bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
(130) Marsupialization of the Bartholin Duct Cyst and Recanalization for Symptomatic Recurrent Bartholin Cysts
Authors: Yee A , Goldstein I
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Bartholin glands (BGs) are located posteriorly on each side of the vaginal introitus. During sexual arousal, BGs release mucinous secretions into the vestibule at the 5:00 and 7:00 positions via a 2.5 cm Bartholin duct (BD). The BD may become obstructed from trauma, inflammation, infection, vestibular or vulvar surgery, or idiopathic factors. Despite BD obstruction, the glands may continue to produce mucinous secretion causing cystic dilation of the duct. Thus, a Bartholin duct cyst (BC) is formed and can result in pain during sexual arousal. Treatment strategies include sitz baths, hot compresses, aspiration, Word catheter placement, or BC marsupialization.

Objective

This chart review was performed to assess the safety and efficacy of a new technique for BD marsupialization in patients with symptomatic BC.

Methods

This is a chart review of patients with symptomatic BC who underwent BD marsupialization using a new technique. This new strategy involves marsupialization of the anterior wall of the BC, identification of the BD lumen on the posterior wall of the BC under surgical Loupes magnification and advancement of the BD lumen directly to the surface of the introitus at 5:00 and/or 7:00 locations. The BD neo-ostium was secured with interrupted 4.0 chromic sutures.

Results

14 patients (mean age 28 ± 9 years) between 2015 - 2022 diagnosed with recurrent BC-induced pain during sexual arousal were treated by marsupialization of the BC and advancement of the BD directly to the mucosal surface of the introitus. Each patient averaged 3 prior BC treatments (range 0- 6). Symptoms included pain with sexual arousal or walking/sitting (100%) and an introitus mass interfering with penetration (50%). The mean BC size on ultrasound was 2.7 ± 1.6 cm x 2.4 ± 1.7 cm. All BD marsupialization surgeries were performed as outpatient procedures. Sexual arousal was encouraged early post-operatively and mucinous secretion documented by vestibular photography post-arousal. With an average follow-up of 14 months, 11/14 (79%) symptomatic BCs have resolved.

Conclusions

A new surgical strategy is described for patients with symptomatic BCs involving BD anastomosis directly to the introital mucosa at the 5:00 or 7:00 locations, resolution of BD obstruction, and excellent restoration of BG lubrication.

Disclosure

No
Disc flaring with TNG50: diversity across Milky Way and M31 analogues
Authors: Sotillo-Ramos Diego , Donnari Martina , Pillepich Annalisa , Frankel Neige , Nelson Dylan , Springel Volker , Hernquist Lars
Published: May 2023

We use the sample of 198 Milky Way (MW) and Andromeda (M31) analogues from TNG50 to quantify the level of disc flaring predicted by a modern, high-resolution cosmological hydrodynamical simulation. Disc flaring refers to the increase of vertical stellar disc height with galactocentric distance. The TNG50 galaxies are selected to have stellar discy morphology, a stellar mass in the range of M* = 1010.5–11.2 M⊙, and an MW-like Mpc-scale environment at z = 0. The stellar discs of such TNG50 MW/M31 analogues exhibit a wide diversity of structural properties, including a number of galaxies with disc scale length and thin and thick disc scale heights that are comparable to those measured or inferred for the Galaxy and Andromeda. With one set of physical ingredients, TNG50 returns a large variety of flaring flavours and amounts, also for mono-age stellar populations. With this paper, we hence propose a non-parametric characterization of flaring. The typical MW/M31 analogues exhibit disc scale heights that are 1.5–2 times larger in the outer than in the inner regions of the disc for both old and young stellar populations, but with a large galaxy-to-galaxy variation. Which stellar population flares more, and by how much, also varies from galaxy to galaxy. TNG50 de facto brackets existing observational constraints for the Galaxy and all previous numerical findings. A link between the amount of flaring and the z = 0 global galaxy structural properties or merger history is complex. However, a connection between the scale heights and the local stellar vertical kinematics and gravitational potential is clearly in place.
Parallel and perpendicular alignments of velocity gradient and magnetic field observed in the molecular clouds L1478 and L1482
Authors: Schmaltz Tyler , Hu Yue , Lazarian Alex
Published: May 2023

Star formation is a complex process that typically occurs in dense regions of molecular clouds mainly regulated by magnetic fields, magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence, and self-gravity. However, it remains a challenging endeavour to trace the magnetic field and determine regions of gravitational collapse, where the star is forming. Based on the anisotropic properties of MHD turbulence, a new technique termed velocity gradient technique (VGT) has been proposed to address these challenges. In this study, we apply the VGT to two regions of the giant California Molecular Cloud (CMC), namely, L1478 and L1482, and analyse the difference in their physical properties. We use the 12CO (J = 2–1), 13CO (J = 2–1), and C18O (J = 2–1) emission lines observed with the Heinrich Hertz Submillimeter Telescope. We compare VGT results calculated in the resolutions of 3.3 and 10 arcmin to Planck polarization at 353 GHz and 10 arcmin to determine areas of MHD turbulence dominance and self-gravity dominance. We show that the resolution difference can introduce misalignment between the two measurements. We find the VGT-measured magnetic fields globally agree with those from Planck in L1478, suggesting self-gravity’s effect is insignificant. The best agreement appears in VGT-12CO. As for L1482, the VGT measurements are statistically perpendicular to the Planck polarization indicating the dominance of self-gravity. This perpendicular alignment is more significant in VGT-13CO and VGT-C18O.
Analyses of overlapping gravitational wave signals using hierarchical subtraction and joint parameter estimation
Authors: Janquart Justin , Baka Tomasz , Samajdar Anuradha , Dietrich Tim , Van Den Broeck Chris
Published: May 2023

In the coming years, third-generation detectors such as Einstein Telescope and Cosmic Explorer will enter the network of ground-based gravitational-wave detectors. Their current design predicts a significantly improved sensitivity band with a lower minimum frequency than existing detectors. This, combined with the increased arm length, leads to two major effects: the detection of more signals and the detection of longer signals. Both will result in a large number of overlapping signals. It has been shown that such overlapping signals can lead to biases in the recovered parameters, which would adversely affect the science extracted from the observed binary merger signals. In this work, we analyse overlapping binary black hole coalescences with two methods to analyse multisignal observations: hierarchical subtraction and joint parameter estimation. We find that these methods enable a reliable parameter extraction in most cases and that joint parameter estimation is usually more precise but comes with higher computational costs.
Awesome SOSS: atmospheric characterization of WASP-96 b using the JWST early release observations
Authors: Taylor Jake , Radica Michael , Welbanks Luis , MacDonald Ryan J , Blecic Jasmina , Zamyatina Maria , Roth Alexander , Bean Jacob L , Parmentier Vivien , Coulombe Louis-Philippe , Feinstein Adina D , Espinoza Néstor , Benneke Björn , Lafrenière David , Doyon René , Ahrer Eva-Maria
Published: May 2023

The newly operational JWST offers the potential to study the atmospheres of distant worlds with precision that has not been achieved before. One of the first exoplanets observed by JWST in the summer of 2022 was WASP-96 b, a hot Saturn orbiting a G8 star. As a part of the Early Release Observations programme, one transit of WASP-96 b was observed with NIRISS/SOSS to capture its transmission spectrum from 0.6 to 2.85 μm. In this work, we utilize four retrieval frameworks to report precise and robust measurements of WASP-96 b’s atmospheric composition. We constrain the logarithmic volume mixing ratios of multiple chemical species in its atmosphere, including: H2O = $-3.59 ^{+ 0.35 }_{- 0.35 }$, CO2 = $-4.38 ^{+ 0.47 }_{- 0.57 }$, and K = $-8.04 ^{+ 1.22 }_{- 1.71 }$, thus generally consistent with 1× solar (with the exception of CO2). Notably, our results offer a first abundance constraint on potassium in WASP-96 b’s atmosphere and important inferences on carbon-bearing species such as CO2 and CO. Our short wavelength NIRISS/SOSS data are best explained by the presence of an enhanced Rayleigh scattering slope, despite previous inferences of a clear atmosphere – although we find no evidence for a grey cloud deck. Finally, we explore the data resolution required to appropriately interpret observations using NIRISS/SOSS. We find that our inferences are robust against different binning schemes. That is, from low R = 125 to the native resolution of the instrument, the bulk atmospheric properties of the planet are consistent. Our systematic analysis of these exquisite observations demonstrates the power of NIRISS/SOSS to detect and constrain multiple molecular and atomic species in the atmospheres of hot giant planets.
Rotation-tunnelling spectrum and astrochemical modelling of dimethylamine, CH3NHCH3, and searches for it in space
Authors: Müller H S P , Garrod R T , Belloche A , Rivilla V M , Menten K M , Jiménez-Serra I , Martín-Pintado J , Lewen F , Schlemmer S
Published: May 2023

Methylamine has been the only simple alkylamine detected in the interstellar medium for a long time. With the recent secure and tentative detections of vinylamine and ethylamine, respectively, dimethylamine has become a promising target for searches in space. Its rotational spectrum, however, has been known only up to 45 GHz until now. Here we investigate the rotation-tunnelling spectrum of dimethylamine in selected regions between 76 and 1091 GHz using three different spectrometers in order to facilitate its detection in space. The quantum number range is extended to J = 61 and Ka = 21, yielding an extensive set of accurate spectroscopic parameters. To search for dimethylamine, we refer to the spectral line survey ReMoCA carried out with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array towards the high-mass star-forming region Sagittarius B2(N) and a spectral line survey of the molecular cloud G+0.693–0.027 employing the IRAM 30 m and Yebes 40 m radio telescopes. We report non-detections of dimethylamine towards the hot molecular cores Sgr B2(N1S) and Sgr B2(N2b) as well as G+0.693−0.027 which imply that dimethylamine is at least 14, 4.5, and 39 times less abundant than methylamine towards these sources, respectively. The observational results are compared to computational results from a gas-grain astrochemical model. The modelled methylamine to dimethylamine ratios are compatible with the observational lower limits. However, the model produces too much ethylamine compared with methylamine which could mean that the already fairly low levels of dimethylamine in the models may also be too high.
Fuelling the nuclear ring of NGC 1097
Authors: Sormani Mattia C , Barnes Ashley T , Sun Jiayi , Stuber Sophia K , Schinnerer Eva , Emsellem Eric , Leroy Adam K , Glover Simon C O , Henshaw Jonathan D , Meidt Sharon E , Neumann Justus , Querejeta Miguel , Williams Thomas G , Bigiel Frank , Eibensteiner Cosima , Fragkoudi Francesca , Levy Rebecca C , Grasha Kathryn , Klessen Ralf S , Kruijssen J M Diederik , Neumayer Nadine , Pinna Francesca , Rosolowsky Erik W , Smith Rowan J , Teng Yu-Hsuan , Tress Robin G , Watkins Elizabeth J
Published: May 2023

Galactic bars can drive cold gas inflows towards the centres of galaxies. The gas transport happens primarily through the so-called bar dust lanes, which connect the galactic disc at kpc scales to the nuclear rings at hundreds of pc scales much like two gigantic galactic rivers. Once in the ring, the gas can fuel star formation activity, galactic outflows, and central supermassive black holes. Measuring the mass inflow rates is therefore important to understanding the mass/energy budget and evolution of galactic nuclei. In this work, we use CO datacubes from the PHANGS-ALMA survey and a simple geometrical method to measure the bar-driven mass inflow rate on to the nuclear ring of the barred galaxy NGC 1097. The method assumes that the gas velocity in the bar lanes is parallel to the lanes in the frame co-rotating with the bar, and allows one to derive the inflow rates from sufficiently sensitive and resolved position–position–velocity diagrams if the bar pattern speed and galaxy orientations are known. We find an inflow rate of $\dot{M}=(3.0 \pm 2.1)\, \rm M_\odot \, yr^{-1}$ averaged over a time span of 40 Myr, which varies by a factor of a few over time-scales of ∼10 Myr. Most of the inflow appears to be consumed by star formation in the ring, which is currently occurring at a star formation rate (SFR) of $\simeq\!1.8\!-\!2 \, \rm M_\odot \, yr^{-1}$, suggesting that the inflow is causally controlling the SFR in the ring as a function of time.
Whole-cell modeling of E. coli confirms that in vitro tRNA aminoacylation measurements are insufficient to support cell growth and predicts a positive feedback mechanism regulating arginine biosynthesis
Authors: Choi Heejo , Covert Markus W
Published: May 2023

In Escherichia coli, inconsistencies between in vitro tRNA aminoacylation measurements and in vivo protein synthesis demands were postulated almost 40 years ago, but have proven difficult to confirm. Whole-cell modeling can test whether a cell behaves in a physiologically correct manner when parameterized with in vitro measurements by providing a holistic representation of cellular processes in vivo. Here, a mechanistic model of tRNA aminoacylation, codon-based polypeptide elongation, and N-terminal methionine cleavage was incorporated into a developing whole-cell model of E. coli. Subsequent analysis confirmed the insufficiency of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase kinetic measurements for cellular proteome maintenance, and estimated aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase kcats that were on average 7.6-fold higher. Simulating cell growth with perturbed kcats demonstrated the global impact of these in vitro measurements on cellular phenotypes. For example, an insufficient kcat for HisRS caused protein synthesis to be less robust to the natural variability in aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase expression in single cells. More surprisingly, insufficient ArgRS activity led to catastrophic impacts on arginine biosynthesis due to underexpressed N-acetylglutamate synthase, where translation depends on repeated CGG codons. Overall, the expanded E. coli model deepens understanding of how translation operates in an in vivo context.
Pyruvate Kinase M (PKM) binds ribosomes in a poly-ADP ribosylation dependent manner to induce translational stalling
Authors: Kejiou Nevraj S , Ilan Lena , Aigner Stefan , Luo Enching , Tonn Tori , Ozadam Hakan , Lee Muyoung , Cole Gregory B , Rabano Ines , Rajakulendran Nishani , Yee Brian A , Najafabadi Hamed S , Moraes Trevor F , Angers Stephane , Yeo Gene W , Cenik Can , Palazzo Alexander F
Published: May 2023

In light of the numerous studies identifying post-transcriptional regulators on the surface of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), we asked whether there are factors that regulate compartment specific mRNA translation in human cells. Using a proteomic survey of spatially regulated polysome interacting proteins, we identified the glycolytic enzyme Pyruvate Kinase M (PKM) as a cytosolic (i.e. ER-excluded) polysome interactor and investigated how it influences mRNA translation. We discovered that the PKM-polysome interaction is directly regulated by ADP levels–providing a link between carbohydrate metabolism and mRNA translation. By performing enhanced crosslinking immunoprecipitation-sequencing (eCLIP-seq), we found that PKM crosslinks to mRNA sequences that are immediately downstream of regions that encode lysine- and glutamate-enriched tracts. Using ribosome footprint protection sequencing, we found that PKM binding to ribosomes causes translational stalling near lysine and glutamate encoding sequences. Lastly, we observed that PKM recruitment to polysomes is dependent on poly-ADP ribosylation activity (PARylation)—and may depend on co-translational PARylation of lysine and glutamate residues of nascent polypeptide chains. Overall, our study uncovers a novel role for PKM in post-transcriptional gene regulation, linking cellular metabolism and mRNA translation.
Graded chronic pain scale revised: validation in a Veteran sample
Authors: Taub Chloe , Gordon Kirsha S , Goulet Joseph , Lee Allison , Mayhew Meghan , Von Korff Michael , DeBar Lynn , Kerns Robert D
Published: May 2023

Objective

The Graded Chronic Pain Scale (GCPS) is frequently used in pain research and treatment to classify mild, bothersome, and high impact chronic pain. This study’s objective was to validate the revised version of the GCPS (GCPS-R) in a US Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare sample to support its use in this high-risk population.

Methods

Data were collected from Veterans (n = 794) via self-report (GCPS-R and relevant health questionnaires) and electronic health record extraction (demographics and opioid prescriptions). Logistic regression, adjusting for age and gender, was used to test for differences in health indicators by pain grade. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported with CIs not including an AOR of 1 indicating that the difference exceeded chance.

Results

In this population, the prevalence of chronic pain (pain present most or every day, prior 3 months) was 49.3%: 7.1% with mild chronic pain (mild pain intensity and lower interference with activities); 23.3% bothersome chronic pain (moderate to severe pain intensity with lower interference); and 21.1% high impact chronic pain (higher interference). Results of this study mirrored findings in the non-VA validation study; differences between bothersome and high impact were consistent for activity limitations and present but not fully consistent for psychological variables. Those with bothersome chronic pain or high impact chronic pain were more likely to receive long-term opioid therapy compared to those with no/mild chronic pain.

Conclusions

Findings highlight categorical differences captured with the GCPS-R, and convergent validity supports use of the GCPS-R in US Veterans.
Revision to the musculoskeletal domain of the BILAG-2004 index to incorporate ultrasound findings
Authors: Sandler Robert D , Vital Edward M , Mahmoud Khaled , Prabu Athiveeraramapandian , Riddell Claire , Teh Lee-Suan , Edwards Christopher J , Yee Chee-Seng
Published: May 2023

Objectives

To improve the definitions of inflammatory arthritis within the musculoskeletal (MSK) domain of the BILAG-2004 index by incorporating imaging findings and clinical features predictive of response to treatment.

Methods

The BILAG MSK Subcommittee proposed revisions to the BILAG-2004 index definitions of inflammatory arthritis, based on review of evidence in two recent studies. Data from these studies were pooled and analysed to determine the impact of the proposed changes on the severity grading of inflammatory arthritis.

Results

The revised definition for severe inflammatory arthritis includes definition of ‘basic activities of daily living’. For moderate inflammatory arthritis, it now includes synovitis, defined by either observed joint swelling or MSK US evidence of inflammation in joints and surrounding structures. For mild inflammatory arthritis, the definition now includes reference to symmetrical distribution of affected joints and guidance on how US may help re-classify patients as moderate or no inflammatory arthritis. Data from two recent SLE trials were analysed (219 patients). A total of 119 (54.3%) were graded as having mild inflammatory arthritis (BILAG-2004 Grade C). Of these, 53 (44.5%) had evidence of joint inflammation (synovitis or tenosynovitis) on US. Applying the new definition increased the number of patients classified as moderate inflammatory arthritis from 72 (32.9%) to 125 (57.1%), while patients with normal US (n = 66/119) could be recategorized as BILAG-2004 Grade D (inactive disease).

Conclusions

Proposed changes to the definitions of inflammatory arthritis in the BILAG-2004 index will result in more accurate classification of patients who are more or less likely to respond to treatment.
Radiation protection for well logging operations in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Somali Omar , Amer Mustafa
Published: May 2023

In well logging, sophisticated tools are inserted into a borehole to measure physical and geological properties of rocks surrounding the well. Some of these, known as nuclear logging tools, contain radioactive sources and are used to obtain useful information. When logging tools containing radioactive sources are inserted into the well, there is a risk that they may get stuck. If this occurs, a recovery operation, known as fishing, is used to attempt retrieval. If fishing fails to recover the radioactive sources, they are abandoned following an established protocol, which is in accordance with international, national and corporate standards, in addition to industry best practices. This paper provides an overview of radiation protection requirements for well logging operations in Saudi Arabia, to ensure the safety and security of radioactive sources, and the protection of workers and the public without impacting operational productivity.
Russian beneficiaries: challenges in relation to foundations in 2022 and prospects for Russian Private Foundations
Authors: Alimirzoev Sergei , Aleshchev Ilya
Published: May 2023

The lifetime (inter vivos) private foundation is a second attempt by the Russian legislator to introduce private foundations. The first (and practically stillborn) attempt was the post-mortem foundation of 2016, of which exactly one has been established. In stark contrast, there are already six lifetime private foundations, although their legal framework only came into force a year ago, and in a rather turbulent year at that. In this article, which follows on from the article in the 2022 issue, the authors review the main features and weaknesses of this new vehicle, examine its suitability for wealth management and succession planning, and attempt to predict its future popularity.
Patient satisfaction in anesthesiology: a narrative review
Authors: Bello Corina , Nübling Matthias , Luedi Markus M. , Heidegger Thomas
Published: May 2023

Purpose of review

Healthcare is increasingly expanding its view in outcome discussions to integrate patient-reported outcomes such as patient satisfaction. Involving patients in the evaluation of services and the development of quality improvement strategies is paramount, especially in the service-oriented discipline of anaesthesiology.

Recent findings

Currently, while the development of validated patient satisfaction questionnaires is well established, the use of rigorously tested scores in research and clinical practice is not standardized. Furthermore, most questionnaires are validated for specific settings, which limits our ability to draw relevant conclusions from them, especially considering the rapidly expanding scope of anaesthesia as a discipline and the addition of same-day surgery.

For this manuscript, we review recent literature regarding patient satisfaction in the inpatient and ambulatory anaesthesia setting. We discuss ongoing controversies and briefly digress to consider management and leadership science regarding ‘customer satisfaction’.
The Vestibular Time Constant and Clinical Response to Antimotion Sickness Medication
Authors: Lagami Daniel , Shupak Avi , Jamison Anna , Tal Dror
Published: May 2023

Objective:

The therapeutic effects of antimotion sickness medications involve suppression of several components along the vestibular system. Scopolamine-based medications have proved to be the most effective anti-seasickness agents. However, there is high variability in individual responses. The vestibular nuclei, in which the vestibular time constant is modulated, contain acetylcholine receptors which are affected by scopolamine. The hypothesis of the study was that successful seasickness prevention by scopolamine requires vestibular suppression to be reflected by the shortening of the vestibular time constant.

Design:

Subjects were 30 naval crew members suffering from severe seasickness and were treated with oral scopolamine. The study participants were defined as responsive or non-responsive to the anti-seasickness medication according to the clinical outcome: successful response to scopolamine was defined as a reduction of seasickness severity from the highest score of 7 according to the Wiker scale to 4 or less. Scopolamine and placebo were assigned to each subject in a crossover, double-blind design. The horizontal semicircular canal time constant was evaluated by a computerized rotatory chair before, 1 and 2 hours after drug or placebo administration.

Results:

The vestibular time constant was significantly shortened from 16.01 ± 3.43 seconds to 12.55 ± 2.40 seconds (p < 0.001) in the scopolamine-responsive group but not in the nonresponsive group. In contrast, vestibular time constant values were 13.73 ± 4.08 and 12.89 ± 4.48 for baseline and 2 hours measurements, respectively. This change was not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

Reduction in the vestibular time constant after scopolamine administration can be used to predict whether motion sickness alleviation will occur. This will enable the administration of appropriate pharmaceutical treatment without the need for prior exposure to sea conditions.
Single-Incision Endoscopic Trigger Finger Release
Authors: Tye Cooper , Ford Madeline , Pientka William F.
Published: May 2023

Trigger finger surgery is a commonly performed open procedure with known potential complications of infection, stiffness, pain, nerve injury, bowstringing, and incomplete release of the A1 pulley. We present a novel single-incision endoscopic trigger finger release technique that moves the incision from the palm to the palmar-digital crease, leading to less pain, scarring, and stiffness. We believe that this technique is technically simple, fast, and may decrease the risk of complications commonly encountered with open trigger finger release. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic IV.
High Long-Term Drug-Free Remission Rate for Acute Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada Disease with Appropriate Immunosuppressive Regimen
Authors: Wang Kaixuan , Zheng Chuanzhen , Zhao Guixia , Zhang Mi , Liu Tong , Li Huan , Tao Qingqin , Cheng Zhaohui , Li Xiaorong , Zhang Xiaomin
Published: May 2023

Purpose:

To report the clinical profile and outcomes of acute Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada (VKH) disease with a strict immunosuppression regimen and investigate the risk factors for a prolonged disease course.

Methods:

A total of 101 patients with acute VKH (202 eyes) with more than 24 months of follow-up were recruited from January 2011 to June 2020. They were divided into two groups according to the interval between the onset of VKH and treatment. Oral prednisone was gradually tapered off by a diminished dose according to a relatively strict protocol. Patient responses to the treatment regimen were classified as long-term drug-free remission or chronic recurrent.

Results:

Ninety-six patients (95.0%) achieved long-term drug-free remission without recurrence, while 5 (5.0%) had chronic recurrence. Most patients achieved good best-corrected visual acuity (90.6%≧20/25). A generalized estimation equation model demonstrated that time of visit, ocular complications, and cigarette smoking were independent risk factors for a longer disease course, and smokers required a higher drug dose and longer treatment course than non-smokers.

Conclusions:

An immunosuppressive regimen with an appropriate tapering speed can lead to long-term drug-free remission in patients with acute VKH. Cigarette smoking significantly affects ocular inflammation.
MACULAR NEOVASCULARIZATION IN A CASE OF LATE-ONSET RETINAL DEGENERATION TREATED WITH AFLIBERCEPT
Authors: Ganesh Durga , Corradetti Giulia , Sadda Srinivas R.
Published: May 2023

Purpose:

To describe the outcomes from treatment of macular neovascularization in an eye affected by late-onset retinal degeneration.

Methods:

A 72-year-old female patient presented with a history of decreased vision since several years. The patient was previously diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration and treated with anti–vascular endothelial growth factors.

Results:

Clinical examination of the retina and ultra-widefield color fundus photographs showed extensive atrophy in both eyes. The left eye showed macular neovascularization on fluorescein angiography, subretinal fluid on optical coherence tomography, and correspondent hemorrhages on the color fundus photography. Aflibercept anti–vascular endothelial factor treatment was used to treat the macular neovascularization in the left eye.

Conclusion:

We report a case of genetically confirmed late-onset retinal degeneration (heterozygous pathogenic mutation p.Ser163Arg in one C1QTN5 allele) with advanced degeneration of the retina complicated by macular neovascularization, which responded well to treatment with a single aflibercept injection.
Family Role in Care of Patients With Neurological Conditions: International Neuroscience Nursing Research Symposium Proceedings
Authors: von Gaudecker Jane , Andrade Christina , Baby Priya , Cassier-Woidasky Anne-Kathrin , Cubria Thanh , Hupperich Lena-Marie , Mariano Maria Elena M. , Mastamet Gladys , Nydahl Peter , Olson DaiWai M. , Sila Faith , Ramazanu Sheena , Strayer Andrea , Hirosue Miyuki , Rhudy Lori
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND: Discussions during the 2022 International Neuroscience Nursing Research Symposium highlighted the impact of family in the care of neuroscience patients. This sparked conversations about the need for understanding global differences in family involvement in the care of patients with neurological conditions. METHODS: Neuroscience nurses from Germany, India, Japan, Kenya, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Vietnam collaborated to provide a short summary of family involvement in caring for patients with neurological conditions in their respective countries. RESULTS: Family roles for neuroscience patients vary across the globe. Caring for neuroscience patients can be challenging. Family involvement in treatment decisions and patient care can be affected by sociocultural beliefs and practices, economic factors, hospital policies, manifestation of the disease, and long-term care requirements. CONCLUSION: Understanding the geographic, cultural, and sociopolitical implications of family involvement in care is of benefit to neuroscience nurses.
Extension of resection after positive intraoperative pathology during surgery for gastric and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma – a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Plum Patrick S. , Barutcu Atakan G. , Pamuk Aylin , Mallmann Christoph , Chon Seung-Hun , Chiapponi Costanza , Dübbers Martin , Hellmich Martin , Moenig Stefan P. , Quaas Alexander , Hoelscher Arnulf H. , Bruns Christiane J. , Alakus Hakan
Published: May 2023

Background:

Residual tumor at the resection margins after surgery for gastric and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma is a known prognostic factor. In this single-center, retrospective cohort study in a tertiary referral center, we aimed to evaluate the relevance of intraoperative pathology consultation (IOC) and consecutive extension of surgery on patient survival.

Study design:

Of 737 consecutive patients undergoing (sub)total gastrectomy for gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma, 679 cases with curative intent surgery between 05/1996 and 03/2019 were included. Patients were categorized into: i) R0 without further resection (direct R0), ii) R0 after positive IOC and extension of resection (converted R0) and iii) R1.

Results:

IOC was performed in 242 (35.6%) patients, in 216 (89.3%) at the proximal resection margin. Direct R0 status was achieved in 598 (88.1%), converted R0 in 26 (3.8%) of 38 (5.6%) patients with positive IOC and R1 in 55 (8.1%) patients. Median follow-up was 29 months for surviving patients. 3-year survival rate (3-YSR) was significantly higher for direct R0 compared to converted R0 with 62.3% compared to 21.8% (hazard ratio (HR)=0.298; 95%CI=0.186-0.477, P<0.001). 3-YSR was similar between converted R0 and R1 (21.8% vs. 13.3%; HR=0.928; 95%CI=0.526-1.636, P=0.792). In multivariate analysis, advanced T (P<0.001), N (P<0.001), R (P=0.003) and M1 status (P<0.001) were associated with worse overall survival (OS).

Conclusion:

IOC and consecutive extended resection for positive resection margins in gastrectomy for proximal gastric and gastroesophageal junction does not achieve long-term survival benefits in advanced tumor stages.
Prognostic value of Toll-like receptor 4 on human monocyte subsets combined with computed tomography-adapted Leaman score assessing coronary artery disease
Authors: Ozaki Yuichi , Kashiwagi Manabu , Imanishi Toshio , Katayama Yosuke , Taruya Akira , Nishiguchi Tsuyoshi , Shiono Yasutsugu , Kuroi Akio , Yamano Takashi , Tanimoto Takashi , Kitabata Hironori , Tanaka Atsushi
Published: May 2023

Background

Upregulation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) is associated with coronary plaque vulnerability assessed by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). Computed tomography-adapted Leaman score (CT-LeSc) is an independent long-term predictor of cardiac events. The relationship between the TLR-4 expression of CD14++CD16+ monocytes and future cardiac events is unknown. We investigated this relationship using CT-LeSc in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods

We analyzed 61 patients with CAD who underwent CCTA. Three monocyte subsets (CD14++CD16−, CD14++CD16+, and CD14+CD16+) and the expression of TLR-4 were measured by flow cytometry. We divided the patients into two groups according to the best cutoff value of the TLR-4 expression on CD14+CD16+ which could predict future cardiac events.

Results

CT-LeSc was significantly greater in the high TLR-4 group than the low TLR-4 group [9.61 (6.70–13.67) vs. 6.34 (4.27–9.09), P < 0.01]. The expression of TLR-4 on CD14++CD16+ monocytes was significantly correlated with CT-LeSc (R
2 = 0.13, P < 0.01). The expression of TLR-4 on CD14++CD16+ monocytes was significantly higher in patients who had future cardiac events than in those who did not [6.8 (4.5–9.1) % vs. 4.2 (2.4–7.6) %, P = 0.04]. High TLR-4 expression on CD14++CD16+ monocytes was an independent predictor for future cardiac events (P = 0.01).

Conclusion

An increase in the TLR-4 expression on CD14++CD16+ monocytes is related to the development of future cardiac events.
Orthopaedic Trauma Association Global Outreach Task Force Proceedings
Authors: Benson Emily
Published: May 2023

Introduction:

In 2020, the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) adopted an updated strategic plan emphasizing global outreach. A task force was appointed to better understand the current global orthopaedic trauma educational demand and how the organization may better partner with our global colleagues. This article provides a description of the process and the results of the findings.

Methods:

First, the current international demographics of the OTA membership were reviewed. Then, 2 surveys were distributed. The first was sent to all current members of the OTA to determine how important the members believe that global orthopaedics should be to the organization's mission. The second survey was sent out to our international orthopaedic trauma colleagues. The results of both surveys were reviewed, analyzed, and summarized in an executive summary report which was presented to the OTA Board of Directors earlier this year.

Results:

The responses from the membership survey indicated a keen interest in the development of global outreach within our organization. The global outreach survey received 72 responses from 28 different countries, mostly lower and lower-middle income countries. This included many countries in Asia and Africa who had no prior relationship with the OTA. Most respondents were already using online educational materials and expressed a desire for more high-quality online offerings as well as regional resource-specific orthopaedic trauma courses.

Conclusion:

The overwhelming majority of member respondents believe that global orthopaedics is highly important and central to our mission. Similarly, a majority of the international respondents believed that global orthopaedics is necessary and worthwhile. They expressed a need for more educational opportunities and collaboration, particularly in the areas of online offerings as well as regional, resource-specific courses.
The first complete mitochondrial genome ofSphaeniscus atilius(Walker, 1849) (Diptera: Tephritidae) and implications for the phylogenetic relationships of Tephritidae
Authors: Guo Shibao , Chen Junhua , Song Nan , Zhang Fangmei
Published: May 2023

The nearly complete mitochondrial genome ofSphaeniscus atiliuswas characterized and annotated in this study. The mitogenome was 16,854 bp in length and encoded 37 typical mitochondrial genes, including 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and a control region. The total length of the 13 PCGs was 11,140 bp, and the AT content was 79.8%. There were five types of start codons, ATT (nad2,nad3,nad5, andnad6), ATG (cox2,cox3,atp6, nad4,nad4l, andcob), CGA (cox1), as well as ATC (atp8) and ATA (nad1). Most of the PCGs had typical TAA stop codons, exceptnad5which terminated with incomplete forms T-. Ile, Phe, Leu and Asn were the most frequently used amino acids in mitochondrial PCGs. Most tRNA genes could be folded into the typical cloverleaf structure, excepttrnS1andtrnTwhich lacked the dihydrouridine (DHU) and TΨC arms, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses based on 13 protein-coding genes among the available sequenced species of family Tephritidae by maximum likelihood methods suggested the genus relationship of Tephritidae: ((Bactrocera,Dacus,Zeugodacus),Felderimyia,Anastrepha), (Acrotaeniostola, (Neoceratitis,Ceratitis),Euleia,Rivellia), (Procecidochares, (Tephritis,Sphaenisscus))))). Our results presented the first mitogenome fromSphaeniscusand offer insights into the identification, taxonomy, and phylogeny ofSphaeniscus atilius.
Effect and correlation of intraocular pressure on the refractive status of children and adolescents
Authors: Yingying Nie , xiaoxiao Wu , xunlang Zhang , Chih-Huang Yang , yufeng Song , Junguo Duan
Published: May 2023

Objective

To explore the effect of IOP on the refractive error in children and adolescents, and to analyze the correlation among IOP, AL and diopter of refraction.

Methods

Conducting a cross-sectional study. A total of 3256 students (6511 pairs of eyes) aged between 4 and 15 in Jinniu district who presented for ocular health examination during October 2018 and October 2021 were selected, including 1735 boys (3470 eyes) and 1521 girls (3041 eyes).The differences between groups were analyzed by analysis of variance, correlation analysis by Pearson, data were analyzed by statistical software SPSS 25.0.

Results

There were significant differences in SE, IOP and AL between each group (P < 0.001), whereas IOP, AL were positively correlated with SE, respectively. The average IOP of female (17.45 ±2.56mmg) was higher than that of male (17.08 ±2.60mmg), while the mean AL of male (23.46 ±0.81 mm) was longer than that of female (22.91 ±0.83 mm). There was weak or no correlation between IOP and AL (r = 0.126, P < 0.001). No correlation was found between IOP and SE (r = 0.116, P < 0.001). Positive correlation between AL and SE (r = 0.632, P < 0.001) was noted.

Conclusion

The increase of myopia degree in children at different ages is manifested by the increase of intraocular pressure and axial length, the increase of axial length is one of the main reasons affecting diopter.However, IOP may not directly lead to increase of myopia in children and adolescents within the range of normal IOP.

Synopsis

This study suggests that there is no direct relationship between axial length and refraction or intraocular pressure, and intraocular pressure may not be a direct factor influencing the development of myopia.
Basolateral Amygdala Corticotrophin Releasing Factor Receptor 2 Interacts with Nonmuscle Myosin II to Destabilize Memory
Authors: Hafenbreidel Madalyn , Briggs Sherri B. , Arza Meghana , Bonthu Shalakha , Fisher Cadence , Tiller Annika , Hall Alice B. , Reed Shayna , Mayorga Natasha , Lin Li , Khan Susan , Cameron Michael D. , Rumbaugh Gavin , Miller Courtney A.
Published: May 2023

Inhibiting the actin motor ATPase nonmuscle myosin II (NMII) with blebbistatin (Blebb) in the basolateral amgydala (BLA) depolymerizes actin, resulting in an immediate, retrieval-independent disruption of methamphetamine (METH)-associated memory. The effect is highly selective, as NMII inhibition has no effect in other relevant brain regions (e.g. dorsal hippocampus [dPHC], nucleus accumbens [NAc]), nor does it interfere with associations for other aversive or appetitive stimuli, including cocaine (COC). To investigate a potential source of this specificity, pharmacokinetic differences in METH and COC brain exposure were examined. Replicating METH’s longer half-life with COC did not render the COC association susceptible to disruption by NMII inhibition. Therefore, transcriptional differences were next assessed. Comparative RNA-seq profiling in the BLA, dHPC and NAc following METH or COC conditioning identifiedcrhr2, which encodes the corticotrophin releasing factor receptor 2 (CRF2), as uniquely upregulated by METH in the BLA. CRF2 antagonism with Astressin-2B (AS2B) had no effect on METH-associated memory after consolidation, allowing for determination of CRF2 influences on NMII-based susceptibility after METH conditioning. Pretreatment with AS2B occluded the ability of Blebb to disrupt an established METH-associated memory. Alternatively, the Blebb-induced, retrieval-independent memory disruption seen with METH was mimicked for COC when combined with CRF2 overexpression in the BLA and its ligand, UCN3 during conditioning. These results indicate that BLA CRF2 receptor activation during learning can prevent stabilization of the actin-myosin cytoskeleton supporting the memory, rendering it vulnerable to disruption via NMII inhibition. CRF2 represents an interesting target for BLA-dependent memory destabilization via downstream effects on NMII.
H2AX promotes replication fork degradation and chemosensitivity in BRCA-deficient tumours
Authors: Dibitetto Diego , Liptay Martin , Vivalda Francesca , Gogola Ewa , Dogan Hulya , Fernández Martín G. , Duarte Alexandra , Schmid Jonas A. , Durant Stephen T. , Forment Josep V. , Klebic Ismar , Siffert Myriam , de Bruijn Roebi , Kousholt Arne N. , Marti Nicole A. , Dettwiler Martina , Sørensen Claus S. , Lopes Massimo , Sartori Alessandro A. , Jonkers Jos , Rottenberg Sven
Published: May 2023

Histone H2AX plays a key role in DNA damage signalling in the surrounding regions of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs)1,2. In response to DNA damage, H2AX becomes phosphorylated on serine residue 139 (known as γH2AX), resulting in the recruitment of the DNA repair effectors 53BP1 and BRCA13–6. Here, by studying resistance to poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors in BRCA1/2-deficient mammary tumours7,8, we identify a novel function for γH2AX in orchestrating drug-induced replication fork degradation. Mechanistically, γH2AX-dependent replication fork degradation is elicited by the inhibition of CtIP-mediated fork protection. As a result, H2AX loss restores replication fork stability and increases chemoresistance in BRCA1/2-deficient tumour cells without restoring homology-directed DNA repair, as highlighted by the lack of DNA damage-induced RAD51 foci. Furthermore, in the attempt to discover acquired genetic vulnerabilities, we find that ATM inhibition overcomes PARP inhibitor (PARPi) resistance in H2AX-deficient tumours by interfering with CtIP-mediated fork protection of stalled forks. In summary, our results demonstrate a novel role for H2AX in replication fork biology in BRCA-deficient tumours and establish a function of H2AX separable from its classical role in DNA damage signalling and DSB repair.
Seasonal Variation in Bacterial Community Structures of Mangrove Sediments
Authors: Wang Nan , Liu Lu , Guo Zixiao , Xu Shaohua , Zhang Rufan , Zhong Cairong , Shi Suhua , He Ziwen
Published: May 2023

Climate change globally and sea level rise affect the mangrove ecosystem. The high diversity and temporal heterogeneity of the mangrove ecosystem will lead to a high diversity of sediment bacterial community structure and function. However, seasonal variations and potential assembly mechanisms of sediment bacterial communities in mangrove ecosystems remain to be discovered. We collected rhizosphere sediments and bulk sediments fromKandelia obovataandAegiceras corniculatumat three locations covering Dongzhai Harbour in spring, summer, autumn, and winter, and sequenced 16S rRNAs. The results indicated that the alpha and beta diversity of bacterial communities in mangrove sediments differed significantly between seasons, and the bacterial communities in rhizosphere sediments had smaller seasonal changes and were more stable than those in bulk sediment bacterial communities. The seasonal changes in carbon, nitrogen content, and pH were the main influencing factors. The stochastic process dominated the assembly of bacterial communities in mangrove sediments. The assembly of bacterial communities varies between seasons. We found that the proportion of dispersal limitation was significantly negatively correlated with the carbon and nitrogen content in the sediment. Compared with bulk components, the dispersal limitation of bacterial communities in rhizosphere sediments accounted for a lower proportion of community construction, which might be caused by higher carbon and nitrogen content conditions in rhizosphere sediments. We found that beta diversity based on Bray-Curtis distance was significantly positively correlated with dispersal limitation, which explained why the beta diversity of bacterial communities in rhizosphere sediments was significantly lower than that of bulk components. This study increases the understanding of the responses of mangrove bacterial communities to seasonal change and may be beneficial for the protection of mangrove ecosystems in the face of climate change.