bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical utility of whole-genome DNA methylation profiling as a primary molecular diagnostic assay for central nervous system tumors—A prospective study and guidelines for clinical testing
Authors: Galbraith Kristyn , Vasudevaraja Varshini , Serrano Jonathan , Shen Guomiao , Tran Ivy , Abdallat Nancy , Wen Mandisa , Patel Seema , Movahed-Ezazi Misha , Faustin Arline , Spino-Keeton Marissa , Roberts Leah Geiser , Maloku Ekrem , Drexler Steven A , Liechty Benjamin L , Pisapia David , Krasnozhen-Ratush Olga , Rosenblum Marc , Shroff Seema , Boué Daniel R , Davidson Christian , Mao Qinwen , Suchi Mariko , North Paula , Hopp Amanda , Segura Annette , Jarzembowski Jason A , Parsons Lauren , Johnson Mahlon D , Mobley Bret , Samore Wesley , McGuone Declan , Gopal Pallavi P , Canoll Peter D , Horbinski Craig , Fullmer Joseph M , Farooqi Midhat S , Gokden Murat , Wadhwani Nitin R , Richardson Timothy E , Umphlett Melissa , Tsankova Nadejda M , DeWitt John C , Sen Chandra , Placantonakis Dimitris G , Pacione Donato , Wisoff Jeffrey H , Teresa Hidalgo Eveline , Harter David , William Christopher M , Cordova Christine , Kurz Sylvia C , Barbaro Marissa , Orringer Daniel A , Karajannis Matthias A , Sulman Erik P , Gardner Sharon L , Zagzag David , Tsirigos Aristotelis , Allen Jeffrey C , Golfinos John G , Snuderl Matija
Published: June 2023

Background

Central nervous system (CNS) cancer is the 10th leading cause of cancer-associated deaths for adults, but the leading cause in pediatric patients and young adults. The variety and complexity of histologic subtypes can lead to diagnostic errors. DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification that provides a tumor type-specific signature that can be used for diagnosis.

Methods

We performed a prospective study using DNA methylation analysis as a primary diagnostic method for 1921 brain tumors. All tumors received a pathology diagnosis and profiling by whole genome DNA methylation, followed by next-generation DNA and RNA sequencing. Results were stratified by concordance between DNA methylation and histopathology, establishing diagnostic utility.

Results

Of the 1602 cases with a World Health Organization histologic diagnosis, DNA methylation identified a diagnostic mismatch in 225 cases (14%), 78 cases (5%) did not classify with any class, and in an additional 110 (7%) cases DNA methylation confirmed the diagnosis and provided prognostic information. Of 319 cases carrying 195 different descriptive histologic diagnoses, DNA methylation provided a definitive diagnosis in 273 (86%) cases, separated them into 55 methylation classes, and changed the grading in 58 (18%) cases.

Conclusions

DNA methylation analysis is a robust method to diagnose primary CNS tumors, improving diagnostic accuracy, decreasing diagnostic errors and inconclusive diagnoses, and providing prognostic subclassification. This study provides a framework for inclusion of DNA methylation profiling as a primary molecular diagnostic test into professional guidelines for CNS tumors. The benefits include increased diagnostic accuracy, improved patient management, and refinements in clinical trial design.
Differentiating between severe hypertension and thrombocytopenic purpura as the cause of thrombotic microangiopathy in a patient with Castleman disease: a case report and literature review
Authors: Feldman Itamar , Shapiro Dvorah S , Ellis Raphael , Friedman Reuven
Published: June 2023

Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a syndrome characterized by thrombosis in capillaries and arterioles, resulting in microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and target organ injury. In TMA presenting with severe hypertension, it is difficult to determine whether the TMA is primary and due to thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) or secondary to severe hypertension. The response to antihypertensive medication favors the diagnosis of severe hypertension as the cause of TMA. Comorbid inflammatory disease supports the diagnosis of TTP-induced TMA. This case describes a 75-year-old woman with Castleman disease who presented with severe hypertension and TMA. She improved with hypertension therapy. However, ADAMST13 showed zero activity, and the diagnosis was TTP. In cases of TMA accompanied by severe hypertension, it is challenging to diagnose the cause of TMA. Even when there is a pronounced clinical response to lowering blood pressure, the diagnosis of TTP should be considered, particularly when an inflammatory disease is present.
Clinicogenomic factors and treatment patterns among patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer with or without brain metastases in the United States
Authors: Smyth Emily Nash , John Jincy , Tiu Ramon V , Willard Melinda Dale , Beyrer Julie Kay , Bowman Lee , Sheffield Kristin M , Han Yimei , Brastianos Priscilla K
Published: June 2023

Background

This retrospective, real-world study evaluated the prevalence of brain metastases, clinicodemographic characteristics, systemic treatments, and factors associated with overall survival among patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC) in the US. We also described the genomic characterization of 180 brain metastatic specimens and frequency of clinically actionable genes.

Materials and Methods

De-identified electronic health records-derived data of adult patients diagnosed with aNSCLC between 2011 and 2017 were analyzed from a US-nationwide clinicogenomic database.

Results

Of 3257 adult patients with aNSCLC included in the study, approximately 31% (n = 1018) had brain metastases. Of these 1018 patients, 71% (n = 726) were diagnosed with brain metastases at initial NSCLC diagnosis; 57% (n = 583) of patients with brain metastases received systemic treatment. Platinum-based chemotherapy combinations were the most common first-line therapy; single-agent chemotherapies, epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and platinum-based chemotherapy combinations were used in second line. Patients with brain metastases had a 1.56 times greater risk of death versus those with no brain metastases. In the brain metastatic specimens (n = 180), a high frequency of genomic alterations in the p53, MAPK, PI3K, mTOR, and cell-cycle associated pathways was observed.

Conclusion

The frequency of brain metastases at initial clinical presentation and associated poor prognosis for patients in this cohort underscores the importance of early screening for brain metastasis in NSCLC. Genomic alterations frequently identified in this study emphasize the continued need for genomic research and investigation of targeted therapies in patients with brain metastases.
Aspirin Use and Survival Among Patients With Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Baker Adam , Kartsonaki Christiana
Published: June 2023

Background

Previous meta-analyses have indicated that aspirin could affect breast cancer outcomes, particularly when taken post-diagnostically. However, several recent studies appear to show little to no association between aspirin use and breast cancer mortality, all-cause mortality, or recurrence.

Aims

This study aims to conduct an updated systematic review and meta-analysis on the associations of pre-diagnostic and post-diagnostic aspirin use with the aforementioned breast cancer outcomes. It also looks, through subgroup analyses and meta-regressions, at a range of variables that could explain the associations between aspirin use and breast cancer outcomes.

Results

In total, 24 papers and 149 860 patients with breast cancer were included. Pre-diagnostic aspirin use was not associated with breast-cancer-specific mortality (HR 0.98, 95% CI, 0.80-1.20, P = .84) or recurrence (HR 0.94, 95% CI, 0.88-1.02, P = .13). Pre-diagnostic aspirin was associated with non-significantly higher all-cause mortality (HR 1.27, 95% CI, 0.95-1.72, P = .11). Post-diagnostic aspirin was not significantly associated with all-cause mortality (HR 0.87, 95% CI, 0.71-1.07, P = .18) or recurrence (HR 0.89, 95% CI, 0.67-1.16, P = .38). Post-diagnostic aspirin use was significantly associated with lower breast-cancer-specific mortality (HR 0.79, 95% CI, 0.64-0.98, P = .032).

Conclusions

The only significant association of aspirin with breast cancer outcomes is lower breast-cancer-specific mortality in patients who used aspirin post-diagnostically. However, factors such as selection bias and high inter-study heterogeneity mean that this result should not be treated as conclusive, and more substantial evidence such as that provided by RCTs is needed before any decisions on new clinical uses for aspirin should be made.
Protocol for a Parallel Group Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing a Culturally Adapted Cognitive Behavioral Telerehabilitation Intervention to Usual Physical Therapy for Latino Patients With Chronic Spine Pain
Authors: Gombatto Sara P , Archer Kristin R , Wegener Stephen T , Hernandez Yessenia , Lin Shih-Fan , Godino Job , Van Dyke Jason , Liu Jie , Monroe Katrina S
Published: June 2023

Objective

Disparities exist in health care access, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic pain in Latino populations and other minority populations. Cognitive behavioral–based physical therapy (CBPT) interventions have been shown to be effective in predominantly non-Hispanic white populations with chronic spine pain. However, there is a need for culturally adapted CBPT interventions that focus on the conservative management of chronic spine pain. The primary purpose of the study described in this protocol is to test the efficacy of an adapted cognitive behavioral–based hybrid telerehabilitation intervention for Latino patients with chronic spine pain.

Methods

A single-blind, 2-arm parallel group, superiority randomized clinical trial is planned to compare an adapted CBPT intervention to Usual Care physical therapy. Goal Oriented Activity for Latinos with chronic Spine pain (GOALS/Metas) is an 8-week hybrid telerehabilitation intervention that integrates guideline-based physical therapy and pain management interventions using cognitive behavioral approaches and has been adapted for Latino patients with chronic spine pain. Usual Care physical therapy will be administered based on institutional standards at the referring health center. Outcome measures will be evaluated preintervention and at 1-week, 3-months, and 6-months postintervention. The primary outcome is pain-related disability 1-week postintervention using the Brief Pain Inventory Pain Interference subscale. Secondary outcome measures include behavioral measures of functional activity, social participation, physical activity, and sleep. Determinants of treatment effect, including pain-related psychological measures, posture and movement, self-efficacy, treatment expectancy, and therapeutic alliance, will be included in the secondary moderation and mediation analyses.

Impact

This clinical trial will provide information on the extent to which an adapted CBPT hybrid telerehabilitation intervention is effective in reducing pain-related disability for Latino patients with chronic spine pain. This information will be useful for clinicians to integrate in their practice, given the growing population of Latino patients who experience disparities in health care management of chronic pain.
The radioecological footprint of electricity production by wind turbines
Authors: Bittner Simon , Gellermann Rainer , Walther Clemens
Published: June 2023

The worldwide transformation of electricity production goes hand in hand with increasing use of wind energy. The German ‘Energiewende’ project is no exception and relies heavily on the construction and use of an ever-increasing number of wind turbines. While the operation of wind turbines does not lead to the emission of pollutants (in contrast to, e.g. coal, oil or gas), the production processes of the construction materials do. Since the raw materials’ production primarily takes place outside Germany, radioactivity and doses related to these processes occur at remote places in the world. This effect might be called an ‘export of doses’. In the present paper, we perform a life cycle analysis of wind turbines, investigating the mining and production of the construction materials. We focus on rare-earth elements needed for the generator magnets and assess the associated releases of radioactive materials during mining and processing, primarily in China. Estimates of dose to the public in selected Chinese cities are calculated. Different electricity generation techniques are compared by the use of the quantity (collective) dose per GW per year.
Social Psychopharmacology: Novel Approaches to Treat Deficits in Social Motivation in Schizophrenia
Authors: Bershad Anya K , de Wit Harriet
Published: June 2023

Background and Hypothesis

Diminished social motivation is a negative symptom of schizophrenia and leads to severe functional consequences for many patients suffering from the illness. However, there are no effective medications available to treat this symptom. Despite the lack of approved treatments for patients, there is a growing body of literature on the effects of several classes of drugs on social motivation in healthy volunteers that may be relevant to patients. The aim of this review is to synthesize these results in an effort to identify novel directions for the development of medications to treat reduced social motivation in schizophrenia.

Study Design

In this article, we review pharmacologic challenge studies addressing the acute effects of psychoactive drugs on social motivation in healthy volunteers and consider how these findings may be applied to deficits in social motivation in schizophrenia. We include studies testing amphetamines and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), opioids, cannabis, serotonergic psychedelics, antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and neuropeptides.

Study Results

We report that amphetamines, MDMA, and some opioid medications enhance social motivation in healthy adults and may represent promising avenues of investigation in schizophrenia.

Conclusions

Given the acute effects of these drugs on behavioral and performance-based measures of social motivation in healthy volunteers, they may be particularly beneficial as an adjunct to psychosocial training programs in patient populations. It remains to be determined how these medications affect patients with deficits in social motivation, and in which contexts they may be most effectively administered.
Feasibility study on epithelial cells regeneration after excising the demucosalized ileum for ureteral reconstructive surgery
Authors: Jian Yu , Gu Hao , Luo Ke‐Bing , Fu Rong‐bo , Zhao Ze‐Ju
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to investigate the regeneration of epithelial cells in the long‐term observation of ureter reconstruction by excising the demucosalized ileum. First, 8 Beagle dogs were anesthetized and the abdominal cavity was inspected for abnormalities via an abdominal incision. The right kidney and ureter were subsequently separated, and the ureter was severed from its connection to the renal pelvis and bladder and ligated distally. The 10–15 cm of ileum was used to reconstruct the ureter. The biopsies of the proximal, middle, and distal reconstructed ureter (neo‐ureter) were collected at the first, third, fifth, and sixth month postoperatively. The regeneration of ileal mucosa at the first, third, fifth, and sixth month was observed by hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining and immunofluorescence staining cytokeratin 18 (CK18). HE staining results showed irregular cytoarchitecture, severe nuclear consolidation, and inflammatory infiltration in the proximal, middle, and distal neo‐ureters of dogs at the first month after ureteral reconstruction. With longer follow‐up, the injuries of the proximal, middle, and distal neo‐ureters were alleviated at the third, fifth, and sixth month after surgery. The expression of CK18 was higher in the middle neo‐ureters than that in the proximal and distal neo‐ureters at different time points after ureteral reconstruction and decreased with time. In summary, the present study demonstrated that demucosalized ileum was feasible for ureteral reconstructive surgery with satisfying prognostic effects.
A New Predictive Nomogram for the Risk of Delayed Incision Healing After Open Posterior Lumbar Surgery
Authors: An Yan , Jiang Jun , Peng Tianliang , Zhao Junhui , Zhang Xinyuan , Zhao Xiaoyong
Published: June 2023

Study Design:

This was a primary research study.

Objective:

A risk nomogram was established and externally validated by exploring the related risk factors for delayed incision healing in patients undergoing open posterior lumbar surgery.

Summary of Background Data:

The use of a nomogram model to predict prognosis in patients with delayed incision healing is an evolving field given the complex presentation of patients with this condition.

Patients and Methods:

This study reviewed 954 patients with data collected from January 2017 to December 2021 who were randomized into a training set and a validation set (7:3). We built a prediction model based on a training set of 616 patients. The “least absolute shrinkage and selection operator” regression model was applied to screen out the optimal prediction features, and binary logistic regression was used to develop a prediction model. The discrimination, calibration, and clinical applicability of the prediction model were assessed by using the area under the curve, C-index, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis.

Results:

Postoperative delayed incision healing occurred in 214 (24.4%) patients. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression model showed that smoking, white blood cell count, infection, diabetes, and obesity were involved in delayed incision healing (P ≠ 0). A binary logistic regression model confirmed that smoking [odds ratio (OR) = 3.854, 95% CI: 1.578~9.674, P = 0.003], infection (OR = 119.524, 95% CI: 59.430~263.921, P < 0.001), diabetes (OR = 3.935, 95% CI: 1.628~9.703, P = 0.003), and obesity (OR = 9.906, 95% CI: 4.435~23.266, P < 0.001) were predictors of delayed incision healing, and a nomogram model was established. The area under the curve was 0.917 (95% CI: 0.876–0.959). The calibration curve showed good consistency. Decision curve analysis showed that when the risk threshold of delayed incision healing was >5%, the use of this nomogram was more clinically valuable.

Conclusions:

Smoking, infection, diabetes, and obesity are risk factors for delayed incision healing. The nomogram model could be used to predict the risk of delayed incision healing and could provide a reference for early clinical intervention.
A Novel Method of Spinal Accessory Nerve Banking Using Silicone Catheter for Functioning Free Muscle Transfer
Authors: Pai G Mithun , Bhat Anil K. , Acharya Ashwath M.
Published: June 2023

In secondary brachial plexus reconstruction, exploring an area that has already been operated on is challenging and time-consuming for a surgeon, especially in centers with a single-team approach. Due to their inertness and lack of adverse effects, silicone Foley catheters were used successfully during the reconstruction of flexor tendons. Based on the concept, we have achieved an acceptable functional outcome by banking the spinal accessory nerve in a silicon catheter for gracilis reanimation, which permits smooth dissection, maintains the length, and shortens the operating time for subsequent reconstruction.

Level of Evidence: Level V
Impact of Mask-Associated Dry Eye on Symptom Score
Authors: Chen Elaine , Rueff Erin , Nguyen Andrew Loc
Published: June 2023

Objectives:

Owing to widespread mask use during the COVID-19 pandemic and clinical reports tying mask use with dryness, this study endeavors to determine if mask use is linked to symptoms of dry eye.

Methods:

A prospective, cross-sectional survey study was performed. The survey used a modified Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness Questionnaire (SPEED, TearScience, Morrisville, NC) within 15 min of the beginning and discontinuation of mask wear. The survey also asked about mask wear time, mask style, visual correction, age, and gender.

Results:

The change in SPEED scores was statistically significant (P=0.03) between participants with mild SPEED score at baseline (0–9) versus severe SPEED score at baseline (10–28) (n=77: 59 female, 16 male, 1 nonbinary, and 1 declined to answer; range 22–55 years old). Participants in the severe group used masks with nose wire more than the mild group (P=0.03).

Conclusions:

In this sample, dry eye symptoms were most exacerbated with mask wear in those that had mild initial symptom scores compared with those with severe symptom scores at baseline. The use of nose wire masks may be protective, as the severe group used this type more and had significantly less exacerbation of symptoms postmask wear.
Efficacy and Safety of Teduglutide in Infants and Children With Short Bowel Syndrome Dependent on Parenteral Support
Authors: Chiba Masahiro , Masumoto Kouji , Kaji Tatsuru , Matsuura Toshiharu , Morii Mayako , Fagbemi Andrew , Hill Susan , Pakarinen Mikko P. , Protheroe Susan , Urs Arun , Chen Szu-Ta , Sakui Sho , Udagawa Eri , Wada Motoshi
Published: June 2023

Objectives:

Our objective was to evaluate the short- and long-term safety and efficacy of teduglutide treatment in infants and children with short bowel syndrome with intestinal failure (SBS-IF).

Methods:

Two open-label phase 3 studies and 1 extension study investigated the short- and long-term safety and efficacy of teduglutide (0.05 mg/kg/day) in infants and children with SBS-IF: NCT03571516, 24-week study of infants who were randomized to receive teduglutide or standard of care (SoC); NCT02980666, 24-week study of infants and children who all received teduglutide; and NCT03268811, 24-week extension study of patients who completed NCT02980666 (patients could receive up to 48 weeks of total treatment).

Results:

Twelve infants and 8 children enrolled in the core studies, and 2 infants and 7 children in the extension study. After 24 weeks of treatment, parenteral support (PS) requirements reduced by ≥20% from baseline for 4 infants (57.1%) and 4 children (66.7%) receiving teduglutide and for 2 infants receiving SoC (50.0%). One infant (50.0%) and 4 children (80.0%) receiving teduglutide maintained the ≥20% reduction in PS at 48 weeks of treatment. Two children receiving teduglutide achieved enteral autonomy, after 12 weeks and 28 weeks of treatment, respectively. All adverse events (AEs) were in line with known impacts of SBS-IF and adverse reactions to teduglutide. Only one serious AE (abdominal pain) was considered related to teduglutide.

Conclusions:

Short- and long-term treatment with teduglutide resulted in clinically meaningful reductions in PS requirements for infants and children with SBS-IF. Teduglutide was well tolerated, and efficacy improved with longer-term treatment.
Harnessing Electronic Medical Record Tools to Provide Proceduralist Feedback on Pediatric Endoscopy Quality Metrics
Authors: Huang Jeannie S. , Smith Nicole , Hamilton Jennine , Young Jocelyn , Choi Lillian
Published: June 2023

In 2022, the Pediatric Endoscopy Quality Improvement Network published quality metrics related to pediatric endoscopy. We utilized electronic medical record (EMR) tools to collect pediatric endoscopy quality metrics (PEQM) and to standardize proceduralist feedback. EMR tools were created to capture and display PEQM: (1) an endoscopy documentation template, (2) nursing documentation of events during endoscopy for timed calculations, and (3) a data dashboard. Dashboard metrics provided individualized PEQM feedback relative to group performance and ideals where available. Utilization of the endoscopy documentation tools and data dashboard was measured. Utility was assessed using a survey based on the Technology Adoption Model. Adoption of documentation tools has been nearly universal with positive survey outcomes. Robust dashboard visualization has been demonstrated. Use of EMR documentation tools standardized PEQM collection. Future capture and sharing of common PEQM data across institutions could help determine PEQM benchmarks.
Variation in the Guidelines for the Acute Management of Anaphylaxis in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Athanasopoulou Sofia Grigoria , Leeds Stephanie , Auerbach Marc
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Evidence-based guidelines have been created and disseminated by multiple organizations to standardize the care of pediatric patients with anaphylaxis. Differences across these guidelines can cause confusion and potentially errors in clinical practice leading to patient harm. The aim of this study was to describe and identify patterns of variation in the current guidelines.

Methods

A narrative review with 3 major components was designed. First, a narrative review of current, peer-reviewed, guidelines published by national and international allergy and immunology, pediatric, and emergency medicine organizations was performed. That was followed by a gray literature review of guidelines by resuscitation councils and national health organizations. The third component focused on the translation of these guidelines at local and institutional levels by reviewing clinical pathways published by academic institutions.

Results

With regard to the fixed epinephrine autoinjector dosing, 50% (6 of 12) of the reviewed guidelines offered weight-based and 41.7% (5 of 12) age-based dosing recommendations. Furthermore, different weight cutoffs for the 0.15- and 0.3-mg autoinjectors were identified among guidelines. Variation was identified in the description of intramuscular epinephrine concentration (“1:1000,” “1 mg/mL,” or both), the recommended concentration for intravenous administration (“1:10,000” or “1:1000”), or the rate of infusion or titration. Eight of the 12 guidelines (66.7%) recommend a dose in milligrams, and 33.3% (4 of 12) in micrograms. Five of 12 (41.7%) used both milliliters and milligrams or micrograms.

Conclusions

Notable variation in the current guidelines for the acute management of anaphylaxis in the pediatric population was identified. Flagging this variability could help inform a consensus-based approach toward harmonization of guidelines, which in turn could streamline the management of anaphylaxis in pediatric patients across the United States, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, and hopefully prevent errors and mitigate patient harm.
Virtual Human–Delivered Interviews for Patients With Chronic Pain: Feasibility, Acceptability, and a Pilot Randomized Trial of Standard Medical, Psychosocial, and Educational Interviews
Authors: Junghaenel Doerte U. , Schneider Stefan , Lucas Gale , Boberg Jill , Weinstein Faye M. , Richeimer Steven H. , Stone Arthur A. , Lumley Mark A.
Published: June 2023

Objective

Seminal advances in virtual human (VH) technology have introduced highly interactive, computer-animated VH interviewers. Their utility for aiding in chronic pain care is unknown. We developed three interactive telehealth VH interviews—a standard pain-focused, a psychosocial risk factor, and a pain psychology and neuroscience educational interview. We then conducted a preliminary investigation of their feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy. We also experimentally compared a human and a computer-generated VH voice.

Methods

Patients (N = 94, age = 22–78 years) with chronic musculoskeletal pain were randomly assigned to the standard (n = 31), psychosocial (n = 34), or educational (n = 29) VH interview and one of the two VH voices. Acceptability ratings included patient satisfaction and expectations/evaluations of the VH interview. Outcomes assessed at baseline and about 1-month postinterview were pain intensity, interference, emotional distress, pain catastrophizing, and readiness for pain self-management. Linear mixed-effects models were used to test between- and within-condition effects.

Results

Acceptability ratings showed that satisfaction with the VH and telehealth format was generally high, with no condition differences. Study attrition was low (n = 5). Intent-to-treat-analyses showed that, compared with the standard interview, the psychosocial interview yielded a significantly greater reduction in pain interference (p = .049, d = 0.43) and a marginally greater reduction in pain intensity (p = .054, d = 0.36), whereas the educational interview led to a marginally greater yet nonsignificant increase in readiness for change (p = .095, d = 0.24), as well as several significant improvements within-condition. Results did not differ by VH voice.

Conclusions

Interactive VH interviewers hold promise for improving chronic pain care, including probing for psychosocial risk factors and providing pain-related education.
An Overview on Research in a University Hospital, Using a Payback Framework Categorization Approach
Authors: Medellin-Lacedelli Stefania , Castro-Martinez Elvira , Martinez-Hernandez Fernando , Romero-Valdovinos Mirza , Suarez-Roa Lourdes , Maravilla Pablo , Prado-Calleros Hector , Flisser Ana , Sierra-Martinez Octavio
Published: June 2023

Background and Objective:

Little information is available on how to assess the impact of research studies conducted in government hospitals in Latin America and specifically in Mexico. We aimed to determine the returns on investment of the research projects that were carried out in the Hospital General “Dr. Manuel Gea Gonzalez” (HGMGG), a general university hospital located in Mexico City, using a categorization model.

Methods:

We conducted a study including bibliometric analyses of publications associated with all research studies performed during the period 2016-2019 in the HGMGG and investigator interviews, according to the payback framework categorization model.

Results:

All studies analyzed had a positive impact based on outcomes in 5 “payback categories”: (1) knowledge; (2) research targeting, capacity building, and absorption; (3) policy and product development; (4) health benefits; and (5) broader economic benefits.

Conclusions:

To date, it has not been possible to establish a set of indicators that show the results of the investigations carried out by medical specialists in training, who carry out the bulk of medical care in general hospitals and in the National Institutes of Health in Mexico. We identified, in the 5 categories of the payback framework model, different areas of opportunity to improve the benefits of the hospital's medical services through the development of scientific research projects.
Invasive species modulate the structure and stability of a multilayer mutualistic network
Authors: Vitali Agustin , Ruiz-Suarez Sofía , Vázquez Diego P. , Schleuning Matthias , Rodríguez-Cabal Mariano A. , Sasal Yamila , Pilosof Shai
Published: June 2023

Species interactions are critical for maintaining community structure and dynamics, but the effects of invasive species on multitrophic networks remain poorly understood. We leveraged an ongoing invasion scenario in Patagonia, Argentina, to explore how non-native ungulates affect multitrophic networks. Ungulates disrupt a hummingbird–mistletoe–marsupial keystone interaction, which alters community composition. We sampled pollination and seed dispersal interactions in intact and invaded sites. We constructed pollination and seed dispersal networks for each site, which we connected via shared plants. We calculated pollination-seed dispersal connectivity, identified clusters of highly connected species, and quantified species’ roles in connecting species clusters. To link structural variation to stability, we quantified network tolerance to single random species removal (disturbance propagation) and sequential species removal (robustness) using a stochastic coextinction model. Ungulates reduced the connectivity between pollination and seed dispersal and produced fewer clusters with a skewed size distribution. Moreover, species shifted their structural role, fragmenting the network by reducing the ‘bridges’ among species clusters. These structural changes altered the dynamics of cascading effects, increasing disturbance propagation and reducing network robustness. Our results highlight invasive species’ role in altering community structure and subsequent stability in multitrophic communities.
Miles down for lunch: deep-sea
in situ
observations of Arctic finned octopods
Cirroteuthis muelleri
suggest pelagic–benthic feeding migration
Authors: Golikov Alexey V. , Stauffer Julian B. , Schindler Sophie V. , Taylor James , Boehringer Lilian , Purser Autun , Sabirov Rushan M. , Hoving Henk-Jan
Published: June 2023

Deep-sea cephalopods are diverse, abundant, and poorly understood. The Cirrata are gelatinous finned octopods and among the deepest-living cephalopods ever recorded. Their natural feeding behaviour remains undocumented. During deep-sea surveys in the Arctic, we observed
Cirroteuthis muelleri
. Octopods were encountered with their web spread wide, motionless and drifting in the water column 500–2600 m from the seafloor. Individuals of
C. muelleri
were also repeatedly observed on the seafloor where they exhibited a repeated, behavioural sequence interpreted as feeding. The sequence (11–21 s) consisted of arm web spreading, enveloping and retreating. Prey capture happened during the enveloping phase and lasted 5–49 s. Numerous traces of feeding activity were also observed on the seafloor. The utilization of the water column for drifting and the deep seafloor for feeding is a novel migration behaviour for cephalopods, but known from gelatinous fishes and holothurians. By benthic feeding, the octopods benefit from the enhanced nutrient availability on the seafloor. Drifting in the water column may be an energetically efficient way of transportation while simultaneously avoiding seafloor-associated predators.
In situ
observations are indispensable to discover the behaviour of abundant megafauna, and the energetic coupling between the pelagic and benthic deep sea.
Pattern variation is linked to anti-predator coloration in butterfly larvae
Authors: McLellan Callum F. , Cuthill Innes C. , Montgomery Stephen H.
Published: June 2023

Prey animals typically try to avoid being detected and/or advertise to would-be predators that they should be avoided. Both anti-predator strategies primarily rely on colour to succeed, but the specific patterning used is also important. While the role of patterning in camouflage is relatively clear, the design features of aposematic patterns are less well understood. Here, we use a comparative approach to investigate how pattern use varies across a phylogeny of 268 species of cryptic and aposematic butterfly larvae, which also vary in social behaviour. We find that longitudinal stripes are used more frequently by cryptic larvae, and that patterns putatively linked to crypsis are more likely to be used by solitary larvae. By contrast, aposematic larvae are more likely to use horizontal bands and spots, but we find no differences in the use of individual pattern elements between solitary and gregarious aposematic species. However, solitary aposematic larvae are more likely to display multiple pattern elements, whereas those with no pattern are more likely to be gregarious. Our study advances our understanding of how pattern variation, coloration and social behaviour covary across lepidopteran larvae, and highlights new questions about how patterning affects larval detectability and predator responses to aposematic prey.
Radial bias in face identification
Authors: Roux-Sibilon Alexia , Peyrin Carole , Greenwood John A. , Goffaux Valérie
Published: June 2023

Human vision in the periphery is most accurate for stimuli that point towards the fovea. This so-called radial bias has been linked with the organization and spatial selectivity of neurons at the lowest levels of the visual system, from retinal ganglion cells onwards. Despite evidence that the human visual system is radially biased, it is not yet known whether this bias persists at higher levels of processing, or whether high-level representations are invariant to this low-level orientation bias. We used the case of face identity recognition to address this question. The specialized high-level mechanisms that support efficient face recognition are highly dependent on horizontally oriented information, which convey the most useful identity cues in the fovea. We show that face selective mechanisms are more sensitive on the horizontal meridian (to the left and right of fixation) compared to the vertical meridian (above and below fixation), suggesting that the horizontal cues in the face are better extracted on the horizontal meridian, where they align with the radial bias. The results demonstrate that the radial bias is maintained at high-level recognition stages and emphasize the importance of accounting for the radial bias in future investigation of visual recognition processes in peripheral vision.
Mannheimia cairinae sp. nov., a novel species of Mannheimia obtained from Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata) and reclassification of Mannheimia ovis as heterotypic synonym of Mannheimia pernigra
Authors: Bisgaard Magne , Christensen Henrik
Published: June 2023

During a screening study for

Pasteurella multocida

in two unrelated flocks of Muscovy ducks pharyngeal and cloacal swabs were collected. A total of 59

Pasteurellaceae

-like isolates sharing the same colony morphology were subcultured and subsequently characterized. Colonies on bovine blood agar were nonhaemolytic, regular, circular, slightly raised, shiny, intransparent with an entire margin, greyish and had an unguent-like consistency. Isolate AT1T was characterized by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and showed the highest similarity of 96.1 % to the type strain of

Mannheimia caviae

and 96.0 % to the type strain of

Mannheimia bovis

, respectively. In addition, rpoB and recN gene sequences also showed the highest similarity to the genus

Mannheimia

. The phylogenetic comparison of concatenated conserved protein sequences also showed a unique position of AT1T compared to other species of

Mannheimia

. Full phenotypic characterization of the isolates showed that between two (

Mannheimia ruminalis

) and 10 (

Mannheimia glucosida

) phenotypic characteristics separate the taxon isolated from Muscovy ducks from the accepted species of

Mannheimia

. Whole genomic sequences of two strains analysed by the type strain genome server showed the highest similarity of 24.9 % to the genome of the type strain of

Pasteurella multocida

and 23.0 % to the genome of the type strain of

Mannheimia haemolytica

. The species Mannheimia cairinae sp. nov. is proposed based on the phenotypic and genotypic similarity to

Mannheimia

as well as differences to the other validly published species of the genus. The leukotoxin protein was not predicted in the genome of AT1T. The G+C content of the type strain of M. cairinae sp. nov., AT1T (=CCUG 76754T=DSM 115341T) is 37.99 mol%, calculated from the whole genome. The investigation further proposes that

Mannheimia ovis

is reclassified as a later heterotypic synonym of

Mannheimia pernigra

, since

M. ovis

and

M. pernigra

are closely genetically related, and

M. pernigra

was validly published before

M. ovis

.
A Descriptive Study of a Clinical Pharmacist’s Role in the Outpatient Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic in the United States (CliPR-PH)
Authors: Funtanilla Vienica , Lee Dylan , Kim Eric , Zhou Crystal
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare disease affecting the heart and lungs. Median survival was 2.8 years historically, but prognosis improved with the advances of PAH therapy. It is currently not standard of care for clinical pharmacists to be a part of the interdisciplinary care team in outpatient PH clinics to help manage patients’ drug regimens, and there is limited literature that has explored the impact of clinical pharmacists on patient-related processes and outcomes. The goal of the CliPR-PH study is to characterize the activities of the clinical pharmacist as a member of the interdisciplinary team.

METHODS

CliPR-PH was a retrospective, descriptive, single-center cohort study of patients ≥ 18 years, diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, and managed by a clinical pharmacist practicing under a collaborative practice agreement between January 1, 2018 and July 31, 2020. Patients were excluded from the study if they were not on any PAH medications at the time of pharmacist encounter.

RESULTS

Sixty patients were included in the analysis and 331 clinical pharmacist interventions were documented over the study period. Interventions were regarding selexipag [88 (26.6%)], sildenafil [74 (22.4%)], tadalafil [46 (13.9%)], prior authorization (PA) completions [127 (38.4%), PA troubleshooting [43 (13.0%)], and ‘Other’ [49 (14.8%)].

CONCLUSION

Clinical pharmacists can play an important role in closely monitoring patients during the medication titration phase and ensure prior authorizations are approved in a timely manner as part of the interdisciplinary team in the outpatient PH clinic setting using a collaborative practice model approach.

Clinical Perspective

What is new?

There are currently no studies in the United States that asses a clinical pharmacist’s role on the interdisciplinary team as part of a collaborative practice agreement in the outpatient pulmonary hypertension (PH) clinic.

What are the clinical implications?

Integrating a clinical pharmacist on the medical team in an outpatient PH clinic setting allows them to closely monitor patients who are titrating selexipag, manage adverse events (AEs) that occur during the titration phase, and ensure medications requiring prior authorizations are approved in a timely manner.
Cilia loss on distinct neuron populations differentially alters cocaine-induced locomotion and reward
Authors: Everett Thomas , Ten Eyck Tyler W. , Wu Chang-Hung , Shelowitz Amanda L. , Stansbury Sofia M. , Firek Ally , Setlow Barry , McIntyre Jeremy C.
Published: June 2023

Neuronal primary cilia are being recognized for their role in mediating signaling associated with a variety of neurobehaviors, including responses to drugs of abuse. Primary cilia are microtubule-based organelles that project from the surface of nearly all mammalian cells, including neurons. They function as signaling hubs and are enriched with a diverse array of GPCRs, including several known to be associated with motivation and drug-related behaviors; however, our understanding of how cilia regulate neuronal function and behavior is still limited. The objective of the current study was to investigate the contributions of primary cilia on specific neuronal populations to behavioral responses to cocaine. To test the consequences of cilia loss on cocaine-induced locomotion and reward-related behavior, we selectively ablated cilia from dopaminergic or GAD2-GABAergic neurons in male and female mice. Cilia ablation on either population of neurons failed to significantly alter acute locomotor responses to cocaine at a range of doses. With repeated administration, mice lacking cilia on GAD2-GABAergic neurons exhibited greater locomotor sensitization to cocaine compared to wild-type littermates, whereas mice lacking cilia on dopaminergic neurons exhibited reduced locomotor sensitization to cocaine at 10 & 30mg/kg. Mice lacking cilia on GAD2-GABAergic neurons showed no difference in cocaine conditioned place preference (CPP), whereas mice lacking cilia on dopaminergic neurons exhibited reduced CPP compared to wild-type littermates. Combined with previous findings using amphetamine, our results show that behavioral effects of cilia ablation are cell-and drug type-specific, and that neuronal cilia contribute to modulation of both the locomotor-inducing and rewarding properties of cocaine.
The effect of circulation rate on the water quality of container-type recirculation aquaculture system under different feeding rates ofSchizothorax wangchiachii
Authors: Zhou Junming , Cai Qinglin , Zhou Kelei
Published: June 2023

As an experimental fish, juvenileSchizothorax wangchiachiiwere fed different dosages (100, 300, or 500 g), and the changes in water quality in the inlet and outlet of the biofilter and in the aquaculture buckets were measured under different circulation rates (1.5, 3, or 4.5 m3/h; water samples were collected every 2 hours). With 100 g of feed and different circulation rates (1.5, 3, or 4.5 m3/h), the average removal rates of ammonia nitrogen and nitroso nitrogen by the biofilter were 40.4, 36.8, and 27.7% and 43.9, 36.9, and 29.8%, respectively. With 300 g of feed, the average removal rates of ammonia nitrogen and nitroso nitrogen were 42.3, 37.9, and 33.6% and 45.8, 32.7, and 21.7%, respectively. With 500 g of feed, the average removal rates of ammonia nitrogen and nitroso nitrogen by biofilters with different circulation rates were 53.5, 42.6, and 35.7% and 40.3, 26.5, and 18.1%, respectively. Therefore, when the feeding amounts were 100, 300, and 500 g, respectively, the optimal circulation rates were 1.5, 1.5, or 4.5 m3/h, which allowed the best management and reduction in energy consumption of the circulating aquaculture system. This research conclusion provides a reliable scientific reference for the promotion of a low-cost new model of industrial circular water aquaculture.
rphylopic: An R package for fetching, transforming, and visualising PhyloPic silhouettes
Authors: Gearty William , Jones Lewis A.
Published: June 2023

Data visualisation is vital for data exploration, analysis, and communication in research. Moreover, it can bridge gaps between researchers and the general public by making research findings more accessible and engaging. Today, researchers increasingly conduct their data analyses in programming languages such as R and Python. The availability of data visualisation tools within these environments supports the generation of reproducible data analyses and visualisation workflows. However, resources from external databases are frequently required for data visualisation necessitating integration between these databases and the platforms in which researchers conduct their analyses.

Here, we introduce rphylopic, an R package for fetching, transforming, and visualising silhouettes of organisms from the PhyloPic database. In addition to making over 7,000 organism silhouettes available within the R programming language, rphylopic empowers users to modify the appearance of these silhouettes for ultimate customisability when coding production-quality visualisations in both base R and ggplot2 workflows.

In this work, we provide details about how the package can be installed, its implementation, and potential use cases. For the latter, we showcase three examples across the ecology and evolutionary biology spectrum.

Our hope is that rphylopic will make it easier for biologists to develop more accessible and engaging data visualisations by making external resources readily accessible, customisable, and usable within R. In turn, by integrating into existing workflows, rphylopic helps to ensure that science is reproducible and accessible.