bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of shade-tolerance gene network in soybean revealed by forward integrated reverse genetic studies
Authors: Su Yanzhu , Pan Yongpeng , Zeng Weiying , Lai Zhenguang , Guo Pengfei , Hao Xiaoshuai , Gu Shengyu , Zhang Zhipeng , Sun Lei , Li Ning , He Jianbo , Wang Wubin , Xing Guangnan , Zhang Jiaoping , Sun Zudong , Gai Junyi
Published: November 2024

Shade-tolerance is a key trait for cultivars in inter/relay-cropped soybeans in maize field. Our previous genome-wide association study (GWAS) results on southern China soybean germplasm revealed that the shade-tolerance was conferred by a complex of genes with multiple alleles. To complete our understanding on shade-tolerance gene system, the GWAS with gene-allele sequences as markers (designated GASM-RTM-GWAS) was conducted in a recombinant inbred lines (RILs) population between two extreme parents using shade-tolerance index (STI) and relative pith-cell length (RCL) as indicators. Altogether, 211 genes, including 99 and 119 genes (seven shared) for STI and RCL, respectively, were identified and then annotated into a similar set of five biological categories. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis detected 7,837 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), indicating plentiful DEGs involved in the expression of regulatory/causal GWAS-genes. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis and gene functional analysis for both GWAS-genes and DEGs showed a group of interrelated causal genes and a group of interrelated DEGs with that of the former including in the latter and their functions interconnected as a gene network. For further understanding of the response of soybean to shade stress in a sequential connection, six chronological gene modules were grouped as Signal-activation and transport, Signal-transduction, Signal-amplification, Gene expression, Regulated metabolites, and Material transport. From the modules, 12 key genes were selected as entry-points for further analysis. Our study characterizes with overview of shade tolerance gene network as a new insight into the complex trait genetic system, rather than the usual way starting from a handpicked single gene.
In Continuation of a ‘Unified Immigration Agenda’: The End of Asylum at the United States Southwest Border
Authors: Capicchiano Young Sophie
Published: November 2024

Through a complementary framework of laws, policies, and practices, the Biden administration has built upon the immigration agendas of previous United States (US) administrations, restricting the right to seek asylum for those arriving at the southwest border almost entirely. Principally, it has expanded certain laws and policies implemented by the Trump administration – some of which it has vigorously defended in court – and implemented new laws and policies, specifically a final rule entitled ‘Circumvention of Lawful Pathways’, which limits asylum but for the most exceptional circumstances. As this article demonstrates, these exceptional circumstances have been interpreted and applied by Customs and Border Protection officers in terms even narrower than the final rule permits. The restriction of asylum has been realized through two specific modifications to US immigration law and, by extension, fundamental precepts of international refugee law: the conflation of asylum seekers and migrants as classes of individuals subject to undifferentiated legal processes, and the qualification of asylum based on the mode of arrival, specifically, arrival by land at the southwest border after having travelled through another Central American State – a condition that applies to all land arrivals by non-Mexican nationals. Through an analysis of quantitative data, and a series of qualitative interviews with legal service providers, shelter providers, independent researchers at US ports of entry, and a former senior US Border Patrol agent, the article demonstrates that the implementation of the Biden administration’s immigration agenda and the practice of Customs and Border Protection officers forms part of a ‘unified immigration agenda’ of multiple sequential US administrations, the purpose of which is to restrict access to asylum, create conditions unconducive to spontaneous arrival at the southwest border, and impose extreme hardships on those who seek to enter the US via the southwest border. The Biden administration has continued to pursue this unified immigration agenda by implementing Circumvention of Lawful Pathways, essentially ending the provision of asylum, even for those who are clearly in need of protection.
Beyond the ‘spaghetti bowl’: assessing the role of the AfCFTA Protocol on Intellectual Property in Africa’s complex regulatory environment
Authors: Ogbodo Juliet A
Published: November 2024

For decades, international IP frameworks have been criticized for neglecting forms of IP, such as traditional knowledge, that are crucial to middle- and low-income economies but often do not conform to the global standards set by Western conceptions of IP. This oversight continues to shape IP policy development even in African countries, many of which struggle to create IP policies that align with their unique economic and developmental needs. In response to these challenges and driven by an expressed commitment to fostering and safeguarding African innovation and forms of IP, 54 African nations have recently adopted an IP Protocol to the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). However, given the continent’s already fragmented IP regulatory landscape, this article questions whether the AfCFTA Protocol on IP (AfCFTA IP Protocol) can successfully foster the development of frameworks that reflect Africa’s distinctive socio-economic realities and priorities. This article evaluates the protocol in relation to previous attempts at continental IP harmonization efforts in Africa and examines the extent to which the AfCFTA IP Protocol can be deployed to achieve its stated goals of IP harmonization on the continent. While the AfCFTA IP Protocol is a positive initiative, its introduction and adoption may be somewhat premature, given the continent’s ‘spaghetti bowl’ of IP regulations.
GC-MS- and LC-TOF-MS/MS-based ginger volatile oil serum analysis and the potential mechanism of the anticancer effect of serum component citral on MCF-7 breast cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Wenkai , Liu Zhiyong , Luo Liming , Xu Lei , Ma Qiuting , Huang Shuai , Hong Tao
Published: November 2024

Background

To explore the blood components of ginger volatile oil (GVO) after gastric perfusion in rats and its different metabolites from blank serum and the network pharmacological analysis and preliminary verification of the main components against breast cancer.

Methods

A total of 20 male rats were randomly allocated to 10 control groups and 10 experimental groups. The administration group was given diluted GVO and the blank group was given the same amount of soybean oil (weigh 12 g of GVO diluted to 100 ml with soybean oil), the serum of rats in the given and blank groups was analyzed by gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and the differential metabolites were screened and enriched, and the blood components were analyzed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS).

Results

A total of 34 different metabolites were screened, and 31 original components were identified. The content of citral in volatile oil and serum is high, and the pathway of action is also closely related to the results of network pharmacology. Cell experiments showed that both drug-containing serum and citral significantly inhibited the proliferation and lateral transfer ability of breast cancer MCF-7 cells in a concentration and time-dependent manner, flow cytometry was used to measure apoptosis, and the experimental results showed that the proportion of early and late apoptosis was significantly increased in each group compared with the control group, and the proportion of total apoptosis showed a certain concentration-dependent trend.

Conclusions

A combination of serum metabolism, network pharmacology, and experiments was employed; this study offers a significant contribution to the clarification of the material basis and molecular mechanism of GVO- medicated serum against breast cancer.
Psychological modalities for the treatment of localized provoked vulvodynia: a scoping review of literature from 2010 to 2023
Authors: Logan Gabrielle S , Gustafson Diana L , Swab Michelle , Rains Alex , Miller Michelle E , Jackman Victoria A , Bajzak Krisztina
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Localized provoked vulvodynia is a common sexual health condition for which there is a lack of consensus on effective management, even though it can have a significant negative impact on psychological wellbeing, sexual functioning, and quality of life for women and their partners.

Aim

To map the research landscape related to the effectiveness/efficacy of psychological treatments for localized provoked vulvodynia, identify gaps, and make recommendations for future research.

Methods

We used Arksey and O’Malley’s approach to conducting a scoping review to identify, organize, and summarize research published between 2010 and 2023 that investigated the efficacy or effectiveness of interventions in the management of localized provoked vulvodynia. Inclusion and exclusion criteria and the search strategy were developed by subject experts in collaboration with a health sciences librarian. A PubMed search used controlled vocabulary and keyword terms relating to vulvodynia, which were then translated into other databases. Studies not published in English or French were excluded. We did not consider other subsets of vulvodynia.

Articles were uploaded to Covidence, duplicates removed, and titles and abstracts screened. The remaining articles were subject to a 2-person, independent full-text review followed by a hand search of eligible articles. All intervention studies were included regardless of the study design. Study details were reported narratively and analyzed.

Main Outcome Measures

Of the 88 included articles published between January 2010 and March 2023, 15 reported on the efficacy/effectiveness of psychological treatments for localized provoked vulvodynia, including group educational seminars, cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and somatocognitive therapy.

Results

Cognitive behavioral therapy was the most common form of psychological treatment studied (n = 7) with interventions for both individuals and couples. Education about the condition and the therapeutic process was a component of many interventions. Psychological therapies may be of some benefit, but only 1 RCT evaluating the efficacy of acceptance and commitment therapy appeared adequately powered to demonstrate improvement in dyspareunia. Studies sampled homogenous patient populations, primarily consisting of White, urban-dwelling, educated, partnered, heterosexual cis-women.

Conclusion

Evidence of efficacy/effectiveness, drawn mainly from small studies, is promising and highlights opportunities for more robust studies with heterogeneous populations, more research on the role of education in treatment success, and greater attention to assessing patient-driven outcomes in partnered and unpartnered women.
First and oldest record of Seebachia bronni, type species of Seebachia (Bivalvia: Astartidae), from the late Tithonian (Jurassic) of Kutch, India, and its palaeobiogeographic and evolutionary implications
Authors: Saha Ranita , Paul Shubhabrata , Das Shiladri S , Bardhan Subhendu
Published: November 2024

The present study reports the oldest occurrence of Seebachia bronni Krauss, 1850, the type species of the genus Seebachia, within the Astartidae from the ferruginous oolitic bands of the upper Tithonian (Jurassic) of Kutch, western India. Although Pruvostiella (Eoseebachia), previously known as Seebachia (Eoseebachia), has been reported from the same horizon of Kutch, analyses using quantitative-morphological and morphometrical characters reveal a significant difference between Pruvostiella (Eoseebachia) and Seebachia (Seebachia). Seebachia has been reported in South Africa, Tanzania and Madagascar. Thus, the occurrence of S. bronni in India sheds light on a marine connection among these regions during the late Tithonian. The range of S. aff. bronni in the Oxfordian of Madagascar to S. bronni in the Tithonian of India and Early Cretaceous of South Africa may indicate an evolutionary size increase. A specimen of S. bronni from the Valanginian was the largest in body size and is possibly a distinct species.
Changes in clinical presentation, management, and survival outcomes in patients affected by colorectal cancer following COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Parisi Alessandro , Giampieri Riccardo , Villani Silvia , Magnarini Alice , Gelsomino Fabio , Traisci Donatella , Barbin Francesca , Salvatore Lisa , Zichi Clizia , Di Pietro Francesca Romana , Zoratto Federica , Lanese Andrea , Petrillo Angelica , Zurlo Ina Valeria , Spallanzani Andrea , D’Ostilio Nicola , Ghidini Michele , Bensi Maria , Schietroma Francesco , Rognone Chiara , Panepinto Olimpia , Paparo Jessica , Gamba Teresa , Bisonni Renato , Di Lorenzo Sara , Daniele Bruno , Mentrasti Giulia , Berardi Rossana
Published: November 2024

Background

As an extended analysis of the COVID-DELAY study, we aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on diagnosis, staging, and survival outcomes among patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis performed from 2019 to 2022.

Methods

All consecutive newly diagnosed CRC patients referred to 11 Italian Oncology Departments between March and December 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 were enrolled. Access rate, demographics, diagnostic-therapeutic temporal intervals, and first-line progression-free survival (PFS) and OS among metastatic patients were assessed.

Results

Compared to 2019 (n = 690), an initial global reduction in new CRC cases in 2020 (n = 564, –18.3%) was observed, followed by a progressive increase in new CRC diagnoses in 2021 (n = 748, + 8.4%) and 2022 (n = 756, + 9.6%); a higher rate of TNM stage IV tumors was diagnosed in 2020 (35.4%) and 2021 (31.0%) compared to 2019 (29.6%), with normalization in 2022 (26.4%) (P < .001). Not clinically relevant differences between histological diagnosis and first oncological examination, cytohistological diagnosis and systemic treatment start, first oncological appointment and systemic treatment start, treatment start and first radiological assessment between 2020 and 2021-2022 years were found. After propensity score matching according to the year of diagnosis, median OS was significantly worse in 2020, 2021, and 2022 compared to 2019 (27.6 vs 24.8 vs not reached vs 38.9 months, respectively) (P < .001). Concordantly, the median PFS was significantly worse with each passing year: 13.0 vs 11.1 vs 9.2 vs 7.2 months in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively (P = .00027).

Conclusions

A progressive normalization in the rate of new CRC diagnosis as well as TNM stages at diagnosis, in 2021 and 2022 compared to 2020 and 2019, was found. The increase in new CRC cases might have affected some diagnostic-therapeutic time intervals in 2021-2022 years compared to 2020. Significantly, compared to the pre-pandemic phase, pandemic years were independently associated with worse PFS and OS outcomes in patients affected by metastatic disease.
Systematic literature review and meta-analysis of health state utility values in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Castro Elena , Figliuzzi Rhett , Walsh Sarah , Craigie Samantha , Nazari Jonathan , Niyazov Alexander , Samjoo Imtiaz A
Published: November 2024

Despite being an important goal, the preservation of quality of life of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is poorly characterized across lines of therapy. In this review, a systematic literature review and meta-analysis were conducted to synthesize EuroQoL 5-Dimension (EQ-5D) data among adult men with asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic mCRPC in both first line (1L) and second line and later (2L+) therapy. MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched from inception to October 2022 using Ovid. Supplemental searches of other data sources were also conducted (PROSPERO registration: CRD42021283512). Meta-analyses were conducted to estimate pooled EQ-5D index utility values and EQ visual analog scale (VAS) scores in both 1L and 2L+. Various sensitivity analyses were also conducted. Forty-five unique publications met the inclusion criteria. In primary studies, baseline EQ-5D index utility values ranged from 0.7 to 0.9 in 1L and 0.63 to 0.7 in 2L+. Twelve trials and observational studies were feasible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The pooled mean baseline EQ-5D index utility value was estimated as 0.79 (95% CI, 0.70–0.84) and 0.69 (95% CI, 0.67–0.71) for 1L (n = 7 studies) and 2L + (n = 4 studies), respectively. The pooled mean baseline EQ VAS score was estimated as 74.63 (95% CI, 70.97–78.29) and 65.82 (95% CI, 64.53–67.11) in 1L and 2L+, respectively. Limitations include hampered comparability between studies due to heterogeneity in study design and geographical regions. This study provides a comprehensive synthesis of EQ-5D data presently available in adults with mCRPC in both 1L and 2L + therapy.
A Mendelian randomization study finds no evidence for causal effects of C-reactive protein on chronic pain conditions
Authors: Suri Pradeep , Tsepilov Yakov A , Elgaeva Elizaveta E , Williams Frances M K , Freidin Maxim B , Stanaway Ian B
Published: November 2024

This two-sample Mendelian randomization study examined causal associations of C-reactive protein (CRP) with spinal pain, the extent of multisite chronic pain, and chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain. No causal associations were found between CRP and these pain conditions.
Using freedom of information requests to access novel data sources in health professions education research
Authors: Yale Sophie E , Brown Megan E L , Byrne Matthew H V
Published: November 2024

Educators and researchers are reliant upon access to data to drive teaching methods, curricular improvements, and progress in medical education research. However, data are not always accessible, due to resource constraints, institutional policies, and privacy concerns. Researchers have attempted to access novel data sources through surveys, semistructured interviews, and databases; however, these methodologies are limited.

To improve access to data, Freedom of Information (FOI) Acts grant researchers the ability to formally request data that any public institute holds. Researchers have been reluctant to use this tool due to negative perceptions, despite its unique benefits.

To increase awareness of this underutilized methodology, we summarize the process of FOI Act requests, its strengths and weaknesses, and the ways in which health professions education can leverage FOI requests within research. We provide examples of the use of FOI requests as a research method within adjacent fields and nascent use within the field of health professions research. In doing so, we hope to highlight how FOI requests can be a useful tool in health professions education researchers and its potential to increase access to unique data sources.
Comprehensive multi-omics approach reveals potential therapeutic targets and agents for osteoarthritis
Authors: Gao Qingxia , Yao Dawei , Yin Zuozhen , Yu Gongchang , Shi Bin , Wang Jiaying
Published: November 2024

Background

The mechanisms underlying osteoarthritis (OA) remain unclear, and effective treatments are lacking. This study aims to identify OA-related genes and explore their potential in drug repositioning for OA treatment.

Methods

Transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS) were performed using genome-wide association studies summary data and expression quantitative trait loci data from the Genotype-Tissue Expression project. Differentially expressed genes between OA patients and healthy controls were identified using four datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Gene ontology and pathway enrichment analyses identified potential hub genes associated with OA. A network-based drug repositioning approach was applied to discover potential therapeutic drugs for OA.

Results

Through TWAS and mRNA expression profiling, 7 and 167 OA-related genes were identified, respectively. From these, 128 OA-related genes were selected based on common biological processes. Using the maximal clique centrality algorithm, 10 core-related genes (JUN, VEGFA, FN1, CD44, PTGS2, STAT1, MAP 2K7, GRB2, EP300, and PXN) were identified for network-based drug repositioning. Consequently, 24 drugs were identified based on 128 OA-related genes and 23 drugs based on 10 core OA-related genes. Some identified drugs, such as dexamethasone, menadione, and hyaluronic acid, have been previously reported for OA and/or rheumatoid arthritis treatment. Network analysis also indicated that spironolactone, lovastatin, and atorvastatin may have potential in OA treatment.

Conclusion

This study identified potential OA-related genes and explored their roles in drug repositioning, suggesting the repurposing of existing drugs and the development of new therapeutic options for OA patients.

Key message What is already known on this topic The exact pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) remains unclear, and currently, there are no approved drugs that can prevent, halt, or inhibit the progression of OA. What this study adds We identified 128 OA-related genes and 10 core-related genes based on common biological processes revealed by TWAS and mRNA expression profiling. Using these genes, we discovered potential drugs for OA through the Network-based drug repositioning method. How this study might affect research, practice, or policy This study provides recommendations for repositioning existing drugs and developing new treatment options for patients with OA.
Protestant Elements in the Piers Plowman Texts of Robert Crowley and Takamiya MS 23
Authors: Cornelius Ian , Ensley J. Eric
Published: November 2024

Recent studies of Robert Crowley’s editions of Piers Plowman emphasize Crowley’s fidelity to the manuscript tradition and efforts to produce an accurate and comprehensible text. The present article supports this assessment by comparing Crowley’s editions with New Haven, Beinecke Library, MS Takamiya 23 (olim Sion College, MS Arc. L.40. 2/E), a manuscript produced about the same time as the Crowley editions and closely related to Crowley’s principal exemplar. Censorship and other doctrinal alterations are infrequent in Takamiya 23 but unambiguous. While the great majority of unique readings have no evident motive beyond linguistic modernization, the Takamiya scribe also, in a few instances, harmonized the language of the medieval poem with sixteenth-century English Bibles and made discrete interpretative changes that sometimes align with Crowley’s outlook and sometimes seemingly depart from it. Another distinguishing feature of Takamiya 23 is the scribe’s apparent lack of interest in ‘prophetic’ passages, a salient focus of recent scholarship. For a more adequate account of the sixteenth-century reception of Piers Plowman, students may need to look beyond both ‘Protestantism’ and ‘prophecy’.
Minimally Invasive Unilateral Pedicle Combined with Contralateral Translaminar Facet Joint Screw Fixation for single-segment Lumbar Degenerative Disease
Authors: An Bochen , Ren Bowen , Liu Yihao , Liu Qingzu , Liu Chongyang , Han Zhenchuan , Wu Jianhui , Mao Keya , Liu Jianheng
Published: November 2024

Study Design.

This retrospective study compared unilateral pedicle screw combined with contralateral translaminar facet joint screw (UPS+TFS) fixation with bilateral pedicle screw (BPS) fixation in patients undergoing minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) for single-segment lumbar degenerative disease.

Objective.

To assess the long-term clinical efficacy of UPS+TFS fixation and BPS fixation in MIS-TLIF.

Summary of Background Data.

Limited research exists on the long-term clinical outcomes of UPS+TFS fixation in MIS-TLIF. This study addresses this gap by comparing UPS+TFS with the more common BPS fixation technique.

Methods.

A retrospective analysis of 151 patients with single-segment lumbar degenerative disease treated with MIS-TLIF at XXX Hospital (March 2011–December 2012) was conducted. Propensity score matching (1:1) resulted in 32 patients per group (UPS+TFS and BPS). Basic demographic characteristics, preoperative functional scores, perioperative indicators, and postoperative complications were compared between the groups. Lumbar and leg Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores up to 10 years postoperatively were also compared. The surgical outcomes of both groups were evaluated using the MacNab criteria at the final follow-up.

Results.

The UPS+TFS group had significantly lower lumbar VAS scores at three months postoperatively (P<0.05) with less intraoperative blood loss, shorter surgery time, and reduced hospital stay compared to the BPS group (P<0.05). No significant differences were found in the JOA or ODI scores between the two groups at 3 months and 1, 3, 5, and 10 years post-surgery (P>0.05).

Conclusion.

UPS+TFS and BPS fixation during MIS-TLIF can achieve favorable clinical outcomes with no difference in long-term clinical efficacy. UPS+TFS demonstrates perioperative advantages such as reduced intraoperative blood loss, shorter operation time, reduced postoperative hospital stay, and less iatrogenic injury. Therefore, MIS-TLIF with UPS+TFS fixation is a reliable treatment for single-segment lumbar degenerative disease.
Thematic analysis of six Asian prehospital emergency medical systems to explore development principles
Authors: Ratnayake Amila , Bagaria Dinesh , Llaneta April B. , Pattanarattanamolee Ratrawee , Hoang Bui Hai , Suzuki Takaaki , Fukushima Kenji , Nguyen Minh , Phongphuttha Weerasak , Tiglao Patrick Joseph G. , Banerjee Niladri , de Silva Sohan , De Silva Srilal , Agarwal Harshit , Santamaria Emelia B. , Pintatham Kriangsak , Le Xuan Quy , Nakahara Shinji
Published: November 2024

Background

Well-designed and functioning emergency medical service (EMS) can provide equitable access to emergency care to improve health issues, especially in low- and middle-income countries where the majority of deaths are due to conditions that could be treated with emergency care. To address this gap, this study explored the contextually appropriate development process in addition to the system architecture, which is lacking in Global South EMS research.

Method

This study was a thematic analysis of the development of EMS systems in six Asian countries. Experts in emergency care were selected through convenience sampling. Each country described and evaluated its EMS system using a standardized form with 102 EMS items that cover the emergency care system in terms of leadership, governance, financing, community-based activities, prehospital care, and quality assessment. From the descriptions, various themes were extracted focusing on the developmental perspective of EMS in Asia.

Result

The study identified the domain of the developmental focus, best practices, and future strategies for EMS in the Asian region. The identified areas for developmental focus are governance, multidisciplinary collaboration, communication/coordination, community participation, decentralization, equitable access, supply-demand balance, and quality assurance activities.

Conclusion

Countries under investigation achieved progress in planning, implementing, and sustaining EMS through varied strategies in the mentioned focal areas that can be emulated by other countries in this region. Further, their development levels varied according to the extent to which each country realized the development principles identified in this study.
Policy Surveillance Methods Applied to NORM and TENORM Regulation in the Southeast United States
Authors: Lynn Spenser , Caffrey Emily , Wilson Charles
Published: November 2024

The regulation of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) and technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive material (TENORM) at the state level in the United States of America varies significantly from state to state. Policy surveillance methods and associated technologies have been developed to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of public health policies. Previous research has demonstrated that policy surveillance methods can be applied to state radiation regulations; however, no organization has taken steps to incorporate these results into a permanent database with a continuous data lifecycle program. The first goal of this project aims to apply policy surveillance methods to NORM and TENORM regulations in five southeastern states in the United States with a focus on basic definitions and general licensing requirements. The second goal is to introduce policy surveillance methods to health physicists and act as a blueprint for establishing additional datasets of radiation regulations.
IMPACT OF NIRSEVIMAB ON RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS BRONCHIOLITIS IN HOSPITALIZED INFANTS: A REAL-WORLD STUDY
Authors: Jeziorski Eric , Ouziel Antoine , Cotillon Marie , Bridonneau Constance , Bizot Etienne , Basse Clément , Portefaix Aurélie , Dubos François , Béchet Stéphane , Domitien Lea , Jaillet Carine , Abrudan Sorin , Kramer Rolf , Gajdos Vincent , Launay Elise , Basmaci Romain , Gillet Yves , Cohen Robert , Levy Corinne
Published: November 2024

Regarding nirsevimab immunization status, among 1085 infants hospitalized for bronchiolitis, the odds of hospitalization for respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis were 4.7 times higher for nonimmunized children. Immunized infants were less likely to require oxygen supplementation (20.2% vs. 30.6%, P = 0.02) and had a 1-day shorter hospital stay. Respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis was less frequent and less severe in infants immunized with nirsevimab.
MYOPERICARDITIS DUE TO COXIELLA BURNETII IN A TEENAGE MALE
Authors: Vo Anh , Gusland Daniele , Singh Prachi , Joo Su Jin
Published: November 2024

A 15-year-old male presented with acute chest pain and was diagnosed with myopericarditis due to acute Q fever, detected by cell-free DNA method. Despite taking a 2-week course of doxycycline, myopericarditis recurred after 6 months. In the absence of an alternative diagnosis, he began treatment for possible chronic Q fever with doxycycline and hydroxychloroquine and has not had further recurrence.
Mucosal Spread of Sinonasal Adenocarcinoma into the Nasolacrimal Duct Without Bony Erosion of the Nasolacrimal Canal: A Case Report
Authors: Zhang Alexander S. , Selva Dinesh , Tong Jessica Y. , James Craig , Le Hien , Psaltis Alkis J.
Published: November 2024

Sinonasal malignancy is a rare but recognized cause for nasolacrimal obstruction leading to epiphora. While direct mucosal spread through the nasolacrimal duct can occur in benign sinonasal tumors such as inverting papilloma, the same phenomenon has not been described in malignant lesions. The authors present a case of a low-grade nonintestinal type sinonasal adenocarcinoma centered on the inferior meatus of the sinonasal cavity, showing mucosal invasion into the nasolacrimal duct with bony expansion but no erosion of the nasolacrimal canal. The lesion was excised en bloc with a combined endoscopic and external approach with clear margins.
The impact of resistance training in patients diagnosed with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: a systematic review
Authors: Medeiros Daniele Gorski , Ferreira Luis Fernando , Lamp Jessica da Silva , Telles da Rosa Luis Henrique
Published: November 2024

Resistance training, as a modality of physical exercise, has been recognized as a fundamental pillar in the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Current reviews, however, have not given due priority to the specific effects of this type of training on hepatic and clinical markers in individuals with MASLD. This study aimed to compile the available evidence on the impact of resistance training on hepatic and clinical parameters in individuals diagnosed with MASLD. To this end, a systematic search was conducted in the PubMed, Lilacs, Embase, Cochrane, SciELO, and Pedro databases, as well as a manual search, covering the period from January 2011 to December 2023. Randomized clinical trials that evaluated liver fat, insulin resistance, and liver enzymes in individuals with MASLD who were exclusively subjected to resistance training interventions were selected. This study is registered with International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD4202236638) and the risk of bias in the eligible studies was assessed using ROB 2. Six studies were included, totaling 232 adult participants. Resistance training resulted in a significant reduction in liver fat (P < 0.001), liver enzymes (P < 0.05), and insulin resistance (P < 0.05) in individuals in the strength training group. Furthermore, greater adherence to resistance training (>90%) was observed compared to aerobic training. It is concluded that resistance training can be an easily accepted and consistent option for adults with MASLD, playing an important role in improving the clinical and hepatic markers of these individuals.
Prevalence, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of fatty pancreas disease: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Souza Matheus , Silva Gabriel P. , Junior Carlos R. O. , Amaral Marcio J. M. , Lima Luan C. V. , Charatcharoenwitthaya Phunchai
Published: November 2024

Fatty pancreas disease (FPD) is a condition characterized by diffuse excessive intrapancreatic fat deposition with relevant metabolic implications but often overlooked by healthcare professionals. Our study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of FPD. PubMed and Embase databases were searched from inception to 10 April 2024. Pairwise meta-analysis was performed using the DerSimonian–Laird method. Meta-analysis of proportions was conducted using the inverse-variance method with logit transformation. Between-study heterogeneity was examined, with subsequent subgroup and meta-regression analyses, and publication bias was assessed. Eighteen studies with 111 682 individuals were included in this meta-analysis. The overall prevalence of FPD was 21.11% [95% confidence interval (CI): 11.04–36.58]. Diagnostic method influenced FPD prevalence (P < 0.01), with pooled prevalences of 17.53% (95% CI: 16.20–18.95), 30.05% (95% CI: 24.14–36.70), and 21.23% (95% CI: 8.52–43.88) for MRI, computed tomography, and transabdominal ultrasound, respectively. Patients with FPD were more likely to be older, have higher BMI, male, and have metabolic dysfunction. They also had an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, endocrine-related outcomes (i.e. diabetes and glycemic progression), and exocrine-related outcomes (i.e. acute pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer) compared with those without FPD. This study summarizes the epidemiology of FPD and highlights its clinical and prognostic significance. Increased multidisciplinary collaboration is needed to improve understanding of the disease and raise awareness among healthcare professionals. This study was a priori registered in International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD42024514116).
Negative Pressure Wound Therapy With Instillation as an Early Intervention for Extensive Wounds From Necrotizing Fasciitis
Authors: Myers Beth A.
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Ms. S was a 50-year-old woman hospitalized with necrotizing fasciitis from a labial abscess. After several surgical interventions wound debridements were performed consecutively for 6 days. She was left with extensive full thickness tissue destruction of her abdomen, bilateral groin areas, and complete displacement of skin over her mons pubis. Wounds related to necrotizing fasciitis can be especially challenging to manage, especially when the perineal region is involved. Due to the location of such wounds, it can be difficult to maintain dressings, including negative pressure wound therapy with instillation devices (NPWTi). Ms. S. also had a history of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, which can hinder wound healing.

CASE

The Wound, Ostomy and Continence (WOC) nurse was consulted on day 6 of Ms. S’s admission, for application of NPWTi. Complex NPWTi dressings were completed in the operating room (OR), 2 times weekly for 2 weeks. When Ms. S was transferred from the intensive care unit to the surgical unit, NPWT dressings with instillation were used but later converted to standard NPWT, changed twice weekly by the WOC nurse. Dressings were changed at the bedside until day 29 of her admission.

CONCLUSION

The management of Ms. S’s extensive wounds was successful, and her wounds were closed by plastic surgery on day 29 of her admission. Ms. S was the first patient at our hospital with extensive wounds from necrotizing fasciitis to undergo surgical closure of her wounds during the same hospital admission.
Unraveling SARS-CoV-2 Host-Response Heterogeneity through Longitudinal Molecular Subtyping
Authors: Wang Kexin , Nie Yutong , Maguire Cole , Syphurs Caitlin , Sheen Heejune , Karoly Meagan , Lapp Linda , Gygi Jeremy P. , Jayavelu Naresh Doni , Patel Ravi K. , Hoch Annmarie ,   IMPACC Network, Corry David , Kheradmand Farrah , McComsey Grace A. , Fernandez-Sesma Ana , Simon Viviana , Metcalf Jordan P. , Higuita Nelson I Agudelo , Messer William B. , Davis Mark M. , Nadeau Kari C. , Kraft Monica , Bime Chris , Schaenman Joanna , Erle David , Calfee Carolyn S. , Atkinson Mark A. , Brackenridge Scott C. , Hafler David A. , Shaw Albert , Rahman Adeeb , Hough Catherine L. , Geng Linda N. , Ozonoff Al , Haddad Elias K. , Reed Elaine F. , van Bakel Harm , Kim-Schultz Seunghee , Krammer Florian , Wilson Michael , Eckalbar Walter , Bosinger Steven , Langelier Charles R. , Sekaly Rafick P. , Montgomery Ruth R. , Maecker Holden T. , Krumholz Harlan , Melamed Esther , Steen Hanno , Pulendran Bali , Augustine Alison D. , Cairns Charles B. , Rouphael Nadine , Becker Patrice M. , Fourati Slim , Shannon Casey P. , Smolen Kinga K. , Peters Bjoern , Kleinstein Steven H. , Levy Ofer , Altman Matthew C. , Iwasaki Akiko , Diray-Arce Joann , Ehrlich Lauren I. R. , Guan Leying
Published: November 2024

Hospitalized COVID-19 patients exhibit diverse immune responses during acute infection, which are associated with a wide range of clinical outcomes. However, understanding these immune heterogeneities and their links to various clinical complications, especially long COVID, remains a challenge. In this study, we performed unsupervised subtyping of longitudinal multi-omics immunophenotyping in over 1,000 hospitalized patients, identifying two critical subtypes linked to mortality or mechanical ventilation with prolonged hospital stay and three severe subtypes associated with timely acute recovery. We confirmed that unresolved systemic inflammation and T-cell dysfunctions were hallmarks of increased severity and further distinguished patients with similar acute respiratory severity by their distinct immune profiles, which correlated with differences in demographic and clinical complications. Notably, one critical subtype (SubF) was uniquely characterized by early excessive inflammation, insufficient anticoagulation, and fatty acid dysregulation, alongside higher incidences of hematologic, cardiac, and renal complications, and an elevated risk of long COVID. Among the severe subtypes, significant differences in viral clearance and early antiviral responses were observed, with one subtype (SubC) showing strong early T-cell cytotoxicity but a poor humoral response, slower viral clearance, and greater risks of chronic organ dysfunction and long COVID. These findings provide crucial insights into the complex and context-dependent nature of COVID-19 immune responses, highlighting the importance of personalized therapeutic strategies to improve both acute and long-term outcomes.
The cell-type underpinnings of regional brain entropy (BEN) in human brain
Authors: Song Donghui
Published: November 2024

Brain entropy (BEN) indicates the irregularity, unpredictability and complexity of brain activity. Research using regional brain entropy (rBEN) based on fMRI has established its associations with structural and functional brain networks, as well as their coupling. These relationships are influenced by the sensorimotor-association (S-A) axis and cytoarchitectural organization. Recent studies have also revealed links between functional connectome gradients and cell-type, suggesting that rBEN may have a biological basis at the cellular level. However, this possibility remains unexplored at specifically cellular level. In this study, we analyzed mean rBEN maps derived from 176 participants using HCP 7T data and correlated these with publicly available cell-type datasets. Our findings rBEN exhibited a positive correlation with oligodendrocytes (Oligo) and a negative correlation with parvalbumin-positive interneurons (PVALB) under both resting-state and movie-watching conditions at the whole-brain level. Furthermore, we observed that the S-A axis modulates the relationship between rBEN and cell-type. Specifically, L5 extratelencephalic neurons (L5 ET) showed a positive correlation with rBEN in unimodal cortex but a negative correlation in multimodal cortex and interneurons somatostatin (SST) was correlated with rBEN only in multimodal cortex. These results provide further evidence that rBEN has a biological foundation at the cellular level, with spatial heterogeneity in its associations with different cell types. Moreover, rBEN appears to capture information beyond functional connectivity network.
Evidence for Stepwise Disruption ofE. coliRNA Polymerase - λPRPromoter Contacts and Bubble Collapse in Transcription Initiation
Authors: Rector Max , Li Renxi , Wang Hao-Che , Record M Thomas
Published: November 2024

In transcription initiation byE. coliRNA polymerase (RNAP), translocation of the RNA-DNA hybrid disrupts RNAP-promoter and σ70-core RNAP contacts, releasing σ70and allowing RNAP to escape. Previously, to investigate whether RNAP-promoter contacts break step-by-step as the hybrid lengthens or concertedly at escape, we determined rate constants and activation energies of nucleotide-incorporation steps involving translocation at the λPRpromoter. Trends in these quantities with hybrid length were inconsistent with concerted models and provided evidence for stepwise disruption of RNAP-promoter contacts and collapse of the upstream bubble (−1 to −11). Here we report kineticm-values quantifying urea and glycine betaine (GB) effects on rate constants of individual nucleotide-incorporation steps and compare withm-values predicted from structural and model compound information. GB is predicted to favor and urea disfavor binding the initiating NTPs and trigger-helix formation in 2-mer (pppApU) synthesis, largely because of burial of phosphate oxygens in NTP binding and amide oxygens in trigger-helix formation. Consistent with these predictions, GB accelerates and urea retards steps synthesizing 3-mer and 4-mer. However, both solutes retard mid-initiation steps (5-mer to 9-mer synthesis) where −10 contacts are proposed to break, exposing DNA phosphates and allowing the upstream initiation bubble to collapse. Strikingly, urea greatly accelerates while GB retards the 11-mer synthesis step, where −35-contacts are proposed to break, σ70is released and RNAP escapes. Urea and GB kineticm-values and activation energies of these steps are inconsistent with concerted models and support a stepwise model of contact disruption and bubble collapse in initiation.
CNV-Profile Regression: A New Approach for Copy Number Variant Association Analysis in Whole Genome Sequencing Data
Authors: Si Yaqin , Lu Wenbin , Holloway Shannon , Wang Hui , Tucci Albert A. , Brucker Amanda , Cheng Yuhuan , Wang Li-San , Schellenberger Gerard , Lee Wan-Ping , Tzeng Jung-Ying
Published: November 2024

Copy number variants (CNVs) are DNA gains or losses involving >50 base pairs. Assessing CNV effects on disease risk requires consideration of several factors. First, there are no natural definitions for CNV loci. Second, CNV effects can depend on dosage and length. Third, CNV effects can be more accurately estimated when all CNV events in a genomic region are analyzed together to assess their joint effects. We propose a new framework for association analysis that directly models an individual’s entire CNV profile within a genomic region. This framework represents an individual’s CNVs using a CNV profile curve to capture variations in CNV length and dosage and to bypass the need to predefine CNV loci. CNV effects are estimated at each genome position, making the results comparable across different studies. To jointly estimate the effects of all CNVs, we use a Lasso penalty to select CNVs associated with the trait and integrate a weighted L2-fusion penalty to encourage similar effects of adjacent CNVs when supported by the data. Simulations show that the proposed model can more effectively identify causal CNVs while maintaining false positive rates comparable to baseline methods and yield more precise effect-size estimates across different settings. When applied to CNV derived from whole genome sequencing data of the Alzheimer’s Disease Sequencing Project, the proposed methods identify additional CNVs associated with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). These identified CNVs overlap with several known AD-risk genes and are significantly enriched by biological processes related to neuron structures and functions crucial in AD development.
Anti Alzheimer’s effects of Neem oil nanoemulsion against Amyloid β1-40induced in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line
Authors: Govindaswamy Balaji
Published: November 2024

Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by cognitive decline associated with neurodegeneration and accumulation of amyloid beta. Here, experimenting with in vitro models of AD using SHSY5Y cell line after exposing them with Aβ1-40. The natural derivatives like neem oil, plays a potential role in neuroprotection and reduction of tau aggregates in animal models, eventually becoming a alternative treatment beneficiaries in neurodegenerative disease. Formulating the neem oil into a nanoemulsion with Tween 80® and Brij 30™ for stabilization, can be a beneficial drug development for AD. The optimization of this neem oil nanoemulsion was performed with Response Surface Methodology - Box Behnken Design, showed the S mix 10, Sonication power 55%, and Sonication time 15%; as the optimized value to synthesize a stable neem oil nanoemulsion. Secondly, they subjected to thermodynamic stability analysis for estimating the shelf life duration with different temperature conditions. Amyloid beta induced SHSY5Y tend to show severe cell oxidative stress, to estimate that, the neem oil and neem oil nanoemulsion were subjected to DPPH assay. Further, the neem oil and neem oil nanoemulsion analyzed with the Aβ1-40induced SHSY5Y, resulted in good cytotoxicity, where the nanoemulsion exhibited more reduction in cell viability than neem oil. This trend shows that synthesizing the natural oils into nanocarriers can potentially increase the drug release rate, enhanced stability and good biomedical application