bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early and Late Intrinsic Hand Muscle Reinnervation After End-to-Side AIN to Ulnar Motor Nerve Transfer
Authors: Mitchell Eric C. , Mansouri Mehran , Miller Thomas , Ross Douglas , Gillis Joshua
Published: November 2024

Background:

The “supercharge” end-to-side (SETS) anterior-interosseous-nerve (AIN) to ulnar-motor nerve transfer is used to improve intrinsic muscle recovery in cases of severe ulnar nerve compression or proximal axonotmetic injuries. Previous work has found differing intrinsic muscle recovery after this transfer. The objectives of this study were to examine the patterns of recovery in first dorsal interossei (FDI) and abductor digiti minimi (ADM) and the impact of AIN transfer to a specific fascicular location on the ulnar-motor nerve.

Methods:

A retrospective review of one fellowship-trained surgeon’s consecutive patients at a single center from December 2019 to September 2021 was conducted. Patients who had an AIN to ulnar-motor nerve transfer for any indication were included and were excluded if they had less than 9 months follow-up.

Results:

Seventeen patients were included (88% male, mean age 55 ± 14 years). At early follow-up, compound muscle action potential amplitudes for ADM and FDI did not increase. Compound muscle action potential amplitude for ADM significantly increased at late follow-up ( P < .01). Average British Medical Research Council (BMRC) strength increased at early follow-up for FDI ( P < .05), but not ADM. The proportion of patients with BMRC ≥ 3 increased for FDI ( P < .01) and ADM ( P < .05) at late follow-up. Volar-ulnar AIN insertion position did not have a clear effect on outcomes.

Conclusions:

The SETS AIN to ulnar-motor nerve transfer demonstrates clinical and electrophysiologic evidence of intrinsic muscle recovery and reinnervation, with differing recovery of outcomes. The role of specific fascicular targeting is still unclear and required further examination as does the mechanism behind differing intrinsic recovering.
Management Options and Clinical Outcomes After Flexor Tendon Ruptures Following Volar Plating of Distal Radius Fractures
Authors: Langdell Hannah C. , Emovon Emmanuel O. , Hammert Warren C.
Published: November 2024

Background:

The transition to volar locking plates for the treatment of distal radius fractures has improved patients’ range of motion, reduced extensor tendon issues, and hastened return to activity compared to older fixation methods or nonoperative treatment. One drawback to volar plating is the potential for flexor tendon ruptures due to aberrant plate or screw placement. This study aims to describe the reconstruction options and patient outcomes after flexor tendon rupture due to volar plating.

Methods:

This is a single-institution, retrospective review of patients who presented with flexor tendon rupture from 2014 to 2023 after a distal radius fracture previously managed with a volar plate. Patient demographics, operative details, range of motion, complications, and patient-reported outcomes were collected.

Results:

Ten patients presented with flexor tendon ruptures after volar plating for distal radius fractures from 2014 to 2023. The most common rupture was flexor pollicis longus (FPL) in 7 patients, followed by index finger flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) in 2 patients, and small and ring finger FDP rupture in 1 patient. Flexor pollicis longus (FPL) was reconstructed with a palmaris longus (PL) graft in 4 patients, ring finger flexor digitorum superficialis transfer in 2 patients, and repaired primarily in 1 patient. All patients with FPL ruptures regained functional thumb interphalangeal flexion except for 1 patient who reruptured 4 weeks after surgery.

Conclusions:

Flexor tendon ruptures can occur following volar plating of distal radius fractures, even years after fixation of the fracture. These are attritional ruptures and generally reconstructed with tendon grafting of transfer, providing functional flexion of the affected digit.
Accelerated aspiration with Q™ catheter: An in vitro study
Authors: Reymond Philippe , Contreras Mayra , Brina Olivier , Langston Trent , Chesler Naomi , Brinjikji Waleed , Wainwright John , Machi Paolo
Published: November 2024

Background and Purpose

Thrombectomy in distal, medium vessels is a topic of increasing interest. To date, there are few in vitro studies focused on performance of ≤5F catheters in medium vessels. The purpose of this study is to compare the performance of the 3F, 4F, and 5F MIVI Neuroscience Q Catheters versus Penumbra 3F, 4F, and MicroVention Sofia 5F Catheters.

Methods

Using in vitro methods, we assessed and compared the following parameters: aspiration flow rates, clot uncorking forces, impulse, and clot ingestion. For flow rate, each aspiration catheter was immersed in a cylindrical container. Flow rate at one second was used to calculate impulse. For clot uncorking force, the force required to disengage a catheter from a simulated clot was recorded. For ingestion, we measured time to ingest soft and medium stiffness synthetic clots.

Results

The measured flow rates without a stent retriever for the Q3, Q4, and Q5 catheters were 3.54 ml/s, 5.32 ml/s, and 6.87 ml/s. The measured flow rates without a stent retriever for the 3MAX, 4MAX, and 5F Sofia were 1.46 ml/s, 2.56 ml/s, and 1.73 ml/s. The impulse calculated for one second was 26 mNs for Q5 vs 9 mNs for Sofia 5, 35 mNs for Q4 vs 15 mNs for 4Max< and 35 mNs for Q3 vs 9 mNs for 3Max. The average system ingestion for Q was significantly faster than the competitive catheters.

Conclusions

The Q catheters demonstrated higher flow rates, higher uncorking force, and faster complete clot ingestion than competitive catheters.
What are the benefits of directed attention within verbal working memory?
Authors: Jeanneret Stéphanie , Vergauwe Evie , Hautekiet Caro , Langerock Naomi
Published: November 2024

Information that is particularly relevant for upcoming behaviour can be prioritised within working memory, by directing attention to it. Receiving focused attention during retention is assumed to be associated with specific benefits, such as increased memory performance and reduced vulnerability to perceptual distractions. This has been demonstrated in visuospatial working memory. Given the domain-general nature of the focus of attention, these benefits should extend to verbal working memory as well. This was tested in the current study. In particular, we examined and compared the effects of cue-based and reward-based prioritisation in verbal working memory across a series of five preregistered experiments. These experiments varied in their memory materials, set size, interference, and memory task. Our results collectively revealed several key findings. First, both cue-based and reward-based prioritisation led to a clear and consistent memory boost for prioritised information in verbal working memory. Second, the memory boost induced by cue-based prioritisation was mostly comparable to that induced by reward-based prioritisation. Third, memory for verbal information did not drastically suffer when exposed to perceptual interference. And finally, the effect of perceptual interference on verbal information was not drastically influenced by whether the information was prioritised or not. Overall, this series of experiments contributes to understanding the consequences of directed attention in verbal working memory and highlights similarities and differences from findings in visuospatial working memory.
Enhanced auditory serial recall of recently presented auditory digits following auditory distractor presentation in blind individuals
Authors: Föcker Julia , Huang Leyu , Caling Alliza L , Fischer Marieke , Ihle Andreas , Hodgson Timothy , Kattner Florian
Published: November 2024

The ability to focus on task-relevant information while ignoring distractors is essential in many everyday life situations. The question of how profound and moderate visual deprivation impacts the engagement with a demanding memory task (top-down control) while ignoring task-irrelevant perceptual information (bottom-up) is not thoroughly understood. In this experiment, 17 blind individuals, 17 visually impaired individuals and 17 sighted controls were asked to recall the sequence of eight auditorily presented digits. Following digit presentation, two auditory distractor streams including a repetitive presentation of the same syllables (steady-state sounds) or different syllables (changing-state sounds) occurred spoken in different emotional prosodies (happy, fearful, angry, and neutral). Blind individuals not only showed overall superior serial recall performance but also displayed sustained memory retention for items presented more recently in the sequence (specifically at the fifth to the eighth digit positions) compared with sighted and visually impaired individuals. Furthermore, blind individuals showed a weaker serial position effect compared with visually impaired and sighted individuals. Emotional prosody also impacted serial recall differently in blind, visually impaired and sighted controls: Sighted and visually impaired participants exhibited improved serial recall when steady-state sounds carried a fearful or angry prosody. By contrast, in the steady-state condition, emotional prosody had no effect on serial recall performance in blind individuals. These findings may be linked to the enhanced ability of blind individuals to flexibly apply a combination of strategies, such as association and grouping.
The Power of Images: How Multimodal Hate Speech Shapes Prejudice and Prosocial Behavioral Intentions
Authors: Wang Sai
Published: November 2024

While online hate speech has become a serious problem in multimedia environments, most studies in this area have examined text-based hateful content, with less attention paid to its other visual aspects. From a multimodal perspective, we conducted an online experiment ( N = 799) to investigate how multimodal hate speech (i.e., text and images presented together to convey hateful meanings) on social media affected users’ prejudicial attitudes and prosocial behavioral intentions. The results showed that participants in the text-plus-image (vs. text-only) condition felt more sympathy, which led to less implicit prejudice toward the target group and more prosocial behavioral intentions. In addition, exposure to text-plus-image hate speech had an indirect effect on prosocial behavioral intentions through sympathy and implicit prejudice. The findings contribute to scholarship on online hate speech and provide insights into the affect heuristics that individuals rely on when processing multimodal information.
Multifidus Degeneration: The Key Imaging Predictor of Adjacent Segment Disease
Authors: Burkhard Marco D. , Chiapparelli Erika , Hambrecht Jan , Köhli Paul , Guven Ali E. , Tsuchiya Koki , Schönnagel Lukas , Caffard Thomas , Amoroso Krizia , Altorfer Franziska C. S. , Evangelisti Gisberto , Zhu Jiaqi , Shue Jennifer , Kelly Michael J. , Girardi Federico P. , Cammisa Frank P. , Sama Andrew A. , Hughes Alexander P.
Published: November 2024

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Objectives

To identify imaging predictors on pre- and perioperative imaging that are associated with a future revision surgery for adjacent segment disease (ASD) following lumbar fusion.

Methods

Patients undergoing open posterior lumbar fusion between 2014-2022 were followed-up for >2-year. The initial MRI was evaluated for disc degeneration by Pfirrmann (grade 1-5); Modic changes (0-3); as well as fatty infiltration and functional cross-sectional area (fCSA) of the multifidus, erector spinae, and psoas. Spinopelvic alignment was measured pre- and postoperatively.

Results

Of 216 patients, 14.8% (n = 32) required revision surgery for ASD in the further course. There were no significant differences in Modic changes or Pfirrmann grades between the ASD group and controls. Fatty infiltration was significantly higher in the ASD group for both the erector spinae (40.5% vs 36.9%, P = 0.043) and multifidus muscles (61.0% vs 53.9%, P = 0.003). Additionally, the multifidus fCSA was smaller in patients who developed ASD (5.7 cm2 vs 6.7 cm2). Pre- and postoperative spinopelvic parameters were not significantly different between groups, and no other MRI measurements showed a significant difference. In a multivariable logistic regression model adjusting for age and sex, multifidus fatty infiltration emerged as the only significant predictor of ASD revision surgery ( P = 0.004). Patients with more than 58% multifidus fatty infiltration had over double the risk of developing ASD (OR 2.7, 95% CI: 1.1-6.5, P = 0.032).

Conclusions

Multifidus fatty infiltration is the key imaging predictor for the development of ASD requiring surgical revision. Disc degeneration and spinopelvic alignment appear to have less impact.
Using the Health Belief Model to Predict Self-Care Behaviors Among Patients With Cardiovascular Disease Post COVID-19 Pandemic: A Perspective From the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Mosleh Sultan M. , Khraisat Adam , Shoqirat Noordeen , Obeidat Rana
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Data on how the health belief model constructs might predict the self-care behavior of patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) post-coronavirus disease (COVID-19) 2019 pandemic are scarce.

Objective

This study determines the predictors influencing patients’ intention to adhere to self-care for CVD in the United Arab Emirates after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. A total of 222 patients with CVD were purposively selected. Three scales were used: Health Beliefs Related to Cardiovascular Disease, Physical Activity Measurement, and Behavioral Intention Measurement. Various socio-demographic and clinical characteristics and the participants’ health belief components were considered potential factors in the multivariate analysis to identify the independent predictors of the intention of self-care behaviors.

Results

The participants had a high level of perceived CVD risk (M = 4.02, SD = 0.714) and high level of perceived benefits regarding adopting healthy behavior (M = 4.30, SD = 0.817). The multiple linear regression revealed that not performing regular sweating exercises (β = 0.230), not receiving smoking cessation instructions (β = 0.214, p = .005), being sufficiently active (β = 0.304), and having no history of heart surgery (β = 0.155) were the independent predictors of low intention scores. The perceived benefits and perceived cues to the action of the Health Belief Model (HBM) were significant independent predictors of behavior intention and were responsible for a 22% increase in the participants’ intention variances .

Conclusions

In a post-COVID CVD, this investigation delineated perceived benefits and cues to action derived from the HBM as the most robust prognosticators of behavioral intention (accounting for 47% of the variance), superseding sociodemographic and clinical parameters (explaining 25% of the variance). These results advocate for tailored interventions accentuating individual advantages and explicit prompts for behavioral modifications within this demographic.
Interrogating Hierarchies to Build a Humanitarian Literacy Research Architecture: Multiple Perspectives
Authors: Johnson Latrise P. , Mora Raúl Alberto , Parsons Seth A. , Garcia Antero Godina , Mirra Nicole
Published: November 2024

This year's conference theme was a collective invitation to face how we, as a literacy research collective, may have played a role in marginalization and disenfranchisement and the further promotion and perpetuation of conceptual and linguistic hierarchies. The conference theme also became an invitation to propose ways to counter these existing hierarchies and how we use research as part of that solution. That was the spirit behind this year's Integrative Research Review Panel. This panel brought together five scholars, encompassing four perspectives, to tackle this year's conference theme of “Interrogating Hierarchies.” The four papers approached the conversation about hierarchies from research on Black writing, English as a global affair, the science of reading, and social design-based experiments, not only outlining the pressing issues but also proposing solutions that our research community can embrace. As we read the four papers comprising this panel, it is worth pointing out how, despite the divergent departure points that each panelist's work represents, the four papers organically lay out a series of agreements about the need to rethink how we conceive English to avoid disenfranchisement, the importance of valuing minoritized and marginalized voices to rethink literacy, and the challenges to align our research with advocacy efforts.
Design of CONQUEST, a novel, randomized, placebo-controlled, Phase 2b platform clinical trial to investigate new treatments for patients with early active systemic sclerosis with interstitial lung disease
Authors: Khanna Dinesh , Evnin Luke B , Assassi Shervin , Benton Wade W , Gordon Gregory , Maslova Karina , Steffgen Juergen , Maher Toby M
Published: November 2024

Objective:

Safe, effective therapies are urgently needed for patients with systemic sclerosis. However, clinical trial recruitment is challenging given the limited number of people with systemic sclerosis and further restrictions imposed by eligibility criteria. Innovative approaches are needed to accelerate development of new therapies. This article describes the rationale and trial design for CONQUEST (NCT06195072), a novel platform clinical trial sponsored by the Scleroderma Research Foundation, a not-for-profit organization.

Methods:

CONQUEST is a multicentre, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, Phase 2b platform trial evaluating the efficacy, safety and pharmacodynamics of multiple investigational products to treat early active systemic sclerosis with interstitial lung disease versus placebo. The primary objective is to evaluate change from baseline to Week 52 in forced vital capacity (mL). Secondary objectives include evaluating changes from baseline to Week 52 in high-resolution computed-tomography-assessed lung involvement and dyspnoea, and overall treatment response (measured using the revised composite response index in diffuse systemic sclerosis score in participants with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis).

Results:

Patients will be enrolled across more than 150 centres in over 25 countries. Recruitment started on 15 April 2024.

Conclusion:

As the first platform clinical trial in the rheumatology field, CONQUEST aims to meaningfully accelerate the development of new therapies for early active systemic sclerosis. Depending on regimen-specific results, trial data could be used to plan and design a Phase 3 trial or may be used alone or together with another registrational trial to establish substantial evidence of effectiveness and safety. The first molecules to be studied, amlitelimab and nerandomilast, both have a strong scientific rationale to modify underlying disease processes in systemic sclerosis.

ClinicalTrials.gov:

Platform Clinical Study for Conquering Scleroderma (CONQUEST); NCT06195072; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06195072
Headache disorders and risk of stroke: A register-linked HUNT study
Authors: Giri Samita , Tronvik Erling , Dalen Håvard , Ellekjær Hanne , Olsen Alexander , Hagen Knut
Published: November 2024

Background

Many studies have found that migraine with aura (MA) is a risk factor of stroke, but the relationship between stroke and migraine without aura and tension-type headache is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate whether primary headache disorders, including subtypes of migraine, increase the risk of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke.

Methods

This large population-based 13-year follow-up study used baseline headache data from the third Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT3) performed between 2006 and 2008. The HUNT3 headache data were linked to the Norwegian National Stroke Register that includes stroke diagnoses recorded from 2013 until December 2021. The association between stroke and headache status was investigated in individuals aged ≥20 years without stroke at baseline. Prospective associations were evaluated using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models with 95% confidence intervals. Separate sub-group analyses by age and sex were performed.

Results

Among 37,364 included participants, 50% were younger than 55 years. A total of 1095 (2.9%) developed stroke after a median of 9 years. In the multi-adjusted model, reporting MA at baseline was associated with increased risk of stroke at follow-up (HR 1.59, 95% CI 1.14–2.21) compared with those without headache. The increased risk of stroke was most evident among individuals <55 years with MA (HR 2.18, 95% CI 1.24–3.82) and among women (HR 1.70, 95% CI 1.12–2.59). Migraine without aura (MO), tension-type headache (TTH) and unclassified headaches were not associated with increased risk of stroke.

Conclusions

During 15 years of follow-up, individuals with MA were more likely to suffer from stroke compared to those without headache. The relationship with MA was even stronger in women, and for young individuals aged <55 years. Individuals with MO or TTH were not associated with increased risk of stroke.
Impact of Size on Endoluminal Approaches to Submucosal Tumors of the Stomach
Authors: AbiMansour Jad P. , Law Ryan J.
Published: November 2024

Gastric subepithelial lesions (SELs) represent a heterogenous group of mass lesions that arise from the gastric mucosa. Several endoscopic techniques can be used to manage gastric SELs once the decision is made to pursue resection, including endoscopic submucosal resection, endoscopic submucosal dissection, submucosal tunnel endoscopic resection, and endoscopic full-thickness resection. In addition to other clinical and anatomic factors, lesion size has important implications on the ability to obtain a complete resection while minimizing risk of adverse events. This article reviews technical considerations and available data regarding how size may impact the endoscopic approach to gastric SEL resection.
“Frontal Sinus Setback in Facial Feminization Surgery: Emphasizing Anatomical Landmarks Over Virtual Planning and Cutting Guides”
Authors: Xu Hannah , Benedict Michelle D. , Yousif Sabrina , Prescher Hannes , Vercler Christian J.
Published: November 2024

Background:

Demand for facial feminization surgery (FFS) is growing amidst increasing recognition of its significant impact on gender affirmation. Forehead contouring via frontal sinus setback is a powerful procedure for feminizing the upper facial skeleton. While Virtual Surgical Planning (VSP) has been described as a useful tool in these surgeries, the associated cost may limit access for patients seeking these transformative interventions, especially those who lack insurance coverage for FFS. This study challenges the emerging notion that VSP is critical for the successful execution of frontal sinus setbacks.

Methods:

We present a technique that relies on well-defined anatomical landmarks of the frontal sinus and standard maxillofacial CT imaging for pre-operative planning, eliminating the need for expensive, pre-operatively prepared cutting guides. Key steps in this technique include obtaining detailed measurements of the frontal sinus dimensions and contour, visualizing the nasofrontal junction, reshaping the frontal sinus, resecting the corrugator muscle, and finally, performing a direct browlift.

Results:

In our cohort of 13 patients, including a 65-year-old transgender female with significant forehead prominence, this approach consistently achieved satisfactory outcomes without complications.

Conclusion:

By demonstrating that high-quality results can be achieved without VSP, we present a cost-conscious approach to FFS for a more inclusive and equitable provision to gender-affirming care. Surgical expertise and understanding of patient-specific anatomy are crucial in achieving these results, emphasizing the importance of skill over reliance on technology.
Rapidly Developing and Elusive Rhino-Orbital-Cerebral Mucormycosis
Authors: Durstock Nicholas F. , Williams Kevin M. , Saeed Omar B. , Warwar Ronald E.
Published: November 2024

Purpose:

To report a case of rapidly progressing rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis that was particularly difficult to diagnose, initially presenting as orbital apex syndrome.

Major findings:

In this case, a 59-year-old male patient with uncontrolled diabetes presented with a history of facial pain with no ocular involvement. Within 1 day of hospitalization, the patient developed complete ophthalmoplegia and total visual impairment of the right eye. Over the course of 2 hospital stays, several biopsies resulted in no significant histopathological findings, and several cultures resulted in growth of only a single colony of rhizopus mucor from the sinonasal mucosa. Given the high clinical suspicion of an invasive fungal infection, a universal PCR test was performed from a rapidly developing abscess in the frontal lobe and confirmed a diagnosis of mucormycosis.

Conclusions:

Orbital apex syndrome is a significant diagnosis that can be caused by a variety of factors, including those of fungal, bacterial, neoplastic, or inflammatory origin. Fungal infections, are a particularly concerning cause of orbital apex syndrome, given their ability to penetrate in and through the orbit to the brain, often resulting in an alarmingly high mortality rate. Mucormycosis, specifically rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis, is a very severe opportunistic invasive fungal infection, most often afflicting the immunocompromised. A clinician must be very thorough in their workup so as to not miss such a devastating diagnosis. Histopathology and cell cultures are currently the gold standard for diagnosis, with the potential to augment their technical success through the use of molecular techniques, such as universal PCR.
Metaphor of the Drum Circle: Balance, Equity, Connection, Wholeness
Authors: Varner Edward
Published: November 2024

The purpose of this mindfulness themed column is to promote the use of focused breathing and drumming as access points to improved student and teacher wellness in the general music classroom. Drumming can be a holistic activity with the healing potential to improve and transform many traumatic life experiences endured by students and teachers. Similarly, mindfulness breathwork is a holistic approach used to enhance self-awareness in the moment and can reduce participant anxiety. Both pursuits have the potential to help students and teachers overcome difficulties of fear, stress, and anxiety. Both practices expose participants to new ways of understanding themselves and the world around them while creating important access points to mindfulness and self-awareness.
“Right here waiting”? Distribution of intentional metro travel groups amid COVID-19 in Hong Kong
Authors: Zhou Mingzhi , Lei Shuyu , Zhou Jiangping
Published: November 2024

During COVID-19, people needed to travel and meet as a group physically to gain benefits such as overcoming loneliness. Using multiday continuous smartcard data, we can identify intentional travel groups (ITGs) in cities. Using the 2020 smartcard data of the Hong Kong metro system, we first construct a dataset of probable ITG trips (PIGTs) where two riders swiped in and out at the same stations within one minute during weekends—we choose weekends because there are fewer co-presenting metro commuters entering and/or exiting the same station. Assuming that ITGs would have more PIGTs and smaller exit time difference than those co-presenting by coincidence, we then identified ITGs as those with at least four PIGTs in a month. To see whether and how the pandemic impacted ITGs, we geo-visualize the quantity of the identified ITGs by metro station and between metro stations on three different Sundays before and during the pandemic. The results indicate that ITGs’ distribution by metro station and between metro stations changed notably after the outbreak of COVID-19.
How should we think about globalization in a post-globalization era?
Authors: Roudometof Victor
Published: November 2024

This article critically examines the challenges to the globalization paradigm observed throughout the world in the twenty-first century. While empirical evidence suggests that the policy-oriented globalization project of the 1990s has been superseded by different tendencies and policies, social-scientific scholarship in areas other than economics has not engaged with the notion of ‘post-globalization’. The principal reason appears to be the employment of different conceptual lenses, whereby globalization appears as a long-term process largely unaffected by short-term shifts. The article interrogates the conceptual terrain of globalization scholarship, arguing that several important developments require the adjustment of theoretical lenses and a greater flexibility in the use of globalization as a master concept. In order to perform such a task, the article outlines a series of ideas that could facilitate the development of a perspective capable of addressing the question of how we should think about globalization in a post-globalization era.
Real-World Comparison of Oral Versus Injectable Semaglutide for the Reduction of Hemoglobin A1C and Weight in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Pinto Maria , Brennan Lillian , Diehl Katie , Lin Shally , Heacock Samantha
Published: November 2024

Background:

No head-to-head comparisons of semaglutide formulations currently exist in the literature. In practice, many may think that oral and injectable semaglutide formulations are interchangeable, although there is currently limited real-world data to determine whether this is accurate.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of oral versus injectable semaglutide on hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) and weight in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods:

This was a retrospective single-center review of adult patients who had a diagnosis of T2D and were treated with oral or injectable semaglutide between November 1, 2019, and July 31, 2022. Primary outcome was a comparison of changes in HbA1C (%) and weight (kg) from baseline to 6 months between patients receiving oral versus injectable semaglutide, stratified according to highest dose received. Secondary outcomes included frequency of dose reductions and discontinuations, achievement of clinical goals, and presence of an embedded clinical pharmacist at patients’ primary care office.

Results:

A total of 105 patients were included. Patients experienced mean decreases in HbA1C and weight from baseline to 6 months of −1.75% ( P < 0.001) and −3.64 kg ( P = 0.015), respectively, in the oral semaglutide group and −1.35% ( P < 0.001) and −5.26 kg ( P < 0.001), respectively, in the injectable semaglutide group. When directly comparing semaglutide formulations, oral semaglutide demonstrated a 0.4% greater numerical reduction in HbA1C ( P = 0.523) and injectable semaglutide demonstrated a 1.62-kg greater numerical reduction in weight ( P = 0.312). Adverse events (AEs) occurred more frequently with oral semaglutide than with injectable semaglutide (16.7% vs 4.9%). Discontinuation due to AEs was more common with oral semaglutide.

Conclusion:

In this study, patients with T2D who received oral semaglutide demonstrated greater reductions in HbA1C, whereas those treated with injectable semaglutide had greater reductions in weight, although there were no statistically significant reductions in HbA1C or weight between the 2 formulations. Rates of AEs and discontinuation were more common in the oral semaglutide group.
Three new members of the hakite series, Cu6(Cu4Me2+2)Sb4Se13: hakite-(Cd), hakite-(Fe) and hakite-(Zn) from the Bytíz deposit, uranium and base-metal Příbram ore district, Czech Republic
Authors: Sejkora Jiří , Biagioni Cristian , Škácha Pavel , Musetti Silvia , Dolníček Zdeněk
Published: November 2024

Hakite-(Cd), hakite-(Fe) and hakite-(Zn) are new minerals belonging to the tetrahedrite group and forming, along with hakite-(Hg), the hakite series. They have been discovered in samples collected from the Bytíz deposit, in the uranium and base-metal Příbram ore district, Central Bohemia, Czech Republic. They occur as anhedral grains, up to 300 μm in size, in a calcite gangue, associated with clausthalite, cadmoselite, hakite-(Hg) [for hakite-(Cd)], berzelianite, bukovite, bytízite, crookesite, chaméanite, eskebornite, příbramite, the not yet approved giraudite-(Hg) and giraudite-(Cu), hakite-(Hg), umangite, chalcopyrite, tetrahedrite-(Zn) and a new Cu–As selenide [for hakite-(Fe) and -(Zn)]. The three new species are black, with a metallic lustre. Mohs hardness is ca. 3½–4; calculated density is 6.019 (Hak-Cd), 6.011 (Hak-Fe) and 6.081 g.cm–3 (Hak-Zn). In reflected light, they are isotropic, pale grey with bluish (Hak-Cd) or brownish (Hak-Fe and Hak-Zn) shades. Empirical formulae of hakite-(Cd), hakite-(Fe), and hakite-(Zn) are Cu9.71Ag0.24Cd1.51Hg0.43Zn0.03(Sb3.94As0.13)Σ4.07Se11.35S1.57, Cu10.11Ag0.18Fe0.81Zn0.50Hg0.26(Sb3.72As0.41)Σ4.13Se12.65S0.12, and Cu10.03Ag0.24Zn0.61Fe0.53Hg0.45(Sb3.55As0.60)Σ4.15Se12.82S0.08, respectively. These formulae correspond to the end-member formulae Cu6(Cu4Cd2)Sb4Se13 (Hak-Cd), Cu6(Cu4Fe2)Sb4Se13 (Hak-Fe), and Cu6(Cu4Zn2)Sb4Se13 (Hak-Zn). All these new members of the hakite series are cubic, I$\bar{4}$3m, Z = 2, with unit-cell parameters a = 10.8860(6) Å, V = 1290.0(2) Å3 (Hak-Cd); a = 10.7983(4) Å, V = 1259.12(14) Å3 (Hak-Fe); and a = 10.8116(14) Å, V = 1263.8(5) Å3 (Hak-Zn). These species are isotypic with the other members of the tetrahedrite group, and their crystal structures have been refined on the basis of single-crystal X-ray diffraction data down to R1 values of 0.0230 (Hak-Cd), 0.0254 (Hak-Fe), and 0.0302 (Hak-Zn). These structural data allow us to describe the S-to-Se partitioning in hakite-series minerals and to understand the mechanisms avoiding too short Me–Se distances in these selenides.
Single cell RNA-seq reveals cellular and transcriptional heterogeneity in the splenic CD11b+Ly6Chigh monocyte population expanded in sepsis-surviving mice
Authors: Watanabe Haruki , Rana Minakshi , Son Myoungsun , Chiu Pui Yan , Fei-Bloom Yurong , Choi Kwangmin , Diamond Betty , Sherry Barbara
Published: November 2024

Background

Sepsis survivors exhibit immune dysregulation that contributes to poor long-term outcomes. Phenotypic and functional alterations within the myeloid compartment are believed to be a contributing factor. Here we dissect the cellular and transcriptional heterogeneity of splenic CD11b+Ly6Chigh myeloid cells that are expanded in mice that survive the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) murine model of polymicrobial sepsis to better understand the basis of immune dysregulation in sepsis survivors.

Methods

Sham or CLP surgeries were performed on C57BL/6J and BALB/c mice. Four weeks later splenic CD11b+Ly6Chigh cells from both groups were isolated for phenotypic (flow cytometry) and functional (phagocytosis and glycolysis) characterization and RNA was obtained for single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) and subsequent analysis.

Results

CD11b+Ly6Chigh cells from sham and CLP surviving mice exhibit phenotypic and functional differences that relate to immune function, some of which are observed in both C57BL/6J and BALB/c strains and others that are not. To dissect disease-specific and strain-specific distinctions within the myeloid compartment, scRNA-seq analysis was performed on CD11b+Ly6Chigh cells from C57BL/6J and BALB/c sham and CLP mice. Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection from both strains identified 13 distinct clusters of sorted CD11b+Ly6Chigh cells demonstrating significant transcriptional heterogeneity and expressing gene signatures corresponding to classical-monocytes, non-classical monocytes, M1- or M2-like macrophages, dendritic-like cells, monocyte-derived dendritic-like cells, and proliferating monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (M-MDSCs). Frequency plots showed that the percentages of proliferating M-MDSCs (clusters 8, 11 and 12) were increased in CLP mice compared to sham mice in both strains. Pathway and UCell score analysis in CLP mice revealed that cell cycle and glycolytic pathways were upregulated in proliferating M-MDSCs in both strains. Notably, granule protease genes were upregulated in M-MDSCs from CLP mice. ScRNA-seq analyses also showed that phagocytic pathways were upregulated in multiple clusters including the classical monocyte cluster, confirming the increased phagocytic capacity in CD11b+Ly6Chigh cells from CLP mice observed in ex vivo functional assays in C57BL/6J mice.

Conclusion

The splenic CD11b+Ly6Chigh myeloid populations expanded in survivors of CLP sepsis correspond to proliferating cells that have an increased metabolic demand and gene signatures consistent with M-MDSCs, a population known to have immunosuppressive capacity.
The need for implementing a standardized, evidence-based emergency department discharge plan for optimizing adult asthma patient outcomes in the UAE, expert meeting report
Authors: Buhumaid Rasha , Alzaabi Ashraf , Mahboub Bassam , Iqbal Mohamed Nizam , Alhameli Hamad Alhay , Al-Mafrachi Mohamed Ghazi , Dittrich Kenneth Charles , Jaiganesh Thiagarajan
Published: November 2024

Background

Asthma is a common chronic respiratory inflammatory disease that adversely affects patients’ quality of life (QoL) and overall well-being. When asthma is not adequately controlled, there is a higher risk of exacerbations and hospitalizations, thereby increasing the direct and indirect costs associated with the treatment and productivity loss. Overreliance on SABA and underutilization of ICS in the management of asthma can result in suboptimal treatment and poor asthma control. Patients who visit the emergency department are more likely to have poorly controlled asthma. Ensuring that these patients are provided with an evidence-based treatment plan during discharge can help reduce the risk of future exacerbations and consequently reduce the burden on the UAE healthcare system.

Methods

A joint task force comprising experts from the Emirates Society of Emergency Medicine (ESEM) and Emirates Thoracic Society (ETS) reviewed published evidence and updated guidelines in asthma management to optimize the post-discharge recommendations.

Results

The ESEM-ETS experts’ joint task force has developed a step-by-step plan for emergency department/hospital discharge, which is based on the GINA 2023 guideline recommendations and the medications available in the UAE. By adhering to this structured plan, emergency department physicians can play a crucial role in improving asthma care, long-term patient outcomes, and the utilization of healthcare resources.

Conclusions

Prioritizing patient education and ensuring patients are equipped with the best-suited asthma treatment plans prior to discharge can help ED physicians improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare resource utilization in UAE hospitals.
Molecular evolution of toothed whale genes reveals adaptations to echolocating in different environments
Authors: Magpali L. , Ramos E. , Picorelli A. , Freitas L. , Nery M. F.
Published: November 2024

Background

Echolocation was a key development in toothed whale evolution, enabling their adaptation and diversification across various environments. Previous bioacoustic and morphological studies suggest that environmental pressures have influenced the evolution of echolocation in toothed whales. This hypothesis demands further investigation, especially regarding the molecular mechanisms involved in the adaptive radiation of toothed whales across multiple habitats. Here we show that the coding sequences of four hearing genes involved in echolocation (CDH23, prestin, TMC1, and CLDN14) have different signatures of molecular evolution among riverine, coastal, and oceanic dolphins, suggesting that the evolutionary constraints of these habitats shaped the underlying genetic diversity of the toothed whale sonar.

Results

Our comparative analysis across 37 odontocete species revealed patterns of accelerated evolution within coastal and riverine lineages, supporting the hypothesis that shallow habitats pose specific selective pressures to sonar propagation, which are not found in the deep ocean. All toothed whales with genes evolving under positive selection are shallow coastal species, including three species that have recently diverged from freshwater lineages (Cephalorhynchus commersonii, Sotalia guianensis, and Orcaella heinsohni - CDH23), and three species that operate specialized Narrow Band High Frequency (NBHF) Sonars (Phocoena sinus - prestin, Neophocaena phocaenoides - TMC1 and Cephalorhynchus commersonii - CDH23). For river dolphins and deep-diving toothed whales, we found signatures of positive selection and molecular convergence affecting specific sites on CDH23, TMC1, and prestin. Positively selected sites (PSS) were different in number, identity, and substitution rates (dN/dS) across riverine, coastal, and oceanic toothed whales.

Conclusion

Here we shed light on potential molecular mechanisms underlying the diversification of toothed whale echolocation. Our results suggest that toothed whale hearing genes changed under different selective pressures in coastal, riverine, and oceanic environments.
Molecular cloning of PRD-like homeobox genes expressed in bovine oocytes and early IVF embryos
Authors: Yaşar Barış , Boskovic Nina , Ivask Marilin , Weltner Jere , Jouhilahti Eeva-Mari , Vill Piibe , Skoog Tiina , Jaakma Ülle , Kere Juha , Bürglin Thomas R. , Katayama Shintaro , Org Tõnis , Kurg Ants
Published: November 2024

Background

Embryonic genome activation (EGA) is a critical step in early embryonic development, as it marks the transition from relying on maternal factors to the initiation of transcription from embryo’s own genome. The factors associated with EGA are not well understood and need further investigation. PRD-like (PRDL) homeodomain transcription factors (TFs) are considered to play crucial roles in this early event during development but these TFs have evolved differently, even within mammalian lineages. Different numbers of PRDL TFs have been predicted in bovine (Bos taurus); however, their divergent evolution requires species-specific confirmation and functional investigations.

Results

In this study, we conducted molecular cloning of mRNAs for the PRDL TFs ARGFX, DUXA, LEUTX, NOBOX, TPRX1, TPRX2, and TPRX3 in bovine oocytes or in vitro fertilized (IVF) preimplantation embryos. Our results confirmed the expression of PRDL TF genes in early bovine development at the cDNA level and uncovered their structures. For each investigated PRDL TF gene, we isolated at least one homeodomain-encoding cDNA fragment, indicative of DNA binding and thus potential role in transcriptional regulation in developing bovine embryos. Additionally, our cDNA cloning approach allowed us to reveal breed-related differences in bovine, as evidenced by the identification of a high number of single nucleotide variants (SNVs) across the PRDL class homeobox genes. Subsequently, we observed the prediction of the 9aa transactivation domain (9aaTAD) motif in the putative protein sequence of TPRX3 leading us to conduct functional analysis of this gene. We demonstrated that the TPRX3 overexpression in bovine fibroblast induces not only protein-coding genes but also short noncoding RNAs involved in splicing and RNA editing. We supported this finding by identifying a shared set of genes between our and published bovine early embryo development datasets.

Conclusions

Providing full-length cDNA evidence for previously predicted homeobox genes that belong to PRDL class improves the annotation of the bovine genome. Updating the annotation with seven developmentally-important genes will enhance the accuracy of RNAseq analysis with datasets derived from bovine preimplantation embryos. In addition, the absence of TPRX3 in humans highlights the species-specific and TF-specific regulation of biological processes during early embryo development.
Isolation and characterization of non-rhizobial bacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi from legumes
Authors: Abd-Alla Mohamed Hemida , Nafady Nivien A. , Hassan Amany A. , Bashandy Shymaa R.
Published: November 2024

This study investigates non-rhizobial endophytic bacteria in the root nodules of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L), faba bean (Vicia faba), and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp), as well as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the rhizospheric soil of chickpea and faba bean. Out of the 34 endophytic bacterial populations examined, 31 strains were identified as non-rhizobial based on nodulation tests. All strains were assessed for their plant growth-promoting (PGP) activities in vitro. The results revealed that most isolates exhibited multiple PGP activities, such as nitrogen fixation, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and ammonia (NH3) production, phosphate solubilization, and exopolysaccharide production. The most effective PGP bacteria were selected for 16S rRNA analysis. Additionally, a total of 36 species of native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) were identified. Acaulospora (100%) and Scutellospora (91.66%) were the most prevalent genera in Cicer arietinum L. and Vicia faba L. plants, respectively. Acaulospora also exhibited the highest spore density and relative abundance in both plants. Moreover, the root colonization of Cicer arietinum L. and Vicia faba L. plants by hyphae, vesicles, and arbuscules (HVA) was significant. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into non-rhizobial endophytic bacteria associated with legume root nodules and the diversity of AMF. These organisms have great potential for PGP and can be manipulated by co-inoculation with rhizobia to enhance their biofertilizer effectiveness. This manipulation is crucial for promoting sustainable agriculture, improving crop growth, and advancing biofertilizer technology.