bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A case study of the diet-microbiota-parasite interplay in bumble bees
Authors: Gekière Antoine , Vanderplanck Maryse , Hettiarachchi Amanda , Semay Irène , Gerbaux Pascal , Michez Denis , Joossens Marie , Vandamme Peter
Published: December 2023

Aims

Diets and parasites influence the gut bacterial symbionts of bumble bees, but potential interactive effects remain overlooked. The main objective of this study was to assess the isolated and interactive effects of sunflower pollen, its phenolamides, and the widespread trypanosomatid Crithidia sp. on the gut bacterial symbionts of Bombus terrestris males.

Methods and results

Bumble bee males emerged in microcolonies fed on either (i) willow pollen (control), (ii) sunflower pollen, or (iii) willow pollen spiked with phenolamide extracts from sunflower pollen. These microcolonies were infected by Crithidia sp. or were pathogen-free. Using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing (V3–V4 region), we observed a significant alteration of the beta diversity but not of the alpha diversity in the gut microbial communities of males fed on sunflower pollen compared to males fed on control pollen. Similarly, infection by the gut parasite Crithidia sp. altered the beta diversity but not the alpha diversity in the gut microbial communities of males, irrespective of the diet. By contrast, we did not observe any significant alteration of the beta or alpha diversity in the gut microbial communities of males fed on phenolamide-enriched pollen compared to males fed on control pollen. Changes in the beta diversity indicate significant dissimilarities of the bacterial taxa between the treatment groups, while the lack of difference in alpha diversity demonstrates no significant changes within each treatment group.

Conclusions

Bumble bees harbour consistent gut microbiota worldwide, but our results suggest that the gut bacterial communities of bumble bees are somewhat shaped by their diets and gut parasites as well as by the interaction of these two factors. This study confirms that bumble bees are suitable biological surrogates to assess the effect of diet and parasite infections on gut microbial communities.
Insight into the long-term impact of birth weight on intestinal development, microbial settlement, and the metabolism of weaned piglets
Authors: Trevisi Paolo , Negrini Clara , Correa Federico , Virdis Sara , Laghi Luca , Marcello Mele , Conte Giuseppe , Mazzoni Maurizio , Luise Diana
Published: December 2023

Infant mortality of low birth body weight (LBBW) piglets can reach 10% and is mainly due to gut and immune system immaturity which can lead to a higher risk in the long term. This study aimed to assess the impact of birth body weight (BBW) on piglet metabolism, gut status, and microbial profile from weaning to 21 d postweaning. At birth, 32 piglets were selected for their BBW and inserted into the normal BBW (NBBW:1.38 ± 0.09 g) or the LBBW (0.92 ± 0.07 g) group. The piglets were weighed weekly from weaning (d0) to d21. At d9 and d21, 8 piglets/group were slaughtered to obtain the distal jejunum for morphology, immunohistochemistry, and gene expression analysis, colon content for microbiota and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) analysis, and intestinal content for pH measurement. Blood was collected for metabolomic, haptoglobin (Hp), and reactive oxygen metabolite (ROM) analysis. The LBBW group had a lower body weight (BW) throughout the study (P < 0.01), a lower average daily gain from d9-d21 (P = 0.002), and lower feed intake (P = 0.02). The LBBW piglets had lower Hp at d9 (P = 0.03), higher ROMs at d21 (P = 0.06), and a net alteration of the amino acid (AA) metabolism at d9 and d21. A higher expression of NFKB2 was observed in the LBBW piglets at d9 (P = 0.003) and d21 (P < 0.001). MYD88 expression was enhanced in NBBW piglets at d9 (P < 0.001). The LBBW piglets had a lower villus height, absorptive mucosal surface (P = 0.01), and villus height:crypt depth ratio (P = 0.02), and a greater number of T-lymphocytes in both the epithelium and the crypts (P < 0.001) at d21. At d21, the LBBW piglets had higher lactic acid, acetate, butyrate, and valerate, and also higher SCFA in the colon (P < 0.05). The LBBW piglets had a higher Shannon index (P = 0.01) at d9 and a higher abundance of SCFA-fermenting bacteria. In conclusion, the present study confirmed that LBBW could impact the gut mucosal structure, immunity, and inflammatory and oxidative status, leading to an altered AA metabolism, and delaying the recovery from weaning.
An miR164-resistant mutation in the transcription factor gene CpCUC2B enhances carpel arrest and ectopic boundary specification in Cucurbita pepo flower development
Authors: Segura María , García Alicia , Gamarra Germán , Benítez Álvaro , Iglesias-Moya Jessica , Martínez Cecilia , Jamilena Manuel
Published: December 2023

The sex determination process in cucurbits involves the control of stamen or carpel development during the specification of male or female flowers from a bisexual floral meristem, a function coordinated by ethylene. A gain-of-function mutation in the miR164-binding site of CpCUC2B, ortholog of the Arabidopsis transcription factor gene CUC2, not only produced ectopic floral meristems and organs, but also suppressed the development of carpels and promoted the development of stamens. The cuc2b mutation induced the transcription of CpCUC2B in the apical shoots of plants after female flowering but repressed other CUC genes regulated by miR164, suggesting a conserved functional redundancy of these genes in the development of squash flowers. The synergistic androecious phenotype of the double mutant between cuc2b and etr2b, an ethylene-insensitive mutation that enhances the production of male flowers, demonstrated that CpCUC2B arrests the development of carpels independently of ethylene and CpWIP1B. The transcriptional regulation of CpCUC1, CpCUC2, and ethylene genes in cuc2b and ethylene mutants also confirms this conclusion. However, the epistasis of cuc2b over aco1a, a mutation that suppresses stamen arrest in female flowers, and the down-regulation of CpACS27A in cuc2b female apical shoots, indicated that CpCUC2B promotes stamen development by suppressing the late ethylene production.
Bibliometric analysis and thematic review of Candida pathogenesis: Fundamental omics to applications as potential antifungal drugs and vaccines
Authors: Lim Si Jie , Muhd Noor Noor Dina , Sabri Suriana , Mohamad Ali Mohd Shukuri , Salleh Abu Bakar , Oslan Siti Nurbaya
Published: December 2023

Invasive candidiasis caused by the pathogenic Candida yeast species has resulted in elevating global mortality. The pathogenicity of Candida spp. is not only originated from its primary invasive yeast-to-hyphal transition; virulence factors (transcription factors, adhesins, invasins, and enzymes), biofilm, antifungal drug resistance, stress tolerance, and metabolic adaptation have also contributed to a greater clinical burden. However, the current research theme in fungal pathogenicity could hardly be delineated with the increasing research output. Therefore, our study analysed the research trends in Candida pathogenesis over the past 37 years via a bibliometric approach against the Scopus and Web of Science databases. Based on the 3993 unique documents retrieved, significant international collaborations among researchers were observed, especially between Germany (Bernhard Hube) and the UK (Julian Naglik), whose focuses are on Candida proteinases, adhesins, and candidalysin. The prominent researchers (Neils Gow, Alistair Brown, and Frank Odds) at the University of Exeter and the University of Aberdeen (second top performing affiliation) UK contribute significantly to the mechanisms of Candida adaptation, tolerance, and stress response. However, the science mapping of co-citation analysis performed herein could not identify a hub representative of subsequent work since the clusters were semi-redundant. The co-word analysis that was otherwise adopted, revealed three research clusters; the cluster-based thematic analyses indicated the severeness of Candida biofilm and antifungal resistance as well as the elevating trend on molecular mechanism elucidation for drug screening and repurposing. Importantly, the in vivo pathogen adaptation and interactions with hosts are crucial for potential vaccine development.
Saltire: a model to measure dynamical masses for high-contrast binaries and exoplanets with high-resolution spectroscopy
Authors: Sebastian D , Triaud A H M J , Brogi M
Published: December 2023

High-resolution cross-correlation methods are widely used to discover and to characterise atomic and molecular species in exoplanet atmospheres. The characteristic cross-correlation signal is typically represented as a function of the velocity of the system, and the semi-amplitude of the planet’s orbit. We present Saltire, a fast and simple model that accurately reproduces the shape of such cross-correlation signals, allowing a direct fit to the data by using a minimum set of parameters. We show how to use this model on the detection of atmospheric carbon monoxide in archival data of the hot Jupiter $\rm \tau$ Boötis b, and how Saltire can be used to estimate the semi-amplitude and rest velocity of high brightness ratio binaries. By including the shape of the signal, we demonstrate that our model allows to robustly derive the signal position up to 10 times more accurate, compared to conventional methods. Furthermore, we discuss the impact of correlated noise and demonstrate that Saltire is a robust tool for estimating systematic uncertainties on the signal position. Saltire opens a new door to analyse high signal-to-noise data to accurately study atmospheric dynamics and to measure precise dynamical masses for exoplanets and faint stellar companions. We show that the phase-resolved shape of the atmospheric cross-correlation signal can accurately be reproduced, allowing studies of phase-dependent signal changes and to disentangle them from noise and data aliases.
The Lyman-α forest catalogue from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument Early Data Release
Authors: Ramírez-Pérez César , Pérez-Ràfols Ignasi , Font-Ribera Andreu , Karim M Abdul , Armengaud E , Bautista J , Beltran S F , Cabayol-Garcia L , Cai Z , Chabanier S , Chaussidon E , Chaves-Montero J , Cuceu A , de la Cruz R , García-Bellido J , Gonzalez-Morales A X , Gordon C , Herrera-Alcantar H K , Iršič V , Ishak M , Karaçaylı N G , Lukić Zarija , Manser C J , Montero-Camacho P , Napolitano L , Niz G , Pieri M M , Ravoux C , Sinigaglia F , Tan T , Walther M , Wang B , Aguilar J , Ahlen S , Bailey S , Brooks D , Claybaugh T , Dawson K , de la Macorra A , Dhungana G , Doel P , Fanning K , Forero-Romero J E , Gontcho S Gontcho A , Guy J , Honscheid K , Kehoe R , Kisner T , Landriau M , Le Guillou L , Levi M E , Magneville C , Martini P , Meisner A , Miquel R , Moustakas J , Mueller E , Muñoz-Gutiérrez A , Nie J , Palanque-Delabrouille N , Percival W J , Rossi G , Sanchez E , Schlafly E F , Schlegel D , Seo H , Tarlé G , Weaver B A , Yéche C , Zhou Z
Published: December 2023

We present and validate the catalogue of Lyman-α forest fluctuations for 3D analyses using the Early Data Release (EDR) from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) survey. We used 88 511 quasars collected from DESI Survey Validation (SV) data and the first two months of the main survey (M2). We present several improvements to the method used to extract the Lyman-α absorption fluctuations performed in previous analyses from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). In particular, we modify the weighting scheme and show that it can improve the precision of the correlation function measurement by more than 20 per cent. This catalogue can be downloaded from https://data.desi.lbl.gov/public/edr/vac/edr/lya/fuji/v0.3, and it will be used in the near future for the first DESI measurements of the 3D correlations in the Lyman-α forest.
A Fast, Reproducible, High-throughput Variant Calling Workflow for Population Genomics
Authors: Mirchandani Cade D , Shultz Allison J , Thomas Gregg W C , Smith Sara J , Baylis Mara , Arnold Brian , Corbett-Detig Russ , Enbody Erik , Sackton Timothy B
Published: December 2023

The increasing availability of genomic resequencing data sets and high-quality reference genomes across the tree of life present exciting opportunities for comparative population genomic studies. However, substantial challenges prevent the simple reuse of data across different studies and species, arising from variability in variant calling pipelines, data quality, and the need for computationally intensive reanalysis. Here, we present snpArcher, a flexible and highly efficient workflow designed for the analysis of genomic resequencing data in nonmodel organisms. snpArcher provides a standardized variant calling pipeline and includes modules for variant quality control, data visualization, variant filtering, and other downstream analyses. Implemented in Snakemake, snpArcher is user-friendly, reproducible, and designed to be compatible with high-performance computing clusters and cloud environments. To demonstrate the flexibility of this pipeline, we applied snpArcher to 26 public resequencing data sets from nonmammalian vertebrates. These variant data sets are hosted publicly to enable future comparative population genomic analyses. With its extensibility and the availability of public data sets, snpArcher will contribute to a broader understanding of genetic variation across species by facilitating the rapid use and reuse of large genomic data sets.
Heart disease and stroke statistics 2023 update from the American Heart Association—implications for nephrology
Authors: Edwards Nicola C , Ferro Charles J , Townend Jonathan N
Published: December 2023

The annual American Heart Association (AHA) and National Institutes of Health statistical report details the most up to date statistics related to heart disease, stroke and cardiovascular risk factors, primarily within the USA. Although not a formal systematic review or meta-analysis, this 600 page report provides the most comprehensive and best summary of cardiovascular statistics for the year in question. Although data are collated from USA data registries, it serves as a critical resource for clinicians, policymakers, administrators and researchers in the northern and southern hemispheres. In this special report, we have chosen to highlight aspects of the document that are relevant to nephrologists, given the overlap of cardiovascular and renal disease. These include (i) key and emerging cardiovascular data signals in the general and chronic kidney disease (CKD) populations, (ii) ethnic and socio-economic disparity, (iii) environmental and behavioural factors that drive high levels of cardiovascular disease and which are key components of the AHA's eight components of the Life Essential cardiovascular health score, and (iv) the impact of COVID-19 both directly and indirectly on heart health. We provide some commentary and critical analysis of both the data and of the production of such data sets suggesting that similar data on CKD could also be published and linked to the AHA and other datasets.
Characterizing utilization patterns and reoperation risk factors of interspinous process devices: analysis of a national claims database
Authors: Tan Hao , Yamamoto Erin A , Smith Spencer , Yoo Jung , Kark Jonathan , Lin Clifford , Orina Josiah , Philipp Travis , Ross Donald A , Wright Christina , Wright James , Ryu Won Hyung A
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Interspinous process devices (IPDs) were developed as minimally invasive alternatives to open decompression surgery for spinal stenosis. However, given high treatment failure and reoperation rates, there has been minimal adoption by spine surgeons. This study leveraged a national claims database to characterize national IPD usage patterns and postoperative outcomes after IPD implantation.

Method

Using the PearlDiver database, we identified all patients who underwent 1- or 2-level IPD implantation between 2010 and 2018. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of the number of IPD levels implanted and reoperation up to 3 years after the index surgery. Right-censored Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted for duration of reoperation-free survival and compared with log-rank tests.

Results

Patients (n = 4865) received 1-level (n = 3246) or 2-level (n = 1619) IPDs. Patients who were older (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.03, P < .001), male (aOR 1.31, 95% CI 116–1.50, P < .001), and obese (aOR 1.19, 95% CI 1.05–1.36, P < .01) were significantly more likely to receive a 2-level IPD than to receive a 1-level IPD. The 3-year reoperation rate was 9.3% of patients when mortality was accounted for during the follow-up period. Older age decreased (aOR 0.97, 95% CI 0.97–0.99, P = .0039) likelihood of reoperation, whereas 1-level IPD (aOR 1.37, 95% CI 1.01–1.89, P = .048), Charlson Comorbidity Index (aOR 1.07, 95% CI 1.01–1.14, P = .018), and performing concomitant open decompression increased the likelihood of reoperation (aOR 1.68, 95% CI 1.35–2.09, P = .0014).

Conclusion

Compared with 1-level IPDs, 2-level IPDs were implanted more frequently in older, male, and obese patients. The 3-year reoperation rate was 9.3%. Concomitant open decompression with IPD placement was identified as a significant risk factor for subsequent reoperation and warrants future investigation.
Short Campaigns by Hedge Funds
Authors: Appel Ian , Fos Vyacheslav
Published: December 2023

The number of short campaigns by hedge funds has dramatically increased over the last two decades. Nearly 80% of campaigns are undertaken by activist hedge funds, particularly those that employ hostile tactics in their long campaigns. Short campaigns are associated with negative abnormal returns of –7%, with aggregate valuation effects similar in magnitude to the gains from long activism campaigns. In contrast to long campaigns, public communication is a critical component of short campaigns. We do not find evidence that such communication is manipulative. Overall, our analysis highlights the importance of short campaigns for understanding the economic impact of activist hedge funds.
Surgical Insights and Complications of Third-generation Minimally Invasive Chevron Akin Osteotomy for Hallux Valgus
Authors: McCann Julia A. , Wu Caroline M. , Neufeld Steven K.
Published: December 2023

Minimally invasive bunion correction is an increasingly popular surgical technique to address hallux valgus deformity. Though some complications are decreased compared with open procedures, there are still notable preventable and unavoidable complications associated with these procedures. This paper serves as a review of complications and adverse events encountered with third-generation minimally invasive Chevron and Akin osteotomy procedures, as well as how to avoid and mitigate these adverse outcomes.

Level of Evidence:

Level V. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Associations Between Psychosocial Needs, Carbohydrate-Counting Behavior, and App Satisfaction: A Randomized Crossover App Trial on 92 Adults With Diabetes
Authors: Choi Joshua S. , Ma Darren , Wolfson Julian A. , Wyman Jean F. , Adam Terrence J. , Fu Helen N.
Published: December 2023

To examine whether psychosocial needs in diabetes care are associated with carbohydrate counting and if carbohydrate counting is associated with satisfaction with diabetes applications' usability, a randomized crossover trial of 92 adults with type 1 or 2 diabetes requiring insulin therapy tested two top-rated diabetes applications, mySugr and OnTrack Diabetes. Survey responses on demographics, psychosocial needs (perceived competence, autonomy, and connectivity), carbohydrate-counting frequency, and application satisfaction were modeled using mixed-effect linear regressions to test associations. Participants ranged between 19 and 74 years old (mean, 54 years) and predominantly had type 2 diabetes (70%). Among the three tested domains of psychosocial needs, only competence—not autonomy or connectivity—was found to be associated with carbohydrate-counting frequency. No association between carbohydrate-counting behavior and application satisfaction was found. In conclusion, perceived competence in diabetes care is an important factor in carbohydrate counting; clinicians may improve adherence to carbohydrate counting with strategies designed to improve perceived competence. Carbohydrate-counting behavior is complex; its impact on patient satisfaction of diabetes application usability is multifactorial and warrants consideration of patient demographics such as sex as well as application features for automated carbohydrate counting.
Bidirectional relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease: Prospective cohort study and genetic analyses
Authors: Zhang Wenqiang , Zhang Li , Xiao Chenghan , Wu Xueyao , Cui Huijie , Yang Chao , Yan Peijing , Tang Mingshuang , Wang Yutong , Chen Lin , Liu Yunjie , Zou Yanqiu , Zhang Ling , Yang Chunxia , Yao Yuqin , Li Jiayuan , Liu Zhenmi , Jiang Xia , Zhang Ben
Published: December 2023

Background:

While type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is considered a putative causal risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD), the intrinsic link underlying T2DM and CAD is not fully understood. We aimed to highlight the importance of integrated care targeting both diseases by investigating the phenotypic and genetic relationships between T2DM and CAD.

Methods:

We evaluated phenotypic associations using data from the United Kingdom Biobank (N = 472,050). We investigated genetic relationships by leveraging genomic data conducted in European ancestry for T2DM, with and without adjustment for body mass index (BMI) (T2DM: N
case/N
control = 74,124/824,006; T2DM adjusted for BMI [T2DMadjBMI]: N
case/N
control = 50,409/523,897) and for CAD (N
case/N
control = 181,522/984,168). We performed additional analyses using genomic data conducted in multiancestry individuals for T2DM (N
case/N
control = 180,834/1,159,055).

Results:

Observational analysis suggested a bidirectional relationship between T2DM and CAD (T2DM→CAD: hazard ratio [HR] = 2.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.01–2.24; CAD→T2DM: HR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.63–1.81). A positive overall genetic correlation between T2DM and CAD was observed (r
g = 0.39, P = 1.43 × 10–75), which was largely independent of BMI (T2DMadjBMI–CAD: r
g = 0.31, P = 1.20 × 10–36). This was corroborated by six local signals, among which 9p21.3 showed the strongest genetic correlation. Cross-trait meta-analysis replicated 101 previously reported loci and discovered six novel pleiotropic loci. Mendelian randomization analysis supported a bidirectional causal relationship (T2DM→CAD: odds ratio [OR] = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.11–1.16; CAD→T2DM: OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.07–1.18), which was confirmed in multiancestry individuals (T2DM→CAD: OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.10–1.16; CAD→T2DM: OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.04–1.13). This bidirectional relationship was significantly mediated by systolic blood pressure and intake of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, with mediation proportions of 54.1% (95% CI: 24.9–83.4%) and 90.4% (95% CI: 29.3–151.5%), respectively.

Conclusion:

Our observational and genetic analyses demonstrated an intrinsic bidirectional relationship between T2DM and CAD and clarified the biological mechanisms underlying this relationship.
Modern radiological assessment after neoadjuvant therapy in pancreatic cancer: an overview
Authors: Steingrüber Marcus , Moulla Yousef , Denecke Timm , Meyer Hans-Jonas
Published: December 2023

This narrative review provides an overview of the current radiological assessment of pancreatic cancer after neoadjuvant treatment. The current literature was searched for evidence of the different radiological quantitative imaging modalities to stage pancreatic cancer. An overview is given in a narrative method. The quantitative imaging modalities comprise computed tomography (CT) perfusion, dual-energy CT, magnetic resonance imaging, and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET)/CT. Radiomics analysis can be used to further characterize the tumors and to reflect the complex tumor microstructure before and after neoadjuvant treatment. Exact extension of the tumor and infiltration of the surrounding tissue is of utter importance to decide, whether the neoadjuvant treatment leads to a resectability or not. There is increasing evidence of the importance of quantitative imaging modalities to assess treatment response in patients with pancreatic cancer after neoadjuvant treatment. Prospective studies employing these modalities are needed to further investigate the benefit for the patients.
Non-alcoholic fatty pancreas disease: an updated review
Authors: Pang Chaoyu , Dong Peng , Yang Jian , Fan Zhiyao , Cheng Zhiqiang , Zhan Hanxiang
Published: December 2023

Ectopic accumulation of fat can cause a variety of metabolic diseases, and the emerging non-alcoholic fatty pancreas disease (NAFPD) is increasingly being recognized by clinicians as a cause for concern. NAFPD is a disease caused by abnormal accumulation of adipose tissue in the pancreas, which is related to obesity. The main feature of NAFPD is death of acinar cells, which are then replaced by adipose cells. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been fully explored. Obesity, aging, and metabolic syndrome are independent risk factors for the occurrence and development of NAFPD. Studies have shown that NAFPD leads to insulin resistance and pancreatic dysfunction, increases the risk of diabetes mellitus, worsens the severity of pancreatitis, and is significantly correlated with pancreatic cancer and postoperative pancreatic fistula. There is no standard treatment for NAFPD; exercise, a balanced diet, and lifestyle can help reduce pancreatic fat; however, other treatment modalities such as drugs and bariatric surgery are still being explored. The specific pathological mechanism of NAFPD remains unclear, and its potential association with various clinical diseases requires further study. This review summarizes the etiology, diagnosis, clinical consequences, and potential therapeutic strategies of NAFPD.
Setting positive end-expiratory pressure: the use of esophageal pressure measurements
Authors: Somhorst Peter , Mousa Amne , Jonkman Annemijn H.
Published: December 2023

Purpose of review

To summarize the key concepts, physiological rationale and clinical evidence for titrating positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) using transpulmonary pressure (P
L) derived from esophageal manometry, and describe considerations to facilitate bedside implementation.

Recent findings

The goal of an esophageal pressure-based PEEP setting is to have sufficient P
L at end-expiration to keep (part of) the lung open at the end of expiration. Although randomized studies (EPVent-1 and EPVent-2) have not yet proven a clinical benefit of this approach, a recent posthoc analysis of EPVent-2 revealed a potential benefit in patients with lower APACHE II score and when PEEP setting resulted in end-expiratory P
L values close to 0 ± 2 cmH2O instead of higher or more negative values. Technological advances have made esophageal pressure monitoring easier to implement at the bedside, but challenges regarding obtaining reliable measurements should be acknowledged.

Esophageal pressure monitoring has the potential to individualize the PEEP settings. Future studies are needed to evaluate the clinical benefit of such approach.
Prevalence and Correlates of Unmet Medical and Social Needs in Virginia’s Medicaid Managed Long Term Services and Supports Program
Authors: Marks Sarah J. , Saunders Heather , Shadowen Hannah , McCray Neil , Bachireddy Chethan , Dagenhart Sandra , Brown Sandra , Guerra Lauren , Cunningham Peter J.
Published: December 2023

Background:

Medicaid Long Term Services and Support (LTSS) programs serve individuals with complex medical and social needs. Increasingly, state Medicaid programs are contracting with managed care organizations to administer LTSS programs.

Objectives:

Understand the prevalence of and risk factors for unmet medical and social needs among a sample of patients within a Medicaid managed LTSS program.

Methods:

We surveyed a cross-sectional random sample of 798 community-residing individuals over 21 in Virginia who were served by the state Medicaid managed LTSS program. Outcomes of interest include 3 distinct medical needs: medical appointments, medical transportation, and prescriptions; 4 distinct social needs: housing security, food security, utility bills, and nonmedical transportation, and composite measures of unmet social and medical needs.

Results:

We found that 12.5% of our sample had any unmet medical need, while far more (62.2%) of our sample had any unmet social needs, with food insecurity being the most common. We found that members of color had almost 2 times the odds of having both unmet social and medical needs [social: adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.21; 95% confidence Interval (CI): (1.59, 3.09); medical aOR: 2.25 ; 95% CI: (1.34, 3.8)].

Conclusion:

Medicaid members may not be fully realizing the potential of LTSS programs and would benefit from both Medicaid agency and managed care organizations' strategies aimed at addressing social drivers of health. To achieve health equity for LTSS members of color, Medicaid agencies may consider policies specifically targeting racial disparities.
Successful Treatment for Hepatoblastoma in Trisomy 18: A Case Report
Authors: Shirane Kazuki , Yoshimi Ai , Masuko Takayuki , Kajikawa Daigo , Toma Miki , Idesawa Hiroto , Tsukada Yugo , Yano Yusuke , Kato Keisuke , Motoyama Keiichi , Asai Nobuyoshi , Hirono Koji , Kono Tatsuo , Otani Haruo , Shiono Junko , Izumi Isho , Yanai Toshihiro
Published: December 2023

Children with trisomy 18 tend to develop hepatoblastoma. Since the introduction of appropriate management for organ malfunction, individuals with trisomy 18 have come to have a longer life expectancy. However, the predisposition to hepatoblastoma becomes a significant issue for the quality of a case. Here, we present a rare multifocal hepatoblastoma involving predominantly Couinaud segments 5 and 7 in a 10-month-old boy with trisomy 18. Though the first-line cisplatin monotherapy resulted in unsatisfactory tumor shrinkage, the second-line neoadjuvant chemotherapy administrating irinotecan and vincristine gave rise to significant tumor reduction in volume, leading to the completion of partial resection of the liver without the microscopic residual disease. The patient has been free from recurrence for 44 months. Because anatomical right hepatectomy can cause circulatory instability, including acute onset of pulmonary hypertension in trisomy 18 patients, physicians should balance treatment benefits and potential adverse effects. Our successful experience utilizing a combination of efficacious and less cardiotoxic neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by the partial hepatectomy encourages physicians to treat a patient with trisomy 18 and tackle hepatoblastoma with a genetic background.
Clinical Nurse Specialists Using Evidence-Based Practice to Prevent Falls
Authors: Pate Kimberly , Rutledge Sarah R. , Belin Latasia
Published: December 2023

Purpose/Objectives

The purpose of this quality improvement project was to reduce inpatient falls and falls with injury by implementing the Hester Davis Fall Program, a comprehensive, evidence-based prevention program, with the leadership of clinical nurse specialists.

Description of the Project/Program

The Plan-Do-Study-Act model was utilized to implement the program at 2 adult acute care facilities. Clinical nurse specialists collaborated with nurse managers to guide planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient outcomes. Routine meetings with Hester Davis sustainability coaches and access to data analytic dashboards provided visibility of audit data, allowing for the intentional selection of targeted strategies to improve risk assessment scoring and implementation of appropriate interventions.

Outcome

Although both facilities demonstrated overall favorable trends in fall rates, one facility demonstrated rates less than the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators mean. In the 9 months following implementation, total falls for both facilities decreased from 744 to 692 for the same period in the previous year, resulting in estimated cost-savings of $202 176 to $491 400.

Conclusion

Clinical nurse specialists play a key role in the successful implementation of evidence-based programs. As organizations look to improve quality measures, it is vital that senior nurse leaders ensure the availability of appropriate resources including the identification of individuals with the appropriate skill set to lead quality improvement.
Umbilical Cord Tissue
Authors: Midthun Kari M.
Published: December 2023

Umbilical cord tissue (UCT) traditionally has been used as an antemortem matrix for identifying and monitoring fetal exposure to drugs suspected to have been used during pregnancy. The specimen offers several advantages as a testable tissue, including accessibility and ease of collection, ample sample volume, a long window of detection, and ability to detect for a wide range of drugs. Despite these advantages, little to no research exists on the use of UCT as a postmortem forensic toxicology specimen. This article aims to provide insights into UCT toxicological testing and infer potential applications for postmortem use, such as investigations into stillbirths and infant abandonment. Umbilical cord tissue offers several benefits as a postmortem toxicological specimen. Importantly, it can be collected with or without an autopsy being performed and may help explain factors that contribute to the underdevelopment and death of the neonate. With the limited sample volumes present in infant investigations, toxicological analysis of UCT could become a valuable tool for neonatal medicolegal death investigations.
Prescribed and Diverted Methadone Toxicity in South Australia
Authors: Stephenson Lilli , Van Den Heuvel Corinna , Humphries Melissa , Byard Roger W.
Published: December 2023

Methadone is one of the most common medications currently prescribed for the treatment of opioid use disorders (OUDs). While methadone maintenance programs (MMPs) have been highly successful in the management and treatment of OUDs resulting in a reduced number of fatalities, the risk of overdose/toxicity remains. The current study was undertaken to analyze trends in overdoses attributed to prescribed and diverted methadone in South Australia (SA) between 2000 and 2019. Over the 20-year period, 344 methadone-related deaths occurred in SA with a significant increase in deaths over the study period (P = 0.03). The mean age of decedents was 42.5 years with a male to female ratio of 1.8:1, with approximately 20% of decedents enrolled in a MMP at the time of death. Overall, only 5.2% of cases demonstrated methadone diversion, which was associated with methadone prescribed for chronic pain and was most likely to be diverted from a friend/housemate or a partner. However, the source of methadone in more than half of cases was unknown, so this is likely a significant underestimate of actual MMP methadone diversion and total methadone diversion.
Child Sexual Abuse
Authors: Lupariello Francesco , Lauria Barbara , Mirri Federica , Aguzzi Sonia , Castagno Emanuele , Bondone Claudia , Di Vella Giancarlo
Published: December 2023

In the scientific literature, few authors deal with child sexual abuse (CSA) in boys. In addition, these authors debate this phenomenon in most available articles without statistically evaluating the occurrence of different or similar distributions of variables under sex. In light of the above, the authors compared multiple variables between female and male samples. The aim was to explore the characteristics of boys' CSA, identifying the main differences existing compared with the same phenomenon occurring in girls. The authors selected 2 samples for sex: group A, females; group B, males. The authors statistically compared the main variables between the 2 groups. The study yielded the following main results: the population was characterized by 607 children (476 were females—group A; 131 were males—group B); the variables' source of the referral and the type of anogenital findings were statistically significant. These data gave new insights into the CSA phenomenon. Because this study pointed out that sexual abuse does not have the same characteristics in boys and girls, researchers and safeguarding agencies should consider the abovementioned differences when planning preventive strategies against CSA.
Optimization of Muscle Selection for Needle Electromyography in Isolated C6 Root Lesion
Authors: Rayegani Seyed Mansoor , Bahrami Mohammad Hasan , Aalipour Kianmehr , Malek Mahmoudi Rashin , Maleki Kahaki Sara
Published: December 2023

Objectives

The aim of the study is to evaluate muscles with more prominent needle electromyographic findings to optimize needle electromyography screening of isolated C6 radiculopathy in patients with C6 root lesions.

Design

This prospective clinical study was performed on 39 patients with isolated and unilateral cervical radiculopathy selected from all referrals of 1733 patients to the electrodiagnosis unit of the physical medicine and rehabilitation department of a tertiary medical center (from April 2021 to December 2021). The presence of fibrillation potentials, positive sharp waves, and/or neurogenic motor action potentials that occurred in isolation or combination with selected muscles was considered an abnormal finding.

Results

Of 1733 referrals, 39 patients (18 males [46.1%] and 21 females [53.8%]), with a mean age of 49.7 ± 9.6 yrs, were found eligible. According to needle electromyography findings, the most involved muscles in C6 root lesion were pronator teres (100%), followed by extensor carpi radialis longus (94.8%), flexor carpi radialis (89.7%), brachioradialis (82%), infraspinatus (82%), supraspinatus (79.4%), deltoid (74.3%), biceps brachii (64.1%), extensor digitorum communis (33.3%), and triceps brachii (15.3%) muscles.

Conclusions

The pronator teres is the most involved muscle of patients diagnosed with C6 radiculopathy. It might be considered the key muscle for screening and accurate diagnosis of C6 root involvement.
Surgical Treatment of Trigonocephaly, Simplified Technique for Moderate Cases
Authors: Kalantar-Hormozi Abdoljalil , Mohammadi Mofrad Rastin , Noori Mehran , Kalantar Hormozi Hadis
Published: December 2023

Background:

The prevalence of trigonocephaly has increased worldwide over the past 2 decades. Early identification and appropriate treatment are critical. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes and the effect of metopic suture excision, perisutural frontal bone shave, and bilateral pericranial flap method on the shape of the forehead after surgical correction in infants with moderate trigonocephaly.

Methods:

The present study was performed as a cross-sectional study on 40 infants of 3 to 12 months old with trigonocephalus who underwent metopic suture excision and pericardial flap surgery in Mofid Pediatric Hospital from 2016 to 2022. The definitive diagnosis of patients’ trigonocephaly was made based on clinical signs and computed tomography scan findings by a plastic surgeon.

Results:

Overall in 40 patients operated by this technique, 23 (57.5%) of cases were males, and 17 (42.5%) were females. The mean age of patients was 7.86 ± 2.22 months. Hospital stay was 2 to 4 days (mean: 3 d), intensive care unit admission was in 33 cases for 24 hours, and no intensive care unit admission for 7 cases. Blood was transfused during surgery for 25 patients, and 15 patients did not require blood transfusion use. Results were evaluated in 6 to 12 months after surgery by 3 independent plastic surgeons, with pre and postoperative photos. Satisfaction with the results of forehead shape was excellent for 60% of patients, good for 37.5%, and moderate for 2.5%. Only one female patient had a recurrence after the surgery.

Conclusion:

This study showed that the pericranial flap method after full metopic suture excision and frontal shave was very effective in the treatment of infants with moderate trigonocephaly.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa shows between and within strains heterogeneity in virulence phenotype after passive exposure to zebrafish (Danio rerio) and nematodes (Caenorhabditis elegans)
Authors: Azulai Daniella , Espinosa Anielka , Talamantes Maracela , Bennett Heather L , Perron Gabriel G
Published: December 2023

The rapid emergence of diseases and parasites in aquatic wildlife requires improved methodologies to identify and characterize new and future pathogens. While microinjection of pathogens directly into a sentinel organism such as zebrafish enables the exploration of infection and immune response in the host, such methodology focuses primarily on identifying causative agents in events of aquatic wildlife mortality due to acute infection. Here, we present an updated protocol of infection by static immersion in larval zebrafish to investigate the possible effect of prolonged environmental exposure to an opportunistic pathogen. By controlling microbial growth and monitoring mortality over five days, we show that static immersion can detect minute differences in virulence profiles between and within different strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an important opportunistic pathogen of animals and humans. We then conducted two sets of passive exposure virulence assays in Caenorhabditis elegans, an alternative model. We demonstrated the virulence phenotype, while showing slight differences between experimental models, showed similar trends. We believe that passive exposure thus offers a practical host-pathogen model that simulates opportunistic infection occurring in the environment and enables the detection of minute changes in virulence between and within bacterial strains.
Identification and validation of aging-related genes in heart failure based on multiple machine learning algorithms
Authors: Yu Yiding , Wang Lin , Hou Wangjun , Xue Yitao , Liu Xiujuan , Li Yan
Published: December 2023

Background

In the face of continued growth in the elderly population, the need to understand and combat age-related cardiac decline becomes even more urgent, requiring us to uncover new pathological and cardioprotective pathways.

Methods

We obtained the aging-related genes of heart failure through WGCNA and CellAge database. We elucidated the biological functions and signaling pathways involved in heart failure and aging through GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. We used three machine learning algorithms: LASSO, RF and SVM-RFE to further screen the aging-related genes of heart failure, and fitted and verified them through a variety of machine learning algorithms. Finally, we searched for drugs to treat age-related heart failure through the DSigDB database.

Results

We obtained 57 up-regulated and 195 down-regulated aging-related genes in heart failure through WGCNA and CellAge databases. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that aging-related genes are mainly involved in mechanisms such as Cellular senescence and Cell cycle. We further screened aging-related genes through machine learning and obtained 14 key genes. We verified the results on the test set and 2 external validation sets using 15 machine learning algorithm models and 207 combinations, and the highest accuracy was 0.911. Through screening of the DSigDB database, we believe that rimonabant and lovastatin have the potential to delay aging and protect the heart.

Conclusions

We identified aging signature genes and potential therapeutic drugs for heart failure through bioinformatics and multiple machine learning algorithms, providing new ideas for studying the mechanism and treatment of age-related cardiac decline.
AhR ligands from LGG metabolites promote piglet intestinal ILC3 activation and IL-22 secretion to inhibit PEDV infection
Authors: Wang Junhong , Zhao Yibo , Cui Tong , Bao Hongyu , Gao Ming , Cheng Mingyang , Sun Yu , Lu Yiyuan , Guan Jiayao , Zhang Di , Jiang Yanlong , Huang Haibin , Shi Chunwei , Wang Jianzhong , Wang Nan , Hu Jingtao , Yang Wentao , Yang Guilian , Zeng Yan , Wang Chunfeng , Cao Xin
Published: December 2023

In maintaining organismal homeostasis, gut immunity plays a crucial role. The coordination between the microbiota and the immune system through bidirectional interactions regulates the impact of microorganisms on the host. Our research focused on understanding the relationship between substantial changes in jejunal intestinal flora and metabolites and intestinal immunity during porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) infection in piglets. We discovered thatLactobacillus rhamnosus GG(LGG) could effectively prevent PEDV infection in piglets. Further investigation revealed thatLGGmetabolites interact with type 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3) in the jejunum of piglets through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). This interaction promotes the activation of ILC3 cells and the production of interleukin-22 (IL-22). Subsequently, IL-22 facilitates the proliferation of IPEC-J2 cells and activates the STAT3 signaling pathway, thereby preventing PEDV infection. Moreover, the AhR receptor exerts its influence on various cell types within organoids, including intestinal stem cells (ISCs), Paneth cells, and enterocytes, fostering their growth and development, suggesting a broad impact of AhR on intestinal health. In conclusion, our study demonstrates the ability ofLGGto modulate intestinal immunity and effectively prevent PEDV infection in piglets. These findings highlight the potential application ofLGGas a preventive measure against viral infections in livestock.
Automation of Experimental Workflows for High Throughput Robotic Cultivations
Authors: Kaspersetz L. , Schröder-Kleeberg F. , Mione F. M. , Martinez E. C. , Neubauer P. , Cruz-Bournazou M. N.
Published: December 2023

Process systems engineering methods and tools have been difficult to apply in bioprocess engineering, mainly due to the high complexity of biological systems and the low reproducibility of the experiments. High throughput robotic cultivation platforms in combination with computational tools for experimental design, resource scheduling, and operation, are rapidly gaining popularity. One important contribution being the generation of data in high throughput needed to overcome this lack of data with high information content and the worrying reproducibility crisis in life sciences. In this work, directed acyclic graphs are used to represent, manage and track all experimental workflows in a robotic platform. They support data provenance and enable traceability and reproducibility of workflows in robotic facilities. The experimental workflows are automated using Apache Airflow enabling to manage all necessary steps for fed-batch cultivations, including sampling, sample transport by a mobile robot, feed additions, data collection, storage in a SQL database and model fitting. The added value of this system is demonstrated in scale-down experiments, whereE. coliBL21 (DE3), producing elastin like proteins, exhibits robustness towards glucose oscillations that mimic industrial cultivation conditions.