Differentially expressed gene (DEG) analyses were performed in different subtypes of trophoblasts. Identified DEGs were PCR validated.

Results:

The fetal weights and placental efficiency were higher in the FET group than those on the IVF group at E18.5, with no significant difference in placental weights. Subsequently, 55,406 placental cells were captured and annotated. Upregulated DEGs in the FET group in syncytiotrophoblasts (SynTs) and sinusoidal trophoblast giant cells (S-TGCs) within the placental labyrinth were enriched in pathways related to vascular development and oxidative stress, respectively. The expression of the imprinted gene Igf2 in SynTs, S-TGCs, and spongiotrophoblasts was significantly increased. In the junctional zone, FET upregulated the expression of prolactin genes such as Prl3b1 in glycogen trophoblasts (GlyTs) while the downregulated expression of GlyT genes following FET was associated with mesenchyme development.

Conclusion:

This study first identifies DEGs and enriched pathways in different subtypes of trophoblasts following FET. These genes and pathways may contribute to the increased placental efficiency and fetal weights. Future studies are required to confirm these results and further explore the key mechanisms in placental pathologies.
Demystifying Velopharyngeal Dysfunction for Plastic Surgery Trainees Part 3: Objective Assessment and Surgical Decision-Making
Authors: MacIsaac Molly F. , Wright Joshua M. , Vieux Jamilla , Rottgers S. Alex , Halsey Jordan N.
Published: September 2024

Velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD) is the inability to achieve proper closure of the velopharyngeal (VP) port, affecting speech and swallowing. After an auditory-perceptual speech evaluation by a speech-language pathologist, objective assessment of the VP port is required to determine the need for surgical intervention. This 3-part series provides a comprehensive discussion on (1) the anatomy and physiology of the velopharyngeal mechanism; (2) fundamental speech terminology and principles of perceptual speech assessment for VPD; and (3) techniques for objective evaluation of the VP port and surgical decision-making process. In part 3, the authors focus on the modalities for objective VP port assessment, including both direct and indirect methods. Direct imaging techniques such as videofluoroscopy, nasoendoscopy, and MRI are detailed for their strengths and limitations in visualizing VP port function and preoperative planning. Indirect assessments, including nasometry and aerodynamic measurements, are also briefly discussed. The decision-making process for surgical intervention is explored, emphasizing factors such as the severity and etiology of VPD, VP closure patterns, palatal length, orientation of the levator veli palatini, and other patient-specific considerations. The authors review the surgical options for repair including palatoplasty procedures (Furlow palatoplasty, straight-line intravelar veloplasty, and palatal lengthening buccal myomucosal flaps) and pharyngoplasty procedures (posterior pharyngeal flaps and sphincter pharyngoplasty), highlighting their indications, techniques, and potential complications. This series serves as an accessible resource, providing the foundational knowledge required for surgical trainees new to this topic.
A Prospective Study of Acupuncture Combined With Modified Blood and Vessel Expelling Blood Stasis Tang in Treating Poststroke Facial Paralysis With Insomnia
Authors: Sun Ran , Jiang Zefei , Sun Yiming
Published: September 2024

Objective:

This study aimed to assess the clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined with modified Blood and Vessel Expelling Blood Stasis Tang in the treatment of poststroke patients experiencing facial paralysis and insomnia.

Methods:

A total of 120 patients with poststroke facial paralysis and insomnia were selected from the Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion at the First Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between January 2021 and January 2023. They were randomly assigned to either a control group or a study group, with 60 patients in each group. The control group received conventional treatment, while the study group received acupuncture combined with modified Blood and Vessel Expelling Blood Stasis Tang. The neurological function, facial paralysis, and sleep quality of the patients in both groups were compared.

Results:

The study group exhibited a significantly higher total effective rate compared with the control group (86.67% versus 66.67%). After treatment, both groups showed a significant reduction in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores, with the study group demonstrating significantly lower scores than the control group. The Functional Disability Index scores for somatic functioning and social life functioning significantly improved in both groups after treatment, with the study group achieving significantly lower scores compared with the control group. The Sleep-Related Symptom Scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores significantly decreased in both groups after treatment, with the study group achieving significantly lower scores than the control group.

Conclusions:

Acupuncture combined with modified Blood and Vessel Expelling Blood Stasis Tang effectively promotes recovery of neurological function and significantly improves facial paralysis and insomnia in patients with poststroke facial paralysis and insomnia. However, further research is warranted to validate these findings.
Effect of Different Insertion Methods on LMA Protector-Related Complications: A Prospective Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trail
Authors: Liu Shu-Jie , Xiong Si-Yi , Yu Lu , Liu Ying , Zhang Xin-Yi , Chai Ming-Xiao , Xu Pei-Qi , Shi Jing-Hui
Published: September 2024

Objective:

The authors compared the effect of 2 insertion methods, namely the conventional laryngeal mask airway (LMA) insertion and the index finger–assisted LMA insertion, on the incidence of complications associated with LMA Protector insertion.

Methods:

The authors enrolled 300 patients, who underwent painless bronchoscopy. The patients ranged in age between 18 and 75 and were classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists grade I to III. They were randomly divided into 2 groups: a control group of 150 patients and an assisted group comprising 150 patients. LMA was inserted using the conventional and index finger–assisted insertion methods in both groups, respectively. The primary outcome was postoperative complications, such as oral mucosal injury and pharyngeal pain. Secondary outcomes included the success rate of first-time insertion, the incidence rate of inverse folding of LMA tips, oropharyngeal leak pressure (OLP), and other postoperative complications.

Results:

Compared with the conventional LMA insertion method, index finger–assisted LMA insertion can significantly reduce the incidence rate of oral mucosal injury and pharyngeal pain, with fewer insertion failures. There was a statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in the visual field grading before adjustment for LMA alignment (P<0.0001). The conventional insertion method increased the likelihood of inverse folding of LMA tips. When the conventional insertion method was utilized, there was a significant difference in airway pressure and tidal volume before and after alignment under a fiberoptic bronchoscope (P<0.0001), but no significant difference in visual field grading and respiratory mechanics-related indicators.

Conclusions:

Index finger–assisted insertion can significantly reduce the incidence rate of LMA Protector-related complications and inverse folding of LMA tips.
Dynamic Pathology of Enteric Neural Network using Curcumin-assisted Multiphoton Laser Imaging in Hirschsprung Disease
Authors: Koike Yuhki , Mizoguchi Akira , Uchida Keiichi , Sato Yuki , Higashi Koki , Nagano Yuka , Matsushita Kohei , Sai Kousyoku , Kaito-Yamagishi Aika , Wang Shujie , Kayahara Tetsuro , Okugawa Yoshinaga , Tanaka Kyosuke , Inoue Mikihiro , Funabiki Kazuo , Kimura Kazushi , Goto Hidemasa , Yuge Mizuki , Nishimura Yuhei , Yuasa Hiroto , Toiyama Yuji
Published: September 2024

Objective:

In living tissue, it has been difficult to make microscopic-level observations without damaging the tissue.

Summary background data:

We have invented a novel intravital fluorescent observation method (IFOM) for real-time tissue observation, combining multi-photon laser scanning microscopy (MPLSM) with curcumin vital staining (CVS-IFOM). The aim of this study was to use CVS-IFOM to analyze the enteric nervous system (ENS) in mice and human patients with hypoganglionosis and Hirschsprung disease.

Methods:

In an initial viability study, we compared live ENS images from non-fluorescent C57BL6 mice stained with curcumin (n=5) and GFP mice (n=5) using MPLSM. We then explored CVS-IFOM for the live examination of resected colon tissues from one hypoganglionosis and three Hirschsprung disease patients.

Results:

In the viability study, detailed ENS histological features were only observed in the curcumin-stained mice. In the hypoganglionosis patient, CVS-IFOM provided ENS details that were not visualized under H&E staining or calretinin immunohistochemistry, allowing the analysis of ENS size, neural bundle number, and neural cell number per plexus. In Hirschsprung disease patients, CVS-IFOM showed a gradual hypoplastic change in the ENS from the oral wedge to the anal wedge, detecting disproportionate changes in the ENS within the same intestinal level, supporting a circumferentially uneven distribution of the intestinal ENS.

Conclusion:

CVS-IFOM may be supportive for intraoperative pathological diagnosis during surgeries in Hirschsprung disease.
The RNA helicase HrpA rescues collided ribosomes inE. coli
Authors: Campbell Annabelle , Esser Hanna F. , Burroughs A. Maxwell , Berninghausen Otto , Aravind L. , Becker Thomas , Green Rachel , Beckmann Roland , Buskirk Allen R.
Published: September 2024

Although many antibiotics inhibit bacterial ribosomes, loss of known factors that rescue stalled ribosomes does not lead to robust antibiotic sensitivity inE. coli, suggesting the existence of additional mechanisms. Here, we show that the RNA helicase HrpA rescues stalled ribosomes inE. coli.Acting selectively on ribosomes that have collided, HrpA uses ATP hydrolysis to split stalled ribosomes into subunits. Cryo-EM structures reveal how HrpA simultaneously binds to two collided ribosomes, explaining its selectivity, and how its helicase module engages downstream mRNA, such that by exerting a pulling force on the mRNA, it would destabilize the stalled ribosome. These studies show that ribosome splitting is a conserved mechanism that allows proteobacteria to tolerate ribosome-targeting antibiotics.
Synapse-to-synapse plasticity variability balanced to generate input-wide constancy of transmitter release
Authors: Aghi Krisha , Schultz Ryan , Newman Zachary L. , Mendonça Philipe , Li Rachel , Bakshinska Dariya , Isacoff Ehud Y.
Published: September 2024

Basal synaptic strength can vary greatly between synapses formed by an individual neuron because of diverse probabilities of action potential (AP) evoked transmitter release (Pr). Optical quantal analysis on large numbers of identifiedDrosophilalarval glutamatergic synapses shows that short-term plasticity (STP) also varies greatly between synapses made by an individual type I motor neuron (MN) onto a single body wall muscle. Synapses with high and lowPrand different forms and level of STP have a random spatial distribution in the MN nerve terminal, and ones with very different properties can be located within 200 nm of one other. While synapses start off with widely diverse basalPrat low MN AP firing frequency and changePrdifferentially when MN firing frequency increases, the overall distribution ofPrremains remarkably constant due to a balance between the numbers of synapses that facilitate and depress as well as their degree of change and basal synaptic weights. This constancy in transmitter release can ensure robustness across changing behavioral conditions.
Trojan-horse attack on a real-world quantum key distribution system: Theoretical and experimental security analysis
Authors: Sushchev Ivan S. , Bulavkin Daniil S. , Bugai Kirill E. , Sidelnikova Anna S. , Dvoretskiy Dmitriy A.
Published: September 2024

This paper presents a theoretical and experimental demonstration of a security analysis of a Trojan-horse attack (THA) on a real-world quantum key distribution (QKD) system. We show that the upper bound on the information leakage depends solely on the fidelity between the states of the adversary. We find the lower bound for fidelity between THA states in both the polarization- and phase-coding BB84 protocols, considering both pure and mixed states. Our bounds depend only on the mean photon number per pulse available to an adversary. We also present an experimental analysis of a QKD system, including optical time-domain reflectometry measurements with centimeter resolution and spectral transmittance measurements for optical defense elements ranging from 1100 to 1800 nm with a noise floor lower than −100 dB. Finally, by considering the optimal attack, we obtain the value of the mean photon number per pulse available to an adversary and calculate the key leakage that needs to be eliminated during the privacy amplification procedure.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Mass spectra of strange double charm pentaquarks with strangeness
S=−1
Authors: Yang Zi-Yan , Wang Qian , Chen Wei
Published: September 2024

The observation of the Tcs¯(2900) indicates the potential existence of strange double charm pentaquarks based on the heavy antidiquark symmetry. We systematically study the mass spectra of strange double charm pentaquarks with strangeness S=−1 in both molecular and compact structures for quantum numbers JP=1/2−, 3/2−, 5/2−. By constructing the interpolating currents, the mass spectra can be extracted from the two-point correlation functions in the framework of QCD sum rule method. In the molecular picture, we find that the Ξc′+D*+, Ξc*+D*+, Ξcc*++K¯*0, and Ωcc*+ρ+ may form molecular strange double charm pentaquarks. In both pictures, the masses of the JP=1/2−,3/2− pentaquarks locate within the 4.2–4.6 GeV and 4.2–4.5 GeV regions, respectively. As all of them are above the thresholds of their strong decay channels, they behave as a broad state, making them challenging to be detected experimentally. On the other hand, the strange double charm pentaquark with JP=5/2− lies below its strong decay channel, which may be a very narrow state and easy to identify experimentally. The best observed channel is its semileptonic decay to double charm baryon. As the result, we strongly suggest experiments to search for JP=5/2− strange double charm pentaquarks first.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Complexity equals anything can grow forever in de Sitter space
Authors: Aguilar-Gutierrez Sergio E. , Heller Michal P. , Van der Schueren Silke
Published: September 2024

Recent developments in anti–de Sitter holography point towards the association of an infinite class of covariant objects, the simplest one being codimension-one extremal volumes, with quantum computational complexity in the microscopic description. One of the defining features of these gravitational complexity proposals is describing the persistent growth of black hole interior in classical gravity. It is tempting to assume that the gravitational complexity proposals apply also to gravity outside their native anti–de Sitter setting in which case they may reveal new truths about these cases with much less understood microscopics. Recent first steps in this direction in de Sitter static patch demonstrated a very different behavior from anti–de Sitter holography deemed hyperfast growth; diverging complexification rate after a finite time. We show that this feature is not a necessity and among gravitational complexity proposals there are ones, that predict linear or exponential late-time growth behaviors for complexity in de Sitter static patches persisting classically forever.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Electrothermal filamentation of igniting plasmas
Authors: Martin H. , Paddock R. W. , von der Leyen M. W. , Eliseev V. , Ruskov R. T. , Timmis R. , Lee J. J. , James A. , Norreys P. A.
Published: September 2024

Dense, hot plasmas are susceptible to the electrothermal instability: a collisional process which permits temperature perturbations in electron currents to grow. It is shown here that linearizing a system comprised of two opposing currents and a mobile ion background as three distinct fluids yields unstable modes with rapid growth rates (∼1013s−1) for wavenumbers below a threshold kth. An analytical threshold condition is derived, this being surpassed for typical hot-spot and shell parameters. Particle-in-cell simulations successfully benchmark the predicted growth rates and threshold behavior. Electrothermal filamentation within the shell will impact the burn wave propagation into the cold fuel and resulting burn dynamics.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Parametrically enhancing sensor sensitivity at an exceptional point
Authors: Djorwé P. , Asjad M. , Pennec Y. , Dutykh D. , Djafari-Rouhani B.
Published: September 2024

We propose a scheme to enhance the sensitivity of non-Hermitian optomechanical mass sensors. The benchmark system consists of two coupled optomechanical systems where the mechanical resonators are mechanically coupled. The optical cavities are driven either by a blue-detuned or red-detuned laser to produce gain and loss, respectively. Moreover, the mechanical resonators are parametrically driven through the modulation of their spring constant. For a specific strength of the optical driving field and without parametric driving, the system features an exceptional point (EP). Any perturbation to the mechanical frequency (dissipation) induces a splitting (shifting) of the EP, which scales as the square root of the perturbation strength, resulting in a sensitivity-factor enhancement compared with conventional optomechanical sensors. The sensitivity enhancement induced by the shifting scenario is weak as compared to the one based on the splitting phenomenon. By switching on parametric driving, the sensitivity of both sensing schemes is greatly improved, yielding to a better performance of the sensor. We have also confirmed these results through an analysis of the output spectra and the transmissions of the optical cavities. In addition to enhancing EP sensitivity, our scheme also reveals nonlinear effects on sensing under splitting and shifting scenarios. This work sheds light on mechanisms of enhancing the sensitivity of non-Hermitian mass sensors, paving a way to improve sensors performance for better nanoparticles or pollutants detection and for water treatment.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Universality classes in out-of-equilibrium systems: An encompassing theorem for a one-dimensional fusing particles model
Authors: Fraiman Daniel
Published: September 2024

This paper supports the idea that some out-of-equilibrium systems can be described by universality classes. A specific out-of-equilibrium fusing particles model is studied in detail, resulting in a method for determining the number and mass of the final particles based solely on the initial conditions, eliminating the need to evolve the particle system. This method reveals the basis for a universality class encompassing theorem, which is developed to define other models within the same universality class. This result establishes an infinite number of models with the same behavior and scaling, two of which are described in detail.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Enhancing the corrosion resistance of a novel bio-compatible Mg-1Zn-0.45Ca alloy in simulated body fluid by a phosphate treated PEO coating
Authors: Liu Kexin , Meng Shuhan , Zhang Yi , Zhou Peng , Zhang Tao , Wang Fuhui
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) coatings and sealed PEO coatings on the corrosion resistance and cytocompatibility of a novel Mg-1Zn-0.45Ca alloy in simulated body fluid (SBF).

Design/methodology/approach

The microstructure, corrosion resistance and cytocompatibility of PEO coatings and phosphate conversion-treated PEO coatings were investigated and was compared with the bare Mg alloy.

Findings

The hot-extruded Mg-Zn-Ca alloy exhibit inhomogeneous microstructure and suffered from localized corrosion in the SBF. The PEO coating after phosphate conversion treatment offers enhanced protectiveness to the Mg alloy within an immersion period of up to 60 days, which is significantly improved compared with the performance of the PEO-coated Mg alloy, but the cytocompatibility was slightly decreased.

Originality/value

This work offers new perspective in balancing the protectiveness and cytocompatibility of bio-materials.
Integrating urban air mobility into smart cities: a proposal for relevant use cases in the next decades
Authors: Di Vito Vittorio , Dziugiel Bartosz , Melo Sandra , Ten Thije Jens T. , Duca Gabriella , Liberacki Adam , Hesselink Henk , Giannuzzi Michele , Menichino Aniello , Montaquila Roberto Valentino , Cerasuolo Giovanni , Witkowska-Konieczny Adriana
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Urban air mobility (UAM) development and deployment into future cities is gaining increasing and relevant interest in the past years. This study, a conceptual paper, aims to report the high-level description of the most relevant UAM application use cases (UCs) emerging from the research activities carried out in the ASSURED UAM project.

Design/methodology/approach

The UAM application UCs have been obtained from the ASSURED UAM project dedicated activities that have been carried out to, first, develop suitable operational concepts for UAM deployment in the next decades and, then, to further refine and design the most relevant UCs for UAM deployment in the next decades, leading to the public issue of dedicated overall document.

Findings

The ASSURED UAM UCs for UAM deployment in the next decades encompass both public (point-to-point, point-to-everywhere, direct medical transport of people) and private (direct last-mile delivery, advanced last-mile delivery, automatic personal aerial transportation) services applications, evolving in incremental way over time according to three considered time horizons (2025, 2030 and 2035), toward progressive integration into metropolitan transport system.

Originality/value

This paper provides final outline of the ASSURED UAM UCs, starting from the analysis of overall identified possible UAM applications, focusing on the description of the six main UCs considered as relevant for the application under the wider societal benefits point of view. The UCs are described in terms of expected operational environment, needed technological enablers and envisaged regulatory implications.
Enhancing brand experience and brand authenticity through octomodal mental imagery: the moderating role of social presence
Authors: Ghorbanzadeh Davood , Abdullaev Diyorjon , Chandra Teddy , Abdelsamie Allam Eiman Abdelgabr , Abbas Mazhar
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study investigated the impact of octomodal mental imagery (OMI) on brand experience and authenticity in advocating sustainable development and responding to the lack of brand experience and customers’ growing demand for authentic brands.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on quantitative research and convenience sampling, data for the study were collected from 480 marketing students in Tehran, Iran. The research model is tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The results showed that all the sensory attributes of OMI positively influenced consumers’ brand experience. Among the structural attributes of OMI, only spatial mental imagery positively influenced consumers’ brand experience, while autonomy and kinesthetic mental imagery did not have a significant effect. This study also found that consumers’ brand experience positively influenced brand authenticity, while social presence positively moderated the relationship.

Originality/value

This study provides branding managers and scholars with a new reference point and scientific data support for companies to implement brand strategies and marketing models, which helps brands maintain sustainable development in a competitive business environment.
Poor-quality jobs and economic disadvantage in the United States’ spectator sports industry
Authors: McLeod Christopher M. , Paulsen Richard J. , Hindman Lauren C.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

To examine objective measures of economic job quality for a broad sample of workers in the US spectator sports industry and compare job quality in spectator sports to other industries.

Design/methodology/approach

Logistic and linear regressions are performed on American Community Survey (ACS) data collected from 2015 to 2019. Earnings and employer provision of health insurance are the outcomes.

Findings

Earnings and employer-provided health insurance are lower in the spectator sports industry than in other industries after controlling for relevant factors. Differences are partly explained by the occupational composition of the industry and the higher incidence of part-time work. Many but not all occupational groups have lower earnings and less employer-provided health insurance in sports.

Research limitations/implications

ACS data only reports one job, so the results likely underestimate the prevalence of part-time work in the US spectator sports industry. The study finds support for a micro-class occupational composition effect and a pulsating organization effect. Some support is also found for a sports industry compensating wage differential, but the effect is not industry wide, counter to some depictions.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine objective, economic measures of job quality across all occupational sub-groups in the sports industry. This is the first study to propose theoretical explanations for poor economic job quality in sport.
Linking employee traits to supervisor-related task performance in post-pandemic era: the mediating/moderation role of career adaptability and career identity
Authors: Mirza Farhan , Chaudhry Naveed Iqbal
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Civil service workers are valuable resources for any nation and play a crucial role in driving their country’s economic development. Per the supervisor, this research examines the impact of mindfulness, proactive personality, and career competencies on employee job performance. The study also analyzes the effects of career adaptability and identity on this aspect.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the model of this study, questionnaires were administered to a sample of 500 civil service employees whose career-based knowledge and skills were measured in various cities in the province of Punjab, Pakistan.

Findings

Mindfulness and career competencies significantly impact supervisor-rated task performance, whereas a proactive personality does not substantially relate to supervisor-rated task performance. Research indicated that the two hypotheses about mediation were accepted. However, career adaptability does not play a significant role in the link between mindfulness and how well a supervisor rates task performance. Regarding moderation, career identity did not significantly moderate the relation between proactive personality and supervisor-rated task performance. However, the other two moderate hypotheses have been proven to be significant.

Research limitations/implications

The findings offer compelling support for career construction theory (CCT) in this study area by analyzing the connections related to career adaptability and identity within the framework. In the future, researchers can build on this model by adding theories like conservation of resources (COR), looking into possible moderators that might change specific pathways in this network of relationships and using longitudinal designs to find stronger causal relationships.

Originality/value

Considering the evolving workplace due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the study offers fresh perspectives on the post-COVID situation, understanding and integrating various variables. For future studies, more variables can be explored in this model with the expansion of sample size and change of context.