bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Situ Lu–Hf Garnet Dating of Archean Deep Crust Granulites from the Polymetamorphic Grenville Front Tectonic Zone
Authors: Godet Antoine , Jouvent Marine , Laureijs Christiaan , Guilmette Carl , Larson Kyle , Coleman Mark , Darveau Jérémie , Côté-Roberge Myriam
Published: July 2024

Recent advances in geochronological techniques now make it possible to efficiently decipher the timing and duration of geological processes in complex high-grade polymetamorphosed orogenic terranes. This is the case of the Grenville Front Tectonic Zone, which truncates the Superior Craton to the southeast. The zone exposes parautochthonous Archean rocks that underwent mid- to high-pressure granulite facies metamorphism of uncertain age. The metamorphic assemblages have been either interpreted as Archean and associated with the final stages of the Superior Craton assembly or as the result of Mesoproterozoic Grenvillian metamorphism, based on cross-cutting relationships and traditional geochronology methods such as U–Pb zircon and 40Ar–39Ar mica dating. Herein, we revisit the extent of the Grenvillian metamorphic overprint in the parautochthonous domain and provide new age constraints for granulite-facies metamorphic assemblages through in situ garnet dating within migmatitic paragneiss, migmatitic orthogneiss, and mafic granulites, combined with in situ trace element mapping. Six samples, which show bell-shaped and occasionally sharp and oscillatory lutetium growth zoning in garnet, yield garnet Lu–Hf isochrons with identical Archean dates of c. 2.6 Ga. Sparse analyses of the material trend towards Grenvillian ages (c. 1 Ga) in one sample from which garnet shows lutetium zoning consistent with post-growth fluid-assisted disturbance. Overall, our results indicate that the widespread granulite-facies metamorphism within the Grenville Front Tectonic Zone is dominantly late Neoarchean in age, unveiling a rare exposure of Archean lower crust in the southeastern Superior Craton. Our results also point towards a limited Grenvillian metamorphic overprint, though the spatial extent and precise thermal conditions of this metamorphism are still unknown. The results presented herein demonstrate the potential of in situ isotopic geochronology on rock-forming minerals like garnet in polymetamorphic terranes.
Love and unselfing
Authors: Wong Katie H C
Published: July 2024

This paper examines an overlooked aspect of interpersonal love: Like morality, love demands a certain kind of impartial or disinterested vision from us. We cannot love another person well, I argue, without being capable of such impartiality. Unfortunately, our self-interested nature makes meeting love's demand for impartiality extremely difficult if not impossible. This paper unpacks and offers a solution to this difficulty. Drawing on Iris Murdoch's work on love, I suggest that we can come to appreciate our beloveds as we should through unselfing, a state of self-forgetful, disinterested appreciation of an object outside the self. When we unself, we are so deeply moved by an external object's value—e.g. a stunning sunset—that all our subjective cares and concerns disappear from view. In concluding, I suggest that the capacity for impartiality we must develop to love someone well is relevant to understanding what our moral relations demand of us.
Market Power and Price Informativeness
Authors: Kacperczyk Marcin , Nosal Jaromir , Sundaresan Savitar
Published: July 2024

We study the distributional effects of asset ownership on price informativeness in a general equilibrium model. The model features investors (oligopolists) with different degrees of price impact and abilities to learn about individual asset payoffs from private and price signals, and a competitive fringe that only learns from asset prices. We show that price informativeness is non-monotonic in the oligopolists’ aggregate size, decreasing in the sector’s concentration and in the size of the passive sector. We further show that the size effect can be decomposed into a learning channel capturing investors’ quality of private signals and an information pass-through channel measuring the sensitivity of investors’ trades to private signals, with the latter one being the primary source of variation in price informativeness relative to the size distribution.
HLA-B5 prevalence in patients with spondyloarthritis and impact on disease phenotype: a multicentric case–control study
Authors: Ziade Nelly , Bou Jaoude Sarah , Nacouzi Rhéa , Mroue Kamel , Merheb Georges , Klayme Samira , Ghorra Pierre
Published: July 2024

Objective

The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of HLA-B51 and HLA-B52 in Lebanese patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA) compared with healthy controls (HC). We further aimed to evaluate the impact of HLA-B51 on phenotype and identify the distribution of the alleles in the HLA-B locus.

Methods

A case–control study enrolled consecutive SpA patients from three rheumatology clinics in Lebanon, including axial (axSpA), peripheral SpA (pSpA), and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and HCs from blood donors. Demographic and disease data were collected through interviews and file reviews, with testing of the entire HLA-B locus using molecular techniques. The prevalence of HLA-B51 and B52 was estimated in SpA patients vs controls. Prevalence comparisons were made, and logistic regression identified factors associated with HLA-B51 in patients.

Results

Data from 120 HCs and 86 SpA patients (65 axSpA, 15 pSpA, 6 PsA), mean age 25.6 and 46.4 years, respectively, showed a higher HLA-B51 prevalence in SpA (25.6%), especially axSpA (29.2%) vs HC (12.5%) (P = 0.016), and a numerically higher HLA-B52 prevalence (8.1% vs 4.2%, P = 0.230). HLA-B51 correlated with recurrent oral ulcerations (OR 7.99; 95% CI: 2.14, 29.84) and radiographic juxta-articular erosions (OR 7.65; 95% CI: 1.14, 38.03). HLA-B35 was the most dominant allele in both groups (18.7%), followed by HLA-B27 (15.7%) and HLA-B51 (13.4%) in SpA.

Conclusion

HLA-B51 was identified more frequently in patients with SpA compared with HC and was associated with recurrent oral ulcerations and juxta-articular radiographic erosions. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether this association indicates a disease overlap or might correlate with a specific SpA phenotype.
The taxonomic status ofArtemia monicaVerrill, 1869 (Crustacea: Anostraca)
Authors: Asem Alireza , Gajardo Gonzalo , Rogers D Christopher , Sorgeloos Patrick
Published: July 2024

Species are fundamental units of nature that need proper identification in order to assess and conserve biodiversity. Artemia is a model crustacean for population analysis and comparison in regionally endemic sexual species and parthenogenetic lineages distributed in hypersaline lakes, lagoons, and solar saltworks scattered in arid and semi-arid areas worldwide. The taxonomy of two American Artemia species has been controversial: Artemia monicaVerrill, 1869, adapted to the carbonate-rich conditions of Mono Lake (CA, USA), and Artemia franciscanaKellogg, 1906, a species broadly distributed in the Americas. The former species has been studied little, despite being listed as threatened in the IUCN Red List. In contrast, the latter has been studied extensively, is broadly distributed in the Americas, and has become established as a non-native invasive species in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Given the need to conserve A. monica, the intraspecific diversity of invasive A. franciscana, and the local species in areas invaded by this species, we reconsider their biodiversity and taxonomic status currently threatened by synonymization. In conclusion, A. monica and A. franciscana should be treated as two separate species that are isolated both ecologically and reproductively.
Impact of Vineyard Fallow Practices on Reducing Meloidogyne hapla Population Densities
Authors: Gagnier Bernadette K. , Zasada Inga A. , Moyer Michelle M.
Published: July 2024

The northern root-knot nematode ( Meloidogyne hapla) is a common plant-parasitic nematode in northern grape production regions. This nematode induces small galls on roots, which restrict water and nutrient uptake, resulting in poor vine establishment or exacerbated decline in stressed vines. A study was conducted to explore the impacts of site management practices on M. hapla population densities following removal of wine grape ( Vitis vinifera) vineyards in Washington state. Soil was collected from 38 fields, M. hapla second-stage juvenile densities in soil were determined, and, to assist in identifying M. hapla in potentially low-population density samples, an 8-week-long tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum) bioassay was conducted. Vineyard managers also provided information on site management techniques. Of the 20 management techniques and combinations explored (e.g., fallow duration, cover crops, mowing, irrigation, and herbicide applications), only one component resulted in lower M. hapla population densities: duration of the vine-free period. A duration of at least 1 year after vineyard removal showed a decline in M. hapla population densities in the sampled former vineyard sites. These results suggest that a fallow period could be useful as a nonchemical management tool for M. hapla in vineyard replant soils. However, consideration of additional site management factors such as weed management, soil series and amendments, interim crop planting, and irrigation or accumulated rainfall that may support M. hapla development is necessary.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Neurologic disease in the obstetric patient
Authors: Inozemtsev Konstantin , Yeh Evelyn , Nasr Ned F.
Published: July 2024

Purpose of review

Neurologic disorders and complications during pregnancy are common, but guidelines and data are sparse. This review aims to give an overview of recent developments in neuroanesthesia and management of neuropathology during pregnancy, with the hope that these may fill the gaps in current guidelines and recommendations, as well as their implications for an anesthetic approach.

Recent findings

Neuraxial and general anesthesia are safe in multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravis, though neuromuscular blockade response is unpredictable and risk for exacerbation exists. Cerebral vascular pathology is common and carries a significant morbidity and mortality burden, but thrombolytic and endovascular therapies are often appropriate and safe. Instrumental vaginal delivery can minimize intracranial pressure shifts and is a viable option. Tumors and cerebral malformations require a complex multidisciplinary and anesthetic approach.

While clinical trials remain sparse, larger population-based studies offer insight into the optimal approach to the parturient with neurologic disease.
Update on the anesthesia management in adult patients with moyamoya disease
Authors: Yang Kevin J. , Mistry Porus , Ayrian Eugenia
Published: July 2024

Purpose of review

The anesthetic management of patients with Moyamoya disease (MMD) is challenging and continues to evolve. The goal of this review is to provide updated recommendations on the anesthetic management of adult MMD patients based on the relevant existing literature.

Recent findings

Key findings include the importance of aggressive hydration preoperatively to sustain cerebral perfusion. Hypertension induced intraoperatively may prevent cerebral hypoperfusion. Vigilance against cerebral hyperperfusion after revascularization is necessary, with specific blood pressure targets recommended. Fluid management should aim for normovolemia to mild hypervolemia. Maintaining body temperature helps prevent cerebral vasospasm induced by hypothermia. Maintaining adequate oxygen supply during surgery is crucial. In cases of ischemic stroke, managing hematocrit and oxygen carrying capacity is essential to prevent further ischemia. Extubation decisions should consider baseline neurological function, while postoperative normocapnia helps prevent cerebral hyperperfusion and hypertension. In intensive care, cautious blood pressure management is crucial to prevent secondary complications.

Strategies in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative anesthetic management of MMD patients should aim to maintain adequate cerebral perfusion to prevent cerebral ischemia.
Investigation of the synergistic effect mechanism underlying sequential use of palbociclib and cisplatin through integral proteomic and glycoproteomic analysis
Authors: Yang Lulu , Meng Bo , Gong Xiaoyun , Jiang You , Shentu Xuping , Xue Zhichao
Published: July 2024

Chemoresistance largely hampers the clinical use of chemodrugs for cancer patients, combination or sequential drug treatment regimens have been designed to minimize chemotoxicity and resensitize chemoresistance. In this work, the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin was found to be enhanced by palbociclib pretreatment in HeLa cells. With the integration of liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry-based proteomic and N-glycoproteomic workflow, we found that palbociclib alone mainly enhanced the N-glycosylation alterations in HeLa cells, while cisplatin majorly increased the different expression proteins related to apoptosis pathways. As a result, the sequential use of two drugs induced a higher expression level of apoptosis proteins BAX and BAK. Those altered N-glycoproteins induced by palbociclib were implicated in pathways that were closely associated with cell membrane modification and drug sensitivity. Specifically, the top four frequently glycosylated proteins FOLR1, L1CAM, CD63, and LAMP1 were all associated with drug resistance or drug sensitivity. It is suspected that palbociclib-induced N-glycosylation on the membrane protein allowed the HeLa cell to become more vulnerable to cisplatin treatment. Our study provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying the sequential use of target drugs and chemotherapy drugs, meanwhile suggesting a high-efficiency approach that involves proteomic and N-glycoproteomic to facilitate drug discovery.
RANO 2.0 criteria: concepts applicable to the neuroradiologist's clinical practice
Authors: Sanvito Francesco , Castellano Antonella , Cloughesy Timothy F. , Wen Patrick Y. , Ellingson Benjamin M.
Published: July 2024

Purpose of review

The Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) 2.0 criteria aim at improving the standardization and reliability of treatment response assessment in clinical trials studying central nervous system (CNS) gliomas. This review presents the evidence supporting RANO 2.0 updates and discusses which concepts can be applicable to the clinical practice, particularly in the clinical radiographic reads.

Recent findings

Updates in RANO 2.0 were supported by recent retrospective analyses of multicenter data from recent clinical trials. As proposed in RANO 2.0, in tumors receiving radiation therapy, the post-RT MRI scan should be used as a reference baseline for the following scans, as opposed to the pre-RT scan, and radiographic findings suggesting progression within three months after radiation therapy completion should be verified with confirmatory scans. Volumetric assessments should be considered, when available, especially for low-grade gliomas, and the evaluation of nonenhancing disease should have a marginal role in glioblastoma. However, the radiographic reads in the clinical setting also benefit from aspects that lie outside RANO 2.0 criteria, such as qualitative evaluations, patient-specific clinical considerations, and advanced imaging.

While RANO 2.0 criteria are meant for the standardization of the response assessment in clinical trials, some concepts have the potential to improve patients’ management in the clinical practice.
Connections Between Hypertension, Atherosclerosis, Acute Myocardial Infarction, and Risk of Dementia
Authors: Stern Avi , H. Frishman William
Published: July 2024

As the percentage of geriatric patients continues to increase in both the United States and globally, the prevalence of both cardiovascular disease and dementia continues to climb. Both dementia and cardiovascular disease are devastating diseases that impose a significant burden economically, socially, and medically on both a local and systemic level. The most common fatal manifestation of cardiovascular disease is acute myocardial infarction, responsible for death in more than 80% of patients with cardiovascular disease. Prominent risk factors for acute myocardial infarction including hypertension and atherosclerosis have been independently associated with an increased risk for cognitive decline and all-cause dementia and Alzheimer disease, separate from vascular dementia. Acute myocardial infarction itself has also been independently associated with an increased incidence of all-cause dementia and Alzheimer disease. It is based on the connection between acute myocardial infarction, its major risk factors, and the incidence of dementia that it is of importance to define and explore the potential role that therapies for these conditions, as well as acute myocardial infarction itself, may play in mitigating the risk of dementia onset and severity. In this review, we assess current therapeutics that exist for atherosclerosis, hypertension and acute myocardial infarction that have been demonstrated to reduce later risk of dementia, and explore the mechanism that underlies the association between the incidence of acute myocardial infarction and the risk of dementia.
Sex-specific associations of a ferroalloy metal mixture with motor function in Italian adolescents
Authors: Friedman Alexa , Schildroth Samantha , Fruh Victoria , Krengel Maxine H. , Tripodis Yorghos , Placidi Donatella , White Roberta F. , Lucchini Roberto G. , Smith Donald R. , Wright Robert O. , Horton Megan K. , Claus Henn Birgit
Published: July 2024

Background:

Motor function is critical for children’s health, yet remains an understudied neurodevelopmental domain. Exposure to metals has been linked with motor function, but no study has examined the joint effects of metal mixtures.

Methods:

We evaluated cross-sectional associations between a metal mixture and motor function among 569 adolescents (10–14 years old) living near the ferroalloy industry. Concentrations of blood lead, hair manganese, hair copper, and hair chromium were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Neuropsychologists administered multiple fine motor function assessments: pursuit aiming, finger tapping, visual reaction time (VRT), and subtests from the Luria Nebraska battery. We estimated associations between motor function and the metal mixture using quantile-based g-computation and multivariable linear regression, adjusting for child age, sex, and socioeconomic status. We explored sex-specific associations in stratified models.

Results:

Associations between the metal mixture and motor function were mostly null but were modified by sex. We observed a beneficial association among females: a quartile increase in all metals in the mixture was associated with a 2.6% faster average response time on the VRT (95% confidence interval [CI] = −4.7%, −0.5%), driven by Cu and Cr. In contrast, this association was adverse among males (ß = 1.5% slower response time [95% CI = −0.7%, 3.9%]), driven by Cu and Mn.

Conclusions:

Results suggest that males may be more susceptible to the adverse effects of metal exposure on motor function during adolescence than females. Future studies, particularly prospective study designs, are warranted to further understand the associations of metal mixtures with motor function.
Whole -genome survival analysis of 144 286 people from the UK Biobank identifies novel loci associated with blood pressure
Authors: Saluja Sushant , Darlay Rebecca , Lennon Rachel , Keavney Bernard D. , Cordell Heather J.
Published: July 2024

This study utilized UK Biobank data from 144 286 participants and employed whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data and time-to-event data over a 12-year follow-up period to identify susceptibility in genetic variants associated with hypertension. Following genotype quality control, 6 319 822 single nucleotide polymorphisms underwent analysis, revealing 31 significant variant-level associations. Among these, 29 were novel – 15 in Fibrillin-2 (FBN2) and 4 in Junctophilin-2 (JPH2). Mendelian randomization utilizing two identified variants (rs17677724 and rs1014754) suggested that a genetically induced decrease in heart FBN2 expression and an increase in adrenal gland JPH2 expression were causally linked to hypertension. Phenome-wide association (PheWAS) analysis using the FinnGen dataset confirmed positive associations of rs17677724 and rs1014754 with hypertension, assessed across 2727 traits in 377 277 individuals. Lastly, rs1014754 positively associated with kallistatin, whereas rs17677724 negatively associated with renin in the Fenland study, suggesting a counterregulatory response to high blood pressure. This study, employing WGS data, identified novel genetic loci and potential therapeutic targets for hypertension.
Lateral Globe Exposure Associated With Graves Upper Eyelid Retraction: The Influence of the Superior Complex Enlargement and Proptosis
Authors: Guimarães Juliana , Garcia Denny M. , Cruz Antonio Augusto V.
Published: July 2024

Purpose:

To investigate the association of the lateral exposure of the globe with proptosis and the enlargement of the superior complex (SC) (levator palpebrae superioris muscle + superior rectus muscle) in patients with Graves upper eyelid retraction.

Methods:

Twenty-eight patients with upper lid retraction secondary to Graves orbitopathy and 28 controls matched by age and gender participated in the study. The variables exophthalmometry, margin-reflex distance 1, and upper lid fissure temporal and nasal areas were assessed. Coronal CT scans were evaluated for the measurement of the SC area. A 5% level of significance was assumed for analysis.

Results:

Abnormal temporal nasal area differences (T–N), defined as values above the superior limit of the control distribution (15.58 mm2) were detected in 18 patients. Multiple regression analysis showed a significant correlation of abnormal temporo-nasal asymmetries with the SC area and the proptosis (T–N = −6.7 + 0.62* proptosis + 12.3 SC area, R
2 = 0.37; p = 0.003).

Conclusion:

The etiology of the enhanced lateral globe exposure is not unifactorial. SC enlargement and, to a lesser extent, proptosis are important factors correlated to lateral globe exposure.
Effectiveness of Custom-Made Designed and 3D-Printed Wrist-Driven Orthoses on Grasp Strength of Lost Hand Function
Authors: Acar Ahmet Gökhan , Alsancak Serap
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Wrist-driven orthoses can be used in people who have lost their hand functions to a certain extent. The orthoses are designed to harness residual wrist power and convert it with a mechanism to move the fingers. We developed 3D-printed wrist-driven orthoses for spastic hands and improved three-point grasp between thumb and index-middle fingers’ function.

Methods

Three orthoses were designed and manufactured for two participants with and without extension assists according to children’s needs. This study presents 3D designing and printing of three orthoses and investigates the effectiveness on the pinch force and daily living activities for participants with loss of hand function.

Results

Custom-made 3D-printed wrist-driven orthoses that provide hand function and are functional, lightweight, and aesthetically pleasing were manufactured in a shorter duration than conventional orthoses.

Discussion

This technique is acceptable and improves function of spastic and different traumatically injured hands. A wrist-driven orthosis was used in the treatment of 2 patients. It was found that the pinch force and the performance in daily living activities had increased. Complete joint alignment was guaranteed, and the orthoses were aesthetically pleasing and light.

Clinical Relevance

This study is clinically relevant since it gives a suitable, easy to produce, modifiable, economic orthosis design while continuing to provide comfortable, durable, and lightweight design.
Superior Canal Dehiscence and the Risk of Additional Dehiscences: A Retrospective CT Cohort Study
Authors: Shankar Ahjeetha , Nagururu Nimesh V. , Pearl Monica S. , Shankar Adeethyia , Carey John P. , Ward Bryan K.
Published: July 2024

Objective

Determine if superior canal dehiscence (SCD) found on flat-panel CT increases the risk for other defects in the otic capsule.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary care center.

Patients

One hundred ears (50 with SCD and 50 matched controls without SCD).

Interventions

Flat-panel CT imaging.

Main Outcome Measures

(1) Prevalence of other dehiscences in SCD ears, (2) dehiscences in controls, and (3) otic capsule thickness in other reported dehiscence locations (cochlea-carotid, lateral semicircular canal [SCC] and mastoid, facial nerve-lateral SCC, vestibular aqueduct, posterior SCC-jugular bulb, posterior SCC-posterior fossa). Between-group comparisons were considered significant at p < 0.007 after applying the Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons.

Results

Not including the SCD, there was a mean of 0.04 additional dehiscences in the SCD group (n = 2/50, 4%) and 0.04 non-SCD dehiscences in the controls (n = 2/50, 4%, p > 0.007). In the SCD group, there was one dehiscence between the cochlea and carotid artery and one between the posterior SCC and posterior fossa. The control group had one enlarged vestibular aqueduct and one dehiscence between the facial nerve and lateral SCC. As a group, SCD ears had wider vestibular aqueducts (0.68 ± 0.20 vs 0.51 ± 0.30 mm, p < 0.007) and thinner bone between the posterior SCC and posterior fossa (3.12 ± 1.43 vs 4.34 ± 1.67 mm, p < 0.007). The bone between the facial nerve and lateral SCC was thicker in SCD ears (0.77 ± 0.23 vs 0.55 ± 0.27 mm, p < 0.007) and no different for cochlea-carotid, and lateral SCC and mastoid (p > 0.007).

Conclusions

SCD does not increase the likelihood of a second dehiscence in the same otic capsule. SCD patients may have congenitally thinner otic capsule bones compared to controls, particularly near the posterior SCC, where the vestibular aqueduct may be enlarged.
Factors Affecting Speech Discrimination After Vestibular Schwannoma Resection
Authors: Kalmanson Olivia , Olson Madeline , Ovard Olivia , Freeman Lindsey , Ung Timothy H. , Hogan Elizabeth , Cass Stephen , Youssef A Samy , Gubbels Samuel
Published: July 2024

Objective

Investigate the relationship between word recognition score (WRS) and pure tone average (PTA) after hearing preservation surgery for vestibular schwannomas (VS) as well as evaluate the consistency of hearing classification systems.

Study Design

A retrospective chart review was performed.

Setting

This study included patients from a single academic tertiary referral hospital.

Patients

Patients with VS and serviceable hearing who underwent hearing preservation surgery 2014–2023. Patients excluded for neurofibromatosis 2 and lacking pre/postop audiograms.

Intervention(s)

All patients underwent resection of vestibular schwannoma.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Pre/postop WRS, PTA, and AAO-HNS, Gardner-Robertson (GR), and WRS Class (WRSC) hearing classifications.

Results

Seventy-five patients were included. Average preop and postop PTA and WRS were 26 ± 12 dB, 79 ± 39 dB, 92 ± 12%, and 33 ± 43%, respectively. Postop PTAs were distributed along the complete testable decibel range, while the postop WRS displayed a bimodal distribution, with WRS >50% or <20%. Worsening intraop ABR changes were significantly associated with poorer hearing outcomes (p = 0.005). With increasing Koos grades, intraop ABRs were significantly more likely to exhibit changes (p = 0.005). AAO-HNS and GR classified patients nearly identically, while the WRSC resulted in more class I and fewer class II. The cutoff of serviceable hearing was comparable across all classification systems.

Conclusions

Effects on the brainstem component of Koos 3–4 tumors may particularly disturb speech processing. This effect seems amplified by surgical dissection. AAO-HNS, GR, and WRSC hearing classifications are comparable in describing serviceable hearing in vestibular schwannoma patients.
Micronutrient deficiencies in inflammatory bowel disease: an incidence analysis
Authors: Kamel Amir Y. , Johnson Zachary D. , Hernandez Isabela , Nguyen Christine , Rolfe Melanie , Joseph Tiffany , Dixit Devika , Shen Steve , Chaudhry Naueen , Pham Angela , Rampertab S. Devi , Zimmermann Ellen
Published: July 2024

Background

Micronutrient deficiencies associated with malnutrition in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can lead to complications including anemia, coagulopathy, poor wound healing, and colorectal cancer. This study aimed to investigate micronutrient deficiencies (copper, vitamins A, B9, E, and K) in IBD patients and highlight associated symptoms to aid in the recognition of micronutrient deficiencies.

Methods

A retrospective electronic chart review was performed on adults diagnosed with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis hospitalized at a tertiary care center for IBD flare between January 2013 and June 2017. Patients with serum or whole blood micronutrient levels were included. Pregnant and incarcerated patients were excluded.

Results

A total of 611 IBD patients (440 Crohn’s disease, 171 ulcerative colitis) met the inclusion criteria. Micronutrients were assessed in a subset of IBD patients (copper: 12.3%, A: 10.1%, B9 : 95.9%, E: 10.3%, and K: 4.6%). Overall, 10.1% of patients had micronutrient deficiencies. The proportion of patients with copper, A, B9, E, and K deficiencies were 25.4, 53.3, 1.9, 23.7, and 29.4% for Crohn’s disease and 50, 52.9, 1.2, 43.8, and 18.2% for ulcerative colitis, respectively. The most common symptoms or historical features associated with micronutrient deficiency were anemia (copper, B9), muscle weakness (copper, E) thrombocytopenia, fatigue (copper, B9), diarrhea (B9), dry skin, hyperkeratosis, pruritus, significant weight loss, elevated C-reactive protein (A), bleeding, and osteoporosis (K).

Conclusion

Micronutrient deficiencies are common in IBD patients, yet they are not routinely assessed. Copper, vitamins A, E, and K deficiencies are particularly underrecognized. Associated historical features should raise suspicion and prompt assessment and treatment.
Feasibility and long-term outcomes of hepatic vein recanalization in Budd–Chiari syndrome through intrahepatic collateral pathways
Authors: Ma Hongru , Gou Yabo , Wang Chao , Xiao Jinchang , Shen Bin , Liu Hongtao , Huang Qianxin , Xu Hao , Zu Maoheng , Zhang Qingqiao
Published: July 2024

Background and aims

To investigate the feasibility and long-term outcomes of hepatic vein (HV) recanalization using intrahepatic collateral pathways in patients with Budd–Chiari syndrome (BCS) with HV obstruction.

Methods

Clinical data of 29 BCS patients with HV obstruction and intrahepatic collateral pathways were reviewed. All patients underwent HV recanalization through the intrahepatic collaterals. Follow-up was performed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment and annually thereafter. Cumulative patency and survival rates were assessed using Kaplan–Meier curves. The independent predictors of patency were determined using a Cox regression model.

Results

HV recanalization was successful in 28 of the 29 patients (96.6%), with no complications. Of the 28 cases, simultaneous recanalization of the accessory HV and right HV was achieved in 11 patients, accessory HV and middle HV in six, accessory HV and left HV in three, right HV and middle HV in five, and left HV and middle HV in three. Twenty-eight patients were followed from 4 to 87 (mean, 53.6 ± 26.7) months after treatment, and six patients developed reocclusion. The overall cumulative 1-, 3-, 5-, and 7-year primary HV patency rates were 96.3, 82.9, 74.6, and 59.7%, respectively. The cumulative 1-, 3-, 5-, and 7-year survival rates were 100, 95.8, 95.8, and 86.3%, respectively.

Conclusion

Interventional treatment of HV obstruction in BCS patients through intrahepatic collateral approaches is well tolerated and feasible and can result in excellent long-term patency and survival rates.
Quantitative bone single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography in symptomatic and asymptomatic foot and ankle osteoarthritis
Authors: Ulrich Martin , Lehnick Dirk , Strobel Klaus , Grünig Hannes , Lima Thiago , Iselin Lukas , Bhure Ujwal
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and quantify the prevalence of increased uptake in SPECT/CT in symptomatic and asymptomatic foot and ankle joints in patients with osteoarthritis.

Methods

In 63 patients with osteoarthritis (OA), the painful symptomatic foot (SF) and asymptomatic contralateral foot (AF) were imaged with bone SPECT/CT. Presence, localization, and maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of the active joints were assessed for SF and AF. CT OA grade (grade 1: mild, grade 2: moderate, grade 3: severe) and presence of five morphological features of OA (joint space narrowing, subchondral sclerosis, subchondral cysts, irregular joint margins, and osteophytes) were evaluated.

Results

In total 32 (51%) patients showed additional uptake in the AF, whereas 31 (49%) patients showed it only in the SF. SF showed more active joints than AF (106 vs. 43). CT OA grades positively correlated with SUVmax (Kendall’s tau b = 0.62, P < 0.001). SUVmax values (per foot) in SF were higher in patients with uptake in bilateral feet (SF+, AF+) [median (IQR): 17.9 (10.7–23.3)] as compared with patients with active sites only in the SF (SF+, AF−) [10.4 (6.4–19.1); P < 0.001]. Number of active OA joints in SF was higher in patients with bilateral uptake (P = 0.017).

Conclusion

In conclusion, half of the patients exhibited increased uptake in the contralateral asymptomatic foot. SUVmax showed a significant correlation to CT osteoarthritis grade, in the symptomatic and asymptomatic foot. Future follow-up studies will provide further insights into the prognostic and therapeutic value of these findings.
Complement protein expression changes in various conditions of breast cancer: in-silico analyses—experimental research
Authors: Zabihi Mohammad Reza , Farhadi Bahar , Akhoondian Mohammad
Published: July 2024

Introduction:

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer diagnosed in females worldwide. The known biomarkers are insufficient to understand the actual prognosis of breast cancer, and identifying new biomarkers is desirable and valuable data to improve the patient’s survival. Many inflammatory biomarkers, such as the complement system, can be regarded as prognostic values and as potent inflammatory mediators; complement proteins have a critical role in tumorigenesis. In the current study, the authors aim to investigate complement protein expression changes, particularly complement 3 (C3), complement 7 (C7), complement factor B (CFB), and complement factor D (CFD), in various conditions of breast cancer using in-silico tools.

Methods:

The intent data were extracted using webtools, including; Kaplan–Meier plotter, BcGenExMiner, UALCAN, cbioportal, GeneMania, and Enrichr. To select valid data, a P greater than 0.05 was considered.

Results:

The current study clarified that 21 complement genes correlated to survival conditions. Also, down or upregulation of extracted genes and breast cancer statuses were identified. Additionally, expression level difference of complement genes in various breast cancer four stages was detected. Ultimately, co-expression genes with complement genes were extracted and networked.

Conclusion:

Changes in the expression of complement proteins can strongly correlate to breast cancer’s prognosis, status, and survival. Furthermore, considering the vital role of CFD and CFB complement proteins in the alternative pathway in different stages of breast cancer, CFD and CFB can be regarded as reliable prognostic values for diagnosis.
Reverse Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in the setting of small bowel obstruction: a case report
Authors: Bishev Daniel , Noureldine Hussein , Ortiz Fernando
Published: July 2024

Introduction and importance:

Stress cardiomyopathy refers to a syndrome of acute but reversible left ventricular dysfunction, often triggered by emotional or physical stress. Reverse Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is an uncommon variant that occurs in about 5% of cases. Classically, it has been known to be following a catecholamine surge due to physical or emotional stress. This case highlights the importance for physicians to be aware of the possibility of developing stress cardiomyopathy in patients with acute intra-abdominal processes.

Case presentation:

Forty-one-year-old Caucasian female with was admitted with an acute small bowel obstruction. After failing conservative management, it was decided to proceed with surgery. After induction with anesthesia but prior to the surgeons first incision, the patient developed a tachyarrhythmia with hemodynamic compromise requiring the surgery to be aborted. That evening, she developed chest pain with concerns for an acute coronary syndrome. She was taken urgently to the for invasive angiography, which demonstrated reverse Takotsubo.

Clinical discussion:

Intra-abdominal processes and intubation have previously been reported be catalyst for this disease process. This patient had multiple stressors including mechanical bowel obstruction and anesthesia after failing conservative management. The diagnosis was confirmed by coronary angiography and left ventriculogram, and followed up with repeat outpatient echocardiography.

Conclusion:

A case of small bowel obstruction that developed reverse Takotsubo preceded by sustained ventricular tachycardia after intubation. The patient did well and had complete recovery cardiac function. Risk factors and underlining mechanism for the different variants of stress cardiomyopathy are not well understood, further investigation is warranted.
Synergistic effects of herpes oncolytic virus and cyclophosphamide for recurrent malignant glioma: a narrative review
Authors: Iqbal Javed , Hafeez Muhammad Hassan , Amin Aamir , Moradi Iman , Chhabra Anisha , Iqbal Ather , Patel Tirath , Shafique Muhammad Ashir , Nadeem Abdullah , Jamil Usama
Published: July 2024

Gliomas, comprising nearly 80% of brain malignancies, present a formidable challenge with glioblastomas being the most aggressive subtype. Despite multidisciplinary care, including surgery and chemoradiotherapy, the prognosis remains grim, emphasizing the need for innovative treatment strategies. The blood-brain barrier complicates drug access, and the diverse histopathology hinders targeted therapies. Oncolytic herpes viruses (oHSVs), particularly HSV1716, G207, and rQNestin34.5v, show promise in glioma treatment by selectively replicating in tumor cells. Preclinical and clinical studies demonstrate the safety and efficacy of oHSVs, with T-Vec being FDA-approved. However, challenges like viral delivery limitations and antiviral responses persist. The combination of oHSVs and combining cyclophosphamide (CPA) addresses these challenges, demonstrating increased transgene expression and viral activity. The immunosuppressive properties of CPA, particularly in metronomic schedules, enhance oHSV efficacy, supporting the development of this combination for recurrent malignant gliomas. CPA with oHSVs enhances viral oncolysis and extends survival. CPA’s immunomodulatory effects, suppressing regulatory T cells, improve oHSV efficiency. While obstacles remain, this synergistic approach offers hope for improved outcomes, necessitating further research and clinical validation.
Burned-Out Testicular Carcinoma Presenting as Inferior Vena Cava Tumor Thrombus With Pulmonary Tumor Embolism on FDG PET/CT
Authors: Shani Shrem Noa , Levin Daniel , Rouvinov Keren , Ben-Arie Gal , Liberzon Ilya , Hod Nir
Published: July 2024

“Burned-out” testicular tumor is a very rare clinical phenomenon, which refers to the presence of a metastatic germ cell tumor with no clinical findings in the testicle due to spontaneous regression of the primary testicular lesion. We present an unusual case of burned-out testicular embryonal germ cell carcinoma presenting as an extensive inferior vena cava tumor thrombus with malignant pulmonary embolism in which FDG PET/CT played a pivotal role in detecting the extent and significance of the disease.
Early Cranioplasty in an Apert’s Syndrome Infant With Occipital Encephalocele
Authors: Yoo Kyung-Eun , Chong Kyuha , Yang Misun , Seo Jeong-Min , Choi Na-Yeon , Lim So-Young
Published: July 2024

Apert’s syndrome (AS) is a rare congenital malformation characterized by distinctive clinical manifestations such as syndactyly of the extremities and midface retrusion, which set it apart from other syndromes. This condition often presents with craniosynostosis and, less commonly, central nervous system abnormalities like encephalocele. In this report, we present a typical case of Apert syndrome with an occipital encephalocele. The infant had plagio-brachycephaly due to craniosynostosis and required urgent repair of the occipital encephalocele. At 1 month of age, we performed both the encephalocele repair and early cranioplasty for autologous bone grafting. This case underscores the importance of early diagnosis and surgical interventions in Apert’s syndrome cases with encephalocele.
A mathematical description of fossilization
Authors: Loron Corentin C.
Published: July 2024

Fossils constitute an inestimable archive of past life on the Earth. However, the stochastic processes driving decay and fossilization and overwhelmingly distorting this archive, are challenging to interpret. Consequently, concepts of exceptional or poor preservation are often subjective or arbitrarily defined. Here, we offer an alternative way to think about fossilization. We propose a mathematical description of decay and fossilization relying on the change in the relative frequency and characteristics of biogenic objects (e.g. atoms, functional groups, molecules, body parts and organisms) within an organism–fossil system. This description partitions taphonomic changes into three categories: gain, loss and alteration of state. Although the changes undergone by organisms through decay, preservation and alteration vary a lot for different organisms under different conditions, we provide a unified formalism which can be applied directly in the comparison of different assemblages, experiments and fossils. Our expression is closely related to George R. Price’s famous equation for the change in evolutionary traits and can be adapted to the study of palaeontological systems and many others.
Coevolution of larval signalling and worker response can trigger developmental caste determination in social insects
Authors: Lagos-Oviedo Juan J. , Pen Ido , Kreider Jan J.
Published: July 2024

Eusocial insects belong to distinct queen and worker castes, which, in turn, can be divided into several morphologically specialized castes of workers. Caste determination typically occurs by differential nutrition of developing larvae. We present a model for the coevolution of larval signalling and worker task allocation—both modelled by flexible smooth reaction norms—to investigate the evolution of caste determination mechanisms and worker polymorphism. In our model, larvae evolve to signal their nutritional state to workers. The workers evolve to allocate time to foraging for resources versus feeding the brood, conditional on the larval signals and their body size. Worker polymorphism evolves under accelerating foraging returns of increasing body size, which causes selection to favour large foraging and small nursing workers. Worker castes emerge because larvae evolve to amplify their signals after obtaining some food, which causes them to receive more food, while the other larvae remain unfed. This leads to symmetry-breaking among the larvae, which are either well-nourished or malnourished, thus emerging as small or large workers. Our model demonstrates the evolution of nutrition-dependent caste determination and worker polymorphism by a self-reinforcement mechanism that evolves from the interplay of larval signalling and worker response to the signals.
Pressorum Sensing: Growth-induced Compression Activates cAMP Signaling inPseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Ni Lei , Huang Yajia , Huang Yaoxin , Yu Yue , Xiong Jiarui , Wen Hui , Xiao Wenwen , Liang Haiyi , Jin Fan
Published: July 2024

Bacteria employ various strategies to coordinate population-level behaviors, with quorum sensing being a well-established mechanism. Here, we report a novel population-level regulatory mechanism inPseudomonas aeruginosa, which we term ‘pressorum sensing’. This mechanism allows bacteria to modulate their collective behavior in response to growth-induced mechanical compression in confined spaces. Using a highly sensitive cAMP biosensor in combination with microfluidics, we demonstrate that when compressive forces reach approximately 30 nN,P. aeruginosacells rapidly increases intracellular cAMP levels via the Pil-Chp chemosensory system. This response leads to up-regulation of the Type III Secretion System, a key virulence factor. Unlike quorum sensing, which relies on diffusible chemical signals, pressorum sensing utilizes mechanical cues to gauge population density and spatial confinement. In bacterial colonies, this mechanism generates striking spatial patterns of cAMP signaling, including traveling rings that coincide with step-like structures in colony morphology. Our findings reveal a previously unknown link between mechanical compression and bacterial virulence, providing new insights into howP. aeruginosacoordinates population-level responses in confined environments. This work also expands our knowledge of mechanogenetics and opens up new possibilities in synthetic biology and bioengineering applications.