bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of gas flux of growing steers under intensive grazing conditions
Authors: Vargas Juan de J , Carvalho Pedro H V , Raynor Edward J , Martins Edilane C , Souza Willian A , Shadbolt Anna M , Stackhouse-Lawson Kimberly R , Place Sara E
Published: August 2024

Ruminants produce one-third of the anthropogenic methane (CH4) emissions worldwide, and 47% of the CH4 emissions result from ruminants under grazing conditions. However, there is limited information regarding the appropriate number of visits to accurately determine enteric CH4 emissions using the automated head-chamber system (AHCS) from growing beef cattle under intensive grazing conditions. Data from one experiment were analyzed to determine the number of visits to assess gas flux (CH4, carbon dioxide [CO2], and oxygen [O2]) from Angus-crossbreed steers grazing in a pivot-irrigated improved pasture. A total of 110 steers (324 ± 37.3 kg initial body weight) were selected and divided into two blocks. Steers were under intensive grazing management for 84 d. Depending on forage availability, steers were rotated at 2- to 4-d intervals. Pastures were predominately composed of cool-season forages. Two different databases using the same animals (n = 16) were defined to calculate the gas flux using the first 100 visits to an AHCS with 2 or more or 3 or more minutes of visitation length. The mean gas flux was estimated as the average for increasing (forward) or decreasing (reverse) the gas flux of 5-visit intervals starting with the first or the last 5 visits and increasing or decreasing until the full 100-visit dataset was utilized, respectively. Spearman and Pearson correlations were computed between the maximum visits and each shortened visit interval. Concurrently, the residual variance and the residual variance change were determined for each interval by fitting a mixed model. The minimum number of visits was defined when correlations with the total visits were greater than 0.95, and the residual variance was stabilized. The results indicated that the minimum number of visits needed to determine CH4 production varied between 45 and 70, while CO2 production and O2 consumption varied between 45 and 50 according to the visitation length. Additionally, steers that visited the AHCS for 2 or more minutes in visit duration required a greater number of visits than those that visited for 3 or more minutes. Thus, based on the average daily visitation in this experiment (1.4 visit/d), the assessment of CH4 emissions requires 32 d, while CO2 production and O2 consumption require between 32 and 36 d using 3 or more minutes of visit length from growing steers under intensive grazing conditions.
Funneliformis mosseae potentiates defense mechanisms of citrus rootstocks against citrus nematode, Tylenchulus semipenetrans
Authors: Shahabi Iman , Goltapeh Ebrahim Mohammadi , Amirmijani Amirreza , Pedram Majid , Atighi Mohammad Reza
Published: August 2024

Using integrated pest management without relying on chemical pesticides is one of the most attractive approaches to controlling plant pathogens. Among them, using resistant cultivars or rootstocks against diseases in combination with beneficial microorganisms has attracted special attention. The citrus nematode is one of the major constraints of citrus cultivation worldwide. We showed that the mycorrhizal arbuscular fungus, Funneliformis mosseae, increased growth parameters including shoot and root length and biomass of two main rootstocks of citrus, sour orange and Volkamer lemon, in noninfected and infected plants with citrus nematode. It decreased the infection rate by citrus nematode in both rootstocks compared with nonmycorrhizal plants. The rate of decrease in nematode infection was highest when plants were pre-inoculated with F. mosseae and was lowest when nematode was inoculated before F. mosseae. However, when nematode was inoculated before the fungus, the fungus was still able to mitigate the negative effect of infection by nematode compared with plants inoculated with nematode only. This suggests that the timing of inoculation plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of F. mosseae in reducing nematode infection. Moreover, monitoring of the expression of two genes, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and β-1,3-glucanase, which are involved in systemic-acquired resistance (SAR) showed that although they were significantly upregulated in mycorrhizal plants compared with nonmycorrhizal plants, they showed the highest expression when plants were pretreated with fungus before nematode inoculation, thus, indicating that plants were primed. In summary, F. mosseae primes the defense-related genes involved in SAR, increasing plant defensive capacity and boosting growth parameters in citrus rootstock. This has important implications for the agricultural industry.
Impaired intestinal FXR signaling is involved in aberrant stem cell function leading to intestinal failure‐associated liver disease in pediatric patients with short bowel syndrome
Authors: Zhao Yuling , Wang Ying , Jiang Lu , Cai Wei , Yan Junkai
Published: August 2024

Intestinal failure‐associated liver disease (IFALD) is a serious complication of long‐term parenteral nutrition in patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS), and is the main cause of death in SBS patients. Prevention of IFALD is one of the major challenges in the treatment of SBS. Impairment of intestinal barrier function is a key factor in triggering IFALD, therefore promoting intestinal repair is particularly important. Intestinal repair mainly relies on the function of intestinal stem cells (ISC), which require robust mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation (FAO) for self‐renewal. Herein, we report that aberrant LGR5+ ISC function in IFALD may be attributed to impaired farnesoid X receptor (FXR) signaling, a transcriptional factor activated by steroids and bile acids. In both surgical biopsies and patient‐derived organoids (PDOs), SBS patients with IFALD represented lower population of LGR5+ cells and decreased FXR expression. Moreover, treatment with T‐βMCA in PDOs (an antagonist for FXR) dose‐dependently reduced the population of LGR5+ cells and the proliferation rate of enterocytes, concomitant with decreased key genes involved in FAO including CPT1a. Interestingly, however, treatment with Tropifexor in PDOs (an agonist for FXR) only enhanced FAO capacity, without improvement in ISC function and enterocyte proliferation. In conclusion, these findings suggested that impaired FXR may accelerate the depletion of LGR5 + ISC population through disrupted FAO processes, which may serve as a new potential target of preventive interventions against IFALD for SBS patients.
Chinese national clinical practice guidelines on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of early colorectal cancer
Authors: Li Jingnan , Yao Hongwei , Lu Yun , Zhang Shutian , Zhang Zhongtao ,   Society of Digestive Endoscopy of the Chinese Medical Association, Colorectal Surgery Group of the Chinese Medical Association, Chinese Association of Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Chinese Medical Journal Clinical Practie Guideline Collaborative
Published: August 2024

Background:

The incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC) in China are increasing in recent years. The clarified pathogenesis and detectable precancerous lesions of CRC make it possible to prevent, screen, and diagnose CRC at an early stage. With the development of endoscopic and surgical techniques, the choice of treatment for early CRC is also worth further discussion, and accordingly, a standard follow-up program after treatment needs to be established.

Methods:

This clinical practice guideline (CPG) was developed following the recommended process of the World Health Organization, adopting Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) in assessing evidence quality, and using the Evidence to Decision framework to formulate clinical recommendations, thereby minimizing bias and increasing transparency of the CPG development process. We used the Reporting Items for practice Guidelines in HealThcare (RIGHT) statement and Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) as reporting and conduct guides to ensure the guideline’s completeness and transparency.

Results:

This CPG comprises 46 recommendations concerning prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance of CRC. In these recommendations, we have indicated protective and risk factors for CRC and made recommendations for chemoprevention. We proposed a suitable screening program for CRC based on the Chinese context. We also provided normative statements for the diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance of CRC based on existing clinical evidence and guidelines.

Conclusions:

The 46 recommendations in this CPG are formed with consideration for stakeholders’ values and preferences, feasibility, and acceptability. Recommendations are generalizable to resource-limited settings with similar CRC epidemiology pattern as China.
The relationship between hospital patient safety culture and performance on Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services value-based purchasing metrics
Authors: Noghrehchi Pejmon , Hefner Jennifer L. , Walker Daniel M.
Published: August 2024

Background

Despite the intense policy focus on reducing health-care-associated conditions, adverse events in health care settings persist. Therefore, evaluating patient safety efforts and related health policy initiatives remains critical.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between hospital patient safety culture and hospital performance on Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Value-Based Purchasing (HVBP) metrics.

Methodology/Approach

A pooled cross-sectional study design was used utilizing three secondary datasets from 2018 and 2021: the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture, the American Hospital Association annual survey, and the Hospital Compare data from CMS. We used two multivariable linear regression models to examine the relationship between organizational patient safety culture and hospital performance. The dependent variables included the overall CMS total performance score (TPS) and the four individual TPS domain scores. Hospital patient safety culture, the independent variable, was operationalized using two measures from the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture: (a) the domain score of overall perceptions of patient safety and (b) the patient safety grade.

Results

We observed positive and significant associations between hospital patient safety culture and a hospital's overall TPS and the “patient and community engagement” and “safety” domains.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that building a strong patient safety culture has the potential to lead health care organizations to achieve high performance on HVBP metrics.

Practice Implications

Our findings have important policy implications for both the future of CMS HVBP as a motivator of patient safety and how health care managers integrate culture change into programs to meet external quality metrics.
Silent Struggles: Traumatic Brain Injuries and Mental Health in Law Enforcement
Authors: Caccese Jaclyn B. , Smith Carly R. , Edwards Nathan A. , Emerson Angela M. , Le Flao Enora , Wing Jeffrey J. , Hagen Joshua , Paur Scott , Walters Joshua , Onate James A.
Published: August 2024

Objective:

To determine the prevalence of head injuries (HIs), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depressive symptoms in law enforcement officers (LEOs) and (2) the association between HIs and psychological health conditions.

Setting:

County-level survey administered via Research Electronic Data Capture.

Participants:

A total of 381 LEOs completed the survey (age = 43 ± 11 years; 40 [11%] females; time as LEO = 1-50 years, median = 15 years).

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Main Measures:

We examined the prevalence of HIs (the Ohio State University Traumatic Brain Injury Identification Method), PTSD (PTSD Checklist—Civilian [PCL-C]), and depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9]). We used Mann-Whitney U and chi-square analyses to compare PTSD and depressive symptoms between those with and without a HI history.

Results:

There were 282 (74%) participants who reported a lifetime history of 1 or more HIs; 116 (30%) sustained 1 or more HIs on the job. PCL-C scores ranged 17 to 85 (median = 27); 33 (10%) participants met or exceeded the clinical cutoff score of 50 to indicate a positive PTSD screening. Participants with a HI history (median = 29) had higher PCL-C scores than those with no HI history (median = 24; P < .001), but the proportion of participants who met the clinical cutoff for PTSD was not different between those with (n = 28, 11%) and without (n = 5, 5%) a HI history (X2 = 2.52, P = .112, odds ratio = 2.18; 95% confidence interval, 0.82-5.83). PHQ-9 scores ranged 0 to 20 (median = 3); 124 (36%) participants reported mild or greater depressive symptoms. Participants with a HI history (median = 3) had higher depressive symptoms than those with no HI history (median = 2; P = .012). The proportion of participants with mild or greater depressive symptoms was higher among those with a HI history (n = 99, 39%) than without (n = 25, 27%; X2 = 4.34, odds ratio = 1.74; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-2.93).

Conclusion:

HIs are prevalent in LEOs, which may have consequences for their performance, well-being, and career longevity. PTSD and depressive symptoms are higher in those with a HI history, suggesting LEOs need better traumatic brain injuries and mental health resources.
Assessment of the Corneal Biomechanical Features of Sturge–Weber Syndrome Using Dynamic Ultrahigh-speed Scheimpflug Imaging
Authors: Xie Mengzhen , Tang Jing , Zhang Yao , Deng Yingping , Ma Ke , Xiang Xingye , Tang Li
Published: August 2024

Purpose:

To evaluate the corneal biomechanical characteristics of eyes with Sturge–Weber syndrome (SWS) secondary glaucoma (SSG) by analyzing corneal biomechanical parameters obtained using the Corneal Visualization Scheimpflug Technology instrument (Corvis ST).

Methods:

In patients with SWS, eyes affected by SSG were designated as the SSG group while the contralateral eyes were designated as the SWS contralateral group (SC group). Patients from the myopia clinic served as the control group. Dynamic corneal response parameters (DCRs) including the stress–strain index (SSI)—a critical material stiffness parameter that excludes interference from IOP and central corneal thickness (CCT)—were analyzed.

Results:

For CCT, no significant difference was observed between the SSG and SC groups. However, significant differences were found between the SSG and control groups and between the SC and control groups. Parameters such as HC Time, A1 Deformation Amp., A2 Deformation Amp., length of Whole Eye Movement (WEM), DA Ratio Max (2 mm), PachySlope, DA Ratio Max (1 mm), and ARTh showed significant differences between the SSG group and control group. In the SSG group, 4 of night eyes had an SSI of less than 0.85.

Conclusions:

Some DCRs indicated a stiffer cornea in the SSG group, possibly due to a thicker cornea in this group. On analyzing SSI, it was found that corneal material properties change, becoming less stiff in some of the patients with SSG. In conclusion, our study provides a preliminary exploration of the biomechanical properties of SWS secondary glaucoma.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Measles Vaccination Coverage and Estimated Catch-up Efforts for Serbia
Authors: Burgess Colleen , Lisul Bogdan , Pawaskar Manjiri , Petigara Tanaz , Murtagh Janice , Kanazir Milena , Loncarevic Goranka , Carias Cristina
Published: August 2024

Background:

Measles is highly infectious, requiring ≥95% vaccine coverage rate (VCR) to prevent outbreaks. This study aimed to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on routine measles-containing vaccine (MCV) VCRs in Serbia and estimate national and regional catch-up vaccination required to prevent outbreaks.

Methods:

A multiplier model was used to calculate annual MCV dose 1 (MCV1) and MCV dose 2 (MCV2) VCRs for children 1-6 and 6-12 years of age, respectively, for 2011-2022. Postpandemic (2023–2024) VCRs were modeled. The numbers of administered doses were compared to prepandemic and postpandemic, and monthly catch-up rates were calculated for 12-, 18- and 24-month campaigns.

Results:

Between prepandemic and pandemic periods, national MCV1 VCR decreased from 88% to 81%, while MCV2 VCR decreased from 92% to 89%, corresponding to 20,856 missed MCV1 and 8760 missed MCV2 doses. Assuming national VCRs returned to prepandemic levels post-2022, 18% of children 1-6 years of age and 11% of children 6-12 years of age would have missed their MCV1 and MCV2 doses, respectively, by 2024. To catch up missed doses under this scenario, most regions would require monthly catch-up rates of 25%, 16% or 12% for MCV1 and 14%, 9% or 7% for MCV2, considering 12-, 18- or 24-month campaigns, respectively.

Conclusions:

The pandemic negatively impacted MCV VCRs in Serbia, leaving a sizeable proportion of children with missed doses. Significant catch-up efforts are required to recover VCRs to prepandemic levels and avoid future measles outbreaks, with increased monthly administration rates versus those in prepandemic periods.
Enhancing the autologous fascial sling procedure: A novel fixation method for treating stress urinary incontinence in female patients
Authors: Huang Yu-Kai , Fan Yu-Hua , Lin Alex Tong-Long , Huang William J. , Lin Chih-Chieh
Published: August 2024

Background:

Synthetic mid-urethral sling surgery has long been the standard surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) worldwide. Using an autologous fascial sling is an alternative to reduce adverse events. We evaluated the treatment outcomes of a novel fixation method applied to the autologous transobturator fascial (TOF) sling procedure for female patients with SUI.

Methods:

A retrospective study was conducted between 2017 and 2020, including 33 patients with SUI who underwent mid-urethral TOF sling surgery with the novel fixation method. We used a self-locking feature (V-LOC™) that was fixed to each side of skin layer above the obturator foramen, and the tension of the fascia sling was adjusted by manipulating the V-LOC™ suture. We analyzed all data collected through questionnaires, including Urinary Distress Inventory-Short Form (UDI-6), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-Short Form (IIQ-7), Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), and Clinical Global Impressions of Improvement (CGI-I). Adverse events were also recorded.

Results:

This study included 33 female patients aged 39 to 79 (mean 59.76 years). Following the procedure, there was a significant reduction in the total scores of UDI-6, IIQ-7, and OABSS (preoperative 9.73 ± 4.35, 10.21 ± 5.79, 6.06 ± 4.03 and postoperative 3.52 ± 3.41, 0.85 ± 3.67, 3.06 ± 2.90, respectively) (p < 0.001). Further analysis of each sub-score of the questionnaires revealed significant improvement in certain symptoms. The mean total score of CGI-I was 2.00 ± 0.80. The maximum flow rate was documented for 18 patients, and no significant reduction was observed after the procedure (p = 0.804). Complications reported included voiding dysfunction in two patients (6.1%), inguinal pain in one patient (3.0%), and mild delayed wound healing in one patient (3.0%).

Conclusion:

This modified TOF sling surgery with a novel fixation method by V-LOC™ suture offers feasibility and adjustability as its main advantages. Our study demonstrated significant improvements in patient outcomes.
The Spectrum of Nail Disorders in Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease Undergoing Conservative Treatment: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Shigidi Mazin MT
Published: August 2024

Objective:

Various nail disorders have been reported in patients with chronic kidney disease. However, few studies have investigated nail disorders in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease. This study focused on nail disorders seen in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing conservative treatment.

Methods:

A case-control study was conducted at Baraha Medical City in Khartoum State, Sudan. Data on patients with ESRD who were on conservative treatment and presented for follow-up between March and September 2021 were collected. Patients’ demographic features, nail findings on clinical examination, and laboratory results were recorded. The obtained data were compared with those on age- and sex-matched healthy individuals from the general population. The chi-square test and Student t test were performed to analyze categorical and numerical variables, respectively.

Results:

Data on 78 patients with ESRD were studied. Their mean age was 54.6 ± 17.6 years, and 45 (57.7%) were men. These patients were compared with 129 controls. Nail disorders were seen in 65 (83.3%) ESRD patients and 86 (66.6%) controls (P = 0.009). Patients with ESRD were found to be at increased relative risk of developing a wide spectrum of nail disorders. An absent lunula, half-and-half nails, nail dystrophy, Terry’s nails, onychomycosis, and koilonychia were the most common disorders and were seen in 44 (56.4%), 13 (16.7%), 10 (12.8%), 9 (11.5%), 6 (7.7%), and 5 (6.4%) patients, respectively. Patients with ESRD had a statistically significant risk of developing above diseases (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The current study demonstrated a wide spectrum of nail disorders in patients with ESRD undergoing conservative treatment. Further studies are essential to understand their pathogenesis.
Mitigating infections in implantable urological continence devices: risks, challenges, solutions, and future innovations. A comprehensive literature review
Authors: Yang Bob , Lavigne Axelle , Carugo Dario , Turney Ben , Somani Bhaskar , Stride Eleanor
Published: August 2024

Purpose of review

Stress urinary incontinence is a growing issue in ageing men, often following treatment for prostate cancer or bladder outflow obstruction. While implantable urological devices offer relief, infections are a significant concern. These infections can lead to device removal, negating the benefits and impacting patient outcomes. This review explores the risks and factors contributing to these infections and existing strategies to minimize them. These strategies encompass a multifaceted approach that considers patient-specific issues, environmental issues, device design and surgical techniques. However, despite these interventions, there is still a pressing need for further advancements in device infection prevention.

Recent findings

Faster diagnostics, such as Raman spectroscopy, could enable early detection of infections. Additionally, biocompatible adjuncts like ultrasound-responsive microbubbles hold promise for enhanced drug delivery and biofilm disruption, particularly important as antibiotic resistance rises worldwide.

By combining advancements in diagnostics, device design, and patient-specific surgical techniques, we can create a future where implantable urological devices offer men a significant improvement in quality of life with minimal infection risk.
Terson syndrome in association with sub-arachnoid hemorrhage: a case report
Authors: Phuyal Prakash , Chhetri Suchit Thapa , Khanal Deepa , Phuyal Subash , Paudel Sushanta , Hamal Dipson , Regmi Bishal
Published: August 2024

Introduction:

Terson syndrome is characterized by intraocular hemorrhage, which includes retinal, subretinal, subhyaloid, and vitreous hemorrhages, typically associated with sub-arachnoid, intracerebral, and traumatic brain injuries. The incidence of Terson syndrome varies significantly, ranging from 10 to 40% following sub-arachnoid hemorrhage.

Case presentation:

A 48-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with a loss of consciousness for 1 h, 8 h prior to presentation, accompanied by teeth clenching, upward rolling of eyes, and frothing from the mouth. A non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan of the head revealed sub-arachnoid hemorrhage. Two days post-admission, the patient experienced decreased vision. Visual acuity tests showed significant impairment, and fundus examination revealed vitreous hemorrhage in both eyes. Digital subtraction angiography identified an aneurysm in the V4 segment of the left vertebral artery. Following flow diverter placement, the patient’s visual acuity improved and normalized after 21 days.

Discussion:

Terson syndrome is often linked with sub-arachnoid hemorrhage due to elevated intracranial pressure. It frequently occurs with aneurysms of the anterior communicating or internal carotid arteries. Diagnosis is often delayed until after patient stabilization. Ophthalmic evaluations, such as fundoscopic examinations and ocular ultrasonography, are crucial for early detection. The presence of Terson Syndrome correlates with higher mortality rates in SAH patients. While spontaneous resolution of intraocular hemorrhage is common, some cases necessitate surgical intervention for quicker recovery.

Conclusion:

Comprehensive ophthalmic assessments in sub-arachnoid hemorrhage patients are essential for early detection and intervention, potentially preventing long-term visual impairment.
Revitalizing and Sustaining a System-Wide Competency Model
Authors: Fritz Elizabeth A. , Roehrig Wagner Julie A.
Published: August 2024

Sustaining a competency program across a large healthcare system presents significant challenges, especially with acquisitions and periods of high turnover. This article describes how a large healthcare system revitalized a faltering competency program and created structures to ensure ongoing sustainability and leader engagement. After implementation of these strategies, the number of departments that completed competency processes increased from 397 to 798.
Viral diarrheas – newer advances in diagnosis and management
Authors: Acevedo-Rodriguez J. Gonzalo , Contreras Carmen A. , Ochoa Theresa J.
Published: August 2024

Purpose of review

Viruses are the most common etiological agents of diarrhea in children. Despite rotavirus vaccine introduction, rotavirus remains as the leading cause of death globally, followed by norovirus, which represents a diagnostic challenge. Here, we describe new advances in the diagnosis and management of viral diarrheas.

Recent findings

Although immunoassays are widely used for their fast turnaround time and low cost, molecular techniques have become the most reliable diagnostic method due to their high sensitivity and capacity to analyze multiple pathogens in gastrointestinal panels. Isothermal nucleic acid amplification assays (LAMP and RPA) are promising techniques since they do not require sophisticated equipment and can be used as point-of-care testing. CRISPR/Cas nucleic acid detection systems are new diagnostic methods with great potential. Several recent published articles describe the role of human intestinal enteroids to characterize norovirus infection, to test new drugs, and for vaccine development. The interaction between the human gut microbiota and gastrointestinal viral infections has been extensively reviewed and offers some innovative mechanisms for therapeutic and preventive measures.

Although important advances have been made, more research is needed to address remaining challenges and further improve diagnostic capabilities and better management strategies for this critical infectious disease.
The Relationship Between Craniocervical Morphology and the Presence and Level of Cervical Facet Joint Degeneration
Authors: Torun Ebru , Yuksel Yavuz
Published: August 2024

Objective

To investigate the relationship between craniocervical morphology and the presence and level of cervical facet joint degeneration (FJD).

Methods

A total of 108 consecutive female patients aged 45–55 years who had undergone neck + brain CT angiography were included in this retrospective sectional study. Only patients of a certain age and of the same gender were included in order to eliminate the differences that create a disposition to the development of spinal degeneration. The presence of facet joint (FJ) arthritis (grade ≥2 degeneration in at least one affected facet joint) and the grade of the facet joint degeneration for each patient were recorded. A total of 20 lengths and 3 angles of craniocervical morphology were measured. The differences between the individuals with and without FJ arthritis were investigated with the independent-sample t test, and the relationship between the FJD grade and craniocervical morphology was investigated using the Spearman correlation test.

Results

Individuals with FJ arthritis were found to have longer Grabb-Oakes measurement, shorter FM AP length, lower ADI, lower EOP thickness, higher clivus length, higher crista gall–ATS distance, lower CCA angle, lower distance between the C1 vertebra lateral masses, and higher BAI than those without FJ arthritis (P ˂ 0.05). Besides, we found that the FJD grade increased as the Grabb-Oakes measurement increased, ADI distance decreased, FM AP length decreased, EOP thickness decreased, clivus length increased, basal angle increased, distance between the C1 vertebra lateral masses decreased, and BAI increased (P ˂ 0.05).

Conclusions

Differences in craniocervical morphology are statistically associated with degenerative processes that result in degenerative changes in the facet joint. Therefore, some morphological changes in craniocervical anatomy cause changes in the momentum and distribution of the load on the facet joints, predisposing the patient to facet arthropathy and osteoarthritis.
Analysis of anticoagulant use in patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion across nine Chinese cities (2016–2021)
Authors: Pang Xiao-Ying , Wang Xian-Li
Published: August 2024

Objective:

In this study, we aimed to identify trends in anticoagulant usage among patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA), assess the appropriateness of these prescriptions, and provide recommendations for future clinical practice.

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed outpatient prescription data for patients with RSA from nine Chinese cities—Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Harbin, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang, Tianjin, and Zhengzhou—over the period 2016 to 2021.

Results:

A total of 10,293 outpatient prescriptions were reviewed. The number of prescriptions increased annually until peaking in 2019, after which a gradual decline was observed. From 2019 to 2021, enoxaparin was the most frequently prescribed anticoagulant. Among the eight anticoagulants analyzed, enoxaparin had the highest total prescription volume and defined daily doses (DDDs), followed by dalteparin, nadroparin, and fondaparinux. The proportion of fondaparinux prescriptions rose annually, and while its defined daily cost (DDC) was consistently the highest, there was a downward trend in value. The economic benefits of most anticoagulants were aligned with their social benefits. Although the percentage of prescriptions with inappropriate indications decreased each year, it remained high at 69%.

Conclusion:

Enoxaparin emerged as the predominant anticoagulant for RSA treatment in the nine cities studied. Fondaparinux usage increased in clinical practice, with a decreasing trend in DDC values. The alignment of economic and societal benefits indicates good cost-effectiveness. However, there remains a need to further improve the appropriateness of prescription indications.
Immediate intratesticular injection of circulating blood serum-derived exosomes may alleviate orchitis caused by cisplatin
Authors: Hemmatabadi Fuzieh Khani , Partovyan Marya , Chavoshinezhad Negin , Keivan Mona , Dadfar Reza , Moradi Maryamneghari Shima , Mansouri Torghabeh Fatemeh
Published: August 2024

Objective:

Cisplatin (CIS), as a common chemotherapy drug, induces detrimental effects on the testis. Besides, exosomes represent various beneficial effects, such as anti-inflammation and proliferation. In this experimental study, the authors aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of circulating blood serum-derived exosomes on orchitis caused by CIS exposure.

Methods:

Male mice (n=18) were categorized into three main groups: control (no treatment), CIS (mice with orchitis caused by CIS injection), and CIS+Exosome (orchitis-induced animals followed by exosome treatment). Exosomes were extracted from circulating blood, and orchitis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of CIS (7.5mg/kg/day) for 5 consequence days. A day after the last dose of CIS, the exosome (10IU/20grmice) was injected intratesticularly. After a week, the samples, including blood serum and testis, were gathered. The levels of oxidative stress were assessed using Malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) assays. Sperm parameters (morphology, viability, motility, and count), testosterone levels, and inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10) gene expression were also evaluated. Histopathological and testicular apoptotic index (AI) were evaluated using H&E and TUNEL stainings, respectively. Finally, data analysis was applied by SPSS (v.19) software, and P<0.05 was considered as a significant level.

Results:

Following CIS administration, the sperm indices and testosterone levels were decreased (P<0.05); besides, NO, MDA, AI, and inflammatory gene expression were increased (P<0.05) in the CIS group compared to control animals. Following the prescription of Exosomes in CIS animals, the sperm indices and testosterone levels were increased (P<0.05), and NO, MDA, AI, and inflammatory genes were decreased (P<0.05). Histopathological assessments also revealed disruption of seminiferous tubules and free from sperms following CIS administration. Also, the histological structure of damaged seminiferous tubules was changed to normal status following Exoxome prescription in CIS-exposure animals.

Conclusion:

Immediate intratesticular injection of blood-derived exosomes can alleviate orchitis CIS-exposed animals through anti-inflammatory features.
Performance and Clinical Impact of Radiomics and 3D-CNN Models for the Diagnosis of Neurodegenerative Parkinsonian Syndromes on 18F-FDOPA PET
Authors: Le Thi Khuyen , Comte Victor , Darcourt Jacques , Razzouk-Cadet Micheline , Rollet Anne-Capucine , Orlhac Fanny , Humbert Olivier
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare the performance and added clinical value of a semiautomated radiomics model and an automated 3-dimensinal convolutional neural network (3D-CNN) model for diagnosing neurodegenerative parkinsonian syndromes on 18F-FDOPA PET images.

Patients and Methods

This 2-center retrospective study included 687 patients with motor symptoms consistent with parkinsonian syndrome. All patients underwent 18F-FDOPA brain PET scans, acquired on 3 PET systems from 2 different hospitals, and classified as pathological or nonpathological (by an expert nuclear physician). Artificial intelligence models were trained to replicate this medical expert’s classification using 2 pipelines. The radiomics pipeline was semiautomated and involved manually segmenting the bilateral caudate and putamen nuclei; 43 radiomic features were extracted and combined using the support vector machine method. The deep learning pipeline was fully automatic and used a 3D-CNN model. Both models were trained on 417 patients and tested on an internal (n = 100) and an external (n = 170) test set. The final models’ performance was evaluated using balanced accuracy and compared with that of a junior medical expert and nonexpert nuclear physician.

Results

On the internal test set, the 3D-CNN model outperformed the radiomic model with a balanced accuracy of 99% (vs 96%). It led to diagnostic performance similar to that of a junior medical expert (only 1 in 100 patients misclassified by both). On the external test set from a less experienced hospital, the 3D-CNN model allowed physicians to correctly reclassify the diagnosis of 10 out 170 patients (6%).

Conclusions

The developed 3D-CNN model can automatically diagnose neurodegenerative parkinsonian syndromes, also reducing diagnostic errors by 6% in less-experienced hospitals.
Recovery of the Infraorbital Nerve Following Open Reduction and Fixation Surgery of Zygomaticomaxillary Complex Fractures—A Prospective Cohort Study Based on Quantitative Sensory Testing
Authors: Wang Xiyue , Kang Yanfeng , Zhang Yi , An Jingang , Chen Shuo , He Yang
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to assess the sensory function of the infraorbital nerve in patients with fractures of the zygomatic complex who underwent open reduction and internal fixation at different time points using quantitative sensory testing, which was established by the German Neuropathic Pain Research Network, comprising a 7-item mechanical and thermal sensory test. A total of 21 patients (age range 17–46 y, 14 males) with unilateral zygomatic complex fractures were included. Quantitative sensory testing was conducted before the operation and at 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months operatively, with cold detection threshold, warmth detection threshold, cold pain threshold, heat pain threshold, mechanical detection threshold, mechanical pain threshold, pressure pain threshold, and vibration detection threshold being measured in bilateral infraorbital regions. Notable changes in sensitivity were observed in all values except for the mechanical pain threshold. In the majority of patients with zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures, infraorbital hypoesthesia was significantly improved within 3 months postoperatively, and almost complete recovery could be achieved by 6 months postoperatively.
Short-term dietary changes are reflected in the cerebral content of adult ring-billed gulls
Authors: Lamarre Jessika , Wilson David R.
Published: August 2024

Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3-LCPUFAs) are produced primarily in aquatic ecosystems and are considered essential nutrients for predators given their structural role in vertebrates’ cerebral tissues. Alarmingly, with urbanization, many aquatic animals now rely on anthropogenic foods lacking n3-LCPUFAs. In this study undertaken in Newfoundland (Canada), we tested whether recent or longer term diet explains the cerebral fatty acid composition of ring-billed gulls (Larus delawarensis), a seabird that now thrives in cities. During the breeding season, cerebral levels of n3-LCPUFAs were significantly higher for gulls nesting in a natural habitat and foraging on marine food (mean ± s.d.: 32 ± 1% of total identified fatty acids) than for urban nesters exploiting rubbish (27 ± 1%). Stable isotope analysis of blood and feathers showed that urban and natural nesters shared similar diets in autumn and winter, suggesting that the difference in cerebral n3-LCPUFAs during the breeding season was owing to concomitant and transient differences in diet. We also experimentally manipulated gulls’ diets throughout incubation by supplementing them with fish oil rich in n3-LCPUFAs, a caloric control lacking n3-LCPUFAs, or nothing, and found evidence that fish oil increased urban nesters’ cerebral n3-LCPUFAs. These complementary analyses provide evidence that the brain of this seabird remains plastic during adulthood and responds to short-term dietary changes.
Polycomb group proteins confer robustness to aposematic coloration in the milkweed bug,
Oncopeltus fasciatus
Authors: Tan Marie , Park Laura , Chou Elizabeth , Hoesel Madeline , Toh Lyanna , Suzuki Yuichiro
Published: August 2024

Aposematic coloration offers an opportunity to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying canalization. In this study, the role of epigenetic regulation underlying robustness was explored in the aposematic coloration of the milkweed bug,
Oncopeltus fasciatus. Polycomb
(
Pc
) and
Enhancer of zeste
(
E(z)
), which encode components of the Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) and PRC2, respectively, and
jing
, which encodes a component of the PRC2.2 subcomplex, were knocked down in the fourth instar of
O. fasciatus
. Knockdown of these genes led to alterations in scutellar morphology and melanization. In particular, when
Pc
was knocked down, the adults developed a highly melanized abdomen, head and forewings at all temperatures examined. In contrast, the
E(z)
and
jing
knockdown led to increased plasticity of the dorsal forewing melanization across different temperatures. Moreover,
jing
knockdown adults exhibited increased plasticity in the dorsal melanization of the head and the thorax. These observations demonstrate that histone modifiers may play a key role during the process of canalization to confer robustness in the aposematic coloration.
Evolutionary drivers of sex-specific parasite prevalence in wild birds
Authors: Valdebenito José O. , Jones William , Székely Tamás
Published: August 2024

Males and females often differ in ecology, behaviour and lifestyle, and these differences are expected to lead to sex differences in parasite susceptibility. However, neither the sex differences in parasite prevalence, nor their ecological and evolutionary drivers have been investigated across a broad range of taxa using phylogenetically corrected analyses. Using the most extensive dataset yet that includes 755 prevalence estimates from 151 wild bird species in a meta-analytic framework, here we compare sex differences in blood and gastrointestinal parasites. We show that despite sex differences in parasite infection being frequently reported in the literature, only
Haemoproteus
infections were more prevalent in females than in males. Notably, only seasonality was strongly associated with the sex-specific parasite prevalence of both
Leucocytozoon
and
Haemoproteus
, where birds showed greater female bias in prevalence during breeding periods compared to the non-breeding period. No other ecological or sexual selection variables were associated with sex-specific prevalence of parasite prevalence. We suggest that much of the variation in sex-biased prevalence could be idiosyncratic, and driven by local ecology and behavioural differences of the parasite and the host. Therefore, breeding ecology and sexual selection may only have a modest influence on sex-different parasite prevalence across wild birds.
Sex-specific behavioral and thalamo-accumbal circuit adaptations after oxycodone abstinence
Authors: Alonso-Caraballo Y. , Li Y. , Constantino N.J. , Neal M.A. , Driscoll G.S. , Mavrikaki M. , Bolshakov V.Y. , Chartoff E.H
Published: August 2024

Opioid use disorder is marked by a progressive change in the motivation to administer the drug even in the presence of negative consequences. After long periods of abstinence, the urge to return to taking the drug intensifies over time, known as incubation of craving. Conditioned responses to drug-related stimuli, can acquire motivational properties and exert control over motivated behaviors leading to relapse. Although, preclinical data suggest that the behavioral expression of opioid use is similar between male and female rodents, we do not have conclusive results on sex differences on craving and relapse across abstinence periods. Here, we investigated the effects of abstinence from oxycodone self-administration on neurotransmission in the paraventricular thalamus (PVT) to nucleus accumbens shell (NAcSh) pathway in male and female rats. Using optogenetics andex vivoelectrophysiology, we assessed synaptic strength and glutamate release probability in this pathway, as well as NAcSh medium spiny neurons (MSN) intrinsic excitability, in slices from rats which were subjected to either 1 (acute) or 14 (prolonged) days of forced abstinence after self-administration. Our results revealed no sex differences in oxycodone self-administration or somatic withdrawal symptoms following acute abstinence. However, we found a sex-specific enhancement in cue-induced relapse after prolonged, but not acute, abstinence from oxycodone self-administration, with females exhibiting higher relapse rates. Notably, prolonged abstinence led to similar increases in synaptic strength at PVT-NAcSh inputs compared to saline controls in both sexes, which was not observed after acute abstinence. Thus, prolonged abstinence results in a time-dependent increase in PVT-NAcSh synaptic strength and sex-specific effects on cue-induced relapse rates. These findings suggest that prolonged abstinence leads to significant synaptic changes, contributing to heightened relapse vulnerability, highlighting the need for targeted therapeutic strategies in opioid use disorder.
Interpretable single-cell factor decomposition using sciRED
Authors: Pouyabahar Delaram , Andrews Tallulah , Bader Gary
Published: August 2024

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) maps gene expression heterogeneity within a tissue. However, identifying biological signals in this data is challenging due to confounding technical factors, sparsity, and high dimensionality. Data factorization methods address this by separating and identifying signals in the data, such as gene expression programs, but the resulting factors must be manually interpreted. We developed Single-Cell Interpretable Residual Decomposition (sciRED) to improve the interpretation of scRNA-seq factor analysis. sciRED removes known confounding effects, uses rotations to improve factor interpretability, maps factors to known covariates, identifies unexplained factors that may capture hidden biological phenomena and determines the genes and biological processes represented by the resulting factors. We apply sciRED to multiple scRNA-seq datasets and identify sex-specific variation in a kidney map, discern strong and weak immune stimulation signals in a PBMC dataset, reduce ambient RNA contamination in a rat liver atlas to help identify strain variation, and reveal rare cell type signatures and anatomical zonation gene programs in a healthy human liver map. These demonstrate that sciRED is useful in characterizing diverse biological signals within scRNA-seq data.
Co-activation of LIN28A and CTNNB1 disturbs cortical neuronal migration and pia mater integrity
Authors: Navolić Jelena , Hawass Sara , Moritz Manuela , Hahn Jan , Middelkamp Maximilian , Gocke Antonia , Dottermusch Matthias , Schumann Yannis , Ruck Lisa , Krisp Christoph , Godbole Shweta , Sumislawski Piotr , Schlüter Hartmut , Neumann Julia E.
Published: August 2024

Developmental signalling pathways act in stage and tissue dependent relation and mis-activation can drive tumour formation. The RNA-binding protein LIN28A maintains stemness and is overexpressed in embryonal brain tumours. Activating mutations ofCTNNB1- the WNT pathway effector - have been reported in respective brain tumours. The aim of this study was to investigate the interplay of these oncogenic proteins during embryonal brain development.

The combination of both oncogenic factors did not lead to brain tumour formation but resulted in disturbed lamination and impaired cell migration in the cerebral cortex. Spatially resolved proteome analysis revealed imbalances of the extracellular matrix protein LAMB1 and its receptors RPSA and ITGB1 accompanied by a porous pial border and overmigration of neural cells. Cajal-Retzius cells were misplaced in deeper cortex regions without affecting general REELIN levels and additional reduced levels of α-DYSTROGLYCAN.

Taken together, the interplay of LIN28A and CTNNB1 resulted in a cortical migration disorder showing histomorphological and molecular similarities to human Cobblestone lissencephaly (type 2), highlighting novel implications of the oncogene LIN28A in extracellular matrix integrity.