bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomechanics of soft biological tissues and organs, mechanobiology, homeostasis and modelling
Authors: Holzapfel Gerhard A. , Humphrey Jay D. , Ogden Ray W.
Published: January 2025

The human body consists of many different soft biological tissues that exhibit diverse microstructures and functions and experience diverse loading conditions. Yet, under many conditions, the mechanical behaviour of these tissues can be described well with similar nonlinearly elastic or inelastic constitutive relations, both in health and some diseases. Such constitutive relations are essential for performing nonlinear stress analyses, which in turn are critical for understanding physiology, pathophysiology and even clinical interventions, including surgery. Indeed, most cells within load-bearing soft tissues are highly sensitive to their local mechanical environment, which can typically be quantified using methods of continuum mechanics only after the constitutive relations are determined from appropriate data, often multi-axial. In this review, we discuss some of the many experimental findings of the structure and the mechanical response, as well as constitutive formulations for 10 representative soft tissues or organs, and present basic concepts of mechanobiology to support continuum biomechanical studies. We conclude by encouraging similar research along these lines, but also the need for models that can describe and predict evolving tissue properties under many conditions, ranging from normal development to disease progression and wound healing. An important foundation for biomechanics and mechanobiology now exists and methods for collecting detailed multi-scale data continue to progress. There is, thus, considerable opportunity for continued advancement of mechanobiology and biomechanics.
Measuring the speed of quantum particles without a round-trip under non-synchronized quantum clocks
Authors: Shushi Tomer
Published: January 2025

One of the main issues in measuring the speed of light when it only travels from one spatial position into another position, known as the one-way speed of light, is that the clocks belonging to each separated spatial position are not and, in principle, cannot be synchronized. Here, we show that it is possible, in principle, to measure the velocity of particles that travel at the speed of light without assuming a round-trip once we adopt a quantum mechanical description under two boundary conditions to the state of the quantum system followed by the two-state-vector formalism while assuming non-synchronized quantum clocks with unknown time dilation. The weak value of velocity can be measured for a test particle that has a clock that is not synchronized with the clock of the quantum particle. Following the proposed set-up, when the weak value of the velocity is known even without knowing the time states of the system, such a weak velocity is the two-way speed of light. We further explore some fundamental implications of the set-up. The proposed approach opens a new avenue toward measuring the velocities of quantum particles while overcoming relativistic issues regarding the synchronization of clocks.
The Interplay of Furin Cleavage and D614G in Modulating SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Dynamics
Authors: Shoemaker Sophie R. , Luo Megan , Dam Kim-Marie A. , Pak John E. , Hoffmann Magnus A. G. , Marqusee Susan
Published: January 2025

We report a detailed analysis of the full-length SARS-CoV-2 spike dynamics within a native-like membrane environment and variants inaccessible to studies on soluble constructs by conducting hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) on enveloped virus-like particles (eVLPs) displaying various spike constructs. We find that the previously identified open-interface trimer conformation is sampled in all eVLP-displayed spike variants studied including sequences from engineered vaccine constructs and native viral sequences. The D614G mutation, which arose early in the pandemic, favors the canonical ‘closed-interface’ prefusion conformation, potentially mitigating premature S1 shedding in the presence of a cleaved furin site and providing an evolutionary advantage to the virus. Remarkably, furin cleavage at the S1/S2 boundary allosterically increases the flexibility of the S2’ site, which may facilitate increased TMPRSS2 processing, enhancing viral infectivity. The use of eVLPs in HDX-MS studies provides a powerful platform for studying viral and membrane proteins in near-native environments.
Network Analysis of Rare Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms Suggests a Central Role for Type 17 Immune Responses in Trauma-induced, Genotypically Associated Hypo-Inflammation and Critical Illness
Authors: El-Dehaibi Fayten , Zamora Ruben , Yin Jinling , Billiar Timothy R. , Vodovotz Yoram
Published: January 2025

Critical illness stemming from severe traumatic injury is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, involves the dysfunction of multiple organ systems, and is driven at least in part by dysregulated inflammation that involves type 17 immunity. We and others have demonstrated a genetic predisposition to adverse critical illness outcomes associated with single- nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in novel loci distinct from those which impact type 17 immune responses yet acting in concert with those responses. We have recently developedSNPScanner, an algorithm that enables rapid scanning through a large SNP dataset and associated inflammation biomarkers and clinical data, and in the present study leveraged this algorithm in concert with existing bioinformatics tools to define networks of interaction among rare SNPs (defined operationally as being present in 5-10% of patients due to the study cohort size) assessed in critically ill trauma patients. RAR-related orphan receptor A (RORA), a transcription factor central to the differentiation of Th17 cells, was inferred as a hub gene via its SNP rs4774381; stratification of trauma patients based on homozygous genotype at this SNP pointed to distinct organ dysfunction trajectories associated with network-defined hypo- inflammation. Further, the SNP rs11919443 in the non-hubTM4SF19gene distinguished genotype-associated systemic IL-17A trajectories, and associated hypo-inflammation with adverse outcomes. In contrast, no Th17-related hub genes were identified in a control group of SNPs associated algorithmically with adverse clinical outcomes but with genotypically indistinct systemic inflammatory responses; the main inferred hub gene in this control group was solute carrier family 2, facilitated glucose transporter member 1 (SLC2A1)/glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1). Secondary analysis showed several statistically significant differences in circulating inflammatory mediators not including IL-17A, and also associated network-based hypo- inflammation with adverse outcomes in this control group. This study thus extends our prior work aimed at defining genetic predisposition to dysregulated inflammation and pathophysiology in the context of critical illness, and points to a crucial role for type 17 immune responses.
SEVERITY OF LUNG OBSTRUCTION AND OLDER AGE, BUT NOT PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, PREDICT LOCOMOTOR MUSCLE OXIDATIVE IMPAIRMENT IN COPD
Authors: Adami Alessandra , Duan Fenghai , Calmelat Robert A. , Chen Zeyu , Casaburi Richard , Rossiter Harry B.
Published: January 2025

Background

Low muscle oxidative capacity is an extrapulmonary manifestation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with unclear etiology. We sought to determine clinical and behavioral features associated with muscle oxidative capacity in smokers with and without COPD and never smoker individuals.

Methods

243 adults enrolled in theMuscle Health Study, an observational study ancillary to COPDGene. Gastrocnemiusoxidative capacity was measured by near-infrared spectroscopy from muscle oxygen uptake recovery rate constant (k). Physical activity by accelerometry (vector magnitude units, VMU/min). Pulmonary assessments included spirometry (FEV1%predicted), diffusing capacity (DLCO), and quantitative chest computed tomography (CT). Eighty-seven variables related to COPD features were considered. Variables selected by univariate analysis of log-transformedkwith p≤0.20, and filtered by machine learning, were entered into multivariable linear regression to determine association withk.

Results

241(99%) participants were allocated to analysis. FEV1%predicted, DLCO, CT, pack-years, age and VMU/min were among 24 variables selected by univariate analysis. After machine learning filtering on 161(66%) cases with complete data, 11 variables were included in multivariable analysis. Only FEV1%predicted, age and race were significantly associated withk(R2=0.26). Model coefficients equate a 10% lower FEV1%predicted to a 4.4% lowerk, or 10-years of aging to a 9.7% lowerk. In 118 cases with CT available, FEV1%predicted and age remained associated withk(R2=0.24). Physical activity was not retained in any model.

Conclusions

Locomotor muscle oxidative capacity was positively associated with FEV1%predicted and negatively associated with age. Physical activity or radiographic COPD manifestations were not significantly associated with muscle oxidative impairment.
Identification of insertion sites for the integrative and conjugative element Tn916in theBacillus subtilischromosome
Authors: Bean Emily L. , Smith Janet L. , Grossman Alan D.
Published: January 2025

Integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) are found in many bacterial species and are mediators of horizontal gene transfer. Tn916is an ICE found in several Gram-positive genera, includingEnterococcus,Staphylococcus,Streptococcus, andClostridum. In contrast to the many ICEs that preferentially integrate into a single site, Tn916can integrate into many sites in the host chromosome. The consensus integration motif for Tn916, based on analyses of approximately 200 independent insertions, is an approximately 16 bp AT-rich sequence. Here, we describe the identification and mapping of approximately 105independent Tn916insertions in theBacillus subtilischromosome. The insertions were distributed between 1,554 chromosomal sites, and approximately 99% of the insertions were in 303 sites and 65% were in only ten sites. One region, betweenykuCandykyB(kre), was a ‘hotspot’ for integration with ∼22% of the insertions in that single location. In almost all of the top 99% of sites, Tn916was found with similar frequencies in both orientations relative to the chromosome and relative to the direction of transcription, with a few notable exceptions. Using the sequences of all insertion regions, we determined a consensus motif which is similar to that previously identified forClostridium difficile. The insertion sites are largely AT-rich, and some sites overlap with regions bound by the nucleoid-associated protein Rok, a functional analog of H-NS of Gram-negative bacteria. Rok functions as a negative regulator of at least some horizontally acquired genes. We found that the presence or absence of Rok had little or no effect on insertion site specificity of Tn916.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) primary degradation products affect c-di-GMP-, cAMP-signaling and quorum sensing (QS) inVibrio gazogenesDSM 21264
Authors: Preuss Lena , Alawi Malik , Dumnitch Albert , Trinh Ly , Maison Wolfgang , Burmeister Nils , Poehlein Anja , Daniel Rolf , Vollstedt Christel , Streit Wolfgang R.
Published: January 2025

Global plastic pollution in oceans and estuaries is increasing rapidly and it’s well known that bacteria colonize plastic particles of all sizes.Vibrio spp. are frequently found as part of the plastisphere. We recently showed thatVibrio gazogenesDSM 21264 harbors a promiscuous esterase designated PET6. We now provide evidence that thepet6gene is expressed under a wide range of environmental conditions in its native host. However, in PET- and PE-grown biofilms thepet6gene expression was not affected by the type of surface. Thepet6transcription was sufficient to allow enzyme production and release of µM amounts of mono-(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (MHET) and terephthalic acid (TPA) already after 24 hours of incubation on PET foil. Notably, the highestpet6gene transcription was observed in planktonic lifestyle in the presence of bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) one of the primary degradation products of PET. BHET was further hydrolyzed by PET6 and UlaG, a lactonase that had not been known to be involved in BHET degradation. Elevated concentrations of BHET affected the major signaling circuits involved in bacterial quorum sensing (QS), c-di-GMP and cAMP-CRP signaling. This resulted in failure to form biofilms, synthesis of the red pigment prodigiosin and altered colony morphologies. While BHET had a very wide impact, TPA interfered mainly with the bacterial QS by attenuating the expression of the CAI-I autoinducer synthase gene. These observations imply a potential role of BHET and TPA as nutritional signals inVibrio gazogenesand that may affect its growth and survival in the plastisphere.

IMPORTANCE

This study provides first evidence thatVibrio gazogenesDSM 21264 secretes an active PET hydrolase and degrades the polymer using PET6 when growing in biofilms on foils and microplastic particles. The study further provides evidence that the primary PET degradation products BHET and TPA may have a profound impact on the global QS, c-di-GMP and cAMP-CRP signaling ofV. gazogenesand its capability to colonize plastic particles in the marine environment.
Antimicrobial Resistance in Wildlife across Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein: Associations with Environmental Factors and Taxonomic Variation
Authors: Höcketstaller Katharina , Marti Iris A. , Bank Claudia , Yilmaz Bahtiyar , Becker Jens
Published: January 2025

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents a significant challenge to global public health. Addressing this challenge requires a comprehensive One Health approach that integrates efforts in human, veterinary, and environmental domains. Whereas AMR research in medical and veterinary domains is extensive, AMR research in wildlife has received less attention. However, AMR prevalence in the environment, and specifically in wildlife, ultimately affects human life. In a large study conducted in Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein, we collected 410 rectal swab samples from 37 different wildlife species to quantify the prevalence ofEscherichia coli (E. coli)and its resistance to 16 antimicrobial drugs, determined through phenotypical antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

The study yielded an 81.5%E. coliisolation rate with a considerable 10.8% of isolates resistant to one or more antimicrobial drugs. Notably, 4.5% of the isolates demonstrated multidrug resistance (MDR). Furthermore, we found thatE. coliin omnivores exhibited the highest levels of AMR, significantly higher than in carnivores and herbivores. In addition to these dietary associations, we found that the percentage of forested areas surrounding the sampling locations was inversely related to AMR rates, suggesting that environmental conditions play a role in mitigating AMR.

This study provides a large-scale quantification of AMR in a broad range of wildlife species and also identifies diverse patterns of AMR inE. coli,highlighting variations associated with both host species and environmental conditions. Our findings emphasize the role of wildlife as potential indicators of environmental contamination with antibiotics and as reservoirs of resistant bacteria.
The Rbfox1/LASR complex controls alternative pre-mRNA splicing by recognition of multipart RNA regulatory modules
Authors: Peyda Parham , Lin Chia-Ho , Onwuzurike Kelechi , Black Douglas L.
Published: January 2025

The Rbfox proteins regulate alternative pre-mRNA splicing by binding to the RNA element GCAUG. In the nucleus, most of Rbfox is bound to the large assembly of splicing regulators (LASR), a complex of RNA-binding proteins that recognize additional RNA motifs. However, it remains unclear how the different subunits of the Rbfox/LASR complex act together to bind RNA and regulate splicing. We used a nuclease protection assay to map the transcriptome-wide footprints of Rbfox1/LASR on nascent cellular RNA. In addition to GCAUG, Rbfox1/LASR binds RNA motifs for LASR subunits hnRNPs M, H/F, and C and Matrin3. These elements are often arranged in tandem, forming multipart modules of RNA motifs. To distinguish contact sites of Rbfox1 from the LASR subunits, we analyzed a mutant Rbfox1(F125A) that has lost RNA binding but remains associated with LASR. Rbfox1(F125A)/LASR complexes no longer interact with GCAUG but retain binding to RNA elements for LASR. Splicing analyses reveal that in addition to activating exons through adjacent GCAUG elements, Rbfox can also stimulate exons near binding sites for LASR subunits. Minigene experiments demonstrate that these diverse elements produce a combined regulatory effect on a target exon. These findings illuminate how a complex of RNA-binding proteins can decode combinatorial splicing regulatory signals by recognizing groups of tandem RNA elements.
Robust nonlinear isolators based on frozen mode exceptional point degeneracies
Authors: Landers Serena , Tuxbury William , Vitebskiy Ilya , Kottos Tsampikos
Published: January 2025

We introduce a class of imperfection-protected nonlinear isolators designed to operate at exceptional point degeneracies (EPDs) of the Bloch modes of periodic photonic structures. These Bloch EPDs are responsible for slow light and the emergence of a scattering frozen mode regime (FMR). When a spectral asymmetry is introduced, the group velocity in their proximity varies sharply, boosting the directional nature of the nonlinear interactions and leading to extreme isolation.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
When injustice triggers retaliation: examining the dual impact of power distance orientation
Authors: Zhang Guilin , Wilson Nicole
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between organizational justice and employee retaliation. By incorporating psychological contract violation (PCV) as a mediating variable, this study uncovers the underlying psychological pathways through which perceptions of unfairness lead to employees’ decisions to retaliate. Furthermore, this study examines individual power distance orientation as a moderating factor, offering insights into how cultural values influence individual perceptions of and reactions to perceived injustice.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a two-wave survey design, the authors screened for full-time employees through Qualtrics. The authors have used confirmatory factor analysis to examine the measurement model fit. In addition, the authors have performed regression-based path analysis using Mplus to test their hypotheses.

Findings

This study has found that PCV fully mediates the impact of organizational justice on employee retention. The results also revealed two distinct mechanisms through which power distance orientation affects individual reactions to perceived unfairness. Specifically, it was also found that cognitive and motivational effects occur simultaneously yet in the opposite direction, such that power distance orientation weakens the impact of procedural justice on PCV but exacerbates the relationship between PCV and retaliation directed at supervisors and coworkers.

Originality/value

The analysis of the mediating role of PCV enables the authors to tease apart the cognitive and motivational impacts of power distance orientation, shedding light on existing mixed empirical findings. In addition, this study advances the understanding of psychological contract development by illustrating the impact of cultural orientation, such that it not only aligns individuals’ expectations with prevailing cultural norms but also influences the significance attributed to these expectations. Lastly, the study contributes to cross-cultural research on organizational justice and retaliation by showing individual perceptions of and reactions to lack of justice depending on cultural orientations.
Mindfulness, refugees’ perception of the host community, social capital and entrepreneurial outcomes – a study of refugees in Uganda
Authors: Baluku Martin Mabunda , Wambi Eria , Otto Kathleen
Published: January 2025

Purpose

With the continued influx of refugees, entrepreneurship is increasingly becoming a viable avenue for refugee socioeconomic integration. The paper examines the effects of mindfulness, refugees’ perceptions of the host community and social capital on refugees’ entrepreneurial abilities, intentions and success.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses data from two studies conducted in refugee settlements in Uganda. Study 1 used a sample of 395 refugees, while Study 2 used a sample of 181 refugee entrepreneurs. Serial mediation analyses were conducted for both studies using the PROCESS Macro.

Findings

As hypothesized, mindfulness, perceptions of the host community and social capital were significantly correlated to refugees’ entrepreneurial self-efficacy, alertness and intentions. Mindfulness and perceptions were further correlated with perceived entrepreneurial success. The serial mediation hypothesis of the effects of mindfulness on entrepreneurial self-efficacy, alertness and intentions via refugees’ perception of the host community and social capital was supported. On the other hand, whereas refugees’ perceptions of the host community mediated the effects of mindfulness on entrepreneurial success, social capital did not.

Social implications

The study suggests that socioeconomic integration policies, processes and interventions, especially those promoting refugee entrepreneurship, should pay close attention to the social perceptions between the refugees and the host communities.

Originality/value

The paper provides insights into how mindfulness and perceptions of the host community influence refugees’ social capital and, consequently, their entrepreneurial ability and outcomes. The study suggests that the nature and quality of the social capital of refugees in less developed countries should be given further attention.
CEO narcissism and financial performance: the role of corporate social responsibility
Authors: Anita Rizqa , Widya Rahma , Abdillah Muhammad Rasyid , Hadiyati Hadiyati , Zakaria Nor Balkish
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study investigates the intricate relationship between chief executive officer (CEO) narcissism, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and financial performance, focusing on the Indonesian business context. Leveraging upper-echelons theory, the research posits that CEO narcissism significantly predicts both CSR initiatives and firms' financial performance. Additionally, it explores CSR as a potential mediator in the link between CEO narcissism and financial performance, with particular focus on the CEO’s involvement in recommending CSR activities.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 644 observations was analyzed, revealing that narcissistic CEOs tend to lead firms with higher CSR engagement, which in turn is positively related to financial performance as measured by Tobin’s Q.

Findings

Regression models indicate that while CEO narcissism directly related to firm performance, the inclusion of CSR as a variable significantly strengthens this relationship. The indirect association analysis further confirms that CSR mediates the relationship between CEO narcissism on firm performance.

Originality/value

These findings contribute to the literature by elucidating the dual relationship of CEO narcissism on organizational outcomes and by highlighting the role of CSR in enhancing financial performance. This study also underscores the importance of considering cultural and institutional contexts in understanding the dynamics between executive personality traits and corporate strategies.
Maturity of risk management in agricultural supply chains
Authors: Scopel Ezequiel , Moreira Vilmar Rodrigues , Ferraresi Alex Antônio
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the maturity level in the strategic risk management of an agricultural cooperative’s supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive qualitative research approach was employed for a case study. Four interview scripts were administered to 15 stakeholders within the supply chain and subjected to content analysis.

Findings

The findings reveal 23 strategic risks in the supply chain, whereas the maturity assessment identified five dimensions at the “Defined” level and two at the “Fragmented” level. To elevate the risk management maturity, this paper delineated 22 intervention actions.

Research limitations/implications

The theoretical contribution is the presentation of the various maturity assessment models and how they can be employed in studies on agribusiness supply chain risks.

Practical implications

Managerial implications underscore the formal establishment of a risk governance unit, the appointment of a Chief Risk Officer (CRO) and the constitution of an interdisciplinary risk management committee.

Social implications

Cooperatives contribute to adding value to rural production in many regions and project small and medium-sized producers in global markets. They play an economic and social role, promoting fair prices and providing services to members and the community. Efficient risk management can contribute to fostering the social role of cooperatives.

Originality/value

No maturity model for risk management in agribusiness supply chains is listed in the literature. This study can contribute to the development of such maturity models.
The Sociology of Exclusion: A Knowledge Synthesis of Imperialism, Colonialism, and Postcolonialism in Accounting Research*
Authors: Ufodike Akolisa
Published: January 2025

The ways in which accountancy (accounting, accountability, and accountants) has been a device of imperialism, colonialism, and postcolonialism, and therefore has had deleterious effects on Indigenous peoples in former colonies and continues to negatively impact immigrants in postcolonial OECD countries, is under‐researched. This structured literature review synthesizes studies in the accounting literature that have investigated imperialism, colonialism, and postcolonialism and identifies opportunities for future research. This study is part of a broader research project that reviewed 161 articles on accounting and discrimination. This article, based on 65 of the articles reviewed for the broader project, discusses existing knowledge on imperialism, colonialism, and postcolonialism. The author finds that the exclusion of Indigenous peoples in colonial times is shaped by perpetual oppressive relations. In the postcolonial United States and Old Commonwealth countries (Canada, Australia, and New Zealand), these power relations are sustained by professions through the continuing exclusion of racialized people and immigrants, many from previous colonies. This study proposes future research directions to advance the decolonization of accounting research by foregrounding alternative perspectives of Indigeneity—such as Black Indigeneity—and enabling accounting scholars to confront the various subthemes of imperialism and postcolonialism in accounting, including Western accounting and accountability, professionalization, emancipatory accounting, and Indigenous knowledge and accounts.
Accuracy of nursing diagnoses identified at admission and discharge of patients with decompensated heart failure
Authors: da Silva Alves Souza Larissa Maiara , Cavalcante Agueda Maria Ruiz Zimmer , de Oliveira Lopes Marcos Venícios , De Oliveira Ana Paula Dias , Rossi Laura , da Silva Viviane Martins , de Barros Alba Lucia Bottura Leite
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To determine the accuracy of nursing diagnoses at hospital admission and discharge for patients with heart failure (HF).

Methods

This comparative study examined the documentation in 155 medical records of patients with an admitting diagnosis of HF during August 2018 and July 2019. An audit tool was used to record the diagnoses made by nurses during routine care at the time of admission and discharge. Two researchers (L.S. and A.C.) examined the records and evaluated the documented nursing diagnoses using the Nursing Diagnosis Accuracy Scale version 2. Kappa was used for agreement between them. Patient social and clinical characteristics were described using percentages, absolute frequencies, means, and standard deviations.

Findings

A total of 18 unique nursing diagnoses were identified across the 155 patients. Among the 754 nursing diagnoses recorded, 85% of those identified at admission (n = 644) were deemed highly accurate. At discharge, of the 527 diagnoses recorded, 66% (n = 349) were rated as highly accurate. Excess fluid volume was the most common diagnosis (85% at admission, 49% at discharge). Three risk diagnoses were frequent at both points: risk for infection, risk for falls, and risk for decreased cardiac output. Agreement between evaluators ranged from Κ = 0.234 to 1.00.

Conclusions

Greater agreement in nursing diagnoses at discharge likely reflects ongoing patient monitoring. Persistent diagnoses at discharge highlight the need for continued nursing care post‐discharge.

Implications for nursing practice

This study encourages nurses to improve clinical evaluation for HF patients from admission to discharge. As key clinical indicators are identified, nurses can improve the accuracy of their diagnoses and plan more effective interventions to achieve positive health outcomes and reduce unnecessary hospitalization.
Effect of Troughing on the Identification of the Second Mesiobuccal Canals With and Without Calcifications in Maxillary First Molars
Authors: Ertürk İlker Dinçer , Keleş Ali , Keskin Cangül
Published: January 2025

This study tested the impact of troughing on the detection rates of MB2 canals with and without calcifications. Traditional access cavities were prepared and the detection of MB2 canals was recorded in 200 maxillary molars selected based on micro‐CT scans. In specimens, the MB2 orifice was not detected; troughing was performed. The number of negotiated MB2 with and without troughing was compared with micro‐CT using McNemar's test. After traditional access cavity preparation without troughing, the operator detected MB2 in 142 specimens (82%). Troughing of the remaining specimens led to the further identification of 16 MB2 canals, increasing detection rate to 91%. Troughing significantly improved the detection rate of non‐calcified MB2s (p < 0.05) but did not significantly impact the detection of calcified MB2 canals (p > 0.05). While troughing is highly effective in enhancing MB2 canal detection in non‐calcified canals, it may be limited in cases where calcification is present.
Clinical impact of the Z0011 trial on axillary surgical management in Australia and New Zealand from the BreastSurgANZ Quality Audit
Authors: Zhao Christine , Sriram Nina , Hitos Kerry , Hughes T Michael , Ngui Nicholas
Published: January 2025

Background

The clinical management of the axilla in early breast cancer has changed since the Z0011 trial, which showed that axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is not necessary in select patients with a positive sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). Studies have shown a significant decrease in the rates of completion ALND (cALND) since Z0011. The aims of this study were to investigate the effect of the Z0011 trial on the management of positive axillary sentinel nodes and the trends in axillary surgical management since 2005 in Australia and New Zealand.

Methods

This study utilized prospectively maintained data from the BreastSurgANZ Quality Audit (BQA). Patients with early breast cancer between 2005 and 2023 satisfying the Z0011 trial inclusion criteria undergoing SLNB or SLNB followed by cALND were identified.

Results

There were 91 196 patients who underwent breast‐conserving surgery and SLNB of which 12 035 were node positive therefore satisfying the Z0011 trial inclusion criteria, of which 8194 (68.1%) received SLNB only with no cALND. There has been a 55.4% reduction in the rate of cALND after 2010 when the Z0011 trial was published (P < 0.001). There was a significant downward trend in the number of cALND performed per year (R2 = 0.890, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The Z0011 trial was a practice changing trial and since its publication in 2010 has been correlated with de‐escalation in surgical management of the axilla and decline in the rates of cALND in Australia and New Zealand.
Patient and tumour characteristics in older patients (70 years or older) undergoing transperineal prostate biopsy: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lim Sean , Soroush Shayan , Wei Gavin , Harper Matthew , Donnellan Scott , Ranasinghe Weranja
Published: January 2025

Backgrounds

PSA screening is advocated in men with a life expectancy of >10 years. With a rising mean life expectancy of 81 years in Australia, many men in their 70s have life expectancies of >10 years. Additionally, advanced age is an independent risk factor for high grade prostate cancer. Hence, we aimed to identify patient and disease characteristics and outcomes of men >70 years undergoing transperineal prostate biopsies (TPB) for suspected prostate cancer.

Methods

All patients aged 70 years old and above who underwent TPB for suspected prostate cancer between 1st January 2019 and 1st July 2022 at a large tertiary centre were identified. Data including patient Charlson Comorbidity Indices (CCI), pre‐operative PSA, Multiparametric prostate MRI (mpMRI), histopathological results, subsequent intervention, and treatment intent (curative vs palliative) were obtained via scanned and electronic medical records.

Results

Of 229 patients, median age was 74 years and 72.5% patients had a CCI of ≤4 (>53% estimated 10‐year survival). 80.8% were diagnosed with prostate cancer and 65.9% had ISUP ≥ 2 disease. 86.4% of patients with PIRADS 4 or 5 lesions resulted in clinically significant prostate cancer. 3.9% had mild biopsy complications. 76.8% of those with prostate cancer underwent treatment with curative intent.

Conclusion

Men >70 years of age have a higher risk of clinically significant prostate cancer and low biopsy risk. Hence, many may benefit from early diagnosis and treatment. Decision on screening and further investigation should be based on assessment of individual risks, benefits and life expectancy.
Predictors for Development of Asphyxiated Neonates Treated With Therapeutic Hypothermia
Authors: Kühne Fabienne , de Chamorro Nina Wald , Glasmeyer Laura , Grigoryev Maria , Shing Yee Lee , Buss Claudia , Bührer Christoph , Kaindl Angela M.
Published: January 2025

Aim

To describe the long‐term neurodevelopmental outcomes of asphyxiated neonates treated with hypothermia in association with neonatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings.

Methods

We evaluated, retrospectively, clinical and radiological single‐centre data at 0, 2, and 5 years of age of 53 asphyxiated neonates born between 2005 and 2015. Neonatal cranial MRI was re‐evaluated using the Weeke score ranging from 0 (normal finding) to 55 (cerebral devastation) by a single neuroradiologist blinded to patient outcomes. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were evaluated using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID) at 2 years, and tests assessing intellectual performance at 5 years of age.

Results

Of the 191 asphyxiated neonates treated with hypothermia, 53 returned for their 5‐year follow‐up. There were 10 children with MRI scores ≥ 10, all of whom had epilepsy, 9 had severe cognitive impairment, and 9 had cerebral palsy. In contrast, MRI scores < 10 were poorly predictive of later development. BSID at 2 years of age showed good correlation with IQ scores at 5 years of age (Rs = 0.58, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The Weeke score can be used to identify severely impaired children in the neonatal period. In contrast, the neurocognitive test results at 2 years of age were indicative of mild or moderate impairment at 5 years of age.
Misses and Near Misses in Paediatric Appendicitis: An Eight‐Year, Single‐Centre Retrospective Review
Authors: Scheier Eric , Zvis Walid Abu , Borsekofsky Sarah
Published: January 2025

Aim

Diagnostic error can result in the appendectomy of a normal appendix, commonly known as negative appendectomy (NA). Missed appendicitis (MA) is related to a poor outcome. The aim of this study was to determine whether there are factors in presentation associated with NA or MA.

Methods

This is a single‐centre, retrospective chart review of histology‐confirmed appendicitis over an eight‐year period. We defined MA as appendicitis diagnosed within the week of a paediatric emergency department discharge for a similar presentation. Negative appendectomy was defined as a histologic examination of the appendix that lacked signs of inflammation.

Results

A total of 845 children had appendicitis on pathologic examination. NA included 69 children, and MA 29 children. Inflammatory markers were lower for children with NA than for children with appendicitis, and children with NA were less likely to undergo CT. Almost half of the children with MA were discharged without laboratory evaluation, and almost three quarters were discharged without imaging evaluation. Half of the children with MA returned with complicated appendicitis.

Conclusion

Increased rates of laboratory and/or imaging evaluations in patients with abdominal pain or non‐classic gastroenteritis, along with observation or early follow‐up, may decrease MA. More frequent use of ultrasound and MRI may keep the NA rate to a minimum.
Curative Parathyroidectomy in Primary Hyperparathyroidism Improves Both Systolic and Diastolic Cardiac Dysfunction: A Six‐Month Follow‐Up Study at a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Qadir Ajaz , Purra Sameer , Misgar Raiz Ahmad , Chhabra Ankit , Shah Shahnawaz , Wani Arshad Iqbal , Bashir Mir Iftikhar
Published: January 2025

Background

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is associated with hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, and myocardial and valvular calcifications, leading to increased mortality rates. While the association between PHPT and diastolic dysfunction has been well‐documented, data on systolic dysfunction and its reversal after curative parathyroidectomy (PTX) remains limited.

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of PTX on cardiovascular parameters, especially systolic dysfunction, in PHPT patients using conventional and speckle‐tracking echocardiography (STE).

Methods

This prospective study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital from August 2016 to September 2019; 59 patients underwent successful PTX based on standard criteria, with 58 completing the study. Preoperative and 6‐month postoperative biochemical and cardiovascular evaluations, including echocardiography, were performed. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) was assessed using speckle‐tracking echocardiography (STE).

Results

The mean age of subjects was 45.2 ± 10.4 years with a male‐to‐female ratio of 1.5:1. Normalization of serum calcium and phosphorus with significant reductions in serum intact PTH, alkaline phosphate, total cholesterol, HDL, and uric acid levels (p ≤ 0.0001) were seen after curative PTX. Echocardiographic evaluations significantly improved diastolic parameters, including E velocity (cm/s) and E/A(atrial) ratio. Systolic dysfunction also showed significant improvement on conventional echocardiography and STE, as evidenced by reduced left ventricular (LV) mass, ejection fraction (EF), and postoperative GLS. Although a relative drop in EF was noted postprocedure, STE findings suggested a significant improvement in systolic dysfunction, signifying GLS as a more appropriate means of assessing systolic dysfunction. Serum PTH demonstrated a strong positive correlation (r = 0.638, p < 0.001) with changes in GLS, while serum calcium showed a weak correlation (r = 0.291, p = 0.027) with changes in GLS following surgery.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates significant improvements in diastolic and systolic functions, as evidenced by conventional echocardiography and STE, and suggests that PTX benefits cardiovascular health in PHPT patients.
Constrained Spectral Uplifting for HDR Environment Maps
Authors: Tódová L. , Wilkie A.
Published: January 2025

Spectral representation of assets is an important precondition for achieving physical realism in rendering. However, defining assets by their spectral distribution is complicated and tedious. Therefore, it has become general practice to create RGB assets and convert them into their spectral counterparts prior to rendering. This process is called spectral uplifting. While a multitude of techniques focusing on reflectance uplifting exist, the current state of the art of uplifting emission for image‐based lighting consists of simply scaling reflectance uplifts. Although this is usable insofar as the obtained overall scene appearance is not unrealistic, the generated emission spectra are only metamers of the original illumination. This, in turn, can cause deviations from the expected appearance even if the rest of the scene corresponds to real‐world data. In a recent publication, we proposed a method capable of uplifting HDR environment maps based on spectral measurements of light sources similar to those present in the maps. To identify the illuminants, we employ an extensive set of emission measurements, and we combine the results with an existing reflectance uplifting method. In addition, we address the problem of environment map capture for the purposes of a spectral rendering pipeline, for which we propose a novel solution. We further extend this work with a detailed evaluation of the method, both in terms of improved colour error and performance.
Intraoperative Hemodynamic Monitoring and Prediction of Early Allograft Dysfunction Following Living Donor Liver Transplantation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Brown Audrey E. , Roberts John
Published: January 2025

Background

Multiple intraoperative hemodynamic parameters are associated with an increased risk of early allograft dysfunction (EAD) following living donor liver transplantation (LDLT); however, there is significant center‐to‐center variability in terms of which parameters are used. We sought to determine which intraoperative hemodynamic parameters are most predictive of EAD following LDLT.

Methods

This is a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO ID: CRD42023409711). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were used to compare predictive parameters.

Results

A total of 4399 articles were identified from 3 large, international databases (PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science). Eighteen articles fit the inclusion criteria. The most commonly evaluated hemodynamic parameter was the postreperfusion portal venous pressure (PVP). A postreperfusion PVP of <15–20 mmHg was consistently associated with lower rates of EAD and, in some cases, improvements in patient survival. Other hemodynamic parameters evaluated included portal venous flow, hepatic arterial flow, portal venous velocities, and the hyperperfusion index.

Conclusion

Hemodynamic measurements indicative of portal hyperperfusion, especially elevated PVP, have been consistently associated with the development of EAD. Intraoperative hemodynamics should be monitored on all LDLT recipients, with portal inflow modulation procedures indicated if portal hyperperfusion is present.
Sarcopenia As a Predictor of Survival and Complications of Patients With Cirrhosis After Liver Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Markakis George E. , Lai Jennifer C. , Karakousis Nikolaos D. , Papatheodoridis George V. , Psaltopoulou Theodora , Merli Manuela , Sergentanis Theodoros N. , Cholongitas Evangelos
Published: January 2025

Introduction

This systematic review/meta‐analysis evaluated the impact of sarcopenia in patients with cirrhosis before liver transplantation (LT) on outcomes after LT.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in six medical databases until February 2022. The primary outcome was overall mortality after LT, while several secondary outcomes including liver graft survival and rejection, the need for transfusions, the length of the intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay, and surgical complications were evaluated. Sub‐group analyses and meta‐regression analyses were also performed.

Results

Fifty‐three studies were evaluated in the systematic review, of which 30, including 5875 patients, were included in the meta‐analysis. All studies included were cohort studies of good/high quality on the Newcastle‐Ottawa scale (NOS), while in our analysis no publication bias was found, although there was substantial heterogeneity between the studies. Muscle mass was assessed using skeletal muscle index (SMI) in 14 studies, psoas muscle area (PMA) in seven studies, and psoas muscle index (PMI) in four studies. The prevalence of pre‐LT sarcopenia ranged from 14.7% to 88.3%. Pre‐LT sarcopenia was significantly associated with post‐LT mortality (Relative Risk [RR] = 1.84, 95% CI:1.41,2.39), as well as with a high risk of infections post‐LT, surgical complications, fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusions, and ICU length of stay (LOS).

Conclusions

Pre‐LT sarcopenia in patients with cirrhosis is a strong risk factor for clinically meaningful adverse outcomes after LT. Assessment may help identify patients at the highest risk for poor outcomes who may benefit from targeted interventions.
Risk Factors and Outcomes of Invasive Candida Infections in Heart Transplant Recipients: A Case‐Control Study
Authors: Alsoubani Majd , Vazquez Gabriela Andujar , Strand Andrew , Doron Shira , Chow Jennifer
Published: January 2025

Background

Invasive Candida infections (ICI) are the most common invasive fungal infections in solid organ transplant recipients. There are limited contemporary data on the risk factors for infection in heart transplant (HT) recipients especially since the expansion of temporary mechanical circulatory support (MCS) use.

Methods

This was a case‐control study conducted at a tertiary care academic hospital of HT recipients from January 2022 to January 2024. All patients who developed ICI by the detection of Candida species from a normally sterile site were included as cases. Four controls who underwent HT, two before the case and two after the case, were selected. ​Fisher's exact or Mann‐U‐Whitney tests were used for the analysis.

Results

There were 12 cases and 48 controls out of a total of 117 transplants during the study period​. The proportion of ICI was 10.6%. The median time to ICI from transplant was 16 days (IQR 10, 83). The most common organisms isolated were Candida parapsilosis and Candida albicans. The majority of infections were mediastinitis. Risk factors for ICI included receipt of antibiotics for more than 7 days within 1 month prior to transplant (58.3% vs. 22.9%, p = 0.03), tracheostomy (41.7% vs. 10.4%, p = 0.02), prolonged chest tube placement (13 vs. 9 days, p = 0.02), and temporary MCS (p = 0.042). Patients who developed ICI had increased 90‐day all‐cause mortality compared to controls (33.3% vs. 4.2%, p = 0.01).

Conclusion

This study identified several risk factors for ICI following HT. Further research is essential to develop interventions that mitigate these risk factors in this patient population.