bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Schienenversorgung bei Sehnenverletzungen des Daumens
Authors: Eglseder Verena , Lippold Sabrina
Published: January 2024

Es gibt verschiedene Formen der Nachbehandlung bei Verletzungen des Daumens, die
aufgrund der Operationstechnik, der betroffenen Zone und der Sehnenheilung
möglich sind. Die Versorgung mittels thermoplastischer Schiene sollte an
erster Stelle stehen und gut durchdacht sein. Eine Reruptur oder
Adhäsionen an der jeweiligen Sehne kann die Nachbehandlung
unnötig verkomplizieren.
Wie wirksam ist die osteopathische Behandlung von
Kindern?
Authors: Engemann Katharina
Published: January 2024

Franke H, Franke J-D, Fryer G. Effectiveness of osteopathic manipulative treatment
for pediatric conditions: A systematic review. Journal of Bodywork Movement
Therapies 2022; 31: 113–133

Franke H, Franke J-D, Fryer G. Wirksamkeit der osteopathischen Behandlung bei
pädiatrischen Beschwerden: Eine systematische Übersichtsarbeit.
Osteopathische Medizin 2022; 23 (4): 4–13
Das Mundatmungssyndrom in der osteopathischen Praxis
Authors: Keller Margarete , Brümmer Marit , Schulz Birthe
Published: January 2024

Die Atmung wirkt sich auf die motorische Kontrolle und die
Haltungsstabilität aus. Erklärt werden im folgenden Artikel der
Begriff des Atemmusters und die Auswirkung des dysfunktionalen Atemmusters
Mundatmungssyndrom auf die Haltung. Diese Haltungsanpassung wird mit ihren
Auswirkungen auf die Atemmuskeln beschrieben. Um dieses Krankheitsbild besser zu
verstehen, wird auf ihre pathologische Emotionsregulierung eingegangen. Zuletzt
wird ein osteopathischer Therapieansatz vorgestellt.
Das Kniegelenk
Authors: Peters Kristin
Published: January 2024

Das Kniegelenk ist das größte Gelenk des Körpers und
seine Biomechanik äußerst komplex. In diesem Artikel werden die
Einzigartigkeit des Kniegelenks in verschiedenen Aspekten dargestellt, die
Komplexität der Symptome geschildert und ein Überblick
über Untersuchung und Behandlungsmöglichkeiten gegeben. Die
Behandlung bezieht sich oft auf Strukturen, die weiter entfernt vom Kniegelenk
lokalisiert sind. Ferner wird erläutert, wie dieses Gelenk in Gesundheit
und Krankheit funktioniert, welchen Einflüssen es unterliegt und welche
Werkzeuge zur Verfügung stehen, um es zu untersuchen. Es werden
mögliche Behandlungsansätze anhand einiger Beispiele aus der
Praxis vorgestellt.
The new laser weapons
Authors: Karr Thomas , Trebes James
Published: January 2024

The US faces a world with a large and growing number of drones and cruise missiles. For tactical defense, military leaders are beginning to adopt a new generation of weapons.
Lost voices of science journalism
Authors: Frank Michelle
Published: January 2024

Writing for Their Lives: America’s Pioneering Female Science Journalists, Marcel Chotkowski LaFollette
Role of RNA interference in drought stress management: physiological, biochemical and molecular approach
Authors: Sihag Naveen , Singh Tushadri , Sheoran Sonia , Singh Omvir , Malik Rekha , Kumar Lokendra , Singh Jogendra
Published: January 2024

Plants frequently encounter unfavourable growth conditions due to various biotic and abiotic stress factors. Drought is a significant abiotic stress factor that negatively impacts plant growth and development resulting in reduced crop productivity. Through evolution, plants have developed dynamic mechanisms that involve complex cross-talk between different regulatory levels, providing flexibility in their response to environmental stressors. Small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), particularly microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), have been discovered to play a crucial role in regulating molecular response to stress, and to be the key players in the RNA interference (RNAi) process. RNAi is a reliable strategy for precise regulation of gene expression and has emerged as a game-changer in mitigating plant responses to abiotic stress such as drought. This review summarises the role of RNAi in drought mitigation and its mechanism of action, compiling the current understanding of drought-responsive miRNAs functional at physiological, biochemical and molecular levels in major cereals. Moreover, we discuss the fine-tuning of miRNAs using the CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and CRISPR-associated protein 9) system, a genome editing tool which can enhance the precision of gene expression regulation and increase plant tolerance to drought stress. These technologies have significant potential in ensuring global food security and sustainable agriculture by increasing crop yield and resilience to environmental stress.
A world without bees: new insights from Australia for managing sustainability in a changing climate
Authors: Dyer Adrian G. , Shrestha Mani , Garcia Jair E. , Howard Scarlett R. , Ratnayake Malika Nisal , Dorin Alan
Published: January 2024

Insect pollination is essential for many flowering plants that underpin agriculture and food production, as well as the ecological management of terrestrial environments. Several studies report that insect pollination is responsible for over 33% of food production, worth more than 200 billion US$/year to the international economy. Traditionally, honeybees (Apis mellifera) and bumblebees ( Bombus terrestris) are used as managed species for agricultural crop pollination. These insects are also an important model species for improving scientific understanding of bee sensory processing. With increased awareness of the value of pollination in a changing world, it is important to better understand alternative pollinators, especially how different species tolerate changing environmental conditions. This review encapsulates a decade of comparative research that was principally conducted in Australia, a uniquely placed island continent that facilitates insights into complex processes operating over evolutionary time. Using a combination of field biology, imaging and computer modelling, it has been possible to establish that changes in pollinators result in significant changes in flower colour signaling independent of plant phylogeny. This work proves that pollinator distributions act as a selective factor on the success of plants. We highlight the limitations of current knowledge about the distributions of pollinators caused by data collection constraints. We then present tangible solutions for how technological applications such as mining of information from social network sites, and the use of imaging data combined with artificial intelligence can enhance our understanding of pollinator networks to help manage sustainable food production in a changing world.
Reproductive health among women living with HIV attending Melbourne Sexual Health Centre for HIV care from February 2019 to February 2020
Authors: Peel Joanne , Brousse de Gersigny Joshua , Teague Richard , Howard Jayne , Bradshaw Catriona , Chen Marcus , Bissessor Melanie
Published: January 2024

Background Women living with HIV are a minority population with unique care needs. Rates of unintended pregnancy are higher among women living with HIV versus HIV negative women. However, uptake of contraception among women living with HIV including long-acting-reversible contraceptives (LARCs) remains low. This quality improvement project aimed to identify gaps in reproductive healthcare for women living with HIV attending Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC). Methods We performed a retrospective review of women living with HIV attending MSHC for HIV care February 2019–February 2020. Women aged over 45 years were excluded. Primary outcomes included proportion using contraception, methods used and whether a sexual or reproductive health history had been taken in the past year. Results A total of 100 women were included, predominantly born overseas (Asia, 38%; sub-Saharan Africa, 34%). Of these, 5% were pregnant, 16% were trying to conceive and 1% were undergoing elective oocyte preservation. Of the remaining 74 women, 48.6% were using any form of contraception, including 17.6% women using less-effective methods (withdrawal and condoms), 6.8% using the combined oral contraceptive pill, 18.9% using LARCs and 5.4% using permanent methods. Sexual activity status was documented for 61% women, 1% declined to answer and not documented for 38% women. Conclusions Rate of contraceptive use in this study was lower than previously reported among women living with HIV in Australia; however, our findings suggest contraceptive methods may be changing in light of undetectable equals untransmittable and increased fertility desires. Discussions regarding sexual activity and reproductive health were limited. Mechanisms to increase clinician–patient discourse regarding these important issues should be explored.
Revisiting the island of hexadecapole-deformation nuclei in the A ≈ 150 mass region: focusing on the model application to nuclear shapes and masses
Authors: Wei Xiao-Yang , Wang Hua-Lei , Zhang Zhen-Zhen , Liu Min-Liang
Published: January 2024

Based on the potential-energy-surface calculation, the impact of different deformation degrees of freedom on a single-particle structure and binding energies in nuclei around 152Nd, located on one of the hexadecapole-deformation islands, is analyzed in a multi-dimensional deformation space. Various energy maps, curves and tables are presented to indicate nuclear properties. The calculated equilibrium deformations and binding energies with different potential parameters are compared with experimental data and other theories. It is found that the inclusion of the hexadecapole deformations, especially the axial one, can improve the theoretical description of both nuclear shapes and masses. In addition, our calculated potential-energy curve shows that a critical deformation-point, β
2 ≈ 0.4, exists—the triaxial (hexadecapole) deformation effect can be neglectable but the hexadecapole (triaxial) one plays an important role before (after) such a critical point.
Beta bursts question the ruling power for brain–computer interfaces
Authors: Papadopoulos Sotirios , Szul Maciej J , Congedo Marco , Bonaiuto James J , Mattout Jérémie
Published: January 2024

Objective: Current efforts to build reliable brain–computer interfaces (BCI) span multiple axes from hardware, to software, to more sophisticated experimental protocols, and personalized approaches. However, despite these abundant efforts, there is still room for significant improvement. We argue that a rather overlooked direction lies in linking BCI protocols with recent advances in fundamental neuroscience. Approach: In light of these advances, and particularly the characterization of the burst-like nature of beta frequency band activity and the diversity of beta bursts, we revisit the role of beta activity in ‘left vs. right hand’ motor imagery (MI) tasks. Current decoding approaches for such tasks take advantage of the fact that MI generates time-locked changes in induced power in the sensorimotor cortex and rely on band-passed power changes in single or multiple channels. Although little is known about the dynamics of beta burst activity during MI, we hypothesized that beta bursts should be modulated in a way analogous to their activity during performance of real upper limb movements. Main results and Significance: We show that classification features based on patterns of beta burst modulations yield decoding results that are equivalent to or better than typically used beta power across multiple open electroencephalography datasets, thus providing insights into the specificity of these bio-markers.
Acoustic stimulation during sleep predicts long-lasting increases in memory performance and beneficial amyloid response in older adults
Authors: Wunderlin Marina , Zeller Céline Jacqueline , Senti Samira Rafaela , Fehér Kristoffer Daniel , Suppiger Debora , Wyss Patric , Koenig Thomas , Teunissen Charlotte Elisabeth , Nissen Christoph , Klöppel Stefan , Züst Marc Alain
Published: January 2024

Background

Sleep and neurodegeneration are assumed to be locked in a bi-directional vicious cycle. Improving sleep could break this cycle and help to prevent neurodegeneration. We tested multi-night phase-locked acoustic stimulation (PLAS) during slow wave sleep (SWS) as a non-invasive method to improve SWS, memory performance and plasma amyloid levels.

Methods

32 healthy older adults (agemean: 68.9) completed a between-subject sham-controlled three-night intervention, preceded by a sham-PLAS baseline night.

Results

PLAS induced increases in sleep-associated spectral-power bands as well as a 24% increase in slow wave-coupled spindles, known to support memory consolidation. There was no significant group-difference in memory performance or amyloid-beta between the intervention and control group. However, the magnitude of PLAS-induced physiological responses were associated with memory performance up to 3 months post intervention and beneficial changes in plasma amyloid. Results were exclusive to the intervention group.

Discussion

Multi-night PLAS is associated with long-lasting benefits in memory and metabolite clearance in older adults, rendering PLAS a promising tool to build upon and develop long-term protocols for the prevention of cognitive decline.
The association between frailty, long-term care home characteristics and COVID-19 mortality before and after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Dash Darly , Mowbray Fabrice I , Poss Jeffrey W , Aryal Komal , Stall Nathan M , Hirdes John P , Hillmer Michael P , Heckman George A , Bowdish Dawn M E , Costa Andrew P , Jones Aaron
Published: January 2024

Background

The relative contributions of long-term care (LTC) resident frailty and home-level characteristics on COVID-19 mortality has not been well studied. We examined the association between resident frailty and home-level characteristics with 30-day COVID-19 mortality before and after the availability of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in LTC.

Methods

We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study of LTC residents with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in Ontario, Canada. We used multi-level multivariable logistic regression to examine associations between 30-day COVID-19 mortality, the Hubbard Frailty Index (FI), and resident and home-level characteristics. We compared explanatory models before and after vaccine availability.

Results

There were 11,179 and 3,655 COVID-19 cases in the pre- and post-vaccine period, respectively. The 30-day COVID-19 mortality was 25.9 and 20.0% during the same periods. The median odds ratios for 30-day COVID-19 mortality between LTC homes were 1.50 (95% credible interval [CrI]: 1.41–1.65) and 1.62 (95% CrI: 1.46–1.96), respectively. In the pre-vaccine period, 30-day COVID-19 mortality was higher for males and those of greater age. For every 0.1 increase in the Hubbard FI, the odds of death were 1.49 (95% CI: 1.42–1.56) times higher. The association between frailty and mortality remained consistent in the post-vaccine period, but sex and age were partly attenuated. Despite the substantial home-level variation, no home-level characteristic examined was significantly associated with 30-day COVID-19 mortality during either period.

Interpretation

Frailty is consistently associated with COVID-19 mortality before and after the availability of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Home-level characteristics previously attributed to COVID-19 outcomes do not explain significant home-to-home variation in COVID-19 mortality.
Risk of T2 lesions when discontinuing fingolimod: a nationwide predictive and comparative study
Authors: Wandall-Holm Malthe Faurschou , Holm Rolf Pringler , Heick Alex , Langkilde Annika Reynberg , Magyari Melinda
Published: January 2024

Fingolimod is a frequently used disease-modifying therapy in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis. However, case reports and small observational studies indicate a highly increased risk of disease reactivation after discontinuation. We aimed to investigate the risk of radiological disease reactivation in patients discontinuing fingolimod. We performed a nationwide cohort study in Denmark, including patients who discontinued fingolimod between January 2014 and January 2023. Eligibility was a diagnosis with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis and two MRIs performed respectively within 1 year before and after discontinuing fingolimod. The included patients were compared with those discontinuing dimethyl fumarate with the same eligibility criteria in an unadjusted and matched propensity score analysis. Matching was done on age, sex, Expanded Disability Status Scale, MRI data, cause for treatment discontinuation, treatment duration and relapse rate. The main outcome was the presence of new T2 lesions on the first MRI after treatment discontinuation. To identify high-risk patients among those discontinuing fingolimod, we made a predictive model assessing risk factors for obtaining new T2 lesions. Of 1324 patients discontinuing fingolimod in the study period, 752 were eligible for inclusion [mean age (standard deviation), years, 41 (10); 552 females (73%); median Expanded Disability Status Scale (Q1–Q3), 2.5 (2.0–3.5); mean disease duration (standard deviation), years, 12 (8)]. Of 2044 patients discontinuing dimethyl fumarate in the study period, 957 were eligible for inclusion, presenting similar baseline characteristics. Among patients discontinuing fingolimod, 127 (17%) had 1–2 new T2 lesions, and 124 (17%) had ≥3 new T2 lesions compared with 114 (12%) and 45 (5%), respectively, for those discontinuing dimethyl fumarate, corresponding to odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of 1.8 (1.3–2.3) and 4.4 (3.1–6.3). The predictive model, including 509 of the 752 patients discontinuing fingolimod, showed a highly increased risk of new T2 lesions among those with disease activity during fingolimod treatment and among females under 40 years. This nationwide study suggests that discontinuing fingolimod in some cases carries a risk of developing new T2 lesions, emphasizing the importance of clinical awareness. If feasible, clinicians should prioritize the prompt initiation of new disease-modifying therapies, particularly among young females.
Features of the speech processing network in post- and prelingually deaf cochlear implant users
Authors: Chen Younuo , Wang Songjian , Yang Liu , Liu Yi , Fu Xinxing , Wang Yuan , Zhang Xu , Wang Shuo
Published: January 2024

The onset of hearing loss can lead to altered brain structure and functions. However, hearing restoration may also result in distinct cortical reorganization. A differential pattern of functional remodeling was observed between post- and prelingual cochlear implant users, but it remains unclear how these speech processing networks are reorganized after cochlear implantation. To explore the impact of language acquisition and hearing restoration on speech perception in cochlear implant users, we conducted assessments of brain activation, functional connectivity, and graph theory-based analysis using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. We examined the effects of speech-in-noise stimuli on three groups: postlingual cochlear implant users (n = 12), prelingual cochlear implant users (n = 10), and age-matched individuals with hearing controls (HC) (n = 22). The activation of auditory-related areas in cochlear implant users showed a lower response compared with the HC group. Wernicke’s area and Broca’s area demonstrated differences network attributes in speech processing networks in post- and prelingual cochlear implant users. In addition, cochlear implant users maintain a high efficiency of the speech processing network to process speech information. Taken together, our results characterize the speech processing networks, in varying noise environments, in post- and prelingual cochlear implant users and provide new insights for theories of how implantation modes impact remodeling of the speech processing functional networks.
IKKβ stabilizes Mitofusin 2 and suppresses doxorubicin cardiomyopathy
Authors: Guberman Matthew , Dhingra Rimpy , Cross Jenna , Margulets Victoria , Gang Hongying , Rabinovich-Nikitin Inna , Kirshenbaum Lorrie A
Published: January 2024

Aims

The mitochondrial dynamics protein Mitofusin 2 (MFN2) coordinates critical cellular processes including mitochondrial bioenergetics, quality control, and cell viability. The NF-κB kinase IKKβ suppresses mitochondrial injury in doxorubicin cardiomyopathy, but the underlying mechanism is undefined.

Methods and results

Herein, we identify a novel signalling axis that functionally connects IKKβ and doxorubicin cardiomyopathy to a mechanism that impinges upon the proteasomal stabilization of MFN2. In contrast to vehicle-treated cells, MFN2 was highly ubiquitinated and rapidly degraded by the proteasomal-regulated pathway in cardiac myocytes treated with doxorubicin. The loss of MFN2 activity resulted in mitochondrial perturbations, including increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, impaired respiration, and necrotic cell death. Interestingly, doxorubicin-induced degradation of MFN2 and mitochondrial-regulated cell death were contingent upon IKKβ kinase activity. Notably, immunoprecipitation and proximity ligation assays revealed that IKKβ interacted with MFN2 suggesting that MFN2 may be a phosphorylation target of IKKβ. To explore this possibility, mass spectrometry analysis identified a novel MFN2 phospho-acceptor site at serine 53 that was phosphorylated by wild-type IKKβ but not by a kinase-inactive mutant IKKβK–M. Based on these findings, we reasoned that IKKβ-mediated phosphorylation of serine 53 may influence MFN2 protein stability. Consistent with this view, an IKKβ-phosphomimetic MFN2 (MFN2S53D) was resistant to proteasomal degradation induced by doxorubicin whereas wild-type MFN2 and IKKβ-phosphorylation defective MFN2 mutant (MFNS53A) were readily degraded in cardiac myocytes treated with doxorubicin. Concordantly, gain of function of IKKβ or MFN2S53D suppressed doxorubicin-induced mitochondrial injury and cell death.

Conclusions

The findings of this study reveal a novel survival pathway for IKKβ that is mutually dependent upon and obligatory linked to the phosphorylation and stabilization of the mitochondrial dynamics protein MFN2.
Exploring heart failure nurse practitioner outcome measures: a scoping review
Authors: Ryder Mary , Mannion Tara , Furlong Eileen , O’Donoghue Ethel , Travers Bronagh , Connolly Michael , Lucey Niamh
Published: January 2024

Aims

Clinical guidelines recommend people with heart failure are managed within a multidisciplinary team to receive optimal evidence-based management of the syndrome. There is increasing evidence that Nurse Practitioners (NP) in heart failure demonstrate positive patient outcomes. However, their roles as key stakeholders in a multidisciplinary heart failure team are not clearly defined. The aim of the review was to explore the literature related to NP-sensitive outcomes in heart failure.

Methods and results

A scoping review was conducted according to accepted guidelines using the Joanna Briggs Institute framework for conducting a scoping review, to identify the literature that related to NP-sensitive outcomes in heart failure management. Sixteen texts were selected for data extraction and analysis. The most common outcome measures reported were readmission rates, self-care measurement scales, functional status scores, quality of life measurements, and medication optimization outcomes. No two studies collected or reported on the same outcome measurements.

Conclusion

This review highlights that the reporting of heart failure (HF) NP outcome indicators was inconsistent and disparate across the literature. The outcome measures reported were not exclusive to NP interventions. Nurse Practitioner roles are not clearly defined, and resulting outcomes from care are difficult to characterize. Standardized NP-specific outcome measures would serve to highlight the effectiveness of the role in a multidisciplinary HF team.
Family presence during in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation: effects of an educational online intervention on self-confidence and attitudes of healthcare professionals
Authors: Waldemar Annette , Bremer Anders , Strömberg Anna , Thylen Ingela
Published: January 2024

Aims

Guidelines support family-witnessed resuscitation (FWR) during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in hospital if deemed to be safe, yet barriers amongst healthcare professionals (HCPs) still exist. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an educational online video intervention on nurses’ and physicians’ attitudes towards in-hospital FWR and their self-confidence in managing such situations.

Methods and results

A pre- and post-test quasi-experimental study was conducted October 2022 to March 2023 at six Swedish hospitals involving the departments of emergency care, medicine, and surgery. The 10 min educational video intervention was based on previous research covering the prevalence and outcome of FWR, attitudes of HCP, patient and family experiences, and practical and ethical guidelines about FWR.

In total, 193 accepted participation, whereof 91 answered the post-test survey (47.2%) with complete data available for 78 and 61 participants for self-confidence and attitudes, respectively. The self-confidence total mean scores increased from 3.83 to 4.02 (P < 0.001) as did the total mean scores for attitudes towards FWR (3.38 to 3.62, P < 0.001). The majority (71.0%) had positive views of FWR at baseline and had experiences of in-hospital FWR (58.0%). Self-confidence was highest amongst participants for the delivery of chest compressions (91.2%), defibrillation (88.6%), and drug administration (83.3%) during FWR. Self-confidence was lowest (58.1%) for encouraging and attending to the family during resuscitation.

Conclusion

This study suggests that a short online educational video can be an effective way to improve HCP’s self-confidence and attitudes towards the inclusion of family members during resuscitation and can support HCP in making informed decisions about FWR.
Effectiveness of a home-based music-paced physical activity programme on exercise-related outcomes after cardiac rehabilitation: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chair Sek Ying , Cheng Ho Yu , Lo Sally Wai Sze , Sit Janet Wing Hung , Wong Eliza Mi Ling , Leung Kai Chi , Wang Qun , Choi Kai Chow , Leung Thomas Sui Yuen
Published: January 2024

Aims

A randomized controlled trial was conducted to examine the effects of a home-based music-paced physical activity programme guided by Information-Motivation-Strategy (IMS) model and Self-determination theory on exercise-related outcomes for patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) after cardiac rehabilitation (CR).

Methods and results

A total of 130 patients with CHD from a regional CR centre in Hong Kong were recruited and randomly allocated into intervention (n = 65) or control groups (n = 65). The intervention group received theory-guided practical sessions on performing prescribed home-based physical activity with individualized synchronized music, and follow-up telephone calls. The primary outcome was exercise capacity. Secondary outcomes included exercise self-efficacy, physical activity level, and exercise self-determination. Data were collected at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months after study entry. The generalized estimating equations model was used to assess the intervention effects. Patients with CHD in the intervention group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in exercise capacity at 3 months [β = 35.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.69–68.68, P = 0.034] and significantly improved exercise self-efficacy at 6 months (β = 3.72, 95% CI 0.11–7.32, P = 0.043) when compared with the control group. However, no significant group differences were found in physical activity level and exercise self-determination.

Conclusion

The study findings provide evidence on an innovation on improving the exercise capacity and exercise self-efficacy of patients with CHD. The music-paced physical activity guided by the IMS model and Self-determination theory requires further investigation on its long-term effects in future studies.

Clinical trial registration

ChiCTR-IOR-17011015.
More positive patient-reported outcomes in patients newly diagnosed with atrial fibrillation: a comparative longitudinal study
Authors: Holmlund Lena , Hörnsten Carl , Hörnsten Åsa , Olsson Karin , Valham Fredrik , Hellström Ängerud Karin
Published: January 2024

Aims

To compare patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in patients newly (<6 months) diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF) with those who have had a longer diagnosis (≥6 months) and to investigate whether or not these outcomes change over a 6-month period.

Methods and results

In this longitudinal survey study, 129 patients with AF completed the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire, the Arrhythmia-Specific questionnaire in Tachycardia and Arrhythmia, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale at baseline and after 6 months. At baseline, patients newly diagnosed with AF (n = 53), compared with patients with a previous diagnosis (n = 76), reported AF as more temporary (P = 0.003) and had a higher belief in personal and treatment control (P = 0.004 and P = 0.041, respectively). At a 6-month follow-up, patients newly diagnosed reported a lower symptom burden (P = 0.004), better health-related quality of life (HRQoL); (P = 0.015), and a higher personal control (P < 0.001) than patients previously diagnosed. Over time, in patients newly diagnosed, symptom burden and the anxiety symptom score decreased (P = 0.001 and P = 0.014, respectively) and HRQoL improved (P = 0.002).

Conclusion

Patients newly diagnosed with AF reported more positive PROs both at baseline and at a 6-month follow-up than patients with a previous diagnosis of AF. Therefore, it is important to quickly capture patients newly diagnosed to support their belief in their own abilities. Such support may, alongside medical treatments, help patients manage the disease, which may lead to reduced symptom burden and better HRQoL over time.
The Effect of Long-Term (Im)balance of Giving Versus Receiving Support With Nonrelatives on Subjective Well-Being Among Home-Dwelling Older People
Authors: Xia Wenran , van Wijngaarden Jeroen D H , Huijsman Robbert , Buljac-Samardžić Martina
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Although many studies have explored the benefits of support giving or receiving for older people, little is known about how the balance between giving and receiving instrumental support in nonrelative relationships affects home-dwelling older people. This study examines the relationship between long-term support balance and subjective well-being in relationships with nonrelatives among older people across 11 European countries.

Methods

A total of 4,650 participants aged 60 years and older from 3 waves of the Survey of Health and Retirement in Europe were included. Support balance was calculated as the intensity difference between support received and support given across 3 waves. Multiple autoregressive analyses were conducted to test the relationship between support balance and subjective well-being, as indicated by quality of life, depression, and life satisfaction.

Results

The impact of balanced versus imbalanced support on all subjective well-being measurements was not significantly different. Compared to balanced support, imbalanced receiving was negatively related to subjective well-being and imbalanced giving was not related to better subjective well-being. Compared to imbalanced receiving, imbalanced giving showed to be the more beneficial for all subjective well-being measures.

Discussion

Our results highlight the beneficial role of imbalanced giving and balanced support for older people compared to imbalanced receiving. Policies and practices should prioritize creating an age-friendly environment that promotes active participation and mutual support among older people, as this may be effective to enhance their well-being.
“Nobody But a Family Member Can Do It Quite the Same Way”: Understanding the Meaning of Mealtimes to Residents and Families in Long-Term Care Homes During the Pandemic
Authors: Keller Heather H , Wu Sarah A , Cammer Allison , Lengyel Christina , Harvie Ruth , O’Rourke Hannah M , Dakkak Hana , Trinca Vanessa , Carrier Natalie , Slaughter Susan E
Published: January 2024

Background and Objectives

Meals in long-term care (LTC) are essential to residents not only for nutrition and their physical well-being but also for their social interactions supporting resident quality of life. This study aims to understand the mealtime experiences of residents and family care partners during the coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) pandemic when restrictions were put in place in LTC and retirement homes.

Research Design and Methods

Interpretive description analysis of qualitative interviews in LTC and retirement homes, with 17 family care partners and 4 residents. Convenience and snowball sampling was used to recruit participants for telephone interviews.

Results

Three themes were generated. Compromised mealtimes mean compromising community—meals were seen by participants as a key social and community-building event of the home; they reported this loss of community with pandemic restrictions. Participants noted that family care partners are indispensable at meals for social, psychological, and physical support. The dangers of eating alone spoke to the social isolation reported by participants that occurred during the pandemic and the risks they described of eating alone.

Discussion and Implications

This study confirms the importance of mealtimes in LTC and retirement homes to community building and extends our understanding of the importance of family inclusion at meals and why eating alone, as happened during COVID-19, was so detrimental to residents. Effort needs to be made to value this communal activity for the well-being of residents.
Evolutionary genomics of three agricultural pest moths reveals rapid evolution of host adaptation and immune-related genes
Authors: Weng Yi-Ming , Shashank Pathour R , Godfrey R Keating , Plotkin David , Parker Brandon M , Wist Tyler , Kawahara Akito Y
Published: January 2024

Background

Understanding the genotype of pest species provides an important baseline for designing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. Recently developed long-read sequence technologies make it possible to compare genomic features of nonmodel pest species to disclose the evolutionary path underlying the pest species profiles. Here we sequenced and assembled genomes for 3 agricultural pest gelechiid moths: Phthorimaea absoluta (tomato leafminer), Keiferia lycopersicella (tomato pinworm), and Scrobipalpa atriplicella (goosefoot groundling moth). We also compared genomes of tomato leafminer and tomato pinworm with published genomes of Phthorimaea operculella and Pectinophora gossypiella to investigate the gene family evolution related to the pest species profiles.

Results

We found that the 3 solanaceous feeding species, P. absoluta, K. lycopersicella, and P. operculella, are clustered together. Gene family evolution analyses with the 4 species show clear gene family expansions on host plant–associated genes for the 3 solanaceous feeding species. These genes are involved in host compound sensing (e.g., gustatory receptors), detoxification (e.g., ABC transporter C family, cytochrome P450, glucose-methanol-choline oxidoreductase, insect cuticle proteins, and UDP-glucuronosyl), and digestion (e.g., serine proteases and peptidase family S1). A gene ontology enrichment analysis of rapid evolving genes also suggests enriched functions in host sensing and immunity.

Conclusions

Our results of family evolution analyses indicate that host plant adaptation and pathogen defense could be important drivers in species diversification among gelechiid moths.
Burau Representation of Braid Groups andq-Rationals
Authors: Morier-Genoud Sophie , Ovsienko Valentin , Veselov Alexander P
Published: January 2024

We establish a link between the new theory of $q$-deformed rational numbers and the classical Burau representation of the braid group ${\mathcal {B}}_{3}$. We apply this link to the open problem of classification of faithful complex specializations of this representation. As a result we provide an answer to this problem in terms of the singular set of the $q$-rationals and prove the faithfulness of the Burau representation specialized at complex $t\in {\mathbb {C}}^{*}$ outside the annulus $3-2\sqrt 2 \leq |t| \leq 3+2\sqrt 2.$
Palliative management of a malignant tracheoesophageal fistula using repeat endobronchial laser debridement and esophageal stenting
Authors: Berger Geraint , French Daniel
Published: January 2024

A 71-year-old female presented with progressive dysphagia and unexplained weight loss. Computed tomography and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) revealed invasive esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, which was initially treated with local radiation and esophageal stenting. Over the next year, the patient experienced multiple symptoms and hospital admissions consistent with a malignant tracheoesophageal fistula, despite negative findings on imaging, bronchoscopy, and EGD. Prophylactic antibiotics were initiated based on symptomatology to prevent septic episodes. Stent erosion into the membranous trachea was eventually observed. Neodymium-yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser bronchoscopy was used periodically to debulk the invading tumor around the stent. A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube was also inserted to facilitate enteral nutrition and avoid aspiration pneumonia. The patient reported significant improvements in respiratory symptoms following each laser debridement and has progressed well beyond the life expectancy associated with malignant tracheoesophageal fistula.
Small bowel fistula with colorectal cancer and mesenteric lymph node metastasis: a report of two cases
Authors: Ishiyama Yasuhiro , Ito Misato , Akuta Sohei , Yoshizawa Masatoshi , Yamato Misuzu , Tanaka Hiroto , Fujii Takatsugu , Okazaki Naoto , Hiranuma Chikashi , Deguchi Katsuya , Hirano Yasumitsu
Published: January 2024

A 65-year-old man presented to our hospital with complaints of diarrhea. Computed tomography showed a fistula with the small intestine, and a single incision laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectum with D3 dissection and partial resection of the small intestine were performed. Lymph node dissection, including a part of the inflow vessel area, was also performed because lymph node swelling was observed in the mesentery of the small intestine around the fistula. Histopathological analysis revealed that the lymph nodes in the small intestine were positive for metastasis. The patient was a 61-year-old woman who presented to our hospital with a chief complaint of diarrhea. A partial resection of the small intestine, including resection of the left hemicolectomy and lymph node dissection around the fistula, was performed at laparotomy. Histopathological examination revealed numerous lymph node metastases in the small intestinal mesentery.
The Thoraflex hybrid approach using a zone 0 proximal landing site for first-stage elective treatment of a thoracoabdominal aneurysm
Authors: Ravishankar Ramanish , Singh Sanjeet Avtaar , Giordano Vincenzo
Published: January 2024

A 67-year-old woman was referred to the cardiothoracic outpatient clinic with a long-standing asymptomatic type 2 thoracoabdominal aneurysm. Her CT aorta showed extensive disease in the distal arch with no safe landing zone for total endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR). An acute bend preceding the descending aorta also made using a conventional elephant trunk challenging. A multi-disciplinary team decision was made to perform an aortic arch replacement using a frozen elephant trunk at zone 0. Utilizing a zone 0 approach in an elective case can result in quicker organ perfusion and successful TEVAR if necessary.
Transient portal venous gas secondary to acute gastric dilatation
Authors: Koh Shern Wai , Bath Michael F , Nair Manoj
Published: January 2024

A female patient in her 60s with a history of Parkinson’s disease developed epigastric and retrosternal chest pain, with associated vomiting. On examination, she had a distended abdomen with no focal peritonism. A computed tomography (CT) pulmonary angiogram was organized, which demonstrated no evidence of pulmonary emboli, but an incidental finding of gas within the liver peripheries and gastric fundal wall. A plain film abdominal radiograph demonstrated a significantly distended stomach. Thus, acute gastric dilatation was diagnosed. A nasogastric tube was introduced and intravenous fluids were given promptly. An urgent CT scan of abdomen and pelvis with intravenous contrast demonstrated interval reduction with only minor residual gas evident within the left lobe of the liver and gastric fundal wall. We report the case of transient portal venous gas, secondary to acute gastric dilatation, most likely caused by a combination of opioid analgesia and gastric dysmotility from Parkinson’s disease.
Reaming for Tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) Nailing Removes Only 10% of the Ankle and Subtalar Joints
Authors: Baker James D. , Schroeder Paul , Kimbler Tyra , Huh Jeannie
Published: January 2024

OBJECTIVES:

Tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) nailing in the setting of acute ankle trauma has become increasingly popular. No consensus exists as to whether formal joint preparation is necessary, although there is some concern that residual motion at unprepared joints may lead to implant loosening and/or breakage. The objective of this study was to quantify the proportion of tibiotalar and subtalar articular surface destruction that occurs during reaming for TTC nail fixation.

METHODS:

Twelve cadaver lower extremities were procured. The specimens were pinned into neutral ankle and hindfoot alignment. A guide wire was inserted under fluoroscopy, followed by a 12 millimeter opening reamer. The specimens were then dissected, exposing the tibial plafond, talar dome, posterior facet of the talus, and posterior facet of the calcaneus. Images of each joint were obtained and ImageJ software was used to calculate the total joint surface area and the area of articular destruction.

RESULTS:

The mean proportion of articular cartilage destruction was 9.3%, 10.3%, 8.9%, and 10.3% for the tibial plafond, talar dome, posterior facets of the talus and calcaneus, respectively. No joint destruction was observed in the middle facets of the subtalar joint.

CONCLUSIONS:

Reaming for TTC nail placement violates approximately 10% of each articular surface of the tibiotalar and subtalar joints. Retention of 90% of the articular surface may allow for residual motion at the joints, and therefore, potentially substantial stress on the implant. Formal joint preparation for the purposes of achieving fusion during TTC nail placement may be beneficial to prevent implant loosening or breakage.
Suppression of DNMT1 combined with ATM or ATR inhibitor as a therapeutic combination of acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Liu Lei , Hu Xiaoyan , Feng Jing , Lei Anhui , Huang Shiying , Liu Xian , Liu Hui , Luo Lan , Yao Wenyan
Published: January 2024

The potential treatment option of targeting DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) has been explored, but further investigation is required to assess the efficacy of combination therapy in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In this study, bioinformatics and online databases were utilized to select the combined therapeutic targets. The potential kinases associated with DNMT1-related genes in AML were analyzed using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and X2K Appyter (Expression2Kinases) database. In-vitro evaluations were conducted to assess the synergistic effects between DNMT1 and ATR/ATM in five AML cell lines (MOLM-16, NB-4, HEL 92.1.7, HEL, EOL-1). In our study, ATR and ATM are primarily the kinases associated with DNMT1-related genes in AML. We observed a significant upregulation of DNMT1, ATR, and ATM expression in AML tissues and cell lines. The five AML cell lines demonstrated sensitivity to monotherapy with GSK-368, AZD-1390, or AZD-6738 (EC50 value ranges from 5.461 to 7.349 nM, 5.821 to 10.120 nM, and 7.618 to 10.100 nM, respectively). A considerable synergistic effect was observed in AML cell lines when combining GSK-368 and AZD-1390, GSK-368 and AZD-6738, or AZD-1390 and AZD-6738, resulting in induced cell apoptosis and inhibited cell growth. DNMT1, ATM, and ATR possess potential as therapeutic targets for AML. Both individual targeting and combination targeting of these molecules have been confirmed as promising therapeutic approaches for AML.
Long-term Complications of Laparoscopic or Robotic Lateral Pelvic Node Dissection After Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer
Authors: Kim Hye Jin , Choi Gyu-Seog , Park Jun Seok , Park Soo Yeun , Song Seung Ho , Lee Sung Min , Jeong Min Hye , Cho Seung Hyun
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:

Rectal cancer patients who underwent lateral pelvic node dissection might be at higher risk of postoperative complications derived from technical complexity. However, little is known about the long-term complications after lateral pelvic node dissection.

OBJECTIVES:

To investigate the long-term complications of preoperative chemoradiotherapy, followed by total mesorectal excision with lateral pelvic node dissection for locally advanced rectal cancer.

DESIGN:

A retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database.

SETTINGS:

This study was conducted in a tertiary cancer center.

PATIENTS:

Rectal cancer patients who underwent total mesorectal excision with lateral pelvic node dissection after preoperative chemoradiotherapy between 2011 and 2019 were analyzed. All operations were performed via a laparoscopic or robotic approach.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Long-term complications were defined as adverse events that persisted or newly appeared ≥90 days after surgery and could be related to the surgery.

RESULTS:

A total of 164 patients underwent total mesorectal excision with lateral pelvic node dissection after preoperative chemoradiotherapy. Short- and long-term complication rates were 36.0% and 36.6%, respectively. Lymphocele was the most common long-term complication (17.7% of patients), and 11.6% had anastomotic leakage with chronic sinus. Of the patients with long-term complications, 20.7% of patients needed readmission for treatment. Of 29 patients with lymphocele, 13 (41.0%) experienced spontaneous absorption, and 11 (37.9%) required surgical or percutaneous catheter drainage or antibiotics use. Multivariate analysis showed pathologic pelvic node metastases (p = 0.008) and a higher number of unilateral harvested pelvic nodes (p = 0.001) were significantly associated with long-term complications. At the last follow-up (median duration of 43 months), 15.9% of patients had unresolved complications.

LIMITATION:

The retrospective design.

CONCLUSIONS:

Patients undergoing lateral pelvic node dissection experienced a higher frequency of long-term complications, but half of them had asymptomatic lymphoceles, most of which resolved spontaneously. However, further efforts should be paid to reduce anticipated complications related to lateral pelvic node dissection. See Video Abstract.