bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Epidemiology of Wild Poliovirus Type 1 and Shift in the Historical Reservoir Areas of Pakistan During 2019–2022
Authors: Arshad Yasir , Mehmood Nayab , Alam Muhammad Masroor , Khurshid Adnan , Akhtar Ribqa , Mujtaba Ghulam , Rehman Lubna , Mushtaq Nighat , Sarfraz Bisma , Hakim Rabia , Umair Massab , Rana Muhammad Suleman , Salman Muhammad , Sharif Salmaan , Sattar Sadia , Javed Sundus , Ahmed Muzzamil , Khan Zainul Abedin , Soghaier Mohammed Ahmed , Bostan Nazish
Published: August 2024

Background

Pakistan is 1 of the 2 countries endemic for wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1). Active clinical and environmental wastewater surveillance along with laboratory investigation is an integral and primary component of polio eradication strategies. The current study is mainly focused on virological data to understand the current epidemiology of WPV1 in Pakistan during 2019–2022.

Methods

In total, 141 037 stool specimens from patients reported with acute flaccid paralysis and 3171 wastewater samples were tested for detection of poliovirus using cell culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Phylogenetic analysis of WPV1 was performed using MEGA and Nextstrain.

Results

Poliovirus isolates were classified into 15 distinct genetic clusters with multiple transmission lineages. Spatiotemporal trends indicated a significant decline in the incidence of poliomyelitis, reported in 58 districts in 2019 and just 3 in 2022. The historical reservoirs in Peshawar, Quetta, and Karachi successfully eliminated the indigenous transmission chains of wild poliovirus that had been active there for years

Conclusions

Our findings reinforce the evolving epidemiology of poliovirus in Pakistan, which is now confined to south-KP. All historically known reservoirs in Peshawar, Karachi, and Quetta block are now free of poliovirus. Intensified clinical and environmental surveillance should be maintained to eliminate the very few remaining transmission lineages and certify poliovirus eradication by 2026.
The higher dimensional propositional calculus
Authors: Bucciarelli A , Curien P-L , Ledda A , Paoli F , Salibra A
Published: August 2024

In recent research, some of the present authors introduced the concept of an $n$-dimensional Boolean algebra and its corresponding propositional logic $n\textrm{CL}$, generalizing the Boolean propositional calculus to $n\geq 2$ perfectly symmetric truth values. This paper presents a sound and complete sequent calculus for $n\textrm{CL}$, named $n\textrm{LK}$. We provide two proofs of completeness: one syntactic and one semantic. The former implies as a corollary that $n\textrm{LK}$ enjoys the cut admissibility property. The latter relies on the generalization to the $n$-ary case of the classical proof based on the Lindenbaum algebra of formulas and Boolean ultrafilters.
Smartphone-based distress screening, information provision, and psychotherapy for reducing psychological distress among AYA cancer survivors: protocol for a fully decentralized multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Akechi Tatsuo , Furukawa Toshi A , Hashimoto Hiroya , Harada Yoshihiko , Ito Yoshinori , Furukawa Yosuke , Kitano Atsuko , Maeda Naoko , Kojima Yuki , Tada Yuma , Watanabe Atsuko , Kurata Akiko , Matsubara Toshio , Sakurai Naomi , Uchitomi Yosuke , Okamura Masako , Fujimori Maiko
Published: August 2024

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a common and distressing condition among adolescents and young adults (AYAs). This study aims to investigate the efficacy of digital interventions, including distress screening-based information provision and smartphone problem-solving therapy, on common psychological distress, especially FCR, in AYA patients with cancer. Participants will be 224 AYA outpatients with cancer aged 15–39 years who will be randomly assigned to either an 8-week smartphone-based intervention or a waitlist control group. This intervention includes smartphone-based distress screening, information provision, and psychotherapy (problem-solving therapy). The primary endpoint will be the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory–Short Form score at week 8. This study will be conducted as a fully decentralized, randomized, and multicenter trial. The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Nagoya City University on 19 April 2024 (ID: 46-23-0005).

Trial registration: UMIN-CTR: UMIN000054583.
Duration of α-1 adrenergic antagonist administration after low-dose-rate brachytherapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Onishi Kenta , Nakai Yasushi , Maesaka Fumisato , Tomizawa Mitsuru , Shimizu Takuto , Hori Shunta , Gotoh Daisuke , Miyake Makito , Yamaki Kaori , Asakawa Isao , Isohashi Fumiaki , Fujimoto Kiyohide , Tanaka Nobumichi
Published: August 2024

Background

Urinary dysfunction is an adverse event of low-dose-rate brachytherapy (LDR-BT) in patients with prostate cancer. We aimed to examine the time to α-1 adrenergic antagonist withdrawal after LDR-BT initiation.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 1663 patients who underwent LDR-BT at our hospital during 2004–2022.

Results

Overall, 1485/1663 (89.3%) patients were able to stop using α-1 adrenergic antagonists, 1111 (66.8%) of them within 1 year of LDR-BT. Risk factors for prolonged time to withdrawal were age ≥70 years, taking agents for lower urinary tract symptoms prior to LDR-BT, an International Prostate Symptom Score ≥8, an Overactive Bladder Symptom Score ≥3 and a residual urine volume ≥20 ml. Of the patients who were able to stop taking α-1 adrenergic antagonists, 357/1485 (24.0%) required resumption, 218 (61.1%) of whom did so between 1 and 3 years after LDR-BT. This period matched the period of transient worsening of the urinary symptom score. Finally, multivariable analysis identified supplemental external beam radiotherapy and an Overactive Bladder Symptom Score ≥3 as independent risk factors for α-1 adrenergic antagonist resumption.

Conclusions

Withdrawal of α-1 adrenergic antagonists was possible in 66.8% of patients within 1 year of LDR-BT. Our results suggest that patients who are older or have pre-treatment LUTS may have prolonged deterioration of urinary dysfunction after treatment. Resumption of α-1 adrenergic antagonists 1–3 years after treatment may be associated with urinary symptom flares, and close attention is necessary for patients with supplemental external beam radiotherapy and a high pretreatment Overactive Bladder Symptom Score.
The potential of plant growth-promoting bacteria isolated from arid heavy metal contaminated environments in alleviating salt and water stresses in alfalfa
Authors: Raklami Anas , Slimani Aiman , Oufdou Khalid , Jemo Martin , Bechtaoui Noura , Imziln Boujamaa , Meddich Abdelilah , Navarro-Torre Salvadora , Rodríguez-Llorente Ignacio D , Pajuelo Eloísa
Published: August 2024

Co-evolution of plant beneficial microbes in contaminated environments enhances plant growth and mitigates abiotic stress. However, few studies on heavy metal (HM) tolerant plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) promoting crop growth in Morocco’s farming areas affected by drought and salinity are available. Plant associated bacteria tolerant to HM and able to produce indole acetic acid and siderophores, display ACC-deaminase activity and solubilize phosphate, were isolated from long-term metal exposed environments. Tolerance to HM and biofilms formation in the absence or presence of HM were assessed. A consortium including two Ensifer meliloti strains (RhOL6 and RhOL8), one Pseudomonas sp. strain (DSP17), and one Proteus sp. strain (DSP1), was used to inoculate alfalfa (Medicago sativa) seedlings under various conditions, namely, salt stress (85 mM) and water stress (30% water holding capacity). Shoot and root dry weights of alfalfa were measured 60 days after sowing. In the presence of HM, DSP17 showed the greatest auxin production, whereas RhOL8 had the highest ACC-deaminase activity and DSP17 formed the densest biofilm. Root dry weight increased 138% and 195% in salt and water stressed plants, respectively, regarding non-inoculated controls. Our results confirm the improvement of alfalfa growth and mitigation of salt and drought stress upon inoculation.
Long range segmentation of prokaryotic genomes by gene age and functionality
Authors: Wolf Yuri I , Schurov Ilya V , Makarova Kira S , Katsnelson Mikhail I , Koonin Eugene V
Published: August 2024

Bacterial and archaeal genomes encompass numerous operons that typically consist of two to five genes. On larger scales, however, gene order is poorly conserved through the evolution of prokaryotes. Nevertheless, non-random localization of different classes of genes on prokaryotic chromosomes could reflect important functional and evolutionary constraints. We explored the patterns of genomic localization of evolutionarily conserved (ancient) and variable (young) genes across the diversity of bacteria and archaea. Nearly all bacterial and archaeal chromosomes were found to encompass large segments of 100–300 kb that were significantly enriched in either ancient or young genes. Similar clustering of genes with lethal knockout phenotype (essential genes) was observed as well. Mathematical modeling of genome evolution suggests that this long-range gene clustering in prokaryotic chromosomes reflects perpetual genome rearrangement driven by a combination of selective and neutral processes rather than evolutionary conservation.
Force-enhanced sensitive and specific detection of DNA-intercalative agents directly from microorganisms at single-molecule level
Authors: Liu Tianyu , Cai Teng , Huo Junfeng , Liu Hongwei , Li Aiying , Yin Meng , Mei Yan , Zhou Yueyue , Fan Sijun , Lu Yao , Wan Luosheng , You Huijuan , Cai Xiaofeng
Published: August 2024

Microorganisms can produce a vast array of bioactive secondary metabolites, including DNA-intercalating agents like actinomycin D, doxorubicin, which hold great potential for cancer chemotherapy. However, discovering novel DNA-intercalating compounds remains challenging due to the limited sensitivity and specificity of conventional activity assays, which require large-scale fermentation and purification. Here, we introduced the single-molecule stretching assay (SMSA) directly to microbial cultures or extracts for discovering DNA-intercalating agents, even in trace amounts of microbial cultures (5 μl). We showed that the unique changes of dsDNA in contour length and overstretching transition enable the specific detection of intercalators from complex samples without the need for extensive purification. Applying force to dsDNA also enhanced the sensitivity by increasing both the binding affinity Ka and the quantity of ligands intercalation, thus allowing the detection of weak intercalators, which are often overlooked using traditional methods. We demonstrated the effectiveness of SMSA, identified two DNA intercalator-producing strains: Streptomyces tanashiensis and Talaromyces funiculosus, and isolated three DNA intercalators: medermycin, kalafungin and ligustrone B. Interestingly, both medermycin and kalafungin, classified as weak DNA intercalators (Ka ∼103 M–1), exhibited potent anti-cancer activity against HCT-116 cancer cells, with IC50 values of 52 ± 6 and 70 ± 7 nM, respectively.
Lisavanbulin (BAL101553), a novel microtubule inhibitor, plus radiation in patients with newly diagnosed, MGMT promoter unmethylated glioblastoma
Authors: Holdhoff Matthias , Ye Xiaobu , Strowd Roy E , Nabors Burt , Walbert Tobias , Lieberman Frank S , Bagley Stephen J , Fiveash John B , Fisher Joy D , Desideri Serena , Surakus Trisha , Engelhardt Marc , Kaindl Thomas , Lane Heidi A , Litherland Karine , Grossman Stuart A , Kleinberg Lawrence R
Published: August 2024

Background

Lisavanbulin (BAL101553) is a small, lipophilic, oral microtubule destabilizer with promising antitumoral activity observed in preclinical glioblastoma (GBM) models.

Methods

This multicenter phase 1 study sought to determine the MTD of oral Lisavanbulin in combination with standard RT (60 Gy/30 fractions) but without temozolomide in patients with newly diagnosed MGMT promoter unmethylated GBM (uGBM). Dose escalation followed a modified 3 + 3 design. Secondary objectives included estimation of OS and PFS and pharmacokinetic analysis.

Results

Twenty-six patients with uGBM (median age, 63 years, 42.3% male, 61.5% with gross total resection, median Karnofsky performance status 80) were enrolled; 2 tumors had an IDH1 mutation. Predefined dose levels of Lisavanbulin, administered daily concomitantly with RT, were: 4 mg (5 pts), 6 mg (5 pts), 8 mg (7 pts), 12 mg (5 pts), and 15 mg (4 pts). The initial starting dose was 8 mg. Due to grade 4 aseptic meningoencephalitis in the first patient, the dose was decreased to 4 mg. Dose escalation resumed and continued to 15 mg with dose-limiting toxicities of grade 2 confusion and memory impairment observed at 12 mg. Avanbulin exposures increased in a relatively dose-proportional manner with increasing oral dose of Lisavanbulin from 4 to 15 mg.

Conclusions

Lisavanbulin in combination with RT was considered safe up to the highest predefined oral dose level of 15 mg daily.
FERONIA regulates salt tolerance in Arabidopsis by controlling photorespiratory flux
Authors: Jiang Wei , Wang Zhihao , Li Yali , Liu Xin , Ren Yuying , Li Chao , Luo Shengji , Singh Rahul Mohan , Li Yan , Kim Chanhong , Zhao Chunzhao
Published: August 2024

Photorespiration is an energetically costly metabolic pathway in plants that responds to environmental stresses. The molecular basis of the regulation of the photorespiratory cycle under stress conditions remains unclear. Here, we discovered that FERONIA (FER) regulates photorespiratory flow under salt stress in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). FER mutation results in hypersensitivity to salt stress, but disruption of ferredoxin-dependent glutamate synthase 1 (GLU1), an enzyme that participates in the photorespiratory pathway by producing glutamate, greatly suppresses fer-4 hypersensitivity to salt stress primarily due to reduced glycine yield. In contrast, disrupting mitochondrial serine hydroxymethyltransferase1 (SHM1), which is supposed to increase glycine levels by hampering the conversion of glycine to serine in the photorespiratory cycle, aggravates fer-4 hypersensitivity to salt stress. Biochemical data show that FER interacts with and phosphorylates SHM1, and this phosphorylation modulates SHM1 stability. Additionally, the production of proline and its intermediate △1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C), which are both synthesized from glutamate, also contributes to fer-4 hypersensitivity to salt stress. In conclusion, this study elucidates the functional mechanism of FER in regulating salt tolerance by modulating photorespiratory flux, which greatly broadens our understanding of how plants adapt to high salinity.
The New Satanic Panic
Authors: Klofstad Casey , Christley Olyvia , Diekman Amanda , Enders Adam , Funchion John , Hemm Ashley , Kübler Sandra , Littrell Shane , Murthi Manohar , Premaratne Kamal , Seelig Michelle , Verdear Daniel , Wuchty Stefan , Uscinski Joseph E
Published: August 2024

A moral panic animated by conspiracy theories alleging ritual sex abuse swept through the United States in the 1980s. During that “Satanic Panic,” as it came to be known, people expressed fears of social change regarding gender and sexuality. Beginning in 2022, conservative politicians, pundits, and pastors in the United States levied similar accusations of child grooming, sex trafficking, and satanic sex abuse at the LGBTQ + community, teachers, liberals, and entertainment companies; these accusations were accompanied by repressive legislation and violence. Despite their political salience, little is known about the people who believe these accusations. Using a 2022 U.S. national survey (N = 2,001), we find that up to one-third of Americans believe accusations of satanic cult abuse, government sex trafficking, and an “agenda” to “groom” children into gay or trans lifestyles. These beliefs are correlated with a range of political attitudes (e.g., positive views of Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and white nationalists) and policy preferences (e.g., overturning Roe v. Wade), as well as with normative (e.g., a desire to run for political office) and nonnormative (e.g., the acceptance of political violence) political intentions and behaviors. Regression analysis further reveals that these conspiracy theory beliefs are positively associated with dark psychological traits, antiestablishment orientations, and repressive views toward sex and gender. Our findings suggest that these accusations can spark dehumanization and deadly violence by mobilizing into politics people who possess strong feelings of political efficacy, but also antisocial traits, nonnormative tendencies, and a desire to undermine established political institutions.
Self-Medication Paths
Authors: Audet Claudie , Bertrand Christian , Martel Marc O. , Pinard Anne Marie , Bérubé Mélanie , Lacasse Anaïs
Published: August 2024

Objectives:

Cannabis is used by one-third of people living with chronic pain to alleviate their symptoms despite warnings from several organizations regarding its efficacy and safety. We currently know little about self-medication practices (use of cannabis for therapeutic purposes without guidance), mainly since the legalization of recreational cannabis in countries such as Canada has expanded the scope of this phenomenon. This study aimed to describe legal cannabis self-medication for pain relief in people living with chronic pain and to explore perceptions of the effectiveness and safety of cannabis.

Methods:

A cross-sectional descriptive study was performed among 73 individuals living with chronic pain and using cannabis (Quebec, Canada). Data collection using telephone interviews occurred in early 2023.

Results:

Results indicated that 61.6% of participants reported using cannabis without the guidance of a health care professional (self-medication). Surprisingly, among those, 40.0% held a medical authorization. Overall, 20.6% of study participants were using both medical and legal nonmedical cannabis. Different pathways to self-medication were revealed. Proportion of women versus men participants self-medicating were 58.2% versus 70.6% (P=0.284). In terms of perceptions, 90.4% of the sample perceived cannabis to be effective for pain management; 72.6% estimated that it posed no or minimal health risk.

Discussion:

Cannabis research is often organized around medical versus nonmedical cannabis but in the real-world, those 2 vessels are connected. Interested parties, including researchers, health care professionals, and funding agencies, need to consider this. Patients using cannabis feel confident in the safety of cannabis, and many of them self-medicate, which calls for action.
The Botulinum Toxin Innovation: From Powder to Liquid
Authors: Lee Wooshun , Jung Hyun Ho
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

Botulinum toxin (BoNT) has evolved as a popular treatment for various medical and aesthetic conditions since the 1980s. The emergence of new liquid formulation BoNT products in the industry highlights the need to evaluate the value and advantages of these modern formulations.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this review was to assess and compare the expected difference in practice between liquid and powder formulation BoNT products.

PAITENTS AND METHODS/MATERIALS

This article involves a review of pertinent guidelines, product information from manufacturers, available database for safety reports, and survey results.

RESULTS

Guidelines and safety reports have pointed out potential risks in the reconstitution process, while medication preparation steps are simplified in liquid formulation.

CONCLUSION

The shift toward ready-to-use liquid products can mitigate risks related with reconstitution errors and potentially enhancing patient care by saving time and cost associated with medication preparation.
Neurotoxins and Combination Therapies
Authors: Gawey Lauren , Saedi Nazanin , Hausauer Amelia
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

Facial aging involves multilevel changes, extending from the skin to deep support structures. A comprehensive treatment approach targeting the many aspects of facial dynamics and architecture is often necessary to achieve optimal correction, prevent changes before they occur, and/or help highlight inherited features.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the integration of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) into multimodal aesthetic treatment plans.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This article reviews evidence supporting the combination of BoNT-A with other minimally invasive cosmetic therapies, including dermal fillers, lasers, and energy-based devices as well as with plastic and reconstructive surgeries for more controlled healing and improved scar cosmesis.

RESULTS

Combination treatment protocols including BoNT-A demonstrate higher patient satisfaction and retention rates compared to monotherapy or sequential treatments. Some guidelines for sequencing of treatments exist, but evidence is scant with certain combinations.

CONCLUSION

Integrating BoNT-A into a larger aesthetic treatment plan is crucial for achieving natural and satisfying results in facial rejuvenation. Evidence supports better outcomes when incorporating with both surgical and nonsurgical modalities. Understanding how to address anatomy over time through different aesthetic therapies together allows for individually tailored, more deeply impactful treatment plans.
Consensus Recommendations for Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome from the INTOS Workgroup
Authors: Chim Harvey , Hagan Robert R. ,   INTOS Workgroup
Published: August 2024

Background:

There is significant variation in methods used for diagnosis and treatment of neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS). The lack of definitions and criteria for diagnosis as well as controversy in treatment options hampers standardized reporting of outcomes. In the orthopedic and plastic hand surgery literature, there are not standardized guidelines to direct evidence-based practice for hand surgeons relating to NTOS. Hence, expert consensus may provide guidance for clinical practice.

Methods:

An international workgroup of 21 expert hand surgeons with cumulative experience of 5519 NTOS procedures was assembled. The Delphi method was used to arrive at consensus recommendations to guide diagnosis, treatment, surgery, and postoperative management of patients with NTOS.

Results:

The workgroup achieved majority (greater than 75%) consensus with 17 statements. A modified version of the Society for Vascular Surgery clinical diagnostic criteria is recommended for diagnosis of NTOS. The elevated arm stress test and Tinel sign are recommended as provocative maneuvers. A cervical spine or chest radiograph should be routinely obtained preoperatively. Conservative management should be first line for NTOS, except in patients with significant muscle atrophy or weakness. An anterior supraclavicular approach is recommended for exposure of the supraclavicular brachial plexus, with the necessity for an additional infraclavicular approach or adjunctive surgeries indicated for specific patients.

Conclusions:

Standardized consensus guidelines help guide management of NTOS by specialized hand surgeons, with an aim toward standardizing criteria for diagnosis and treatment of patients as well as measures and tools used for research and reporting of outcomes.
Nail Bed Regeneration by Excision of Distal Scarred Matrix in a Patient with Porphyria Cutanea Tarda
Authors: Yakaback Spencer K.J. , Wu Mofei A. , St. Denis-Katz Hannah N. , Knox Aaron D.C.
Published: August 2024

Onycholysis secondary to nail bed scarring can be a challenging problem for hand surgeons, given the relatively few techniques available for nail bed lengthening. Here, we present the case of a patient with upper extremity onycholysis, secondary to porphyria cutanea tarda. We used a technique first described by Lemperle et al in 2003 to successfully lengthen the nail bed and improve the appearance of the nail plate. This involved full-thickness excision of a crescent-shaped wedge of the distal nail bed in all five right sided digits in a single operation. We found this technique to be simple and effective, meeting our patient’s goals after just one excision.
Coronary artery bypass grafting in acute coronary syndromes: modern indications and approaches
Authors: Sandner Sigrid , Florian Alissa , Ruel Marc
Published: August 2024

Purpose of review

Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with approximately 1.2 million hospitalizations annually in the U.S. This review aims to explore the contemporary evidence regarding revascularization strategies, including percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), in ACS patients. It also addresses the unresolved questions concerning the optimal procedural aspects of surgery and antithrombotic therapy for secondary prevention postsurgery.

Recent findings

Recent studies highlight that while PCI is generally preferred for its timeliness in high-risk non-ST-elevation ACS (NSTE-ACS) patients, CABG offers a benefit in terms of cardiovascular events in those with multivessel disease, particularly in the presence of diabetes and higher coronary disease complexity. For ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), CABG is less frequently utilized due to the preference for primary PCI, but it remains crucial for patients with complex anatomy or failed PCI. Furthermore, the optimal timing and type of antiplatelet therapy post-CABG remain controversial, with current evidence supporting the use of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) to reduce ischemic events but necessitating careful management to balance bleeding risks.

In patients with ACS, the choice between PCI and CABG depends on the complexity of coronary disease and patient comorbidities. CABG is particularly beneficial for multivessel disease in NSTE-ACS and specific STEMI cases where PCI is not feasible. The management of antiplatelet therapy postsurgery requires a nuanced approach to minimize bleeding risks while preventing thrombotic complications. Further randomized clinical trials are needed to solidify these findings and guide clinical practice.
Acute-on-chronic inflammation in acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Matter Michael A. , Tschaikowsky Tristan , Stähli Barbara E. , Matter Christian M.
Published: August 2024

Purpose of review

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is heralded by chronic inflammation and entails an excessive burst of acute-on-chronic inflammation (AoCI). This review describes the evolution from understanding atherosclerosis as a chronic inflammatory disease, to recent efforts in optimizing anti-inflammatory therapy to patients with AMI. It highlights the challenges and opportunities in selecting the optimal patient with AMI to derive maximal benefit from early anti-inflammatory therapy.

Recent findings

The causal role of inflammation in atherosclerosis has been proven in large outcome trials. Since then, several smaller trials have sought to translate the concept of anti-inflammatory therapy targeting residual inflammatory risk to the dynamic early phase of AoCI after AMI. Current evidence highlights the importance of selecting patients with a high inflammatory burden. Surrogate criteria for large AMI (e.g., angiographic or electrocardiographic), as well as novel point-of-care biomarker testing may aid in selecting patients with particularly elevated AoCI. Additionally, patients presenting with AMI complicated by pro-inflammatory sequelae (e.g., atrial fibrillation, acute heart failure, left ventricular thrombosis) may dually profit from anti-inflammatory therapy.

Improved understanding of the mechanisms and dynamics of acute and chronic inflammatory processes after AMI may aid the strive to optimize early anti-inflammatory therapy to patients with AMI.
Primary aldosteronism prevalence enhanced by strict adherence to 2016 Endocrine Society guidelines: insights from an endocrine hypertension unit
Authors: Ruiz-Sanchez Jorge Gabriel , Fernandez Sanchez Álvaro , Cardenas-Salas Jersy , Fernandez-Cagigao Yvonne , Alegre Bellassai Emma Raquel , Rossello María Gabriela , Fernandez-Fernandez Beatriz , Jimenez Moreno Beatriz , Paniagua Amalia , Vazquez Clotilde , Meneses Diego
Published: August 2024

Introduction:

Primary aldosteronism is the most frequent cause of hypertension although is undetected. The 2016 Endocrine Society guidelines (2016-ESG) recommendations for primary aldosteronism detection are unfulfilled. We aimed to ascertain the prevalence of primary aldosteronism, following the screening criteria endorsed by the 2016-ESG.

Methods:

All adult patients tested for primary aldosteronism at an endocrine hypertension unit of a tertiary hospital during 2021–2023 were studied. Primary aldosteronism investigation was performed when at least one reason for its screening based on 2016-ESG was detected. When screening was positive, confirmatory tests were executed. Rates and diagnostic accuracy of the reasons for primary aldosteronism screening were analyzed.

Results:

Two hundred and sixty-five patients were included. Mean age was 55 ± 14 years, 124 of 265 (46.8%) were women, 24.6% had hypokalemia, and 16% adrenal incidentaloma(s) as indication for screening. Primary aldosteronism was diagnosed in 122 of 265 (46%). The presence of each reason for primary aldosteronism screening increased the probability of primary aldosteronism in 2.2-fold [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.63 to 2.97; P < 0.001]. The most frequent reason for primary aldosteronism screening was a blood pressure at least 150/100 mmHg on three measurements on different days, and had a sensitivity of 95%. Hypertension with spontaneous or diuretic-induced hypokalemia was the most specific reason (87.5%) but was not frequent. Adrenal incidentaloma(s) was not associated with primary aldosteronism diagnosis.

Conclusion:

Primary aldosteronism prevalence is markedly high when the 2016-ESG recommendations are rigorously implemented. The greater the number of indications for primary aldosteronism investigation, the higher its prevalence. Further studies are needed to corroborate this observed primary aldosteronism prevalence.
Emotional Eating in Primary Care: Considerations for Assessment and Management
Authors: Wozniak Jana DeSimone , Huang Hsiang
Published: August 2024

Learning Objectives

After participating in this CME activity, the psychiatrist should be better able to:

• Describe how to identify and address emotional eating in the primary care setting.

Emotional eating (i.e., eating in response to negative emotional states and stress) is a highly prevalent concern within primary care settings. It is associated with myriad health issues such as the experience of overweight or obesity, increased difficulty losing weight and sustaining weight loss, various eating disorders, diabetes, and heart disease. Given the effects of emotional eating on patient health goals regarding weight loss or management, it is imperative to incorporate interventions that address emotional underpinnings alongside traditional, behaviorally based weight-loss treatment. Ensuring that primary care providers, who represent pivotal frontline touch points for patients interested in weight-related treatment, can identify emotional eating is an important first step in supporting these patients’ goals. The primary purpose of this paper is to provide background information and practical guidance for addressing emotional eating in the primary care setting. We summarize theorized biological and psychological mechanisms that underlie emotional eating, and review traditional (i.e., psychological) interventions, with special consideration for adapting available treatments for use in primary care contexts.
Teleworking for Medical Reasons
Authors: Reinoso-Barbero Luis , Gieco Antonella , López-Ríos Adriana , Rodríguez-Díaz Jose Luis , Gómez-Paredes Laura , Muñoz-Gutiérrez Juan , Pérez-Herreras Cristina , Gómez-Gallego Félix
Published: August 2024

Objectives

The aim of the study is to describe the most common medical grounds for requesting or extending teleworking and to examine which requests are typically approved. This study also investigates whether there is a correlation with gender, age, or job location.

Methods

A prevalence study of 33,190 Spanish employees found that, last year, 106 teleworking requests were addressed exclusively for medical reasons.

Results

The most frequent cause was musculoskeletal issues (30%). Of all the requests, 58% were denied; 33% were temporarily approved, primarily for musculoskeletal reasons (P < 0.05); and 8% were indefinitely approved. Requests were predominantly made by women (P < 0.05). Indefinite approvals were more prevalent among male employees (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Musculoskeletal reasons were the primary cause for teleworking applications and for the temporary granting of teleworking. Teleworking appears to be associated with gender and job location.
XMEN-associated Systemic EBV-positive T-cell Lymphoma of Childhood: Report of Two Cases and Literature Review
Authors: Cao Ping , Zhang Xiao , Fu Yang , Wang Hongsheng , Yu Yi , Zhu Xiaohua , Jiang Junye , Zhai Xiaowen
Published: August 2024

X-linked immunodeficiency with magnesium defect, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, and neoplasia (XMEN) is an extremely rare inborn error of immunity (IEI) caused by X-linked recessive inheritance and loss-of-function mutations in the MAGT1 gene, resulting in magnesium ion channel defects. This article reports 2 cases of systemic EBV-positive T-cell Lymphoma of childhood (SETLC) associated with XMEN, which have not been reported before. Whole exome sequencing (WES) in their family revealed previously unreported MAGT1 gene mutations (c.77T>C, p.I26T; c.956-957del: p.Ser319Tyrfs) inherited from their mothers. These mutations expand the spectrum of gene mutations in XMEN disease. The importance of genetic testing for MAGT1 mutations in the initial diagnosis of SETLC was emphasized. We also review the literature on this uncommon IEI.
Evaluation of Long-Term Surgical and Patient-Reported Outcomes after Pediatric Facial Reanimation
Authors: Zuo Kevin J. , Heinelt Martina , Ho Emily S. , Borschel Gregory H. , Zuker Ronald M.
Published: August 2024

Background:

Outcomes of pediatric facial reanimation beyond 10 years are not known. This cross-sectional study evaluated long-term surgical and patient-reported outcomes of adults who underwent smile reconstruction as children with either a cross-face nerve graft (CFNG) or masseter nerve transfer at least 10 years previously.

Methods:

Commissure excursion was quantified with FACE-Gram software at 3 time points: preoperatively, early postoperatively within 2 years, and at long-term follow-up. Patient-reported outcomes were evaluated with validated questionnaires (Facial Clinimetric Evaluation Scale, FACE-Q 1.0) and thematic analysis of semistructured interviews. Results are reported as median (interquartile range [IQR]).

Results:

A total of 42 patients were included (26 women and 16 men). Median long-term follow-up was 19.3 years (IQR, 8.8 years) for CFNG and 17.6 years (IQR, 5.8 years) for masseter nerve transfer. For both groups, commissure excursion increased significantly from preoperative to early postoperative time points and remained stable at long-term follow-up (P < 0.0001). Commissure excursion at long-term follow-up between the 2 groups was not significantly different (CFNG, 5.0 mm [IQR, 9.4 mm]; masseter nerve transfer, 8.4 mm [IQR, 4.1 mm]); P > 0.05). For patient-reported outcomes, median Facial Clinimetric Evaluation Scale score was 72 of 100, and 95% of respondents agreed with the statement “I am pleased with the result” on the FACE-Q 1.0. Overall quality of life was rated at 7 of 10 or greater by 97% of participants, and all participants would recommend the surgery to other children.

Conclusions:

Pediatric facial reanimation with CFNG or masseter nerve transfer reliably improves commissure excursion with longevity beyond 10 years. Adult patients report overall high satisfaction and social functioning.
The Value of PSMA-RADS Version 2.0 in the Assessment of Pulmonary Metastases in Patients With Prostate Cancer and the Improvement of Differential Diagnosis Efficiency by PSMA PET/CT Parameters
Authors: Cui Yan , Zhou Xin , Song Yufei , Zhai Shizhen , Li Nan
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the application of PSMA-RADS version 2.0 in assessment of pulmonary metastases in patients with prostate cancer and whether PSMA PET/CT parameters provide incremental value.

Patients and Methods

From October 2016 to July 2023, PC patients with pulmonary opacities (including pulmonary metastases, lung cancer, and pulmonary benign opacities) who underwent Al18F-PSMA-BCH PET/CT scans were retrospectively analyzed. CT imaging characteristics, including the longest diameter, density, smoothness, lobulation, pleural retraction, and vacuole sign, as well as PET parameters including SUVmax and tumor-to-background ratio, were measured and analyzed. Additionally, the pulmonary PSMA-RADS score for each patient was determined. Independent predictors of pulmonary metastases were identified through univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis, which were utilized to construct a parallel diagnostic test. The differential diagnostic performances were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic analysis.

Results

A total of 148 pulmonary opacities from 96 patients were retrospectively included. The number of pulmonary benign opacities, lung cancer, and pulmonary metastases were 48 (32.4%), 20 (13.5%), and 80 (54.1%), respectively. The number of opacities across different PSMA-RADS scores from 2 to 5 was 8 (5.4%), 88 (59.5%), 7 (4.7%), and 45 (30.4%). SUVmax and smooth edges were independent predictors of pulmonary metastases (both P < 0.05), and the AUC of the parallel test for these 2 parameters was 0.86 (95% confidence interval: 0.79, 0.94; P < 0.001). Furthermore, the diagnostic accuracy of the parallel test across PSMA-RADS score from 2 to 5 was 85.7%, 79.6%, 100%, and 92.9%, respectively.

Conclusions

Al18F-PSMA-BCH PET/CT parameters were helpful in differentiating pulmonary metastases in PC patients and provided incremental value when integrated with PSMA-RADS version 2.0.
Uptake of 68Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 in a Case of Gynecomastia
Authors: Xu Tingting , Zhang Feiyu , Zheng Shiyu , Chen Yue
Published: August 2024

Herein, we report a case of a man with malignant melanoma exhibiting thickened right breast with increased tracer uptake on 68Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT. Subsequent ultrasound confirmed there was no sign of malignancy and consistent with benign gynecomastia.
The meaning of mass extinctions and what the fossil record tells us about angiosperm survival at K-Pg: a reply to Hagen (2024)
Authors: Thompson Jamie , Ramírez-Barahona Santiago
Published: August 2024

Last year, we published research using phylogenetic comparative methods (PCMs) to reveal no phylogenetic evidence for elevated lineage-level extinction rates in angiosperms across K-Pg (Thompson JB, Ramírez-Barahona S. 2023 No phylogenetic evidence for angiosperm mass extinction at the Cretaceous–Palaeogene (K-Pg) boundary.
Biol. Lett.
19
, 20230314. (
https://doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2023.0314
)), results that are in step with the global angiosperm fossil record. In a critique of our paper (Hagen ER. 2024 A critique of Thompson and Ramírez-Barahona (2023) or: how I learned to stop worrying and love the fossil record.
Biol. Lett.
20
, 2020240039 (
https://doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2024.0039
)), simulation work is presented to argue we erred in our methodological choices and interpretations, and that we should have deferred to fossil evidence. In our opinion, underlying this critique are poor methodological choices on simulations and philosophical problems surrounding the definition of a mass extinction event, which leads to incorrect interpretations of both the fossil record and PCMs. We further argue that deferring to one source of evidence in favour of the other shuts the door to important evolutionary and philosophical questions.
Constant-selection evolutionary dynamics on weighted networks
Authors: Bhaumik Jnanajyoti , Masuda Naoki
Published: August 2024

The population structure often impacts evolutionary dynamics. In constant-selection evolutionary dynamics between two types, amplifiers of selection are networks that promote the fitter mutant to take over the entire population, and suppressors of selection do the opposite. It has been shown that most undirected and unweighted networks are amplifiers of selection under a common updating rule and initial condition. Here, we extensively investigate how edge weights influence selection on undirected networks. We show that random edge weights make small networks less amplifying than the corresponding unweighted networks in a majority of cases and also make them suppressors of selection (i.e. less amplifying than the complete graph, or equivalently, the Moran process) in many cases. Qualitatively, the same result holds true for larger empirical networks. These results suggest that amplifiers of selection are not as common for weighted networks as for unweighted counterparts.
Natural Language Processing Applied to Spontaneous Recall of Famous Faces Reveals Memory Dysfunction in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Patients
Authors: Tefera Eden , Borges Delfino de Souza Helen , Blewitt Charlotte , Mansoor Aaqib , Peters Haley , Teerawanichpol Peem , Henin Simon , Barr William B. , Johnson Stephen B. , Liu Anli
Published: August 2024

Objective and Background

Epilepsy patients rank memory problems as their most significant cognitive comorbidity. Current clinical assessments are laborious to administer and score and may not always detect subtle memory decline. The Famous Faces Task (FF) has robustly demonstrated that left temporal lobe epilepsy (LTLE) patients remember fewer names and biographical details compared to right TLE (RTLE) patients and healthy controls (HCs). We adapted the FF task to capture subjects’ entire spontaneous spoken recall, then scored responses using manual and natural language processing (NLP) methods. We expected to replicate previous group level differences using spontaneous speech and semi-automated analysis.

Methods

Seventy-three (N=73) adults (28 LTLE, 18 RTLE, and 27 HCs) were included in a case-control prospective study design. Twenty FF in politics, sports, and entertainment (active 2008-2017) were shown to subjects, who were asked if they could recognize and spontaneously recall as much biographical detail as possible. We created human-generated and automatically-generated keyword dictionaries for each celebrity, based on a randomly selected training set of half of the HC transcripts. To control for speech output, we measured the speech duration, total word count and content word count for the FF task and a Cookie Theft Control Task (CTT), in which subjects were merely asked to describe a visual scene. Subjects’ responses to FF and CTT tasks were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed in a blinded manner with a combination of manual and automated NLP approaches.

Results

Famous face recognition accuracy was similar between groups. LTLE patients recalled fewer biographical details compared to HCs and RTLEs using both the gold-standard human-generated dictionary (24%±12% vs. 31%±12% and 30%±12%, p=0.007) and the automated dictionary (24%±12% vs. 31%±12% and 32%±13%, p=0.007). There were no group level differences in speech duration, total word count, or content word count for either the FF and CTT to explain difference in recall performance. There was a positive, statistically significant relationship between MOCA score and FF recall performance as scored by the human-generated (ρ= .327, p= .029) and automatically-generated dictionaries (ρ= .422, p= .004) for TLE subjects, but not HCs, an effect that was driven by LTLE subjects.

Discussion

LTLE patients remember fewer details of famous people than HCs or RTLE patients, as discovered by NLP analysis of spontaneous recall. Decreased biographical memory was not due to decreased speech output and correlated with lower MOCA scores. NLP analysis of spontaneous recall can detect memory dysfunction in clinical populations in a semi-automated, objective, and sensitive manner.
CRISP: Correlation-Refined Image Segmentation Process
Authors: Briggs Jennifer K. , Jin Erli , Merrins Matthew J. , Benninger Richard K.P.
Published: August 2024

Calcium imaging enables real-time recording of cellular activity across various biological contexts. To assess the activity of individual cells, scientists typically manually outline the cells based on visual inspection. This manual cell masking introduces potential user error. To ameliorate this error, we developed the Correlation-Refined Image Segmentation Process (CRISP), a two-part automated algorithm designed to both enhance the accuracy of user-drawn cell masks and to automatically identify cell masks. We developed and tested CRISP on calcium images of densely packed β-cells within the islet of Langerhans. Because these β-cells are densely packed within the islet, traditional clustering-based image segmentation methods struggle to identify individual cell outlines. Using β-cells isolated from two different mouse phenotypes and imaged on two different confocal microscopes, we show that CRISP is generalizable and accurate. To test the benefit of using CRISP in functional biological analyses, we show that CRISP improves accuracy of functional network analysis and utilize CRISP to characterize the distribution of β-cell size.
Cyclic Electromagnetic DNA Simulation (CEDS) influences the functions of Long Oligo-dsDNAs and Plasmid DNAs
Authors: Lee Suk Keun , Lee Dae Gwan , Kim Yeon Sook
Published: August 2024

Hydrogen bonding magnetic resonance-based cyclic electromagnetic DNA simulation (CEDS) was proposed to play a role in regulating the function of target short oligo-dsDNA in the previous study, as the decagonal CEDS was found to induce the hybridization and conformational changes of target short oligo-dsDNA in a sequence-specific manner. This study applied dodecagonal CEDS on 24 bps oligo-dsDNAs and plasmid DNAs. CEDS can affect 24 bps oligo-dsDNAs intercalated by ethidium bromide (EtBr) or condensed by spermidine by stimulating them to partially remove EtBr or spermidine, respectively, depending on CEDS time. When the multiple cloning site of pBluescript was digested with eight restriction endonucleases (RE) under CEDS separately, all RE digests were enhanced depending on CEDS time compared to the negative and positive controls both in EtBr intercalated electrophoresis and HPLC analysis.In vitroRNA transcription from human VEGFA, vWF or elafin cDNA subcloned into pBluescript DNA was increased by CEDS using each promoter sequence depending on CEDS time compared to negative and positive controls. In addition, the productions of green fluorescent protein (GFP) and β-galactosidase were enhanced by CEDS using each promoter sequence from pE-GFP-1 and pBluescript, respectively. In the survival assay using E. coli transfected with pBluescript containing ampicillin resistance gene, the number of surviving E. coli was increased by CEDS using a T3 promoter sequence compared to the control during two days of culture, while it was decreased by CEDS using a T7 promoter, non-specific 12A, 6(TA), or mutation-2 (GG18,19CC) T3 promoter sequence. Therefore, it is suggested that dodecagonal CEDS can target 24 bps oligo-dsDNAs and promoter sequences of plasmid DNAs in a sequence-specific manner and influence their functions.