bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving Memory Through Better Sleep in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Tai Chi Intervention Study
Authors: Li Li-Yuan , Xie Xin , Jiang Hai-Xin , Yu Jing
Published: September 2024

Objectives

The relationship between sleep and memory has been well documented. However, it remains unclear whether a mind-body exercise, that is, Tai Chi exercise, can improve memory performance in older adults by improving their subjective and objective sleep.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted with participants (M = 67.36, 56–79 years) randomly assigned to Tai Chi and control groups. The primary outcomes were sleep, both subjectively reported and objectively assessed by actigraphy, and memory performance, as well as the mediating role of sleep in memory improvement with Tai Chi practice.

Results

Tai Chi exercise led to improvements in subjective sleep, as indicated by Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) (p < .001, Cohen’s d = 0.62) and daytime dysfunction of the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) (p = .02, Cohen’s d = 0.80), and in actigraphy-assessed sleep onset latency (p < .01, Cohen’s d = 0.61), as well as improved memory performance on digit span forward (p < .001, Cohen’s d = 1.20) and visual spatial memory tasks (p < .01, Cohen’s d = 0.83) compared to the control group. Importantly, Tai Chi practice improved digit span forward memory performance through parallel mediation of both subjective sleep (i.e., daytime dysfunction of the PSQI) and objective sleep (i.e., sleep onset latency; b = 0.29, p < .01).

Discussion

Our findings uncovered the potential benefits of Tai Chi exercise in relation to both subjective and objective sleep in older adults, in turn, how sleep changes played a role in the link between Tai Chi exercise and memory changes in older adults.
Medicalizing the Body and the Locale: Kala Azar and Disease Thinking in Assam, 1824–1900
Authors: Sarma Bikash
Published: September 2024

The article examines two seemingly unconnected occurrences at the nineteenth-century north east frontier of British India. The first is the production of a pathological space via moral, social, and cultural codes enacted by medical topographies on the region since the first Anglo-Burmese war (1824–1826) and the subsequent rise of disease thinking. The second is the ambivalence in disease thinking that is brought to fore through the mysterious malady called kala azar (visceral leishmaniasis), which was geographically designated as Assam fever. This article contends that the geographical designation of kala azar as Assam fever is not just coincidental or a nosological confusion of the late nineteenth century but rather has its origin in the preceding pathological carving of space at the frontier. Further, it explores the troubled ontology between research on malaria and kala azar investigations to show that the old codes enacted by medical topographies hinged upon the era of laboratory medicine.
Neutrophil phenotype, effector functions, and microbicidal activity in patients with SARS-CoV-2-associated ARDS
Authors: Quelven Quentin , Grégoire Murielle , Coirier Valentin , Gacouin Arnaud , Le Gallou Simon , Cattoir Vincent , Cogné Michel , Guegan Hélène , Gangneux Jean-Pierre , Roussel Mikael , Tarte Karin , Tadié Jean-Marc , Lesouhaitier Mathieu
Published: September 2024

Critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for SARS-CoV-2-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are at increased risk of bacterial and fungal secondary pulmonary infections due to acquired immune dysfunction. Given that the activity of neutrophils has not been described in these patients, we aimed to investigate the function of neutrophils at ICU admission and on day 7 (D7) postadmission. Neutrophil maturation and several functional indicators were investigated. We detected a significant decrease in reactive oxygen species production at D7, but we did not observe any other significant alterations in neutrophil function. Furthermore, bronchoalveolar lavage obtained from patients displayed no inhibitory effect on the function of neutrophils from healthy donors. These findings indicate that patients admitted to the ICU for SARS-CoV-2-induced ARDS do not acquire neutrophil dysfunction within the first week of their stay, which suggests that nosocomial infections among these patients are not due to acquired neutrophil dysfunctions.
Aridity-dependent resistance but strong resilience of grassland ANPP to naturally occurring precipitation extremes
Authors: Ning Shijie , Yan Tao , Luo Wentao , Tao Shengli , Zou Xiaoming , Li Yujiang , Shangguan Zijian , Wu Yunna , Zhang Zhenhua , He Jin-Sheng
Published: September 2024

Increasing intensity and frequency of climate extremes under climate change are expected to affect rainfall-constrained ecosystems, particularly grassland ecosystems in arid and semi-arid zones. However, our understanding of the effects of precipitation extremes (extreme drought or wetness) on grassland productivity, especially under naturally occurring conditions, remains limited. Here, we assembled a dataset of aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) measurements from long-term (26–54 years) observational studies conducted in 13 grasslands worldwide to investigate the direct and legacy responses of grassland ANPP to naturally occurring precipitation extremes. We further examined changes in plant community structure (species richness, life history, growth form and photosynthetic pathway) before, during and after precipitation extremes. We found that extreme drought decreased ANPP by an average of 40%, while extreme wetness had a neutral effect on ANPP. The direct effects of both extreme drought and wetness on ANPP were aridity-dependent, with grassland vulnerability increasing with site aridity. However, we did not detect widespread legacy effects of extreme drought or wetness on ANPP. This is mainly attributable to reorganized plant community structure, which favored rapid recovery of community biomass. The aridity-dependent response of ANPP to precipitation extremes demonstrates the ambient climate-dependent resistance of grasslands to these events. Moreover, the minimal legacy effects of precipitation extremes on ANPP highlight the strong resilience of grasslands. These findings underscore the importance of integrating extreme climate conditions into forecasts of future grassland productivity and stability in a changing climate.
Acute necrotizing pancreatitis caused by ampullary cancer: a case report
Authors: Moyon Miguel A , Fernandez Tatiana B , Lopez Carlos Julio , Flores Luis F , Rosales Jose A , Aguayo William , Rojas Christian , Molina Gabriel A
Published: September 2024

Ampullary malignancies are extremely rare tumors that are usually diagnosed when they cause biliary obstruction. Rarely, any tumor or mass near or within the pancreas can cause acute pancreatitis and on even rarer occasions, these tumors can cause severe complications such as acute peripancreatic fluid collections, necrotizing pancreatitis, and infections. As a medical team, we must embrace these difficulties and these dreadful scenarios, as they are opportunities for growth for the medical team and opportunities to save even more patients. We present the case of a 59-year-old male who suddenly presented acute severe pancreatitis with necrosis and infection due to an ampullary mass. After recovery, he was referred to a tertiary center, where his cancer was successfully treated.
Concurrent acute appendicitis and obstructive ureterolithiasis: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Alatefi Dawood , Hezam Abdulhakim M , Alanzi Ahmed
Published: September 2024

The prediction of the coexistence of acute appendicitis and renal colic can be challenging, especially when the patient’s symptoms point toward one diagnosis. In this case report, we describe a patient who presented to the emergency department with severe lower abdominal pain that was thought to be solely due to acute appendicitis. Further evaluation, however, revealed the simultaneous coexistence of a right ureteral stone, causing severe hydroureteronephrosis. The patient underwent prompt surgical management, including laparoscopic appendectomy, ureteroscopy, and double-J stent insertion, and had an uneventful postoperative recovery.
Diffuse pulmonary lymphangiomatosis as a differential diagnosis of anterior mediastinal mass
Authors: Salcedo Miranda Diego , Galvis Jorge Roberto , Téllez Rodríguez Luis Jaime , Garzón Ramírez Juan Carlos , Ariza Traslaviña Julián
Published: September 2024

Diffuse pulmonary lymphangiomatosis (DLP) is an extremely rare silent disease, characterized by proliferation and thickening of abnormal pulmonary, pleural, and mediastinal soft tissue lymphatic channels. Its clinical presentation is nonspecific symptoms such as cough, dyspnea, and hemoptysis. Tomographic findings for DLP include thickening of the interlobular septa and peribronchovascular interstitium and ground glass opacities. Nevertheless, the anterior mediastinal mass, associated with thickening of interlobular septa and peribronchovascular interstitial, ground glass opacities, pleural effusion, diffuse infiltration of the mediastinum and pleural thickening in a patient with lymphangiomas, DLP should be suspected as a differential diagnosis.
Perioperative management of hemophilia A during coronary artery bypass grafting with patent foramen ovale repair
Authors: Vaidya Yash P , Hagmann Theodore D , Shumway Sara
Published: September 2024

Factor VIII deficiency, also known as hemophilia A, is the most common inherited bleeding disorder. Deficiency of Factor VIII results in dysfunction of platelet aggregation due to decreased activation of Factor X to Xa. We present the case of a 68-year-old male with mild hemophilia A (Factor VIII activity, 16%) who underwent a three-vessel coronary artery bypass graft and patent foramen ovale repair, with no increased bleeding utilizing a recombinant Factor VIII (kogenate) preoperative bolus and continuous infusion. His postoperative course was complicated by a sternal wound dehiscence requiring washout, sternal wire removal and omental flap coverage on postoperative Day 21. However, he required no postoperative blood transfusions.
Bidirectional pressure-induced penetrating necrotizing compartment syndrome in the forearm and surgical reconstruction using a two-lobed latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap in nonfunctional hand scenarios: a report of two cases
Authors: Kagaya Yu , Takada Taichi , Akagi Kenichiro , Ozaki Mine , Ohura Norihiko
Published: September 2024

This report describes two similar cases in which the distal forearm was compressed between the rib cage and floor for a prolonged period owing to immobility, resulting in severe compartment syndrome and extensive penetrating necrosis in the forearm. The cases were a 59-year-old man with cervical spondylolisthesis and a 65-year-old man suspected of having Parkinson's disease. A distinctive necrotic pattern characterized by necrosis in the volar and dorsal compartments, preservation of the lateral compartment, and retention of the radial artery was commonly observed in both cases. Despite the anticipated nonfunctional outcome of the salvaged limb, a two-lobed free latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap transfer with interposition of the thoracodorsal nerve in the median nerve defect was performed in both cases. Although the salvaged limbs were nonfunctional, the patients were able to use it for activities such as getting up and other daily tasks.
Crystallographic Dependence of Field Evaporation Energy Barrier in Metals Using Field Evaporation Energy Loss Spectroscopy Mapping
Authors: Vurpillot François , Hatzoglou Constantinos , Klaes Benjamin , Rousseau Loic , Maillet Jean-Baptiste , Blum Ivan , Gault Baptiste , Cerezo Alfred
Published: September 2024

Atom probe tomography data are composed of a list of coordinates of the reconstructed atoms in the probed volume. The elemental identity of each atom is derived from time-of-flight mass spectrometry, with no local chemical information readily available. In this study, we use a data processing technique referred to as field evaporation energy loss spectroscopy (FEELS), which analyzes the tails of mass peaks. FEELS was used to extract critical energetic parameters that are related to the activation energy for atoms to escape from the surface under intense electrostatic field and dependent of the path followed by the departing atoms. We focused our study on pure face-centered cubic metals. We demonstrate that the energetic parameters can be mapped in two-dimensional with nanometric resolution. A dependence on the considered crystallographic planes is observed, with sets of planes of low Miller indices showing a lower sensitivity to the field. The temperature is also an important parameter in particular for aluminum, which we attribute to an energetic transition between two paths of field evaporation between 25 and 60 K close to (002) pole. This paper shows that the information that can be retrieved from the measured energy loss of surface atoms is important both experimentally and theoretically.
SpacerPlacer: ancestral reconstruction of CRISPR arrays reveals the evolutionary dynamics of spacer deletions
Authors: Fehrenbach Axel , Mitrofanov Alexander , Alkhnbashi Omer S , Backofen Rolf , Baumdicker Franz
Published: September 2024

Bacteria employ CRISPR-Cas systems for defense by integrating invader-derived sequences, termed spacers, into the CRISPR array, which constitutes an immunity memory. While spacer deletions occur randomly across the array, newly acquired spacers are predominantly integrated at the leader end. Consequently, spacer arrays can be used to derive the chronology of spacer insertions. Reconstruction of ancestral spacer acquisitions and deletions could help unravel the coevolution of phages and bacteria, the evolutionary dynamics in microbiomes, or track pathogens. However, standard reconstruction methods produce misleading results by overlooking insertion order and joint deletions of spacers. Here, we present SpacerPlacer, a maximum likelihood-based ancestral reconstruction approach for CRISPR array evolution. We used SpacerPlacer to reconstruct and investigate ancestral deletion events of 4565 CRISPR arrays, revealing that spacer deletions occur 374 times more frequently than mutations and are regularly deleted jointly, with an average of 2.7 spacers. Surprisingly, we observed a decrease in the spacer deletion frequency towards both ends of the reconstructed arrays. While the resulting trailer-end conservation is commonly observed, a reduced deletion frequency is now also detectable towards the variable leader end. Finally, our results point to the hypothesis that frequent loss of recently acquired spacers may provide a selective advantage.
Structural insights into the biosynthetic mechanism of Nα-GlyT and 5-NmdU hypermodifications of DNA
Authors: Wen Yan , Guo Wenting , Meng Chunyan , Yang Jie , Xu Sha , Chen Haitao , Gan Jianhua , Wu Baixing
Published: September 2024

DNA hypermodifications are effective weapons for phages to cope with the defense system of bacteria. The biogenesis of DNA hypermodification in phages involves multiple steps, from the modified deoxynucleotide monophosphates to the final hypermodification on the DNA chains. PseudomonasPaMx11 gp46 and gp47 encode the enzymes for sequentially converting 5-phosphomethyl-2′-deoxyuridine to 5-Nα-glycinylthymidine and 5-aminomethyl-2′-deoxyuridine. Here, we have determined the crystal structures of gp46 and gp47 in their apo and double-stranded DNA (dsDNA)-bound forms. We uncovered their dsDNA recognition properties and identified the critical residues for the catalytic reactions. Combined with in vitro biochemical studies, we proposed a plausible reaction scheme for gp46 and gp47 in converting these DNA hypermodifications. Our studies will provide the structural basis for future bioengineering of the synthetic pathway of hypermodification and identifying new modifications in mammals by enzyme-assisted sequencing methods.
Constructing a supercapacitor-memristor through non-linear ion transport in MOF nanochannels
Authors: Tang Pei , Jing Pengwei , Luo Zhiyuan , Liu Kekang , Zhao Xiaoxi , Lao Yining , Yao Qianqian , Zhong Chuyi , Fu Qingfeng , Zhu Jian , Liu Yanghui , Dou Qingyun , Yan Xingbin
Published: September 2024

The coexistence and coupling of capacitive and memristive effects have been an important subject of scientific interest. While the capacitive effect in memristors has been extensively studied, the reciprocal scenario of the memristive effect in capacitors remains unexplored. In this study, we introduce a supercapacitor-memristor (CAPistor) concept, which is constructed by leveraging non-linear ion transport within the pores of a metal-organic framework zeolitic-imidazolate framework (ZIF-7). Within the nanochannels of the ZIF-7 electrode in an aqueous pseudocapacitor, the anionic species (OH−) of the electrolyte can be enriched and dissipated in different voltage regimes. This difference leads to a hysteresis effect in ion conductivity, constituting a memristive behavior in the pseudocapacitor. Thus, the pseudocapacitor-converted CAPistor seamlessly integrates the programmable resistance and memory functions of an ionic memristor into a supercapacitor, demonstrating enormous potential to extend the traditional energy storage applications of supercapacitors into emerging fields, including biomimetic nanofluidic ionics and neuromorphic computing.
A case of acute lithium poisoning and hypermagnesemia involving advanced colon cancer-induced colonic obstruction
Authors: Takayama Hideo , Komura Takuya , Kawane Taro , Matsuo Toshiki , Kimura Makiko , Nishikawa Masashi , Kitagawa Kiyoki , Omi Wataru , Sakajiri Kenichi , Onishi Ichiro , Sakagami Satoru , Yamashita Taro , Kagaya Takashi
Published: September 2024

An 83-year-old woman presented with disturbance of consciousness and hand tremor. She had taken lithium carbonate 300 mg/day for bipolar disorder and magnesium oxide 660 mg/day for constipation. Blood tests revealed lithium poisoning, hypermagnesemia and acute kidney injury. Computed tomography showed colonic obstruction caused by cancer of the descending colon. In the outpatient section, her blood pressure decreased to 89/54 mmHg, and her heart rate dropped to 40 bpm. We considered that the obstructive ileus induced intravascular dehydration, which led to toxic serum concentrations of lithium and magnesium, triggering the emergence of severe arrythmia induced by sinus dysfunction. The patient was treated with fluid resuscitation and hemodialysis, followed by endoscopic stent replacement for the descending colon cancer obstruction. These treatments improved her general condition and alleviated the lithium poisoning, hypermagnesemia and colonic obstruction. Such a case is considered extremely rare.
Sow reproductive and progeny growth performance when fed Pichia guilliermondii yeast postbiotic: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Oguey Clementine , Thayer Morgan T
Published: September 2024

Previous research suggested that feeding sows with a product containing an inactivated strain specific Pichia guilliermondii yeast postbiotic (PG; Citristim, ADM Animal Nutrition, Quincy, IL) has the potential to support fecundity, and progeny performance at birth, weaning, and after weaning. To summarize these effects, a systematic review followed by a meta-analysis was carried out to determine the effects of feeding sows with PG during gestation and lactation on reproductive the performance of sows and the growth of progeny after weaning. All experiments included were randomized trials reporting side-by-side comparisons of an appropriate control (CON) and the CON with the inclusion of PG. The effects of PG inclusion in sow diets were evaluated using the raw mean difference and effect size calculations. Analysis included seven trials for sow reproductive and litter performance until weaning, and eight trials for progeny performance after weaning. The risk of publication bias was assessed by funnel plots. In the case of publication bias, the Trim and Fill method was used. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics. Sows fed PG during gestation and lactation had more piglets born alive (BA), BA + stillborn, and BA + stillborn + mummies (P < 0.001). The individual birth weight of the piglets was not affected by the supplementation (P = 0.835). As a result, litter weight at birth was greater in sows-fed PG (P < 0.001). Piglets born from PG-fed sows tended to be weaned 0.34 d younger than those from CON-fed sows (P = 0.060). Twenty-one-day adjusted pig weight at weaning tended to be lighter by 0.122 kg in the PG sow group (P = 0.069); however, litter weight at weaning adjusted to 21 d remained similar across groups (P = 0.516). The number of piglets weaned and mortality-adjusted number of piglets weaned per sow were greater in PG than in CON sows (P < 0.023). A carryover effect was observed for progeny of PG-fed sows after weaning. Piglets born from PG-supplemented sows had greater weight gain (P = 0.030) and tended to have a better survival rate (P = 0.055) until the end of the nursery phase. These results indicate that feeding PG to sows during gestation and lactation consistently and significantly improves not only the performance of sows at farrowing but also performance of the progeny after weaning.
Surgical Technique: Spinal Accessory to Infraspinatus Nerve Transfer in Brachial Plexus Birth Injury
Authors: Burns Heather R. , Moreno Tanir A. , McLennan Alexandra L. , Xue Erica Y. , Nguyen Jenny Lee , Moore Brinkley K.
Published: September 2024

Nerve transfers, nerve grafts, and tendon transfers have been used to restore shoulder active external rotation in patients with brachial plexus birth injuries. Traditionally used nerve surgery techniques are nerve transfer from the spinal accessory nerve to a suprascapular nerve (SSN) or nerve grafting from C5 to the SSN. However, results are often suboptimal. A more distal and more targeted transfer from the spinal accessory nerve directly to the infraspinatus branch of the SSN has previously been described and mid-term outcomes are encouraging. Herein, we describe a modification of this technique with accompanying step-by-step intraoperative photographs.
Impact of Policy Changes and Program Support on Family Planning Goals among Plastic Surgery Trainees
Authors: Gates-Tanzer Lauren , Millesi Elena , Vijayasekaran Aparna , Harless Christin
Published: September 2024

Background:

In 2020, the American Board of Plastic Surgeons announced an update in the leave policy for plastic surgery trainees, extending personal leave to 12 weeks without delay in graduation. Simultaneously, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education announced their update in lactation policy. This study sought to understand the influence of the policy change on plastic surgery trainees’ goals for family planning and lactation.

Methods:

An online 32-question survey was developed to evaluate plastic surgery trainees’ perceptions of family planning and perceived program support in the United States. The survey was approved by the American Council of Academic Plastic Surgeons Research Committee and sent out to a total of 216 plastic surgery programs.

Results:

One hundred thirty plastic surgery trainees completed the survey. Most respondents were women, between the ages of 30 and 34 years, and married. Forty-five (34.6%) respondents or their partners had experienced pregnancy or live birth during their training. More than 70% did not feel that they had adequate time for leave. Female trainees faced more barriers than men, including having a partner in training, concern for their pregnancy, and burdening their co-residents during leave. The majority stated that their decision to apply to plastic surgery residency was influenced by program support for family planning compared with policy changes.

Conclusions:

This survey highlighted that the new policies benefit trainees who consider starting a family during training. Despite this, there are still challenges that need to be addressed to help foster a fair environment for trainees to work and have a family.
Typhoid perforation of the ileum in children
Authors: Sakiye Abossisso K. , Essobiyou Tamassi B. , Ouedraogo Samuel S. L. , Kebalo Sosso P. , Labou Kossi A. , Akakpo Koffi L. , Agbabozi Sirina , Gnassingbe Komlan , Dosseh Ekoue D.
Published: September 2024

Introduction:

The result of enteric involvement in typhoid fever is intestinal perforation. This is a serious situation requiring medical and surgical management. Intestinal perforation is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The authors report the first data on the management of this surgical complication of typhoid fever in a high-risk population.

Setting and methods:

This was a single-center, retrospective, descriptive study conducted on the paediatric population aged 0–15 years in the Savannah region of Togo over a 12-month period.

Results:

Typhoid perforation of the ileum accounted for 45.62% of nontraumatic abdominal emergencies in children. The patients were predominantly male, with a sex ratio of 1.41 and a mean age of 8.96 +/- 3.57 years. Primary therapy was noted in 77.78% of cases. The average consultation time was 13.46% +/- 3.93 days. Sixteen patients (16.16%) were admitted with septic shock. Perforations were multiple in 47.47% of cases. Sixty-nine patients underwent ileal resection. Fifty-four (54) patients developed complications and 12 died.

Conclusion:

Typhoid perforation of the ileum is common and is the main cause of acute generalised peritonitis in children in the savannah region of Togo. It is associated with a high morbidity and mortality rate, necessitating major preventive measures against typhoid fever.
Perioperative outcomes and its determinants among patients operated for emergency laparotomy in Southern Ethiopia, 2023: a prospective multi-center cohort study
Authors: Hailu Seyoum , Ayinie Animut , Amsalu Hunde , Mekonen Semagn , Jemal Bedru
Published: September 2024

Background:

Worldwide, emergency laparotomy is frequently performed surgery. It is a resource-intensive surgical procedure with high morbidity and mortality rates even in the best healthcare systems. Poor postoperative outcomes predispose patients to prolonged recovery, increased length of stay, and worsened clinical status. However, pieces of evidence are scarce in our country regarding postoperative outcomes of emergency laparotomy.

Objective:

The general objective of the study was to investigate the perioperative clinical outcomes and its determinants among patients who operated for emergency laparotomy in Southern Ethiopia from 10 March 2022, to 15 April 2023.

Method:

After obtaining Ethical clearance from the Research Ethics and Review Board (RERB), a multi-center cohort study was conducted in Southern Ethiopia from 10 March 2022, to 15 April 2023. Three hundred sixty-six consecutive patients undergoing emergency laparotomy were followed to assess perioperative clinical outcomes and their determinants. Continuous data were presented as mean, median, and standard deviation (SD) and the categorical data were presented as the percentage in each category. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted. The significant level of prediction was considered with a P value less than 0.05, and an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) was calculated at a 95% CI.

Result:

The cumulative incidence of perioperative mortality was 31%. Diabetes mellitus (AOR=10.1, 95% CI: 2.78, 36.57), small bowel obstruction (AOR=6.4, 95% CI: 2.69, 15.13), aspiration (OR=5.5, 95% CI: 1.44, 21.26), and ASA IV (AOR=4.6, 95% CI: 1.48, 14.35) were independent predictors of mortality.

Conclusion:

This study revealed that there is a significant level of perioperative mortality, which necessitates preoperative optimization, risk assessment, and standardization of effective perioperative care following an emergency.
Increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in young and middle-aged adults with obesity receiving Chinese herbal medicine: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Yang Wen-Chieh , Weng Te-I , Shih Ying-Hsiu , Chiu Lu-Ting
Published: September 2024

Background:

Many patients with obesity in Taiwan seek Chinese herbal medicines (CHM) from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinics. This study aimed to estimate the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in adults diagnosed with obesity, with or without CHM.

Methods:

Patients with obesity aged 18 to 50 years were identified using diagnostic codes from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database between 2008 and 2018. We randomized 67 655 patients with or without CHM using propensity score matching. All patients were followed up from the start of the study until MACEs, death, or the end of 2018. A Cox proportional regression model was used to evaluate the hazard ratios of MACEs in the CHM and non-CHM cohorts.

Results:

During a median follow-up of 4.2 years, the CHM group had a higher incidence of MACEs than the non-CHM control cohort (9.35 vs 8.27 per 1000 person-years). The CHM group had a 1.13-fold higher risk of MACEs compared with the non-CHM control (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.13; 95% CI], 1.07-1.19; p < 0.001), especially in ischemic stroke (aHR = 1.18; 95% CI, 1.07-1.31; p < 0.01), arrhythmia (aHR = 1.26; 95% CI, 1.14-1.38; p < 0.001), and young adults aged 18 to 29 years (aHR = 1.22; 95% CI, 1.05-1.43; p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Although certain CHMs offer cardiovascular benefits, young and middle-aged obese adults receiving CHM exhibit a higher risk of MACEs than those not receiving CHM. Therefore, TCM practitioners should be cautious when prescribing medications to young patients with obesity, considering their potential cardiovascular risks.
A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Examining Outcomes of Cochlear Implantation in Children With Bilateral Cochlear Nerve Deficiency
Authors: Maturi Jay R. , Noij Kimberley S. , Babu Vidya , Creighton Francis X. , Galaiya Deepa , Jenks Carolyn M.
Published: September 2024

Objective

To assess hearing and speech outcomes in pediatric patients with bilateral cochlear nerve deficiency (CND) who underwent cochlear implantation (CI) and to identify factors associated with improved outcomes.

Databases reviewed

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochran databases were searched following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

Methods

Studies that reported hearing and speech outcomes of pediatric patients with bilateral CND who underwent CI were included. Demographics, comorbidities, inner ear abnormalities, CND classification (aplasia or hypoplasia), details of diagnostic workup, and outcomes data were extracted. Outcomes were assessed using the four-level auditory performance level (APL) scale. Meta-analysis, using Cochran–Armitage tests, was performed on patients with individual data to assess factors associated with performance.

Results

A total of 314 papers were screened, and 40 papers with 378 total patients met inclusion criteria. A total of 339 patients had patient-level data and were included in the meta-analysis. Of the 339 patients, 19% (n = 63) of patients had no measurable stimulation, 28% (n = 95) had improved detection, 22% (n = 76) achieved closed-set speech perception, and 31% (n = 105) achieved open-set speech perception. Patients with cochlear nerve aplasia (p = 0.016) and syndromes (p < 0.001) had significantly worse APL scores relative to patients with cochlear nerve hypoplasia and patients without syndromes, respectively.

Conclusions

While most patients with bilateral CND benefit from CI and almost one-third of patients achieved open-set speech perception, outcomes were heterogenous and one-fifth of patients did not experience measurable benefit from CI.
Correlation of Endolysmphatic Duct Signal Intensity With Clinical Features in Otological Diseases
Authors: Matsui Kosumo , Yoshida Tadao , Sugimoto Satofumi , Kobayashi Masumi , Naganawa Shinji , Sone Michihiko
Published: September 2024

Objective

Bilateral high signal intensity (SI) in the endolymphatic duct (ED) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been reported as a common characteristic in ears with large vestibular aqueduct syndrome (LVAS). However, the significance of bilateral high SI in the ED remains unknown. The present study aimed to compare the correlation between SI in the ED and the clinical manifestations in various otological disorders and consider the significance of the MRI findings.

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

University hospital.

Patients

The study included 2,450 ears from 1,225 patients with various otological disorders.

Intervention

All ears underwent 3T enhanced MRI and were evaluated for the degree of endolymphatic hydrops (EH) and the SI ratios (SIRs; i.e., the calculation between SIs in the ED and those in the cerebellum).

Main Outcome Measure

The imaging findings were compared with their clinical symptoms.

Results

Ears with bilateral high SIRs in the ED tended to have considerably less occurrence of EH in both the cochlea and vestibule than those with bilateral low SIRs. Ears with SIR ≥8 showed significantly elevated hearing thresholds at lower frequencies on pure-tone audiometry, although they exhibited a markedly lower incidence of cochlear EH than those with SIR <8. Moreover, ears with vertigo exhibited notably higher SIRs than those without vertigo.

Conclusion

Bilateral high SI in the ED on MRI may reflect pathophysiology underlying sensorineural hearing loss and vestibular symptoms, which are not associated with EH formation.
Molecular Docking Analysis Reveals the Promising Role of Apigenin as a Potential Treatment for Neurological Disorders
Authors: Wasim Muhammad , Zia Syeda Rehana , Ahmad Saara
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Neurological disorders represent a significant global health challenge, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic agents. Apigenin, a natural flavonoid abundantly found in various plants, has garnered attention for its potential neuroprotective properties. In this study, we employed molecular docking simulations to investigate the interaction between apigenin and key molecular targets associated with neurological disorders.

Methods

The molecular docking analysis focused on receptors implicated in neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neurotransmission regulation.

Results

Our results reveal a high binding affinity of apigenin towards critical targets, including GABA, mACh, nACh, NMDA, 5HTA, AMPA, insulin, and dopamine receptors. The findings suggest that apigenin may exert its neuroprotective effects through multifaceted mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neurotransmission regulatory pathways. Additionally, the absence of adverse binding poses emphasizes the safety profile of apigenin.

Conclusions

This molecular docking study provides valuable insights into the potential therapeutic role of apigenin in mitigating molecular pathways implicated in neurological disorders. Further in vitro and in vivo investigations are warranted to validate and elucidate the neuroprotective mechanisms of apigenin, paving the way for its development as a promising treatment option for various neurological conditions.
Using Teletrauma to Improve Access to Trauma Care in the US: A Call for Action
Authors: Hashmi Zain G , Park Caroline ,   the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma Teletrauma Spotlight Session Workgroup
Published: September 2024

Nearly 30 million, mostly rurally located Americans lack timely access to level I or II trauma center care, resulting in inefficient resource use and potentially preventable death. Although significant progress has been made in the care of the injured patient during the last few decades, rural trauma patients continue to face significant challenges in accessing high-quality trauma care with resultant outcomes disparities and increased expenditures associated with potentially avoidable interfacility transfers. Current mitigation strategies have not sufficiently improved access to trauma care among this population, necessitating a search for alternative strategies such as integration of telehealth for trauma care or teletrauma. Telehealth is well-established in several healthcare areas resulting in improved patient- and system-level outcomes. Although telehealth has been used in trauma with some success, it remains underused. Members of a 2023 American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma Spotlight Session on the role of teletrauma present an introduction to the applications, potential benefits, and future directions for telehealth use in trauma care.
Kernel weight and source/sink ratio determination of temperate maize hybrids with different end uses under contrasting environments
Authors: Chazarreta Yesica Daniela , Alvarez Prado Santiago , Otegui Maria Elena
Published: September 2024

Maize (Zea mays L.) production in Argentina changed markedly during the last decade due to the widespread adoption of late sowings, expanding its productive area, and diversifying crop end-uses. This study evaluated environment (two years × two sowing dates) and management practices (two nitrogen levels) effects on kernel weight, its physiological determinants, source/sink ratios, and water-soluble carbohydrates in stem (WSCS) of eight temperate maize hybrids bred for different uses (3 graniferous, 2 dual-purpose, 2 silage). Crop growth simulations allowed the estimation of percent variation in WSCS remobilization (null, partial, or total) for different production systems (18 scenarios) and climate conditions (41 growing seasons). Nitrogen fertilization increased kernel weight in early sowings, with minimal effects in late sowings. WSCS remobilization during kernel filling was higher in late than in early sowings, with no differences among hybrid types. Regarding hybrid types, dual-purpose and silage hybrids showed the highest and the lowest kernel weight respectively, and graniferous hybrids had the highest source/sink ratio during the effective kernel-filling period. Simulations underscored the importance of sowing date and nitrogen supply on WSCS for irrigated and dryland maize farming systems in a temperate environment, with important implications for grain and silage production at the farm level.
Improving Functional Muscle Regeneration in Volumetric Muscle Loss Injuries by Shifting the Balance of Inflammatory and Pro-Resolving Lipid Mediators
Authors: Turner Thomas C. , Pittman Frank S. , Zhang Hongmanlin , Hymel Lauren A. , Zheng Tianyi , Behara Monica , Anderson Shannon E. , Harrer Julia Andraca , Link Kaitlyn A. , Ahammed Mashoor Al , Maner-Smith Kristal , Liu Xueyun , Yin Xuanzhi , Lim Hong S. , Spite Matthew , Qiu Peng , García Andrés J. , Mortensen Luke J. , Jang Young C. , Willett Nick J. , Botchwey Edward A.
Published: September 2024

Severe tissue loss resulting from extremity trauma, such as volumetric muscle loss (VML), poses significant clinical challenges for both general and military populations. VML disrupts the endogenous tissue repair mechanisms, resulting in acute and unresolved chronic inflammation and immune cell presence, impaired muscle healing, scar tissue formation, persistent pain, and permanent functional deficits. The aberrant healing response is preceded by acute inflammation and immune cell infiltration which does not resolve. We analyzed the biosynthesis of inflammatory and specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPMs) after VML injury in two different models; muscle with critical-sized defects had a decreased capacity to biosynthesize SPMs, leading to dysregulated and persistent inflammation. We developed a modular poly(ethylene glycol)-maleimide hydrogel platform to locally release a stable isomer of Resolvin D1 (AT-RvD1) and promote endogenous pathways of inflammation resolution in the two muscle models. The local delivery of AT-RvD1 enhanced muscle regeneration, improved muscle function, and reduced pain sensitivity after VML by promoting molecular and cellular resolution of inflammation. These findings provide new insights into the pathogenesis of VML and establish a pro-resolving hydrogel therapeutic as a promising strategy for promoting functional muscle regeneration after traumatic injury.
Development of a Platform for High-Resolution Ion Mobility Separations Coupled with Messenger Tagging Infrared Spectroscopy for High-Precision Structural Characterizations
Authors: Harrilal Christopher P. , Garimella Sandilya V.B. , Norheim Randolph V. , Ibrahim Yehia M.
Published: September 2024

The ability to uniquely identify a compound requires highly precise and orthogonal measurements. Here we describe a newly developed analytical platform that uniquely integrates high resolution ion mobility and cryogenic vibrational ion spectros-copy for high-precision structural characterizations. This platform allows for the temporal separation of isomeric/isobaric ions and provides a highly sensitive description of the ion’s adopted geometry in the gas phase. The combination of these orthogonal structural measurements yields precise descriptors that can be used to resolve between and confidently identify highly similar ions. The unique benefit of our instrument, which integrates a structures for lossless ion manipulations ion mobility (SLIM IM) device with messenger tagging infrared spectroscopy, include increased resolution and the ability to record the IR spectra of all ions simultaneously. The SLIM IM device, with its 13m separation path length, allows for multipass experiments to be performed for increased resolution as needed. It is integrated with an Agilent qTOF MS where the collision cell was retrofitted with a cryogenically (30 K) held TW SLIM device. The cryo-SLIM is operated in a novel manner that allows ions to be streamed through the device and collisionally cooled to a temperature where they can form non-covalently bound N2complexes that are maintained as they exit the device and are detected by the TOF mass analyzer. The instrument can be operated in two modes: IMS+IR where the IR spectra for mobility-selected ions can be recorded and IR-only mode where the IR spectra for all mass-resolved ions can be recorded. In IR-only mode, IR spectra (400 cm-1spectral range) can be recorded in as short as 2 seconds for high throughput measurements. This work details the construction of the instrument, modes of operation, and provides initial benchmarking of CCS and IR measurements to demonstrate the utility of this instrument for targeted and untargeted approaches.
Predictive Prioritization of Enhancers Associated with Pancreas Disease Risk
Authors: Wang Li , Baek Songjoon , Prasad Gauri , Wildenthal John , Guo Konnie , Sturgill David , Truongvo Thucnhi , Char Erin , Pegoraro Gianluca , McKinnon Katherine ,   The Pancreatic Cancer Cohort Consortium, The Pancreatic Cancer Case-Control Consortium, Hoskins Jason W. , Amundadottir Laufey T. , Arda H. Efsun
Published: September 2024

Genetic and epigenetic variations in regulatory enhancer elements increase susceptibility to a range of pathologies. Despite recent advances, linking enhancer elements to target genes and predicting transcriptional outcomes of enhancer dysfunction remain significant challenges. Using 3D chromatin conformation assays, we generated an extensive enhancer interaction dataset for the human pancreas, encompassing more than 20 donors and five major cell types, including both exocrine and endocrine compartments. We employed a network approach to parse chromatin interactions into enhancer-promoter tree models, facilitating a quantitative, genome-wide analysis of enhancer connectivity. With these tree models, we developed a machine learning algorithm to estimate the impact of enhancer perturbations on cell type-specific gene expression in the human pancreas. Orthogonal to our computational approach, we perturbed enhancer function in primary human pancreas cells using CRISPR interference and quantified the effects at the single-cell level through RNA FISH coupled with high-throughput imaging. Our enhancer tree models enabled the annotation of common germline risk variants associated with pancreas diseases, linking them to putative target genes in specific cell types. For pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, we found a stronger enrichment of disease susceptibility variants within acinar cell regulatory elements, despite ductal cells historically being assumed as the primary cell-of-origin. Our integrative approach—combining cell type-specific enhancer-promoter interaction mapping, computational models, and single-cell enhancer perturbation assays—produced a robust resource for studying the genetic basis of pancreas disorders.
Phenotype Prediction Using BEN-Based Predictive Modeling (BPM)
Authors: Song Donghui , Wang Ze
Published: September 2024

Functional connectivity (FC) has been successfully used to predict cognitive functions, behaviors, and other phenotypes using connectome-based predictive modeling (CPM). One limitation is that FC reflects the covariation or synchrony relationship of the temporal profile in two regions and neglects the local temporal features of the brain activity. In this study, we used brain entropy (BEN) mapping to characterize regional brain activity and developed a BEN-Based Predictive Modeling (BPM) to predict phenotype. BEN measures the disorder and complexity of brain activity and has been shown to effectively capture brain activity features related to cognition and neurological disorders. Using data from the HCP 7T fMRI and corresponding 3T structural images, we calculated gray matter volume (GMV) as well as BEN from resting state and movie-watching data. We constructed prediction models based on BEN and GMV using different numbers of parcellation of the brain atlas, applying 10-fold cross-validation. Our results indicated that the BEN-based predictive model not only outperformed GMV-based predictive modeling but also achieved prediction accuracy comparable to that of CPM. Our study demonstrates that BEN can capture extensive brain activity information for accurate phenotype prediction, providing information at least as valuable as that from connectome. Additionally, our research lays the groundwork for future applications of BPM in developmental and clinical practice.
Predicting speech-in-noise ability with static and dynamic auditory figure-ground analysis using structural equation modelling
Authors: Guo Xiaoxuan , Benzaquén Ester , Holmes Emma , Berger Joel I , Brühl Inga , Sedley William , Rushton Steven P , Griffiths Timothy D
Published: September 2024

Auditory figure-ground paradigms assess the ability to extract a foreground figure from a random background, a crucial part of central hearing. Previous studies have shown that the ability to extract static figures (with fixed frequencies) predicts real-life listening: speech-in-noise ability. In this study we assessed both fixed and dynamic figures: the latter comprised component frequencies that vary over time like natural speech. 159 participants (aged 18-79) with a range of peripheral hearing sensitivity were studied. We used hierarchal linear regression and structural equation modelling to examine how well speech-in-noise ability (for words and sentences) could be predicted by age, peripheral hearing, and static and dynamic figure-ground. Regression demonstrated that in addition to the audiogram and age, the low-frequency dynamic figure-ground accounted for significant variance of speech-in-noise, higher than the static figure-ground. The structural models showed that a combination of all types of figure-ground tasks predicted speech-in-noise with a higher effect size than the audiogram or age. Age influenced word perception in noise directly but sentence perception indirectly via effects on peripheral and central hearing. Overall, this study demonstrates that dynamic figure-ground explains more variance of real-life listening than static figure-ground, and the combination of both predicts real-life listening better than hearing sensitivity or age.