bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the prevalence of anticholinergic and sedative medications to avoid in older adults from the French Health Data System
Authors: Novais Teddy , Garnier‐Crussard Antoine , Reallon Elsa , Mouchoux Christelle , Gervais Frederic
Published: January 2025

Background

In older people, medications with anticholinergic or sedative properties are associated with falls, frailty, and functional and cognitive impairment. These medications are often described as a subset of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs). We examined the prevalence of anticholinergic or sedative medications to avoid in older people in France in 2023.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study used anonymized data from a large electronic healthcare database, the French National Health Data System (Système National des Données de Santé, SNDS). All people aged 65 years or older from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, were included in this study. Dispensations of anticholinergic and sedative medications were identified according to PIM criteria (2023 American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria and REMEDI[e]S tool). The prevalence of anticholinergic or sedative medications was assessed for the study population and by age (65–84 and 85 or older) and living place (home and institutionalized patients) subgroups in terms of number and percentage of patients.

Results

This study included 16,938,152 patients aged 65 years or older (55% women). Among all patients, 79.8% were aged between 65 and 84 years and 20.2% were aged 85 years or older. Most patients lived at home (97.0%), and 3.0% were institutionalized. The prevalence of anticholinergic or sedative medications was 32.8% among all patients, 32.3% among 65–84 patients, and 34.8% among 85 or older patients, 32.1% among home patients, and 54.5% among institutionalized patients. The most commonly dispensed anticholinergic or sedative medications were oxazepam (5.27%), alprazolam (5.27%), zopiclone (4.85%), bromazepam (4.23%), metopimazine (2.88%), paroxetine (2.70%), nefopam (2.57%), and hydroxyzine (2.17%).

Conclusions

This study highlighted that anticholinergic and sedative medications to avoid in older people are still frequently prescribed despite the development and regular updating of PIM criteria. Future studies are needed to assess whether this has led to worsened outcomes among older adults who utilized these medications, and new initiatives should be developed to further promote deprescribing by prescribers and pharmacists.
Antihypertensive Deprescribing and Functional Status in VA Long‐Term Care Residents With and Without Dementia
Authors: Liu Xiaojuan , Graham Laura A. , Jing Bocheng , Dave Chintan V. , Li Yongmei , Kurella Tamura Manjula , Steinman Michael A. , Lee Sei J. , Liu Christine K. , Abdel Magid Hoda S. , Manja Veena , Fung Kathy , Odden Michelle C.
Published: January 2025

Background

Deprescribing antihypertensives is of growing interest in geriatric medicine, yet the impact on functional status is unknown. We emulated a target trial of deprescribing antihypertensive medications compared with continued use on functional status measured by activities of daily living (ADL) in a long‐term care population.

Methods

We included 12,238 Veteran Affairs long‐term care residents age 65+ who had a stay ≥ 12 weeks between 2006 and 2019. After 4+ weeks of stable antihypertensive medication use, residents were classified as either deprescribed antihypertensives (reduced ≥ 1 medication or ≥ 30% dose) or continued users. Residents were followed up for 2 years, or censored at discharge, admission to hospice, protocol deviation (per‐protocol analysis only), or Sept 30, 2019. The outcome was ADL dependencies (scored 0–28; higher score = worse functionality), assessed approximately every 3 months. Our primary approach was to estimate per‐protocol effects using linear mixed‐effects regressions with inverse probability of treatment and censoring weighting, overall and stratified by dementia status. We estimated intention‐to‐treat effects as a secondary analysis.

Results

In long‐term care residents, ADL scores worsened by a mean of 0.29 points (95%CI = 0.27, 0.31) per 3 months and antihypertensive deprescribing did not impact this worsening (difference between groups −0.04 points every 3 months, 95%CI = −0.15, 0.06). In the non‐dementia subgroup, ADL worsened by 0.15 points (95%CI = 0.11, 0.19) every 3 months. However, residents who were deprescribed showed a slightly improved ADL score over time while the continued users showed ADL decline (difference between groups −0.23 points every 3 months, 95%CI = −0.43, −0.03). Deprescribing was not associated with ADL change in the dementia subgroup. The intention‐to‐treat results were not meaningfully different.

Conclusions

Antihypertensive deprescribing did not have a deleterious effect on functional status in long‐term care residents with or without dementia. This may be reassuring to residents and clinicians who are considering antihypertensive medication reduction or discontinuation in long‐term care settings.
Prolonged prothrombin time in hyperemesis gravidarum as an indicator of vitamin K deficiency
Authors: Ouchi Nozomi , Kuwabara Yoshimitsu , Yonezawa Mirei , Ogawa Jun , Kasano Sayuri , Kato Masahiko , Kurashina Ryuhei , Ichikawa Tomoko , Kawabata Ikuno , Suzuki Shunji
Published: January 2025

Aim

Maternal vitamin K (VK) deficiency can lead to fetal complications such as cerebral hemorrhage and bone malformations. In this study, we aimed to analyze changes in prothrombin time (PT) and protein induced by VK absence or antagonist II (PIVKA‐II) in patients with severe hyperemesis gravidarum with suspected VK deficiency.

Methods

We compared 151 patients with severe hyperemesis gravidarum treated with intravenous nutrition to 46 patients undergoing cervical suturing or benign ovarian tumor surgery before mid‐pregnancy.

Results

In the hyperemesis group, coagulation factors, including PT (s), prothrombin activity, INR, and APTT, showed a significant shift toward fibrinolysis compared to control (p < 0.001). The changes were within the normal range, except for PT (s), which was prolonged (14.6 ± 1.4 s). PIVKA‐II was measured 25 times in 11 cases of hyperemesis and significantly correlated with PT (s). Moreover, VK was supplemented in four cases with severe VK deficiency, promptly normalizing both PT (s) and PIVKA‐II.

Conclusions

Monitoring VK deficiency using PT (s) and PIVKA‐II, with timely VK supplementation, may help prevent fetal complications in severe hyperemesis gravidarum.
Phylogenomics shed light on the complex evolutionary history of a gymnosperm genus showing East Asian–Tethyan disjunction
Authors: Wu Dayu , Milne Richard Ian , Yang Heng , Zhang Yujiao , Wang Yi , Jia Shiyu , Li Jialiang , Mao Kangshan
Published: January 2025

When and how disjunct distributions of biological taxa arose has long attracted interest in biogeography, yet the East Asian–Tethyan disjunction is understudied. Cupressus (Cupressaceae) shows this disjunction, with 10 species in East Asia and three in the Mediterranean region. Here we used target‐capture sequencing and obtained 1991 single‐copy nuclear genes, plus complete plastomes, to infer the evolutionary history of Cupressus. Our phylogenomic reconstruction resolved four well supported clades in Cupressus, but revealed significant phylogenetic conflicts, with inter‐lineage gene flow, incomplete lineage sorting and gene tree estimation error all making important contributions. The Chengiana clade most likely originated by hybridization between the ancestors of the Himalayan–Hengduan Mountains and subtropical Asia clades, whereas orogenic and climatic changes may have facilitated gene flow within the Himalayan–Hengduan Mountains clade. Molecular dating suggested that the most recent common ancestor of Cupressus appeared in East Asia around the middle Eocene period and then became continuously distributed across Eurasia. The East Asian–Tethyan disjunction arose when the Mediterranean and Himalayan–Hengduan Mountains clades diverged, likely to have been driven by Eocene/Oligocene declines in global temperature, then reinforced by the ecogeographic barrier created by the uplift of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Niche shifts in the common ancestor of the Mediterranean clade, and signatures of selection in genes for drought and salt tolerance, probably indicate adaptation of this clade to local conditions. Overall, our study suggested that in‐depth phylogenomic analyses are powerful tools in deciphering the complex evolutionary history of the origin of East Asian–Tethyan disjunction of organisms, especially gymnosperms.
PyNCBIminer: A platform for assembling phylogenetic data sets via GenBank datamining
Authors: Cheng Ruijing , Yi Yang , Wang Xiaohan , Liang Xin , Shrestha Nawal , Dimitrov Dimitar , Wang Zhiheng , Zhao Pengshan , Xu Xiaoting
Published: January 2025

Large phylogenies derived from publicly available genetic sequences are becoming a popular and indispensable tool in addressing core questions in ecology and evolution, as well as in tackling challenging conservation issues. Optimizing taxonomic coverage and data quality is essential for improving the precision and reliability of phylogenetic reconstructions and evolutionary inferences. Here we present PyNCBIminer, a user‐friendly software that automates the assembly of large DNA data sets from GenBank for phylogenetic reconstruction using the supermatrix method. PyNCBIminer uses the iterative BLAST procedure to retrieve genetic sequences accurately and efficiently from GenBank. The state‐of‐the‐art strategies also serve to improve taxa coverage and the quality of target DNA markers. PyNCBIminer is designed to efficiently handle large data sets, but it is also suitable for medium and small data sets. It is open source and freely available at GitHub (https://github.com/Xiaoting-Xu/PyNCBIminer) and Gitee (https://gitee.com/xiaotingxu/PyNCBIminer). Its utility and performance are demonstrated through the assembly of phylogenetic data sets encompassing several genetic markers of varying sizes for the angiosperm order Dipsacales. PyNCBIminer holds an advantage over similar programs in that it performs the majority of computations on the NCBI server, eliminating the need for users to build and maintain large local databases and reducing the demands on their computers. In addition, it integrates other commonly used phylogenetic analysis software, providing users from various backgrounds with convenient options for retrieving and assembling GenBank sequence data, along with flexible features that allow for user‐defined parameters and strategies.
Psychosocial problems experienced by intensive care nurses regarding sleep pattern within the scope of working conditions: A phenomenological study
Authors: Atasayar Belgin Şen , Emirza Elif Güzide , Uzun Sevda
Published: January 2025

Background

Nurses working in intensive care units experience insomnia and accompanying psychosocial problems due to working conditions.

Aim

This study explores with a phenomenological approach the psychosocial problems experienced by intensive care nurses regarding sleep patterns within the scope of working conditions.

Study Design

In this phenomenological study, semi‐structured in‐depth interviews were conducted with 16 nurses working in the surgical intensive care unit of a state hospital in Türkiye. Criterion sampling method, one of the purposive sampling methods, was used to reach the sample group. Researchers' interviews continued until they reached data saturation. All interviews were recorded on a voice recorder after obtaining the necessary permissions from the nurses and then transcribed. The study data were evaluated using thematic analysis. The current manuscript was reported following the COREQ checklist.

Results

Data analysis revealed three main themes (how working as an intensive care nurse changes sleep patterns, the relationship between shift work, work performance, patient care and how working as an intensive care nurse changes individual life and coping strategies) and nine subthemes (mental, physical, social, work performance, patient care, nutrition, family life, social life and coping).

Conclusion

The study's findings revealed that nurses working in intensive care experienced psychosocial difficulties related to sleep patterns and had trouble coping. In particular, it was determined that sleep problems of intensive care nurses cause difficulties in family life, nutrition and social life. It is recommended that the number of personnel in workplaces be increased, overtime hours should be limited, and professional development and training on the importance of sleep for all nurses should be provided.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Nurses working in intensive care units may experience psychosocial problems due to working conditions, which may negatively change their coping skills. Therefore, organizing the working conditions of nurses positively changes their coping skills.
Post‐discharge family resilience in premature infants and their mothers: A longitudinal study
Authors: Hsiao Jen‐Tzu , Chu Shih‐Ming , Chang Hung‐Yang , Liu Chieh‐Yu , Liu Pei‐Ching , Chen Chi‐Wen
Published: January 2025

Background

Upon discharge, very low birth weight infants pose significant caregiving challenges for families. Family resilience is vital for managing stress and adapting to this new situation. However, research focussing on the resilience of families with premature infants returning home has been limited. Understanding these factors is crucial for improving care quality.

Aim

To investigate the influence of family resilience on very low birth weight (VLBW) and extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants, specifically examining social support, family functioning and parenting stress at 3 and 6 months of corrected age.

Study Design

In this longitudinal study, we collected data from two medical centres in Northern Taiwan through convenience sampling. From December 2019 to September 2020, 51 mothers of VLBW or ELBW infants (birth weight = 540–1490 g) were included; they were assessed at 3 and 6 months of corrected age. The mothers completed questionnaires measuring family resilience, social support, family functioning and parenting stress. The data were analysed through multiple linear regression.

Results

At 3 and 6 months of corrected age, the mothers demonstrated moderate‐to‐high levels of family resilience. The family resilience levels demonstrated no significant differences between the two follow‐ups. Social support and parenting stress strongly predicted family resilience levels at both follow‐ups.

Conclusion

This study sheds light on the crucial role of family resilience in coping with challenges during this critical period.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Nursing professionals' early recognition and support for family resilience can ensure post‐discharge well‐being for premature infants and their families.
“It's On All the Time in Our House:” Police Scanners and Everyday Rural Life*
Authors: Branch Michael
Published: January 2025

Police radio scanners are a common feature of homes in rural Upstate New York, but little attention has been given to how their use affects local communities. Drawing on in‐depth interviews with residents of a small town in the Adirondack Park, I examine how the scanner becomes a key factor in structuring experiences of daily life. A common feature of rural communities, the scanner positions policing at the center of everyday life, shapes perceptions of criminality and policing for those listening, and may have significant consequences for vulnerable residents. The scanner provides residents with the opportunity to develop informal networks of care, yet simultaneously limits the ability of some residents to access community and emergency services. I argue that the scanner comes to mediate contradictory structures for the town and blends police power and presence with the experience of everyday rural social life as part of broader processes that delineate, justify, and legitimize boundaries of social difference. Bridging scholarship on rural communities and police technology, this project advances a framework to understand how the scanner shapes and structures access to symbolic capital vis‐a‐vis the state and logics of policing in the name of community safety.
Numerical Study of Horizontal Launch Free Motions of Powered Natural Supercavitating Vehicles
Authors: Zou Wang , Gan Hanyu , Qiu Ran
Published: January 2025

The unique force characteristics constrain significant improvements in the motion performance of supercavitating vehicles (SCAVs). To enhance stable motion performance, understanding motion characteristics is essential. Considering factors affecting the stable motion, the horizontal launch free motions of propelled vehicles are simulated by developing a numerical method based on the dynamic model of a natural SCAV, and analyses are conducted on the impacts of launch water depth, initial motion velocity, and propulsive force on motion characteristics. The study reveals that intense changes in vertical velocity cause motion instability and determine the instability mode by affecting the vehicle’s motion attitude and afterbody hydrodynamic force. Motion performance is enhanced using the optimized geometric characteristic model and initial motion parameters influenced by launch water depth. A balanced initial motion velocity, where propulsive force and resistance are comparable, promotes stable motion. In such cases, the vehicle maintain relatively stable motion with periodic contact with the supercavity’s lower surface; however, the immersion depth of the afterbody gradually increases until complete instability occurs. Both a small initial speed and propulsive force contribute to rapid instability. To ensure a stable long-distance navigation, in addition to equipping propulsion, control forces provided by the fin are essential to counteract the increasing swing of the afterbody. This study can establish a foundation for the hydrodynamic layout and initial motion parameter design of high-performance supercavitating vehicles launched underwater by combining computational fluid dynamics simulations and experiments. It also provides support for research on the vehicle’s motion stability and control in complex motions.
Influence of Wear on the Performance Parameters of the Rigid Bore Aerodynamic Journal Bearing
Authors: Atwal J. C. , Ganai P.
Published: January 2025

Rigid bore aerodynamic journal bearings are widely used in precision machinery, high-speed small turbomachinery, etc., to support and guide the motion of shafts. Due to several starts/stops of the machinery, these bearings may wear out in the service, and subsequently, their performance parameters (static and dynamic) may change. This article presents the impact of wear on the performance of these bearings. The governing equations have been discretized using the finite difference method (FDM), and the pressure solution has been obtained using the Gauss–Seidel method with successive overrelaxation technique. The performance parameters have been plotted with respect to the eccentricity ratio varying in the range of 0.20–0.95. The results show that load capacity, attitude angle, friction force, stiffness, and damping coefficients decrease. The friction coefficient is enhanced with a maximum wear depth parameter rise under the same eccentricity ratio. Under constant load, the friction coefficient declines with a rise in wear, which highlights the potential benefit of wear. It has been found that the maximum wear depth parameter ≤10% of bearing radial clearance slightly impacts the performance parameters, but a wear depth of more than that severely impacts the performance of the bearing.
Resonance cascades and number theory
Authors: Marchukov Oleksandr V. , Olshanii Maxim
Published: January 2025

In this article, we are interested in situations where the existence of a contiguous cascade of quantum resonant transitions is predicated on the validity of a particular statement in number theory. The setting is a tailored one-atom one-dimensional potential with a prescribed spectrum under a weak periodic perturbation. The former is, by now, an experimental reality [Cassettari et al., PNAS Nexus 2, pgac279 (2022)]. As a case study, we look at the following trivial statement: “Any power of 3 is an integer.” Consequently, we “test” this statement in a numerical experiment where we demonstrate an unimpeded upward mobility along an equidistant ln (3)-spaced subsequence of the energy levels of a potential with a log-natural spectrum under a frequency ln (3) time-periodic perturbation. We further show that when we “remove” 9 from the set of integers—by excluding the corresponding energy level from the spectrum—the cascade halts abruptly.
Lattice kinetic Monte Carlo method on fractal growth of transition metal dichalcogenides
Authors: Chen Xuejiang , Lin Yishan , Ai Wensen , Zhang Xinyao
Published: January 2025

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are widely used in semiconductor materials, lubricants, catalysts, and various other applications due to their exceptional physical and chemical properties. During the chemical vapor deposition growth process of TMDs, triangular or hexagonal domains can be generated under appropriate conditions, and TMDs may also exhibit fractal growth and manifest diverse morphologies, such as irregular fractals, dendrites, and semicompact structures. In order to thoroughly investigate the phenomenon of fractal growth, a lattice kinetic Monte Carlo model has been developed to quantitatively characterize the morphology of tungsten diselenide (WSe2) on a graphene substrate and simulate its growth process. First, the deposition rate and diffusion rate of atoms are calculated by using the energy parameter, and then, the atomic kinetic behaviors of atoms are simulated. Subsequently, the coordinates of all adsorbed atoms during the growth process are obtained, and, thus, the morphology of the domain is obtained. Then, their morphological characteristics are further analyzed including the nucleation conversion rate, radius of gyration, and fractal dimension. The results indicate that the growth temperature has a significant impact on the fractal type of domain, and the deposition flux has a significant impact on the branching part of the domain. The increase in the temperature leads to a more compact atomic distribution within the domain, resulting in the changes in the overall morphology. Similarly, an increase in the deposition flux leads to an increase in the number of atoms in the branches of the domain.
Frequency-differencing strategy to kickstart full-waveform inversion without cycle skipping
Authors: Ali Rehman , Mitcham Trevor , Owolabi Israel , McConnell Sarah , Duric Nebojsa
Published: January 2025

Ultrasound tomography fundamentally relies on low-frequency data to avoid cycle skipping in full-waveform inversion (FWI). In the absence of sufficiently low-frequency data, we can extrapolate low-frequency content from existing high-frequency signals by using the same approach used in frequency-difference beamforming. This low-frequency content is then used to kickstart FWI and avoid cycle skipping at higher frequencies. In simulations, the structural similarity index measure and peak signal-to-noise ratio of the reconstructed image improve by 0.28 and 8.6 dB, respectively, as a result of frequency differencing. Experiments show that internal structures can be seen with greater clarity because of frequency differencing.
Treating myocardial infarction via a nano-ultrasonic contrast agent-mediated high-efficiency drug delivery system targeting macrophages
Authors: Ma Zhen , Li Ming , Guo Rui , Tian Yu , Zheng Yongbin , Huang Bingxin , You Yi , Xu Qing , Cui Ming , Shen Li , Lan Feng , Yang Hang , Liu Rucong , Yang Tao , Wan Feng , He Qihua , Huo Xiao , Bi Youkun , Zhang Yingying , Ling Yunpeng
Published: January 2025

Following myocardial infarction (MI), the accumulation of CD86-positive macrophages in the ischemic injury zone leads to secondary myocardial damage. Precise pharmacological intervention targeting this process remains challenging. This study engineered a nanotherapeutic delivery system with CD86-positive macrophage-specific targeting and ultrasound-responsive release capabilities. A folic acid (FA)–modified ultrasound-responsive gene/drug delivery system, assembled from DOTAP, DSPE-PEG2000-FA, cholesterol, and perfluorohexane (PFH)—termed FA-PNBs—was developed to codeliver small interfering RNA of STAT1 (siSTAT1) and the small-molecule nitro-oleic acid (OA-NO
2
) into CD86-positive macrophages. Upon irradiation with low-intensity focused ultrasound, FA-PNBs release siSTAT1 and OA-NO
2
at the ischemic injury zone. The results demonstrated the system’s precise targeting and efficient delivery capabilities. The combined modulation of OA-NO
2
and siSTAT1 optimizes the immune microenvironment in the infarcted region, alleviates ventricular remodeling, preserves cardiac function, and holds promise for clinical intervention strategies after MI.
Multistate kinetics of the syringe-like injection mechanism of Tc toxins
Authors: Ng’ang’a Peter Njenga , Folz Julian , Kucher Svetlana , Roderer Daniel , Xu Ying , Sitsel Oleg , Belyy Alexander , Prumbaum Daniel , Kühnemuth Ralf , Assafa Tufa E. , Dong Min , Seidel Claus A. M. , Bordignon Enrica , Raunser Stefan
Published: January 2025

Tc toxins are pore-forming virulence factors of many pathogenic bacteria. Following pH-induced conformational changes, they perforate the target membrane like a syringe to translocate toxic enzymes into a cell. Although this complex transformation has been structurally well studied, the reaction pathway and the resulting temporal evolution have remained elusive. We used an integrated biophysical approach to monitor prepore-to-pore transition and found a reaction time of ~30 hours for a complete transition. We show two asynchronous general steps of the process, shell opening and channel ejection, with the overall reaction pathway being a slow multistep process involving three intermediates. Liposomes, an increasingly high pH, or receptors facilitate shell opening, which is directly correlated with an increased rate of the prepore-to-pore transition. Channel ejection is a near-instantaneous process which occurs with a transition time of <60 milliseconds. Understanding the mechanism of action of Tc toxins and unveiling modulators of the kinetics are key steps toward their application as biomedical devices or biopesticides.
RpH-ILV: Probe for lysosomal pH and acute LLOMe-induced membrane permeabilization in cell lines and
Drosophila
Authors: Cheetham-Wilkinson Izaak J. , Sivalingam Bhavya , Flitton Chloe , Flottmann Franziska , Vehling Luisa , Drechsler Maik , Stojchevska Marija , Raimondi Andrea , Paululat Achim , Fröhlich Florian , Swan Laura E. , Stagi Massimiliano
Published: January 2025

Lysosomal pH dysregulation is a critical element of the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases, cancers, and lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs). To study the role of lysosomes in pathophysiology, probes to analyze lysosomal size, positioning, and pH are indispensable tools. Here, we developed and characterized a ratiometric genetically encoded lysosomal pH probe, RpH-ILV, targeted to a subpopulation of lysosomal intraluminal vesicles. This subpopulation behaves similarly to the general population of LAMP1-positive vesicles in terms of pH response to pharmacological stresses. In addition, RpH-ILV, which is trafficked to the lysosome via a different cytosolic motif than our previous ratiometric sensor, RpH-LAMP1, is well tolerated by the model organism
Drosophila melanogaster
, exhibits minimal plasma membrane fluorescence, and reveals sensitivity to the lysosomal damaging agent LLOMe, adding a valuable tool to our repertoire of lysosomal pH sensors.
A propofol binding site in the voltage sensor domain mediates inhibition of HCN1 channel activity
Authors: Burtscher Verena , Wang Lei , Cowgill John , Chen Zi-Wei , Edge Christopher , Smith Edward , Chang Yongchang , Delemotte Lucie , Evers Alex S. , Chanda Baron
Published: January 2025

Hyperpolarization-activated and cyclic nucleotide–gated (HCN) ion channels are members of the cyclic nucleotide–binding family and are crucial for regulating cellular automaticity in many excitable cells. HCN channel activation contributes to pain perception, and propofol, a widely used anesthetic, acts as an analgesic by inhibiting the voltage-dependent activity of HCN channels. However, the molecular determinants of propofol action on HCN channels remain unknown. Here, we use a propofol-analog photoaffinity labeling reagent to identify propofol binding sites in the human HCN1 isoform. Mass spectrometry analyses combined with molecular dynamics simulations show that a binding pocket is formed by extracellularly facing residues in the S3 and S4 transmembrane segments in the resting voltage-sensor conformation. Mutations of residues within the putative binding pocket mitigate or eliminate voltage-dependent modulation of HCN1 currents by propofol. Together, these findings reveal a conformation-specific propofol binding site that underlies voltage-dependent inhibition of HCN currents and provides a framework for identifying highly specific modulators of HCN channel gating.
A rare dominant allele
DYSOC1
determines seed coat color and improves seed oil content in
Brassica napus
Authors: Li Huaixin , Wu Mingli , Chao Hongbo , Yin Yongtai , Xia Yutian , Cheng Xin , Chen Kang , Yan Shuxiang , Wang Xiaodong , Xiong Yiyi , He Jianjie , Fan Shipeng , Ding Yiran , Zhang Libin , Jia Haibo , Zhang Chunyu , Li Maoteng
Published: January 2025

Yellow seed coat color (SCC) is a valuable trait in
Brassica napus
, which is significantly correlated to high seed oil content (SOC) and low seed lignocellulose content (SLC). However, no dominant yellow SCC genes were identified in
B. napus
. In this study, a dominant yellow SCC
B. napus
N53-2 was verified, and then 58,981 eQTLs and 25 trans-eQTL hotspots were identified in a double haploid population derived from N53-2 and black SCC material Ken-C8. A rare dominant allele
DYSOC1
(
dominant gene of yellow seed coat color and improved seed oil content 1
) was subsequently cloned in a trans-eQTL hotspot that colocated with SCC, SOC, and SLC QTL hotspot on ChrA09 through QTL fine mapping and multi-omics analysis. Transgenic experiments revealed that the expression of
DYSOC1
produced yellow SCC seeds with significantly increased SOC and decreased SLC. Our result provides a rare dominant yellow SCC allele in
B. napus
, which has excellent potential for yellow SCC and high SOC rapeseed breeding.
Geochronology and geochemistry of deeply buried basement along the western Superior Craton and eastern Trans-Hudson Orogen (North America)
Authors: Nesheim Timothy O. , Saini-Eidukat Bernhardt , Vervoort Jeffrey D.
Published: January 2025

The Paleoproterozoic Trans-Hudson Orogen of North America resulted from the amalgamation of the Wyoming, Hearne, Sask, and Superior cratons. Previous work has constrained the timing of terminal collision of the Hearne, Sask, and Superior cratons to ca. 1.83−1.80 Ga (Canadian Shield), and the Wyoming and Superior cratons to 1.78−1.72 Ga (Black Hills, South Dakota, USA). More than 1200 km separate the Canadian Shield and Black Hills, between which there is no crystalline basement exposure due to Phanerozoic sedimentary cover, and limited data exist. This study presents U-Pb zircon geochronologic, major and trace element geochemical, and isotopic (εHf zircon and εNd whole-rock) data from two basement drill cores ∼3000 m deep collected along the western edge of the Superior Craton and eastern margin of the Trans-Hudson Orogen overprint, between the Canadian Shield and Black Hills. The western core contains ca. 1.83 Ga mafic gneiss with juvenile isotopic [εHf(i) and εNd(i)] geochemical signatures and an amphibolite-grade metamorphic overprint. The eastern core contains ca. 2.7 Ga granitic gneiss with trace element and juvenile isotopic geochemical signatures that are consistent with granitoids from the western Superior Craton. Paleoproterozoic (ca. 1.79−1.77 Ga) granitoid intrusions occur in both cores that display trace element signatures suggestive of origination in a continental arc setting. Isotope geochemistry plus inherited zircon populations indicate that intrusive granitoids are mixtures of juvenile Paleoproterozoic mantle and recycled crustal material. The ca. 1.79−1.77 Ga granitic magmatism observed falls chronologically between the terminal Hearne, Sask, and Superior collision and the Wyoming and Superior collision, and the data presented herein represent a step toward better understanding the buried southern Trans-Hudson Orogen.
Subacute haemorrhagic acalculous cholecystitis after blunt trauma in a patient on anticoagulant therapy
Authors: D'Aquila Madeline Laura , Savoie Kate Brackett
Published: January 2025

Haemorrhagic cholecystitis is an uncommon cause of abdominal pain that can lead to significant morbidity and mortality if not promptly identified and treated. Known risk factors include trauma, anticoagulation use and cholelithiasis. In a patient with right upper quadrant pain after blunt trauma on anticoagulation without cholelithiasis, haemorrhagic acalculous cholecystitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis, as appeared to be the case in the patient we present here. Fortunately, she recovered after temporisation with a cholecystostomy tube until she underwent more elective interval laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Anaesthetic management of laparotomy in a patient with anti-NMDA receptor antibody-mediated encephalitis
Authors: Kamath Akshatha G , Baskaran Deepa , Sastry Usha R
Published: January 2025

Management of cases of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antibody-mediated encephalitis is very challenging to anaesthesiologists as this receptor is the target of many anaesthetics. We report a woman diagnosed with anti-NMDA antibody-mediated encephalitis posted for laparotomy. She presented with generalised tonic-clonic seizures. Testing revealed anti-NMDA antibodies and anti-SOX antibodies. Ultrasonography of the abdomen showed a right adnexal cystic lesion; hence, the patient was taken up for right ovarian cystectomy after obtaining high-risk consent. A combination of total intravenous anaesthesia with endotracheal intubation under bispectral index monitoring and bilateral transversus abdominis plane block for postoperative analgesia was administered. Postoperatively, there was no excessive drowsiness or hypoventilation. Prioritising careful monitoring and tailored anaesthesia techniques to minimise the risk of triggering neurological exacerbations while ensuring optimum surgical conditions are met is of paramount importance. Meticulous planning and careful use of resources enabled the administration of safe anaesthesia.
Cholestasis due to biliary obstruction can cause cardiogenic shock with bradycardia by delaying the elimination of arotinolol
Authors: Iizuka Yuki , Urayama Yasunori , Yasu Takeo , Makino Jun
Published: January 2025

Cardiogenic shock with bradycardia due to beta-blockers is well-documented; however, this condition in association with arotinolol is unreported. We present a case of cardiogenic shock resulting from delayed arotinolol clearance caused by bile duct obstruction. A man in his 60s presented to our hospital with jaundice. We suspected acute obstructive suppurative cholangitis; however, the patient did not exhibit fever or abdominal symptoms. Based on the physical examination results, we concluded the patient was in cardiogenic shock as a consequence of delayed arotinolol elimination. We attempted to maintain organ perfusion using norepinephrine and dopamine, with minimal response. On initiating isoproterenol, the heart rate stabilised. After tapering off isoproterenol, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was performed. Subsequent serum arotinolol level measurement revealed a significant reduction in the elimination half-life before and after ERCP. In cases of cardiogenic shock associated with arotinolol, presumably eliminated via the bile duct, it is crucial to consider potential delayed elimination and to appropriately time ERCP.
Combined laparoscopic and gluteal approach for resection of a sciatic notch dumbbell lipoma
Authors: John Ludia , Cunnigaiper Narayanan D , Ravindrakumar Chandru , Ranawat Rushab
Published: January 2025

The greater sciatic, lesser sciatic and obturator foramina are openings in the pelvis through which pelvic lesions can herniate, leading to the formation of rare dumbbell tumours. We present the case of a man in his late 60s, who presented with obstructed defecation. A per rectal examination revealed a palpable right sided rectal mass. MRI pelvis identified a dumbbell lipoma traversing the right sciatic foramen, with a pelvic component causing displacement of the rectum and a gluteal component impinging on the sciatic nerve. The lipoma was successfully removed by a multidisciplinary team using a dual approach: the pelvic component was excised laparoscopically, and the gluteal component was removed by an open approach. Comprehensive knowledge of pelvic anatomy is required to safely and accurately excise lesions in this region. Laparoscopic approach offers clear advantages over the open approach, while yielding similar results.
Episodic headaches and cognitive decline: uncovering neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease in a young patient
Authors: Shrimpton Matthew , Gasser Yvette Paula , Sexton Adrienne , Malhotra Abhishek
Published: January 2025

A male in his 20s presented with episodic headache and subsequently developed episodic unilateral weakness, dysphasia and encephalopathy. These paroxysmal episodes persisted over time with the development of background cognitive impairment and neuropsychiatric symptoms. MRI surveillance demonstrated progressive T2 hyperintensity with focal cortical oedema correlating to symptoms observed during clinical episodes.

Genetic testing for hemiplegic migraine, mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes along with exome sequencing and high-density microarray did not reveal a cause for the clinical phenotype. The diagnosis of neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) was confirmed by the detection of large guanine-guanine-cytosine repeat expansion in the Notch 2 N-terminal-like C gene using long-read nanopore sequencing.

NIID is a genetic neurodegenerative disease, more common in Asian populations. It can present with a varied neurological phenotype, including an episodic event type that can mimic hemiplegic migraine and encephalopathy. This case report highlights the importance of considering NIID in cases of paroxysmal headache and encephalopathy.
Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma with intrapancreatic nodal metastases masquerading as pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour with hepatic metastases
Authors: Paladugu Sree Vani , Raypattanaik Niladri Mohan , Mitra Suvradeep , Kaman Lileswar
Published: January 2025

Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FL-HCC) is a primary liver tumour presenting at a young age. Aggressive surgery of FL-HCC is the mainstay of management unlike other malignancies where metastatic stage precludes curative surgery. There are limited reports of response of FL-HCC to systemic therapies predominantly owing to its rarity. In the index case, a young boy presented with the awareness of abdominal lump with minimal systemic complaints. Radiological imaging showed arterially enhancing liver and pancreatic lesions leading to clinical suspicion of non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour with neuroendocrine liver metastases in non-cirrhotic liver. Histopathological examination with immunohistochemistry following left lateral hepatectomy with pancreaticoduodenectomy and lymphadenectomy showed FL-HCC with lymph nodal metastases involving intrapancreatic lymph node and station 7, 8 lymph nodes. The patient had an uneventful postsurgical recovery and was kept under close follow-up. FL-HCC with nodal metastasis involving intrapancreatic lymph node is an unusual phenomenon and a challenging clinicopathological diagnosis
Midwives’ experiences of pregnant women’s adherence to nutritional recommendations after bariatric surgery: a qualitative study
Authors: Christenson Anne
Published: January 2025

Obesity prevalence in Sweden is rising, especially among 16–29 years old. Bariatric surgery in women of younger ages has risen accordingly. About 1% of all pregnancies in Sweden are in women who have undergone bariatric surgery. Not all women adhere to the recommendations about nutrition and timing of conception after surgery. This study aimed to assess midwives’ perception of weight and nutritional management during antenatal care for pregnant women who had undergone bariatric surgery.

Method

We interviewed 17 midwives and analysed the text data with content analysis.

Results

The majority of midwives had treated women who were pregnant after bariatric surgery and who did not take sufficient vitamins and minerals and therefore were in a poor nutritional state. Many had met women who had become pregnant much earlier after surgery than recommended. Midwives often felt upset for the malnutrition risks for the baby, and sometimes blamed themselves for not providing enough nutritional support. Meanwhile, they found it easier to talk about weight with women who had undergone surgery than with other women with overweight or obesity.

Conclusion

These findings confirm the importance of prebariatric and postbariatric surgery support and information for young women regarding nutrition in relation to pregnancy. Preconception nutrition counselling with a dietician may be beneficial. Conversations about weight during pregnancy may be easier with women who have undergone bariatric surgery.
Developing a patient-centered measure to assess food-related and nutrition-related quality of life in patients with cancer
Authors: Kemp Mackenzie , Beachy Sara , Martin Karla , Worster Brooke , Hass Richard W , Olarewaju Iyaniwura , Berkowitz Seth , Rising Kristin L
Published: January 2025

Background

Malnutrition and food insecurity are common challenges among patients with cancer. Nutrition interventions can support patient nutrition needs and quality of life during cancer treatment, though measures to assess impact of interventions are lacking. In prior work, our team developed a Nutrition Experience Survey to assess patient-important domains related to impact of nutrition interventions during cancer treatment, from which a 9-item food-related and nutrition-related quality-of-life (FN-QoL) measure emerged. In this work, we report results from administering the overall Nutrition Experience Survey, including the FN-QoL measure, to a sample of patients with cancer and present initial validity testing of the FN-QoL measure.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional survey study in which we administered the Nutrition Experience Survey to a convenience sample of English-speaking patients with cancer in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Survey responses were summarised with descriptive statistics. Validity and internal consistency of the FN-QoL measure were evaluated with bivariate correlation matrices and Cronbach’s alpha followed by a multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

117 individuals completed the survey: mean age 62 (21–90), 49.6% white, 58.3% women. Cronbach’s alpha confirmed adequate internal consistency (0.856) for the FN-QoL. The bivariate correlation matrix indicated that the FN-QoL was correlated with items as expected (eg, poorer subject health ratings,r=−0.48, p<0.001 and nutrition self-efficacy,r=0.38, p<0.05). Multiple linear regression found that receipt of medically tailored meals and treatment-related symptoms were related to FN-QoL when adjusting for all other variables.

Conclusion

Results suggest validity and potential utility of the FN-QoL measure to assess impact of food and nutrition interventions on quality of life among patients with cancer. Future work should assess applicability of this tool across populations who do not have cancer and sensitivity of this measure to change over time related to receipt of nutrition interventions.
Non-utilisation of postpartum services in northwestern Nigeria: analyses of trend and social determinants from 2003 to 2018
Authors: Yakubu Abubakar Abbani , Sawangdee Yothin , Widyastari Dyah Anantalia , Hunchangsith Pojjana
Published: January 2025

Objective

To assess the prevalence of non-utilisation of postpartum services in northwestern Nigeria from 2003 to 2018 and to identify and estimate the influence of social determinants, a crucial step in improving maternal and child health in the region.

Design

The 2003, 2008, 2013 and 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey rounds were used. Descriptive, trend and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to show the trend and assess the influence of social determinants. The sample consisted of 17 294 women aged 15–49 who responded to questions on postpartum attendance during the period.

Setting

Northwestern geographical subregion of Nigeria.

Outcome

The non-use of postpartum services.

Results

The non-utilisation of postpartum services has increased from 77% in 2003 to 87% in 2018, with an overall prevalence of 88% of all women not using the services. The odds of not using postpartum services were higher for women with no education (adjusted OR (AOR): 1.27; CI: 1.03 to 1.58), those with no knowledge of contraceptives (AOR: 1.72; CI: 1.35 to 2.19), those who never used contraceptives (AOR: 1.71; CI: 1.39 to 2.09), those with parity of four or more births (AOR: 1.58; CI: 1.34 to 1.86), those in polygynous marriage (AOR: 1.16; CI: 1.03 to 1.30) and those from the poorest (AOR: 2.34; CI: 1.67 to 3.28) and poorer (AOR: 2.05; CI: 1.50 to 2.78) households. The odds were lower for women who wanted to delay pregnancy (AOR: 0.74; CI: 0.55 to 0.99) and those with full (AOR: 0.56; CI: 0.42 to 0.75) or joint (AOR: 0.67; CI: 0.53 to 0.83) autonomy in healthcare decisions.

Conclusion

The findings are crucial for understanding and addressing the non-utilisation of postpartum services in northwestern Nigeria. Policymakers should aim to address the impacts of the identified social determinants to promote the use of postpartum services, prevent maternal deaths and meet the SDG-3.1 target.