bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Operations Management
Authors: Jones Peter , Robinson Peter
Published: September 2023

Operations Management starts off with Part A which is about understanding operations management. The second part looks at managing operations and covers operations processes and life cycles; locating, designing, and managing facilities; managing supply chain relationships; managing materials and inventory performances; managing capacity and demand; and the service encounter. It also looks at quality, the workforce and technology, and projects. The last part is about corporate strategies. It covers operations strategy and international operations, customization, and innovation and continuous improvement.
Introduction: The African Union, Pan-Africanism, and the Liberal World (Dis)Order
Authors: Abrahamsen Rita , Chimhandamba Barbra , Chipato Farai
Published: September 2023

Long considered peripheral to both international affairs and the discipline of international relations (IR), Africa is increasingly at the center of global politics and academic debates. Global powers are competing for economic, political, and strategic influence on the continent, while Africa itself has emerged as an increasingly powerful and confident actor on the world stage. In large part, this is due to the leadership of the African Union (AU), which since its founding twenty years ago has embarked on an ambitious agenda inspired by Pan-Africanism, seeking to create an Africa that is a “Strong, United, and Influential Global Player.” Following the AU’s twentieth anniversary, this article and Special Forum situate the AU within recent debates in IR about non-Western agency and the contributions of the global South to world politics. Focusing on the role of the AU and Pan-African ideology in shaping Africa and its international engagements, we argue that an analysis of the AU and the influence of Pan-Africanism is crucial to an understanding of Africa’s actions and positions in contemporary world affairs. We conclude that the heightened geopolitical rivalry following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine threatens to undermine two key aspects of the AU’s Pan-Africanism, namely its commitment to democracy and human rights and its ambition to speak with a united voice on the world stage.
Phosphorylated SARM1 is involved in the pathological process of rotenone-induced neurodegeneration
Authors: Murata Hitoshi , Phoo May Tha Zin , Ochi Toshiki , Tomonobu Nahoko , Yamamoto Ken-ichi , Kinoshita Rie , Miyazaki Ikuko , Nishibori Masahiro , Asanuma Masato , Sakaguchi Masakiyo
Published: September 2023

Sterile alpha and Toll/interleukin receptor motif-containing protein 1 (SARM1) is a NAD+ hydrolase that plays a key role in axonal degeneration and neuronal cell death. We reported that c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activates SARM1 through phosphorylation at Ser-548. The importance of SARM1 phosphorylation in the pathological process of Parkinson’s disease (PD) has not been determined. We thus conducted the present study by using rotenone (an inducer of PD-like pathology) and neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from healthy donors and a patient with familial PD PARK2 (FPD2). The results showed that compared to the healthy neurons, FPD2 neurons were more vulnerable to rotenone-induced stress and had higher levels of SARM1 phosphorylation. Similar cellular events were obtained when we used PARK2-knockdown neurons derived from healthy donor iPSCs. These events in both types of PD-model neurons were suppressed in neurons treated with JNK inhibitors, Ca2+-signal inhibitors, or by a SARM1-knockdown procedure. The degenerative events were enhanced in neurons overexpressing wild-type SARM1 and conversely suppressed in neurons overexpressing the SARM1-S548A mutant. We also detected elevated SARM1 phosphorylation in the midbrain of PD-model mice. The results indicate that phosphorylated SARM1 plays an important role in the pathological process of rotenone-induced neurodegeneration.
Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria Following mRNA COVID-19 Booster Vaccination at a Military Academy
Authors: Miller Mechelle A , Raffetto Emily R , Lee Rachel U
Published: September 2023

Several adverse cutaneous reactions have been reported in the literature after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination with emerging reports on chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). However, there is little literature of chronic urticaria after COVID-19 boosters in a military population and the impact on operational readiness. We present a retrospective case series of CSU following Moderna COVID-19 booster vaccinations at the US Naval Academy (USNA). Demographics, clinical features, and impact on readiness were evaluated. Forty-nine students from the USNA were evaluated for urticaria after their third COVID-19 booster vaccination. Seventeen individuals were diagnosed with CSU. The median age was 20 years and predominantly male; the median time interval between vaccination and the onset of urticaria was 11 days. Out of 13 referred to Allergy, 7 patients had CU index performed and 2 were positive. Four patients received a second booster vaccination subsequently and did not have any exacerbation of symptoms. Symptoms were controlled with antihistamines, and none required immunomodulator or immunosuppressive therapies. All students were able to complete their commissioning, and none were referred for a medical board. In this series, USNA students who developed CSU after the mRNA COVID-19 Moderna booster vaccine did not have limitations from commissioning, duty status, or issues with subsequent COVID-19 vaccinations.
Primary brain tumor representation in the post-traumatic growth literature: A scoping review
Authors: Brechbiel Julia K , Willis Kelcie D , Reid Morgan P , Lanoye Autumn , Aslanzadeh Farah J , Fox Amber M , Braun Sarah Ellen , Loughan Ashlee R
Published: September 2023

Background

Post-traumatic growth (PTG) has been extensively explored within general oncology, yet little is known about the experience of PTG in neuro-oncology. This study aimed to determine the representation of patients with primary brain tumors (PBT) in the PTG literature.

Methods

PsycINFO, PubMed, and CINAHL were systematically searched from inception to December 2022. Search terms were related to personal growth and positive reactions to cancer. Articles were first screened by titles and abstracts, then full texts were reviewed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses method.

Results

A total of 382 articles met the inclusion criteria. Of those, 13 included patients with PBT. Over 100 000 cancer patients were represented, with 0.79% having a PBT. Most research focused on low-grade gliomas. PTG negatively correlated with post-traumatic stress symptoms and avoidant coping. In the sole longitudinal study, patients with PBT demonstrated improved PTG after 1 year. Three quasi-experimental studies investigated the effect of mindfulness-based interventions with mixed-cancer samples and demonstrated improvement in PTG.

Conclusions

The inclusion rate of patients with PBT in the PTG literature was significantly lower than the population prevalence rate (1.3% of cancer diagnoses). Relatively few studies focused exclusively on how patients with PBT experience PTG (k = 5), and those that did only included low-grade glioma. The experience of PTG in those with high-grade glioma remains unknown. Patients with PBT are scarcely included in research on PTG interventions. Few studies examined the relationship between PTG and medical, cognitive, or psychological characteristics. Our understanding of the PTG experience in neuro-oncology remains extremely limited.
Oscillating paramagnetic Meissner effect and Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless transition in underdoped Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ
Authors: Wang Shiyuan , Yu Yijun , Hao Jinxiang , Liang Keyi , Xiang Bingke , Zhu Jinjiang , Lin Yishi , Pan Yinping , Gu Genda , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Qi Yang , Zhang Yuanbo , Wang Yihua
Published: September 2023

Superconducting phase transitions in two dimensions lie beyond the description of the Ginzburg-Landau symmetry-breaking paradigm for three-dimensional superconductors. They are Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless (BKT) transitions of paired-electron condensate driven by the unbinding of topological excitations, i.e. vortices. The recently discovered monolayers of layered high-transition-temperature (${{{T}}}_{{\rm C}}$) cuprate superconductor Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ (Bi2212) meant that this 2D superconductor promised to be ideal for the study of unconventional superconductivity. But inhomogeneity posed challenges for distinguishing BKT physics from charge correlations in this material. Here, we utilize the phase sensitivity of scanning superconducting quantum interference device microscopy susceptometry to image the local magnetic response of underdoped Bi2212 from the monolayer to the bulk throughout its phase transition. The monolayer segregates into domains with independent phases at elevated temperatures below ${{{T}}}_{{\rm C}}$. Within a single domain, we find that the susceptibility oscillates with flux between diamagnetism and paramagnetism in a Fraunhofer-like pattern up to ${{{T}}}_{{\rm C}}$. The finite modulation period, as well as the broadening of the peaks when approaching ${{{T}}}_{{\rm C}}$ from below, suggests well-defined vortices that are increasingly screened by the dissociation of vortex-antivortex plasma through a BKT transition. In the multilayers, the susceptibility oscillation differs in a small temperature regime below ${{{T}}}_{{\rm C}}$, consistent with a dimensional crossover led by interlayer coupling. Serving as strong evidence for BKT transition in the bulk, we observe a sharp jump in phase stiffness and paramagnetism at small fields just below ${{{T}}}_{{\rm C}}$. These results unify the superconducting phase transitions from the monolayer to the bulk underdoped Bi2212, and can be collectively referred to as the BKT transition with interlayer coupling.
Double-edged sword of technological progress to climate change depends on positioning in global value chains
Authors: Liang Sai , Zhong Qiumeng , Zhou Haifeng , Liao Yihan , You Jing , Meng Jing , Feng Cuiyang , Lin Chen
Published: September 2023

Technological progress (TP) is a double-edged sword to global climate change. This study for the first time reveals rebound and mitigation effects of efficiency-related TP in global value chains (GVCs) on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The integrated effects of TP depend on the positioning of sectors in GVCs. The cost-saving TP in upstream sectors would stimulate downstream demand. This produces stronger rebound effects than mitigation potentials and leads to global GHG emission increments (e.g. TP in the gas sector of China and petroleum and coal products sector of South Korea). In contrast, sectors located in the trailing end of GVCs have greater potentials for GHG emission mitigation through TP, mainly due to the reduction of upstream inputs. (e.g. the construction sector of China and dwelling sector of the United States). Global GHG emissions and production outputs can be either a trade-off or a win–win relationship on account of TP than rebound effects, because TP in different sectors could possibly increase or decrease the emission intensity of GVCs. This study could recognize the most productive spots for GHG emission mitigation through efficiency-related TP. It provides a new perspective for international cooperation to promote global GHG emission mitigation.
Effects of chronic caffeine on patterns of brain blood flow and behavior throughout the sleep–wake cycle in freely behaving mice
Authors: Aframian Kimiya , Yousef Yengej Dmitri , Nwaobi Sinifunanya , Raman Shrayes , Faas Guido C , Charles Andrew
Published: September 2023

Caffeine has significant effects on neurovascular activity and behavior throughout the sleep–wake cycle. We used a minimally invasive microchip/video system to continuously record effects of caffeine in the drinking water of freely behaving mice. Chronic caffeine shifted both rest and active phases by up to 2 h relative to the light–dark cycle in a dose-dependent fashion. There was a particular delay in the onset of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep as compared with non-REM sleep during the rest phase. Chronic caffeine increased wakefulness during the active phase and consolidated sleep during the rest phase; overall, there was no net change in the amount of time spent in the wake, sleep, or REM sleep states during caffeine administration. Despite these effects on wakefulness and sleep, chronic caffeine decreased mean cerebral blood volume (CBV) during the active phase and increased mean CBV during the rest phase. Chronic caffeine also increased heart rate variability in both the sleep and wake states. These results provide new insight into the effects of caffeine on the biology of the sleep–wake cycle. Increased blood flow during sleep caused by chronic caffeine may have implications for its potential neuroprotective effects through vascular mechanisms of brain waste clearance.
Effect of third-party components on emissions from a pod style electronic cigarette
Authors: Hensel Edward C , Sarles S Emma , Nuss Caleb J , Terry Janessa N , Polgampola Ralalage Chamodhi R , DiFrancesco A Gary , Walton Katherine , Eddingsaas Nathan C , Robinson Risa J
Published: September 2023

Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) have been associated with a dramatic increase in youth becoming addicted to nicotine following decades-long decline in cigarette smoking uptake. The United States Food and Drug Administration, Center for Tobacco Products (FDA/CTP) is responsible for regulating devices and consumable materials associated with ENDS. State and federal regulations regarding flavoring compounds in ENDS liquids (e-liquids) may be circumvented when vendors market refillable reservoirs side-by-side with noncompliant e-liquids. This study investigated the effect of third-party refillable versus manufacturer-supplied single-use reservoirs on total particulate matter (TPM) and nicotine emissions. The maximum TPM yield per puff was 5.6 times higher for the third-party (Blankz) reservoir (12.4 mg/puff) in comparison with the manufacturer’s (JUUL) reservoir (2.2 mg/puff), whereas the maximum TPM concentration was over 7 times higher for third party (0.200 mg/ml) versus manufacturer (0.028 mg/ml) pod. The third-party pod was tested with nicotine concentrations ranging from 0% to 4%. The mass ratio of nicotine present in the aerosol (mg Nic/mg TPM) was found to be approximately the same as the mass ratio of the e-liquid (mg Nic/mg e-liquid) for both pods and all 3 nicotine laden e-liquids tested. Toxicant exposure may increase when consumers use third-party pods with ENDS devices. Refillable reservoirs are a significant barrier to regulatory restrictions on potentially toxic additives to e-liquids. It is recommended FDA/CTP require emissions characterization of third-party reservoirs used with each ENDS they are compatible with and should be required to demonstrate no increased potential toxicant exposure in comparison with manufacturer-provided reservoirs.
Prelicensure Nursing Students’ Attitudes Regarding Breastfeeding Education
Authors: Uhr Stephanie D. , Johnson Teresa S. , Taani Murad H.
Published: September 2023

Breast milk feeding is vital to the health outcomes of the breastfeeding dyad. Nurses have a significant role to promote, educate, and support breastfeeding practices for breastfeeding dyads in diverse settings. Nurses should also promote breastfeeding awareness to normalize breastfeeding as the optimal food for infants. This pilot study investigated the effects of a basic breastfeeding educational module on the breastfeeding attitudes of prelicensure nursing students. There was a statistically significant change in attitudes from pretest and posttest. Developing a comprehensive breastfeeding module is a significant step to standardize education and promote breastfeeding best practices.
Effect of the Endometrial Thickness on the Live Birth Rate: Insights From 959 Single Euploid Frozen Embryo Transfers Without a Cutoff For Thickness
Authors: Ata Baris , Linan Alberto , Kalafat Erkan , Ruíz Francisco , Melado Laura , Bayram Asina , Elkhatib Ibrahim , Lawrenz Barbara , Fatemi Human M.
Published: September 2023

Although numerous studies have examined whether endometrial thickness (ET) independently affects the live birth rate (LBR) after an embryo transfer, contradictory conclusions have resulted in an unclear answer. It has been hypothesized that a thin endometrium decreases implantation rates possibly due to elevated oxygen concentration from spiral arteries; however, this mechanism has not been unequivocally demonstrated.

This retrospective analysis aimed to investigate whether ET independently affects the LBR after a frozen embryo transfer cycle. All patients who underwent a single euploid blastocyst transfer between March 2017 and March 2020 at a single-assisted reproductive technology clinic were included. Live birth was defined as the delivery of a live fetus after 22 weeks of gestation. Programmed cycle (PC) or natural cycle (NC) for endometrial preparation was conducted at physician’s and patient’s discretion. The presence of a linear relationship between ET and LBR was assessed by conditional density plots (CDPs), and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analyses were used to identify whether a threshold of the ET existed to predict the occurrence of live birth. The CDPs were analyzed for an optimal range of the ET that could be associated with a higher LBR, and the distribution of cycle characteristics and embryo quality in that range were compared with cycles outside of that range to identify confounders. Logistic regression models were constructed separately for the PC and NC.

A total of 959 single euploid FETs were included in this analysis, of which 33% (n = 315) were NC and 67% (n = 644) were PC with an overall LBR of 47.1% (452/959). No linear relationship between the ET and LBR or threshold below which the LBR decreased perceivably was identified. In addition, ROC analysis did not suggest a predictive value of the ET for occurrence of live birth based on endometrial preparation or in the overall cohort. Similarly, logistic regression analyses showed no independent effect of the ET on LBR.

The results of this study suggest that there is no linear relationship between the ET and LBR or a clinically significant cutoff for ET below which the LBR decreases in FET cycles. Significantly, the common practice of canceling embryo transfers when the ET is <7 mm is not supported by these data.
Computational drug prediction in hepatoblastoma by integrating pan-cancer transcriptomics with pharmacological response
Authors: Failli Mario , Demir Salih , Del Río-Álvarez Álvaro , Carrillo-Reixach Juan , Royo Laura , Domingo-Sàbat Montserrat , Childs Margaret , Maibach Rudolf , Alaggio Rita , Czauderna Piotr , Morland Bruce , Branchereau Sophie , Cairo Stefano , Kappler Roland , Armengol Carolina , di Bernardo Diego
Published: September 2023

Background and Aims:

Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the predominant form of pediatric liver cancer, though it remains exceptionally rare. While treatment outcomes for children with HB have improved, patients with advanced tumors face limited therapeutic choices. Additionally, survivors often suffer from long-term adverse effects due to treatment, including ototoxicity, cardiotoxicity, delayed growth, and secondary tumors. Consequently, there is a pressing need to identify new and effective therapeutic strategies for patients with HB. Computational methods to predict drug sensitivity from a tumor's transcriptome have been successfully applied for some common adult malignancies, but specific efforts in pediatric cancers are lacking because of the paucity of data.

Approach and Results:

In this study, we used DrugSense to assess drug efficacy in patients with HB, particularly those with the aggressive C2 subtype associated with poor clinical outcomes. Our method relied on publicly available collections of pan-cancer transcriptional profiles and drug responses across 36 tumor types and 495 compounds. The drugs predicted to be most effective were experimentally validated using patient-derived xenograft models of HB grown in vitro and in vivo. We thus identified 2 cyclin-dependent kinase 9 inhibitors, alvocidib and dinaciclib as potent HB growth inhibitors for the high-risk C2 molecular subtype. We also found that in a cohort of 46 patients with HB, high cyclin-dependent kinase 9 tumor expression was significantly associated with poor prognosis.

Conclusions:

Our work proves the usefulness of computational methods trained on pan-cancer data sets to reposition drugs in rare pediatric cancers such as HB, and to help clinicians in choosing the best treatment options for their patients.
Olfactory and gustatory dysfunction, evaluation and the impact on quality of life among COVID-19 patients: a multi-centre study
Authors: AlEnazi Abdulaziz Saud , Alharbi Maha Abdullah , Althomaly Danah Hamdan , Ashoor Mona Mohammed saleh , Alwazzeh Marwan Jaber , Halawani Roa Talal , Buohliqah Lamia Abdulwahab , Telmesani Laila Mohammed
Published: September 2023

Background:

Olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions are frequently reported symptoms among COVID-19 patients. However, several reports suggested that there might be significant variation in the prevalence and clinical picture of chemosensory dysfunction in COVID-19 patients among different population.

Objective:

To study the prevalence of chemosensory dysfunction, recovery time and its impact on quality of life (QoL) among COVID-19 patients in Saudi population.

Methods:

This multi-centre observational study was conducted at three COVID-19 centres in Saudi Arabia. Epidemiological and clinical data were extracted at baseline and within the 2-month post-infection. Olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions were assessed via valid taste and smell questionnaire, electronically collected via online survey. Short version of questionnaire of Olfactory disorders-negative statements (sQOD-NS) was used to assess the impact on QoL.

Result:

Total 1734 patients [926 males and 808 females, the mean age of patients was 37.7±11.6 years] with laboratory confirmed COVID-19 were recruited for this study. Chemosensory dysfunction was reported in 56.5% cases. olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions were significantly high in females (66.2%) and age group younger than or equal to 40 years (62.2%). Among patients with olfactory dysfunction and gustatory dysfunction, recovery rate was 757 (77.2%) and 702 (71.6%). Furthermore, the recovery time was within 8 days of onset of symptoms in 53.6% and 61.3% of olfactory dysfunction and gustatory dysfunction cases, respectively. Overall mean QoL score indicated Olfactory and gustatory dysfunction has significant impact on QoL [11.3±6.2 (P value<0.001)]. female as compared to males (12.8±7). Females had significant impact on QoL (11.4±6.6) as compared to males [12.8±7 (P value<0.001)].

Conclusion:

Chemosensory dysfunction among Saudi population was comparable to the European data and significantly higher than Asian supporting the fact that these symptoms vary as per ethnicity. Olfactory and gustatory dysfunction significantly impaired QoL and could present as an early symptom of COVID-19. Recovery rate of these symptoms can serve as a good prognostic data for patient’s counselling. Further long-term follow-up studies would lead to better understanding of prognosis and clinical outcomes.
Prevalence and risk factors of post-cholecystectomy surgical site infections
Authors: Masaod Ruba E. , Salih Mugahid A.
Published: September 2023

Objectives:

The objectives of this study were to measure the prevalence of post-cholecystectomy surgical site infection and identify the associated risk factors and their association with its prevalence.

Method:

A cross-sectional analytical study including all patients who underwent cholecystectomy in the period from January 2021 to March 2022. The data sheet was filled with records of the patients, and some questions were asked of the patients directly. Many risk factors were assessed and measured in their association with the development of postoperative SSI.

Results:

One hundred seventy-two patients with a mean age of 46.41±13.37 participated in the study. Thirty-five (20.3%) of them were males, and 137 (79.7%) were females. Open cholecystectomy 121 (70.3%) was done more than laparoscopic cholecystectomy 51 (29.7%). The most common indication for cholecystectomy was found to be both cholecystitis and cholelithiasis (53.5%). Out of 172 patients, postoperative wound infection [surgical site infection (SSI)] developed in 29 (16.9%) patients. Of these, 8 (27.6%) were males, while 21 (72.4%) were females, with a mean age of 46.38 (SD=14.12) years. Prophylactic antibiotics intraoperatively and therapeutic antibiotics postoperatively were found to decrease the risk of developing SSI [P=0.005, odds ratio (OR)=0.073] (P=0.012, OR=0.153), respectively. However, hospital stay after surgery (<1 week) was also found to decrease the risk (P=0.001, OR=0.179).

Conclusions:

The prevalence of post-cholecystectomy SSI is high despite a small sample size in comparison with other studies. Prophylactic antibiotics and short hospital stays have an important role in decreasing the risk of developing postoperative SSI.
Uterine Prolapse in Pregnancy: A Review
Authors: Norby Nicole , Murchison Amanda B. , McLeish Shian , Ghahremani Taylor , Whitham Megan , Magann Everett F.
Published: September 2023

Importance

Although not a common occurrence, uterine prolapse during pregnancy can have significant effects for pregnancy outcomes and quality of life of maternal patients. Most data about management exist as case reports; a review of these cases provides some guidance about treatment options.

Objectives

This review examines current literature about uterine prolapse during pregnancy to assess current information about this condition, prevalence, diagnosis, management, and outcomes.

Evidence Acquisition

Electronic databases (PubMed and Embase) were searched using terms “uterine prolapse” AND “pregnancy” AND “etiology” OR “risk factors” OR “diagnosis” OR “therapy” OR “management” limited to the English language and between the years 1980 and October 31, 2022.

Results

Upon review of 475 articles, 48 relevant articles were included as well as 6 relevant articles found on additional literature review for a total of 54 articles. Of those articles, 62 individual cases of uterine prolapse in pregnancy were reviewed including pregnancy complications, mode of delivery, and outcomes. Prevalence was noted to be rare, but much more common in second and subsequent pregnancies. Most diagnoses were made based on symptomatic prolapse on examination. Management strategies included bed rest, pessary use, and surgery (typically during the early second trimester). Complications included preterm delivery, patient discomfort, urinary retention, and urinary tract infection. Delivery methods included both cesarean and vaginal deliveries.

Conclusions

Although a rare condition, uterine prolapse in pregnancy is readily diagnosed on examination. Reasonable conservative management strategies include observation, attempted reduction of prolapse, and pessary use; if these measures fail, surgical treatment is an option.

Relevance

Our review compiles literature and known cases of uterine prolapse during pregnancy and current evidence about prevalence, diagnosis, management, outcomes, and complications of uterine prolapse during pregnancy in order to inform our target audience in their clinical practice.

Target Audience

Obstetricians and gynecologist, family physicians.

Learning Objectives

After completing this learning activity, the participant should be able to describe the prevalence of uterine prolapse during pregnancy, potential at-risk populations, and presenting symptoms; identify management strategies for uterine prolapse during pregnancy including both surgical and conservative approaches; and assess possible complications of uterine prolapse during pregnancy.
Ectopic Opening of Common Bile Duct to Duodenal Bulb: A Single Tertiary Center Experience
Authors: Ari Derya , Ödemiş Bülent , Başpinar Batuhan , Atay Ali , Erdoğan Çağdaş
Published: September 2023

Background:

The ectopic opening of the common bile duct(CBD) into the duodenal bulb is a rare biliary anomaly. The study aimed to reveal the experience with clinical and endoscopic outcomes in these patients.

Materials and Methods:

This study was conducted on 57 consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for ectopic opening of the CBD into the duodenal bulb at our institution between 2010 and 2020.

Results:

The median age was 59 years (49 males). A total of 146 ERCP procedures were performed (once in 26 patients and 2 or more times in 31 patients). Ten patients had a history of unsuccessful ERCP in an external center. The median follow-up time was 14.6 months. All patients had a slit-like opening of the CBD into the duodenal bulb, apical stenosis, and hook-shaped distal CBD. ERCP findings were CBD stone or dilatation in 55 patients and post-cholecystectomy biliary leakage in 2 patients. Balloon dilatation was performed for apical stenosis in 7 patients and distal CBD stenosis in 26 patients. During the first ERCP session, biliary stent/nasobiliary drainage was placed in 37 patients, and CBD stones were extracted in 19 patients without stenting. Biliodigestive anastomosis was applied to 13 patients, 5 of whom had recurrent cholangitis, 7 required recurrent ERCP, and one was due to the technical difficulty of ERCP.

Conclusions:

Ectopic biliary opening should be remembered if the papilla cannot be seen in its usual place in a patient with apical stenosis. ERCP should be performed in experienced hands, and surgery should be considered in the need for recurrent ERCP.
Pelvic Floor Peritoneum Closure Reduces Severe Postoperative Complications in Rectal Cancer Patients After Laparoscopic Anterior Rectal Resection
Authors: Fu Jie , Zhang Xuehua , Li Gaohua , Xu Zhenzhao , Zhou Jinfan , Yuan Haitao , Xi Jiafei , Wang Yanan
Published: September 2023

Background:

Laparoscopic anterior rectal resection (LAR) is a commonly performed surgery for rectal cancer patients. Pelvic floor peritoneum closure (PC), a vital procedure in conventional anterior rectal resection, is not routinely performed in LAR.

Study Design:

A total of 1118 consecutive patients with rectal cancer receiving LAR were included in this retrospective study. Patients were allocated into the PC group and the non-PC group. The occurrence of postoperative complications was compared between the 2 groups. Influential factors in anastomotic leakage (AL) were explored using univariate and multivariate logistic regression.

Results:

There was no difference between the groups in terms of baseline characteristics. The occurrence of postoperative complications was similar between the groups. The PC group had significantly shorter postoperative hospitalization and longer operation duration compared with the non-PC group. The occurrences of Clavien-Dindo (CD) III-IV complications, CD III-IV AL, and reoperation were significantly lower in the PC group than the non-PC group. PC and a protective ileostomy were independent protective factors for CD III-IV AL.

Conclusion:

PC could reduce the occurrence of CD III-IV complications, especially CD III-IV AL, and the rate of secondary surgery, especially in patients with a lower body mass index and patients who did not receive protective ileostomies.
The Relation Between Serum-based Systemic Inflammatory Biomarkers and Locoregional Lymph Node Metastasis in Clinical Stages I to II Right-sided Colon Cancers: The Role of Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio
Authors: Lale Azmi , Sahin Ertugrul , Aslan Ahmet , Can Omer Faruk , Ebiloglu Mehmet Fatih , Aygen Erhan
Published: September 2023

Background:

It aimed to evaluate the relationship between the systemic inflammatory markers and the lymph node metastasis in clinical stages I to II right-sided colon cancers.

Patients and Methods:

A total of 51 eligible clinical stages I to II right-side located colon cancer patients were included in the study. Complete mesocolic excision and central vascular ligation procedures were performed in all cases. All the patients were divided into 2 main groups, pN− (n = 22) and pN+ (n = 29). Demographic parameters, preoperative serum-based inflammatory biomarkers, and histopathological findings were compared between the groups.

Results:

The mean age was 61.0 (54 to 71) years. Of the patients, 51.0% (26/51) were females. The open surgical approach was performed on 54.9% (28/51) of the patients and 45.1% (23/51) was performed laparoscopy. The mean total number of retrieved lymph nodes was 29.1. The lympho-vascular invasion was significantly higher in the pN+ group (89.7% vs 50.0%). There were no significant differences in neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio, mean platelet volume-to-platelet ratio, hemoglobine-albuminelymphocyte-platelet score, systemic inflammation index, lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio, neutrophil-to-monocyte ratio, lymphocyte-to-C-reactive protein ratio (LCR), neutrophil-to-albumin ratio, and prognostic nutritional index. However, the mean platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) was significantly lower in the pN+ group (pN−: 282.1 vs pN+: 218.7, P = 0.048). The cutoff value for PLR was determined as 220 according to receiver operating characteristic analysis, with a 63.6% sensitivity and 65.6% specificity.

Conclusion:

Although it has limited sensitivity and specificity, decreased preoperative PLR was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis in patients with clinical stages I to II right-sided colon cancer. It should be considered as a biomarker for nodal involvement when planning treatment strategies.
Theory and scientificity of traditional Chinese medicine
Authors: Guo Lanping , Zhang Wenjin , Huang Luqi
Published: September 2023

The Nobel Prize for artemisinin and the COVID-19 pandemic have heightened interest in the disease prevention and treatment of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, uncertainty and misinformation remain about some key issues. Herein, we discuss the current literature showing that, despite TCM gaining recognition, the theoretical systems of TCM and Western medicine rooted in different cultural backgrounds have huge differences in their theories and treatments. How to achieve accurate diagnosis in TCM, how to give scientific treatment, what is the mechanism of treatment, and what are the effect and safety of treatment, all need to be more clearly explained and require high-quality modern scientific evidence. An emerging consensus exists that, with the help of modern technology and scientific methods, it is necessary to excavate the essence of TCM that truly conforms to the laws of human life movement and disease development, realize cross-complementation with Western medicine, enhance human understanding of diseases, enrich diagnosis and treatment methods, and promote a new level in the field of life sciences.
Endoscopic Surveillance of the Intestinal Allograft: Recommendations From the Intestinal Rehabilitation and Transplant Association Working Group
Authors: Garcia Jennifer , Oltean Mihai , Rumbo Carolina , Sharkey Lisa , Kaufman Stuart S. , Ramos Boluda Esther , Gupte Girish , Martinez Mercedes , Moon Jang , Raghu Vikram , Segovia Maria Cristina , Sudan Debra , Talbotec Cécile , Varkey Jonas , Gondolesi Gabriel E. , Mazariegos George , Venick Robert
Published: September 2023

Intestinal transplant (ITx) rejection lacks a reliable noninvasive biomarker and rejection surveillance relies on serial endoscopies and mucosal biopsies followed by histologic assessment. Endoscopic biopsies are also essential for identifying other ITx-related complications such as infectious, allergic, and inflammatory graft enteritis as well as post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease or graft versus host disease. In spite of its central role in ITx, published guidelines on endoscopy and biopsy are lacking and significant variability between centers in terms of timing and technical performance exists. Therefore, an international expert group convened and discussed several aspects related to the surveillance endoscopy after ITx with the aim to summarize and standardize its practice. This article summarizes these considerations on endoscopic ITx monitoring and highlights practices of surveillance and for-cause endoscopy, biopsy techniques, pathologic evaluation, potential risks and complications, outsourcing, and less-invasive monitoring techniques.
Nucleotide-free structures of KIF20A illuminate atypical mechanochemistry in this kinesin-6
Authors: Ranaivoson Fanomezana Moutse , Crozet Vincent , Benoit Matthieu P. M. H. , Abdalla Mohammed Khalid Amna , Kikuti Carlos , Sirkia Helena , El Marjou Ahmed , Miserey-Lenkei Stéphanie , Asenjo Ana B. , Sosa Hernando , Schmidt Christoph F. , Rosenfeld Steven S. , Houdusse Anne
Published: September 2023

KIF20A is a critical kinesin for cell division and a promising anti-cancer drug target. The mechanisms underlying its cellular roles remain elusive. Interestingly, unusual coupling between the nucleotide- and microtubule-binding sites of this kinesin-6 has been reported, but little is known about how its divergent sequence leads to atypical motility properties. We present here the first high-resolution structure of its motor domain that delineates the highly unusual structural features of this motor, including a long L6 insertion that integrates into the core of the motor domain and that drastically affects allostery and ATPase activity. Together with the high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy microtubule-bound KIF20A structure that reveals the microtubule-binding interface, we dissect the peculiarities of the KIF20A sequence that influence its mechanochemistry, leading to low motility compared to other kinesins. Structural and functional insights from the KIF20A pre-power stroke conformation highlight the role of extended insertions in shaping the motor's mechanochemical cycle. Essential for force production and processivity is the length of the neck linker in kinesins. We highlight here the role of the sequence preceding the neck linker in controlling its backward docking and show that a neck linker four times longer than that in kinesin-1 is required for the activity of this motor.
Kaistella polysaccharea sp. nov., isolated from Antarctic intertidal sediment produces a novel extracellular polymeric substance
Authors: Yao Boqing , Niu Guojiang , Wang Zhe , Mu Hongmei , Ren Xingtao , Jiao Yabin , Cai Chao , Li Jing
Published: September 2023

An exopolysaccharide-producing bacterial strain GW4-15T, belonging to the genus

Kaistella

, was isolated from intertidal sediment from King George Island, Antarctic. The strain was Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped, non-motile and yellow-pigmented. The strain was able to grow in the presence of 0–2 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0 %), at 4–30 °C (optimum, 20–28 °C) and at pH 5.0–10.0 (optimum, pH 8.0). A phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain GW4-15T formed a lineage within the genus

Kaistella

with the closest phylogenetic neighbours

Kaistella carnis

NCTC 13525T (98.3 %),

Kaistella gelatinilytica

G5-32T (97.7 %),

Kaistella antarctica

LMG 24720T (97.4 %) and

Kaistella yonginensis

HMD1043T (96.9 %). Digital DNA–DNA hybridization values of strain GW4-15T with

K. carnis

NCTC 13525T,

K. antarctica

LMG 24720T,

K. gelatinilytica

G5-32T and

K. yonginensis

HMD1043T were 22.8, 22.0, 21.7 and 21.6 %, respectively. The average nucleotide identity values between strain GW4-15T and

K. carnis

NCTC 13525T
, K. antarctica LMG 24720T,

K. gelatinilytica

G5-32T and

K. yonginensis

HMD1043T were 79.3, 78.6, 77.5 and 77.2 %, respectively. The G+C content of the genome was 36.2 mol%. The major phospholipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and aminophospholipid. The predominant menaquinone was MK-6. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0 (28.7 %), iso-C16 : 0 3-OH (15.7 %), iso-C16 : 0 H (10.0 %), iso-C16 : 0 (5.4 %), summed feature 9 (comprising iso-C17 : 1
 ω9c and/or 10-methyl C16 : 0; 5.2 %) and iso-C15 : 0 (5.1 %). The monosaccharide composition of the new type of extracellular polymeric of GW4-15T was Glc, GalN, GlcN, Rha, Man and Gal with a molar ratio of 3.14 : 3.83 : 8.38 : 5.16 : 1 : 2.82. Based on phenotypic, phylogenetic and genotypic data, a novel species, Kaistella polysaccharea sp. nov., is proposed with the type strain GW4-15T (=CGMCC 1.19368T=KCTC 92753T).
Comparison of postharvest quality of Aralia elata
shoot according to packaging methods
Authors: Kim Yonghyun , Han Narae , Park Hyowon , Lee UK , Eo Hyun Ji
Published: September 2023

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the quality of Aralia elata
shoots according to different packaging methods during storage at 2°C.
The highest level of dehydration and wilting incidences were observed in
polypropylene containers with polyvinyl chloride wrap (PP+PVC), and these
levels continually increased during the entire storage period, compared to other
packaging methods. The overall marketability of A. elata shoot
packaged in polyethylene terephthalate container (PET) and PP with the
mineral-coted functional warp (PP+F) constantly declined during storage
with a similar level of 38.6 and 36.0% at 15 days in storage,
respectively. PP with PET cover packaging (PP+PET) showed the lowest
decay and wilting rates during the entire storage, and the wilting score at 10th
day was 51.9, 58.0, 51.8% suppressed, as compared to PET, PP+PVC,
and PP+F, respectively. Consequently PP+PET packaging effectively
decreased the deterioration of A. elata and maintained
marketability for 10 days of storage at 2°C.
Massively parallelin vivoPerturb-seq reveals cell type-specific transcriptional networks in cortical development
Authors: Zheng Xinhe , Wu Boli , Liu Yuejia , Simmons Sean K. , Kim Kwanho , Clarke Grace S. , Ashiq Abdullah , Park Joshua , Wang Zhilin , Tong Liqi , Wang Qizhao , Xu Xiangmin , Levin Joshua Z. , Jin Xin
Published: September 2023

Systematic analysis of gene function across diverse cell typesin vivois hindered by two challenges: obtaining sufficient cells from live tissues and accurately identifying each cell’s perturbation in high-throughput single-cell assays. Leveraging AAV’s versatile cell type tropism and high labeling capacity, we expanded the resolution and scale ofin vivoCRISPR screens: allowing phenotypic analysis at single-cell resolution across a multitude of cell types in the embryonic brain, adult brain, and peripheral nervous system. We undertook extensive tests of 86 AAV serotypes, combined with a transposon system, to substantially amplify labeling and acceleratein vivogene delivery from weeks to days. Using this platform, we performed anin uterogenetic screen as proof-of-principle and identified pleiotropic regulatory networks ofFoxg1in cortical development, including Layer 6 corticothalamic neurons where it tightly controls distinct networks essential for cell fate specification. Notably, our platform can label >6% of cerebral cells, surpassing the current state-of-the-art efficacy at <0.1% (mediated by lentivirus), and achieve analysis of over 30,000 cells in one experiment, thus enabling massively parallelin vivoPerturb-seq. Compatible with various perturbation techniques (CRISPRa/i) and phenotypic measurements (single-cell or spatial multi-omics), our platform presents a flexible, modular approach to interrogate gene function across diverse cell typesin vivo, connecting gene variants to their causal functions.
Species-wide quantitative transcriptomes and proteomes reveal distinct genetic control of gene expression variation in yeast
Authors: Teyssonnière E. , Trébulle P. , Muenzner J. , Loegler V. , Ludwig D. , Amari F. , Mülleder M. , Friedrich A. , Hou J. , Ralser M. , Schacherer J.
Published: September 2023

Gene expression varies between individuals and corresponds to a key step linking genotypes to phenotypes. However, our knowledge regarding the species-wide genetic control of protein abundance, including its dependency on transcript levels, is very limited. Here, we have determined quantitative proteomes of a large population of 942 diverse natural Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast isolates. We found that mRNA and protein abundances are weakly correlated at the population gene level. While the protein co-expression network recapitulates major biological functions, differential expression patterns reveal proteomic signatures related to specific populations. Comprehensive genetic association analyses highlight that genetic variants associated with variation in protein (pQTL) and transcript (eQTL) levels poorly overlap (3.6%). Our results demonstrate that transcriptome and proteome are governed by distinct genetic bases, likely explained by protein turnover. It also highlights the importance of integrating these different levels of gene expression to better understand the genotype-phenotype relationship.

Highlights

At the level of individual genes, the abundance of transcripts and proteins is weakly correlated within a species (ρ= 0.165).

While the proteome is not imprinted by population structure, co-expression patterns recapitulate the cellular functional landscape

Wild populations exhibit a higher abundance of respiration-related proteins compared to domesticated populations

Loci that influence protein abundance differ from those that impact transcript levels, likely because of protein turnover
Frequentmers - a novel way to look at metagenomic Next Generation Sequencing data and an application in detecting liver cirrhosis
Authors: Mouratidis Ioannis , Chantzi Nikol , Khan Umair , Konnaris Maxwell A. , Chan Candace S.Y , Mareboina Manvita , Georgakopoulos-Soares Ilias
Published: September 2023

Early detection of human disease is associated with improved clinical outcomes. However, many diseases are often detected at an advanced, symptomatic stage where patients are past efficacious treatment periods and can result in less favorable outcomes. Therefore, methods that can accurately detect human disease at a presymptomatic stage are urgently needed. Here, we introduce “frequentmers”; short sequences that are specific and recurrently observed in either patient or healthy control samples, but not in both. We showcase the utility of frequentmers for the detection of liver cirrhosis using metagenomic Next Generation Sequencing data from stool samples of patients and controls. We develop classification models for the detection of liver cirrhosis and achieve an AUC score of 0.91 using ten-fold cross-validation. A small subset of 200 frequentmers can achieve comparable results in detecting liver cirrhosis. Finally, we identify the microbial organisms in liver cirrhosis samples, which are associated with the most predictive frequentmer biomarkers.