bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative prebiotic potential of galacto- and fructo-oligosaccharides, native inulin, and acacia gum in Kenyan infant gut microbiota during iron supplementation
Authors: Momo Cabrera Paula , Rachmühl Carole , Derrien Muriel , Bourdet-Sicard Raphaëlle , Lacroix Christophe , Geirnaert Annelies
Published: March 2024

Iron fortification to prevent anemia in African infants increases colonic iron levels, favoring the growth of enteropathogens. The use of prebiotics may be an effective strategy to reduce these detrimental effects. Using the African infant PolyFermS gut model, we compared the effect of the prebiotics short-chain galacto- with long-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (scGOS/lcFOS) and native inulin, and the emerging prebiotic acacia gum, a branched-polysaccharide–protein complex consisting of arabinose and galactose, during iron supplementation on four Kenyan infant gut microbiota. Iron supplementation did not alter the microbiota but promoted Clostridioides difficile in one microbiota. The prebiotic effect of scGOS/lcFOS and inulin was confirmed during iron supplementation in all investigated Kenyan infant gut microbiota, leading to higher abundance of bifidobacteria, increased production of acetate, propionate, and butyrate, and a significant shift in microbiota composition compared to non-supplemented microbiota. The abundance of the pathogens Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens was also inhibited upon addition of the prebiotic fibers. Acacia gum had no effect on any of the microbiota. In conclusion, scGOS/lcFOS and inulin, but not acacia gum, showed a donor-independent strong prebiotic potential in Kenyan infant gut microbiota. This study demonstrates the relevance of comparing fibers in vitro prior to clinical studies.
Severe astigmatism secondary to large intraocular lens pantoscopic tilt because of a malpositioned haptic following cataract surgery
Authors: Au Eong Jonathan T W , Tsai Jarryl H J , Au Eong Kah-Guan
Published: March 2024

An 80-year-old woman presented with painless blurring of vision and monocular diplopia in her left eye following routine phacoemulsification and monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) implantation 5 weeks earlier. Her uncorrected visual acuity (VA) was 6/60 correctable with pinhole to 6/21. Her best-corrected VA was 6/15 with a subjective refraction of −0.50DS/−5.25DCx37. Her corneal astigmatism was −1.25DCx74. Ophthalmic examination disclosed a severely tilted single-piece posterior chamber IOL in the capsular bag. The inferior portion of the optic was tilted posteriorly because of a twisted and malpositioned haptic. The patient underwent remedial surgery to untwist and reposition the IOL haptic which led to immediate improvement of the IOL position. Her uncorrected VA improved to 6/12−2 correctable with pinhole to 12+1 with an autorefraction of +0.25DS/−2.00DCx74 on the first postoperative day. One month postoperatively, her best-corrected VA was 6/12 with a refraction of +0.50DS/−2.50DCx82. Her final vision was limited by myopic macular degeneration.
Interviewer biases in medical survey data: The example of blood pressure measurements
Authors: Geldsetzer Pascal , Chang Andrew Young , Meijer Erik , Sudharsanan Nikkil , Charu Vivek , Kramlinger Peter , Haarburger Richard
Published: March 2024

Health agencies rely upon survey-based physical measures to estimate the prevalence of key global health indicators such as hypertension. Such measures are usually collected by nonhealthcare worker personnel and are potentially subject to measurement error due to variations in interviewer technique and setting, termed “interviewer effects.” In the context of physical measurements, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, interviewer-induced biases have not yet been examined. Using blood pressure as a case study, we aimed to determine the relative contribution of interviewer effects on the total variance of blood pressure measurements in three large nationally representative health surveys from the Global South. We utilized 169,681 observations between 2008 and 2019 from three health surveys (Indonesia Family Life Survey, National Income Dynamics Study of South Africa, and Longitudinal Aging Study in India). In a linear mixed model, we modeled systolic blood pressure as a continuous dependent variable and interviewer effects as random effects alongside individual factors as covariates. To quantify the interviewer effect-induced uncertainty in hypertension prevalence, we utilized a bootstrap approach comparing subsamples of observed blood pressure measurements to their adjusted counterparts. Our analysis revealed that the proportion of variation contributed by interviewers to blood pressure measurements was statistically significant but small: ∼0.24−−2.2% depending on the cohort. Thus, hypertension prevalence estimates were not substantially impacted at national scales. However, individual extreme interviewers could account for measurement divergences as high as 12%. Thus, highly biased interviewers could have important impacts on hypertension estimates at the subdistrict level.
Functional bio-inspired hybrid fliers with separated ring and leading edge vortices
Authors: Kim Jin-Tae , Yoon Hong-Joon , Cheng Shyuan , Liu Fei , Kang Soohyeon , Paudel Shashwot , Cho Donghwi , Luan Haiwen , Lee Minkyu , Jeong Gooyoon , Park Jaehong , Huang Yu-Ting , Lee Su Eon , Cho Min , Lee Geonhee , Han Mengdi , Kim Bong Hoon , Yan Jinhui , Park Yoonseok , Jung Sunghwan , Chamorro Leonardo P , Rogers John A
Published: March 2024

Recent advances in passive flying systems inspired by wind-dispersed seeds contribute to increasing interest in their use for remote sensing applications across large spatial domains in the Lagrangian frame of reference. These concepts create possibilities for developing and studying structures with performance characteristics and operating mechanisms that lie beyond those found in nature. Here, we demonstrate a hybrid flier system, fabricated through a process of controlled buckling, to yield unusual geometries optimized for flight. Specifically, these constructs simultaneously exploit distinct fluid phenomena, including separated vortex rings from features that resemble those of dandelion seeds and the leading-edge vortices derived from behaviors of maple seeds. Advanced experimental measurements and computational simulations of the aerodynamics and induced flow physics of these hybrid fliers establish a concise, scalable analytical framework for understanding their flight mechanisms. Demonstrations with functional payloads in various forms, including bioresorbable, colorimetric, gas-sensing, and light-emitting platforms, illustrate examples with diverse capabilities in sensing and tracking.
Fibroblast growth factor 7 protects osteoblasts against oxidative damage through targeting mitochondria
Authors: Liu Xiaoyu , Hu Xuchen , Niu Chenguang , Yang Yueyi , Huang Zhengwei , Xie Jing
Published: March 2024

The pathophysiology of osteoporosis is significantly influenced by the impaired functioning of osteoblasts, which is particularly caused by oxidative stress. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon are still not well understood. The objective of this study was to elucidate the impact of fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF7) on the behavior of osteoblasts under conditions of oxidative stress. The osteoblast‐like MC3T3 cells were pretreated with recombinant FGF7 in the presence of oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). We first provided the evidence that the endogenous FGF7 was significantly increased in osteoblasts in response to the increased H2O2 levels. Recombined FGF7 demonstrated a remarkable capacity to resist the detrimental effects of H2O2‐induced oxidative stress, including the increase in cell apoptosis, decrease in osteoblast viability, and impairment in osteogenic differentiation capacity, on osteoblasts. Furthermore, we extensively explored the mechanism underlying these protective effects and discovered a remarkable modulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis in H2O2‐treated cells following the pronounced expression of FGF7, which significantly differed from the control group. Additionally, we observed that FGF7 exerted partial preservation on both the morphology and function of mitochondria when exposed to oxidative stress conditions. Furthermore, FGF7 exhibited the ability to enhance the activation of the p38/MAPK signaling pathway while concurrently suppressing the JNK/MAPK signaling pathway in response to oxidative stress. These results underscore the promising role and underlying mechanisms of FGF7 in preserving osteoblast homeostasis in the face of oxidative stress.
CL‐11 circulates in serum as functionally distinct isoforms
Authors: Sutta Adrian , Leemans Nelia Nina , Ploug Michael , Rosbjerg Anne , del Agua Villa Christian , Pérez‐Alós Laura , Cyranka Leon , Vincek Adam S. , de Garay Tomás , Rivera Keith , Bayarri‐Olmos Rafael
Published: March 2024

Collectin‐11 (CL‐11) is a pattern recognition molecule of the lectin pathway capable of interacting with collectin‐10 (CL‐10) and the MASPs to activate the complement cascade. Alternative splicing of the COLEC11 gene gives rise to two different isoforms found in serum (A and D). These isoforms vary in the length of their collagen‐like region, which is involved in the stabilization of the trimeric subunit and the interaction with the MASPs. Here we aim at elucidating the biological differences of naturally occurring CL‐11 isoforms A and D. We produced recombinant CL‐11 as independent isoforms (CL‐11A and CL‐11D) and together with CL‐10 (CL‐10/11A, CL‐10/11D). Both CL‐11 isoforms associated with CL‐10, but CL‐11D did so to a lesser extent. CL‐10/11 heterocomplexes were composed of trimeric subunits of CL‐10 and CL‐11, as opposed to CL‐10 and CL‐11 homotrimers. Heterocomplexes were more stable and migrated with higher apparent molecular weights. Immunoprecipitation of serum CL‐11 and subsequent mass spectrometry analysis confirmed that native CL‐11 circulates in the form of CL‐10/11 heterocomplexes that associate with MASP‐1, and MASP‐3, but not necessarily MASP‐2. Despite a shorter collagen region, CL‐11D was capable to bind to the MASPs, suggesting that the missing exon 4 is not required for MASP association CL‐11D had a reduced ligand binding compared to full‐length CL‐11A. Based on its reduced ability to oligomerize, form CL‐10/11 heterocomplexes, and bind to ligands, we hypothesize that CL‐11D may have a limited complement activation potential compared to full‐length CL‐11A.
The effects of virtual reality neuroscience-based therapy on clinical and neuroimaging outcomes in patients with chronic back pain: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Čeko Marta , Baeuerle Tassilo , Webster Lynn , Wager Tor D. , Lumley Mark A.
Published: March 2024

Chronic pain remains poorly managed. The integration of immersive technologies (ie, virtual reality [VR]) with neuroscience-based principles may provide effective pain treatment by targeting cognitive and affective neural processes that maintain pain and therefore potentially changing neurobiological circuits associated with pain chronification and amplification. We tested the effectiveness of a novel VR neuroscience-based therapy (VRNT) to improve pain-related outcomes in n = 31 participants with chronic back pain, evaluated against usual care (waitlist control; n = 30) in a 2-arm randomized clinical trial (NCT04468074
). We also conducted pre-treatment and post-treatment MRI to test whether VRNT affects brain networks previously linked to chronic pain and treatment effects. Compared with the control condition, VRNT led to significantly reduced pain intensity (g = 0.63) and pain interference (g = 0.84) at post-treatment vs pre-treatment, with effects persisting at 2-week follow-up. These improvements were partially mediated by reduced kinesiophobia and pain catastrophizing. Several secondary clinical outcomes were also improved by VRNT, including disability, quality of life, sleep, and fatigue. In addition, VRNT was associated with increases in dorsomedial prefrontal functional connectivity with the superior somatomotor, anterior prefrontal and visual cortices, and decreased white matter fractional anisotropy in the corpus callosum adjacent to the anterior cingulate, relative to the control condition. Thus, VRNT showed preliminary efficacy in significantly reducing pain and improving overall functioning, possibly through changes in somatosensory and prefrontal brain networks.
Normothermic regional perfusion procurement for abdominal organ donors: techniques and troubleshooting
Authors: Silpe Stephanie , Martinez Eric , Wall Anji
Published: March 2024

Purpose of review

Normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) is a novel procurement technique for donation after circulatory death (DCD) in the United States. It was pioneered by cardiothoracic surgery programs and is now being applied to abdominal-only organ donors by abdominal transplant programs. Multiple technical approaches can be used for abdominal-only NRP DCD donors and this review describes these techniques.

Recent findings

NRP has been associated with higher utilization of organs, particularly liver and heart grafts, from DCD donors and with better recipient outcomes. There are lower rates of delayed graft function in kidney transplant recipients and lower rates of ischemic cholangiopathy in liver transplant recipients. These benefits are driving increased interest from abdominal transplant programs in using NRP for DCD procurements.

This paper describes the technical aspects of NRP DCD that allow for maximization of its use based on different donor and policy characteristics.
Catastrophic skin necrosis after total knee arthroplasty: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Hoveidaei Amir Human , Zafari Hamidreza , Mirghaderi Peyman , Ghadimi Ehsan , Mortazavi SM Javad
Published: March 2024

Introduction and importance:

There have been few cases of post total knee arthroplasty (TKA) skin necrosis reported. Here, the authors present our patient with skin necrosis post TKA on account of its extreme rarity, considerable risk factors, and importance of its treatment

Case:

This is a cautionary report on the rule of including previous single longitudinal incision in surgical approach. The authors included previous medial incision in ours and performed arthroplasty through medial parapatellar incisions. After noticing skin necrosis in front of patella, reoperation including flap and skin graft was done, leading to complete recovery.

Clinical discussion:

While skin necrosis post TKA is not common, it can be present in high-risk patients who should be considered for a decrease in their risk factors. Preoperatively, underlying diseases should be under control. Intraoperation risk factors, in particular incision selection, and considerations about lateral retinacular release are important

Conclusion:

A balance must be achieved between the ability to expose the knee through a prior incision and avoiding extensive undermining of the subcutaneous flaps in patients with previous knee surgery. It may be a better approach to ignore medial incisions and use the classic midline incision.
Cytarabine-induced peripheral neuropathy in a young patient with acute myeloid leukemia: a case report
Authors: Karki Kshitiz , Adhikari Sugat , Shrestha Suraj , Bhandari Jenish , Baral Bidisha , Baral Aastha
Published: March 2024

Introduction and importance:

Cytarabine, a pyrimidine analogue, is commonly used to treat multiple haematological conditions, such as acute leukaemias and lymphomas. One of the rare and less reported complications of cytarabine is peripheral neuropathy, in which peripheral nerves are damaged, often causing weakness, numbness, and pain, usually in the hands and feet.

Case presentation:

The authors report the case of a 17-year-old male who developed a gradual onset of weakness and sensory loss in all four limbs during treatment with a conventional dose of cytarabine for acute myeloid leukaemia. Cytarabine was discontinued after the development of symptoms, and his motor and sensory functions gradually improved over the course of 3 months.

Clinical discussion:

Alongside some well-known side effects of cytarabine, including bone marrow suppression, cerebellar syndrome, and cardiotoxicity, peripheral neuropathy is one of the uncommon side effects of cytarabine. Diagnosis includes identifying and grading the severity of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) through clinical assessment and nerve conduction studies. Management includes withdrawing the chemotherapeutic agent and supportive treatment with drugs such as duloxetine. Recent studies also favour the use of acupuncture and sensorimotor-based exercise intervention for the management of CIPN.

Methods:

This case report has been prepared in line with the SCARE 2023 criteria.

Conclusion:

Although rare, even a conventional dosage of cytarabine can cause peripheral neuropathy, and routine neuromuscular examinations can help in the early diagnosis and intervention to limit further progression and reverse the course of the disease.
ST2 levels and neurodegenerative diseases: is this a significant relation?
Authors: Arora Himanshu , Javed Binish , Kutikuppala L V Simhachalam , Chaurasia Mayuri , Khullar Kaarvi , Kannan Shreevikaa , Golla Varshitha
Published: March 2024

Interleukin-33 (IL-33), belonging to the interleukin-1 cytokine family, has a decoy receptor soluble ST2 (sST2). IL-33 is found in oligodendrocytes and astrocytes and is involved in central nervous system healing and repair, whereas ST2 is found in microglia and astrocytes. Some studies have found a link between changes in the IL-33/ST2 pathway and neurodegenerative disorders. This review article investigates the relationship between the interleukin-33 (IL-33)/ST2 pathway and neurodegenerative disorders. It was discovered that soluble st2 levels were increased. Furthermore, IL-33 levels were found to be lower in many neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The association with other disorders, such as ankylosing spondylitis, multiple sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), was also observed. Various studies suggest that ST2/IL-33 signalling may be pivotal in the disease modulation of neurodegenerative disorders. The serum sST2 level test can be useful in determining the inflammatory status and severity of illness in many neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, we will discuss recent findings concerning the interleukin-33 (IL-33)/ST2 pathway and its role in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases with neurodegeneration.
A recurrence odontogenic keratocyst formation of mandible with distinctive features: a case report
Authors: Ali Mhammad , Ahmad Karam , Salloum Rabab , Atieh Amjad , Khalil Abdul-Karim
Published: March 2024

Introduction and importance:

Odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) is a distinctive form of developmental odontogenic cyst that deserves special consideration because of its specific clinical behaviour and histopathologic features. The clinical and radiographic features of OKC are indefinite; while some may be associated with pain, swelling or drainage, most of them are asymptomatic. This case reports rare radiographic and histopathological features of recurrence OKC.

Case presentation:

A 47-years-old male patient presented with a main complaint of a painful mass in the oral cavity with a history of previous lesions that occurred in the posterior portion of the mandible related to extraction of impacted third molar. The oral examination revealed a swelling in the molar region of the right mandible with lingual plate expansion. The radiographic and histopathologic were consistent with the diagnosis of OKC. Consequently, the lesion was surgically removed, and no clinical or radiological recurrence was observed during the 8-month postoperative follow-up.

Clinical discussion

This case explained the clinical differences between OKC and other lesions and highlights the distinctive radiologic and microscopic features that a conflict with previous studies concerning the symptoms that may related to naevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome, and revealed the proper treatment depending on the recurrence appearance and the treatment methods that used previously.

Conclusions

This case highlights a rare multilocular appearance of recurrent OKC in the mandible with no naevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome related, supports the marginal resection as an effective procedure in the management of recurrent OKCs cases.
Assessing bacterial prevalence and resistance in paediatric meningitis: safeguarding the central nervous system
Authors: Bhatti Sania , Chaurasia Bipin , Yaqoob Eesha , Ameer Jannat , Shehzad Yasir , Shahzad Khuram , Mahmood Ashraf , Scalia Gianluca , Umana Giuseppe Emmanuele , Javed Saad
Published: March 2024

Introduction:

Paediatric bacterial meningitis (PBM) represents a major contributor to childhood morbidity and mortality globally, with heightened susceptibility in low- and middle-income nations where antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is highly prevalent. Pakistan exemplifies this setting, with widespread antibiotic overuse driving AMR expansion. Thus, expediting PBM diagnosis and targeted antibiotic therapy is imperative yet challenged by the dynamic local epidemiology. This study aimed to delineate the recent bacterial etiologies and AMR profiles of PBM from a major Pakistani diagnostics laboratory to inform empirical treatment.

Materials and methods:

This prospective observational investigation evaluated PBM epidemiology in patients under 18 years old admitted to the study hospital. Standard cerebrospinal fluid analysis identified bacterial pathogens and antibiotic susceptibility patterns.

Results:

Among 171 PBM cases, 152 (88.9%) had bacterial isolates confirmed via culture. The cohort was 42.7% male with a mean age of 3 months. The most prevalent pathogens among infants younger than 3 months were Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecium, and Staphylococcus epidermidis, contrasting with S. epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus hominis predominating in older children. Staphylococcal isolates exhibited considerable penicillin and erythromycin resistance but maintained vancomycin and linezolid susceptibility. Other resistance patterns varied.

Conclusion:

These findings highlight the pressing threat of paediatric AMR in Pakistan, underscoring the need for vigilant AMR surveillance and judicious antimicrobial use. This study provides a reference to current PBM epidemiology to guide context-specific empirical therapy.
Enhanced Muscle Endurance Through Self-regulated Dual-Task Exercises in Elbow Fracture Rehabilitation: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Cruz-Montecinos Carlos , López-Bueno Laura , Núñez-Cortés Rodrigo , López-Bueno Rubén , Suso-Martí Luis , Méndez-Rebolledo Guillermo , Morral Antoni , Andersen Lars Louis , Casaña José , Calatayud Joaquín
Published: March 2024

Objective

The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of a self-regulated dual task on muscle endurance within a single rehabilitation session in patients recovering from an elbow fracture.

Design

This is a cross-sectional study of individuals recovering from elbow fractures (N = 20). Muscle endurance was tested using elastic bands at Borg’s CR10 intensity 3—during four conditions: single-task and dual-task for elbow flexion and extension.

Results

The cognitive condition significantly influenced muscle endurance (P < 0.001), while the type of elbow exercise (flexion or extension) did not show significant differences (P = 0.592). The perceived difficulty of the tasks showed a significant interaction effect (P = 0.032). The dual-task condition showed an average increase of about 15 repetitions. A moderate negative correlation was found between the differences in repetitions and the perceived difficulty of the flexion exercise (r = 0.677, P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Dual-task with self-regulation enhances muscle endurance among patients recovering from an elbow fracture. However, the improvements seem to depend on the perceived difficulty of the cognitive task. Future randomized controlled trials are required to understand the therapeutic implications of dual-tasking.
Teaching of Microsurgery and Supermicrosurgery for Residents
Authors: Onoda Satoshi , Tsukura Kahori , Taki Kyona , Satake Toshihiko
Published: March 2024

On the basis of our numerous years of experience in teaching residents without microsurgery experience and assisting in the initiation of microsurgery in clinical practice, we herein describe the general procedures and crucial aspects to consider regarding microsurgery and supermicrosurgery training for residents. The description focuses on training methods, surgical skills, and training time and effort. The target audience of the training is residents who have never performed microsurgery. We believe that any person, regardless of operative experience, can acquire the technique for microsurgery and supermicrosurgery by performing 4 to 5 hours of training per day over a total of 30 days within this program setting. Considering individual differences in learning and experience, the training can be completed in a shorter period by performing additional daily training. It is relatively simple for a well-trained microsurgeon to master the uncommon supermicrosurgery techniques. We hope that this report will help as many residents as possible in learning the art of (super)microsurgery.
Challenges during implant-assisted prosthetic rehabilitation in fibula reconstructed jaws and its management: a scoping review protocol
Authors: V N Krishnapriya , Ramanarayanan Venkitachalam , V Manju , Janakiram Chandrashekar , Subash Pramod , Iyer Subramania
Published: March 2024

Introduction:

Oral cancer is the sixth most prevalent cancer type worldwide. Patients are placed in a crippling predicament due to the functional and psychosocial difficulties brought on by the illness and its treatments. Both surgeons and maxillofacial prosthodontists may encounter challenges with reconstruction and therapy following cancer treatment. Over 20 years, the fibula has remained the mainstay of reconstructions for head and neck cancer. Maxillary and mandibular jaws with fibula reconstructions can use fixed or removable prosthetic rehabilitation solutions. The proposed scoping review aims to ascertain the volume and nature of evidence concerning the difficulties and corrective measures in the prosthetic rehabilitation of fibula-reconstructed head and neck cancer cases. The findings will aid in improving the prosthetic treatment care for the affected population.

Materials and Methods:

The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) scoping review protocol will be followed in developing and reporting the scoping review methodology. Methods to identify the relevant literature will involve the systematic search of databases like PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and gray literature sources for pertinent articles on the subject. Only papers published in English literature will be considered for the review, and the data collection period is limited to the past 20 years. The screening process will utilize defined inclusion/exclusion criteria for Title/Abstract and Full-text screening by two independent reviewers in covidence, and a third reviewer will resolve any conflicts. The data extracted will include specific details about the participants, concept, population, study methods, challenges encountered during prosthetic rehabilitation, and their management. Inductive thematic analysis and descriptive statistics will be applied where appropriate. The narrative synthesis of the evidence will be accomplished through data extraction in a tabular format, and the results will be presented as a narrative summary.
Implication of Neighborhood Deprivation Index on Pelvic Organ Prolapse Management
Authors: Alagh Amy , Ramm Olga , Lyon Liisa L. , Ritterman Weintraub Miranda L. , Shatkin-Margolis Abigail
Published: March 2024

Importance

Differences in the rate of diagnosis of POP have been described based on race and ethnicity; however, there are few data available on the management and treatment patterns of POP based on multiple factors of socioeconomic status and deprivation.

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate the association between pelvic organ prolapse (POP) management and the Neighborhood Deprivation Index (NDI), a standardized multidimensional measure of socioeconomic status.

Study Design

This retrospective cohort study included female members of a large integrated health care delivery system who were 18 years or older and had ≥4 years of continuous health care membership from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2019. Demographic, POP diagnosis, urogynecology consultation, and surgical treatment of POP were obtained from the electronic medical record. Neighborhood Deprivation Index data were extrapolated via zip code and were reported in quartiles, with higher quartiles reflecting greater deprivation. Descriptive, bivariate, and logistic regression analyses were conducted by NDI.

Results

Of 1,087,567 patients identified, 34,890 (3.2%) had a POP diagnosis. Q1, the least deprived group, had the highest prevalence of POP (26.3%). Most patients with POP identified as White (57.3%) and represented approximately a third of Q1. Black patients had the lowest rate of POP (5.8%) and comprised almost half of Q4, the most deprived quartile. A total of 13,730 patients (39.4%) had a urogynecology consultation, with rates ranging from 23.6% to 26.4% (P < 0.01). Less than half (12.8%) of patients with POP underwent surgical treatment, and the relative frequencies of procedure types were similar across NDI quartiles except for obliterative procedures (P = 0.01). When controlling for age, no clinically significant difference was demonstrated.

Conclusions

Differences in urogynecology consultation, surgical treatment, and surgical procedure type performed for prolapse across NDI quartiles were not found to be clinically significant. Our findings suggest that equitable evaluation and treatment of prolapse can occur through a membership-based integrated health care system.
Visual snow syndrome: recent advances in understanding the pathophysiology and potential treatment approaches
Authors: Aeschlimann Sarah A. , Klein Antonia , Schankin Christoph J.
Published: March 2024

Purpose of review

Visual snow syndrome (VSS) is a disorder characterized by persistent visual disturbances, including the visual snow phenomenon, palinopsia, heightened perception of entoptic phenomena, impaired night vision, and photophobia. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on recent findings over the past 18 months in VSS research and to summarize the current state of treatment approaches.

Recent findings

Electrophysiological studies have revealed cortical hyperresponsivity in visual brain areas, imaging studies demonstrated microstructural and functional connectivity alterations in multiple cortical and thalamic regions and investigated glutamatergic and serotoninergic neurotransmission. These findings suggest that VSS might be a network disorder.

Only few treatment studies are currently available demonstrating limited response to medication and even worsening or triggering of visual symptoms by certain antidepressants. Promising nonpharmacological treatments include mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, the use of chromatic filters, and research on visual noise adaption and neuro-optometric visual rehabilitation therapy (NORT). However, the level of evidence is still low and further research is needed including larger trials and involving objective m

easures of individual dysfunction.

Although there has been recent progress, we still have not fully understood the nature of VSS. Further research is needed on a clinical and pathophysiological level to successfully treat the condition.
Cell-substrate distance fluctuations of confluent cells enable fast and coherent collective migration
Authors: Jipp Marcel , Wagner Bente D. , Egbringhoff Lisa , Teichmann Andreas , Rübeling Angela , Nieschwitz Paul , Honigmann Alf , Chizhik Alexey , Oswald Tabea A. , Janshoff Andreas
Published: March 2024

Collective cell migration is an emergent phenomenon, with long-range cell-cell communication influenced by various factors, including transmission of forces, viscoelasticity of individual cells, substrate interactions, and mechanotransduction. We investigate how alterations in cell-substrate distance fluctuations, cell-substrate adhesion, and traction forces impact the average velocity and temporal-spatial correlation of confluent monolayers formed either by wild-type MDCKII cells or zonula occludens (ZO) 1/2-depleted MDCKII cells (dKD) representing highly contractile cells.

The data indicates that confluent dKD monolayers exhibit decreased average velocity compared to less contractile WT cells concomitant with increased substrate adhesion, reduced traction forces, a more compact shape, diminished cell-cell interactions, and reduced cell-substrate distance fluctuations. Depletion of basal actin and myosin further supports the notion that short-range cell-substrate interactions, particularly fluctuations driven by basal actomyosin, significantly influence the migration speed of the monolayer on a larger length scale.
Evolution-Aware Deep Reinforcement Learning for Single-Cell DNA Copy Number Calling
Authors: Ivanovic Stefan , El-Kebir Mohammed
Published: March 2024

Recent high-throughput single cell DNA sequencing technologies enable one to detect copy number aberrations (CNAs) on thousands of individual cells within a tumor. Several new methods enable haplotype-specific copy number calling on such data. However, these algorithms do not utilize evolutionary constraints, leading to the inference of spurious CNAs due to measurement noise that are inconsistent with a realistic evolutionary model. To address this gap, we introduce DeepCopy, an evolution-aware deep reinforcement learning algorithm for haplotype-specific copy number calling on single-cell DNA sequencing data. On simulated data, DeepCopy's predictions better fit the ground truth than existing methods. As shown on 10x Genomics Single Cell CNV sequencing of several breast cancers and DLP+ sequencing of an ovarian cancer, DeepCopy's joint estimation of copy number profiles and evolutionary model parameters results in larger, more realistic clones of cells with identical copy number profiles that lead to more parsimonious CNA phylogenies than existing methods, while retaining agreement with truncal single-nucleotide variants. Finally, on a breast cancer patient sequenced with both ACT and 10x technologies, we demonstrate the consistency of DeepCopy's predictions across sequencing technologies.
Resonance triplet dynamics in the quenched unitary Bose gas
Authors: van de Kraats J. , Ahmed-Braun D. J. M. , Colussi V. E. , Kokkelmans S. J. J. M. F.
Published: March 2024

The quenched unitary Bose gas is a paradigmatic example of a strongly interacting out-of-equilibrium quantum system, whose dynamics become difficult to describe theoretically due to the growth of non-Gaussian quantum correlations. We develop a conserving many-body theory capable of capturing these effects, allowing us to model the postquench dynamics in the previously inaccessible time regime where the gas departs from the universal prethermal stage. Our results show that this departure is driven by the growth of strong lossless three-body correlations, rather than atomic losses, thus framing the heating of the gas in this regime as a fully coherent phenomenon. We uncover the specific few-body scattering processes that affect this heating and show that the expected connection between the two-body and three-body contacts and the tail of the momentum distribution is obscured following the prethermal stage, explaining the absence of this connection in experiments. Our general framework, which reframes the dynamics of unitary quantum systems in terms of explicit connections to microscopic physics, can be broadly applied to any quantum system containing strong few-body correlations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Kubo formula for dc conductivity: Generalization to systems with spin-orbit coupling
Authors: Ado I. A. , Titov M. , Duine Rembert A. , Brataas Arne
Published: March 2024

We revise the Kubo formula for the electric dc conductivity in the presence of spin-orbit coupling (SOC). We discover that each velocity operator that enters this formula differs from ∂H/∂p, where H is the Hamiltonian and p is the canonical momentum. Moreover, we find an additional contribution to the Hall dc conductivity from noncommuting coordinates that is missing in the conventional Kubo-Středa formula. This contribution originates from the “electron-positron” matrix elements of the velocity and position operators. We argue that the widely used Rashba model does in fact provide a finite anomalous Hall dc conductivity in the metallic regime (in the noncrossing approximation) if SOC-corrections to the velocity and position operators are properly taken into account. While we focus on the response of the charge current to the electric field, linear response theories of other SOC-related effects should be modified similarly.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
When infrastructures collide: transnational higher education and Chinese international students' (im)mobility in the pandemic era
Authors: Li Xiaoyuan , Zhou Weile
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to unravel the tensions and convergences between market-oriented neoliberal education and state-serving transnational higher education (TNHE) practices through an infrastructural lens within the broad context of post-pandemic geopolitics.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilizes a case study approach, with a diverse array of data collection methods, including observations, interviews and review of material/online documents issued by the TNHE-related institutions and the Chinese Ministry of Education.

Findings

The study identifies three findings: (1) Re-articulation of transnational infrastructures, valuing ‘glocal' education and casting immobility as advantageous yet quasi-mobile; (2) Infrastructural tensions arising from stakeholder contests over program control and (3) Infrastructural dialectics, illustrating how promised (im)mobility becomes a tightly regulated academic journey due to institutional constraints and conflicts.

Research limitations/implications

The findings elucidate the dynamic interplay between international education and TNHE amidst neoliberal pedagogical trends and pandemic-driven geopolitical shifts in China. While the interplay showcased a notable effect on Chinese students' (im)mobility during the pandemic, more empirical research is needed to understand international student (im)mobility issues in the post-pandemic era.

Originality/value

This study explores the infrastructural intersections between international and transnational education during the unprecedented Covid-19. Findings may provide a reference for policymakers and practitioners to strategize the “glocal” approach to international/transnational education in China after the pandemic.
The ambiguous impact of supplier involvement in product development on supplier relationship resilience and company performance
Authors: Kędzia Grażyna
Published: March 2024

Purpose

I aimed to obtain a deeper insight into the link between supplier involvement in product development (SIPD), supplier relationship resilience and company performance.

Design/methodology/approach

To collect data, a survey among 500 Polish manufacturing companies was conducted. I used quantitative methods (structural equation modeling) to test several research hypotheses referring to a single supplier–customer relationship. Thanks to the use of multi-construct measurement of SIPD and supplier relationship resilience, the study provides detailed research results on the topic.

Findings

Collaborative practices implemented during SIPD increase procurement flexibility and decrease redundancy in the relationship with the involved supplier. Communication during SIPD increases supplier flexibility and procurement flexibility. Increased supplier flexibility and increased procurement flexibility in the relationship with the involved supplier as well as collaborative practices during SIPD positively impact company performance. I confirmed the indirect effect between communication during SIPD and company performance when the mediators are supplier flexibility and procurement flexibility. Decreased redundancy in relationship with involved supplier does not impact company performance.

Practical implications

Supply chain managers need to rethink SIPD practice to effectively ensure supply chain resilience (SCRES), especially in the face of the contemporary global crisis and black swans affecting the supplier base. My article provides important managerial insights into drivers of SCRES and company performance.

Originality/value

To the best of my knowledge, this research is among the first to conclude that SIPD does not have an unequivocally positive or direct impact on supplier relationship resilience. The research fills the gap by analyzing the impact of SIPD on two main SCRES elements. The study examines supplier relationship resilience, understood as flexibility and redundancy elements, in a single supplier–buyer relationship perspective. Thus, the presented considerations go beyond the traditional understanding of flexibility and redundancy in supplier relationship management, that is through the prism of double or multi sourcing and having back up-suppliers.
How informal financial service institutes facilitate the financial inclusion of low-income, unbanked consumers
Authors: Kamran Sohail , Uusitalo Outi
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The present study aimed to provide an understanding of the roles of community-based financial service organizations (i.e. rotating savings and credit associations [ROSCAs] as institutional pillars in facilitating low-income, unbanked consumers’ access to informal financial services).

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 39 low-income, unbanked consumers participating in ROSCAs in Pakistan, where only 21% of adults have a bank account and almost four out of five individuals live on a low income. The obtained data were analyzed using the thematic analysis technique.

Findings

ROSCAs’ regulatory, sociocultural and cognitive aspects facilitate low-income, unbanked consumers’ utilization of informal financial services owing to their approachability by, suitability for, and fairness to such consumers. Thus, they promote such consumers’ financial inclusion.

Practical implications

Low-income consumers are mostly unable to access formal financial services due to the existing supply- and demand-side impediments. Understanding ROSCAs’ institutional functioning can help formal financial service providers create more transformative financial services based on the positive institutional aspects of ROSCAs to enhance poor consumers’ financial inclusion and well-being.

Social implications

The inclusion of low-income, unbanked consumers in formal banking services will help them better control their finances.

Originality/value

Many low-income, unbanked consumers in developing countries utilize informal financial services to meet their basic financial needs, but service researchers have rarely investigated how informal financial institutions function. The present study showed that ROSCAs, as informal institutions, meet low-income, unbanked consumers’ personal, social and financial needs in a befitting manner, which encourages such consumers to use the financial services offered by ROSCAs.
Assessing resilience in mechanical systems: an industrial perspective
Authors: Rahimazar Ali , Nouri Qarahasanlou Ali , Khanzadeh Dina , Tavaghi Milad
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Resilience as a novel concept has attracted the most attention in the management of engineering systems. The main goal of engineering systems is production assurance and increasing customer satisfaction which depends on the suitable performance of mechanical equipment. “A resilient system is defined as a system that is resistant to disruption and failures and can recover itself and returns to the state before failure as soon as possible in the case of failure.” Estimate the value of the system’s resilience to increase its resilience by covering the weakness in the resilience indexes of the system.

Design/methodology/approach

In this article, a suitable approach to estimating resilience in complex engineering systems management in the field of mining has been presented. Accordingly, indexes of reliability, maintainability, supportability, efficiency index of prognostics and health management of the system, and ultimately the organization resilience index, have been used to evaluate the system resilience.

Findings

The results of applying this approach indicate the value of 80% resilience if the risk factor is considered and 98% if the mentioned factors are ignored. Also, the value of 58% resilience of this organization’s management group indicates the weakness of situational awareness and weakness in the vulnerable points of the organization.

Originality/value

To evaluate the resilience in this article, five indicators of reliability, maintainability, and supportability are used as performance indicators. Also, organization resilience and the prognostic and health management of the system (PHM) are used as management indicators. To achieve more favorable results, the environmental and operational variables governing the system have been used in performance indicators, and expert experts' opinions have been used in management indicators.