bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Switching of brain networks across different cerebral perfusion states: insights from EEG dynamic microstate analyses
Authors: Qi Xiaoying , Zhang Xin , Shen Hao , Su Jiabin , Gao Xinjie , Li Yanjiang , Yang Heng , Gao Chao , Ni Wei , Lei Yu , Gu Yuxiang , Mao Ying , Yu Yuguo
Published: February 2024

The alteration of neural interactions across different cerebral perfusion states remains unclear. This study aimed to fulfill this gap by examining the longitudinal brain dynamic information interactions before and after cerebral reperfusion. Electroencephalogram in eyes-closed state at baseline and postoperative 7-d and 3-month follow-ups (moyamoya disease: 20, health controls: 23) were recorded. Dynamic network analyses were focused on the features and networks of electroencephalogram microstates across different microstates and perfusion states. Considering the microstate features, the parameters were disturbed of microstate B, C, and D but preserved of microstate A. The transition probabilities of microstates A-B and B-D were increased to play a complementary role across different perfusion states. Moreover, the microstate variability was decreased, but was significantly improved after cerebral reperfusion. Regarding microstate networks, the functional connectivity strengths were declined, mainly within frontal, parietal, and occipital lobes and between parietal and occipital lobes in different perfusion states, but were ameliorated after cerebral reperfusion. This study elucidates how dynamic interaction patterns of brain neurons change after cerebral reperfusion, which allows for the observation of brain network transitions across various perfusion states in a live clinical setting through direct intervention.
Structural and functional changes of anterior cingulate cortex subregions in migraine without aura: relationships with pain sensation and pain emotion
Authors: Ou Yangxu , Ni Xixiu , Gao Xiaoyu , Yu Yang , Zhang Yutong , Wang Yanan , Liu Jie , Yin Zihan , Rong Jing , Sun Mingsheng , Chen Jiao , Tang Zili , Xiao Wang , Zhao Ling
Published: February 2024

Migraine without aura is a multidimensional neurological disorder characterized by sensory, emotional, and cognitive symptoms linked to structural and functional abnormalities in the anterior cingulate cortex. Anterior cingulate cortex subregions play differential roles in the clinical symptoms of migraine without aura; however, the specific patterns and mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, voxel-based morphometry and seed-based functional connectivity were used to investigate structural and functional alterations in the anterior cingulate cortex subdivisions in 50 patients with migraine without aura and 50 matched healthy controls. Compared with healthy controls, patients exhibited (1) decreased gray matter volume in the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex, (2) increased functional connectivity between the bilateral subgenual anterior cingulate cortex and right middle frontal gyrus, and between the posterior part of anterior cingulate cortex and right middle frontal gyrus, orbital part, and (3) decreased functional connectivity between the anterior cingulate cortex and left anterior cingulate and paracingulate gyri. Notably, left subgenual anterior cingulate cortex was correlated with the duration of each attack, whereas the right subgenual anterior cingulate cortex was associated with migraine-specific quality-of-life questionnaire (emotion) and self-rating anxiety scale scores. Our findings provide new evidence supporting the hypothesis of abnormal anterior cingulate cortex subcircuitry, revealing structural and functional abnormalities in its subregions and emphasizing the potential involvement of the left subgenual anterior cingulate cortex-related pain sensation subcircuit and right subgenual anterior cingulate cortex -related pain emotion subcircuit in migraine.
The impacts of diel thermal variability on growth, development and performance of wild Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) from two thermally distinct rivers
Authors: Andrew Sean , Swart Sula , McKenna Stephanie , Morissette Jenna , Gillis Carole-Anne , Linnansaari Tommi , Currie Suzanne , Morash Andrea J
Published: February 2024

Temperature in many natural aquatic environments follows a diel cycle, but to date, we know little on how diel thermal cycles affect fish biology. The current study investigates the growth, development and physiological performance of wild Atlantic salmon collected from the Miramichi and Restigouche rivers (NB, Canada). Fish were collected as parr and acclimated to either 16–21 or 19–24°C diel thermal cycles throughout the parr and smolt life stages. Both Miramichi and Restigouche Atlantic salmon parr grew at similar rates during 16–21 or 19–24°C acclimations. However, as smolts, the growth rates of the Miramichi (−8% body mass day−1) and Restigouche (−38% body mass day−1) fish were significantly slower at 19–24°C, and were in fact negative, indicating loss of mass in this group. Acclimation to 19–24°C also increased Atlantic salmon CTmax. Our findings suggest that both life stage and river origin impact Atlantic salmon growth and performance in the thermal range used herein. These findings provide evidence for local adaptation of Atlantic salmon, increased vulnerability to warming temperatures, and highlight the differential impacts of these ecologically relevant diel thermal cycles on the juvenile life stages in this species.
Targeting the glycan epitope type I N-acetyllactosamine enables immunodepletion of human pluripotent stem cells from early differentiated cells
Authors: Rossdam Charlotte , Brand Smilla , Beimdiek Julia , Oberbeck Astrid , Albers Marco Darius , Naujok Ortwin , Buettner Falk F R
Published: February 2024

Cell surface biomarkers are fundamental for specific characterization of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). Importantly, they can be applied for hPSC enrichment and/or purification but also to remove potentially teratoma-forming hPSCs from differentiated populations before clinical application. Several specific markers for hPSCs are glycoconjugates comprising the glycosphingolipid (GSL)-based glycans SSEA-3 and SSEA-4. We applied an analytical approach based on multiplexed capillary gel electrophoresis coupled to laser-induced fluorescence detection to quantitatively assess the GSL glycome of human embryonic stem cells and human induced pluripotent stem cells as well as during early stages of differentiation into mesoderm, endoderm, and ectoderm. Thereby, we identified the GSL lacto-N-tetraosylceramide (Lc4-Cer, Galβ1-3GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4Glc-Cer), which comprises a terminal type 1 LacNAc (T1LN) structure (Galβ1-3GlcNAc), to be rapidly decreased upon onset of differentiation. Using a specific antibody, we could confirm a decline of T1LN-terminating glycans during the first four days of differentiation by live-cell staining and subsequent flow cytometry. We could further separate T1LN-positive and T1LN-negative cells out of a mixed population of pluripotent and differentiated cells by magnetic activated cell sorting. Notably, not only the T1LN-positive but also the T1LN-negative population was positive for SSEA-3, SSEA-4, and SSEA-5 while expression of nuclear pluripotency markers OCT4 and NANOG was highly reduced in the T1LN-negative population, exclusively. Our findings suggest T1LN as a pluripotent stem cell-specific glycan epitope that is more rapidly down-regulated upon differentiation than SSEA-3, SSEA-4, and SSEA-5.
AI and the future of human rights in Bangladesh: a call for robust legal and ethical frameworks
Authors: Ashraf Shadab Bin , Islam Md. Masrur
Published: February 2024

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) technology presents both opportunities and challenges for the protection of human rights in Bangladesh. While AI has the potential to transform and enhance many areas of society, including healthcare, education, and business, it also raises significant ethical and legal questions that require careful consideration. This paper explores the current state of AI technology in Bangladesh and examines the potential impact on human rights, particularly in the areas of privacy, discrimination, and freedom of expression. The paper argues that while AI can be a valuable tool for promoting human rights, it can also exacerbate existing inequalities and create new forms of discrimination. To ensure that AI is used in a way that upholds human rights, the paper calls for the development of robust legal and ethical frameworks to regulate the use of AI technology. The paper proposes several recommendations for achieving this goal, including the establishment of clear ethical guidelines for the development and deployment of AI systems, the creation of a regulatory body to oversee AI technology in Bangladesh, and the use of impact assessments to identify potential risks and harms associated with AI systems. Overall, the paper emphasizes the need for a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to addressing the legal and ethical challenges posed by AI technology in Bangladesh. By taking a proactive and holistic approach, Bangladesh can ensure that AI is developed and used in a way that respects and promotes human rights, rather than undermining them. The paper concludes by stressing the importance of ongoing research and dialogue on this critical topic to inform and guide policy and decision-making in the future.
Individual- and community-level factors associated with the presence of adequate iodized salt in households in Bangladesh: a multilevel modelling approach
Authors: Haq Iqramul , Hossain Md Ismail , Rukon Md Rukonozzaman , Habib Md Jakaria , Tithy Tanha Akther , Hasan Md Amit , Akter Salma , Rejvi Md Rayhan Ali , Uddin M Sheikh Giash , Sarker Md Mizanur Rahman , Wagnew Fasil , Talukder Ashis
Published: February 2024

Background

The aim of this study is to estimate the factors at both the individual and community levels related to the adequacy of iodized salt in households in Bangladesh.

Methods

For this study we utilized the 2019 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey data. A total of 61 242 households were chosen as samples from Bangladesh. In our study of socio-economic disparities, we applied a concentration indexing method. To identify the factors associated with the adequacy of iodine in salt at both the individual and community levels, we employed multilevel logistic regression. Aside from the multilevel regression used in the study, we also applied spatial analysis.

Results

The results indicated that the prevalence of iodine adequacy in household salt was found to be 57.8% (95% confidence interval 57.4 to 58.2). Rural areas have a higher concentration of iodine than urban areas. According to the multilevel model, younger women (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.70), Muslim women (aOR 0.89), illiterate women (aOR 0.80) and those from poor households (aOR 0.33) were found to be less likely to consume iodine in concentrated salt compared with their counterparts. Disabled women and those with low media exposure have a lower likelihood of iodine adequacy in salt compared to their reference group. Furthermore, households in urban areas exhibited higher odds of having iodine adequacy in salt compared with households in rural areas. Barisal, Chattogram, Dhaka, Khulna, Mymensingh, Rajshahi and Rangpur Divisions have lower iodine adequacy in salt compared with Sylhet Division.

Conclusions

The findings reveal that religion, physical disability and exposure to media exert an equal influence on the presence of iodized salt intake. Moreover, women's age, wealth status, education level and the educational background of the household head positively contribute to the adequacy of iodine in household salt. In light of these results, policymakers are advised to prioritize efforts aimed at enhancing iodine concentration, with a particular focus on mass media advertising, especially in rural areas (excluding Sylhet Division).
Stronger compensatory thermal adaptation of soil microbial respiration with higher substrate availability
Authors: Qu Lingrui , Wang Chao , Manzoni Stefano , Dacal Marina , Maestre Fernando T , Bai Edith
Published: February 2024

Ongoing global warming is expected to augment soil respiration by increasing the microbial activity, driving self-reinforcing feedback to climate change. However, the compensatory thermal adaptation of soil microorganisms and substrate depletion may weaken the effects of rising temperature on soil respiration. To test this hypothesis, we collected soils along a large-scale forest transect in eastern China spanning a natural temperature gradient, and we incubated the soils at different temperatures with or without substrate addition. We combined the exponential thermal response function and a data-driven model to study the interaction effect of thermal adaptation and substrate availability on microbial respiration and compared our results to those from two additional continental and global independent datasets. Modeled results suggested that the effect of thermal adaptation on microbial respiration was greater in areas with higher mean annual temperatures, which is consistent with the compensatory response to warming. In addition, the effect of thermal adaptation on microbial respiration was greater under substrate addition than under substrate depletion, which was also true for the independent datasets reanalyzed using our approach. Our results indicate that thermal adaptation in warmer regions could exert a more pronounced negative impact on microbial respiration when the substrate availability is abundant. These findings improve the body of knowledge on how substrate availability influences the soil microbial community–temperature interactions, which could improve estimates of projected soil carbon losses to the atmosphere through respiration.
Recent progress in chemoradiotherapy for oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Oshima Kotoe , Tsushima Takahiro , Ito Yoshinori , Kato Ken
Published: February 2024

Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma is a common malignancy worldwide. Definitive chemoradiotherapy is the standard treatment for patients with resectable stage oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma who cannot undergo surgery, as well as those with locally advanced unresectable oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma. However, it has several disadvantages such as poor survival, radiation-related toxicities and severe and lethal complications related to salvage treatment for residual or recurrent disease. Numerous clinical trials on chemoradiotherapy have been conducted to confirm the optimal combination of irradiation and chemotherapy. For advanced disease, multimodal treatment strategies including salvage surgery are essential. Palliative chemoradiotherapy is also crucial for dysphagia in locally advanced oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma with or without metastatic lesions. Recently, the synergistic mechanism of radiotherapy combined with immunotherapy has been reported. Early phase clinical trials suggest that a combination of immunotherapy and chemoradiotherapy can improve clinical outcomes with manageable side effects, but further investigations are needed. Here, we reviewed the existing clinical data and current development of chemoradiotherapy combined with immunotherapy in patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
Disparities in Demographics in Hip Arthroplasty Between U.S. Active Duty Military and the ACS-NSQIP Clinical Registry
Authors: Abraham Vivek M , Junge Joshua M , Booth Greg , Olsen Aaron A , Balazs George C , Goldman Ashton H
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Patient demographics, such as sex and age, are known risk factors for undergoing revision following primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). The military population is unique because of the increased rates of primary and secondary osteoarthritis of the hip. Treatment options are limited for returning patients to their line of duty; however, THA has been shown to be an effective option. The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate and contrast the demographic differences of patients undergoing primary THA between the U.S. active duty military population and the general population. The secondary goal was to identify the proportion of primary THA performed at the MTF within the military health system (MHS).

Methods

This was an exempt study determined by the local institutional review board. A retrospective analysis of the MHS Data Repository (MDR) and the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) was performed. The databases were used to identify the patients who underwent THA from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2020. The MDR was used to identify demographics such as sex, age, setting of surgery, geographic location, previous military deployments, history of deployment-related injuries, branch of service, and rank. The NSQIP database was queried for sex and age. The median age of the population was compared using the Mann–Whitney U test and gender was compared using the Chi-square test.

Results

The MDR was used to evaluate 2,734 patients, whereas the NSQIP database was used to evaluate 223,832 patients. In the military population, patients who underwent THA were 87.7% male with an average age of 45 years, whereas in the general population as measured via the NSQIP database, 45.2% patients were male with an average age of 66.0 years. Comparing the two groups, we demonstrated that the military patients were significantly more likely to be younger (P < .001) and males (P < .001). Only 29.6% of primary THAs were performed within the MTF.

Conclusions

Patients in the MHS are undergoing THA at a younger age and are more likely to be male compared to the general population. A significant portion of primary THAs in the MHS are also being performed at civilian institutions. These demographics may result in increased risk of revision; however, long-term studies are warranted to evaluate survivorship in this unique population.
Gaia DR3 data consistent with a short bar connected to a spiral arm
Authors: Vislosky E , Minchev I , Khoperskov S , Martig M , Buck T , Hilmi T , Ratcliffe B , Bland-Hawthorn J , Quillen A C , Steinmetz M , de Jong R
Published: February 2024

We use numerical simulations to model Gaia  DR3 data with the aim of constraining the Milky Way (MW) bar and spiral structure parameters. We show that both the morphology and the velocity field in MW-like galactic disc models are strong functions of time, changing dramatically over a few tens of Myr. This suggests that by finding a good match to the observed radial velocity field, vR(x, y), we can constrain the bar-spiral orientation. Incorporating uncertainties into our models is necessary to match the data; most importantly, a heliocentric distance uncertainty above 10–15 per cent distorts the bar’s shape and vR quadrupole pattern morphology, and decreases its apparent angle with respect to the Sun-Galactocentric line. An excellent match to the Gaia  DR3 vR(x, y) field is found for a simulation with a bar length Rb ≈ 3.6 kpc. We argue that the data are consistent with an MW bar as short as ∼3 kpc, for moderate strength inner disc spiral structure (A2/A0 ≈ 0.25) or, alternatively, with a bar length up to ∼5.2 kpc, provided that spiral arms are quite weak (A2/A0 ≈ 0.1), and is most likely in the process of disconnecting from a spiral arm. We demonstrate that the bar angle and distance uncertainty can similarly affect the match between our models and the data – a smaller bar angle (20° instead of 30°) requires smaller distance uncertainty (20 per cent instead of 30 per cent) to explain the observations. Fourier components of the face-on density distribution of our models suggest that the MW does not have strong m = 1 and/or m = 3 spirals near the solar radius.
Long-term fluctuations and recent decline of mussel populations in an Irish sea lough
Authors: Little Colin , Trowbridge Cynthia D , Pilling Graham M , Williams Gray A , Morritt David , Stirling Penny
Published: February 2024

Intertidal mussels (Mytilus spp.) and their benthic invertebrate predators were monitored annually for 25 years at 10 sites within Lough Hyne Marine Reserve in southwest Ireland. Mussel abundance was relatively low in the early 1990s but increased substantially after the cold winter of 1995/1996. High mussel abundance was maintained until 2014 after which there was an abrupt decline leading to low levels in 2015–2019, when populations were dominated by older size-classes. Recruitment on benthic rock surfaces in 2018 and 2019 was low in contrast to that on an isolated mooring rope in deep water, suggesting mortality of recruits (e.g. from predation or benthic hypoxia). The generalist predatory starfish, Marthasterias glacialis, increased substantially during the study, with population peaks in 2005 and 2009 that mirrored the peaks of mussel populations. Predatory dogwhelks were not abundant at the monitoring sites and were never seen associated with mussels. Predators or other physical factors may have reduced recruitment, but the decline of the mussel population probably reflected increasing age and removal by wave action combined with consistently sparse recruitment.
Pain suffering and the self. An active allostatic inference explanation
Authors: Gerrans Philip
Published: February 2024

Distributed processing that gives rise to pain experience is anchored by a multidimensional self-model. I show how the phenomenon of pain asymbolia and other atypical pain-related conditions (Insensitivity to Pain, Chronic Pain, ‘Social’ Pain, Insensitivity to Pain, Chronic Pain, ‘Social’ Pain, empathy for pain and suffering) can be explained by this idea. It also explains the patterns of association and dissociation among neural correlates without importing strong modular assumptions. It treats pain processing as a species of allostatic active inference in which the mind co-ordinates its processing resources to optimize basic bodily functioning at different time scales. The self is inferred to be source and target of regulation in this process. The self-modelling account reconciles conflicting deaffectualization and depersonalization accounts of pain asymbolia by showing how depersonalization and pain asymbolia arise at different levels of hierarchical self modelling.
A novel model of divergent predictive perception
Authors: Reeder Reshanne R , Sala Giovanni , van Leeuwen Tessa M
Published: February 2024

Predictive processing theories state that our subjective experience of reality is shaped by a balance of expectations based on previous knowledge about the world (i.e. priors) and confidence in sensory input from the environment. Divergent experiences (e.g. hallucinations and synaesthesia) are likely to occur when there is an imbalance between one’s reliance on priors and sensory input. In a novel theoretical model, inspired by both predictive processing and psychological principles, we propose that predictable divergent experiences are associated with natural or environmentally induced prior/sensory imbalances: inappropriately strong or inflexible (i.e. maladaptive) high-level priors (beliefs) combined with low sensory confidence can result in reality discrimination issues, a characteristic of psychosis; maladaptive low-level priors (sensory expectations) combined with high sensory confidence can result in atypical sensory sensitivities and persistent divergent percepts, a characteristic of synaesthesia. Crucially, we propose that whether different divergent experiences manifest with dominantly sensory (e.g. hallucinations) or nonsensory characteristics (e.g. delusions) depends on mental imagery ability, which is a spectrum from aphantasia (absent or weak imagery) to hyperphantasia (extremely vivid imagery). We theorize that imagery is critically involved in shaping the sensory richness of divergent perceptual experience. In sum, to predict a range of divergent perceptual experiences in both clinical and general populations, three factors must be accounted for: a maladaptive use of priors, individual level of confidence in sensory input, and mental imagery ability. These ideas can be expressed formally using nonparametric regression modeling. We provide evidence for our theory from previous work and deliver predictions for future research.
Brassinosteroid regulates stomatal development in etiolated Arabidopsis cotyledons via transcription factors BZR1 and BES1
Authors: Li Shuo , Yan Jin , Chen Lian-Ge , Meng Guanghua , Zhou Yuling , Wang Chun-Ming , Jiang Lei , Luo Juan , Jiang Yueming , Li Qian-Feng , Tang Wenqiang , He Jun-Xian
Published: February 2024

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are phytohormones that regulate stomatal development. In this study, we report that BR represses stomatal development in etiolated Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) cotyledons via transcription factors BRASSINAZOLE RESISTANT 1 (BZR1) and bri1-EMS SUPPRESSOR1 (BES1), which directly target MITOGEN-ACTIVATED PROTEIN KINASE KINASE 9 (MKK9) and FAMA, 2 important genes for stomatal development. BZR1/BES1 bind MKK9 and FAMA promoters in vitro and in vivo, and mutation of the BZR1/BES1 binding motif in MKK9/FAMA promoters abolishes their transcription regulation by BZR1/BES1 in plants. Expression of a constitutively active MKK9 (MKK9DD) suppressed overproduction of stomata induced by BR deficiency, while expression of a constitutively inactive MKK9 (MKK9KR) induced high-density stomata in bzr1-1D. In addition, bzr-h, a sextuple mutant of the BZR1 family of proteins, produced overabundant stomata, and the dominant bzr1-1D and bes1-D mutants effectively suppressed the stomata-overproducing phenotype of brassinosteroid insensitive 1-116 (bri1-116) and brassinosteroid insensitive 2-1 (bin2-1). In conclusion, our results revealed important roles of BZR1/BES1 in stomatal development, and their transcriptional regulation of MKK9 and FAMA expression may contribute to BR-regulated stomatal development in etiolated Arabidopsis cotyledons.
Comparative analysis of trust taxation: a deep dive into Australian and Canadian regimes
Authors: Mak Charles Ho Wang , Chippin Matthew
Published: February 2024

This article examines trust taxation in Australia and Canada, focusing on the Australian Income Tax Assessment Act 1936's Section 97(1) and the Canadian Income Tax Act’s Section 94.1. It explores the Australian Carter and the Canadian Fundy Settlement cases, highlighting their implications for tax avoidance strategies. The article employs a comparative methodology to provide insights into the policy and legislative nuances shaping trust distribution taxation in these jurisdictions. The goal is to bridge traditional legal frameworks with modern fiscal challenges and inform future reforms in common-law countries.
Improved detection of low-frequency within-host variants from deep sequencing: A case study with human papillomavirus
Authors: Mishra Sambit K , Nelson Chase W , Zhu Bin , Pinheiro Maisa , Lee Hyo Jung , Dean Michael , Burdett Laurie , Yeager Meredith , Mirabello Lisa
Published: February 2024

High-coverage sequencing allows the study of variants occurring at low frequencies within samples, but is susceptible to false-positives caused by sequencing error. Ion Torrent has a very low single nucleotide variant (SNV) error rate and has been employed for the majority of human papillomavirus (HPV) whole genome sequences. However, benchmarking of intrahost SNVs (iSNVs) has been challenging, partly due to limitations imposed by the HPV life cycle. We address this problem by deep sequencing three replicates for each of 31 samples of HPV type 18 (HPV18). Errors, defined as iSNVs observed in only one of three replicates, are dominated by C→T (G→A) changes, independently of trinucleotide context. True iSNVs, defined as those observed in all three replicates, instead show a more diverse SNV type distribution, with particularly elevated C→T rates in CCG context (CCG→CTG; CGG→CAG) and C→A rates in ACG context (ACG→AAG; CGT→CTT). Characterization of true iSNVs allowed us to develop two methods for detecting true variants: (1) VCFgenie, a dynamic binomial filtering tool which uses each variant’s allele count and coverage instead of fixed frequency cut-offs; and (2) a machine learning binary classifier which trains eXtreme Gradient Boosting models on variant features such as quality and trinucleotide context. Each approach outperforms fixed-cut-off filtering of iSNVs, and performance is enhanced when both are used together. Our results provide improved methods for identifying true iSNVs in within-host applications across sequencing platforms, specifically using HPV18 as a case study.
Survey of Defects and Diseases, Including Virulent Fusarium Species, Associated with Chipping Potatoes at Harvest and Post-Storage
Authors: Schlachter Emma , Ruth Sarah , Satoh-Cruz Mio , Willbur Jaime F.
Published: February 2024

The U.S. consumption of potatoes spans fresh, frozen, chipping, dehydrated, and canned potato sectors. However, more than 50% of potato products are consumed after processing. Michigan produces potatoes for chip production, which are in demand year-round, as well as seed tubers that must be stored over the winter for the following season. To minimize damage and preserve tuber quality, pathogens present in storage must be properly identified so management strategies can be implemented to prevent economically damaging disease development. In this study, defects and diseases entering and persisting in Michigan chipping potato storages were evaluated via sampling of 12 fields across five counties. Tubers were visually assessed for symptoms and signs of disease, and putative pathogens were isolated from internal and external tuber tissues. Representative Fusarium species were further characterized, and significant variability ( P < 0.0001) was detected in virulence assessed on ‘Lamoka’ tuber slices. Overall, Fusarium dry rot, Pythium leak, and pink rot were prevalent postharvest diseases in Michigan. Despite low frequencies of isolation, incidence observations also suggest that tuber soft rot should be considered in potato storage disease management. Differing from previous surveys, F. graminearum was characterized as a highly virulent species associated with potato tubers in Michigan and warrants further investigation. Future dry rot research, such as potato breeding screening or management studies, should consider using representatively virulent Fusarium spp. or F. graminearum isolates. Potential shifts in pathogen species compositions over time further warrant continued monitoring and reassessment of screening protocols.
Mapping Buprenorphine Access at Philadelphia Pharmacies
Authors: Aronowitz Shoshana V. , French Rachel , Schachter Allison , Seeburger Emily , O'Donnell Nicole , Perrone Jeanmarie , Lowenstein Margaret
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Buprenorphine is not reliably stocked in many pharmacies, and pharmacy-level barriers may deter patients from opioid use disorder care. We surveyed all outpatient pharmacies in Philadelphia to describe variation in buprenorphine access and developed a map application to aid in identifying pharmacies that stock the medication.

Methods

Using a dataset from the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, we conducted a telephone survey of operating outpatient pharmacies (N = 422) about their buprenorphine stocking and dispensing practices. We used ArcGIS Pro 3.0.3 to join US Census Bureau ZIP code-level race and ethnicity data, conduct descriptive analyses, and create a map application.

Results

We collected data from 351 pharmacies (83% response rate). Two hundred thirty-eight pharmacies (68%) indicated that they regularly stock buprenorphine; 6 (2%) would order it when a prescription is sent. Ninety-one (26%) said that they do not stock or order buprenorphine, and 16 (5%) were unsure. We identified 137 “easier access” pharmacies (39%), meaning they regularly stock buprenorphine, dispense to new patients, and have no dosage maximums. Zip codes with predominantly White residents had a median (interquartile range) of 3 (2–4) “easier access” pharmacies, and those with predominantly Black residents a median (interquartile range) of 2 (1–4.5). Nine zip codes had no “easier access” pharmacies, and 3 had only one; these 3 zip codes are areas with predominantly Black residents.

Conclusions

Buprenorphine access is not equitable across Philadelphia and a quarter of pharmacies choose not to carry the medication. Our map application may be used to identify pharmacies in Philadelphia that stock buprenorphine.
Perceived Injustice and Anger in Fibromyalgia with and without Comorbid Mental Health Conditions
Authors: Gilam Gadi , Silvert Jemma , Raev Sheer , Malka Din , Gluzman Inbar , Rush Melissa , Elkana Odelia , Aloush Valerie
Published: February 2024

Objectives:

Perceived injustice (PI), assessed by the Injustice Experience Questionnaire (IEQ), is an important trigger of anger. Both PI and anger are associated with adverse chronic pain outcomes, and with comorbid mental health severity. We aimed to examine the roles of PI and anger in mediating pain across Fibromyalgia patients, with and without comorbid anxiety/depression (FM+A/D, FM-A/D respectively), as well as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), and healthy controls (HC). We hypothesized the highest levels of PI, anger, and pain in FM+A/D patients, followed by FM-A/D, RA, and HC, thus also validating a Hebrew version of the IEQ.

Methods:

We translated the IEQ using the forward-backward method, and collected data online. Based on self-reported anxiety/depression, the sample comprised 66 FM+A/D patients, 64 FM-A/D, 34 RA, and 32 HC. Assessments included the IEQ, state and trait anger, pain intensity, anxiety, depression, and pain catastrophizing. Structure and reliability of the Hebrew IEQ were examined using factor analysis and Cronbach’s alpha. Bootstrapped-based modelling was used to test the roles of state and trait anger in mediating and moderating the relationship between PI and pain intensity.

Results:

We confirmed a one-factor structure of the IEQ, with excellent reliability. FM+A/D patients demonstrated the highest scores in all measures. Within this group, trait anger moderated the mediating effect of state anger in the relationship between PI and pain intensity.

Discussion:

Our findings validate a Hebrew IEQ, and highlight the importance of PI and state and trait anger in the differential manifestation of mental health comorbidity in FM.
Momentary Emotion Regulation Strategies and Pain Experience among Adults with Chronic Pain
Authors: Rogers Andrew H. , Smit Tanya , Bakhshaie Jafar , Zvolensky Michael J.
Published: February 2024

Objectives:

Chronic pain is a significant public health concern. Psychological treatments are effective for treating chronic pain, but long term follow up studies are limited, and treatment effects sizes are small. Identifying modifiable treatment targets, such as emotion regulation, is critical to improve interventions. Emotion regulation (ER; i.e., cognitive and attentional strategies to modulate or maintain emotional experience) has been linked to psychopathology and pain experience in adults. Yet, the existing work is limited and has largely focused on the relationship between emotional experience, not ER, and pain.

Methods:

The current study utilized ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to characterize real time, momentary relationships between ER strategies and pain experience (intensity, interference, and negative affect) among 53 (77.4% female; M

age
=27.10 y, SD=5.16 y) adults with chronic pain. Participants completed EMA assessments of pain experience and ER strategies five times a day for seven days.

Results:

Results of the current study provide evidence for the association between within-person maladaptive ER strategies and pain intensity (b=2.11, se=0.37, P<0.001), pain interference (b=1.25, se=0.40, P=0.002), and pain-related negative affect (b=2.20, se=0.41, P<0.001). Associations by specific strategy type were also examined, highlighting the importance of worry, experiential avoidance, rumination, and expressive suppression in pain experience.

Discussion:

Given that emotion regulation is readily targeted in psychological treatments for chronic pain, the results from the current study provide initial evidence to target these ER strategies in treatment.
Oncoplastic Breast Reconstruction in Morbidly Obese Patients: An Acceptable Practice
Authors: Fortenbery Grey W. , Todd Lauren , Nazir Niaman , Dalla Shreeya , Collins Meredith
Published: February 2024

Background:

Breast cancer is the most common noncutaneous malignancy amongst women. Lumpectomy with adjuvant radiation is a mainstay of surgical treatment. Oncoplastic breast reconstruction reduces the resultant breast deformity. Obesity is a risk factor for the development of complications after breast reconstruction. This study’s purpose was to determine if oncoplastic breast reconstruction is a safe procedure in obese patients.

Methods:

A single institution retrospective chart review was performed on women undergoing oncoplastic breast reduction from 2009 to 2021. Patients were then divided into groups based on body mass index (BMI). A statistical analysis was performed comparing rates of complications and time to adjuvant therapy.

Results:

An estimated 340 patients were identified with an average age of 56.2 years (140 with BMI <30 kg/m2, 87 with BMI 30–34.9 kg/m2, 62 with BMI 35–39.9 kg/m2, and 51 with BMI >40 kg/m2). There was a significant difference between the BMI greater than 40 kg per m2 and BMI less than 30 kg per m2 group in the number of returns to the operating room (P = 0.0096), major complications (P = 0.0002), and minor complications (P = 0.0051). Average time to adjuvant treatment was 47 days and there was no statistically significant difference between the groups (P = 0.1691).

Conclusions:

There was a significant difference in major and minor complications between the BMI groups; however, there was no delay in the time to adjuvant therapy. Therefore, we conclude that with appropriate counseling on surgical risks, oncoplastic breast reduction is an acceptable option for breast cancer patients after lumpectomy, regardless of BMI.
Anatomical Relations of the Perforators from the Descending Lateral Femoral Circumflex Artery and Vastus Lateralis Motor Nerve Branches
Authors: Okada Hiroshi , Kawamura Kenji , Hasegawa Hideo , Omokawa Shohei , Mahakkanukrauh Pasuk , Tanaka Yasuhito
Published: February 2024

Background:

The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap, which is nourished by perforators from the descending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery (P), is one of the most commonly used flaps in soft tissue reconstruction. With the growing use of ALT flaps, attention toward donor-site morbidity has increased in recent years. Damage to the motor nerve branches of the vastus lateralis muscle (N) is one of the causes of donor-site morbidity, particularly muscle weakness. This study investigated the anatomical locations of the P and N in fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens.

Methods:

This study included 43 cadaver limbs. A silicone rubber compound (30 mL) was injected into the femoral artery to visualize the vessel. The locations of the P and motor points of N were measured to assess the risk of N injury during ALT flap harvesting.

Results:

There were one to six (mean, 2.7) P and two to seven (mean, 4) N. When the two most proximal perforators were used for flap harvesting, an average of 1.5 motor nerve branches (42%) was damaged because transection of the motor nerve branches was required for flap harvesting. In 33% of the limbs, only one motor nerve branch remained after the flap harvest. However, there were no cases where all motor nerve branches were severed.

Conclusion:

When an ALT flap with two perforators is harvested, weakness of the vastus lateralis muscle may occur in cases with a small number of motor nerve branches.
Outcome of eyes treated for Retinopathy of Prematurity in Posterior Zone I: An Eastern India study.
Authors: Padhi Tapas R , Bhunia Souvik , Shah Miloni , Sahu Suman , Das Taraprasad , Bhusal Utpal , Singh Aveenash , Samantaray Balakrushna , Patro Krishna , Devi Sabita , Routray Dipanweeta , Mohamed Ashik , Pradhan Lingaraj , Jalali Subhadra
Published: February 2024

Purpose:

To analyze the outcomes of eyes treated for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in posterior Zone I.

Methods:

In a part retrospective (nine years) and part prospective (one year) interventional study, we analyzed eyes treated for ROP in posterior Zone I with a minimum follow-up for 6 months.

Results:

The study included 109 eyes of 56 infants; mean gestational age and birth weights were 29.3 (±2.1) weeks and 1112.5 (±381.9) grams, respectively. The treatment included intravitreal anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (anti-VEGF) as the initial treatment modality in 101 eyes (92.6%), either alone (27 eyes) or combined with laser or vitreous surgery (73 eyes). Laser was the initial treatment modality in 8 eyes, either alone-(n=3) or in combination with surgery (n=5). With anti-VEGF alone, 30.68% (n=27 eyes) responded favorably, and the remaining 69.32% (n=59) eyes needed re-treatment (laser in the majority). At the final follow-up, 89.9 % (out of 109) of eyes did well anatomically. Good outcome was significantly linked to no detachment at presentation (p<0.0001) and the presence of well-defined central vascular trunks (p=0.001).

Conclusions:

Treating the eyes before retinal detachment with bevacizumab followed by laser (and surgery, if needed) results in a favorable outcome in babies with posterior zone 1 ROP.
Development of PainFace software to simplify, standardize, and scale up mouse grimace analyses
Authors: McCoy Eric S. , Park Sang Kyoon , Patel Rahul P. , Ryan Dan F. , Mullen Zachary J. , Nesbitt Jacob J. , Lopez Josh E. , Taylor-Blake Bonnie , Vanden Kelly A. , Krantz James L. , Hu Wenxin , Garris Rosanna L. , Snyder Magdalyn G. , Lima Lucas V. , Sotocinal Susana G. , Austin Jean-Sebastien , Kashlan Adam D. , Shah Sanya , Trocinski Abigail K. , Pudipeddi Samhitha S. , Major Rami M. , Bazick Hannah O. , Klein Morgan R. , Mogil Jeffrey S. , Wu Guorong , Zylka Mark J.
Published: February 2024

Facial grimacing is used to quantify spontaneous pain in mice and other mammals, but scoring relies on humans with different levels of proficiency. Here, we developed a cloud-based software platform called PainFace (http://painface.net) that uses machine learning to detect 4 facial action units of the mouse grimace scale (orbitals, nose, ears, whiskers) and score facial grimaces of black-coated C57BL/6 male and female mice on a 0 to 8 scale. Platform accuracy was validated in 2 different laboratories, with 3 conditions that evoke grimacing—laparotomy surgery, bilateral hindpaw injection of carrageenan, and intraplantar injection of formalin. PainFace can generate up to 1 grimace score per second from a standard 30 frames/s video, making it possible to quantify facial grimacing over time, and operates at a speed that scales with computing power. By analyzing the frequency distribution of grimace scores, we found that mice spent 7x more time in a “high grimace” state following laparotomy surgery relative to sham surgery controls. Our study shows that PainFace reproducibly quantifies facial grimaces indicative of nonevoked spontaneous pain and enables laboratories to standardize and scale-up facial grimace analyses.
From biodiversity to nature deficiency in human health and disease
Authors: Haahtela Tari , Bousquet Jean , Antó Josep M.
Published: February 2024

Nature (biodiversity) loss is the loss or decline of the state of nature taking place in the wider environment. We present a novel concept, nature deficiency, referring to nature loss in the human body influencing health. Humans are connected with the natural environment and its microbes and biogenic chemicals through eating (drinking), breathing, and touching. The mental and sociocultural links to the environment are also strong. With medical and ecological research and guidelines, the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of nature deficiency may become part of the clinical practice. Nature prescription is likely to find plausible forms in patient care and inspire preventive actions at the society level. Health professionals are in a key position to integrate public health promotion and environmental care.
A Nationally Representative Summary of 2020 Changes in the Use of Health Care in the United States
Authors: Decker Sandra L. , Zuvekas Samuel H.
Published: February 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic produced an unprecedented shock to the U.S. health care system. Prior literature documenting 2020 changes has been limited to certain types of care or subsets of patients. We use the nationally representative Medical Expenditure Panel Survey to summarize changes in all types of health care from 2018 through 2020. Outpatient visits, emergency department visits, and inpatient admissions each fell about 35% in April 2020. Dental visits fell over 80%. Ophthalmology visits declined 71% and mammograms 82%. Psychiatric visits rose slightly (1.6%). By the end of 2020, specialist physician visits recovered, though primary care and dental visits remained 12% lower than 2019.
Blue Sky Thinking: Physician Assistant Accreditation and the Potential Impact on the Programs, Faculty, and the Profession
Authors: Snyder Jennifer , Honda Trenton , Lohenry Kevin , Asprey David
Published: February 2024

Blue sky thinking references the opportunity to brainstorm about a topic without limits… to consider what things might be like if creative thoughts were unconstrained by current philosophies or other boundaries. This article is a call to our fellow educators to consider how blue sky thinking applied to physician assistant (PA) program accreditation might further advance programs, faculty, and the profession. To develop and maintain a PA program, institutions must voluntarily undergo evaluation by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant. Compliance with accreditation encourages sound educational practices, promotes program self-study, stimulates innovation, maintains confidence with the public, and focuses on continuous quality improvement. In addition, accreditation “can hold institutions accountable for desired outcomes and professional standards.” Indeed, while the PA profession has promulgated across the globe, the 50+ years of graduating PAs educated with the highest quality education assures that the United States remains a gold standard. As the 5th edition of the standards are implemented and planning for the 6th edition is underway, in the spirit of continuous quality improvement, we encourage stakeholders of the PA profession to contemplate ways in which accreditation might continue to purposefully advance a desired future state for the profession. In this article, we draw on examples from other health professions which might inform a discussion around the future of PA accreditation. Specifically, the topics of a unified profession title and degree, a specific title and position for program leadership, a modification to how PA programs receive medical direction, and efforts to advance scholarship are addressed.