bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clusters based on demography, disease phenotype, and autoantibody status predicts mortality in lupus: data from Indian lupus cohort (INSPIRE)
Authors: Kavadichanda Chengappa , Ganapathy Sachit , Kounassegarane Deepika , Rajasekhar Liza , Dhundra Bhavani , Srivastava Akansha , Manuel Sandra , Shobha Vineeta , Swarna C Brilly , Mathew Ashish J , Singh Dalbir , Rathi Manish , Tripathy Saumya Ranjan , Das Bidyut , Akhtar Md Dilshad , Gupta Ranjan , Jain Avinash , Ghosh Parasar , Negi Vir Singh , Aggarwal Amita ,   for the INSPIRE Group
Published: April 2023

Objectives

SLE is associated with significant mortality, and data from South Asia is limited. Thus, we analysed the causes and predictors of mortality and hierarchical cluster-based survival in the Indian SLE Inception cohort for Research (INSPIRE).

Methods

Data for patients with SLE was extracted from the INSPIRE database. Univariate analyses of associations between mortality and a number of disease variables were conducted. Agglomerative unsupervised hierarchical cluster analysis was undertaken using 25 variables defining the SLE phenotype. Survival rates across clusters were assessed using non-adjusted and adjusted Cox proportional-hazards models.

Results

Among 2072 patients (with a median follow-up of 18 months), there were 170 deaths (49.2 deaths per 1000 patient-years) of which cause could be determined in 155 patients. 47.1% occurred in the first 6 months. Most of the mortality (n = 87) were due to SLE disease activity followed by coexisting disease activity and infection (n = 24), infections (n = 23), and 21 to other causes. Among the deaths in which infection played a role, 24 had pneumonia. Clustering identified four clusters, and the mean survival estimates were 39.26, 39.78, 37.69 and 35.86 months in clusters 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively (P < 0.001). The adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) (95% CI) were significant for cluster 4 [2.19 (1.44, 3.31)], low socio-economic-status [1.69 (1.22, 2.35)], number of BILAG-A [1.5 (1.29, 1.73)] and BILAG-B [1.15 (1.01, 1.3)], and need for haemodialysis [4.63 (1.87,11.48)].

Conclusion

SLE in India has high early mortality, and the majority of deaths occur outside the health-care setting. Clustering using the clinically relevant variables at baseline may help identify individuals at high risk of mortality in SLE, even after adjusting for high disease activity.
Effect of integrated intervention to prevent child drowning in rural areas of Guangdong, China: a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Meng Ruilin , Xu Haofeng , Zhang Mingqu , Ye Pengpeng , Zhou Zhishan , Zhu Xuhao , Li Xingru , Lin Lifeng
Published: April 2023

Background

Drowning is the leading cause of death for children under the age of 15 years in Guangdong Province, China. This serious public health issue also exists in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), which have few value-integrated intervention programs. The current study presents an integrated intervention project that aims to explore an effective pattern of prevention for child drowning in rural areas and feasibility to perform in other LMICs.

Methods

We conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial by comparing the incidence of non-fatal drowning among children in two groups in rural areas of southern China. We recruited the participants in two phases and reached a total of 10 687 students from 23 schools at two towns in Guangdong Province, China. At the first and second phases, 8966 and 1721 students were recruited, respectively.

Results

The final evaluation questionnaires were collected after 18 months of integrated intervention, where we obtained 9791 data from Grades 3–9. The incidence of non-fatal drowning between the intervention and control groups after intervention did not differ significantly from the baseline according to the total number of students, male students, female students and Grades 6–9 [0.81; 95% confidence interval (CI): [0.66, 1.00]; p = 0.05, 1.17; 95% CI: [0.90, 1.51]; p = 0.25, 1.40; 95% CI: [0.97, 2.02]; p = 0.07 and 0.97; 95% CI: [0.70, 1.34]; p = 0.86], except for Grades 3–5 (1.36; 95% CI: [1.02, 1.82]; p = 0.037). The study observed a significantly positive benefit of awareness and risk behaviours of non-fatal drowning between the intervention and control groups (0.27, 95% CI: [0.21, 0.33]; p = 0.00, −0.16; 95% CI: [−0.24, −0.08]; p = 0.00).

Conclusions

The integrated intervention exerted a significant impact on the prevention and management of child non-fatal drowning, especially in rural areas.
Development of Aster Yellows on Crop and Noncrop Species from the Canadian Prairies
Authors: Romero Berenice , Dumonceaux Tim , Olivier Chrystel , Wist Tyler , Prager Sean M.
Published: April 2023

Aster yellows phytoplasmas (AYp) are a group of obligate parasites that infect a wide range of plant species, including crops such as canola and cereals and noncrops such as dandelion and wild mustard. In the Canadian Prairies, these microorganisms are mainly transmitted by a migratory species of leafhopper ( Macrosteles quadrilineatus Forbes). Although a low incidence of the disease associated with this pathogen has been reported for most years in canola fields, several outbreaks have been documented in this region. A selection of crop and noncrop species commonly found in the Canadian Prairies and Arabidopsis thaliana were used to assess the suitability of these plant species as hosts for AYp (16SrI-B). Symptom expression and phytoplasma levels were examined at different time points following exposure to infective insects. A. thaliana, barley, and canola were susceptible to infection with AYp, yet symptoms differed among these plant species. A. thaliana and canola exhibited symptoms of infection as early as 2 weeks following exposure to infected insects, whereas symptoms in barley were observed at 5 weeks. A lower incidence rate was observed in wheat, and levels of AYp in phytoplasma-infected wheat plants were low. Dandelion and sowthistle tested negative for the presence of AYp at all time points, suggesting that these are unsuitable hosts for these microorganisms. Moreover, we observed a partial disassociation between the plant species that were suitable hosts for AYp and those that had been characterized as more suitable or suitable hosts for aster leafhopper oviposition and nymphal development in previous studies.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Acute, next‐generation AMPK activation initiates a disease‐resistant gene expression program in dystrophic skeletal muscle
Authors: Ng Sean Y. , Mikhail Andrew I. , Mattina Stephanie R. , Manta Alexander , Diffey Ian J. , Ljubicic Vladimir
Published: April 2023

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a life‐limiting neuromuscular disorder characterized by muscle weakness and wasting. Previous proof‐of‐concept studies demonstrate that the dystrophic phenotype can be mitigated with the pharmacological stimulation of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK). However, first‐generation AMPK activators have failed to translate from bench to bedside due to either their lack of potency or toxic, off‐target effects. The identification of safe and efficacious molecules that stimulate AMPK in dystrophic muscle is of particular importance as it may broaden the therapeutic landscape for DMD patients regardless of their specific dystrophin mutation. Here, we demonstrate that a single dose of the next generation, orally‐bioactive AMPK agonist MK‐8722 (MK) to mdx mice evoked skeletal muscle AMPK and extensive downstream stimulation within 12 h post‐treatment. Specifically, MK elicited a gene expression profile indicative of a more disease‐resistant slow, oxidative phenotype including increased peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor ɣ coactivator‐1⍺ activity and utrophin levels. In addition, we observed augmented autophagy signaling downstream of AMPK, as well as elevations in critical autophagic genes such as Map1lc3 and Sqstm1 subsequent to the myonuclear accumulation of the master regulator of the autophagy gene program, transcription factor EB. Lastly, we show that pharmacological AMPK stimulation normalizes the expression of myogenic regulatory factors and amends activated muscle stem cell content in mdx muscle. Our results indicate that AMPK activation via MK enhances disease‐mitigating mechanisms in dystrophic muscle and prefaces further investigation on the chronic effects of novel small molecule AMPK agonists.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Nonhealing Wounds—A Long-term Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Lalieu Rutger C. , Bol Raap René D. , Smit Casper , Dubois Emile F.L. , van Hulst Rob A.
Published: April 2023

OBJECTIVE

To analyze wound healing results of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for a variety of different wound types.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included all patients treated with HBOT and wound care at a single hyperbaric center between January 2017 and December 2020. The primary outcome was wound healing. Secondary outcome measures were quality of life (QoL), number of sessions, adverse effects, and treatment cost. Investigators also examined possible influencing factors, including age, sex, type and duration of wound, socioeconomic status, smoking status, and presence of peripheral vascular disease.

RESULTS

A total of 774 treatment series were recorded, with a median of 39 sessions per patient (interquartile range, 23-51 sessions). In total, 472 wounds (61.0%) healed, 177 (22.9%) partially healed, 41 (5.3%) deteriorated, and 39 (5.0%) minor and 45 (5.8%) major amputations were performed. Following HBOT, median wound surface area decreased from 4.4 cm2 to 0.2 cm2 (P < .01), and patient QoL improved from 60 to 75 on a 100-point scale (P < .01). The median cost of therapy was €9,188 (interquartile range, €5,947-€12,557). Frequently recorded adverse effects were fatigue, hyperoxic myopia, and middle ear barotrauma. Attending fewer than 30 sessions and having severe arterial disease were both associated with a negative outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Adding HBOT to standard wound care increases wound healing and QoL in selected wounds. Patients with severe arterial disease should be screened for potential benefits. Most reported adverse effects are mild and transient.
Acute Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Early Nerve Decompression and Surgical Stabilization for Bony Wrist Trauma
Authors: Samuel Thomas D. , Jeffrey Hamish , Hayter Edward , Lee George , Little Maximillian , Hardman John , Anakwe Raymond E.
Published: April 2023

Background:

We undertook this study to investigate the outcomes of surgical treatment for acute carpal tunnel syndrome following our protocol for concurrent nerve decompression and skeletal stabilization for bony wrist trauma to be undertaken within 48 hours.

Methods:

We identified all patients treated at our trauma center following this protocol between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2019. All patients were clinically reviewed at least 12 months after surgery and assessed using the Brief Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire, the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, and sensory assessment with Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing.

Results:

The study group was made up of 35 patients. Thirty-three patients were treated within 36 hours. Patients treated with our unit protocol for early surgery comprising nerve decompression and bony stabilization within 36 hours report excellent outcomes at medium term follow-up.

Conclusions:

We propose that nerve decompression and bony surgical stabilization should be undertaken as soon as practically possible once the diagnosis is made. This is emergent treatment to protect and preserve nerve function. In our experience, the vast majority of patients were treated within 24 hours; however, where a short period of observation was required, excellent results were generally achieved when treatment was completed within 36 hours.
Considerations for specific cardiomyopathies during pregnancy
Authors: Abrams Madeline , Magun Ella , DeFilippis Ersilia M.
Published: April 2023

Purpose of review

Maternal mortality in the United States continues to increase. Cardiovascular disease, and in particular, cardiomyopathy and heart failure, serves as one of the principal causes of pregnancy-related mortality. The goal of this review is to summarize current knowledge on various cardiomyopathies in pregnancy, with an emphasis on cardiomyopathies beyond the most common in pregnancy, peripartum cardiomyopathy.

Recent findings

Although existing literature is somewhat limited, outcome studies of cardiomyopathy in pregnancy have demonstrated increased risk for adverse cardiovascular events and maternal morbidity and mortality. Herein, we review and synthesize recent studies focusing on preconception risk and counseling, pharmacologic management, and maternal outcomes in various cardiomyopathies during pregnancy including: dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, noncompaction cardiomyopathy, and chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy.

In an effort to optimize maternal outcomes, it is critical to recognize the risk associated with various cardiomyopathies in pregnancy and understand the tools for risk stratification and antepartum management. Further research on less common cardiomyopathies in pregnancy is warranted to provide more standardized recommendations.
Cardiac medications in obstetric patients
Authors: Spehar Stephanie M. , Albert-Stone Emma , Davis Melinda B.
Published: April 2023

Purpose of review

This review summarizes recent literature, updated safety data, and major clinical considerations for commonly used medications for arrhythmias, heart failure, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and anticoagulation during pregnancy and lactation.

Recent findings

Recent studies have shown a benefit to more aggressive treatment of mild chronic hypertension to a blood pressure goal of <140/90 with oral labetalol and nifedipine remaining first-line agents. Aspirin is now routinely used for preeclampsia prevention, while experience with other antiplatelet agents, such as purinergic receptor P2Y G protein-coupled 12 (P2Y12) inhibitors, continues to grow. Data on statin therapy are rapidly changing and recent studies suggest this class may not be associated with fetal harm and can be continued in select cases.

As data regarding medication safety continues to evolve, a multidisciplinary team is needed for full consideration of maternal and fetal risks and benefits. Ongoing studies are needed to improve and expand our understanding of medication safety during pregnancy and lactation.
Destination LVAD therapy in the current era of the heart transplant allocation system
Authors: Toro Saleem , Patel Kelsey , Guha Ashrith
Published: April 2023

Purpose of review

This article aims to shed light on the major implications of the new allocation system by discussing the observed outcomes and complications and suggesting a few steps to prevent and manage those potential challenges.

Recent findings

The new allocation system implemented in 2018 aimed to prioritize high-risk patients and provide a better equitable opportunity for heart transplantation. However, despite the success in reducing wait-list mortality, this change brought up many direct and indirect challenges to patient care, such as worsening ischemic time and an increase in the use of temporary mechanical support at the expense of durable LVADs. Moreover, the parallel advancement in LVAD technology and the associated improvement in patient outcomes added another layer to the complexity of shared decision-making in the advanced heart failure population.

LVAD patient population is expected to continue to expand. This growth will also be accompanied by longer wait-time and a higher prevalence of LVAD complications. Advanced technologies such as wireless devices and remote monitoring are quite promising in that regard. Also, advanced artificial intelligence algorithms might help to improve patient selection, ameliorate early detection of complications, and offer further guidance to manage those complications.
Outcomes of Patients With Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma Who Relapsed After Autologous Stem Cell Transplant
Authors: Tun Aung M. , Wang Yucai , Matin Aasiya , Inwards David J. , Habermann Thomas M. , Micallef Ivana , Johnston Patrick B. , Porrata Luis , Paludo Jonas , Bisneto Jose Villasboas , Rosenthal Allison , Tun Han W. , Cerhan James R. , Witzig Thomas E. , Nowakowski Grzegorz S. , Ansell Stephen M.
Published: April 2023

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and brentuximab vedotin (BV) are novel agents for classic Hodgkin lymphoma, including relapse after autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). However, their impact on survival post-ASCT relapse, in comparison with conventional therapy, is less known due to the lack of randomized controlled trials. Clinical characteristics and outcomes of 115 patients with relapse (or progression) after ASCT are studied. After a median follow-up of 8.59 years from post-ASCT relapse, the median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 0.91 and 5.07 years, respectively. Median lines of therapy after post-ASCT relapse was 2 (range, 1–12). The median PFS was not reached (NR) versus 1.11 versus 0.50 versus 0.85 versus 0.78 years (P = 0.006) and OS was NR versus 7.60 versus 3.08 versus 3.51 versus 3.17 years (P = 0.28) in patients first treated with ICIs versus BV versus investigational agents versus chemotherapy versus radiation therapy (RT). First-line treatment with novel agents (ie, ICIs and BV) was associated with superior outcomes compared with investigational agents and chemotherapy/RT with a median PFS of 1.65 versus 0.50 versus 0.79 years (P = 0.003) and a median OS of 7.60 versus 3.08 versus 3.32 years (P = 0.08). Regardless of lines of therapy, the treatment with ICIs had the most favorable outcome with a median PFS and OS of 3.98 and NR years, respectively. Allogeneic stem cell transplant (allo-SCT) was done in 23 patients (20%), and the median post-allo-SCT PFS and OS were 1.31 and 2.35 years, respectively. In conclusion, survival following post-ASCT relapse improves significantly when patients receive novel agents.
Early hip fracture surgery is safe for patients on direct oral anticoagulants
Authors: Kolodychuk Nicholas L. , Godshaw Brian , Nammour Michael , Starring Hunter , Mautner James
Published: April 2023

Objectives:

To determine how preoperative direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) use affects rates of blood transfusion, clinically important blood loss, and 30-day mortality in patients with hip fracture undergoing surgery within 48 hours of presentation to the emergency department.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

Academic trauma center.

Patients:

A total of 535 patients with hip fracture who underwent open cephalomedullary nail fixation or arthroplasty either taking a direct oral anticoagulant or no form of chemical anticoagulant/antiplatelet agent before presentation (control).

Main Outcome Measures:

Demographics, time to surgery, type of surgery, blood transfusion requirement, clinically important blood loss, and 30-day mortality.

Results:

Forty-one patients (7.7%) were taking DOACs. DOAC patients were older (81.7 vs. 77 years, P = 0.02) and had higher BMI (26.9 vs. 24.2 kg/m2, P = 0.01). Time from admission to surgery was similar between DOAC users (20.1 hours) and the control (18.7 hours, P > 0.4). There was no difference in receipt of blood transfusion (P = 0.4), major bleeding diagnosis (P = 0.2), acute blood loss anemia diagnosis (P = 0.5), and 30-day mortality (P = 1) between the DOAC and control group. This was true when stratifying by type of surgery as well.

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that early surgery may be safe in patients with hip fracture taking DOACs despite theoretical risk of increased bleeding. Because early surgery has previously been associated with decreased morbidity and mortality, we suggest that hip fracture surgery should not be delayed because a patient is taking direct oral anticoagulants.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level III.
The Pan-TRK Antibody is a Sensitive and Specific Tool for the Detection of NTRK Fusion Genes
Authors: Bautista-Wong Claudia , Mojica-González Zaira , Hop-Garcia Katia , Bornstein Quevedo Leticia
Published: April 2023

Pan-TRK antibodies have been used to detect gene fusions in diverse types of tumors. Several tyrosine receptor kinases (TRK) inhibitors have recently been developed and have shown good response rates in neoplasms with NTRK; therefore, identifying these fusions is an essential tool in assessing treatment options for certain oncological diseases. Various algorithms have been designed to diagnose and detect NTRK fusions to optimize time and resources. This study explores the use of immunohistochemistry (IHC) as a screening method for NTRK fusions by comparing next-generation sequencing (NGS) and IHC to evaluate the pan-TRK antibody’s performance as a marker for NTRK rearrangements. The present work studied 164 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded blocks of different solid tumors. Two pathologists confirmed the diagnosis and selected the correct area to assess with IHC and NGS. Specific cDNAs were generated for the genes involved. NTRK fusions were identified in 4 patients positive for the pan-TRK antibody through NGS. The identified fusions were NTRK1-TMP3, NTRK3-EML4, and NTRK3-ETV6. That shows sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 98%, respectively. NTRK fusions were identified in 4 patients positive for the pan-TRK antibody through NGS. IHC tests (with the pan-TRK antibody) are a sensitive and specific method for identifying the presence of NTRK1-3 fusions.
Role of 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT in Assessing Hepatobiliary Malignancies
Authors: Rajaraman Vishnukumar , Meenakshi Lakshman Aridhasan , Selvaraj Ashwin Jeba , Pottakkat Biju , Halanaik Dhanapathi
Published: April 2023

Introduction and Aim

Preliminary studies showed good expression of fibroblast activating protein inhibitor (FAPI) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CC). Our aims were to study the diagnostic performance of 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT in diagnosing the primary hepatobiliary malignancies and to compare its performance with 18F-FDG PET/CT.

Patients and Methods

Patients suspected to have HCC and CC were recruited prospectively. FDG and FAPI PET/CT studies were completed within 1 week. Final diagnosis of malignancy was achieved by tissue diagnosis (either histopathological examination or fine-needle aspiration cytology) and radiological correlation from conventional modalities. Results were compared with final diagnosis and expressed as sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy.

Results

Forty-one patients were included. Thirty-one were positive for malignancy and 10 were negative. Fifteen were metastatic. Of 31, 18 were CC and 6 were HCC. For overall diagnosis of the primary disease, FAPI PET/CT performed exceptionally compared with FDG PET/CT with sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 96.77%, 90%, and 95.12%, respectively, versus 51.61%, 100%, and 63.41% for FDG PET/CT. FAPI PET/CT clearly outperformed FDG PET/CT for the evaluation of CC with sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 94.4%, 100%, and 95.24%, respectively, whereas for FDG PET/CT sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 50%, 100%, and 57.14%, respectively. Diagnostic accuracy of FAPI PET/CT was 61.54% for metastatic HCC compared with 84.62% for FDG PET/CT.

Conclusions

Our study highlights the potential role of FAPI-PET/CT in evaluating CC. It also ascertains its usefulness in the cases of mucinous adenocarcinoma. Although it showed a higher lesion detection rate than FDG in primary HCC, its diagnostic performance in the metastatic setting is questionable.
PSMA PET/CT Detection of Chondromyxoid Fibroma
Authors: Jang Albert , Caputo Sydney A. , Hawkins Madeline E. , Talbert Joshua E. , Sartor Oliver
Published: April 2023

A 61-year-old man underwent a piflufolastat 18F prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET/CT scan due to a rising prostate-specific antigen level. The scan noted a focal cortical erosion on the CT scan in the right anterolateral tibia, and the PET showed an SUVmax of 4.08. A biopsy of this lesion revealed a chondromyxoid fibroma. This rare case of a PSMA PET-positive chondromyxoid fibroma illustrates the importance of radiologists and oncologists not to assume an isolated bone lesion on a PSMA PET/CT scan as a bone metastasis from prostate cancer.
Comparison of First-generation and Third-generation Dual-source Computed Tomography for Detecting Coronary Artery Disease in Patients Evaluated for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Renker Matthias , Steinbach Robert , Schoepf U. Joseph , Fischer-Rasokat Ulrich , Choi Yeong-Hoon , Hamm Christian W. , Rolf Andreas , Kim Won-Keun
Published: April 2023

Purpose:

This study compared image quality and evaluability of coronary artery disease (CAD) in routine preparatory imaging for transcatheter aortic valve replacement using 64-slice (first-generation) to 192-slice (third-generation) dual-source computed tomography(DSCT).

Materials and Methods:

The CT data sets of 192 patients (122 women, median age 82 y) without severe renal dysfunction or known CAD were analyzed retrospectively. Half were examined using first-generation DSCT (June 2014 to February 2016) and the other half with third-generation DSCT (April 2016 to April 2017). Per protocol, contrast material (110 [110 to 120] vs. 70 [70 to 70] mL, P<0.001) and radiation dose of multiphasic retrospectively gated thoracic CT angiography (dose-length-product, 1001 [707 to 1312] vs. 727 [474 to 1369] mGy×cm, P<0.001) were significantly lower with third-generation DSCT. Significant CAD was defined as CAD-RADS ≥4 by CT. Invasive coronary angiography served as the reference standard (CAD is defined as ≥70% stenosis or fractional flow reserve ≤0.80).

Results:

In comparison with first-generation DSCT, third-generation DSCT showed significantly better subjective (3 [interquartile range 2 to 3] vs. 4 [3 to 4.25] on a 5-point scale, P<0.001) and objective image quality (signal-to-noise ratio of left coronary artery 12.8 [9.9 to 16.4] vs. 15.2 [12.4 to 19.0], P<0.001). Accuracy (72.9% vs. 91.7%, P=0.001), specificity (59.7% vs. 88.3%, P<0.001), positive (61.0% vs. 83.3%, P<0.001), and negative predictive value (91.9% vs. 98.2%, P=0.045) for detecting CAD per-patient were significantly better using third-generation DSCT, while sensitivity was similar (92.3% vs. 97.2%, P=0.129).

Conclusions:

Coronary artery evaluation with CT angiography before TAVI is feasible in selected patients. Compared with first-generation DSCT, state-of-the-art third-generation DSCT technology is superior for this purpose, allowing for less contrast medium and radiation dose while providing better image quality and improved diagnostic performance.
Mesocosm experiment reveals scale dependence of movement tendencies in sticklebacks
Authors: Ramesh A. , Gismann J. , Groothuis T. G. G. , Weissing F. J. , Nicolaus M.
Published: April 2023

Habitat fragmentation can have negative impacts on migratory organisms that rely on the functional connectivity between growing and breeding grounds. Quantifying the population-level phenotypic consequences of such fragmentation requires fine-scaled tracking of individual behaviour and movements across relevant scales. Here we make use of a natural experiment where some populations of ‘migrant’ three-spined sticklebacks (
Gasterosteus aculeatus
) became ‘residents', following habitat fragmentation five decades ago. To test whether residents have a lower movement tendency than migrants, we developed a novel experimental platform that allows the automated tracking of individual movements via RFID technology in a semi-natural mesocosm where spatio-temporal scales and environmental conditions can be manipulated. We found that residents moved significantly less than migrants at large but not at small spatial scale. This pattern was consistent across time and contexts (water flow and group size). Our study substantiates prior literature on rapid phenotypic divergence in sticklebacks in response to human-induced isolation and highlights the importance of observing behaviour in ecologically relevant set-ups that bridge the gap between laboratory and field studies.
Domestication affects sex-biased gene expression evolution in the duck
Authors: Gu Hongchang , Wang Liang , Lv Xueze , Yang Weifang , Zhang Li , Zhang Zebin , Zhu Tao , Jia Yaxiong , Chen Yu , Qu Lujiang
Published: April 2023

Genes with sex-biased expression are thought to underlie sexually dimorphic phenotypes and are therefore subject to different selection pressures in males and females. Many authors have proposed that sexual conflict leads to the evolution of sex-biased expression, which allows males and females to reach separate phenotypic and fitness optima. The selection pressures associated with domestication may cause changes in population architectures and mating systems, which in turn can alter their direction and strength. We compared sex-biased expression and genetic signatures in wild and domestic ducks (
Anas platyrhynchos
), and observed changes of sexual selection and identified the genomic divergence affected by selection forces. The extent of sex-biased expression in both sexes is positively correlated with the level of both d

N

/d

S

and nucleotide diversity. This observed changing pattern may mainly be owing to relaxed genetic constraints. We also demonstrate a clear link between domestication and sex-biased evolutionary rate in a comparative framework. Decreased polymorphism and evolutionary rate in domesticated populations generally matched life-history phenotypes known to experience artificial selection. Taken together, our work suggests the important implications of domestication in sex-biased evolution and the roles of artificial selection and sexual selection for shaping the diversity and evolutionary rate of the genome.
Two green spectrofluorimetric methods for the assay of atomoxetine hydrochloride in pure form and commercial capsules with application to content uniformity testing
Authors: Barakat Neamat T. , El-Brashy Amina M. , Fathy Mona E.
Published: April 2023

Atomoxetine hydrochloride (ATX) is a potent and non-stimulant drug which was approved for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Owing to its importance, two green, simple and validated spectrofluorimetric methods were developed for its sensitive assay in pure and capsule forms. The first method (Method I) relied on measuring the enhanced fluorescence of ATX by the use of sodium dodecyl sulfate in alkaline medium at
λ
ex
227 nm/
λ
em
298 nm. The second method (Method II) involved complex formation of ATX with Erythrosine B (EB) in aqueous acidic solution resulting in quantitative quenching of the EB naive fluorescence. This complex was formed in the presence of Britton–Robinson buffer (pH 4.0). The difference in fluorescence intensity was measured at
λ
ex
527/
λ
em
550 nm. The calibration curves were linear through the ranges of 0.2–2.0 µg ml
−1
for Method I, 0.2–4.0 µg ml
−1
for Method II with good correlation coefficient (
r
= 0.9998) for both methods. The suggested methods were perfectly applied for determination of ATX in its commercial capsules and content uniformity test. The greenness of the proposed methods was confirmed by three different assessment tools and it was found that both methods were green, eco-friendly and environmentally safe.
Vibrio type III secretion system 2 is not restricted to the Vibrionaceae and encodes differentially distributed repertoires of effector proteins
Authors: Jerez Sebastian A. , Plaza Nicolas , Bravo Veronica , Urrutia Italo M. , Blondel Carlos J.
Published: April 2023

Vibrio parahaemolyticus

is the leading cause of seafood-borne gastroenteritis worldwide. A distinctive feature of the O3:K6 pandemic clone, and its derivatives, is the presence of a second, phylogenetically distinct, type III secretion system (T3SS2) encoded within the genomic island VPaI-7. The T3SS2 allows the delivery of effector proteins directly into the cytosol of infected eukaryotic cells to subvert key host-cell processes, critical for

V. parahaemolyticus

to colonize and cause disease. Furthermore, the T3SS2 also increases the environmental fitness of

V. parahaemolyticus

in its interaction with bacterivorous protists; hence, it has been proposed that it contributed to the global oceanic spread of the pandemic clone. Several reports have identified T3SS2-related genes in

Vibrio

and non-

Vibrio

species, suggesting that the T3SS2 gene cluster is not restricted to the

Vibrionaceae

and can mobilize through horizontal gene transfer events. In this work, we performed a large-scale genomic analysis to determine the phylogenetic distribution of the T3SS2 gene cluster and its repertoire of effector proteins. We identified putative T3SS2 gene clusters in 1130 bacterial genomes from 8 bacterial genera, 5 bacterial families and 47 bacterial species. A hierarchical clustering analysis allowed us to define six T3SS2 subgroups (I–VI) with different repertoires of effector proteins, redefining the concepts of T3SS2 core and accessory effector proteins. Finally, we identified a subset of the T3SS2 gene clusters (subgroup VI) that lacks most T3SS2 effector proteins described to date and provided a list of 10 novel effector candidates for this subgroup through bioinformatic analysis. Collectively, our findings indicate that the T3SS2 extends beyond the family

Vibrionaceae

and suggest that different effector protein repertories could have a differential impact on the pathogenic potential and environmental fitness of each bacterium that has acquired the

Vibrio

T3SS2 gene cluster.
A framework for linking hemispheric, full annual cycle prioritizations to local conservation actions for migratory birds
Authors: DeLuca William V. , Seavy Nathaniel E. , Grand Joanna , Velásquez-Tibatá Jorge , Taylor Lotem , Bowler Cat , Deppe Jill L. , Knight Erika J. , Lentijo Gloria M. , Meehan Timothy D. , Michel Nicole L. , Saunders Sarah P. , Schillerstrom Nolan , Smith Melanie A. , Witko Chad , Wilsey Chad B.
Published: April 2023

The conservation of migratory birds poses a fundamental challenge: their conservation requires coordinated action across the hemisphere, but those actions must be designed and implemented locally. To address this challenge, we describe a multi-level framework for linking broad-scale, full annual cycle prioritizations to local conservation actions for migratory birds. We developed hemisphere-scale spatial prioritizations for the full annual cycle of migratory birds that breed in six different ecosystems in North America. The full annual cycle prioritizations provide a hemispheric context within which regional priorities can be identifieed. Finer resolution, regional prioritizations can then inform local conservation actions more effectively. We describe the importance of local conservation practitioner contributions at each level of the process and provide two examples of regional spatial prioritizations that were developed to guide local action. The fierst example focused on coastal North and South Carolina, USA, and used information on marsh birds, shorebirds, ecological integrity, and co-benefiets for people to identify Cape Romain, South Carolina as a high-priority site for conservation action. The second example in Colombia used information on migrant and resident birds to identify the Cauca Valley as a high priority site. The multi-level conceptual framework we describe is one pathway for identifying sites for implementation of local conservation actions that are guided by conservation priorities for migratory birds across their full annual cycle.
The complete mitochondrial genome of Spurilla braziliana MacFarland 1909 (Nudibranchia, Aeolidiidae)
Authors: Mizobata Hideaki , Hayashi Kentaro , Yonezawa Ryo , Lanza Andre , Kinoshita Shigeharu , Yoshitake Kazutoshi , Asakawa Shuichi
Published: April 2023

Spurilla brazilianaMacFarland 1909 is a morphologically diverse nudibranch found in the Pacific and Western Atlantic. The complete mitochondrial genome ofS. brazilianahas been constructed using next-generation sequencing technology. The mitochondrial genome is 14,291 bp and contains 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, and 23 tRNA genes. Molecular phylogenetic analysis using the maximum likelihood method revealed thatS. brazilianais included in the superfamily Aeolidioidea and forms a monophyletic group withBerghia stephanieae, a nudibranch of the family Aeolidiidae. This study reinforces existing taxonomic insights and provides a basis for further molecular phylogenetic analysis.
TMS reveals a two-stage priming circuit of gesture-speech integration
Authors: Zhao Wanying
Published: April 2023

Naturalistically, multisensory information of gesture and speech is intrinsically integrated to enable coherent comprehension. Such cross-modal semantic integration is temporally misaligned, with the onset of gesture preceding the relevant speech segment. It has been proposed that gestures prime subsequent speech. However, there are unresolved questions regarding the roles and time courses that the two sources of information play in integration. Here, in two between-subject experiments of healthy college students, we segmented the gesture-speech integration period into 40-ms time windows (TWs) based on two separately division criteria, while interrupting the activity of the integration node of the left posterior middle temporal gyrus (pMTG) and the left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) with double-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). In Experiment 1, we created fixed time-advances of gesture over speech and divided the TWs from the onset of speech. In Experiment 2, we differentiated the processing stages of gesture and speech and segmented the TWs in reference to the speech lexical identification point (IP), while speech onset occurred at the gesture semantic discrimination point (DP). The results showed a TW-selective interruption of the pMTG and IFG only in Experiment 2, with the pMTG involved in TW1 (−120∼-80 ms of speech IP), TW2 (−80∼-40 ms), TW6 (80∼120 ms) and TW7 (120∼160 ms) and the IFG involved in TW3 (−40∼0 ms) and TW6. Meanwhile no significant disruption of gesture-speech integration was reported in Experiment 1. We determined that after the representation of gesture has been established, gesture-speech integration occurs such that speech is first primed in a phonological processing stage before gestures are unified with speech to form a coherent meaning. Our findings provide new insights into multisensory speech and co-speech gesture integration by tracking the causal contributions of the two sources of information.
Incorporating environmental heterogeneity and observation effort to predict host distribution and viral spillover from a bat reservoir
Authors: Ribeiro Rita , Matthiopoulos Jason , Lindgren Finn , Tello Carlos , Zariquiey Carlos M. , Valderrama William , Rocke Tonie E. , Streicker Daniel G.
Published: April 2023

Predicting the spatial occurrence of wildlife is a major challenge for ecology and management. In Latin America, knowledge of the true number and locations of vampire bat colonies precludes informed allocation of measures intended to limit lethal rabies spillover to humans and livestock. We inferred the complete spatial distribution of vampire bat roosts while accounting for observation effort and environmental covariates by fitting a Log Gaussian Cox Process model to the locations of 563 roosts in three regions of Peru. Our model explained 47% of the variance in the observed roost distribution and identified landscape correlates of roost establishment. Our model estimated that 1,795 roosts (76%) remain undiscovered and identified hotspots of undetected roosts in currently rabies-free areas, implying high risk for viral incursion. Incorporating the locations of undetected roosts improved spatial predictions of rabies spillover to livestock, revealed areas with disproportionate underreporting to surveillance systems, and indicated a higher rabies burden than previously estimated. We provide a robust approach to infer the distribution of a mostly unobserved bat reservoir that can inform strategies to prevent the re-emergence of an important zoonosis.
Activity and diversity of prophages harbored by wheat phyllosphere bacteria
Authors: Dougherty Peter Erdmann , Nielsen Tue Kjærgaard , Riber Leise , Lading Helen Helgå , Forero-Junco Laura Milena , Kot Witold , Raaijmakers Jos , Hansen Lars Hestbjerg
Published: April 2023

1.

The plant microbiome harbors an enormous diversity of fungi, bacteria, and viruses, but little is known on the diversity and function of prophages harbored within plant-associated bacteria. Using “VIP-Seq”, a novel method based on supernatant sequencing, we identified and quantified the activity of 120 spontaneously induced prophages in a collection of 63ErwiniaandPseudomonasstrains isolated from wheat flag leaves collected from the same field. These bacterial strains exhibited high levels of spontaneous prophage induction, with some producing > 108virions/mL in overnight culture. Significant inductionin plantaalso occurred from a lysogenicErwiniastrain inoculated on wheat seedlings. The potential of these active prophages in bacterial warfare was exhibited by their widespread killing of rival bacterial strains. Evidence of transduction was observed, and the prophages were shown to contribute a majority of the non-core genome ofE. aphidicolaisolates. Many additional prophages were predicted by bioinformatic tools, and we found that the predicted prophages that were not spontaneously induced had a significantly higher number of IS elements. Our results suggest that spontaneous induction of prophages may represent an unknown but wide-spread competition mechanism involved in phyllosphere microbiome assembly and function. This may also have implications for the design and resilience of synthetic bacterial communities used as biocontrol for certain plant diseases.
Isolation ofActinomyces cricetomyissp. nov from orocervicofacial abscesses of African giant pouched rats (Cricetomys ansorgei)
Authors: Franklin-Guild Rebecca J. , Labitt Rachael N. , McQueary Holly , Llanos-Soto Sebastian , Mitchell Patrick K. , Tallmadge Rebecca L. , Anderson Renee , Flint Joseph F. , Ophir Alexander G. , Thachil Anil , Singh Bhupinder , Goodman Laura B.
Published: April 2023

African giant pouched rats are of interest for their unique sense of smell and can be trained for a variety of applications including detection of explosives and infectious diseases. A colony housed at a university animal care facility developed abscesses associated with the jaw and eye in multiple animals. The predominant bacterial species in each case was a catalase-positiveActinomyces-like Gram-positive bacillus. The isolates from different sites and animals matched each other genetically but had sequences and biochemical profiles inconsistent with previously described species of this group. Based on whole genome sequence, biochemical characterization, and fatty acid profile, a novel species of the genusActinomycesis proposed, namelyActinomyces cricetomyis(type strain 186855T). The type strain is deposited at ATCC (TSD-310) and BCCM/LMG (LMG 32803).
Optimal harvesting strategies for ecological population dynamics
Authors: Rezaee Sayeh , Nieto Cesar , Singh Abhyudai
Published: April 2023

What is the optimal way to harvest an ecological population sustainably is a fundamental problem in natural resource management. Here we use the framework of the stochastic logistic model which captures random birth-death of individuals to determine the optimal harvesting strategy that maximizes the integrated yield over time. Harvesting is assumed to occur at either a constant or state-dependent rate, and individuals are harvested with a certain probability whenever a harvesting event occurs. A special case of state-dependent harvesting is a threshold-based strategy, where harvesting is done when the population crosses a threshold. We use moment closure schemes to develop analytical formulas quantifying the mean and optimal yield. Moreover, as populations are susceptible to extinction at high harvesting rates, the Finite State Projection (FSP) method is used to estimate the probabilities of extinction across strategies and parameter regimes. Our results show that the threshold-based strategy is most effective in maximizing the yield as it suppresses population fluctuations and minimizes extinction events.
Public accountability failure in solving a public nuisance: stakeholder disengagement in a clash of Western and Islamic worldviews
Authors: Islam Md Tarikul , Rahim Mia Mahmudur , Kuruppu Sanjaya Chinthana
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper examines the link between the failure of public accountability and stakeholder disengagement brought about by a New Public Management (NPM) style “smart solution” introduced to reduce public urination in Dhaka city. It shows how New Public Governance (NPG), Islamic and dialogic approaches can improve decision-making and solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the concepts of public accountability, NPM, NPG and dialogic accountability, this study highlights how narrow conceptions of accountability and poor stakeholder engagement impacted the effectiveness of the “smart solution” based on data collected through observation and unstructured in-depth interviews.

Findings

Evidence suggests that narrow conceptions of accountability driven by monologic NPM perspectives led to poor stakeholder engagement, which impacted the effectiveness of the “smart solution”. The solution that consists of changing anti-urination signage from Bengali to Arabic script has not solved Dhaka's public urination problem. In many instances, the solution has disenchanted certain stakeholders who view it as an offence against Islam and a confusing de-privileging of the Bengali language which has significant national and cultural value in Bangladesh.

Originality/value

The findings of the study contribute to policymaking discussions on how to effectively engage with stakeholders and extend the literature on accountability within the context of conflicting public versus private demands related to a public nuisance. The study outlines important issues related to stakeholder engagement and introduces a framework that conceptualises how to increase the effectiveness of public policy decisions using NPG, Islamic and dialogic accountability approaches, especially on matters that require significant public/external stakeholder support. It also provides a conceptual integration of these various approaches, including nuanced insights into accountability challenges within “non-Western” contexts.