bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro efficacy of aquaculture antimicrobials and genetic determinants of resistance in bacterial isolates from tropical aquaculture disease outbreaks
Authors: Gopakumar Sumithra T , Ramachandra Krupesha Sharma S , Gangadharan Suja , Nair Anusree V , Sachidanandan Suryagayathri , Prasad Vishnu , Purakal Lailaja V , Chakkalakkal George J , Patil Prasanna K
Published: September 2024

Understanding the efficacy of antimicrobials against pathogens from clinical samples is critical for their responsible use. The manuscript presents in vitro efficacy and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes in seven species of fish pathogens from the disease outbreaks of Indian aquaculture against oxytetracycline, florfenicol, oxolinic acid, and enrofloxacin. In vitro efficacy was evaluated by minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration. The gene-specific PCR screened AMR genes against quinolones (qnrA, qnrB, and qnrS) and tetracyclines (tetM, tetS, tetA, tetC, tetB, tetD, tetE, tetH, tetJ, tetG, and tetY). The results showed that Aeromonas veronii (45%) showed the maximum resistance phenotype, followed by Streptococcus agalactiae (40%), Photobacterium damselae (15%), Vibrio parahaemolyticus (10%), and Vibrio vulnificus (5%). There was no resistance among Vibrio harveyi and Vibrio alginolyticus against the tested antimicrobials. The positive association between tetA, tetB, tetC, tetM, or a combination of these genes to oxytetracycline resistance and qnrS to quinolone resistance indicated their potential in surveillance studies. The prevalence of resistance phenotypes (16.43%) and evaluated AMR genes (2.65%) against aquaculture antimicrobials was low. The resistance phenotype pattern abundance was 0.143. All the isolates showed susceptibility to florfenicol. The results help with the appropriate drug selection against each species in aquaculture practices.
Unfruitful chemical pathway for interstellar furan: formation of the four isomers of 1-butenol-3-yne
Authors: García de la Concepción J , Rivilla V M
Published: September 2024

Heterocycles have not been detected in the interstellar medium (ISM) yet. However, the direct involvement of some pentagonal heterocycles within the formation of key biomolecules for the origin of life makes the search for these systems in the ISM relevant for understanding whether some of the bricks of life could be formed in the ISM. We have explored the possible formation of the simple heterocycle furan (c-C$_{4}$H$_{4}$O) under interstellar conditions, through the reaction between two interstellar species, $\mathrm{syn}$-vinyl alcohol ($\mathrm{syn}$-VA) and the CCH radical. We employed state-of-the-art quantum-chemical calculations to elucidate the reaction mechanism between the reaction of CCH radical and $\mathrm{syn}$-VA. Kinetic simulations were carried out aiming to quantitatively assess the viability of this reaction in the ISM. We have found a reaction pathway to furan where all energy barriers are submerged. However, the formation of this heterocycle is not feasible because the intermediates leading to furan can evolve through more favourable routes. In contrast, we have found viable pathways for the formation of the four isomers of 1-butenol-3-yne (HCCCHCHOH) (Z-$\mathrm{syn}$, E-$\mathrm{syn}$, E-$\mathrm{anti}$, and Z-$\mathrm{anti}$), which thus are promising species to be detected in the ISM. Our theoretical work indicates that the four isomers of 1-butenol-3-yne should be present in the ISM because the precursors are known interstellar species, and the kinetic simulations indicate that their formation is very likely. We then encourage the observational search of these molecules in the ISM.
The only inflated brown dwarf in an eclipsing white dwarf–brown dwarf binary: WD1032+011B
Authors: French Jenni R , Casewell Sarah L , Amaro Rachael C , Lothringer Joshua D , Mayorga L C , Littlefair Stuart P , Lew Ben W P , Zhou Yifan , Apai Daniel , Marley Mark S , Parmentier Vivien , Tan Xianyu
Published: September 2024

Due to their short orbital periods and relatively high-flux ratios, irradiated brown dwarfs in binaries with white dwarfs offer better opportunities to study irradiated atmospheres than hot Jupiters, which have lower planet-to-star flux ratios. WD1032+011 is an eclipsing, tidally locked white dwarf–brown dwarf binary with a 9950 K white dwarf orbited by a 69.7 M$_{\text{Jup}}$ brown dwarf in a 0.09 d orbit. We present time-resolved Hubble Space Telescope Wide Field Camera 3 spectrophotometric data of WD1032+011. We isolate the phase-dependent spectra of WD1032+011B, finding a 210 K difference in brightness temperature between the dayside and nightside. The spectral type of the brown dwarf is identified as L1 peculiar, with atmospheric retrievals and comparison to field brown dwarfs showing evidence for a cloud-free atmosphere. The retrieved temperature of the dayside is 1748$^{+66}_{-67}$ K, with a nightside temperature of 1555$^{+76}_{-62}$ K, showing an irradiation-driven temperature contrast coupled with inefficient heat redistribution from the dayside to the nightside. The brown dwarf radius is inflated, likely due to the constant irradiation from the white dwarf, making it the only known inflated brown dwarf in an eclipsing white dwarf–brown dwarf binary.
A calibrated model for N-body dynamical friction acting on supermassive black holes
Authors: Genina Anna , Springel Volker , Rantala Antti
Published: September 2024

Black holes are believed to be crucial in regulating star formation in massive galaxies, which makes it essential to faithfully represent the physics of these objects in cosmological hydrodynamics simulations. Limited spatial and mass resolution and the associated discreteness noise make following the dynamics of black holes especially challenging. In particular, dynamical friction, which is responsible for driving massive black holes towards the centres of galaxies, cannot be accurately modelled with softened N-body interactions. A number of subgrid models have been proposed to mimic dynamical friction or directly include its full effects in simulations. Each of these methods has its individual benefits and shortcomings, while all suffer from a common issue of being unable to represent black holes with masses below a few times the simulated dark matter particle mass. In this paper, we propose a correction for unresolved dynamical friction, which has been calibrated on simulations run with the code ketju, in which gravitational interactions of black holes are not softened. We demonstrate that our correction is able to sink black holes with masses greater than the dark matter particle mass at the correct rate. We show that the impact of stochasticity is significant for low-mass black holes ($M_{\rm BH} \le 5 M_{\rm DM}$) and propose a correction for stochastic heating. Combined, this approach is applicable to next generation cosmological hydrodynamics simulations that jointly track galaxy and black hole growth with realistic black hole orbits.
Using the simba cosmological simulations to measure the planar relation between stellar specific angular momentum, mass, and effective surface brightness
Authors: Elson E
Published: September 2024

Stellar mass and specific angular momentum are two properties of a galaxy that are directly related to its formation history, and hence morphology. In this work, the tight planar relationship between stellar specific angular momentum ($j_*$), mass ($M_*$), and mean effective surface brightness ($\left\langle \mu _\mathrm{eff}\right\rangle $) that was recently constrained using ALFALFA (Arecibo Legacy Fast ALFA) galaxies is measured more accurately using galaxies from the simba cosmological simulation. The distribution of 179 simba galaxies in $\log _{10}j_* \!-\! \log _{10}M_*$−$\left\langle \mu _\mathrm{eff}\right\rangle $ space is shown to be very tightly planar with $j_*\propto M_*^{0.694}$ and the distribution of perpendicular distances between the galaxies and the plane being approximately Gaussian with $\mathrm{RMS}=0.057$ dex. The parametrized distribution is used with existing $j_*$ and $\left\langle \mu _\mathrm{eff}\right\rangle $ measurements of 3607 ALFALFA galaxies and 84 SPARC (Spitzer Photometry and Accurate Rotation Curves) galaxies to reliably predict their published stellar masses to within $\sim 0.1$–0.2 dex over several decades of stellar mass. Thus, this work presents a new method of easily generating accurate galaxy stellar mass estimates for late-type galaxies and provides a new measurement of the fundamental link between galaxy morphology, mass, and angular momentum.
Transit timing variation of K2-237b: hints toward planet disc migration
Authors: Yang Fan , Long Richard J , Kerins Eamonn , Awiphan Supachai , Shan Su-Su , Zhang Bo , Joshi Yogesh C , A-thano Napaporn , Jiang Ing-Guey , Priyadarshi Akshay , Liu Ji-Feng
Published: September 2024

Hot Jupiters should initially form at considerable distances from host stars and subsequently migrate towards inner regions, supported directly by transit timing variation (TTV). We report the TTV of K2-237b, using reproduced timings fitted from Kepler K2 and TESS data. The timings span from 2016 to 2021, leading to an observational baseline of 5 yr. The timing evolution presents a significant bias to a constant period scenario. The model evidence is evaluated utilizing the Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC), which favours the scenario of period decay with a $\Delta$BIC of 14.1. The detected TTV induces a period decay rate ($\dot{P}$) of −1.14$\pm 0.28\times 10^{-8}$ d per day ($-$0.36 s/yr). Fitting the spectral energy distribution, we find infrared excess at the significance level of 1.5 $\sigma$ for WISE W1 and W2 bands, and 2 $\sigma$ level for W3 and W4 bands. This potentially reveals the existence of a stellar disc, consisting of hot dust at 800 $\pm$ 300 K, showing a $L_{\mathrm{ dust}}/L_{\ast }$ of 5 $\pm\ 3\times 10^{-3}$. We obtain a stellar age of 1.0$^{+1.4}_{-0.7}\, \times 10^{9}$ yr from isochrone fitting. The properties of K2-237b potentially serve as a direct observational support to the planet disc migration though more observation are needed.
Low Genetic Impact of the Roman Occupation of Britain in Rural Communities
Authors: Scheib Christiana L , Hui Ruoyun , Rose Alice K , D’Atanasio Eugenia , Inskip Sarah A , Dittmar Jenna , Cessford Craig , Griffith Samuel J , Solnik Anu , Wiseman Rob , Neil Benjamin , Biers Trish , Harknett Sarah-Jane , Sasso Stefania , Biagini Simone A , Runfeldt Göran , Duhig Corinne , Evans Christopher , Metspalu Mait , Millett Martin J , O’Connell Tamsin C , Robb John E , Kivisild Toomas
Published: September 2024

The Roman period saw the empire expand across Europe and the Mediterranean, including much of what is today Great Britain. While there is written evidence of high mobility into and out of Britain for administrators, traders, and the military, the impact of imperialism on local, rural population structure, kinship, and mobility is invisible in the textual record. The extent of genetic change that occurred in Britain during the Roman military occupation remains underexplored. Here, using genome-wide data from 52 ancient individuals from eight sites in Cambridgeshire covering the period of Roman occupation, we show low levels of genetic ancestry differentiation between Romano-British sites and indications of larger populations than in the Bronze Age and Neolithic. We find no evidence of long-distance migration from elsewhere in the Empire, though we do find one case of possible temporary mobility within a family unit during the Late Romano-British period. We also show that the present-day patterns of genetic ancestry composition in Britain emerged after the Roman period.
Identification of an RNA-binding perturbing characteristic for thiopurine drugs and their derivatives to disrupt CELF1–RNA interaction
Authors: Tan Yang , Zhao Zhibo , Han Qingfang , Xu Peipei , Shen Xiaopeng , Jiang Yajun , Xu Qiang , Wu Xingxin
Published: September 2024

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are attractive targets in human pathologies. Despite a number of efforts to target RBPs with small molecules, it is still difficult to develop RBP inhibitors, asking for a deeper understanding of how to chemically perturb RNA-binding activity. In this study, we found that the thiopurine drugs (6-mercaptopurine and 6-thioguanine) effectively disrupt CELF1–RNA interaction. The disrupting activity relies on the formation of disulfide bonds between the thiopurine drugs and CELF1. Mutating the cysteine residue proximal to the RNA recognition motifs (RRMs), or adding reducing agents, abolishes the disrupting activity. Furthermore, the 1,2,4-triazole-3-thione, a thiopurine analogue, was identified with 20-fold higher disrupting activity. Based on this analogue, we found that compound 9 disrupts CELF1–RNA interaction in living cells and ameliorates CELF1-mediated myogenesis deficiency. In summary, we identified a thiol-mediated binding mechanism for thiopurine drugs and their derivatives to perturb protein-RNA interaction, which provides novel insight for developing RBP inhibitors. Additionally, this work may benefit the pharmacological and toxicity research of thiopurine drugs.
Silver hair in a neonate: a tale of 2 fatal cases
Authors: Kumar Lakshmi Satish , Raghavendra Prashanth Ranya , Nair Sruthi , Vijaya Nathan D Muthu , Bargir Umair Ahmed , Haribalakrishna Anitha , Mahajan Sunanda Arun
Published: September 2024

Silver hair in a neonate is an uncommon occurrence. The aetiology of this condition is varied and is associated with immunodeficiency disorders such as Griscelli syndrome and Chédiak-Higashi syndrome. A preterm neonate with Griscelli syndrome type 2 might present with just silver colour staining of hair including the lanugo hair with no other complications. In those with associated systemic abnormalities such as congenital pulmonary airway malformation, further evaluation for conditions such as Menke-Kinke hair syndrome is required. In this case series, we describe two unique cases of silver hair syndrome in preterm neonates with their clinical description, course in the hospital, role of hair mount and genetic testing for further identification and diagnosis of this disorder.
Medicines for children: A global gift of trusted accessible information for parents
Authors: Tuthill David P , Rossiter Anna , Tse Yincent
Published: September 2024

To engender safer medication practice the Government of Canada encourages families to, “Ask your doctor about your child’s medication.” Medicines for Children (MFC) was established in 2006 when the U.K.’s Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), Wellchild charity, and the Neonatal and Paediatric Pharmacy Group (NPPG) listened to parents’ concerns that they needed better information on children’s medicines. Each one of the >200 information sheets available on the website has gone through a standardized, audited development. When launched in 2009 there were 10,500 hits by 7000 unique users which has grown to 4.5 million hits from 3.6 million individuals in 2022. Although the UK has the largest number of users; its worldwide importance is demonstrated by the fact that there are 430,000 users in Canada. For parents of a child who needs to take medicines safely, MFC provides high-quality, reliable family-centred information accessible 24/7 across the globe.
Hydraulic mechanism of limiting growth and maintaining survival of desert shrubs in arid habitats
Authors: Huo Jianqiang , Li Chengyi , Zhao Yang , Han Gaoling , Li Xinrong , Zhang Zhishan
Published: September 2024

The growth and survival of woody plant species is mainly driven by evolutionary and environmental factors. However, little is known about the hydraulic mechanisms that respond to growth limitation and enable desert shrub survival in arid habitats. To shed light on these hydraulic mechanisms, 9-, 31-, and 56-yr-old Caragana korshinskii plants that had been grown under different soil water conditions at the southeast edge of the Tengger Desert, Ningxia, China, were used in this study. The growth of C. korshinskii was mainly limited by soil water rather than shrub age in nonwatered habitats, which indicated the importance of maintaining shrub survival prior to growth under drought. Meanwhile, higher vessel density, narrower vessels, and lower xylem hydraulic conductivity indicated that shrubs enhanced hydraulic safety and reduced their hydraulic efficiency in arid conditions. Importantly, xylem hydraulic conductivity is mediated by variation in xylem hydraulic architecture–regulated photosynthetic carbon assimilation and growth of C. korshinskii. Our study highlights that the synergistic variation in xylem hydraulic safety and hydraulic efficiency is the hydraulic mechanism of limiting growth and maintaining survival in C. korshinskii under drought, providing insights into the strategies for growth and survival of desert shrubs in arid habitats.
Natural diversifying evolution of nonribosomal peptide synthetases in a defensive symbiont reveals nonmodular functional constraints
Authors: Li Zhiyuan , Ióca Laura P , He Ruolin , Donia Mohamed S
Published: September 2024

The modular architecture of nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) has inspired efforts to study their evolution and engineering. In this study, we analyze in detail a unique family of NRPSs from the defensive intracellular bacterial symbiont, Candidatus Endobryopsis kahalalidifaciens (Ca. E. kahalalidifaciens). We show that intensive and indiscriminate recombination events erase trivial sequence covariations induced by phylogenetic relatedness, revealing nonmodular functional constraints and clear recombination units. Moreover, we reveal unique substrate specificity determinants for multiple enzymatic domains, allowing us to accurately predict and experimentally discover the products of an orphan NRPS in Ca. E. kahalalidifaciens directly from environmental samples of its algal host. Finally, we expanded our analysis to 1,531 diverse NRPS pathways and revealed similar functional constraints to those observed in Ca. E. kahalalidifaciens’ NRPSs. Our findings reveal the sequence bases of genetic exchange, functional constraints, and substrate specificity in Ca. E. kahalalidifaciens’ NRPSs, and highlight them as a uniquely primed system for diversifying evolution.
Comment on “A New Boson Expansion Theory Utilizing a Norm Operator”
Authors: Sakamoto Hideo
Published: September 2024

Claims in a recent paper by Taniguchi for the normal-ordered linked-cluster expansion of the modified Marumori boson mapping are based on a flawed argument. Several papers not cited by the author have explained this weakness in detail and concluded that, in order to construct a meaningful boson expansion theory, the unphysical components must be removed from the fermion space before mapping it onto the boson space.
Anti-ulcerative effect and antioxidant effects of Garcinia kola Heckel (Clusiaceae) seed infusate
Authors: Hzounda Fokou Jean Baptiste , Tenda Marion Mambo , Sone Bertin , Yinyang Jaques , Bamal Denis Hans , Manaoda Antoine Vayarai , Kouopmtchop Sado Joseph Crépin , Fomesseng Negoue Arnold , Loe Gisele Etame , Clement Assob Jules
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Peptic ulcer (PU) is a condition in which the gastric lining breaks down, causing bleeding. This study investigates the anti-ulcer effects of Garcinia kola seed infusate in a rat model.

Material and methods

Garcinia kola seeds were harvested, freeze-dried, ground, and stored in the freezer. Ulcers were induced using 96% ethanol. After 2 h of ulcer formation, they received; 20 mg/kg omeprazole for group 2 and 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg body weight  Garcinia kola infusate by oral gavage for 3 days. On day 4 the stomachs were removed and analysed. Levels of oxidative stress markers were assessed.

Results

There was no evidence of acute or subacute toxicity of the infusate. Histological analysis of the stomach showed a healing effect of the infusate in both male and female rats. With regard to nitrite malonyl dialdehyde and reduced glutathione levels, there was no statistical difference between the rats of both sexes receiving Garcinia kola compared to the normal rats. The catalase level tended to be similar between treated and untreated females. The treated male with both Garcinia kola and omeprazole tended to normalize the level of catalase when compared to the normal animal.

Conclusion

The Garcinia kola seed infusate was found to possess anti-ulcer and antioxidant properties.
The role of the somatosensory system in the feeling of emotions: a neurostimulation study
Authors: Giraud Michelle , Javadi Amir-Homayoun , Lenatti Carmen , Allen John , Tamè Luigi , Nava Elena
Published: September 2024

Emotional experiences deeply impact our bodily states, such as when we feel ‘anger’, our fists close and our face burns. Recent studies have shown that emotions can be mapped onto specific body areas, suggesting a possible role of the primary somatosensory system (S1) in emotion processing. To date, however, the causal role of S1 in emotion generation remains unclear. To address this question, we applied transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) on the S1 at different frequencies (beta, theta, and sham) while participants saw emotional stimuli with different degrees of pleasantness and levels of arousal. Results showed that modulation of S1 influenced subjective emotional ratings as a function of the frequency applied. While theta and beta-tACS made participants rate the emotional images as more pleasant (higher valence), only theta-tACS lowered the subjective arousal ratings (more calming). Skin conductance responses recorded throughout the experiment confirmed a different arousal for pleasant versus unpleasant stimuli. Our study revealed that S1 has a causal role in the feeling of emotions, adding new insight into the embodied nature of emotions. Importantly, we provided causal evidence that beta and theta frequencies contribute differently to the modulation of two dimensions of emotions—arousal and valence—corroborating the view of a dissociation between these two dimensions of emotions.
The phylogenetic position of Hyperolius sankuruensis (Anura: Hyperoliidae) reveals biogeographical affinity between the central Congo and West Africa, and illuminates the taxonomy of Hyperolius concolor
Authors: Nečas Tadeáš , Kielgast Jos , Chinemerem Ikechukwu G , Rödel Mark-Oliver , Dolinay Matej , Gvoždík Václav
Published: September 2024

African reed frogs (Hyperolius, Hyperoliidae) represent a hyperdiverse genus of arboreal frogs, known for their high intraspecific variation and interspecific similarity. Many recent publications have offered phylogenetic reconstructions and revisions of the genus or specific species groups or complexes. However, there are still many taxa known only from a limited number of localities and collected material that still await molecular evaluation and validation. Among these is H. sankuruensis, a species formally known only from the type locality in the central Congo Basin. The results of our phylogenetic analyses showed this central Congolian taxon to be related to an undescribed species from southwestern Gabon, and unexpectedly to a group of West African species. The West African species also include the widespread H. concolor, which presently comprises three geographically separated subspecies, H. c. concolor occurring west of the Dahomey Gap, H. c. ibadanensis known from Nigeria, and H. c. guttatus from southwestern Cameroon. Species delimitation based on both mitochondrial and nuclear data, together with morphological analyses, found sufficient differences among the three subspecies to elevate them to species status. In addition, the species groups of one of the three major clades within the genus Hyperolius are revised.
Pyogenic Granuloma Diagnosis and Management: A Practical Review
Authors: Kaleeny Joseph D. , Janis Jeffrey E.
Published: September 2024

Background:

Pyogenic granuloma (PG), or lobular capillary hemangioma, poses a clinical challenge with its uncertain etiology and treatment options. Although the clinical features and prevalence of PGs are well established, definitive evidence-based treatments remain elusive. This practical review aims to illuminate the complexities of PG management by analyzing surgical interventions based on literature analysis.

Methods:

A PubMed/Medline search of “pyogenic granuloma” and “surgery” yielded 1171 studies. Inclusion criteria targeted intervention-associated PG complications over 5% and treatment modalities, excluding nonclinical studies and topics unrelated to plastic and reconstructive surgery. Screening involved Oxford level of evidence, patient data extraction, complications, intervention types, success rates, sessions, follow-ups, and treatments.

Results:

Thirty-one studies met inclusion criteria. Most studies were retrospective (67.7%). Ten studies satisfied intervention-linked eruptions, primarily oculoplastic, whereas 21 investigated both surgical and nonsurgical treatment modalities. Across interventions, 3579 patients (age: 34.2–85.7 years) were involved. Postsurgical PG complications averaged 15.1% and were treated predominantly with surgical excision, achieving nearly complete resolution. Surgical and nonsurgical treatment studies included 1233 patients (age: 3–46.5 years), demonstrating a 68.2% average resolution after a single session, with surgical excision exhibiting the highest success rate (96.2%) and minimal complications.

Conclusions:

This practical review highlights the complexities of managing PG, emphasizing a spectrum of effective treatments and potential postoperative complications. Ophthalmologic procedures showed PG incidences of 9%–24.4%. Surgical excision proved highly effective, surpassing methods like lasers and injectables that exhibited varied success rates requiring multiple treatment sessions. Challenges included study diversity and varying evidence levels, warranting further comparative research for PG management strategies.
The Emerging Role of Three-dimensional Technologies in Orthoplastic Surgery
Authors: Diaddigo Sarah E. , LaValley Myles N. , Dagi Alexander F. , Kuonqui Kevin , Shen Yong , Tyler Wakenda J. , Bogue Jarrod T.
Published: September 2024

Three-dimensional (3D) planning and manufacturing technologies have become integral to head and neck reconstruction following tumor resection. These technologies facilitate the prototyping of patient-specific solutions in both digital and physical form. Three-dimensional tumor models and cutting guides help conceptualize and verify the surgical approach, as well as serve as a blueprint for reconstruction. Computer-aided renderings have been shown to add precision to bony contouring to achieve functional and aesthetic goals following tumor resection, such as in mastication, oral competence, speech, and symmetric facial aesthetics. Three-dimensional technologies have also been introduced in orthopedic oncology, making limb-salvage surgery the mainstay of treatment in cases where amputation was historically required. The advent of customized 3D cutting guides and plates allows surgeons to spare surrounding healthy tissue, markedly enhancing postoperative quality of life and significantly reducing associated morbidities. Borrowing from these applications of 3D planning and modeling, our institution has recently implemented these technologies for the reconstructive planning of soft tissue defects following sarcoma resection. Here we present a series of cases that demonstrate the workflow and clinical outcomes associated with the utilization of 3D planning techniques in orthoplastic surgery.
A 291-day Evaluation of the Performance of a Consumer-grade Temporal Radon Detector
Authors: Evans Carly E. , Kearfott Kimberlee J.
Published: September 2024

Affordable, accurate, and robust temporal measurement devices are desirable for screening and assessment of radon levels in private homes and workplaces. This research expands upon prior research, using the RadonFTlab RadonEye device through a comparison of multiple samples of this instrument with a laboratory-grade instrument, the Saphymo AlphaGUARD, over a more extensive period than reported previously. Data were collected over 291 d in a poorly ventilated basement space in an occupied building. Environmental conditions varied naturally, changing both the radon source term and radon entry into the space approximating typically deployed conditions. The R-squared linear regression correlation coefficient and relative sensitivities of each RadonEye with the AlphaGUARD were computed. Overall temporal and diurnal variations were also studied. The sensitivities of all RadonEyes and the AlphaGUARD agreed to within 22% throughout the entire deployment period.
Application of PDCA cycle management in the requisition process of disposable consumables in the surgery room
Authors: Xie Limin , Ai Geyi , Zhao Jinyang
Published: September 2024

Background:

Plan-do-check-act (PDCA) cycle management method has been effectively used in a variety of scenarios, which can improve turnover speed and work efficiency. However, there is little research on PDCA in the management of disposable sterile items in operating room. So this paper explores the application of PDCA cycle management method in the collection process of disposable consumables in the operating room.

Methods:

100 first surgery of the day in our hospital’s operating room from May to October 2021 were selected as the control group. The PDCA cycle management method witch was based on SQUIRE 2.0 guidelines was used to optimize the process of collecting disposable consumables. Then, 100 first surgery of the day from May to October 2022 were selected as the experimental group.

Results:

Compared with the control group, the preparation time of the first surgical item (22.89±2.34 vs. 29.13±2.38 min), the writing time of the item list (6.55±3.20 vs. 16.19±2.24 min), and the replenishment time of sterile items in the room (12.31±5.00 vs. 22.95±3.79 min) in the experimental group were significantly shorter, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05).

Conclusions:

PDCA cycle management can shorten the preparation and replenishment time of disposable items in the operation room, significantly optimize the collection process of disposable sterile consumables in the operation room, facilitate the implementation of clinical work, and effectively ensure the operation safety of patients.
Management of midshaft clavicle fracture and ipsilateral acromioclavicular joint dislocation through combination of reconstruction locking plate and clavicular hook locking plate: an exposition of case series and literature review
Authors: Zhang Jian-Ping , Zhang Jin-Hui , Liu Hui , Luo De-Qing , Xu Wei-Zhen , Wu Jin
Published: September 2024

Introduction and significance:

The co-occurrence of ipsilateral midshaft clavicle fracture and acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) injury, stemming from high-energy shoulder trauma, represents an exceedingly rare phenomenon. This unique injury profile has garnered limited attention within the existing literature, and a standardized surgical approach has yet to be established.

Case presentation:

A retrospective analysis encompassing three patients with simultaneous midshaft clavicle fracture and ipsilateral ACJ dislocation, spanning from January 2019 to January 2021, was undertaken. This evaluation scrutinized treatment outcomes, incorporating parameters such as operative duration, intraoperative blood loss, imaging assessments, and evaluations of shoulder function.

Clinical discussion:

Follow-up assessments were conducted over a duration of 12–25 months, with an average follow-up of 16.3±2.1 months. Encouragingly, all instances of clavicular fractures exhibited successful healing, with no instances of implant failure or ACJ redislocation observed. Notably, the mean Constant–Murley shoulder function score stood at 83.0±1.04 (ranging from 78 to 95) during the final follow-up evaluation.

Conclusion:

This study unveils a surgical approach tailored to address the intricate amalgamation of midshaft clavicle fracture and ipsilateral ACJ dislocation. The utilization of double plate fixation emerges as a promising modality for managing this specific injury constellation, showcasing notable efficacy and yielding excellent treatment outcomes.
ICG guided surgery enhances liver tumor detection: a complementary tool for intraoperative ultrasonography – a case series study
Authors: Huerta Martín , Gómez-Gavara Concepción , Martínez María , Benet Berta , Dopazo Cristina , Dalmau Mar , Salcedo María T. , Armario David , Merino Xavier , Bilbao Itxarone , Caralt Mireia , Hidalgo Ernest , Charco Ramón
Published: September 2024

Introduction:

Indocyanine green (ICG) improves identification of liver tumors. The aim of the study is to determine the effectiveness of ICG fluorescence in detecting liver tumors when used in combination with preoperative MRI and intraoperative ultrasonography (IOUS).

Methods:

The study included patients who underwent minimally invasive liver resection for malignant tumors. All patients had a preoperative MRI and had ICG administered intravenously (0.2–0.5 mg/kg) 24 h before surgery. In theater, liver parenchyma was scanned with IOUS and ICG fluorescence. Tumors identified were resected and specimens sent for pathology assessment.

Results:

Sixty-two liver lesions were resected, out of which 42 were previously reported by MRI, 46 were detected by IOUS and 53 were identified by ICG. From 42 tumors detected by MRI, 34 were histologically consistent with cancer. By adding IOUS+ICG, 20 extra lesions were resected and 10 of them were malignant. Accuracy, sensitivity(S) and specificity(E) for malignant tumor detection for MRI, IOUS, and ICG was 70.9% (S 77.2%, E 55%), 74.1% (S 84%, E 50%), and 82.2% (S 97.7%, E 44%). Combination of ICG+IOUS showed the highest results when comparing the ROC curves.

Conclusions:

ICG is a high-performance adjunct to IOUS, improving intraoperative detection of extra lesions unseen on preoperative imaging.
Toll-like receptor-8 mRNA expression as a predictor of enterocolitis in hirschsprung disease: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mariana Nita , Hatta Mochammad , Lia Emiliana , Lampus Harsali , Prihantono  , Russeng Syamsiar S. , Makkadafi Munawir , Fadilat Marwah , Husni Muh. Amrul , Faruk Muhammad
Published: September 2024

Introduction:

Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC) is an inflammatory intestinal condition occurring in patients with Hirschsprung disease (HD). While the exact pathogenesis remains unclear, factors such as intestinal mucosal barrier injury, abnormal immune responses, and pathogenic infections contribute to HAEC. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 7 and 8 are key in viral recognition and correlate with intestinal mucosal inflammation. In particular, TLR-8 contributes to antiviral responses, and chronic inflammation, and can be targeted with adjuvants. This study investigates the relationship between TLR-8 mRNA expression and enterocolitis in HD.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study utilized simple random sampling. Histopathological analysis of colon samples from HD patients was used to assess enterocolitis severity, and RT-PCR quantified TLR-8 mRNA expression. HD diagnosis was confirmed via rectal biopsy, and enterocolitis was graded using Teitelbaum’s classification.

Results:

The study included 29 patients with an average age of 4.8 years. TLR-8 mRNA expression averaged 8.5 (fold change), ranging from 6.5 to 13.8. Subjects were divided into low (≤8.1) and high (>8.1) expression groups, with 15 (51.7%) and 14 (48.3%) patients, respectively. Enterocolitis severity distribution was 22 (75.9%) normal, 1 (3.4%) grade II, 4 (13.8%) grade III, and 2 (6.9%) IV.

Conclusion:

There is a significant association between TLR-8 mRNA expression and the incidence of enterocolitis in patients with HD. The authors found that increased TLR-8 mRNA expression in HD patients resulted in a twofold higher risk of enterocolitis. Altogether, our data indicates the potential for TLR-8 mRNA expression in biopsies as an indicator of the risk of enterocolitis development in patients with HD.
Preparation of Patients for Central Venous Catheter Care in the Home: Perspectives From Health Care Personnel
Authors: Keller Sara C. , Oladapo-Shittu Opeyemi , Maragakis Lisa L. , Salinas Alejandra B. , Helsel Taylor , Hsu Yea-Jen , Rock Clare , Cosgrove Sara E. ,   For the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Epicenters Program
Published: September 2024

Patients managing central venous catheters (CVCs) outside of hospitals need training in CVC care. Using 3 focus groups, the study identified themes in how health care personnel (HCP) prepare patients and their caregivers for CVC care at home. Four major themes and 25 nested subthemes were identified: (1) providing the right amount of education at the right time, (2) tailoring education to patient needs, (3) developing patient education tools, and (4) managing differences in recommendations to patients. HCPs in the study ensured patients and caregivers learn what they need to know when they need to know it, using appropriate patient education tools. Patients and caregivers are largely responsible for CVC care and central line-associated bloodstream infection prevention outside of acute care hospitals and long-term care settings, and HCP take seriously their obligation to provide them with appropriate education and tools to best enhance their ability to keep themselves safe.
Investigating the Minimal Clinically Important Difference for AzBio and CNC Speech Recognition Scores
Authors: Patro Ankita , Moberly Aaron C. , Freeman Michael H. , Perkins Elizabeth L. , Jan Taha A. , Tawfik Kareem O. , O'Malley Matthew R. , Bennett Marc L. , Gifford René H. , Haynes David S. , Chowdhury Naweed I.
Published: September 2024

Objective

To assess the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) values for cochlear implant-related speech recognition scores, which have not been previously reported.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Patients

Eight hundred sixty-three adult patients who underwent cochlear implantation between 2009 and 2022.

Main Outcome Measures

MCID values for consonant-nucleus-consonant (CNC) word scores and AzBio sentences in quiet and noise scores using distribution-based methods (half-standard deviation, standard error of measurement, Cohen'sd, and minimum detectable change).

Results

In this cohort, the mean preoperative CNC word score was 13.9% (SD, 15.6). The mean preoperative AzBio sentences in quiet score was 19.1% (SD, 22.1), and the mean preoperative AzBio sentences in noise score was 13.0% (SD, 12.0). The average MCID values of several distribution-based methods for CNC, AzBio in quiet, and AzBio in noise were 7.4%, 9.0%, and 4.9%, respectively. Anchor-based approaches with the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of hearing patient-reported measure did not have strong classification accuracy across CNC or AzBio in quiet and noise scores (ROC areas under-the-curve ≤0.69), highlighting weak associations between improvements in speech recognition scores and subjective hearing-related abilities.

Conclusions

Our estimation of MCID values for CNC and AzBio in quiet and noise allows for enhanced patient counseling and clinical interpretation of past, current, and future research studies assessing cochlear implant outcomes.
Group Sex and Behavior Change Associated With the 2022 Mpox Outbreak Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Southern California
Authors: Orta Portillo Gilbert A. , Stafylis Chrysovalantis , Tapia Yara , Klausner Jeffrey D.
Published: September 2024

Background

The monkeypox (mpox) outbreak disproportionately affected sexually active gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. To understand community-level changes in sexual behavior, we surveyed individuals in a semi-urban area in Southern California.

Methods

Participants were recruited between October 2022 and April 2023, using palm cards and geolocation-focused online advertisements on social media and dating apps. Eligible participants were male; 18 years or older; those who reported having sex with men; residents of San Bernardino or Riverside counties, California; human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) negative; and currently not taking preexposure prophylaxis. Descriptive analyses were performed. χ
2, Fisher exact, and Student t tests examined the association between group sex behaviors and demographics.

Results

We enrolled 91 gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men with a median age of 35 years (range, 18–70 years). Nearly half reported having participated in group sex in the past year. Overall, 48.9% of group sex participants reported changing their sexual behaviors to prevent mpox transmission, with limiting the number of sex partners being the most reported prevention strategy (47.6%). To prevent mpox infection, participants who engage in group sex reported limiting the number of sex partners (34.4%), using condoms for anal sex (16.7%), avoiding crowded social venues (14.3%), and asking partners about mpox symptoms before sex (9.5%).

Conclusions

Survey participants reported modest sexual behavior changes in response to the mpox outbreak. Group sex may increase the risk for mpox, human immunodeficiency virus, and other sexually transmitted infections; therefore, public health messages should include specific discussion of safer group sex practices in sexual health promotion.
Understanding the critical role of blood cancer spousal caregivers in clinical communication before, during, and after medical visits
Authors: Wollney Easton N. , Bylund Carma. L. , Vasquez Taylor T. , Campbell-Salome Gemme , Wright Kevin B. , Sae-Hau Maria , Weiss Elisa S. , Fisher Carla L.
Published: September 2024

Background:

The presence of a family caregiver during medical visits is common and can be important to ensure quality cancer care. Yet, little is known about caregivers' perspectives and experiences navigating triadic medical visits, including communication between caregivers, patients (or individuals with cancer), and clinicians. Using a multiple-goals theoretical framework, we sought to capture communication strategies that spousal caregivers use during triadic medical visits.

Methods:

We conducted semistructured interviews with 15 spouses providing care for a patient living with blood cancer. Caregivers were recruited using Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's constituent database. Data were thematically analyzed using a constant comparative method approach.

Results:

Findings demonstrated that caregivers use communication strategies not just during the triadic medical visit but before, during, after, and ongoing throughout visits. We identified eight communication strategies associated with caregivers' goals. Caregivers discuss questions together, keep lists, search for online information, exchange information, ask questions, take notes, debrief together, and advocate for care.

Conclusion:

Caregivers' lived accounts demonstrate how their communication approaches are motivated by care-related goals. Themes draw attention to key strategies that can inform communication skills interventions for clinicians, patients, and their spouses across identified phases.
Examining the Relationship Between Local Governmental Expenditures on the Social Determinants of Health and County-Level Overdose Deaths, 2017-2020
Authors: Lindenfeld Zoe , Mauri Amanda I. , Chang Ji E.
Published: September 2024

Context

Prior studies have examined the social determinants of health (SDOH) characteristics of counties with elevated rates of overdose deaths. However, this research often ignores variation in upstream governmental investment in these SDOH categories.

Objective

To examine the association of local governmental investments in SDOH with drug overdose mortality at the county level, controlling for demographic and socioeconomic characteristics.

Design

Longitudinal analysis from 2017 to 2020.

Setting

United States counties.

Participants

3126 counties.

Main Outcome and Measures

The primary study outcome was county overdose death rates per 100 000 population taken from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The main predictor of interest was the per capita average of local governmental expenditures in public health, social service, and education drawn from the US Census of Governments, categorized into quartiles. Covariates included county-level socioeconomic and demographic characteristics as well as county-level SUD services from the AHRQ SDOH Database.

Results

In longitudinal multivariate linear regression models with state and year fixed effects, counties in the highest 3 quartiles of SDOH spending had significantly lower rates of overdose deaths compared with counties in the lowest quartile of SDOH spending; in particular, counties in quartile 2 had an average of 9.09 fewer overdose deaths per 100 000 population (95% CI: −12.58, −5.60), counties in quartile 3 had an average of 13.18 fewer deaths per 100 000 population (95% CI: −17.56; −8.80), and counties in quartile 4 had an average of 13.92 deaths per 100 000 population (95% CI: −19.16, −8.68).

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that higher levels of local governmental investments in SDOH were associated with significantly lower rates of overdose death in US counties after controlling for socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. Going forward, research should focus on determining causality in this relationship, the mechanisms through which this relationship occurs, as well as assess the impact of local public health expenditures allocated toward SUD prevention and treatment specifically on substance use outcomes at the local level.
The EORTC QLQ breast modules and the FACT-B for assessing quality of life in breast cancer patients – an updated literature review
Authors: Wang Alyssa J. , Hircock Caroline , Sferrazza Dominic , Goonaratne Ethan , Cella David , Bottomley Andrew , Lee Shing Fung , Chan Adrian , Chow Edward , Wong Henry C. Y.
Published: September 2024

Purpose of review

Two commonly used quality of life questionnaires in breast cancer are EORTC QLQ-BR23, the FACT-B, and the extended FACT-B + 4. More recently, the EORTC EORTC QLQ-BR42 was developed. This systematic review compares the various versions of the EORTC QLQ and FACT tools for breast cancer in terms of their content, validity, and psychometric properties.

Recent findings

Thirty-six studies met the inclusion criteria. All questionnaires have been proven to be valid, reliable and responsive. The provisional EORTC QLQ-BR45 transitioned to the EORTC QLQ-BR42 in Phase IV of its development, which encompasses the side effects associated with the latest breast cancer treatments. Both the EORTC and FACT measures assess physical and mental dimensions of quality of life, with the EORTC measure placing relatively more emphasis on physical content and FACT placing relatively more emphasis on mental (social and emotional) content. The four additional items in the FACT-B + 4 were developed to address arm lymphoedema following axillary surgery.

The development and uptake of quality of life tools are essential in the evaluation of breast cancer treatments. The EORTC QLQ-BR42 and FACT-B are both valid, reliable, and responsive QoL questionnaires.