bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GABABreceptors mediate intracellular calcium release in astrocytes of the prefrontal cortex
Authors: Bostel Jennifer , Kürten Alina J. , Beiersdorfer Antonia
Published: June 2024

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is a cortical brain region whose multifaceted functions are based on a complex interplay between excitatory pyramidal neurons, inhibitory GABAergic interneurons and astrocytes maintaining a fine-tuned excitation/inhibition balance (E/I balance). The regulation of the E/I balance in cortical network is crucial as the disruption leads to impairments in PFC-associated behavior and pathologies. Astrocytes express specific GABA receptors that mediate intracellular Ca2+signaling upon stimulation by γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), resulting in the release of gliotransmitters directly impacting information processing. However, the signaling pathway leading to GABA-induced Ca2+signaling in astrocytes of the PFC is not well understood. Here we took advantage of GLAST-promoter driven GCaMP6s expression in astrocytes to study GABAergic Ca2+signaling in PFC astrocytes by confocal microscopy. The results show that GABA induces Ca2+signaling via the stimulation of the metabotropic GABABreceptor in astrocytes. GABABreceptor-mediated Ca2+signals greatly depend on intracellular Ca2+stores rather than on extracellular Ca2+. Additionally, antagonists of the PLC/IP3-signaling cascade significantly reduced GABABreceptor-mediated Ca2+signaling in astrocytes, suggesting that astrocytic GABABreceptors in the PFC are coupled to the Gq-GPCR signaling pathway.
Effects of Gallic Acid on Antioxidant Defense System in Mice with Benzene-Induced Myelotoxicity
Authors: Olatoye Toba Isaac , Adebayo Joseph O.
Published: June 2024

Benzene is known to cause myelotoxicity which impacts secondary complications mediated by oxidative stress on the heart and erythrocyte. Gallic acid is an antioxidant which has not been evaluated for protective effect against cardiovascular complications of benzene-induced myelotoxicity. Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the effects of gallic acid on the concentrations of selected oxidative stress biomarkers and activities of antioxidant enzymes in the erythrocyte and heart of mice with benzene-induced myelotoxicity. Thirty-six male mice were randomized into six groups of six mice each. Group A served as the normal control receiving distilled water while the remaining groups were orally administered 150 mg/kg body weight of benzene for fourteen days. Distilled water, 50 mg/kg body weight of ascorbic acid, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg body weight of gallic acid were simultaneously administered to mice of groups B (negative control), C, D, E, and F respectively for fourteen days. Concentrations of oxidative stress biomarkers and activities of antioxidant enzymes in target tissues were then determined. Results revealed significant elevation (p<0.05) in the concentrations of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide and protein carbonyl, as well as significant decrease (p<0.05) in the concentrations of reduced glutathione, protein, and activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase and superoxide dismutase in the heart and erythrocyte of negative control compared to normal control. However, treatment with gallic acid at various doses significantly reverted (p<0.05) the observed alterations in these parameters, comparing favourably with ascorbic acid (reference drug). These results suggest that gallic acid protected the heart and erythrocyte against lipid and protein oxidation, and enhanced antioxidant defense system of mice with benzene-induced myelotoxicity. Keywords: myelotoxicity; oxidative stress; gallic acid; ascorbic acid; benzene; antioxidant enzymes; biomarkers; lipid peroxidation; protein oxidation.
The QDIS-7: one scale for measuring the disease-specific quality-of-life impact of different medical conditions
Authors: Fukuhara Shunichi , Green Joseph , Wakita Takafumi , Yamamoto Yosuke , Yamazaki Hajime , Ware John E.
Published: June 2024

Background

When studying health-related quality of life (QOL), disease-specific instruments have the advantage of measuring the unique effects of particular medical conditions. Almost every disease-specific QOL instrument uses its own metric, and measures QOL in its own content areas. The unfortunate result is that scores from different disease-specific QOL instruments cannot be compared. In contrast, the seven-item Quality of Life Disease Impact Scale (QDIS-7) has response choices on only one scale (one metric) and its content is standardized. Thus, the QDIS-7 should allow disease-specific QOL to be compared across different diseases. We therefore tested whether, unlike scores from the traditional mutually-incompatible metrics, those from the single-metric QDIS-7 are comparable across diseases.

Methods

Responses to the QDIS-7 questions (regarding global QOL, physical functioning, role functioning, social functioning, vitality, mental health, and health outlook) were used to compute a single score, based on an item-response model. When the QDIS-7 was completed by respondents with different diseases, the content of the question-items was the same, and the only difference was the name of the disease to which the respondents explicitly attributed any impact on their QOL. In an online survey, 2,627 adults who had sought care for headache, low-back pain, asthma, or diabetes, each responded to the QDIS-7 and to a previously-validated disease-specific QOL instrument (“legacy scale”) that was developed to measure QOL in their specific disease. We examined the slopes from four regressions of legacy-scale scores on QDIS-7 scores. Similarity of those slopes would support the hypothesis that the QDIS-7 enables quantitative comparisons of disease-specific QOL across those four different medical conditions.

Results

For all four groups, the regression-line slopes were nearly the same: 0.12 to 0.14 legacy-scale standard deviations per 1-point difference in QDIS-7 score. Thus, each 10-point difference in QDIS-7 scores is equal to slightly more than one standard-deviation difference in legacy-scale scores, forall fourgroups.

Conclusions

The relationships of score differences on the legacy measures to score differences on the QDIS-7 (i.e., the slopes) were similar across the four groups, which is consistent with the idea that the QDIS-7 enables comparisons of disease-specific QOL across different medical conditions.
Estimating HPV16 genome copy number per infected cell in cervical smears
Authors: Elie Baptiste , Boué Vanina , Paget-Bailly Philippe , Algros Marie-Paule , Baraquin Alice , Prétet Jean-Luc , Alizon Samuel , Tessandier Nicolas , Bravo Ignacio G.
Published: June 2024

Human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 is the most oncogenic biological agents for humans. However, essential quantitative aspects of its infection cycle remain inadequately characterized. Specifically, the proportion of infected cells and the viral copy number per infected cell in cervical smears are not well understood. To address this, we employed a combination of limiting dilution techniques and Bayesian statistics on routine cervical smears to estimate the frequency of infected cells and the viral copy number per cell. Our methodology was initially validated through numerical simulations and cell culture experiments. Subsequently, we analyzed 38 HPV16-positive cervical smears, comprising 26 samples from patients without cytological lesions and 12 from patients with low-grade lesions. Our findings indicated that the substantial variability in viral load across samples predominantly stemmed from differences in the frequency of infected cells. Additionally, the mean number of HPV copies per infected cell was consistently low across all samples, ranging from approximately 2.3 to 100 copies. However, in samples with low-grade lesionMarie-Paule Algross, this number was observed to double on average. These results challenge existing assumptions regarding the biology of HPV genital infections, which are typically asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic.
Improved five year mortality in an RCT of a lung cancer biomarker to select people for screening
Authors:   The Early Diagnosis of Lung Cancer Scotland (ECLS) Team, Sullivan Frank M. , Mair Frances S. , Anderson William , Chew Cindy , Dorward Alistair , Haughney John , Hogarth Fiona , Kendrick Denise , Littleford Roberta , McConnachie Alex , McCowan Colin , McMeekin Nicola , Patel Manish , Rauchhaus Petra , Daly Fergus , Ritchie Lewis , Robertson John , Sarvesvaran Joseph , Sewell Herbert , Taylor Thomas , Treweek Shaun , Vedhara Kavita , Schembri Stuart
Published: June 2024

Risk-based early detection should be cost effective and widely accessible. EarlyCDT-Lung is a blood-based autoantibody biomarker which may improve accessibility to Low dose CT screening. We randomized 12 208 individuals aged 50-75 at high risk of developing lung cancer to either the test or to standard clinical care. Outcomes were ascertained from Register of Deaths and Cancer Registry. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the hazard ratio of the rate of deaths from all causes and lung cancer. Additional analyses were performed for cases of lung cancer diagnosed within two years of the initial test.

After 5 years 326 lung cancers were detected (2.7% of those enrolled). The total number of deaths reported from all causes in the intervention group was 344 compared to 388 in the control group.

There were 73 lung cancer deaths in the intervention arm and 90 in the controls (Adjusted HR 0.789 (0.636, 0.978). An analysis of cases of lung cancer detected within 2 years of randomization in the intervention group showed that there were 34 deaths from all causes and 29 from lung cancer. In the control group there were 56 deaths with 49 from lung cancer. In those diagnosed with lung cancer within 2 years of randomization the hazard ratio for all cause mortality was 0.615 (0.401,0.942) and for lung cancer 0.598 (0.378, 0.946).

Further large-scale studies of the role of biomarkers to target lung cancer screening, in addition to LDCT, should be undertaken.
Calculating Muscular Driven Speed Estimates forTyrannosaurus
Authors: Boeye Adrian T. , Swann Scott
Published: June 2024

Top speed estimates of extinct dinosaurs have been of long-standing interest to gain better understanding of the animals’ lifestyle and ecology.Tyrannosaurus rextop speeds have been examined using a wide range of methods that draw on more traditional biomechanical formulas, computer simulations, and allometric equations based on mass. However, these calculations may be made more precise using input from contemporary research on anatomy and biomechanics that account for mass allometry and scaling. This study builds on existing studies in anatomy, biomechanical data, and established equations for locomotion to calculate a muscular driven range of top speed for several (n=4) specimens that had sufficient data to undertake this work. When properly refined with additional data on muscle mass allometry and scaling, several adult specimens ofT. rexcould confidently be placed in a range of top speed from 7.7 to 10.5 m/s, and possibly up to 10.7 m/s. Additionally, a younger specimen ofT. rexwas analyzed and found to have a higher top speed than the adultT. rexat 6.3 to 14.5 m/s. Although the estimated top speeds in this study are slower than some previous estimates, these results find some support for slow running gaits and reinforce interpretations ofT. rexas an active and effective apex predator. Future work can build upon this study by investigating how muscular driven top speeds may affect ontogenetic niche partitioning and prey species regularly targeted by adultT. rex.
Autonomous bioluminescence emission from transgenic mice
Authors: Kiszka Kamila A. , Dullin Christian , Steffens Heinz , Koenen Tanja , Rothermel Ellen , Alves Frauke , Gregor Carola
Published: June 2024

The bacterial bioluminescence system can be applied to produce autonomous bioluminescence in mammalian cells. Until now, the system has only been stably inserted into cells culturedin vitro. Here we report the generation of an autobioluminescent transgenic mouse line constitutively expressing the genes of the bacterial bioluminescence system, enabling substrate-freein vivoluminescence imaging of a living mammal.
The Mlh1-Pms1 endonuclease uses ATP to preserve DNA discontinuities as strand discrimination signals to facilitate mismatch repair
Authors: Piscitelli Jonathan M. , Witte Scott J. , Sakinejad Yasmine S. , Manhart Carol M.
Published: June 2024

In eukaryotic post-replicative mismatch repair, MutS homologs (MSH) detect mismatches and recruit MLH complexes to nick the newly replicated DNA strand upon activation by the replication processivity clamp, PCNA. This incision enables mismatch removal and DNA repair. Biasing MLH endonuclease activity to the newly replicated DNA strand is crucial for repair. In reconstitutedin vitroassays, PCNA is loaded at pre-existing discontinuities and orients the major MLH endonuclease Mlh1-Pms1/MLH1-PMS2 (yeast/human) to nick the discontinuous strand.In vivo,newly replicated DNA transiently contains discontinuities which are critical for efficient mismatch repair. How these discontinuities are preserved as strand discrimination signals during the window of time where mismatch repair occurs is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that yeast Mlh1-Pms1 uses ATP binding to recognize DNA discontinuities. This complex does not efficiently interact with PCNA, which partially suppresses ATPase activity, and prevents dissociation from the discontinuity. These data suggest that in addition to initiating mismatch repair by nicking newly replicated DNA, Mlh1-Pms1 protects strand discrimination signals, aiding in maintaining its own strand discrimination signposts. Our findings also highlight the significance of Mlh1-Pms1’s ATPase activity for inducing DNA dissociation, as mutant proteins deficient in this function become immobilized on DNA post-incision, explainingin vivophenotypes.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
DeepNeo: Deep Learning for neointimal tissue characterization using optical coherence tomography
Authors: Koch Valentin , Holmberg Olle , Blum Edna , Sancar Ece , Aytekin Alp , Seguchi Masaru , Xhepa Erion , Wiebe Jens , Cassese Salvatore , Kufner Sebastian , Kessler Thorsten , Sager Hendrik , Voll Felix , Rheude Tobias , Lenz Tobias , Kastrati Adnan , Schunkert Heribert , Schnabel Julia A. , Joner Michael , Marr Carsten , Nicol Philipp
Published: June 2024

Aims

This study aimed to develop a deep-learning algorithm to enable a fully-automated analysis and interpretation of optical coherence tomography (OCT) pull-backs from patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods and results

In 1148 frames from 92 OCTs, neointima was manually classified as homogeneous, heterogenous, neoatherosclerosis, or not analyzable at quadrant level by an experienced expert. Additionally, stent and lumen contours were annotated in 90 frames to enable segmentation of lumen, stent struts and neointima. Annotated frames were used to train “DeepNeo”, a deep learning tool for prediction of neointimal tissue characteristics. Performance of DeepNeo was additionally evaluated in an animal model of neoatherosclerosis, using co-registered histopathology images as the gold-standard. DeepNeo demonstrated excellent classification performance of neointimal tissue with an overall accuracy of 75%, comparable to manual classification accuracy of two clinical experts (75%, 71%). The accurate performance of DeepNeo was confirmed in an animal model of neoatherosclerosis, where an overall accuracy of 87% was achieved. Segmentation of lumen, stent struts and neointima in human pullbacks yielded very good performance with mean Dice overlap scores of 0.99, 0.66 and 0.86.

Conclusion

DeepNeo is the first deep learning algorithm allowing fully automated segmentation and classification of neointimal tissue, with a performance comparable to human experts. DeepNeo might ultimately help assess vascular healing after percutaneous coronary intervention in a standardized, reliable and time-efficient manner, support therapeutic decisions and improve the detection of patients at risk of future cardiac events.
An integrative sensor of body states: how the mushroom body modulates behavior depending on physiological context
Authors: Suárez-Grimalt Raquel , Grunwald Kadow Ilona C. , Scheunemann Lisa
Published: June 2024

The brain constantly compares past and present experiences to predict the future, thereby enabling instantaneous and future behavioral adjustments. Integration of external information with the animal's current internal needs and behavioral state represents a key challenge of the nervous system. Recent advancements in dissecting the function of theDrosophilamushroom body (MB) at the single-cell level have uncovered its three-layered logic and parallel systems conveying positive and negative values during associative learning. This review explores a lesser-known role of the MB in detecting and integrating body states such as hunger, thirst, and sleep, ultimately modulating motivation and sensory-driven decisions based on the physiological state of the fly. State-dependent signals predominantly affect the activity of modulatory MB input neurons (dopaminergic, serotoninergic, and octopaminergic), but also induce plastic changes directly at the level of the MB intrinsic and output neurons. Thus, the MB emerges as a tightly regulated relay station in the insect brain, orchestrating neuroadaptations due to current internal and behavioral states leading to short- but also long-lasting changes in behavior. While these adaptations are crucial to ensure fitness and survival, recent findings also underscore how circuit motifs in the MB may reflect fundamental design principles that contribute to maladaptive behaviors such as addiction or depression-like symptoms.
Quantum modulation of a coherent state with a single electron spin
Authors: Androvitsaneas P. , Young A. B. , Nutz T. , Lennon J. M. , Mister S. , Schneider C. , Kamp M. , Höfling S. , McCutcheon D. P. S. , Harbord E. , Rarity J. G. , Oulton R.
Published: June 2024

The interaction of quantum objects lies at the heart of fundamental quantum physics and is key to a wide range of quantum information technologies. Photon-quantum-emitter interactions are among the most widely studied. Two-qubit interactions are generally simplified into two quantum objects in static well-defined states. In this work we explore a fundamentally new dynamic type of spin-photon interaction. We demonstrate the modulation of a coherent narrowband laser by a coherently evolving spin in the ground state of a quantum dot. What results is a quantum modulation of the output phase (either 0 or π but no values in between), and a new quantum state of light that cannot be described classically.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Selective electron beam sensing through coherent Cherenkov diffraction radiation
Authors: Senes E. , Krupa M. , Mazzoni S. , Lasocha K. , Lefevre T. , Schloegelhofer A. , Wendt M. , Davut C. , Karataev P. , Pakuza C. , Spear B.
Published: June 2024

We exploit the coherent emission of Cherenkov diffraction radiation (ChDR) by a relativistic electron beam to sense its position even in the presence of other particle beams. ChDR is produced in alumina inserts embedded in the vacuum chamber walls and recorded in a narrow band centered at 30 GHz. This nontrivial solution has been implemented for plasma wakefield accelerators, where the electron beam to be sensed can copropagate with another high-energy proton beam that generates the plasma wakefield. In addition, at variance with most existing position detectors, this method is insensitive to spurious electric charges due to the presence of plasma. We present the overall design of the detector as well as experimental results obtained in the AWAKE facility at CERN.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Books by kids for kids: the impact of a collaborative project-based learning international book exchange on pre-service teachers
Authors: Hall Pistorio Kalynn , Hendricks Mary Beth
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to discuss the impact of an international book exchange project done with elementary students from a professional development school partnership on the understanding of project-based learning by pre-service teachers.

Design/methodology/approach

A collaborative project between a school in Uganda, a university teacher education preparation program in the United States and an elementary school resulted in a book exchange between the schools. The pre-service teachers worked to develop lesson plans related to social studies and language arts for students with and without special education needs. These lessons were then taught to students at an elementary school who are part of the university’s school partnership program. Upon completion of the book exchange, pre-service and in-service teachers reflected on their experiences.

Findings

Pre-service teachers reported that the project provided them a better understanding of collaborative work and project-based learning during their reflections and said they were more willing to take on large projects after seeing the buy-in and value for students.?

Originality/value

While pen pal and similar writing exchange programs are not novel, this project sought to explore the impact of having one embedded into a teacher training program on pre-service teacher perceptions of project-based learning and the potential impact to their future teaching practices.
Role of psychological well-being, quality of life and distress tolerance in caregivers of geriatric population: an Indian exploratory study
Authors: Sridhar Abhinaya , Kuriakose Harsha
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to gain an understanding of how caring for an ageing population affects caregivers’ psychological well-being, quality of life and ability to tolerate distress. This study provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by family caregivers and underscores the critical need for comprehensive support systems.

Design/methodology/approach

A correlational method and cross-sectional research design was used for the study. For this, a sample of 200 caregivers in the age range of 25–60 years who were taking care of the geriatric population above the age of 70 years for a minimum of one year were chosen. Four questionnaires − Burden Scale for Family Caregivers, Psychological Well-Being Scale, World Health Organization’s Quality of Life Scale-BRIEF version and Distress Tolerance Scale were chosen. Correlation and multivariate regression were calculated using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) 21 and Jamovi 3.4.1.

Findings

This study found that there is a negative correlation of caregiver burden with psychological well-being, quality of life and distress tolerance. The sub-domains of self-acceptance, psychological health and tolerance levels were most impacted for the caregivers. Through multivariate regression, it was found that the caregiver burden significantly predicted psychological well-being and quality of life.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses on the English-speaking caregivers which may overlook the diverse linguistic and cultural variations within the broader caregiver community in India and the data collection exclusively targeted family caregivers providing support to geriatric population without chronic illnesses. This restriction could potentially limit the generalizability of the findings to the broader caregiving context.

Practical implications

The implications of this research are that for caregivers, this study underscores the importance of tailored support programmes that address the negative impact of caregiver burden on psychological well-being and quality of life. Health-care professionals can use the findings to incorporate mental health assessments and interventions within caregiving contexts, recognizing the interconnected nature of these variables. Policymakers can use the findings to inform policies related to caregiver support and health-care resource allocation.

Originality/value

In India, the social norm is that children are expected to take care of their parents when they become old. Taking care of elderly parents can be challenging, even emotionally. As a result, this study will focus on how caregivers’ psychological well-being, quality of life and ability to tolerate distress are affected. Consequently, promoting the creation of community support groups and workplace mental health programmes which could give caregivers a forum to voice their concerns.
Environmental factors and host sex influence the skin microbiota structure of Hong Kong newt (Paramesotriton hongkongensis) in a coldspot of chytridiomycosis in subtropical East Asia
Authors: WAN Bowen , CHEN Guoling , POON Emily Shui Kei , FUNG Hon Shing , LAU Anthony , SIN Simon Yung Wa
Published: June 2024

Chytridiomycosis, an infectious skin disease caused by the chytrid fungi, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and B. salamandrivorans, poses a significant threat to amphibian biodiversity worldwide. Antifungal bacteria found on the skin of chytrid‐resistant amphibians could potentially provide defense against chytridiomycosis and lower mortality rates among resistant individuals. The Hong Kong newt (Paramesotriton hongkongensis) is native to East Asia, a region suspected to be the origin of chytrids, and has exhibited asymptomatic infection, suggesting a long‐term coexistence with the chytrids. Therefore, the skin microbiota of this resistant species warrant investigation, along with other factors that can affect the microbiota. Among the 149 newts sampled in their natural habitats in Hong Kong, China, putative antifungal bacteria were found in all individuals. There were 314 amplicon sequence variants distributed over 25 genera of putative antifungal bacteria; abundant ones included Acinetobacter, Flavobacterium, and Novosphingobium spp. The skin microbiota compositions were strongly influenced by the inter‐site geographical distances. Despite inter‐site differences, we identified some core skin microbes across sites that could be vital to P. hongkongensis. The dominant cores included the family Comamonadaceae, family Chitinophagaceae, and class Betaproteobacteria. Moreover, habitat elevation and host sex also exhibited significant effects on skin microbiota compositions. The antifungal bacteria found on these newts offer an important resource for conservation against chytridiomycosis, such as developing probiotic treatments for susceptible species.
TAF15 downregulation contributes to the benefits of physical training on dendritic spines and working memory in aged mice
Authors: He Yun , Liu Benju , Yang Fu‐Yuan , Yang Qun , Xu Benke , Liu Lian , Chen Yuncai
Published: June 2024

Moderate physical training has been shown to hinder age‐related memory decline. While the benefits of physical training on hippocampal memory function are well‐documented, little is known about its impact on working memory, which is linked to the prelimbic cortex (PrL), one major subdivision of the prefrontal cortex. Here, we examined the effects of physical training on spatial working memory in a well‐established animal model of physical training, starting at 16 months of age and continuing for 5 months (running wheel 1 h/day and 5 days/week). This training strategy improved spatial working memory in aged mice (22‐month‐old), which was accompanied by an increased spine density and a lower TAF15 expression in the PrL. Specifically, physical training affected both thin and mushroom‐type spines on PrL pyramidal cells, and prevented age‐related loss of spines on selective segments of apical dendritic branches. Correlation analysis revealed that increased TAF15‐expression was detrimental to the dendritic spines. However, physical training downregulated TAF15 expression in the PrL, preserving the dendritic spines on PrL pyramidal cells and improving working memory in trained aged mice. When TAF15 was overexpressed in the PrL via a viral approach, the benefits of physical training on the dendritic spines and working memory were abolished. These data suggest that physical training at a moderate pace might downregulate TAF15 expression in the PrL, which favors the dendritic spines on PrL pyramidal cells, thereby improving spatial working memory.
Geriatric screening in the emergency department increases consultations to geriatric medicine and physical and occupational therapy: A pre/post cohort study
Authors: Hunold Katherine M. , Caterino Jeffrey M. , Carpenter Christopher R. , Mion Lorraine C. , Southerland Lauren T.
Published: June 2024

Background

The Geriatric Emergency Department (ED) Guidelines recommend screening older patients for need for evaluation by geriatric medicine, physical therapy (PT), and occupational therapy (OT), but explicit evidence that geriatric screening changes care compared to physician gestalt is lacking. We assessed changes in multidisciplinary consultation after implementation of standardized geriatric screening in the ED.

Methods

Retrospective single‐site observational cohort of older adult ED patients from 2019 to 2023 with three time periods: (1) preimplementation, (2) implementation of geriatric screening, and (3) postimplementation. Geriatric, PT, and OT consultations/referrals were available during all time periods. Descriptive analysis was stratified by disposition: discharged, observation and discharged, observation and hospital admission, and hospital admission. The independent variable was completion of three geriatric screening tools by ED nurses. The dependent variable was consultation and/or referral to geriatrics, PT, and OT. Secondary outcomes were disposition, ED revisits, and 30‐day rehospitalizations.

Results

There were 57,775 qualifying ED visits of patients age ≥ 65 years during the time periods: implementation increased geriatric screening from 0.5% to 63.2%; postimplementation, discharge patients who received screening had more consultations/referrals to geriatrics (1.5% vs. 0.4%), PT (7.9% vs. 1.9%), and OT (6.5% vs. 1.2%) compared to unscreened patients. Patients observed and then discharged had more consultations/referrals to geriatrics (15.1% vs. 11.3%), PT (74.1% vs. 64.5%), and OT (65.7% vs. 56.5%). Admitted patients had no change in consultation rates. Geriatric screening was not associated with a change in 7‐day ED revisits for discharged patients but was associated with decreased revisits for patients discharged from observation (11.6% vs. 42.9%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Geriatric screening was associated with increased consultations/referrals to geriatrics, PT, and OT in the ED and ED observation unit. This suggests that geriatric screening changes ED care for older adults.
Morbidity following robot‐assisted surgery in a gynecological oncology setting: A cohort study
Authors: Markauskas Algirdas , Blaakær Jan , Traen Koen Josef , Neumann Gudrun Astrid , Chunsen Wu , Petersen Lone Kjeld
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The objective of the study was to provide a comprehensive description of perioperative morbidity associated with robot‐assisted surgery (RAS) in a gynecological oncology setting in order to improve the preoperative counseling of women and support shared decision‐making.

Material and Methods

All women scheduled for intended RAS between January 2015 and December 2022 were prospectively included in an electronic morbidity database for the analyses of perioperative complications.

Results

In total, 2225 women were included. Sixty‐four patients (2.9%) experienced an intraoperative complication. Intraoperative complications were associated with a higher rate of conversion to laparotomy (15.6% vs. 1.8%, p < 0.001), a higher rate of major postoperative morbidity (9.3% vs. 2.4%, p < 0.001), and a higher rate of reoperation (9.3% vs. 1.7%, p < 0.001), compared to cases without intraoperative complications. Thirty‐day postoperative morbidity was evaluated according to the Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer Center Surgical Secondary Events Grading System. Grade 3–5 events were considered major. A total of 57 patients (2.6%) experienced a major event after surgery, postoperative rupture of the vaginal vault being the most common complication requiring surgical intervention. Conversion to laparotomy occurred in 49 cases (2.2%) and was associated with higher intraoperative blood loss (300 mL vs. 25 mL, p < 0.001), a higher rate of postoperative major events (20.4% vs. 2.2%, p < 0.001), and a higher rate of reoperation (11.8% vs. 1.6%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates low rates of major perioperative morbidity and conversion to laparotomy after RAS performed by trained high‐volume surgeons in a gynecological oncology setting.
Placental architectural characteristics following laser ablation within monochorionic twins complicated by twin–twin transfusion syndrome: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of outcomes
Authors: Hamer Jack , Eltaweel Nashwa , Man Rebecca , Rogerson Matilde , Hodgetts Morton Victoria , Morris R. Katie , Marton Tamas , Gurney Leo
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) complicates approximately 10%–15% of all monochorionic twin pregnancies. The aim of this review was to evaluate the placental architectural characteristics within TTTS twins following laser and elucidate their impact on fetal outcomes and operative success.

Material and Methods

Five databases were searched from inception to August 2023. Studies detailing post‐delivery placental analysis within TTTS twins post‐laser were included. Studies were categorized into two main groups: (1) residual anastomoses following laser and (2) abnormal cord insertion: either velamentous and/or marginal or proximate. The primary outcome was to determine the proportion of TTTS placentas with residual anastomoses and abnormal cord insertions post‐laser. Secondary outcomes included assessing residual anastomoses on post‐laser fetal outcomes and assessing the relationship between abnormal cord insertion and TTTS development. Study bias was critiqued using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklists and Cochrane risk of bias tool. Random‐effects meta‐analysis was used, and results were reported as pooled proportions or odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). PROSPERO registration: CRD42023476875.

Results

Twenty‐six studies, comprising 4013 monochorionic twins, were included for analysis. The proportion of TTTS placentas with residual anastomoses following laser was 24% (95% CI, 0.12–0.41), with a mean and standard deviation of 4.03 ± 2.95 anastomoses per placenta. Post‐laser residual anastomoses were significantly associated with intrauterine fetal death (OR, 2.38 [95% CI, 1.33–4.26]), neonatal death (OR, 3.37 [95% CI, 1.65–6.88]), recurrent TTTS (OR, 24.33 [95% CI, 6.64–89.12]), and twin anemia polycythemia sequence (OR, 13.54 [95% CI, 6.36–28.85]). Combined abnormal cord (velamentous and marginal), velamentous cord, and marginal cord insertions within one or both twins following laser were reported at rates of 49% (95% CI, 0.39–0.59), 27% (95% CI, 0.18–0.38), and 28% (95% CI, 0.21–0.36), respectively. Combined, velamentous and marginal cord insertions were not significantly associated with TTTS twins requiring laser (p = 0.72, p = 0.38, and p = 0.71, respectively) vs non‐TTTS monochorionic twins.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review to conjointly explore outcomes of residual anastomoses and abnormal cord insertions within TTTS twins following laser. A large prospective study is necessitated to assess the relationship between abnormal cord insertion and residual anastomoses development post‐laser.
Expiratory and inspiratory resistance and reactance from respiratory oscillometry defining expiratory flow limitation in obstructive lung diseases
Authors: Nasr Abir , Papapostolou Georgia , Jarenbäck Linnea , Romberg Kerstin , Tunsäter Alf , Ankerst Jaro , Bjermer Leif , Tufvesson Ellen
Published: June 2024

Background

Expiratory flow limitation (EFL) during tidal breathing and lung hyperinflation have been identified as major decisive factors for disease status, prognosis and response to therapy in obstructive lung diseases.

Aim

To investigate the delta values between expiratory and inspiratory resistance and reactance, measured using respiratory oscillometry and its correlation with air trapping and symptoms in subjects with obstructive lung diseases.

Methods

Four hundred and seventy‐one subjects (96 with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], 311 with asthma, 30 healthy smokers and 34 healthy subjects) were included. Spirometry, body plethysmography and respiratory oscillometry measurements were performed and the differences between the expiratory and inspiratory respiratory oscillometry values (as delta values) were calculated. Questionnaires regarding symptoms and quality of life were administered.

Results

Patients with COPD and healthy smokers had an increased delta resistance at 5 Hz (R5) compared with patients with asthma (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.037, respectively) and healthy subjects (p = 0.0004 and p = 0.012, respectively). Patients with COPD also had higher values of ΔR5–R19 than healthy subjects (p = 0.0001) and patients with asthma (p < 0.0001). Delta reactance at 5 Hz (X5) was significantly more impaired in COPD patients than in asthma and healthy subjects (p < 0.0001 for all). There was a correlation between the ratio of residual volume and total lung capacity and ΔR5 (p = 0.0047; r = 0.32), ΔR5–R19 (p = 0.0002; r = 0.41) and ΔX5 (p < 0.0001; r = −0.44), for all subjects. ΔX5 correlated with symptoms in COPD, healthy smokers and patients with asthma. In addition, ΔR5 correlated with asthma symptoms.

Conclusion

EFL was most prominent in parameters measuring peripheral resistance and reactance and correlated with air trapping and airway symptoms.
Effect of bowel preparation completion time on bowel cleansing efficacy: Prospective randomized controlled trial of different bowel preparation completion times precolonoscopy
Authors: Kim Hye Min , Kim Hyo Suk , An Young Eun , Chang Jae Hyuck , Kim Tae Ho , Kim Chang Whan , Gweon Tae‐Geun
Published: June 2024

Objectives

The elapse time between the completion of bowel cleansing and colonoscopy is one of the important factors for proper bowel cleansing. Although several studies have reported that a short time interval resulted in a favorable bowel cleansing, no randomized controlled trial (RCT) has been conducted to determine the effect of the elapse time. Consequently, we performed an RCT to investigate the efficacy of bowel preparation of participants who underwent colonoscopy according to the different time intervals between the completion of bowel preparation and colonoscopy.

Methods

In this single‐center RCT, study participants were randomized to complete bowel preparation either 2–4 h or 4–8 h before colonoscopy. The primary end‐point was successful bowel preparation, rated using the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS).

Results

A total of 504 individuals were included (2–4 h, 255; 4–8 h, 249). The rate of successful bowel preparation in the 2–4 h group showed noninferiority compared with that of the 4–8 h group (97.6% vs. 95.2%; rate difference, 2.5% [−0.8% to 5.7%]; Pfor noninferiority < 0.001, Pfor superiority = 0.136). The rate for perfect cleansing (a BBPS score of 9) was higher in the 2–4 h group (56.5% vs. 39.8%, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

When bowel cleansing was finished 2–4 h before the start of colonoscopy, the overall bowel cleansing was noninferior, and perfect cleansing was superior, compared to that when cleansing was finished 4–8 h before colonoscopy.
Spawning periodicity and possible public information use for Nest site selection in the bluehead chub (Nocomis leptocephalus)
Authors: Bustamante Thomas , Frimpong Emmanuel
Published: June 2024

Nesting animals require information about their environment to place nests in optimal locations. This information can either be derived from an animal's previous experiences (private information), or it may be gained through the observation of the success of conspecifics (public information). This use of public information to locate suitable nesting sites has been explored in birds but not fishes. Many fish construct nests to protect their offspring, and the utilisation of public information could be a suitable strategy for determining which nesting locations would maximise fitness. We studied public and private information use in the bluehead chub, a species of nesting leuciscid in the Southeastern United States, by observing nesting activity and measuring habitat variables along a 0.65 km reach of Toms Creek in Blacksburg, Virginia. We clustered activity data and created generalised linear models to determine if bluehead chubs construct nests within discrete nesting periods during the spawning season and if they use public or private information to select nest sites between these periods. Our results suggest that bluehead chubs construct nests periodically within a single spawning season and use a combination of public and private information when determining suitable nesting sites from one nesting period to another. This study provides some of the first evidence suggesting public information use for nest site selection in a species of fish and opens up a new frontier of research into public information use among fishes.
Taxonomic and functional homogenization of fish assemblages in an Ozark river associated with pasture land use and constructed water bodies
Authors: Morrill Daniel P. , Main Jennifer , Davenport Grace , Adams Ginny L. , Adams Steven Reid
Published: June 2024

Comparisons between contemporary and historic surveys are useful in assessing how fish assemblages respond to anthropogenic stressors. When these stressors degrade aquatic environments, assemblages often experience biotic homogenization. The Strawberry River flows through the Ozarks of northern Arkansas and has been subject to both pasture land use conversion and constructed waterbodies which can degrade aquatic environments and alter fish assemblages. We investigated how fish assemblages in the Strawberry River have changed over a 35‐year time span in response to pasture land use and constructed waterbodies. We found evidence of both taxonomic and functional homogenization of fish assemblages from the mid‐1980s to 2019. This shift towards homogenization was primarily driven by increases in both site occurrence and abundance of generalist centrarchid species (associated with land use practices) and headwater specialist species (likely related to increased intermittency upstream). We created a composite variable using principal component analysis that represented pasture land use and constructed water body metrics because of their close relationship with each other. We found evidence of early functional differentiation associated with this composite variable; however, we found that over time fish assemblages ultimately experienced greater levels of homogenization associated with this same variable. This pattern of biotic homogenization associated with species additions suggests the Strawberry River is at a tipping point along a subsidy stress gradient, and in the future, we expect to see losses of specialist endemic species if conservation actions are not taken.
A return of economic intervention in advanced democracies after the financial and economic crisis (2008/2009)?
Authors: Zohlnhöfer Reimut , Jathe Jan , Engler Fabian
Published: June 2024

Did the financial and economic crisis (2008/2009) induce a permanent shift to more economic intervention in the advanced democracies? Three relevant theoretical perspectives are considered. First, the crisis could have led all governments to intervene more, irrespective of their partisan composition. Second, voter demand could have shifted towards more intervention due to the crisis, again inducing all governments to expand economic intervention. Third, increasing salience of economic issues could have led to an accentuation of partisan differences in economic policy which should have led to an expansion of economic intervention under left governments only. We present data from a new index of economic intervention, which show that governments increased economic intervention during the immediate crisis but returned to liberalization afterward. Similarly, statistical analyses show that partisan differences disappear during the acute crisis but return thereafter. Hence, the financial and economic crisis did not constitute a game‐changer in economic policymaking in advanced democracies.
NARRATIVITY, EXPERIENCE, AND MEANING1
Authors: Stanciu Ovidiu
Published: June 2024

This review essay aims to reconstruct the main tenets of the “narrative constructivist” position defended by Kalle Pihlainen in his book titled Historia fallida and to lay out some of the ambiguities this position generates. I begin by exposing the core commitments underwriting this theoretical project and insist upon the centrality of the distinction between constructivism and constructionism and upon the arguments he advances against the contemporary approaches in the theory of history that advocate the idea of an experience or a presence of the past. Then, I outline the criticism he levels against the understanding of historians’ work as a “conversation with the past” and highlight that, on Pihlainen's account, a responsible historical enterprise must necessarily assume the unavailability of the past and, hence, the ontological distinction between the present and the past. In the final part of the essay, I formulate three interrogations with regard to the overall orientation of this project. First, drawing on Reinhart Koselleck's concept of a “historical nonsynchronicity,” I question the possibility of establishing a clear‐cut separation between the past and the present and show that the present is never a homogenous field, for it entails different levels of temporality and a plurality of conflicting registers of meaning. Then, I challenge the description of the past as “a closed domain with no room for interaction.” Finally, I point out that the gap Pihlainen introduces between historical narratives and existential narratives cannot be maintained insofar as the historian's practice must be anthropologically grounded—that is, it must be understood as drawing on a narrative capacity (narrativeness) that belongs to the human life‐form.
Adult and infantile seborrheic dermatitis: update on current state of evidence and potential research frontiers
Authors: Rau Akash , Silva Genevieve S. , Margolis David J. , Chiesa Fuxench Zelma C.
Published: June 2024

Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a highly prevalent dermatological condition globally. The condition demonstrates bimodal presentation with what is commonly thought to be two subtypes: adult/adolescent seborrheic dermatitis (ASD) and infantile seborrheic dermatitis (ISD). Despite the common prevalence of ASD and ISD, there remains uncertainty around the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms, risk factors, and appropriate classification of the disease(s). This narrative review summarizes the current understanding of the epidemiology, presentation, and pathogenetic factors like epidermal barrier dysfunction, lipid abnormalities, and cutaneous microbiome for ASD and ISD. Elements such as immune responsiveness, neuroendocrine factors, and genetics in these disease states are also investigated. Throughout our review, we highlight shared features and discrepancies between ASD and ISD that are present in the literature and discuss potential avenues for future research that explore these disease states. We aim to contribute to the medical discourse on ASD and ISD and increase awareness of the need for additional research around these conditions, ultimately informing better targeting of therapeutics moving forward.