bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for management of pain after PRK: systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Ben Ephraim Noyman Dror , Sommer Adir C. , Naaman Efrat , Gonzalez-Lugo Javier H. , Mimouni Michael
Published: July 2024

Topic:

Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for management of pain in patients after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).

Clinical Relevance:

Pain after PRK is a major concern for both patients and surgeons. Although evidence supports the use of NSAIDs postoperatively, no consensus exists regarding the preferred regimen. The study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of different topical NSAIDs.

Methods:

This study was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD42023417651). A systematic search of electronic databases was performed, for randomized controlled trials reporting topical NSAIDs' outcomes of corneal re-epithelization, rescue analgesics intake, and pain in days 0 to 3 after PRK (postoperative days [PODs] 0 to 3). Studies were graded for risk of bias. Data were extracted, and standardized mean differences (SMDs) were evaluated in a network meta-analysis in accordance with the Cochrane's guidelines, to which a frequentist approach model was fitted. Transitivity was assessed using the net split method. Treatment effectiveness was ranked using forest plots based on comparison with placebo. P-scores (P) and league tables were used to examine combined direct and indirect comparisons.

Results:

Of 1540 studies identified, 27 were included. These encompassed 2286 patients across 11 countries, evaluating 7 distinct topical NSAIDs. At POD0, ketorolac (P 0.764), flurbiprofen (P 0.763), and bromfenac (P 0.717) were the most efficient drugs overall and displayed significantly lower pain scores than placebo. Other than that, flurbiprofen held the highest rank for reported pain throughout, significantly outperforming placebo on POD1 (P 0.874, SMD −1.19, 95% CI −1.86 to −0.52), POD2 (P 0.882, SMD −1.05, 95% CI −1.82 to −0.27), and POD3 (P 0.939, SMD −1.14, 95% CI −2.1 to −0.18). Other NSAIDs were significantly better than placebo only on POD1 and POD0. Rescue analgesic intake analysis favored indomethacin (P 0.834, SMD −0.8, 95% CI −1.33 to −0.27), ketorolac, and diclofenac. Compared with placebo, re-epithelization was slowed to different significances with all NSAIDs but flurbiprofen (P 0.991, SMD −0.7, 95% CI −1.38 to −0.03).

Conclusions:

Flurbiprofen was favorable in pain scores on typically painful postoperative days and re-epithelization times. However, analgesics intake, a more objective outcome, suggested superiority of other NSAIDs. Inconsistencies may be explained by the small sample size. For clinical interpretation, NSAID effect sizes should be taken into consideration.
The Potential of Advanced Rooming to Improve Communication and Visit Efficiency in Federally Qualified Health Centers
Authors: Simon Jodi , Hamielec Maggie , Patel Aesha , Walter Eve , Panzer Jeffrey
Published: July 2024

Advanced rooming is a workflow that enables non-clinician staff to take on additional responsibilities to improve quality and productivity. However, the impact is not well understood, particularly in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). In this observational study at two FQHC sites, we found that in advanced rooming more questions were asked by patients and staff and more problems were identified and addressed. Advanced rooming medical assistants spent more time with patients and huddled longer with clinicians without significant differences in the clinical portion of the visit or total visit length. Advanced rooming may be a way to enhance care, ease clinician burden, and increase efficiency.
Patient‑reported outcome measures for assessing health‑related quality of life in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Xiong Lujing , Liu Lei , Xiang Yuqing , Li Chao , Dai Wei , Hu Jinchuan , Shui Chunyan , Zhou Yuqiu , Wang Xu , Cai Yongcong
Published: July 2024

Background:

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have become important tools for evaluating health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). While there are many PROMs available to measure HRQOL, there is a lack of a comprehensive overview of these PROMs. Therefore, the authors aimed to systematically review and categorize all PROMs that have been used to measure HRQOL in patients with DTC.

Materials and methods:

After determining the search strategy and identifying inclusion and exclusion criteria, articles were searched in PubMed and EMBASE from January 1900 to September 2023. Information on PROMs from the included studies, such as development language, target population, (sub)scales name, number of items per (sub)scale, completion time, and validation, was extracted and synthesized. The frequency with which PROMs were utilized in the included studies was also graphed. After innovatively classifying PROMs as five categories, all of the included PROMs were allocated to their respective categories.

Results:

A total of 330 articles fulfilled all of the criteria, and they utilized 96 different PROMs to measure HRQOL in DTC patients. The 96 PROMs were classified into five categories, namely universal PROMs (16/96), DTC-related PROMs (11/96), radioiodine-related PROMs (4/96), operation-related PROMs (37/96), and psychology-related PROMs (28/96). Among them, some PROMs were the frequently employed PROMs to assess diverse aspects of HRQOL in patients with DTC.

Conclusion:

A large number of PROMs are available for patients with DTC, which evaluate all aspects of HRQOL. Combining the relevant information and frequency of PROMs utilization, it can provide convenience and reference for researchers to select PROMs across different categories. However, a more detailed critical appraisal of the PROMs used in various clinical scenarios is required. Additionally, PROMs usage frequency in previous studies can indirectly indicate the comprehensiveness or gaps in HRQOL aspects studied, guiding further review or research.
Implementation of Full Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners in Massachusetts
Authors: Zwilling Jana , O'Reilly-Jacob Monica
Published: July 2024

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between nurse practitioner (NP) organizational climate and the implementation of full practice authority (FPA) for NPs.

BACKGROUND

In 2021, Massachusetts passed FPA for NPs. Most NPs did not experience changes to their practice. It is unknown whether NP organizational climate impacts implementation of FPA.

METHODS

A Web-based survey was distributed to NPs in Massachusetts.

RESULTS

Response rate was 50.3% (N = 147). Practice remained unchanged for most. Organizations with more favorable climates experienced more rapid implementation of FPA, resulting in improved efficiency (P = 0.049) and timeliness (P = 0.007) of care. Nurse practitioners outside hospital systems were more likely to report favorable organizational climates and positive change to their practice after FPA.

CONCLUSIONS

Organizations that facilitate implementation of FPA are likely to experience improvement in efficiency and timeliness of patient care. Nursing leadership, especially within hospital-based organizations, can help achieve these benefits by improving the organizational climate for NPs.
Mastectomy Incision Choice in Ptotic Patients Undergoing Immediate Implant-Based Reconstruction
Authors: Chemakin Katherine , Ricci Joseph A. , Benacquista Teresa , Draper Lawrence , Weichman Katie
Published: July 2024

Breast ptosis presents challenges for implant-based reconstruction due to the large skin envelope. Skin-reducing mastectomy reduces the envelope but must consider many other factors including complications. Limited data exist on incision impact on outcomes. We compare oblique-elliptical and Wise-pattern incisions on complications and patient-reported quality of life in immediate implant-based reconstruction.

A retrospective review of patients who underwent immediate implant-based skin-reducing mastectomy at a single institution from 2015 to 2021 was done and was divided into two cohorts: wise and oblique incisions. Demographics, complications, and patient-reported outcomes (BREAST-Q) were compared. Descriptive, t test, and chi-square test analyses, followed by adjusted linear and logistic regression models, were performed to compare complication rates and BREAST-Q scores.

Eighty-nine patient breasts were analyzed, 39 (43.8%) in the oblique (OI) and 50 (56.2%) in the wise (WI) cohort. No differences in demographics or preoperative comorbidities between groups were found. The oblique incision patients had significantly more mean total complications (OI 1.46 vs WI 0.88; P = 0.048), as well as increased incidence of explantation (OI 15 vs WI 3; P = 0.003) and cellulitis (OI 14 vs WI 3; P = 0.020) compared to wise group. Linear regression analysis revealed that incision choice was a significant predictor of complication rate (β = −1.06, 95% CI [−1.63–−0.50], P = <0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that incision was a significant predictor of specific complications such as explantation (odds ratio = 0.10, 95% CI [0.02–0.52], P = 0.006) and cellulitis (odds ratio = 0.16, 95% CI [0.03–0.73], P = 0.018), with decreased risk of choosing wise incision. There was no difference in BREAST-Q results.

Ptotic patients with oblique incision are associated with higher rates of postoperative complications compared to wise incisions.

These findings suggest that incision choice is an important factor in postoperative complication development and emphasizes the need for further investigation and discussion with patients during preoperative planning.
Surgical Management of Iatrogenic Mercury Poisoning From Subcutaneous Injection Into the Arm
Authors: Bowen Evan C. , Benedict Katherine C. , Sullivan John M. , Baker Katherine E. , Schock Morgan E. , Walker Marc E.
Published: July 2024

Background

Mercury, an element with threats of severe toxic insult to humans and no biological function, has a surprisingly extensive record of human exposure. Regardless of hesitancies toward its harmfulness, it has been historically identified with an almost supernatural power to provide protection from evil and sickness, give good fortune, lend aid in athletic undertakings, or even allow one to achieve immortality. Mercury poisoning is an iatrogenic disease even today as people attempt to achieve these effects through volitional injections into their body by practitioners. Although an uncommon practice in the United States, awareness of patient presentation after volitional injections of elemental mercury is necessary for appropriate treatment of these patients. We aim to increase awareness of the cultural practice of subcutaneous injections of mercury, as it is uncommonly seen in the United States, to contribute a broader understanding to the patient's medical presentation and describe an approach and the impact of medical and surgical intervention.

Methods

In this report, we describe a rare case of elemental mercury poisoning secondary to volitional subcutaneous injection to the arm. Initial management of care through chelation therapy and monitoring of renal and serum mercury levels in addition to symptoms of systemic spread was overseen by an internal medicine physician and poison control. Surgical intervention via full-thickness excision of the visible mercury to the right arm followed by local flap and skin grafting reconstruction was performed.

Conclusions

Mercury poisoning from intentional subcutaneous administration is an uncommon patient presentation in the United States; however, knowledge of management of this rare condition is important for effective management of iatrogenic mercury toxicity.
Safety Profile Comparison of 2 Smooth Tissue Expander Types
Authors: Almeida Mariana N. , Alper David P. , Williams Mica C.G. , Shah Rema , Ihnat Jacqueline M.H. , Hu Kevin , Parikh Neil , Alperovich Michael
Published: July 2024

Introduction

With the recent transition to smooth tissue expanders (TEs), functional differences between TE subtypes have not been fully elucidated. This study evaluated the differences in TE characteristics and complications between 2 commonly used Mentor smooth TE models, Artoura and CPX4.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients who received either smooth Mentor Artoura or CPX4 TE from 2012 to 2022 was conducted. Demographic data, perioperative information, pain scores, TE variables, cancer characteristics, and complications were collected. A multivariate analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between TE subtype and complications while controlling for demographic, TE characteristics, radiation, and chemotherapy exposure.

Results

During the study period, 62 smooth Artoura TEs and 79 smooth CPX4 TEs were used. Patients who received CPX4 smooth implants tended to be older (51.09 vs 46.18 years old, P = 0.02) and have a higher body mass index (28.66 vs 23.50 kg/m2, P < 0.001). There were no differences among patient comorbidities. CPX4 required on average a greater total fill volume (422.23 vs 348.07 mL, P = 0.01) and had a greater drain duration (16.91 vs 14.33 days, P = 0.05). There were no differences in TE plane placement between Artoura and CPX4. Additionally, there were no differences in complication rates, including infection, hematomas, seromas, wound breakdown, TE replacement, and capsular contracture. When controlling for body mass index, diabetes, TE plane placement, acellular dermal matrix use, radiation exposure, and chemotherapy, there was no association between TE subtype and any individual complication.

Discussion

Differences in total fill volume and drain duration were significantly different between Mentor Artoura and CPX4 implants, which may influence TE subtype selection. However, Artoura and CPX4 have excellent and equivalent safety profiles with similar complication rates, even when controlling for demographic and TE characteristics.
Limb Salvage Using Microsurgical Free Tissue Transfer in Severe Frostbite
Authors: Karir Aneesh , Donaldson Elsa Kaley , Holzer Elad , Quaife Tanis , Winter Jessica , Sigurdson Leif
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Frostbite is often managed conservatively; however, in severe cases, microsurgical free tissue transfer is required for soft tissue coverage and limb salvage. Given its rarity, the techniques and outcomes of these cases are not well described. The purpose of this report is to present the largest case series, to date, of frostbite injuries requiring microsurgical reconstruction for limb salvage.

Methods

A single-center retrospective review was conducted of all patients who underwent free tissue transfer by a single surgeon from 2008 to 2022. Patients of all ages were included if they suffered a frostbite injury requiring free tissue transfer. Demographics, operative details, and surgical outcomes were recorded.

Results

Eight patients with frostbite injuries were included in the report. Patients had frostbite injuries either to the lower extremities (n = 4) or to both upper and lower extremities (n = 4). Sixteen free flaps were done in total including four paired chimeric and eight single free flaps. Flap recipient sites included knees (n = 5), foot/ankle (n = 3), dorsal hands (n = 2), and thumbs (n = 2). All 16 flaps survived. Five patients had complications: four with major complications requiring operative management and two with minor complications requiring conservative management. Mean follow-up time was 505.7 days (range 115–1564). All lower extremity reconstructions were able to weight-bear at an average of 125.2 days post-injury (range 87–164).

Conclusions

This case series demonstrates that free tissue transfer is a robust option for soft tissue coverage and functional limb salvage in patients with severe frostbite injuries to both upper and lower extremities.
Analysis of Relevant Predictive Indicators for Postoperative Condition Change in Brain Tumor Patients
Authors: Wang Wei , Huang Qinghua , Xu Xin , Wang Kaikai
Published: July 2024

Background:

Novice nurse need more guidance and professional confidence. This study aimed to explore early relevant predictive indicators for postoperative condition changes in brain tumor patients, which can be used to map patients’ condition changes for novice nurses.

Methods:

The authors prospectively collected clinical data, including nursing records of cerebral tumor patients after operation from July 2020 to June 2021 in the Department of Neurosurgery. Univariant analysis and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed to identify independent predictors, the satisfaction questionnaire for teaching nurses is used to evaluate the new nurse’s performance during perioperative period, psychometric scale is used to assess nurses’ psychological stress.

Results:

Nine hundred ninety-five cerebral tumor patients were enrolled in this study, and 115 (11.6%) patients’ conditions were changed. Relevant predictive indicators, including vision, myodynamia, urine volume, nausea, vomit, pain, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), and Modified Early Warning System (MEWS), among them GCS, MEWS, and vision can basically cover the above indicators through simulation and calculation of the integrated model was set as Z=22*vision+1*GCS+3*MEWS. The satisfaction rate of teaching nurses has increased from 78.125 to 86.25%. Novice nurses' psychological stress was dropped from 30.637% to 19.844%.

Conclusions:

GCS and MEWS. GCS, MEWS and vision can map patients’ condition change after cerebral tumor operation. The warning model has reduced their psychological stress, and the teaching nurse expressed that the effective evaluation of postoperative patient conditions by novice nurses reduces their nursing and teaching work greatly.
Pseudomonas fortuita sp. nov., isolated from the endosphere of a wild yam
Authors: Carlier Aurelien , Beaumel Marine , Moreau Sandra , Acar Tessa , Sana Thibault Géry , Cnockaert Margo , Vandamme Peter
Published: July 2024

A Gram-negative, strictly aerobic bacterial strain was isolated from asymptomatic leaf tissue of a wild yam plant. Optimal growth was observed at 28 °C and pH 7, and catalase and oxidase activities were detected. Polyphasic taxonomic and comparative genomics revealed that strain LMG 33091T represents a novel species of Pseudomonas. The nearest phylogenetic neighbours of strain LMG 33091T were Pseudomonas putida NBRC 14164T (with 99.79 % 16S rRNA sequence identity), Pseudomonas alkylphenolica KL28T (99.28 %) and Pseudomonas asplenii (99.07 %) ATCC 23835T. MALDI-TOF MS analysis yielded distinct profiles for strain LMG 33091T and the nearest phylogenetic neighbours. Average nucleotide identity analyses between the whole genome sequence of strain LMG 33091T and of the type strains of its nearest-neighbour taxa yielded values below the species delineation threshold and thus confirmed that the strain represented a novel Pseudomonas species, for which we propose the name Pseudomonas fortuita sp. nov., with strain LMG 33091T (=GMI12077T= CFBP 9143T) as the type strain.
Anti-inflammatory effect of beluga lentil extract in RAW 264.7
macrophages
Authors: Song Hyeon-Ji , Lee Syng-Ook
Published: July 2024

The anti-inflammatory effect of beluga lentil extract (BLE) and its underlying
mechanisms were investigated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW 264.7
cells. Treatment with BLE significantly decreased nitric oxide (NO) production
and protein and mRNA expressions of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in LPS-treated
RAW 264.7 cells. Down-regulation of this inflammatory gene expression was not
associated with NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathways, and further mechanistic
studies demonstrated that BLE decreased LPS-induced iNOS expression through
upregulation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-mediated
heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression. These results suggest that beluga lentil
represent a potential source of natural anti-inflammatory agents, and further
studies will be necessary to determine its anti-inflammatory effects in
vivo.
Effects of a soybean sprouts mixture containing Hovenia
dulcis Thunb. fruit concentrate on hangover relief and liver
function improvement in chronically alcohol-treated rats
Authors: Heo Ji-An , Min Hye-Ji , Park Wool-Lim , Kim Jeong-Ho , Won Yeong-Seon , Seo Kwon-Il
Published: July 2024

This study examined the effects of a soybean sprouts mixture containing
1.5% Hovenia dulcis Thunb. fruit concentrate (SHM) on
relieving hangovers and improving liver function in chronically alcohol-treated
rats. The ampelopsin and L-asparagine contents in the SHM were 10.52, 35.19 ppm.
When chronic alcohol-induced rats were treated with SHM, the body weight
increased and the liver weight decreased. The serum alcohol and acetaldehyde
concentrations were lowest in the SHM group, and the hepatic ADH and ALDH
activities were highest in the SHM group. Chronic alcohol induction increased
the activity of liver function indicator enzymes such as ALT, AST, and GGT, but
the activity was decreased significantly with the SHM treatment. The
triglyceride content in hepatic and serum blood samples was lowest in the SHM
group. The serum total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol contents decreased in the
SHM group, and the HDL cholesterol content increased. The color of the hepatic
observed morphologically in the SHM group was reddish brown, and the size and
number of lipid droplets in the hepatic observed pathologically decreased. The
hepatic and serum lipid peroxidation content of the SHM group decreased. The
hepatic and serum GSH content increased in the SHM group. Therefore, SHM can be
a functional food that can help hangovers and improve liver function.
Experimental evolution of gene essentiality in bacteria
Authors: Bao Liang , Zhu Zan , Ismail Ahmed , Zhu Bin , Anandan Vysakh , Whiteley Marvin , Kitten Todd , Xu Ping
Published: July 2024

Essential gene products carry out fundamental cellular activities in interaction with other components. However, the lack of essential gene mutants and appropriate methodologies to link essential gene functions with their partners poses significant challenges. Here, we have generated deletion mutants in 32 genes previously identified as essential, with 23 mutants showing extremely slow growth in the SK36 strain ofStreptococcus sanguinis. The 23 genes corresponding to these mutants encode components of diverse pathways, are widely conserved among bacteria, and are essential in many other bacterial species. Whole-genome sequencing of 243 independently evolved populations of these mutants has identified >1000 spontaneous suppressor mutations in experimental evolution. Many of these mutations define new gene and pathway relationships, such as F1Fo-ATPase/V1Vo-ATPase/TrkA1-H1 that were demonstrated across multipleStreptococcusspecies. Patterns of spontaneous mutations occurring in essential gene mutants differed from those found in wildtype. While gene duplications occurred rarely and appeared most often at later stages of evolution, substitutions, deletions, and insertions were prevalent in evolved populations. These essential gene deletion mutants and spontaneous mutations fixed in the mutant populations during evolution establish a foundation for understanding gene essentiality and the interaction of essential genes in networks.
Natural variation in fruiting body morphology in the amoebaDictyostelium discoideum
Authors: Broersma Cathleen M.E. , McFadyen Sean , Ostrowski Elizabeth A.
Published: July 2024

Reproductive altruism, where some individuals reproduce and others do not, is considered one of the pinnacles of cooperative societies. However, the optimal level of reproductive altruism is likely to depend on inclusive fitness considerations, including the relatedness of reproducing to non-reproducing individuals, as well as the benefits and costs accruing to each, respectively. In the social amoebaDictyostelium discoideum, thousands of cells aggregate to form a multicellular fruiting body. During this process, some cells die, forming a rigid stalk that supports the rest of the cells, which become viable spores. The level of stalk investment by the social group can therefore be considered a metric of altruism investment. Importantly, genetically unrelated cells can co-aggregate to produce ‘chimeric’ fruiting bodies, and selection can favour genotypes that behave selfishly by preferentially forming spores and avoiding forming the stalk. Owing to the extreme differences in fitness consequences of stalk cells versus spores, the level of altruism investment is likely to be under strong selection. Here we examined clonal fruiting body morphology in four natural populations to assess the extent to which stalk investment varies within populations and is maintained to different extents among populations. We found variation in fruiting body size and stalk investment, at both a cm-scale and between geographically isolated populations. These findings indicate the divergent evolution of altruism investment with and among populations and demonstrate widespread potential for cheating.
Integrated multiomic profiling reveals SWI/SNF subunit-specific pathway alterations and targetable vulnerabilities
Authors: Santamarina Jorge Bretones , Astier Clémence , Garrido Marlène , Daage Leo Colmet , Roumeliotis Theodoros I. , Anthony Elodie , Pardo Mercedes , Chasseriaud Marianne , Gestraud Pierre , Ngo Carine , Morel Daphné , Chabanon Roman , Choudhary Jyoti , Del Nery Elaine , Postel-Vinay Sophie , Ballesta Annabelle
Published: July 2024

Mutations in subunits of the SWItch Sucrose Non-Fermentable (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complex occur in ≈20% of cancers and represent a highly unmet medical need. To identify novel therapeutic approaches, we systematically characterized transcriptomic and proteomic changes caused by the loss of SWI/SNF subunits or other epigenetic enzymes in isogenic cell lines, which we subsequently integrated with high-throughput drug screening and independent genetic screens of the DepMap project. Using an optimized bioinformatics pipeline for pathway enrichment, we identifiedMetabolism of proteinsas the most frequently dysregulated Reactome pathway category in SWI/SNF-defective cell lines. Drug screening and multiomic integration revealed multiple chemicals selectively cytotoxic for SWI/SNF-defective models, including CBP/EP300 or mitochondrial respiration inhibitors. A novel algorithm for the analysis of DepMap CRISPR screens independently identified synthetic lethality between SWI/SNF defects andEP300or mitochondrial respiration genes, which we further revalidated in disease-relevant models. These results unravel novel genetic dependencies for SWI/SNF-defective cancers.
Genetic variation in the speciesArabidopsis thalianareveals the existence of natural heat resilience factors for meiosis
Authors: Zhao Jiayi , Fu Huiqi , Wang Zhengze , Zhang Min , Liang Yaoqiong , Cui Xueying , Pan Wenjing , Ren Ziming , Wu Zhihua , Zhang Yujie , Gui Xin , Huo Li , Lei Xiaoning , Wang Chong , Schnittger Arp , Pawlowski Wojciech P. , Liu Bing
Published: July 2024

Heat interferes with multiple meiotic processes leading to genome instability and sterility in flowering plants, including many crops. Despite its importance for food security, the mechanisms underlying heat tolerance of meiosis are poorly understood. In this study, we analyzed different meiotic processes in the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) accessions Columbia (Col) and Landsbergerecta(Ler), their F1 hybrids and F2 offspring under heat stress (37°C). At 37°C, Col exhibits significantly reduced formation of double-stand breaks (DSBs) and completely abolished homolog pairing, synapsis and crossover (CO) formation. Strikingly, Lerand Ler/Col hybrids are much less affected than Col. Interestingly, only 10% ∼ 20% of F2 offspring exhibit the same heat tolerance of meiotic recombination as parents, indicating that heat resilience in Leris controlled by the interplay of several loci. Moreover, F2 offspring show defective chromosome condensation in interkinesis, and untimely sister-chromatid segregation and/or chromosome fragmentation, the levels of which exceed those in either inbreds and/or hybrids thus implying a transgressive effect on heat tolerance of meiosis. Furthermore, correlation and cytogenetic analysis suggest that homolog pairing and/or synapsis have an impact on heat tolerance of chromosome morphology and stability during post-recombination stages under heat stress. Taken together, this study reveals the existence of natural heat resilience factors for meiosis in Arabidopsis, which have the great potential to be exploited in breeding programs.

Author summary

Environmental temperature alterations affect meiotic recombination and/or chromosome segregation thus perturbing genetic makeup and genome stability in plants. We have previously reported that CO formation is fully abolished inArabidopsis thalianaaccession Col under heat stress (36°C-38°C) due to reduced DSB formation and impaired homolog pairing. Here, we show that inArabidopsis thalianaaccession Lerunder the same high temperature conditions, both DSB and CO formation occur normally, and homolog pairing is mildly impacted, which indicate a striking difference in heat tolerance of meiotic recombination from Col. Remarkably, Col/Lerhybrids display the same heat tolerance as Ler, however, only 10% ∼ 20% of F2 offspring behave the same as parents. Moreover, we found higher levels of defects in chromosome morphology and integrity, and sister-chromatid segregation in F2 population than those in both inbreds and hybrids, which suggest a transgressive effect influencing heat tolerance of meiosis. Our findings reveal that heat resilience in Arabidopsis is controlled by the interplay of multiple genomic loci, holding a great potential to be exploited in crop breeding.
Trap Spacing Protocols for Amazonian Dung Beetle Surveys
Authors: Hernandez Perez Elena , Aycart Pablo , Chaboteaux Elena , Lopera Toro Alejandro , Forsyth Adrian
Published: July 2024

Surveys of dung beetle species richness, abundance and assemblage composition were conducted at Los Amigos Biological Station in Amazonian Peru, using dung-baited pitfall traps with varying spacing and duration. Trap spacing did not significantly influence species richness, the number of individuals captured, or assemblage composition. These findings suggest that in healthy Neotropical rainforests, dung beetle populations are vast and mobile, indicating that the concern over trap spacing might be less critical than previously considered.
Antibacterial activity of tamoxifen derivatives against methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Panadero Irene Molina , Torres Javier Falcón , Hmadcha Karim , Princiotto Salvatore , Cutarella Luigi , Mori Mattia , Dallavalle Sabrina , Christodoulou Michael S. , Smani Younes
Published: July 2024

The present work aimed to discover new tamoxifen derivatives with antimicrobial potential, particularly targeting methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA).

The MIC of 22 tamoxifen derivatives was determined againstS. aureusreference and MRSA strains, using microdilution assays. The antibacterial effects of selected tamoxifen derivatives against MRSA (USA7) were assessed through bacterial growth assays. Bacterial membrane permeability and molecular docking assays were performed.

The MIC of the tamoxifen derivatives against MRSA ranged from to 16 to >64 μg/mL. Bacterial growth assays demonstrated that tamoxifen derivatives2,5, and6reduced dose-dependently the growth of the USA7 strain. Moreover, treatment of MRSA with derivatives2and5resulted in increased membrane permeabilization without being the cell wall their molecular target.

These data suggest that tamoxifen derivatives exhibit antibacterial activity against MRSA, potentially broadening the spectrum of available drug treatments for combating antimicrobial-resistant Gram-positive bacteria.

Importance

The development of new antimicrobial therapeutic strategies requires immediate attention to avoid the tens of millions of deaths predicted to occur by 2050 as a result of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections. In this study, we assessed the antibacterial activity of 22 tamoxifen derivatives against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). We found that three tamoxifen derivatives exhibited antibacterial activity against MRSA clinical isolats, presenting MIC50values between 16 and 64 μg/mL and reducing bacterial growth over 24 h. Additionally, this antibacterial activity for two of the derivatives was accompanied by increased membrane permeability of MRSA. Our results suggest that tamoxifen derivatives might be used as a potential therapeutic alternative for treating MRSA strains in an animal model of infection.
Ecotype-specific genomic features within theEscherichiacryptic clade IV
Authors: Saraceno Martín , Frankel Nicolás , Graziano Martín
Published: July 2024

Escherichiacryptic clades represent a relatively unexplored taxonomic cluster believed to exhibit characteristics associated with a free-living lifestyle, which is known as the environmental hypothesis. This hypothesis suggests that certainEscherichiastrains harbour traits that favour their environmental persistence, thus expanding the ecological commensal niche of the genus. While surveyingEscherichiadiversity in an urban South American stream we isolated the first environmental cryptic clade IV strain in South America (339_SF). Here we report the genomic characterization of 339_SF strain in the context of existing genomic information for cryptic clade IV. A comparative analysis of genomes within the same clade stemming from diverse ecological sources and geographical locations reveals close phylogenetic proximity between our isolate and strains of environmental origin. In the genomes of cryptic clade IV strains that were isolated from environmental niches we observed enrichment of functional genes related to responses to adverse environmental conditions and a low number of genes with clinical relevance among. Our findings highlight substantial intra-group genomic structuring linked to ecological origin and shed light on the genomic mechanisms underlying the naturalization phenomena within theEscherichiagenus.
A Cost-effective, High-throughput, Highly Accurate Genotyping Method for Outbred Populations
Authors: Chen Denghui , Chitre Apurva S. , Nguyen Khai-Minh H. , Cohen Katarina , Peng Beverly , Ziegler Kendra S. , Okamoto Faith , Lin Bonnie , Johnson Benjamin B. , Sanches Thiago M. , Cheng Riyan , Polesskaya Oksana , Palmer Abraham A.
Published: July 2024

Affordable sequencing and genotyping methods are essential for large scale genome-wide association studies. While genotyping microarrays and reference panels for imputation are available for human subjects, non-human model systems often lack such options. Our lab previously demonstrated an efficient and cost-effective method to genotype heterogeneous stock rats using double-digest genotyping-by-sequencing. However, low-coverage whole-genome sequencing offers an alternative method that has several advantages. Here, we describe a cost-effective, high-throughput, high-accuracy genotyping method for N/NIH heterogeneous stock rats that can use a combination of sequencing data previously generated by double-digest genotyping-by-sequencing and more recently generated by low-coverage whole-genome-sequencing data. Using double-digest genotyping-by-sequencing data from 5,745 heterogeneous stock rats (mean 0.21x coverage) and low-coverage whole-genome-sequencing data from 8,760 heterogeneous stock rats (mean 0.27x coverage), we can impute 7.32 million bi-allelic single-nucleotide polymorphisms with a concordance rate >99.76% compared to high-coverage (mean 33.26x coverage) whole-genome sequencing data for a subset of the same individuals. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of using sequencing data from double-digest genotyping-by-sequencing or low-coverage whole-genome-sequencing for accurate genotyping, and demonstrate techniques that may also be useful for other genetic studies in non-human subjects.

Article Summary

Heterogeneous stock rats were derived by interbreeding eight inbred founders in 1984, and have been maintained as an outbred population for more than 100 generations. Heterogeneous stock rats offer a high degree of genetic and phenotypic diversity, and have been extensively used for genetic studies. Here, we describe a cost-effective and high-throughput genotyping method for heterogeneous stock rats. We applied the method to 15,552 heterogeneous stock rats. The resulting genotypes were highly accurate. These techniques may be useful for genetic studies in other non-human subjects.
A systematic literature review to evaluate the effect of maternal education on under-five mortalities in Nigeria, with recommendations for sustainable development
Authors: Umoru Dominic D.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Thesecond target of the SDG3 hopes to reduce under-5 mortalities (U5M) to at least as low as 25 per 1000 live births by 2030. However, U5M remain high in Nigeria and maternal education has been recognized as a predicting factor. This systematic literature review aims to evaluate the relationship between maternal education and under-five mortalities in Nigeria and make recommendations.

Methods

A systematic search of PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE and Maternity and Infant Care databases was conducted between 1st August 2021 and 31stJuly 2022. Included articles were appraised using Critical Appraisal Tool for Analytical Cross-sectional Studies developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI), 2017. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA, 2009) guidelines was used for data extraction.

Result

A total of 215 articles were retrieved out of which 33 were removed due to duplications. After screening, 27 were assessed out of which 14 were finally included. The result indicates that there was less odd of U5M among children whose mothers had at least primary education and suggests that the risk of dying further reduces with higher levels of maternal education. This result corroborates that of earlier studies.

Conclusion

Reduction in U5M depends on understanding of the impact of maternal education. Therefore, policies should strive to bridge the gaps in female literacy by creating better access to education for Nigerian women.

Key message

U5M remains high in Nigeria despite an improving global figure. Aside the direct causes, maternal education has been identified as one remote predictor of child deaths before the age of 5. Although some isolated studies have tried to prove this, there is still need for more evidence to support this thinking, given the potential of such findings to influence policies related to child health. Therefore, this SLR hopes to synthesize evidence based on what is already known with the goal to influence local policies on child survival.
Preclinical Development of a Romidepsin Nanoparticle Demonstrates Superior Tolerability and Efficacy in Models of Human T-Cell Lymphoma and Large Granular Lymphocyte Leukemia
Authors: Pal Ipsita , Illendula Anuradha , Joyner Andrea , Manavalan John Sanil , Deddens Tess M. , Sabzevari Ariana , Damera Deepthi P. , Zuberi Samir , Marchi Enrica , Fox Todd E. , Dunlap-Brown Marya E. , Jayappa Kallesh D. , Craig Jeffrey W. , Loughran Thomas P. , Feith David J. , O’Connor Owen A.
Published: July 2024

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are a widely recognized and valued treatment option for patients with relapsed or refractory peripheral T cell lymphomas (PTCL). Romidepsin is a relatively selective Class I HDAC inhibitor originally approved for patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) and subsequently R/R PTCL. Unfortunately, the FDA approval of romidepsin for R/R PTCL was withdrawn due to a negative Phase 4 post-marketing requirement (PMR), diminishing further the treatment options for patients with PTCL. Herein we describe the development of a first-in-class polymer nanoparticle of romidepsin (Nanoromidepsin) using an innovative amphiphilic di-block copolymer-based nanochemistry platform. Nanoromidepsin exhibited superior pharmacologic disposition, with improved tolerability and safety in murine models of T-cell lymphoma. Nanoromidepsin also exhibited superior anti-tumor efficacy in multiple models includingin vitroT cell lymphoma (TCL) cell lines,ex vivoLGL leukemia primary patient samples, and murine TCL xenografts. Nanoromidepsin demonstrated greater accumulation in tumors and a statistically significant improvement in overall survival (OS) compared to romidepsin in murine xenograft models. These findings collectively justify the clinical development of Nanoromidepsin in patients with T-cell malignancies.
Comprehensive Analysis of Exportins Expression and its Prognostic Significance in Colon Adenocarcinoma: Insights from Public Databases
Authors: Kalia Punita , Nair Rohini Ravindran , Yadav Suresh Singh
Published: July 2024

Colon cancer remains a significant health burden globally, necessitating deeper investigation. Identification and targeting of prognostic markers can significantly improve the current therapeutic approaches for colon cancer. The differential nuclear transport (import and export) of cellular proteins, plays an important role in tumor progression. Exportins, critical mediators of nuclear export, have emerged as potential players in cancer pathogenesis. However, their precise roles and prognostic significance in colon adenocarcinoma remain elusive. This study was designed to comprehensively analyse the expression and prognostic significance of all seven exportins in Colon Adenocarcinoma (COAD) using the online public database. We used public databases UALCAN, C-Bio portal, Human Protein Atlas (HPA), and DAVID, to investigate exportins in COAD patients. Kaplan-Meier plotter, Gene ontology (GO), TIMER, STRING, and KEGG were used to analyse data and draw conclusions. Our observations showed a significant correlation of exportins expression with clinical parameters, used to predict a patient’s prognosis in general, such as advancing tumor stage, overall/relapse-free survival, and immune cell infiltrations. Mutation analysis showed the presence of amplifications, missense mutations in XPO2 and XPO4, and deep deletions in XPO7 genes contributing to disease progression and patients survival. This study highlights the potential use of exportins as novel prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for colon adenocarcinoma progression and management.
MALDI-TOF MS profiling and its contribution to mosquito-borne diseases: a systematic review
Authors: Costa Monique Melo , Corbel Vincent , Hamouda Refka Ben , Almeras Lionel
Published: July 2024

Mosquito-borne diseases are responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths per year. The identification and control of the vectors that transmit pathogens to humans are crucial for disease prevention and management. Currently, morphological and molecular approaches are the standard methods used for vector identification, however, they present several limitations. In the last decade, matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) profiling emerged as an innovative technology in Biological Sciences and is now considered as a relevant tool for the identification of pathogens and arthropods. Beyond species identification, this tool can be relevant for the determination of different life traits of arthropod vectors. The purpose of the present systematic review was to highlight the contribution of MALDI-TOF MS to the surveillance and control of mosquito-borne diseases. Published articles from January 2003 to September 2023 were retrieved, considering different aspects of mosquito life traits which could be determinant in the transmission of diseases and vector management. The screening of scientific literature resulted in the selection of 54 published articles that assessed MALDI-TOF MS profiling to study various biological factors such species identification, life expectancy, gender, trophic preferences, microbiota and insecticide resistance. Although a large majority of the selected articles focused on species identification, the present review shows that MALDI-TOF MS profiling is promising for identifying various mosquito life traits with rapidity, high throughput capacity, reliability and low cost. The strength and weakness of this proteomic tool for vector control and surveillance are discussed.
Engineered endosymbionts that modulate primary macrophage function and attenuate tumor growth by shifting the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Madsen Cody S , Makela Ashley V , Maduka Chima V , Greeson Emily M , Tundo Anthony , Ural Evran , Kulkarni Satyajit H , Zarea Ahmed , Kiupel Matti , Sayadi Maryam , Contag Christopher H
Published: July 2024

Modulating gene expression in macrophages can be used to improve tissue regeneration and to redirect tumor microenvironments (TME) toward positive therapeutic outcomes. We have developed Bacillus subtilis as an engineered endosymbiont (EES) capable of residing inside the eukaryotic host cell cytoplasm and controlling the fate of macrophages. Secretion of mammalian transcription factors (TFs) from B. subtilis that expresses listeriolysin O (LLO; allowing the EES to escape destruction by the macrophage) modulated expression of surface markers, cytokines and chemokines, indicating functional changes in a macrophage/monocyte cell line. The engineered B. subtilis LLO TF strains were evaluated in murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) by flow cytometry, chemokine/cytokine profiling, metabolic assays and RNA-Seq. Delivery of TFs by the EES shifted BMDM gene expression, production of cytokine and chemokines and metabolic patterns, indicating that the TF strains could guide primary macrophage function. Thereafter, the ability of the TF strains to alter the TME was characterized in vivo, in an orthotopic murine model of triple-negative breast cancer to assess therapeutic effects. The TF strains altered the TME by shifting immune cell composition and attenuating tumor growth. Additionally, multiple doses of the TF strains were well-tolerated by the mice. The use of B. subtilis LLO TF strains as EES showed promise as a unique cancer immunotherapy by directing immune function intracellularly. The uses of EES could be expanded to modulate other mammalian cells over a range of biomedical applications.
UK mosquitoes are competent to transmit Usutu virus at native temperatures
Authors: Pilgrim Jack , Metelmann Soeren , Widlake Emma , Seechurn Nicola , Vaux Alexander , Mansfield Karen L , Tanianis-Hughes Jola , Sherlock Ken , Johnson Nicholas , Medlock Jolyon , Baylis Matthew , Blagrove Marcus SC
Published: July 2024

Usutu virus (USUV) is an emerging zoonotic virus transmitted primarily byCulexmosquitoes. Since its introduction into Europe from Africa during the late 20thcentury, it has caused mortality within populations of passerine birds and captive owls, and can on occasion lead to disease in humans. USUV was first detected in the UK in 2020 and has become endemic, having been detected in either birds and/or mosquitoes every subsequent year. Importantly, the vector competence of indigenous mosquitoes for the circulating UK (London) USUV strain at representative regional temperatures is still to be elucidated. This study assessed the vector competence of five field-caught mosquito species/biotypes,Culex pipiensbiotypemolestus,Culex pipiensbiotypepipiens,Culex torrentium,Culiseta annulataandAedes detritusfor the London USUV strain, with infection rates (IR) and transmission rates (TR) evaluated between 7 to 28 days post-infection. Infection and transmission were observed in all species/biotypes aside fromAe. detritusandCx. torrentium. ForCx. pipiensbiotypemolestus, transmission potential suggests these populations should be monitored further for their role in transmission to humans. Furthermore, bothCx. pipiensbiotypepipiensandCs. annulatawere shown to be competent vectors at 19°C indicating the potential for geographical spread of the virus to other UK regions.