bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene Flow and Isolation in the Arid Nearctic Revealed by Genomic Analyses of Desert Spiny Lizards
Authors: Pavón-Vázquez Carlos J , Rana Qaantah , Farleigh Keaka , Crispo Erika , Zeng Mimi , Liliah Jeevanie , Mulcahy Daniel , Ascanio Alfredo , Jezkova Tereza , Leaché Adam D , Flouri Tomas , Yang Ziheng , Blair Christopher
Published: January 2024

The opposing forces of gene flow and isolation are two major processes shaping genetic diversity. Understanding how these vary across space and time is necessary to identify the environmental features that promote diversification. The detection of considerable geographic structure in taxa from the arid Nearctic has prompted research into the drivers of isolation in the region. Several geographic features have been proposed as barriers to gene flow, including the Colorado River, Western Continental Divide (WCD), and a hypothetical Mid-Peninsular Seaway in Baja California. However, recent studies suggest that the role of barriers in genetic differentiation may have been overestimated when compared to other mechanisms of divergence. In this study, we infer historical and spatial patterns of connectivity and isolation in Desert Spiny Lizards (Sceloporus magister) and Baja Spiny Lizards (Sceloporus zosteromus), which together form a species complex composed of parapatric lineages with wide distributions in arid western North America. Our analyses incorporate mitochondrial sequences, genomic-scale data, and past and present climatic data to evaluate the nature and strength of barriers to gene flow in the region. Our approach relies on estimates of migration under the multispecies coalescent to understand the history of lineage divergence in the face of gene flow. Results show that the S. magister complex is geographically structured, but we also detect instances of gene flow. The WCD is a strong barrier to gene flow, while the Colorado River is more permeable. Analyses yield conflicting results for the catalyst of differentiation of peninsular lineages in S. zosteromus. Our study shows how large-scale genomic data for thoroughly sampled species can shed new light on biogeography. Furthermore, our approach highlights the need for the combined analysis of multiple sources of evidence to adequately characterize the drivers of divergence.
Effects of increasing omega-3 fatty acids on growth performance, immune response, and mortality in nursery pigs
Authors: Bromm Jenna J , Tokach Mike D , Woodworth Jason C , Goodband Robert D , DeRouchey Joel M , Hastad Chad W , Post Zach B , Flohr Josh R , Schmitt Raymond A , Zarate Ledesma Jose F , Gebhardt Jordan T
Published: January 2024

Three experiments evaluated omega-3 fatty acids, provided by O3 trial feed, on nursery pig growth performance, mortality, and response to an LPS immune challenge or natural Porcine reproductive and respiratory virus (PRRSV) outbreak. In experiment 1, 350 pigs (241 × 600, DNA; initially 5.8 kg) were used. Pens of pigs were randomly assigned to one of the five dietary treatments containing increasing omega-3 fatty acids (0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% O3 trial feed) with 14 replications per treatment. On day 25, two pigs per pen were injected intramuscularly with 20 μg Escherichia coli LPS per kg BW and one pig per pen was injected with saline as a control. Body temperature was taken from all three pigs prior to and 2, 4, 6, and 12 h post-LPS challenge. Serum IL-1β and TNF-α concentrations were determined in LPS-challenged pigs 24 h prior and 4 h post-LPS challenge. There was no interaction between treatment and time for change in body temperature (P > 0.10). Overall, increasing the O3 trial feed did not affect (P > 0.10) ADG, ADFI, G:F, IL-1β, or TNF-α. In experiment 2, 1,056 pigs (PIC TR4 × [Fast LW × PIC L02] initially 7.3 kg) were used. Pens of pigs were randomly assigned to one of the four dietary treatments containing increasing omega-3 fatty acids (0%, 0.75%, 1.5%, and 3% O3 trial feed) with 12 replications per treatment. Oral fluids tested negative on days 7 and 14, but then positive for North American PRRSV virus via PCR on days 21, 28, 35, and 42. Overall, increasing O3 trial feed increased (linear, P < 0.001) ADG, ADFI, and G:F and decreased (linear, P = 0.027) total removals and mortality. In experiment 3, 91,140 pigs (DNA 600 × PIC 1050; initially 5.1 kg), originating from PRRSV-positive sow farms, were used across eight nursery sites. Each site contained five barns with two rooms per barn and ~1,100 pigs per room. Rooms of pigs were blocked by nursery site and allocated within sow source to one of the two dietary treatments (control or 3% O3 trial feed) with 40 replications per treatment. Oral fluids from 61 of the 80 rooms tested positive for North American PRRSV virus 1 wk postweaning and 78 of the 80 rooms tested positive 3 wk after weaning. Overall, O3 trial feed did not affect ADG, ADFI, or G:F but increased (P < 0.001) total removals and mortalities. In summary, increasing omega-3 fatty acids, sourced by O3 trial feed, did not improve growth performance or immune response in healthy pigs given an LPS challenge. However, it appears that if omega-3 fatty acids are fed prior to a natural PRRSV break (as in experiment 2), growth performance may be improved, and mortality reduced.
Hepatocyte miR-21-5p-deficiency alleviates APAP-induced liver injury by inducing PPARγ and autophagy
Authors: Xu Chao , Yan Fang , Zhao Yulan , Jaeschke Hartmut , Wu Jianguo , Fang Li , Zhao Lifang , Zhao Yuanfei , Wang Li
Published: January 2024

Acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury is one of the most frequent causes of acute liver failure worldwide. Significant increases in the levels of miRNA-21 in both liver tissues and plasma have been observed in APAP-overdosed animals and humans. However, the mechanistic effect of miRNA-21 on acute liver injury remains unknown. In this study, we generated a new hepatocyte-specific miRNA-21 knockout (miR-21-HKO) mouse line. miR-21-HKO and the background-matched sibling wild-type (WT) mice were treated with a toxic dose of APAP. Compared with WT mice, miR-21 HKO mice showed an increased survival, a reduction of necrotic hepatocytes, and an increased expression of light chain 3 beta, which suggested an autophagy activation. The expression of PPARγ was highly induced in the livers of miR-21-HKO mice after a 2-h APAP treatment, which preceded the activation of LC3B at the 12 h APAP treatment. miR-21 negatively regulated PPARγ protein expression by targeting its 3′-UTR. When PPARγ function was blocked by a potent antagonist GW9662 in miR-21-HKO mice, the autophage activation was significantly diminished, suggesting an indispensable role of PPARγ signaling pathway in miR-21-mediated hepatotoxicity. Taken together, hepatocyte-specific depletion of miRNA-21 alleviated APAP-induced hepatotoxicity by activating PPARγ and autophagy, demonstrating a crucial new regulatory role of miR-21 in APAP-mediated liver injury.
Genetic consequences of effective and suboptimal dosing with mutagenic drugs in a hamster model of SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Illingworth Christopher J. R , Guerra-Assuncao Jose A , Gregg Samuel , Charles Oscar , Pang Juanita , Roy Sunando , Abdelnabi Rana , Neyts Johan , Breuer Judith
Published: January 2024

Mutagenic antiviral drugs have shown promise against multiple viruses, but concerns have been raised about whether their use might promote the emergence of new and harmful viral variants. Recently, genetic signatures associated with molnupiravir use have been identified in the global SARS-COV-2 population. Here, we examine the consequences of using favipiravir and molnupiravir to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection in a hamster model, comparing viral genome sequence data collected from (1) untreated hamsters, and (2) from hamsters receiving effective and suboptimal doses of treatment. We identify a broadly linear relationship between drug dose and the extent of variation in treated viral populations, with a high proportion of this variation being composed of variants at frequencies of less than 1 per cent, below typical thresholds for variant calling. Treatment with an effective dose of antiviral drug was associated with a gain of between 7 and 10 variants per viral genome relative to drug-free controls: even after a short period of treatment a population founded by a transmitted virus could contain multiple sequence differences to that of the original host. Treatment with a suboptimal dose of drug showed intermediate gains of variants. No dose-dependent signal was identified in the numbers of single-nucleotide variants reaching frequencies in excess of 5 per cent. We did not find evidence to support the emergence of drug resistance or of novel immune phenotypes. Our study suggests that where onward transmission occurs, a short period of treatment with mutagenic drugs may be sufficient to generate a significant increase in the number of viral variants transmitted.
The Effect of Vancomycin and Tobramycin Local Antibiotic Powder on Surgical Site Infections after Open Treatment of Fracture: A Retrospective Propensity-Matched Analysis
Authors: Pesante Benjamin D. , Parry Joshua A.
Published: January 2024

OBJECTIVES:

To compare the effect of vancomycin/tobramycin local antibiotic powder (LAP) on surgical site infections (SSIs) after open treatment of fractures.

METHODS:

Design:

Retrospective comparative study with propensity-matching

Setting:

Urban level one trauma center

Patients Selection Criteria:

Patients undergoing open procedures for fracture performed by a single surgeon before and after cessation of routine LAP use.

Outcome Measures and Comparisons:

Deep and superficial SSIs

RESULTS:

There were 652 open procedures for fracture performed by a single surgeon: LAP was used in 36.7% (114/310) of procedures prior to stopping its use, after which 342 procedures were performed without LAP. Comparison of all procedures performed with and without routine LAP use demonstrated no difference in infection rates, although there was a trend for the group without LAP to have fewer superficial SSIs (proportional difference (PD) -2.0%, 95% confidence interval (CI) -4.1 to 0.1%; p=0.05) and more deep SSIs (PD 3.9%, CI -0.2% to 7.9%; p=0.06). Pre-match analysis demonstrated that LAP use was associated with external fixation (PD 8.5%, CI 1.6% to 16.2%; p=0.005), longer operative times (median difference (MD) 56.0 minutes, CI 39.0 to 74.0; p<0.0001), greater EBL (MD 70.0, CI 50.0 to 100.0; p<0.0001), and no difference in superficial (PD 2.4%; CI -0.8% to 6.8%; p=0.07) or deep SSIs (PD -1.6%, CI -6.2% to 4.1%; p=0.54). After propensity-matching (108 vs. 108) to control for the above differences, the LAP group, compared to the no LAP group, had no difference in superficial SSIs and was less likely to have deep SSIs (PD -8.3%, CI -16.2% to -0.2%; p=0.04).

CONCLUSIONS:

The use of vancomycin and tobramycin local antibiotic powder lowered the rate of deep SSIs after open treatment of fractures on propensity-matched analysis.
Ensartinib is effective in the treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer with MET amplification after multi-line ALK-TKIs resistance: a case report
Authors: Yang Yanping , He Xincheng , Xiao Wenxuan , Bai Jun , Liu Yi
Published: January 2024

Although patients with ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are initially effective on treatment with ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), resistance will inevitably develop. Of these patients, 2/3 will develop ALK-independent resistance and little is known about the mechanisms of ALK-independent resistance. In pre-clinical studies, the activation of several bypass signaling pathways has been implicated in the development of resistance, including the MET, EGFR, SRC and IGF1R pathways. Among these, the MET pathway is one of the signaling pathways that has recently been extensively studied, and activation of this pathway is one of the mechanisms of ALK-independent drug resistance. Here, we report a successful case of an advanced NSCLC patient who was resistant to treatment with ALK TKIs and developed MET amplification, who achieved 23 months of progression-free survival after post-line treatment with ensartinib.
Distinguishing Immunologic and Behavioral Effects of Vaccination
Authors: Stensrud Mats J. , Nevo Daniel , Obolski Uri
Published: January 2024

The interpretation of vaccine efficacy estimands is subtle, even in randomized trials designed to quantify the immunologic effects of vaccination. In this article, we introduce terminology to distinguish between different vaccine efficacy estimands and clarify their interpretations. This allows us to explicitly consider the immunologic and behavioral effects of vaccination, and establish that policy-relevant estimands can differ substantially from those commonly reported in vaccine trials. We further show that a conventional vaccine trial allows the identification and estimation of different vaccine estimands under plausible conditions if one additional post-treatment variable is measured. Specifically, we utilize a “belief variable” that indicates the treatment an individual believed they had received. The belief variable is similar to “blinding assessment” variables that are occasionally collected in placebo-controlled trials in other fields. We illustrate the relations between the different estimands, and their practical relevance, in numerical examples based on an influenza vaccine trial.
Efficacy and Safety of Colchicine for the Prevention of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation Among Patients Undergoing Major Cardiothoracic Surgery: A Meta-analysis and Meta-regression of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Rivera Frederick Berro , Whoy Cha Sung , Aparece John Paul , Jariyatamkitti Sathika , Mamas Mamas Andreas
Published: January 2024

The role of colchicine for the prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after cardiothoracic surgery is not well-established. We aimed to evaluate its potential in preventing POAF using data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A literature search was performed to identify studies reporting POAF as an outcome after cardiac or thoracic surgery in adult patients randomized to either colchicine or placebo. Primary outcome measured was incidence of POAF. Secondary outcomes included gastrointestinal (GI) adverse effects, sepsis, and length of stay. Subgroup analyses based on treatment durations and type of surgery were also performed, as well as regression analyses to control for covariates. We identified a total of 5377 patients (colchicine = 2,689, placebo = 2688). Although colchicine use was associated with a significantly reduced risk of POAF, risk of GI adverse effects were significantly higher. The rates of infection and length of stay were similar across the groups. Subgroup analyses showed that colchicine was effective for POAF prevention in cardiac surgery, but not in thoracic surgery. Prevention of POAF and incidence of GI adverse effects were similar in short-term and long-term colchicine treatment. Colchicine significantly reduces the incidence of POAF in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, but not in thoracic surgery.
The Diagnostic Spectrum of Sexual Hallucinations
Authors: Blom Jan Dirk , van Veen Rosemarij J. B. , van Rooijen Emma H. C. , Slotema Christina W.
Published: January 2024

Sexual hallucinations are little known, yet often extremely burdening, phenomena. In this systematic review, we summarize what is known about their phenomenology, prevalence, etiopathology, ensuing distress, and treatment options. Sexual hallucinations can be experienced as genital or orgasmic sensations, although other sensory modalities can also be involved. With the notable exception of orgasmic auras in the context of epilepsy, sexual hallucinations tend to be distressing and embarrassing in nature. Our analysis of 79 studies (together describing 390 patients) indicates that sexual hallucinations are more frequent in women than in men, with a sex ratio of 1.4:1, and that they are most prevalent in schizophrenia spectrum disorders, with rates ranging from 1.4% in recently admitted patients to 44% in chronically hospitalized patients. Other underlying conditions include epilepsy, the incubus phenomenon (possibly the most prevalent cause in the general population, associated with sleep paralysis), narcolepsy, and sedative use. As regards the sedative context, we found more medicolegal than purely medical cases, which sadly underlines that not all sexually explicit sensations experienced in anesthesia practice are indeed hallucinations. In the absence of evidence-based treatment protocols for sexual hallucinations, practice-based guidelines tend to focus on the underlying condition. Further research is needed, especially in the fields of substance abuse, posttraumatic stress disorder, and borderline personality disorder, where only anecdotal information on sexual hallucinations is available. Moreover, awareness of sexual hallucinations among health professionals needs to be improved in order to facilitate counseling, diagnosis, and treatment.
RETINAL PHAKOMATOSIS AND VON HIPPEL–LINDAU PERIPHERAL CAPILLARY HEMANGIOBLASTOMA: PROPOSAL FOR STAGED SURGERY
Authors: Gallenga Carla E. , Zeppa Lucia , De Pascale Ilaria , Salerno Giulio , Tassinari Paolo , Perri Paolo , Zeppa Lucio
Published: January 2024

Purpose:

Retinal capillary hemangioblastoma is present in about half of the carriers of the von Hippel–Lindau gene mutation and can lead to the evolution of blindness. Herewith is a proposal for surgical intraretinal feeder vessel ligature to induce ischemia of the phakoma and to resolve the exudative secondary retinal detachment, with satisfying results at the 6-month follow-up endpoint.

Methods:

The patient underwent a chandelier-assisted 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy with valved trocars. A bimanual transretinal ligature of the feeder vessel of hemangioblastoma was performed, followed by localized endolaser to ablate the surrounding retina and capillaries, and a polydimethylsiloxane 1,000 final tamponade. After 3 months, exchange of polydimethylsiloxane/air/balanced salt solution, phacoemulsification, and in-the-bag intraocular lens implantation were performed.

Results:

At the sixth month, fundus fluorescein angiography showed a significant reduction of blood flow in the phakoma. The final best-corrected visual acuity was 6/6 (9 lines gain obtained compared with the baseline time).

Conclusion:

This surgical technique seems to be effective and promising for the treatment of von Hippel–Lindau retinal capillary hemangioblastomas and their related retinal complications.
Will synchronous esophageal and lung resection increase the incidence of anastomotic leaks? A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Liu Yixin , Zhou Jianfeng , Gu Yimin , Hu Weipeng , Lin Haonan , Shang Qixin , Zhang Hanlu , Yang Yushang , Yuan Yong , Chen Longqi
Published: January 2024

Background:

Reports on combined resection for synchronous lung lesions and esophageal cancer (CRLE) cases are rare and mostly individual cases. Furthermore, the feasibility of CRLE has always been a controversial topic. In the current study, the authors retrospectively analyzed the feasibility of CRLE and established an individualized prediction model for esophageal anastomotic leaks after CRLE by performing a multicenter retrospective study.

Methods:

Patients who underwent esophagectomy between January 2009 and June 2021 were extracted from a four-center prospectively maintained database, and those with CRLE at the same setting were matched in a 1:2 propensity score-matched (PSM) ratio to esophagectomy alone (EA) patients. A nomogram was then established based on the variables involved in multivariate logistic regression analysis. Internal validation of the nomogram was conducted utilizing Bootstrap resampling. Decision and clinical impact curve analysis were computed to assess the practical clinical utility of the nomogram. A prognosis analysis for CRLE and EA patients by Kaplan–Meier curves was conducted.

Results:

Of the 7152 esophagectomies, 216 cases of CRLE were eligible, and 1:2 ratio propensity score-matched EA patients were matched. The incidence of anastomotic leaks following CRLE increased significantly (P=0.035). The results of the multivariate analysis indicated the leaks varied according to the type of lung resection (anatomic>wedge resection, P=0.016) and site of resected lobe (upper>middle/low lobe; P=0.027), and a nomogram was established to predict the occurrence of leaks accurately (area under the curve=0.786). Although no statistically significant difference in overall survival (OS) was observed in the CRLE group (P=0.070), a trend toward lower survival rates was noted. Further analysis revealed that combined upper lobe anatomic resection was significantly associated with reduced OS (P=0.027).

Conclusion:

Our study confirms that CRLE is feasible but comes with a significantly increased risk of anastomotic leaks and a concerning trend of reduced survival, particularly when upper lobe anatomic resections are performed. These findings highlight the need for careful patient selection and surgical planning when considering CRLE.
Worldwide research trends on tumor burden and immunotherapy: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zheng Han , Jiang Shi-Tao , Liu Yao-Ge , Zhang Ting , Zhang Jun-Wei , Lu Xin , Zhao Hai-Tao , Sang Xin-Ting , Xu Yi-Yao
Published: January 2024

Various immunotherapy has been greatly applied to comprehensive treatment of malignant cancer under different degrees of tumor burden. Scientific researchers have gained considerable progress in the relationship between immunotherapy and tumor burden in recent years. This review aimed to explore the prospect and developing trends in the field of tumor burden and immunotherapy from a bibliometric perspective. Articles about tumor burden and immunotherapy were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) (retrieved on 3 January 2023). The R package ‘Bibliometrix’ analyzed the primary bibliometric features and created a three-filed plot to display the relationship between institutions, countries, and keywords. VOSviewer was used for co-authorship analysis, co-occurrence analysis, and their visualization. And CiteSpace calculated the citation burst references and keywords. A total of 1030 publications were retrieved from 35 years of scientific researches. The United States (US) and China published the most articles. The most productive journals were Cancer Immunology Immunotherapy and Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer. The top one institution of the highest output was University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The hot keywords of strong citation burst strength in recent years were ‘nivolumab’, ‘tumor microenvironment’, and ‘immune checkpoint inhibitor’. The most popular tumor type is melanoma. This bibliometric analysis mapped a basic knowledge structure. The field of tumor burden and immunotherapy is entering a rapid growing stage and keeping it value for future research.
Precise diagnosis and risk stratification of prostate cancer by comprehensive serum metabolic fingerprints: a prediction model study
Authors: Fei Xiaochen , Du Xinxing , Wang Jiayi , Liu Jiazhou , Gong Yiming , Zhao Zejun , Cao Zhibin , Fu Qibo , Zhu Yinjie , Dong Liang , Dong Baijun , Pan Jiahua , Sun Wenshe , Xie Shaowei , Xue Wei
Published: January 2024

Objectives:

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common malignancies in men worldwide and has caused increasing clinical morbidity and mortality, making timely diagnosis and accurate staging crucial. The authors introduced a novel approach based on mass spectrometry for precise diagnosis and stratification of PCa to facilitate clinical decision-making.

Methods:

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry analysis of trace blood samples was combined with machine learning algorithms to construct diagnostic and stratification models. A total of 367 subjects, comprising 181 with PCa and 186 with non-PCa were enrolled. Additional 60 subjects, comprising 30 with PCa and 30 with non-PCa were enrolled as an external cohort for validation. Subsequent metabolomic analysis was carried out using Autoflex MALDI-TOF, and the mass spectra were introduced into various algorithms to construct different models.

Results:

Serum metabolic fingerprints were successfully obtained from 181 patients with PCa and 186 patients with non-PCa. The diagnostic model based on the eight signals demonstrated a remarkable area under curve of 100% and was validated in the external cohort with the area under curve of 87.3%. Fifteen signals were selected for enrichment analysis, revealing the potential metabolic pathways that facilitate tumorigenesis. Furthermore, the stage prediction model with an overall accuracy of 85.9% precisely classified subjects with localized disease and those with metastasis. The risk stratification model, with an overall accuracy of 89.6%, precisely classified the subjects as low-risk and high-risk.

Conclusions:

Our study facilitated the timely diagnosis and risk stratification of PCa and provided new insights into the underlying mechanisms of metabolic alterations in PCa.
Reduced Concussion Symptom Burden in Early Adolescent Athletes Using a Head–Neck Cooling Device
Authors: Smith Matthew A. , McNinch Neil L. , Chaney Danielle , Shauver Lisa , Murray Tamara , Kline Peyton , Lesak Alexandria , Franco-MacKendrick Lea , Scott Lora , Logan Kelsey , Ichesco Ingrid K. , Liebig Christopher , Congeni Joseph
Published: January 2024

Objective:

To determine whether an investigational head–neck cooling device, Pro2cool, can better reduce symptom severity compared with standard postconcussion care in early adolescent athletes after a sports-related concussion.

Design:

Prospective, longitudinal, randomized trial design conducted over a 28-day period.

Setting:

Six pediatric medical centers in Ohio and Michigan.

Participants:

The study enrolled 167 male and female 12- to 19-year-old athletes who experienced a sports-related concussion within 8 days of study enrollment and registering a Sports Concussion Assessment Tool 5 (SCAT5) composite score >7.

Interventions:

Pro2cool, an investigational head–neck cooling therapy device, was applied at 2 postinjury time points compared with postconcussion standard of care only.

Main Outcome Measures:

Baseline SCAT5 composite symptom severity scores were determined for all subjects. Sports Concussion Assessment Tool 5 scores for concussed athletes receiving cooling treatment were analyzed across 6 independent postenrollment time points compared with subjects who did not receive cooling therapy and only standard care. Adverse reactions and participate demographics were also compared.

Results:

Athletes who received Pro2cool cooling therapy (n = 79) experienced a 14.4% greater reduction in SCAT5 symptom severity scores at the initial visit posttreatment, a 25.5% greater reduction at the 72-hour visit posttreatment, and a 3.4% greater reduction at the 10-day visit compared with subjects receiving only standard care (n = 88). Overall, 36 adverse events (increased blood pressure, decreased pulse, and dizziness) were reported, with 13 events associated with the device, of which 3 were classified as moderate in severity.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates the efficacy and safety of head and neck cooling for the management of concussion symptoms in adolescent athletes of an age group for which little to no prior data are available.
Exploration of useful clinical laboratory values as diagnostic criteria for eosinophilic gastroenteritis
Authors: Kobayashi Takashi , Hayashi Takahiro , Torii-Goto Aya , Aoyagi Mina , Ichinose Takako , Okada Yukako , Senda Noriyasu , Katano Yoshiaki
Published: January 2024

Background

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE) is a rare eosinophilic infiltrative disorder. In Japan, EGE is diagnosed using clinical symptoms as well as microscopic, haematologic and histopathological findings. In this study, we examined the usefulness of laboratory data in the diagnosis of EGE.

Methods

Patients who were diagnosed with EGE at Fujita Health University Bantane Hospital between April 2015 and December 2020 were enrolled in this study and their data was retrospectively analysed. We evaluated their medical history, laboratory data including leukocyte count, eosinophil count, immunoglobulin (Ig) E, thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), C-reactive protein (CRP), etc. and histopathological data were collected from the electronic medical records.

Results

One hundred twelve of 168 patients who were treated for EGE could be analysed. The peripheral eosinophil count was correlated with the duodenal or ascending colon eosinophil count; moreover, the blood lymphocyte count and the TARC were correlated with the transverse colon eosinophil count. Multivariate regression analysis showed correlations only in the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. Specifically, correlations were noted between blood eosinophils and gastric eosinophils, blood eosinophils and duodenal eosinophils, blood lymphocytes and gastric eosinophils, blood IgE and oesophageal, gastric and duodenal eosinophils and CRP and oesophageal eosinophils.

Conclusion

The extent of blood eosinophil count, lymphocyte count, IgE and CRP elevation together with clinical features and pathology can be incorporated into a diagnostic scoring criteria system to improve the accuracy of diagnosing this uncommon condition in the future.
Advanced chronic renal disease is an independent risk factor for inpatient mortality following transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt procedure
Authors: Li Renxi , Sarin Shawn
Published: January 2024

Background

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a procedure used to alleviate portal hypertension in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis. However, the risks and outcomes associated with TIPS in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) remain uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the perioperative outcomes of TIPS procedures in patients with advanced CKD using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, a comprehensive all-payer inpatient database in the US.

Methods

The study identified patients who underwent TIPS procedures in the NIS database from Q4 2015 to 2020. Patients with advanced CKD were identified using specific ICD-10-CM codes, and they were compared to patients without CKD. Preoperative variables, including demographics, indications for TIPS, comorbidities, APR-DRG subclass, primary payer status, and hospital characteristics, were noted. Perioperative outcomes were examined by multivariable logistic regression.

Results

A total of 248 patients with advanced CKD and 5511 patients without CKD undergoing TIPS procedures were identified in the NIS database. Compared to non-CKD, patients with advanced CKD had higher mortality (13.70% vs. 8.60%, aOR = 1.56, P = 0.03), acute kidney injury (51.21% vs. 29.34, aOR = 1.46, P < 0.01), transfer out (25.00% vs. 12.84%, aOR = 1.88, P < 0.01), and length of stay over 7 days (64.11% vs. 38.97%, aOR = 2.34, P < 0.01). However, there was no difference in hepatic encephalopathy (31.85% vs. 27.19%, aOR = 1.12, P = 0.42).

Conclusion

Advanced CKD patients undergoing TIPS are at higher risk of mortality and AKI compared to patients without CKD; HE was mildly elevated but NS. Long-term prognosis of patients with advanced CKD who had TIPS is needed in future studies.
A 4-month-old male with Raghib syndrome: a rare case report from Syria
Authors: Sleiay Mouhammed , Sleiay Bilal , Batrash Obeda , Alabdullah Hadi , Alsmoudi Hasan , AlBaroudi Douha , Almohamed Ahmad , Ali Abshi Mohammad , Takkem Saleh
Published: January 2024

Introduction and importance:

Raghib syndrome is a rare congenital complication consisting of the termination of the left superior vena cava (LSVC) in the left atrium, an unroofed coronary sinus, and an atrial septal defect most often found in the posterior-inferior angle of the atrial septum. Both a right-to-left and a left-to-right intracardiac shunt exist. In most circumstances, they do not show any symptoms.

Presentation of case:

The patient presented with a persistent left superior vena cava draining into the left atrium, an unroofed coronary sinus, and a secondary atrial septal defect (ASD). Transthoracic echocardiography was used to diagnose the condition, and surgery was applied as the primary treatment.

Clinical discussion:

It was formerly believed that this complex was exclusive to Raghib syndrome; however, cases have been found in which the interatrial connection is the aperture of the unroofed coronary sinus in patients with a normal atrial septum.

Conclusion:

Extracardiac treatment for this illness reduces the load on the left atrial suture and may stop further arrhythmias. There is no possibility of pulmonary vein flow restriction when there are no atrial tunnels.
Estimation of Improvements in Mortality in Spectrum Among Adults With HIV Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy in High-Income Countries
Authors: Trickey Adam , Glaubius Robert , Pantazis Nikos , Zangerle Robert , Wittkop Linda , Vehreschild Janne , Grabar Sophie , Cavassini Matthias , Teira Ramon , d’Arminio Monforte Antonella , Casabona Jordi , van Sighem Ard , Jarrin Inma , Ingle Suzanne M. , Sterne Jonathan A. C. , Imai-Eaton Jeffrey W. , Johnson Leigh F.
Published: January 2024

Introduction:

Mortality rates for people living with HIV (PLHIV) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in high-income countries continue to decline. We compared mortality rates among PLHIV on ART in Europe for 2016–2020 with Spectrum's estimates.

Methods:

The AIDS Impact Module in Spectrum is a compartmental HIV epidemic model coupled with a demographic population projection model. We used national Spectrum projections developed for the 2022 HIV estimates round to calculate mortality rates among PLHIV on ART, adjusting to the age/country distribution of PLHIV starting ART from 1996 to 2020 in the Antiretroviral Therapy Cohort Collaboration (ART-CC)'s European cohorts.

Results:

In the ART-CC, 11,504 of 162,835 PLHIV died. Between 1996–1999 and 2016–2020, AIDS-related mortality in the ART-CC decreased from 8.8 (95% CI: 7.6 to 10.1) to 1.0 (0.9–1.2) and from 5.9 (4.4–8.1) to 1.1 (0.9–1.4) deaths per 1000 person-years among men and women, respectively. Non–AIDS-related mortality decreased from 9.1 (7.9–10.5) to 6.1 (5.8–6.5) and from 7.0 (5.2–9.3) to 4.8 (4.3–5.2) deaths per 1000 person-years among men and women, respectively. Adjusted all-cause mortality rates in Spectrum among men were near ART-CC estimates for 2016–2020 (Spectrum: 7.02–7.47 deaths per 1000 person-years) but approximately 20% lower in women (Spectrum: 4.66–4.70). Adjusted excess mortality rates in Spectrum were 2.5-fold higher in women and 3.1–3.4-fold higher in men in comparison to the ART-CC's AIDS-specific mortality rates.

Discussion:

Spectrum's all-cause mortality estimates among PLHIV are consistent with age/country-controlled mortality observed in ART-CC, with some underestimation of mortality among women. Comparing results suggest that 60%–70% of excess deaths among PLHIV on ART in Spectrum are from non-AIDS causes.
Measuring HIV Acquisitions Among Partners of Key Populations: Estimates From HIV Transmission Dynamic Models
Authors: Silhol Romain , Anderson Rebecca L. , Stevens Oliver , Stannah James , Booton Ross D. , Baral Stefan , Dimitrov Dobromir , Mitchell Kate M. , Donnell Deborah , Bershteyn Anna , Brown Tim , Kelly Sherrie L. , Kim Hae-Young , Johnson Leigh F. , Maheu-Giroux Mathieu , Martin-Hughes Rowan , Mishra Sharmistha , Peerapatanapokin Wiwat , Stone Jack , Stover John , Teng Yu , Vickerman Peter , Garcia Sonia Arias , Korenromp Eline , Imai-Eaton Jeffrey W. , Boily Marie-Claude
Published: January 2024

Background:

Key populations (KPs), including female sex workers (FSWs), gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM), people who inject drugs (PWID), and transgender women (TGW) experience disproportionate risks of HIV acquisition. The UNAIDS Global AIDS 2022 Update reported that one-quarter of all new HIV infections occurred among their non-KP sexual partners. However, this fraction relied on heuristics regarding the ratio of new infections that KPs transmitted to their non-KP partners to the new infections acquired among KPs (herein referred to as “infection ratios”). We recalculated these ratios using dynamic transmission models.

Setting:

One hundred seventy-eight settings (106 countries).

Methods:

Infection ratios for FSW, MSM, PWID, TGW, and clients of FSW were estimated from 12 models for 2020.

Results:

Median model estimates of infection ratios were 0.7 (interquartile range: 0.5–1.0; n = 172 estimates) and 1.2 (0.8–1.8; n = 127) for acquisitions from FSW clients and transmissions from FSW to all their non-KP partners, respectively, which were comparable with the previous UNAIDS assumptions (0.2–1.5 across regions). Model estimates for female partners of MSM were 0.5 (0.2–0.8; n = 20) and 0.3 (0.2–0.4; n = 10) for partners of PWID across settings in Eastern and Southern Africa, lower than the corresponding UNAIDS assumptions (0.9 and 0.8, respectively). The few available model estimates for TGW were higher [5.1 (1.2–7.0; n = 8)] than the UNAIDS assumptions (0.1–0.3). Model estimates for non-FSW partners of FSW clients in Western and Central Africa were high (1.7; 1.0–2.3; n = 29).

Conclusions:

Ratios of new infections among non-KP partners relative to KP were high, confirming the importance of better addressing prevention and treatment needs among KP as central to reducing overall HIV incidence.
Updated Data and Methods for the 2023 UNAIDS HIV Estimates
Authors: van Schalkwyk Cari , Mahy Mary , Johnson Leigh F. , Imai-Eaton Jeffrey W.
Published: January 2024

Each year, supported by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), country teams across the globe produce estimates that chart the state of their HIV epidemics. In 2023, HIV estimates were available for 174 countries, accounting for 99% of the global population, of which teams from 150 countries actively engaged in this process. The methods used to derive these estimates are developed under the guidance of the UNAIDS Reference Group on Estimates, Modeling, and Projections (www.epidem.org). Updates to these methods and epidemiological analyses that inform parameters and assumptions are documented in this supplement.
EEG Source Imaging—Clinical Considerations for EEG Acquisition and Signal Processing for Improved Temporo-Spatial Resolution
Authors: Vogrin Simon J. , Plummer Chris
Published: January 2024

EEG source imaging (ESI) has gained traction in recent years as a useful clinical tool for the noninvasive surgical work-up of patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy. Despite its proven benefits for the temporo-spatial modeling of spike and seizure sources, ESI remains widely underused in clinical practice. This partly relates to a lack of clarity around an optimal approach to the acquisition and processing of scalp EEG data for the purpose of ESI. Here, we describe some of the practical considerations for the clinical application of ESI. We focus on patient preparation, the impact of electrode number and distribution across the scalp, the benefit of averaging raw data for signal analysis, and the relevance of modeling different phases of the interictal discharge as it evolves from take-off to peak. We emphasize the importance of recording high signal-to-noise ratio data for reliable source analysis. We argue that the accuracy of modeling cortical sources can be improved using higher electrode counts that include an inferior temporal array, by averaging interictal waveforms rather than limiting ESI to single spike analysis, and by careful interrogation of earlier phase components of these waveforms. No amount of postacquisition signal processing or source modeling sophistication, however, can make up for suboptimally recorded scalp EEG data in a poorly prepared patient.
Spirochaete genome identified in red abalone sample represents a novel genus Candidatus Haliotispira gen. nov. within the order Spirochaetales
Authors: Sharma Sharu Paul , Purcell Catherine M. , Hyde John R. , Severin Andrew J.
Published: January 2024

A fully assembled spirochaete genome was identified as a contaminating scaffold in our red abalone (Haliotis rufescens) genome assembly. In this paper, we describe the analysis of this bacterial genome. The assembled spirochaete genome is 3.25 Mb in size with 48.5 mol% G+C content. The proteomes of 38 species were compared with the spirochaete genome and it was discovered to form an independent branch within the family

Spirochaetaceae

on the phylogenetic tree. The comparison of 16S rRNA sequences and average nucleotide identity scores between the spirochaete genome with known species of different families in

Spirochaetia

indicate that it is an unknown species. Further, the percentage of conserved proteins compared to neighbouring taxa confirm that it does not belong to a known genus within

Spirochaetaceae

. We propose the name Candidatus Haliotispira prima gen. nov., sp. nov. based on its taxonomic placement and origin. We also tested for the presence of this species in different species of abalone and found that it is also present in white abalone (Haliotis sorenseni). In addition, we highlight the need for better classification of taxa within the class

Spirochaetia

.
Shewanella goraebulensis sp. nov., isolated from sea water
Authors: Lee Yong-Suk , Jeong Hae-Rin , Hwang Eun-Jung , Prakash Patil Maheshkumar , Seo Yong Bae , Kim Gun-Do
Published: January 2024

A novel Gram-stain-negative, facultatively anaerobic and rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated as DAU312T, was isolated from the sea water of the eastern coast of the Republic of Korea. Optimal growth was observed at 25 °C, pH 7.0–8.0 and with NaCl concentrations of 2.0 % (w/v). Catalase and oxidase activities were detected. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequences, strain DAU312T showed the highest similarity (99.2 %) to the type strain

Shewanella electrodiphila

MAR441T. The complete genome sequence of strain DAU312T contains 4 893 483 bp and 40.5 mol% G+C. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and the up-to-date bacterial core genes showed that strain DAU312T,

S. electrodiphila

MAR441T and

S. olleyana

were all part of the same monophyletic clade. Their average nucleotide identity, digital DNA–DNA hybridization and two-way average amino acid identity values with each other and type strains of close

Shewanella

species were 83.4–77.5 %, 27.3–22.0 % and 89.8–81.2 %, respectively. The major cellular fatty acids (>10 %) were iso-C15 : 0, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1
ω7с and/or C16 : 1
ω6с) and C16 : 0. Phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol were the main polar lipids. The respiratory quinones were Q-7, Q-8, MK-7 and MMK-7. Based on these polyphasic taxonomic findings, the name Shewanella goraebulensis sp. nov. is suggested for strain DAU312T, which is considered to represent a novel species of the genus

Shewanella

. The type strain is DAU312T (=KCTC 72427 T=JCM 35744T=KCCM 43478T).
Actinoplanes pyxinae sp. nov., a new lichen-derived rare actinobacterium exhibiting antimicrobial and anticancer activity
Authors: Somphong Achiraya , Weeraphan Trinset , Poengsungnoen Vasun , Suriyachadkun Chanwit , Sripreechasak Paranee , Chaotham Chatchai , Tanasupawat Somboon , Phongsopitanun Wongsakorn
Published: January 2024

A novel lichen-derived actinobacterium, designated Pm04-4T, was isolated from Pyxine cocoes (Sw.) Nyl. lichen collected from Chaiyaphum, Thailand. A polyphasic approach was used to describe the taxonomic position of the strain. The strain had morphological and chemotaxonomic properties similar to members of the genus

Actinoplanes

. It produced sporangia on the substrate mycelia. Meso-diaminopimelic acid, galactose, glucose and mannose were detected in the whole-cell hydrolysate of the strain. The major menaquinone was MK-9(H4). The polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol mannoside. The predominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0. Strain Pm04-4T showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Actinoplanes akusuensis TRM 8003T (99.0 %). In the phylogenomic tree, strain Pm04-4T was positioned close to A. aksuensis TRM88003T, A. maris M416T, A. polyasparticus TRM66264T, A. hotanensis TRM88002T,

A. abujensis

DSM 45518T,

A. bogorensis

NBRC 110975T,

A. brasiliensis

DSM 43805T,

A. lichenicola

LDG1-01T and

A. ovalisporus

LDG1-06T. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain Pm04-4T and its closely related neighbours were below the threshold values for describing new species. Moreover, the strain could be distinguished from its closely related type strains by phenotypic properties. Based on genotypic and phenotypic evidence, it can be concluded that strain Pm04-4T is a representative of a new

Actinoplanes

species for which the name Actinoplanes pyxinae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Pm04-4T (=TBRC 16207T=NBRC 115836T). The type strain exhibited activity against

Staphylococcus aureus

ATCC 25923 as well as four yeast strains, namely Candida albicans TISTR 5554, Candida glabrata TISTR 5006, Candida krusei TISTR 5351 and Candida parapsilosis TISTR 5007. It also showed cytotoxicity against Caco-2, MNT-1 and MCF-7 cancer cells.
A Stimulus-Computable Model for Audiovisual Perception and Spatial Orienting in Mammals
Authors: Parise Cesare V.
Published: January 2024

Despite recent progress in multisensory research, the absence of stimulus-computable perceptual models fundamentally limits our understanding of how the brain extracts and combines task-relevant cues from the continuous flow of natural multisensory stimuli. In previous research, we demonstrated that a correlation detector initially proposed for insect motion vision can predict the temporal integration of minimalistic audiovisual signals. Here, we demonstrate how a population of such units can process natural audiovisual stimuli and accurately account for human, monkey, and rat behaviour, across simulations of 69 classic psychophysical, eye-tracking, and pharmacological experiments. Given only the raw audiovisual stimuli (i.e., real-life footage) as input, our population model could replicate observed responses with an average correlation exceeding 0.97. Despite relying on as few as 0 to 4 free parameters, our population model provides an end-to-end account of audiovisual integration in mammals—from individual pixels and audio samples to behavioural responses. Remarkably, the population response to natural audiovisual scenes generates saliency maps that predict spontaneous gaze direction, Bayesian causal inference, and a variety of previously reported multisensory illusions. This study demonstrates that the integration of audiovisual stimuli, regardless of their complexity, can be accounted for in terms of elementary joint analyses of luminance and sound level. Beyond advancing our understanding of the computational principles underlying multisensory integration in mammals, this model provides a bio-inspired, general-purpose solution for multimodal machine perception.