bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of biofilm-forming capacity and multidrug resistance in Staphylococcus aureus isolates from animal-source foods: implications for lactic acid bacteria intervention
Authors: Sharan Manjeet , Dhaka Pankaj , Bedi Jasbir Singh , Mehta Nitin , Singh Randhir
Published: July 2024

Background

Staphylococcus aureus, a Gram-positive bacterium, poses a significant threat to public health and food safety due to its virulence and its ability to develop antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Moreover, S. aureus can form biofilms in food environments, making it difficult to eradicate and pose a major challenge in foodborne illness prevention.

Methods

The study aimed to investigate the biofilm-forming capabilities and AMR profiles of 107 S. aureus isolates derived from milk, chicken meat, and chicken eggs. Further, the study compared the biofilm formation tendencies between multi-drug resistant (MDR) and non-MDR S. aureus isolates. Additionally, the research explored the antibacterial and anti-biofilm properties of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus casei, focusing on their aggregation and co-aggregation effects with S. aureus.

Results

Around 70.10% of S. aureus isolates were found to be resistant to at least three antibiotic classes. The biofilm assay revealed that 16.82% isolates were strong biofilm formers. The MDR isolates displayed a strong biofilm-forming ability (i.e., 18.67%) and a higher prevalence of biofilm-associated genes [i.e., icaA (53.33%) and icaD (44.0%)] compared to non-MDR isolates. The LAB strain, L. rhamnosus exhibited a 29.06 mm mean antibacterial inhibition zone, an average reduction of 48.19% in biofilm growth, 55.46% auto-aggregation, and 40.61% co-aggregation with S. aureus. Similarly, L. casei demonstrated a 21.80 mm mean antibacterial inhibition zone, an average reduction of 31.56% in biofilm growth, 45.23% auto-aggregation, and 36.81% co-aggregation with S. aureus isolates.

Conclusion

This study provides valuable insights into the biofilm formation of MDR S. aureus and underscores the potential of L. rhamnosus and L. casei as bio-control agents. These findings highlight the necessity for additional research into the mechanisms through which LAB strains inhibit pathogenic biofilms and their potential applications in enhancing food safety.
Mate selection and current trends in the prevalence of autism
Authors: Forsen Elizabeth , Marrus Natasha , Joyce Jacqueline , Zhang Yi , Constantino John N.
Published: July 2024

Background

According to the most recent U.S. CDC surveillance data, the rise in prevalence of childhood autism spectrum disorder among minority children has begun to outpace that of non-Hispanic white children. Since prior research has identified possible differences in the extent of mate selection for autistic traits across families of different ethnicity, this study examined variation in autism related traits in contemporaneous, epidemiologically ascertained samples of spousal pairs representing Hispanic and non-Hispanic white populations. The purpose was to determine whether discrepancies by ethnicity could contribute to differential increases in prevalence in the current generation of young children.

Methods

Birth records were used to identify all twin pairs born between 2011 and 2013 in California and Missouri. Families were selected at random from pools of English-speaking Hispanic families in California and Non-Hispanic White families in Missouri. Autistic trait data of parents was obtained using the Adult Report Form of the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-2).

Results

We did not identify a statistically significant difference in the degree of mate selection for autism related traits between Hispanic and non-Hispanic white spousal pairs. However, the degree of spousal correlation observed in this recent cohort was pronounced (on the order of ICC 0.45) and exceeded that typically reported in prior research (on the order of 0.30), surpassing also widely reported estimates for sibling correlation (also on the order of 0.30).

Limitations

The sample did not allow for a direct appraisal of change in the magnitude of spousal correlation over time and the ascertainments of trait burden were derived from spouse report.

Conclusion

Across two epidemiologically ascertained samples of spousal pairs representing Hispanic and non-Hispanic white families across two U.S. states (respectively, California and Missouri), the extent of autism-related trait co-variation for parents of the current generation of young children is substantial and exceeds correlations typically observed for siblings. Given the heritability of these traits and their relation to autism risk, societal trends in the degree of mate selection for these traits should be considered as possible contributors to subtle increases in the incidence of autism over time and across generations.
Summer scour syndrome in weaned dairy calves: case series
Authors: Male Here Rischi Robinson , McAloon Catherine , Donlon John , McGee Mark , Duane Mary , Kenny David , Earley Bernadette
Published: July 2024

Background

Summer scour syndrome (SSS) is a recently identified pathological condition affecting weaned dairy and dairy-beef calves during their first grazing season in Ireland. The syndrome is characterised by diarrhoea, weight loss, weakness, and can ultimately lead to death in some calves. Oral and oesophageal ulcerations are present in some cases. This study aimed to characterise a series of SSS cases in weaned dairy-bred calves on Irish commercial farms.

Results

Five farms with calves having unexplained diarrhoea at grass were referred by private veterinary practitioners (PVP) following preliminary testing to exclude coccidiosis and parasitic gastroenteritis. Farms were visited within 2 to 5 days following PVP’s referrals, or 2 days to 3 weeks relative to the onset of clinical signs. Farm management data, grass and concentrate samples, and biological samples from 46 calves (8 to 10 calves/farm) displaying clinical signs were collected. Two farms were subsequently found positive for coccidiosis and/or had chronic pneumonia problems after a thorough herd investigation and were designated as non-case farms (NCF). The remaining three farms were deemed typical SSS outbreaks (case farms; CF). Mean rumen fluid pH per farm ranged from 6.67 to 7.09 on CF, and 6.43–6.88 on NCF. Mean rumen fluid ammonia concentrations ranged from 17.6 to 29.6 mg/L and 17.2–45.0 mg/L on CF and NCF, respectively. Corresponding blood ammonia concentrations ranged from 129 to 223 µmol/L and 22–25 µmol/L. Mean blood copper and molybdenum concentrations were within normal range on all farms. Grass crude protein concentrations on the paddocks where the calves had grazed, and were currently grazing on the day of visit ranged from 137 to 148 g/kg DM and 106–177 g/kg DM, respectively on CF, and 160–200 g/kg DM and 151–186 g/kg DM, respectively on NCF. On CF, inorganic nitrogen fertiliser was applied 1 to 3 weeks pre-grazing, whereas on the two NCF, inorganic nitrogen fertiliser was applied 2 to 3 weeks pre-grazing on one farm and no fertiliser was applied on the other.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that copper or molybdenum toxicity, and ruminal acidosis are not the primary causes of SSS. High blood ammonia concentrations and the timing and level of inorganic nitrogen fertiliser application to paddocks pre-grazing, warrant further investigation.
A framework for co-existence of radar and communication with joint design
Authors: Mao Hao , Zhu Haiyun , He Yinghui , Yu Guanding , Yin Rui
Published: July 2024

The integration of both sensing and communication functions is a crucial feature for future communication systems. This paper considers a novel scenario where a radar covers multiple small-cell base stations which operate in different spectra. Due to the limited spectra resource, the radar needs to reuse the spectra of one BS for tracking. To suppress interference and improve performance, we propose a framework including two stages and the corresponding communication and sensing algorithms. Specifically, at the detection stage, we aim to minimize the system transmit power while maintaining the performance of both radar and communication. At the tracking stage, our goal is to maximize the radar sensing performance under a given power budget, while ensuring communication quality. Due to the complexity of the original problem, we address it by introducing auxiliary variables and proposing a penalty dual decomposition-based algorithm, enabling us to solve a more tractable form of the problem. In the inner loop, we propose a concave–convex procedure-based algorithm to handle the optimization problem, while adopting the block coordinate descent algorithm to iteratively update the variables. In the outer loop, we update the penalty term or Lagrange multipliers. Furthermore, we propose a radar target parameter estimation algorithm based on successive interference cancellation, which aims to mitigate communication interference. Finally, numerical simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed system, and the superior performance of our proposed algorithms over benchmark algorithms.
Determining the push factors to involve in street vending activities and their challenges: in the case of Ethiopia
Authors: Engidaw Abriham Ebabu , Ning Jing , Kebad Mulugeta Abera , Mulaw Sisay Genanu , Alamirew Mandefro Tagele , Wonda Temesgen Abebaw , Abebe Dagmawi Mandefro , Berihun Zemene
Published: July 2024

The study’s primary goal was to analyse the driving forces behind street vending operations and the difficulties they face in the targeted area. The research was conducted using both quantitative and qualitative methods, utilizing explanatory and descriptive designs in the technique. There was use of both primary and secondary data sources. Four government officials and 222 street businesses were chosen for the study using purposive sampling procedures. Structured questionnaires were used to collect the data. The study findings clearly display that economic and social factors have a significant influence on street vending in the study area. The study went on to look into the difficulties that street sellers in the study area deal with, including things like a lack of funding, a space to work, and credit availability. In conclusion, the study recommends that governments should develop a policy for street vending, fortify stakeholder interactions, and expand the capacity of street sellers when contemplating legalizing the practice and selecting a suitable place in urban centres.
AcornHRD: an HRD algorithm highly associated with anthracycline-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer in China
Authors: Pan Jia-Ni , Li Pu-Chun , Wang Meng , Li Ming-Wei , Ding Xiao-Wen , Zhou Tao , Wang Hui-Na , Wang Yun-Kai , Chen Li-Bin , Wang Rong , Ye Wei-Wu , Wu Wei-Zhu , Lou Feng , Wang Xiao-Jia , Cao Wen-Ming
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Our study aimed to develop and validate a homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) scoring algorithm in the Chinese breast cancer population.

Methods and materials

Ninety-six in-house breast cancer (BC) samples and 6 HRD-positive standard cells were analyzed by whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Besides, 122 BCs from the TCGA database were down-sampled to ~ 1X WGS. We constructed an algorithm named AcornHRD for HRD score calculated based on WGS at low coverage as input data to estimate large-scale copy number alteration (LCNA) events on the genome. A clinical cohort of 50 BCs (15 cases carrying BRCA mutation) was used to assess the association between HRD status and anthracyclines-based neoadjuvant treatment outcomes.

Results

A 100-kb window was defined as the optimal size using 41 in-house cases and the TCGA dataset. HRD score high threshold was determined as HRD score ≥ 10 using 55 in-house BCs with BRCA mutation to achieve a 95% BRCA-positive agreement rate. Furthermore, the HRD status agreement rate of AcornHRD is 100%, while the ShallowHRD is 60% in standard cells. BRCA mutation was significantly associated with a high HRD score evaluated by AcornHRD and ShallowHRD (p = 0.008 and p = 0.003, respectively) in the TCGA dataset. However, AcornHRD showed a higher positive agreement rate than did the ShallowHRD algorithm (70% vs 60%). In addition, the BRCA-positive agreement rate of AcornHRD was superior to that of ShallowHRD (87% vs 13%) in the clinical cohort. Importantly, the high HRD score assessed by AcornHRD was significantly correlated with a residual cancer burden score of 0 or 1 (RCB0/1). Besides, the HRD-positive group was more likely to respond to anthracycline-based chemotherapy than the HRD-negative group (pCR [OR = 9.5, 95% CI 1.11–81.5, p = 0.040] and RCB0/1 [OR = 10.29, 95% CI 2.02–52.36, p = 0.005]).

Conclusion

Using the AcornHRD algorithm evaluation, our analysis demonstrated the high performance of the LCNA genomic signature for HRD detection in breast cancers.
Analysis of complication risk factors in preoperative computed tomography-guided hookwire location of pulmonary nodules
Authors: Yin Chuntong , Chen Yu , Zhang Renquan , Chen Anguo , Fang Hanlin , Liu Wenjian , Cui Kai , Wang Zhengqiao , Pan Huaguang
Published: July 2024

Background

This study aimed to explore the efficacy of hookwire for computed tomography (CT)-guided pulmonary nodule (PN) localization before video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) resection and determine the risk factors for localization-related complications.

Methods

We enrolled 193 patients who underwent preoperative CT-guided PN hookwire localization. The patients were categorized into groups A (103 patients had no complications) and B (90 patients had complications) according to CT and VATS. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify risk factors for localization-related complications. A numerical rating scale was used to evaluate hookwire localization-induced pain.

Results

We successfully performed localization in 173 (89.6%) patients. Pneumothorax was the main complication in 82 patients (42.5%). Patient gender, age, body mass index, tumor diameter, consolidation tumor ratio, pathologic diagnosis, position adjustment during location, lesion location, waiting time for surgery, and pleural adhesions were not significantly different between the two groups. The number of nodules, number of punctures, scapular rest position, and depth of insertion within the lung parenchyma were significant factors for successful localization. Multivariate regression analysis further validated the number of nodules, scapular rest position, and depth of insertion within the lung parenchyma as risk factors for hookwire-localization-related complications. Hookwire localization-induced pain is mainly mild or moderate pre- and postoperatively, and some patients still experience pain 7 days postoperatively.

Conclusions

Hookwire preoperative PN localization has a high success rate, but some complications remain. Thus, clinicians should be vigilant and look forward to further improvement.
Natural plant disease suppressiveness in soils extends to insect pest control
Authors: Harmsen Nadine , Vesga Pilar , Glauser Gaétan , Klötzli Françoise , Heiman Clara M. , Altenried Aline , Vacheron Jordan , Muller Daniel , Moënne-Loccoz Yvan , Steinger Thomas , Keel Christoph , Garrido-Sanz Daniel
Published: July 2024

Background

Since the 1980s, soils in a 22-km2 area near Lake Neuchâtel in Switzerland have been recognized for their innate ability to suppress the black root rot plant disease caused by the fungal pathogen Thielaviopsis basicola. However, the efficacy of natural disease suppressive soils against insect pests has not been studied.

Results

We demonstrate that natural soil suppressiveness also protects plants from the leaf-feeding pest insect Oulema melanopus. Plants grown in the most suppressive soil have a reduced stress response to Oulema feeding, reflected by dampened levels of herbivore defense-related phytohormones and benzoxazinoids. Enhanced salicylate levels in insect-free plants indicate defense-priming operating in this soil. The rhizosphere microbiome of suppressive soils contained a higher proportion of plant-beneficial bacteria, coinciding with their microbiome networks being highly tolerant to the destabilizing impact of insect exposure observed in the rhizosphere of plants grown in the conducive soils. We suggest that presence of plant-beneficial bacteria in the suppressive soils along with priming, conferred plant resistance to the insect pest, manifesting also in the onset of insect microbiome dysbiosis by the displacement of the insect endosymbionts.

Conclusions

Our results show that an intricate soil–plant-insect feedback, relying on a stress tolerant microbiome network with the presence of plant-beneficial bacteria and plant priming, extends natural soil suppressiveness from soilborne diseases to insect pests.
Intangible cultural heritage based on finite element analysis: force analysis of Chinese traditional garden rockery construction
Authors: Dong Qianli , Wei Tianheng , Wang Yuan , Zhang Qingping
Published: July 2024

In traditional Chinese rockery stacking, the peculiarity of the materials and reliance on the personal experience of artisans during the construction process make it challenging to scientifically quantify the structural stress and use scientific methods to ensure the stability of rockery structures and the safety of the construction process. Therefore, the intangible cultural heritage of rockery stacking technology faces the problem of scientific structural inspection and risk estimation during the construction process. This study uses a finite element analysis to evaluate the structural stress of the rockery-stacking site to contribute to the sustainable development and protection of this intangible cultural heritage. After establishing a three-dimensional digital model, mechanical calculations are carried out for the overall structure of the rockery and its different parts. The analysis identifies three types of structural factors in artificial rockeries: contact, structure, and load. It also effectively and intuitively identifies the weak points in the rockery structures and provides an assessment of risks, offering valuable insights for risk prevention and for the construction and maintenance of the structures. These results contribute to the structural safety inspection of traditional Chinese rockery stacking and the structural evaluation of existing rockery heritage.
Case report of pharmacokinetic analysis of continuous intravenous infusion of fentanyl in a patient with severe burn: burn shock stage complicates pain management
Authors: Nakano Takafumi , Oida Yasuhisa , Morimoto Shinichi , Muranishi Kentaro , Ushio Soichiro , Yamashina Takuya , Uchiyama Masanobu , Mishima Kenichi , Kitaichi Kiyoyuki , Nakamura Yoshihiko , Matsuo Koichi
Published: July 2024

Background

Fentanyl is widely used as an analgesic and sedative for patients with severe burn injuries in intensive care units. However, pharmacokinetic (PK) data for fentanyl, particularly for continuous intravenous infusion during the acute phase of burn injuries, are limited. Here, we report the clinical course and changes in blood fentanyl concentrations during the acute phase in a patient with severe burns treated with continuous intravenous infusion of fentanyl.

Case presentation

A woman in her 40s, with burns caused by a gas cylinder explosion, was transported to our hospital. The patient had burn wounds on face, neck, shoulders, and all four extremities, with a total burn area of 39.0%. For pain relief, the patient received a continuous infusion of 0.01 mg/mL fentanyl (20–30 µg/h) with a target blood concentration of 1.0–1.5 ng/mL, but continued to suffer from pain due to burning during the acute phase. We measured the blood fentanyl concentrations and found that all concentrations obtained during the acute phase were subtherapeutic. Notably, during the burn shock stage, blood concentrations of fentanyl were 0.50 ng/mL on day 1 and 0.66 ng/mL on day 2, indicating that the blood concentration did not rise sufficiently for the dosage. From days 0 to 2, the patient was administered a massive fluid load for burn shock. After the burn shock stage resolved, fentanyl concentrations gradually approached the target range, and the pain rating scale improved, even though the fentanyl administration rate remained unchanged (30 µg/h).

Conclusions

Major changes in the fluid volumes of body compartments that occur with large burns might increase the volume of fentanyl distribution, thereby lowering its concentration when a standard dose is administered. Our findings indicate that the PK of fentanyl in patients with severe burns can be substantially affected, especially during the shock phase, implying the importance of titrating analgesics for clinical efficacy in the acute phase.
Multiscale modelling of precipitation hardening: a review
Authors: Cui Aiya , Wang Xiaoming , Cui Yinan
Published: July 2024

Precipitation hardening, a cornerstone of alloy strengthening, finds widespread application in engineering materials. Comprehending the underlying mechanisms and formulating models bear crucial significance for engineering applications. While classical macroscopic theoretical models based on the line tension model have historically guided research efforts, their reliance on simplifications, assumptions, and parameter adjustments limits their predictability and expansibility. Moreover, the challenge of understanding the intricate coupling effects among various hardening mechanisms persists. One fundamental question to achieve the transition of material design paradigms from empirical trial-and-error methods to predictive-and-design approaches is to develop more physics-based multiscale modelling methods. This review aims to elucidate the physical mechanisms governing precipitation hardening and establish a tailored bottom-up multiscale modelling framework to steer the design of new alloys. The physical scenarios of precipitation hardening are firstly summarized, including particle shearing, Orowan bypass, and dislocation cross-slip and climb. Afterwards, an in-depth discussion is given regarding the application of macroscopic models and their correlation with the mechanisms and precipitation characteristics. As for the multiscale modelling methods, we categorize them into three main types: slip resistance based approaches, misfit stress field based approaches, and energy based approaches. By integrating multiscale modelling with the physical scenarios, we systematically addressed the key idea of the multiscale coupling framework, and their scale transfer procedure, applicability, advantages, and limitations. Some examples of coupling different types of multiscale methods and considering precipitates with complicated shapes are also presented. This study not only furnishes insightful comprehension of precipitation hardening, but also guides the development of multiscale modelling methodologies for other types of hardening effects in alloys.
Patient-reported outcome measures for systemic lupus erythematosus: an expert Delphi consensus to guide implementation in routine care
Authors: Castrejón Isabel , Cano Laura , Cuadrado María José , Borrás Joaquín , Galindo Maria , Salman-Monte Tarek C. , Amorós Carlos , San Román Carmen , Cabezas Isabel , Comellas Marta , Muñoz Alejandro
Published: July 2024

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may result in great impact on patients’ quality of life, social relationships, and work productivity. The use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in routine care could help capture disease burden to guide SLE management and optimize disease control. We aimed to explore the current situation, appropriateness, and feasibility of PROMs to monitor patients with SLE in routine care, from healthcare professionals’ and patients’ perspectives.

Methods

A scientific committee developed a Delphi questionnaire, based on a focus group with patients and a literature review, including 22 statements concerning: 1) Use of PROMs in routine care (n = 2); 2) PROMs in SLE management (n = 13); 3) Multidisciplinary management of patients with SLE (n = 4), and 4) Aspects on patient empowerment (n = 3). Statements included in Sects. 2–4 were assessed from three perspectives: current use, appropriateness, and feasibility (with currently available resources). For each statement, panellists specified their level of agreement using a 7-point Likert scale. A consensus was reached when ≥ 70% of the panellists agreed (6,7) or disagreed (1,2) on each statement.

Results

Fifty-nine healthcare professionals and 16 patients with SLE participated in the Delphi-rounds. A consensus was reached on the value of PROMs to improve SLE management (83%) and the key role of healthcare professionals (77%) and the need for a digital tool connected to the electronic medical record (85%) to promote and facilitate PROMs collection. PROMs most frequently used in clinical practice are pain (56%), patient’s global assessment (44%) and fatigue (39%), all on visual analogue scales. Panellists agreed on the need to implement multidisciplinary consultation (79%), unify complementary tests (88%), incorporate pharmacists into the healthcare team (70%), and develop home medication dispensing and informed telepharmacy programmes (72%) to improve quality of care in patients with SLE. According to panellists, patient associations (82%) and nurses (80%) are critical to educate and train patients on PROMs to enhance patient empowerment.

Conclusions

Although pain, fatigue, and global assessment were identified as the most feasible, PROMs are not widely used in routine care in Spain. The present Delphi consensus can provide a road map for their implementation being key for SLE management.
Evaluation of some techniques for drying conidiated rice culture of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. with a bioassay evaluating their eligibility
Authors: Bakr Ehab Mostafa , Hassan Dalia Mohamed Ahmed , Haron Entesar Nahed
Published: July 2024

Background

Production of entomopathogenic fungi on a solid substrate, mostly on rice, is preferred by many producers due to its low technological requirements. Drying may be needed after fermentation to preserve the viability of the conidia until use. This study aimed to introduce some uncomplicated drying techniques and study their effectiveness in terms of drying time and extent, as well as their impact on the quantity of conidia produced and their biological activity. Four techniques were studied, i.e., condensing water vapor (by cooling), desiccant (using NaOH), air drying on a net, and air drying on a solid (impermeable) surface.

Results

Condensing water vapor and desiccant techniques were the fastest and most efficient, resulting in the lowest moisture content, ranging between 12 and 13%. While drying on a solid surface was the slowest and resulted in the highest moisture content of 32.98%. All of the dried samples yielded a lower quantity of conidia compared to the fresh samples. Samples of condensing water vapor, desiccant, and net techniques yielded approximately a similar quantity of conidia, ranging between 74 and 71% of the yield of the fresh sample. The solid surface sample yielded the lowest quantity of conidia, representing 63.78% of the fresh sample yield. A bioassay test on the mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), showed that conidia dried via condensing water vapor and desiccant techniques kept their pathogenicity similar to the fresh sample, while samples dried on a net and solid surface significantly lost part of their pathogenicity.

Conclusion

The condensing water vapor and desiccant techniques were the most efficient regarding the time needed, conidia yield, and pathogenicity. Drying on a solid surface was the least effective regarding the same factors.
Unraveling the phosphorylation landscape: a leap forward in understanding the rice blast fungus pathogenicity
Authors: Bhadauria Vijai , Peng You-Liang
Published: July 2024

The rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae stands as a formidable adversary to one of the world’s most important crops, rice, which feeds over half of the global population. Its ability to rapidly evolve and adapt underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive understanding of its infection strategies. In a large-scale study published in Cell, Cruz-Mireles et al. (Cell 187:2557-73, 2024) utilized phosphoproteomics to globally map the phosphorylation landscape during the infection-related development by M. oryzae, identifying 2062 activated phosphoproteins carrying 8005 phosphosites. A subset of these phosphosites were conserved in the proteins of diverse fungal pathogens and appeared to be associated with biotrophic and hemibiotrophic infection. Thirty-two of these phosphoproteins are regulated by pathogenicity mitogen-activated kinase 1 (Pmk1), a central component of the MAPK signaling pathway, including VTi 1–2 suppressor, whose regulation by Pmk1 is essential for rice blast disease. Together, this global phosphorylation atlas offers a rich tapestry of potential therapeutic targets for developing green agrochemicals to control fungal diseases of plants.
Early onset Bouveret syndrome: a unique case in a young patient
Authors: Hameed Marya , Qureshi Muhammad Fazal Hussain , Siddiqui Fatima
Published: July 2024

Background

Bouveret syndrome is a rare etiology of gastric outlet obstruction, presenting with clinical manifestations that resemble those of several gastric pathologies. Timely diagnosis is imperative to mitigate potentially fatal consequences associated with this condition.

Case presentation

This case report involves a male patient, aged 35, who exhibited symptoms of intense abdominal discomfort, nausea, and vomiting over a 24-h period. The individual experienced identical symptoms of lesser intensity on three separate occasions throughout the preceding 4-month period, during which they resorted to analgesic medication for temporary relief. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen was performed, which identified the presence of the Rigler triad, characterized by pneumobilia, a cholecysto-antral fistula, and an ectopic gallstone lodged in the gastric antrum resulting in an obstruction. The patient’s diagnosis of Bouveret syndrome was determined based on the imaging findings. A surgical procedure known as cholecystectomy was conducted, which confirmed the existence of the sizable cholecystoduodenal fistula that was previously detected in the computed tomography (CT) scan. The surgical procedures that were conducted included a partial duodenectomy, a gastrojejunostomy, a cholecystectomy, and a common bile duct exploration with the removal of common bile duct stones. After examining the bile duct, a t-tube was inserted into the bile duct.

Conclusion

This case demonstrates a distinctive occurrence of a condition in a young man, typically observed in elderly females. There is a lack of established treatment guidelines for this particular entity. The appropriate course of action depends on various factors, including the patient’s condition, CT scan results, medical history, presence of co-existing illnesses, and intraoperative circumstances. These considerations are taken into account when determining whether a single-step surgical strategy or a multi-step approach should be pursued in order to minimize complications in patients. In this case, due to favorable conditions, a single-step approach was taken that yielded promising results.
Strengthening accountability for tuberculosis policy implementation in South Africa: perspectives from policymakers, civil society, and communities
Authors: van der Westhuizen Helene-Mari , Giddy Janet , Coetzee Renier , Makanda Goodman , Tisile Phumeza , Galloway Michelle , Bunyula Siyavuya , Schoeman Ingrid , Nathavitharana Ruvandhi R.
Published: July 2024

Background

Translating health policy into effective implementation is a core priority for responding effectively to the tuberculosis (TB) crisis. The national TB Recovery Plan was developed in response to the negative impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on TB care in South Africa. We aimed to explore the implementation of the TB Recovery Plan and develop recommendations for strengthening accountability for policy implementation for this and future TB policies.

Methods

We interviewed 24 participants working on or impacted by TB policy implementation in South Africa. This included perspectives from national, provincial, and local health department representatives, civil society, and community representatives. In-depth interviews were conducted in English and isiXhosa and we drew on reflexive thematic methods for analysis.

Results

Participants felt that there was potential for COVID-19 innovations and urgency to influence TB policy development and implementation, including the use of data dashboards. Implementation of the TB Recovery Plan predominantly used a top-down approach to implementation (cascading from national policy to local implementers) but experienced bottlenecks at provincial level. Recommendations for closing the TB policy-implementation gap included using phased implementation and enhancing provincial-level accountability. Civil society organisations were concerned about the lack of provincial implementation data which impeded advocacy for improved accountability and inadequate resourcing for implementation. Community health workers were viewed as key to implementation but were not engaged in the policy development process and were often not aware of new TB policies. At local level, there were also opportunities to strengthen community engagement in policy implementation including through community-led monitoring. Participants recommended broader multi-stakeholder engagement that includes community and community health worker representatives in the development and implementation phases of new TB policies.

Conclusions

Communities affected by TB, with the support of civil society organisations, could play a bigger role in monitoring policy implementation at local level and need to be capacitated to do this. This bottom-up approach could complement existing top-down strategies and contribute to greater accountability for TB policy implementation.
Development of a Web-Based Interactive Tool for Visualizing Breast Cancer Clinical Trial Tolerability Data
Authors: Luu Michael , Gresham Gillian , Henry Lynn , Kim Sungjin , Rogatko Andre , Yothers Greg , Hays Ron D. , Tighiouart Mourad , Ganz Patricia A.
Published: July 2024

PURPOSE

Longitudinal patient tolerability data collected as part of randomized controlled trials are often summarized in a way that loses information and does not capture the treatment experience. To address this, we developed an interactive web application to empower clinicians and researchers to explore and visualize patient tolerability data.

METHODS

We used adverse event (AE) data (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events) and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) from the NSABP-B35 phase III clinical trial, which compared anastrozole with tamoxifen for breast cancer–free survival, to demonstrate the tools. An interactive web application was developed using R and the Shiny web application framework that generates Sankey diagrams to visualize AEs and PROs using four tools: AE Explorer, PRO Explorer, Cohort Explorer, and Custom Explorer.

RESULTS

To illustrate how users can use the interactive tool, examples for each of the four applications are presented using data from the NSABP-B35 phase III trial and the NSABP-B30 trial for the Custom Explorer. In the AE and PRO explorers, users can select AEs or PROs to visualize within specified time periods and compare across treatments. In the cohort explorer, users can select a subset of patients with a specific symptom, severity, and treatment received to visualize the trajectory over time within a specified time interval. With the custom explorer, users can upload and visualize structured longitudinal toxicity and tolerability data.

CONCLUSION

We have created an interactive web application and tool for clinicians and researchers to explore and visualize clinical trial tolerability data. This adaptable tool can be extended for other clinical trial data visualization and incorporated into future patient-clinician interactions regarding treatment decisions.
Outcomes of Patients With Newly Diagnosed AML and Hyperleukocytosis
Authors: Haddad Fadi G. , Sasaki Koji , Senapati Jayastu , Xiao Lianchun , Park Grace , Abuasab Tareq , Venugopal Sangeetha , Rivera Daniel , Bazinet Alexandre , Babakhanlou Rodrick , Kim Kunhwa , Ong Faustine , Desikan Sai , Pemmaraju Naveen , Loghavi Sanam , Borthakur Gautam , DiNardo Courtney , Abbas Hussein A. , Short Nicholas J. , Daver Naval , Jabbour Elias , Garcia-Manero Guillermo , Ravandi Farhad , Kantarjian Hagop , Kadia Tapan
Published: July 2024

PURPOSE

AML presenting with hyperleukocytosis is associated with poor outcomes. We aim to understand the factors associated with early mortality and overall survival (OS) to help guide management and improve early mortality.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed data from 129 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed AML and a WBC count ≥100 × 10
9
/L between January 2010 and April 2020. Logistic regression models estimated odds ratios for 4-week mortality. Cox proportional hazard models estimated hazard ratios for OS.

RESULTS

The median age was 65 years (range, 23-86); the median WBC was 146 × 10
9
/L (range, 100-687). Seventy-five (58%) patients had clinical leukostasis (CL).
FLT3
,
NPM1
, and
RAS
pathway mutations were detected in 63%, 45%, and 27% of patients, respectively. Cytoreduction consisted of hydroxyurea in 124 (96%) patients, cytarabine in 69 (54%), and leukapheresis in 31 (24%). The cumulative 4-week and 8-week mortality rates were 9% and 13%, respectively, all in patients age 65 years and older. By multivariate analysis, older age, CL, and thrombocytopenia <40 × 10
9
/L were independently associated with a higher 4-week mortality rate. After a median follow-up of 49.4 months, the median OS was 14.3 months (95% CI, 7 to 21.6), with 4-year OS of 29%. Age 65 years and older, CL, tumor lysis syndrome, elevated LDH ≥2,000 U/L, elevated lactate ≥2.2 mmol/L, and poor-risk cytogenetics were independent factors associated with worse OS.

CONCLUSION

Hyperleukocytosis is a life-threatening hematologic emergency. Early recognition and intervention including cytoreduction, blood product support, antibiotics, and renal replacement therapy may help mitigate the risk of morbidity and early mortality.
Palbociclib in Patients With Soft Tissue Sarcoma With CDK4 Amplifications: Results From the Targeted Agent and Profiling Utilization Registry Study
Authors: Schuetze Scott , Rothe Michael , Mangat Pam K. , Garrett-Mayer Elizabeth , Meric-Bernstam Funda , Calfa Carmen J. , Farrington Laura Catherine , Livingston Michael B. , Wentzel Kristopher , Behl Deepti , Kier Yelena , Marr Alissa S. , von Mehren Margaret , Press Joshua Z. , Thota Ramya , Grantham Gina N. , Gregory Abigail , Hinshaw Dominique C. , Halabi Susan , Schilsky Richard L.
Published: July 2024

PURPOSE

Targeted Agent and Profiling Utilization Registry (TAPUR) is a phase II basket trial evaluating the antitumor activity of commercially available targeted agents in patients with advanced cancer and genomic alterations known to be drug targets. Results of a cohort of patients with soft tissue sarcoma with cyclin-dependent kinase 4 ( CDK4) amplification treated with palbociclib are reported.

METHODS

Eligible patients had measurable disease, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0 to 2, adequate organ function, and no standard treatment options. The primary end point was disease control (DC), defined as objective response (OR) or stable disease (SD) of at least 16+ weeks duration (SD16+) according to RECIST v1.1. The DC rate was estimated with a 90% CI. Secondary end points included OR, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), duration of response, duration of SD, and safety.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients with CDK4 amplification were enrolled. One patient was not evaluable for efficacy. One patient with partial response and 18 with SD16+ were observed for DC and OR rates of 46% (90% CI, 36 to 100) and 2% (95% CI, <1 to 13), respectively. Median PFS was 16 weeks (95% CI, 9 to 28) and median OS was 69 weeks (95% CI, 31 to 111) for evaluable patients. Twenty patients had at least one grade 3 to 4 adverse event (AE) at least possibly related to palbociclib, including alanine aminotransferase increase, anemia, fatigue, hypophosphatemia, leukopenia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia. No serious AEs were reported.

CONCLUSION

Palbociclib met prespecified criteria to declare a signal of antitumor activity in patients with sarcoma and CDK4 amplification.
A Rough Guide to the Oil Archive
Authors: Becker Lukas
Published: July 2024

The omnipresence of petroleum makes it an essential part of a history of the modern world. However, this ubiquity also presents a challenge as to which archival materials historians should use to tell this story. By using material gathered during fieldwork in the Colombian oil city of Barrancabermeja, this article aims to investigate the nature of the oil archive. Situated within the broader field of literature on the history of petroleum and archives, the investigation touches upon records in diverse archives, the urban fabric, and repositories of oil’s history to be found underground. By pinpointing such materials across Barrancabermeja, the article argues that the oil archive is not just found in historical documents but embedded in the landscape, in social practices, in human bodies, and even in the geology of the earth. To understand the deep-seated influence of oil, the article argues for the establishment of an interdisciplinary working group of the oil archive. Faced with the impending challenge of climate change and the long-lasting legacy of the fossil fuel age, such a group could provide evidence for how humanity got to this stage, point to different imaginaries of past and future, and clarify issues surrounding climate justice and responsibility.
FOXC1 and FOXC2 regulate growth plate chondrocyte maturation towards hypertrophy in the embryonic mouse limb skeleton
Authors: Almubarak Asra , Zhang Qiuwan , Zhang Cheng-Hai , Abdelwahab Noor , Kume Tsutomu , Lassar Andrew B. , Berry Fred B.
Published: July 2024

The Forkhead box transcription factors FOXC1 and FOXC2 are expressed in condensing mesenchyme cells at the onset of endochondral ossification. We used the Prx1-cre mouse to ablate Foxc1 and Foxc2 in limb skeletal progenitor cells. Prx1-cre;Foxc1Δ/Δ;Foxc2Δ/Δ limbs were shorter than controls, with worsening phenotypes in distal structures. Cartilage formation and mineralization was severely disrupted in the paws. The radius and tibia were malformed, whereas the fibula and ulna remained unmineralized. Chondrocyte maturation was delayed, with fewer Indian hedgehog-expressing, prehypertrophic chondrocytes forming and a smaller hypertrophic chondrocyte zone. Later, progression out of chondrocyte hypertrophy was slowed, leading to an accumulation of COLX-expressing hypertrophic chondrocytes and formation of a smaller primary ossification center with fewer osteoblast progenitor cells populating this region. Targeting Foxc1 and Foxc2 in hypertrophic chondrocytes with Col10a1-cre also resulted in an expanded hypertrophic chondrocyte zone and smaller primary ossification center. Our findings suggest that FOXC1 and FOXC2 direct chondrocyte maturation towards hypertrophic chondrocyte formation. At later stages, FOXC1 and FOXC2 regulate function in hypertrophic chondrocyte remodeling to allow primary ossification center formation and osteoblast recruitment.
Can Eccentric-Only Resistance Training Decrease Passive Muscle Stiffness While Increasing Size and Strength of Hamstrings?
Authors: KAWAMA RAKI , TAKAHASHI KATSUKI , IKIFUNE HARUKI , TOZAWA HIRONOSHIN , OBATA TAKAFUMI , ITO RYO , HOJO TATSUYA , WAKAHARA TAKU
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Resistance training may be empirically believed to increase passive muscle stiffness. Meanwhile, a recent study showed that the passive stiffness of a specific hamstring muscle acutely decreased after eccentric-only resistance exercise at long muscle lengths with a long contraction duration (LL). To extend this finding, the present study investigated the chronic effects of eccentric-only resistance training with LL at different weekly frequencies on the passive stiffness of the biarticular hamstring muscles.

Methods

Thirty-six healthy young males were assigned into two training groups with two and three weekly sessions (W2 and W3; n = 12, respectively) and a control group (CON; n = 12). The participants in both training groups performed eccentric-only stiff-leg deadlift at 50%–100% of exercise range of motion (0% = upright position) with 5 s per repetition for 10 wk. Before and after the intervention period, the shear moduli of the biarticular hamstring muscles, maximal voluntary isometric torque of knee flexion, and volumes of the individual hamstring muscles were measured.

Results

In W3, the shear modulus of the semimembranosus (−11.4%) significantly decreased, whereas those of the other biarticular muscles did not change. There were no significant changes in the shear moduli of the biarticular hamstring muscles in W2 or CON. The isometric torque (20.3% and 26.2%, respectively) and semimembranosus volume (5.7% and 7.4%, respectively) were significantly increased in W2 and W3.

Conclusions

Passive stiffness of a specific muscle could be chronically decreased when eccentric-only resistance training with LL is performed at a relatively high weekly frequency with a high total training volume. Our training modality may be a promising strategy for decreasing passive muscle stiffness while increasing muscular strength and size.
Rorschach and resting state-fMRI: Personality Assessment and unique associations with resting-state brain networks activity
Authors: Cristofanelli Stefania , Vitolo Enrico , Zennaro Alessandro , Cauda Franco , Brischetto Costa Tommaso , Centonze Eleonora , Baccini Giorgia , Manuello Jordi , Ferro Laura
Published: July 2024

Background The Rorschach test is one of the most popular tests used in clinical settings for psychopathology and personality assessment; however, there is still little evidence regarding the functional correlates of test responses. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) allows for the investigation of biological correlates associated with different psychological functions. Among other applications, fMRI has been used to identify different networks that reflect brain activity in the resting state (rs-fMRI), that is, when an individual is not engaged in any specific task. Among these resting-state networks (RSN), the best-known and most studied are the Default Mode Network (DMN), along with other networks such as salience, frontoparietal, sensorimotor, temporo-parietal, visual, and cerebellar networks. Methods We used this type of analysis to obtain new evidence regarding Rorschach. This study aimed to analyze the functional brain architecture underlying Rorschach’s personality variables, administered according to Exner’s Comprehensive System (CS). In particular, the aims are: 1) to ascertain the existence of correlations between CS variables and activity of the RSN, and 2) to use these profiles of activity to develop a new data-driven clustering of the CS variables. Archival data from twenty-four non-clinical subjects were analyzed. Independent Component Analysis (ICA) and partial least squares regression (PLS) were used to analyze the fMRI data. Results The results showed specific associations with the given Rorschach variables (several of which could be grouped into higher-order latent factors) and activity of the main RSN. Moreover, the cluster analysis outlined important groupings of Rorschach variables, particularly regarding their clinical implications. Conclusions Our study could be comprised in the existing literature providing strong evidence about the neurobiological validity of the Rorschach test.