bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mediastinal mayhem: the challenges of incidental thoracic arteriovenous malformations—a case report
Authors: Tram Louise , Freeman Phillip , Leusink Robert Johannes
Published: August 2024

Background

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) within the mediastinum are rare vascular anomalies. With the increasing number of coronary angiographies being performed, the number of incidentally found cases is rising. This presents challenges in terms of determining the appropriate treatment strategy.

Case summary

We present the case of a 79-year-old man with aortic stenosis, experiencing functional dyspnoea and fatigue. Echocardiography showed a bicuspid aortic valve, and while left heart catheterization confirmed no significant coronary stenosis, it revealed a tortuous vessel originating from the circumflex artery (Cx), assumed to be heading toward the pulmonary circulation. The patient was scheduled for a surgical replacement of the aortic valve (SAVR). During the SAVR, the tortuous vessel was revealed to be a large, complex AVM located in the mediastinum. This increased both the duration of the surgery and the use of cardioplegia. Further, bleeding occurred per-operatively. Post-operatively, the patient developed tachy-brady syndrome and was treated with a pacemaker before discharge.

Discussion

Due to the rarity of incidental AVMs in the middle/posterior mediastinum, no standard treatment protocol is available. This leaves clinicians and surgeons to manage the disease on a case-by-case basis, often with limited experience to guide their decisions. This patient case underscores the challenge of determining whether patients should be offered transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) or surgery. Furthermore, it highlights the intricate challenges that can arise when dealing with thoracic AVMs during cardiac procedures, emphasizing the importance of pre-operative awareness and tailored surgical approaches based on multidisciplinary discussions.
Accumulation of Large Lineage-Specific Repeats Coincides with Sequence Acceleration and Structural Rearrangement in Plantago Plastomes
Authors: Wang Jie , Kan Shenglong , Kong Jiali , Nie Liyun , Fan Weishu , Ren Yonglin , Reeve Wayne , Mower Jeffrey P , Wu Zhiqiang
Published: August 2024

Repeats can mediate rearrangements and recombination in plant mitochondrial genomes and plastid genomes. While repeat accumulations are linked to heightened evolutionary rates and complex structures in specific lineages, debates persist regarding the extent of their influence on sequence and structural evolution. In this study, 75 Plantago plastomes were analyzed to investigate the relationships between repeats, nucleotide substitution rates, and structural variations. Extensive repeat accumulations were associated with significant rearrangements and inversions in the large inverted repeats (IRs), suggesting that repeats contribute to rearrangement hotspots. Repeats caused infrequent recombination that potentially led to substoichiometric shifting, supported by long-read sequencing. Repeats were implicated in elevating evolutionary rates by facilitating localized hypermutation, likely through DNA damage and repair processes. This study also observed a decrease in nucleotide substitution rates for loci translocating into IRs, supporting the role of biased gene conversion in maintaining lower substitution rates. Combined with known parallel changes in mitogenomes, it is proposed that potential dysfunction in nuclear-encoded genes associated with DNA replication, recombination, and repair may drive the evolution of Plantago organellar genomes. These findings contribute to understanding how repeats impact organellar evolution and stability, particularly in rapidly evolving plant lineages.
The heterogeneous response of real estate prices during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Heiniger Sandro , Koeniger Winfried , Lechner Michael
Published: August 2024

We estimate the transmission of the pandemic shock in 2020 to the residential and commercial real estate market by causal machine learning, using granular data for Germany. We exploit differences in the incidence of Covid infections and short-time work at the municipal level for the identification of epidemiological and economic effects of the pandemic. We find that (i) a larger incidence of Covid infections temporarily reduced rents for retail real estate; (ii) a larger incidence of short-time work temporarily reduced rents of office real estate; (iii) the pandemic increased prices, particularly in the top price segment of commercial real estate.
Buyer’s notice of non-conformity
Authors: Schwenzer Ingeborg , Schroeter Ulrich G
Published: August 2024

This chapter discusses Article 39’s underlying basic principle of the buyer’s duty to give notice of any lack of conformity. Additionally, the principle is maintained in the CISG. Any lack of conformity that the buyer has established upon a proper examination of the goods must be notified to the seller. The notice must indicate the intention to object and exactly specify the nature of the lack of conformity. The chapter notes the consequences of failing to give any or proper notice to the seller at the designated time limit. However, Article 39 is non-mandatory so parties may agree that the duty to give notice of lack of conformity does not apply at all.
Early or excess delivery
Authors: Schwenzer Ingeborg , Schroeter Ulrich G
Published: August 2024

This chapter explains the basic concept of Article 52 which gives the buyer the right to reject the goods in case of early or excess delivery. The provision intends to prevent buyers from incurring additional costs as a result and to protect them from onerous circumstances brought about by early or excess delivery. The chapter states the importance of following the date fixed in the contract between the seller and the buyer. It also emphasizes that the buyer should not be burdened with the costs and inconveniences involved (e.g. storage of goods) in the event of premature delivery. Nonetheless, the chapter explains that Article 52 is inapplicable if a definite delivery date has not been fixed. Furthermore, it looks at the consequences of accepting the early delivery. The chapter also points out that if a seller delivers a larger quantity than agreed in the contract, he commits a breach of contract. The delivery of goods of greater value than the goods owed under the contract also represents a non-conformity with the contract.
Suspension of performance
Authors: Schwenzer Ingeborg , Schroeter Ulrich G
Published: August 2024

This chapter focuses on Article 71, which governs the case in which a party may suspend its performance because, in all probability, the other party will not perform a substantial part of its obligations. The provision states the principle that a party should not be obliged to perform if it is foreseeable that it will not receive what is owed to it. It distinguishes between the right to suspend performance before performance is due and the seller’s right to prevent the handing over of the goods where they have already been dispatched. The discussion highlights the right of suspension as an important self-help remedy, protecting the creditor from knowingly exposing itself to the risk of not receiving anything in return for what it has performed.
Parties’ release from obligations; restriction
Authors: Schwenzer Ingeborg , Schroeter Ulrich G
Published: August 2024

This chapter highlights Article 81, which bears the same wording as its predecessor, Article 78 ULIS. For clarification purposes, Article 81 was added that any provision of the contract for the settlement of disputes would not be affected by an avoidance of the contract. It also mentions the addition of any other provision of the contract governing the rights and obligations of the parties consequent upon the avoidance of the contract, which will not be affected by an avoidance of the contract to avoid ambiguities. The chapter covers the suggestion for the addition in Article, which was made at the Vienna Conference to part with the term ‘avoidance’ and to replace it with ‘discharge by breach.’ It clarifies that ‘avoidance’ would arouse connotations with the English legal terms ‘avoid’ and ‘avoidable’, which refer to the validity of a contract rather than to the reaction to a fundamental breach of contract.
Relationship with other international agreements
Authors: Schwenzer Ingeborg , Schroeter Ulrich G
Published: August 2024

This chapter focuses on Article 83, which re-emphasizes the basic principle that a breach of contract leads to a range of different remedies that co-exist independently from each other. The buyer is not left without rights, even if it cannot claim restitution of the purchase price, or demand substitute delivery, because of Article 82(1). It explores the impossibility of making restitution of the goods in their original state, which does not preclude the buyer from exercising other remedies for breach of contract. The chapter looks at modern unification projects that provide for a palette of remedies from which the party not in breach can choose, even though they have done away with the rule of Article 82. Article 83 does not pose any new principle or rule, it is just a reminder of the fact that a breach of contract may be remedied by a variety of measures.
Introduction to Articles 85–88 CISG: General questions regarding the preservation of the goods
Authors: Schwenzer Ingeborg , Schroeter Ulrich G
Published: August 2024

This chapter talks about Article 85, which lays down that the seller must take steps to preserve the goods until they have been handed over to the buyer. An express provision to this effect was needed in the CISG principally because of the fact that the seller is entitled to the purchase price if the buyer refuses to take over the goods, and this obligation cannot be reduced even if the seller fails to mitigate the loss. It refers to situations in which Article 85 is applicable, wherein the risk has already passed to the buyer. The chapter points out how Article 85 prohibits such situations by obliging the seller to care for the goods in the buyer’s interest. The obligation laid down in Article 85 has partially the same function as the more general duty to mitigate loss where possible.
Reservation by States with harmonized laws regarding the Convention’s inter se applicability
Authors: Schwenzer Ingeborg , Schroeter Ulrich G
Published: August 2024

This chapter cites Article 94, through which the 1980 Sales Convention takes into account that a number of CISG Contracting States share uniform or harmonized laws on matters also governed by the CISG. In order to enable an undisturbed coexistence between the Sales Convention and other harmonized laws that have developed in a regional context, Article 94 authorizes Contracting States to declare a reservation through which the trade between countries sharing such laws is excluded from the CISG’s application. It emphasizes how Article 94 reservations, by contrast, do not affect the continued application of the Sales Convention to contracts with parties from any other State with whom no harmonized law is shared. The chapter mentions the use of Article 94 in the past by the Nordic (Scandinavian) States. Article 94 excluded intra-Nordic trade from the Sales Convention and instead apply their domestic laws as harmonized within the Nordic Council.
Reservation regarding freedom of form
Authors: Schwenzer Ingeborg , Schroeter Ulrich G
Published: August 2024

This chapter considers Article 96 as unique in its apparent duplification by Article 12, sentence 1 as both provisions address the same issue from a different but otherwise correspond in their content. It recounts how Article 96 had no predecessor in the 1964 Hague Sales Conventions. During the preparatory work for the Vienna Sales Convention, the USSR proposed a provision of this kind as early as 1970 and remained the reservation’s principal sponsor throughout the drafting history. The chapter refers to a draft of Articles 12 and 96 that first appeared in UNCITRAL in 1977 and was then, with some drafting refinements, included into the 1978 New York Draft. At the Vienna Diplomatic Conference, Article 96 was the only among the Convention’s final provisions not to be exclusively discussed in the Second Committee due to its close connection to Articles 11 and 12.
Temporal applicability to sales contracts
Authors: Schwenzer Ingeborg , Schroeter Ulrich G
Published: August 2024

This chapter covers Article 100 that governs the Sales Convention’s temporal scope of application, such as the question to which sales contracts the Convention applies after it has entered into force. Article 100 deals with the temporal applicability of Part II of the Convention and with the same question in respect of the Convention’s Part III. It discusses how Article 100 reflects the principle of non-retroactivity, following a rule of customary international law codified in Article 28 of the 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties. The chapter mentions that Article 100 is directed at commercial judges and arbitrators, private parties, and their legal advisers. Although Article 100 had predecessors in the 1964 Hague Conventions and the 1974 Limitation Convention, those earlier provisions’ wording was simpler as they did not have to interact with the basic rules on applicability.
Histone variant macroH2A1 regulates synchronous firing of replication origins in the inactive X chromosome
Authors: Arroyo Maria , Casas-Delucchi Corella S , Pabba Maruthi K , Prorok Paulina , Pradhan Sunil K , Rausch Cathia , Lehmkuhl Anne , Maiser Andreas , Buschbeck Marcus , Pasque Vincent , Bernstein Emily , Luck Katja , Cardoso M Cristina
Published: August 2024

MacroH2A has been linked to transcriptional silencing, cell identity, and is a hallmark of the inactive X chromosome (Xi). However, it remains unclear whether macroH2A plays a role in DNA replication. Using knockdown/knockout cells for each macroH2A isoform, we show that macroH2A-containing nucleosomes slow down replication progression rate in the Xi reflecting the higher nucleosome stability. Moreover, macroH2A1, but not macroH2A2, regulates the number of nano replication foci in the Xi, and macroH2A1 downregulation increases DNA loop sizes corresponding to replicons. This relates to macroH2A1 regulating replicative helicase loading during G1 by interacting with it. We mapped this interaction to a phenylalanine in macroH2A1 that is not conserved in macroH2A2 and the C-terminus of Mcm3 helicase subunit. We propose that macroH2A1 enhances the licensing of pre-replication complexes via DNA helicase interaction and loading onto the Xi.
PRONTO-TK: a user-friendly PROtein Neural neTwOrk tool-kit for accessible protein function prediction
Authors: Politano Gianfranco , Benso Alfredo , Rehman Hafeez Ur , Re Angela
Published: August 2024

Associating one or more Gene Ontology (GO) terms to a protein means making a statement about a particular functional characteristic of the protein. This association provides scientists with a snapshot of the biological context of the protein activity. This paper introduces PRONTO-TK, a Python-based software toolkit designed to democratize access to Neural-Network based complex protein function prediction workflows. PRONTO-TK is a user-friendly graphical interface (GUI) for empowering researchers, even those with minimal programming experience, to leverage state-of-the-art Deep Learning architectures for protein function annotation using GO terms. We demonstrate PRONTO-TK’s effectiveness on a running example, by showing how its intuitive configuration allows it to easily generate complex analyses while avoiding the complexities of building such a pipeline from scratch.
Melatonin-induced symptomatic bradycardia in an otherwise healthy male: a case report
Authors: Alawad Asim , Sati Wala , Ahmed Sara M I , Elgassim Moayed , Elgassim Mohamad , Balal Abderahman
Published: August 2024

Melatonin, a pineal gland hormone closely associated with the circadian rhythm, has been trending over the past years as an over-the-counter medication to aid with sleep disturbances. Although generally believed to be safe, recent studies show negative inotropic and chronotropic effects on the heart rate and blood pressure in humans. Several studies suggested that melatonin induces cardiac vagal tone and affects heart rate and mean arterial pressure. Limited literature is currently available on the effects of melatonin beyond its sleep function. We present a case of a healthy 22-year-old male who visited the emergency department reporting palpitations and dizziness following the ingestion of 20 mg of melatonin. Subsequent examinations revealed marked bradycardia. Fortunately, the patient experienced spontaneous resolution of the bradycardia without necessitating intervention after a few hours of observation, and he was observed and discharged.
Feeding limestone buffer to limit-fed dairy steers fed a high inclusion rate of distiller grains
Authors: Olagunju Lydia K , Casper David P
Published: August 2024

The study objective was to evaluate dietary limestone buffer inclusion rates for impacting nutrient digestibility and excretion when growing dairy cattle are fed high distiller grains with solubles (DDGS) limit-fed ration. The hypothesis was that feeding more limestone buffer would offset a low rumen pH when feeding a high DDGS inclusion rate. Five ruminally cannulated Holstein and Brown Swiss steers were used in a crossover design having 2-wk periods to evaluate high and low buffer inclusion rates when limit-fed. Treatments were similar in ingredient composition being: 1) 40% DDGS at 0.80% high CaCO3 buffer inclusion (HIGH) and 2) 40% DDGS with 0.25% low CaCO3 buffer inclusion (LOW) with the remaining ration consisting of grass hay with minerals and vitamins. Rations were limit-fed at 2.50% of body weight (BW) using Calan feeding doors with steers being weighed every 2 wk with ration amounts adjusted accordingly. Rumen fluid was collected via the ruminal cannula at the start and end of each period for pH, ammonia-n, and volatile fatty acid (VFA)s. Fecal grab samples were collected at the end of each period for measurement of total-tract nutrient digestibility. There were no treatment-by-period interactions (P > 0.10) for any of the growth parameters measured. Gains in frame growth parameters were similar (P > 0.10) for steers fed both rations. BWs and gains were similar (P > 0.10) for steers fed both rations. Steers fed the LOW ration demonstrated a numeric improvement in average daily gain combined with a tendency (P < 0.06) for lower dry matter intake resulting in an improved (P < 0.01) feed efficiency (gain:feed) compared with steers fed the HIGH ration. Steers fed HIGH demonstrated greater (P < 0.01) ruminal ammonia-N and isovalerate concentrations compared with steers fed the LOW buffer ration. Steers fed both buffer inclusion rates were similar (P > 0.10) for ruminal pH and remaining VFAs concentrations. Steers fed both buffer inclusion rates were similar (P > 0.10) in DM and organic matter digestibilities. Limit-feeding a high DDGS inclusion rate ratio combined with a low buffer inclusion rate improved feed efficiency while maintaining growth performance. The study hypothesis was rejected in that feed efficiency can be enhanced when feeding a high DDGS ration by feeding a low calcium carbonate buffer.
Febrile seizures
Authors: Eiseman Melissa
Published: August 2024

Febrile seizures are the most common seizure disorder in childhood. Most febrile seizures have a benign course and children have a good prognosis. However, febrile seizures are traumatizing events for a child's family or caregiver to witness. Appropriate caregiver education is crucial to ease anxiety. This article reviews the risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnostics, treatment, and prevention of febrile seizures in addition to providing a guideline for effective caregiver education and support.
Exploring opportunities beyond clinical practice
Authors: Bolander Sarah , Herrick Amber
Published: August 2024

Opportunities outside patient care are expanding for physician associates/assistants (PAs). Exploring new roles beyond clinical practice has the potential for improved career fulfillment as clinicians experience increasing levels of burnout and declining satisfaction with patient care. The decision to shift to a nonclinical role may be overwhelming without knowing what positions PAs are qualified to consider. PAs are increasingly found in the fields of healthcare consulting (as medical science liaisons), medical writing, healthcare insurance, research, and academia. With the rapid growth in PA programs, the need for educators is critical and this transition creates an interesting dynamic in which a proficient clinician becomes a novice educator. This article delves into these expectations and provides guidance on making the transition.
One- versus Three-- Level Fusion in Patients Undergoing Multilevel Lumbar Decompression
Authors: Ratnasamy Philip P , Gouzoulis Michael J , Jabbouri Sahir S , Rubio Daniel R , Grauer Jonathan N
Published: August 2024

Study Design.

Retrospective cohort study

Objective.

To assess relative odds of perioperative complications, readmissions, and five-year survival to reoperation for three-level lumbar decompression patients who undergo three-level fusion relative to one-level fusion.

Background.

Patients undergoing multilevel lumbar decompression may be indicated for fusion at one or more levels. The question of fusing only one level with indications such as spondylolisthesis or fusing all levels decompressed is of clinical interest in both the short and longer term.

Methods.

Patients undergoing three-level lumbar decompression were extracted from the PearlDiver M165Orto database. The subset of these patients undergoing concomitant three-level and one-level lumbar fusion were identified and matched 1:1 based on patient age, sex, and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI) scores. The incidence and odds of 90-day postoperative adverse events were compared between the two groups by multivariable analysis, and comparative five-year survival to lumbar spinal reoperation was determined.

Results.

After matching, 28,276 patients were identified as undergoing three-level lumbar decompression with three-level fusion and the same for those undergoing three-level decompression with one-level fusion. Controlling for patient age, sex, and ECI, three-level fusion patients had significantly greater odds ratio (OR) of many 90-day adverse events and aggregated any (OR 1.42), serious (OR 1.44), and minor (OR 1.42) adverse events, as well as readmissions (OR 1.51) (P<0.0001 for all). Five-year survival to reoperation was significantly lower for those undergoing three-level decompression with three-level fusion (P<0.0001).

Conclusions.

Three-level lumbar decompression patients who underwent three-level fusion were found to be at significantly greater odds of 90-day postoperative adverse events, readmissions, and five-year reoperations relative to those undergoing one-level fusion. The current data support the concept of limiting fusion to the levels with specific indications in the setting of multi-level lumbar decompressions and not needing to match the decompression and fusion levels.
Novel Technique for Ulnar Nerve Transposition at the Elbow: The Neocubital Tunnel
Authors: Bakhach Joseph , Saba Salim C. , Bakhach Dimitri , Doghman Jana , Gnaedinger Anika G. , Hammoudeh Diya’ S.
Published: August 2024

Background:

Many standard surgical procedures for cubital tunnel syndrome rely on ulnar nerve transposition at the elbow. Placing the ulnar nerve anterior to the axis of motion decreases compression during flexion. Subcutaneous, subfascial, and submuscular positioning of the ulnar nerve may predispose to nerve irritation, instability, and compression in the two first scenarios, and requires invasive dissection in the third one. With no single procedure demonstrating clear advantages and outcomes, this study reports the results of a novel technique using the epitrochleo-olecranon ligament to create a neo-tunnel, anatomically stabilizing the ulnar nerve.

Methods:

Nine consecutive patients were enrolled. Patients were evaluated qualitatively for symptomatic improvements using physical examination. The Wilson and Krout, modified McGowan, and PRUNE grading scores were used for quantitative measurement.

Results:

Postoperatively, all patients reported subjective improvement in symptoms and functional improvement. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Baseline severity of disease was evaluated using the McGowan scale (modified by Goldberg): eight (89%) grade IIA patients and one (11%) grade III patient. Postoperatively, seven (78%) patients were reduced to grade 0, and two (22%) patients to grade 1 (P < 0.001). Using the Wilson and Krout criteria, outcomes were as follows: six (67%) excellent, two (22%) good, and one (11%) fair. The mean postoperative PRUNE survey score was 19.3 (SD ± 24.4).

Conclusions:

The neocubital tunnel technique is a relatively noninvasive, safe surgical alternative that may be considered when an anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve is indicated for surgical decompression of the cubital tunnel.
Renal cell carcinoma: an overview of the epidemiology, presentation, histopathological characteristics, and surgical treatment variation between old and new era – a cross-sectional study
Authors: Al Azab Rami S. , Al-Zubi Mohammad T. , Aladaileh Mohammad A. A. , Darwazeh Hashem , Alshboul Mahdi , Khader Yousef S. , Ghalayini Ibrahim F. , Mustafa Ali Mahmoud A. , Al Demour Saddam
Published: August 2024

Introduction:

The landscape of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) diagnosis, staging, and treatment has evolved over the last decades. Our study to report our experience in this evolution over a 30-years’ time.

Methodology:

A database of patients who underwent nephrectomy for RCC was collected and compared between new era (2017–2021) and old era (1992–2001).

Results:

One hundred thirty-six patients collected in new era compared to 132 in old era, results showed that more patients diagnosed at earlier stage and grade with smaller size of tumor at diagnosis in new era compared to old era.

Conclusion:

The new era showed significant changes in the RCC landscape regarding demographic distribution, presentation, and tumor characteristics.
Sigmoid volvulus as a rare cause of intestinal obstruction in the pediatric population: case series and literature review
Authors: Brito Rojas Isabel C. , Hernández Peñuela Mayra A. , Medina Gaviria Vanessa , La Rotta Martin , Escobar Echeverri John M.
Published: August 2024

Introduction:

Sigmoid volvulus is an uncommon cause of intestinal obstruction in the pediatric population. This pathology is associated with intestinal malrotation and sometimes with the presence of internal hernias. The clinical presentation includes pain, abdominal distension, and emesis; however, sometimes patients report nonspecific chronic symptoms. Among the diagnostic tools commonly used in children are radiography and abdominal tomography. There are multiple treatment strategies ranging from endoscopic to surgical procedures including resection with stoma creation. Timely diagnosis is crucial given the increased morbidity and mortality resulting from intestinal ischemia and perforation.

Methods:

A review of the medical records of the patients with a diagnosis of sigmoid volvulus treated by pediatric surgeons of the institution and led to devolvulation and subsequent sigmoidectomy presented below was carried out. Likewise, a literature search was carried out in electronic databases, using two equations using terms selected from ‘Medical Subject Heading’ (MeSH) and ‘Descriptors in Health Sciences’ (DeCS). The quality of the studies was evaluated with the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) tool for the construction of the manuscript.

Results:

Upon continuation, the experience of six patients between the ages of 5 and 17 with a diagnosis of sigmoid volvulus between the years 2021 and 2023 is presented. These patients were taken to initial decompression by different approaches and in a second surgical stage to sigmoidectomy, most of them with anastomosis. All patients had an adequate postoperative evolution without complications.

Conclusion:

Sigmoid volvulus is a rare condition in pediatrics with a variable and sometimes nonspecific clinical presentation; however, given the increased morbidity and mortality resulting from a delay in diagnosis, it is important to consider the clinical, paraclinical, and radiological findings that allow early identification as a cause of intestinal obstruction.
Characterizing Cochlear Implant Trans-Impedance Matrix Heatmaps in Patients With Abnormal Anatomy
Authors: Cottrell Justin , Winchester Arianna , Friedmann David , Jethanamest Daniel , Spitzer Emily , Svirsky Mario , Waltzman Susan B. , Shapiro William H. , McMenomey Sean , Roland J. Thomas
Published: August 2024

Objective

To characterize transimpedance matrix (TIM) heatmap patterns in patients at risk of labyrinthine abnormality to better understand accuracy and possible TIM limitations.

Study Design

Retrospective review of TIM patterns, preoperative, and postoperative imaging.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Patients

Patients undergoing cochlear implantation with risk of labyrinthine abnormality.

Intervention

None.

Results

Seventy-seven patients were evaluated. Twenty-five percent (n = 19) of patients had a TIM pattern variant identified. These variants were separated into 10 novel categories. Overall, 9% (n = 6) of electrodes were malpositioned on intraoperative x-ray, of which 50% (n = 3) were underinserted, 17% (n = 1) were overinserted, 17% (n = 1) had a tip foldover, and 17% (n = 1) had a coiled electrode. The number of patients with a variant TIM pattern and normal x-ray was 18% (n = 14), and the number of patients with normal TIM pattern and malposition noted on x-ray was 3% (n = 2; both were electrode underinsertions that were recognized due to open circuits and surgical visualization).

A newly defined skip heat pattern was identified in patients with IP2/Mondini malformation and interscalar septum width <0.5 mm at the cochlear pars ascendens of the basal turn.

Conclusions

This study defines novel patterns for TIM heatmap characterization to facilitate collaborative and comparative research moving forward. In doing so, it highlights a new pattern termed skip heat, which corresponds with a deficient interscalar septum of the cochlea pars ascendens of the basal turn in patients with IP2 malformation. Overall, the data assist the surgeon in better understanding the implications and limitations of TIM patterns within groups of patients with risk of labyrinthine abnormalities.
The Effect of Mindfulness and Emotional Regulation on Self-care Competence Among Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy
Authors: Son Seri , Lee Sunhee
Published: August 2024

Background

Many cancer patients require long-term self-care, both during and after treatment, and need to have self-care competence. Mindfulness and emotional regulation can enhance self-care competence among cancer patients.

Objective

To examine the effect of mindfulness and emotional regulation on self-care competence among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Methods

The data were completed by 106 cancer patients who were hospitalized at 3 long-term nursing hospitals. The instruments were the Mindfulness Scale, Korean Version of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, and Self-As-Care Inventory Scale.

Result

Self-care competence was significantly correlated with mindfulness among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Also, the relationship between mindfulness and emotional regulation was significant. However, emotional regulation did not significantly affect self-care competence.

Conclusions

It is important for cancer patients to focus on the present moment and maintain a balanced approach that keeps a distance from excessive worry. Development and application of interventions aimed at enhancing self-care competence among cancer patients should focus on a high level of mindfulness.

Implications for Practice

It is necessary to support cancer patients in taking time out for mindfulness practice through meditation programs and to help them seamlessly incorporate this habit into their daily lives. Nurses can effectively assist cancer patients by being well-versed in mindfulness techniques and providing adept guidance. Offering personalized mindfulness guidance based on the patient’s condition and needs is also beneficial. By developing programs that incorporate feedback from both patients and healthcare providers, nurses can help patients continuously apply mindfulness practices.
Project SIGNAL: A Dashboard for Supporting Community Confidence in Making Data-Driven Decisions
Authors: Krieger Maxwell , Bessey Sam , Abadin Salma , Akhtar Wajiha , Bowman Sarah , DiVincenzo Sheila , Duong Ellen , House JoAnna , Lai Evelyn , Latham Jennifer , Park Carolyn , Pratty Claire , Rein Blaise , Amand Katie St , Gray Jesse Yedinak , Wilson Michelle , Goedel William
Published: August 2024

Context:

Data dashboards have emerged as critical tools for surveillance and informing resource allocation. Despite their utility and popularity during COVID-19, there is a growing need to understand what tools and training are tailored to nonprofit community-based organizations that may partner with public health officials.

Program:

In June 2021, the Rhode Island Department of Health and Brown University partnered to create Project SIGNAL (Spatiotemporal Insights to Guide Nuanced Actions Locally), which utilizes spatiotemporal analytics to identify Rhode Island’s largest disparities in COVID-19-related outcomes (eg, testing, diagnosis, vaccinations) at the neighborhood level. Results were hosted in an interactive online dashboard (signal-ri.org) designed using principles of the CDC Clear Communication Index. The target audience included a network of 15 geographic areas called Health Equity Zones, funded by the health department to provide critical grassroots public health programs to address social, health, and economic outcomes in their communities.

Implementation:

To disseminate the dashboard, a 6-hour virtual workshop series was created to train leaders to use the dashboard and increase their confidence in understanding common public health data terminology and concepts and better prepare attendees for rapid decision making during future public health emergencies.

Evaluation:

The Project SIGNAL dashboard was launched in August 2022 and has been accessed over 7500 times. A total of 84 community leaders were trained to use this dashboard, increasing their confidence in applying common public health metrics to make decisions about their COVID-19-related activities.

Discussion:

While several studies have outlined best practices for data dashboards, this is among the first to examine incorporating these practices into a spatiotemporal decision tool designed specifically for community organizations. Project SIGNAL demonstrates that by incorporating design best practices and pairing data dashboards with hands-on training, we can empower community leaders to utilize advanced spatiotemporal methods to identify health disparities and take localized action.
68Ga-Trivehexin PET/CT in Metastatic Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer to the Brain
Authors: Marafi Fahad , Esmail Abdulredha A. , Alfeeli Mahmoud A. , Sadeq Alyaa
Published: August 2024

In the era of molecular imaging and eager to study tumor tissues’ microenvironment with noninvasive means, the search and development of new radiotracer targeted molecule continue. αvβ6-Integrin is a heterodimeric glycoprotein transmembrane receptor that is unique in that it is expressed exclusively in epithelial cells. It is upregulated in varieties of carcinomas such of the lung, breast, and colon. It plays a role in facilitating invasion, inhibiting apoptosis, regulating expression of matrix metalloproteases, and activating TGF-β in carcinoma. Expression of αvβ6 indicates poor prognosis and can help in development of targeted therapy. 68Ga-Trivehexin has affinity of 85%–88% of this integrin.
The assessment of replicability using the sum of
p
-values
Authors: Held Leonhard , Pawel Samuel , Micheloud Charlotte
Published: August 2024

Statistical significance of both the original and the replication study is a commonly used criterion to assess replication attempts, also known as the two-trials rule in drug development. However, replication studies are sometimes conducted although the original study is non-significant, in which case Type-I error rate control across both studies is no longer guaranteed. We propose an alternative method to assess replicability using the sum of

p

-values from the two studies. The approach provides a combined

p

-value and can be calibrated to control the overall Type-I error rate at the same level as the two-trials rule but allows for replication success even if the original study is non-significant. The unweighted version requires a less restrictive level of significance at replication if the original study is already convincing which facilitates sample size reductions of up to 10%. Downweighting the original study accounts for possible bias and requires a more stringent significance level and larger sample sizes at replication. Data from four large-scale replication projects are used to illustrate and compare the proposed method with the two-trials rule, meta-analysis and Fisher’s combination method.
Sound reception and hearing capabilities in the Little Penguin (
Eudyptula minor
): first predicted in-air and underwater audiograms
Authors: Wei Chong , Erbe Christine
Published: August 2024

Despite increasing concern about the effects of anthropogenic noise on marine fauna, relevant research is limited, particularly in those inaccessible species, such as the Little Penguin (
Eudyptula minor
). In this study, we collected freshly deceased Little Penguins for dissection and micro-computed tomography (microCT) scans. The head structures, including the ear apparatus, were reconstructed based on high-resolution imaging data for the species. Moreover, three-dimensional finite-element models were built based on microCT data to simulate the sound reception processes and ear responses to the incident planar waves at the selected frequencies. The received sound pressure fields and motion (i.e. displacement and velocity) of the internal ear-related structures were modelled. The synergistic response of ear components to incident aerial and underwater sounds was computed to predict the hearing capabilities of the Little Penguins across a broad frequency range (100 Hz–10 kHz), both in air and under water. Our predicted data showed good agreement with other diving birds in both the form and range of auditory sensitivity. This study demonstrates a promising method to study hearing in other inaccessible animals. The outputs from this study can inform noise impact mitigation and conservation management.
Comparative genomics reveals convergent signals associated with the high metabolism and longevity in birds and bats
Authors: Matsuda Yuki , Makino Takashi
Published: August 2024

Birds and bats have long lifespans relative to their body size compared with non-flying animals. However, the genomic basis associated with longer lifespan of flying species despite their higher metabolism was unclear. In this study, we hypothesized that genes involved in the regulation of metabolism and lifespan changed with the acquisition of flight and searched for genes that show specific evolutionary patterns in flying species. As a result, we identified several genes that show different evolutionary rates in bird and bat lineages. Genes in pathways involved in lifespan regulation were conserved in birds, while they evolved at an accelerated rate in bats. We also searched for genes in which convergent amino acid substitutions occurred in birds and bats and found such substitutions in genes involved in cancer, reactive oxygen species control and immunity. Our study revealed genomic changes associated with the acquisition of flight in birds and bats and suggested that multiple genes involved in the regulation of lifespan and metabolism support both high metabolism and longevity in flying species.
Genomic evidence that Ornithinicoccus soli Jiang et al. 2020 is a later heterotypic synonym of Segeticoccus rhizosphaerae Lee and Whang 2020
Authors: Liu Qing , Xin Yu-Hua
Published: August 2024

The genus Segeticoccus includes only one species with validly published name, Segeticoccus rhizosphaerae. The type strain Segeticoccus rhizosphaerae YJ01T was isolated from soil in Korea, while Ornithinicoccus soli XNB-1T was isolated from soil in China. Both strains share similar phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, including predominant menaquinone MK-8(H4) and major polar lipids diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol. Whole genome sequences revealed a DNA G+C content of 70.1 mol% for both strains and 100% similarity in their 16S rRNA gene sequences. Phylogenetic analysis showed they form a distinct cluster separate from other genera. Genomic comparisons showed average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values of 99.16 and 94.2%, respectively, indicating they represent a single species. Based on this genomic evidence, Ornithinicoccus soli Jiang et al. 2020 is proposed to be a later heterotypic synonym of Segeticoccus rhizosphaerae Lee and Whang 2020.
Canonical Wnt signalling from the Area Opaca induces and maintains the Marginal Zone in pre-primitive-streak stage chick embryos
Authors: Fadaili Yara , Lu Hui-Chun , Lee Hyung Chul , Ryazapova Amra , Stern Claudio D.
Published: August 2024

In chick embryos prior to primitive streak formation, the outermost extraembryonic region, known as the area opaca (AO), was generally thought to act only by providing nutrients and mechanical support to the embryo. Just internal to the AO is a ring of epiblast called the marginal zone (MZ), separating the former from the inner, area pellucida epiblast. The MZ does not contribute cells to any part of the embryo but is involved in determining the position of primitive streak formation from the inner epiblast. Recently it was discovered that the AO can induce a MZ from area pellucida epiblast. Here we explore the nature of this inductive signal. We find that Wnt8c is highly expressed in the AO, whereas canonical Wnt pathway targets are enriched in the MZ, along with strong nuclear β-catenin localization. Using isolation and recombination experiments combined with gain- and loss-of-function by exogenous chemical modulators of the pathway, we reveal that Wnt signalling is essential for induction and maintenance of the MZ, as well as sufficient to induce MZ properties in area pellucida epiblast. We propose that canonical Wnt signalling is responsible for induction of the marginal zone by the area opaca.
A Bioinformatician, Computer Scientist, and Geneticist lead bioinformatic tool development - which one is better?
Authors: Gardner Paul P.
Published: August 2024

The development of accurate bioinformatic software tools is crucial for the effective analysis of complex biological data. This study examines the relationship between the academic department affiliations of authors and the accuracy of the bioinformatic tools they develop. By analyzing a corpus of previously benchmarked bioinformatic software tools, we mapped bioinformatic tools to the academic fields of the corresponding authors and evaluated tool accuracy by field. Our results suggest that “Medical Informatics” outperforms all other fields in bioinformatic software accuracy, with a mean proportion of wins in accuracy rankings exceeding the null expectation. In contrast, tools developed by authors affiliated with “Bioinformatics” and “Engineering” fields tend to be less accurate. However, after correcting for multiple testing, no result is statistically significant (p >0.05). Our findings reveal no strong association between academic field and bioinformatic software accuracy. These findings suggest that the development of interdisciplinary software applications can be effectively undertaken by any department with sufficient resources and training.
Epididymis-specific RNase A family genes regulate fertility and small RNA processing
Authors: Shaffer Joshua F. , Gupta Alka , Kharkwal Geetika , Linares Edgardo E. , Holmes Andrew D. , Katzman Sol , Sharma Upasna
Published: August 2024

Sperm small RNAs are implicated in intergenerational transmission of paternal environmental effects. Small RNAs generated by cleavage of tRNAs, known as tRNA fragments (tRFs), are an abundant class of RNAs in mature sperm, and can be modulated by environmental conditions. The ribonuclease(s) responsible for the biogenesis of tRFs in the male reproductive tract remains unknown. Angiogenin, a member of the Ribonuclease A superfamily (RNase A), cleaves tRNAs to generate tRFs in response to cellular stress. Four paralogs of Angiogenin, namelyRnase9,Rnase10, Rnase11, andRnase12, are specifically expressed in the epididymis—a long, convoluted tubule where sperm mature and acquire fertility and motility. The biological functions of these genes remain largely unknown. Here, by generating mice deleted for all four genes (Rnase9-12-/-, termed “KO” for Knock Out), we report that these genes regulate fertility and RNA processing. KO mice showed complete male sterility. KO sperm fertilized oocytesin vitrobut failed to efficiently fertilize oocytesin vivo,likely due to an inability of sperm to pass through the utero-tubular junction. Intriguingly, there were decreased levels of fragments of tRNAs (tRFs) and rRNAs (rRNA-derived small RNAs or rsRNAs) in the KO epididymis and epididymal luminal fluid, implying thatRnase9-12regulate the biogenesis and/or stability of tRFs and rsRNAs. Importantly, KO sperm showed a dramatic decrease in the levels of tRFs, demonstrating a role ofRnase9-12in regulating sperm RNA composition. Together, our results reveal an unexpected role of four epididymis-specific non-canonical RNase A family genes in fertility and RNA processing.