bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Three Careers of the Solemn League and Covenant: Presbyterianism and Scottish Religious Diversity, 1643–1800
Authors: Raffe Alasdair
Published: April 2024

This article examines the changing significance of the Solemn League and Covenant in the century and a half following its negotiation by the parliamentary regimes of England and Scotland in 1643. The Solemn League had three careers. Until the late 1640s, it was the basis for an Anglo-Scottish alliance. But by the 1660s, Scottish Presbyterians conceived of the Solemn League’s religious commitments as binding particularly in Scotland, rather than across the three Stuart kingdoms. Well into the eighteenth century, the Solemn League continued to constrain the attitudes and behaviour of large numbers of conscientious Scottish Presbyterians. In its third career, however, Scots understood the Solemn League more historically than constitutionally. They revered its seventeenth-century adherents, even as they criticised the Solemn League’s terms and objectives. Though previous scholars have explored each of the Solemn League’s three careers, the transitions between them are not well understood. This article reconstructs the ways in which Scots rethought the Solemn League from the late 1640s to the early 1660s, to explain how its first career gave way to its second. The article then analyses a series of mid- and late eighteenth-century debates about the Solemn League. The more historical and critical perspectives on the Solemn League associated with its third career emerged from disputes within the Church of Scotland and rivalry between its ministers and members of new dissenting Presbyterian Churches. By tracing changes in how the Solemn League was understood, therefore, the article comments on the growth of religious diversity in Scotland.
Probiotics may alleviate intestinal damage induced by cardiopulmonary bypass in children
Authors: Toritsuka Daisuke , Aoki Masaya , Higashida Akihiko , Fukahara Kazuaki , Nishida Naonori , Hirono Keiichi , Hane Mai , Sugimoto Takuya , Asahara Takashi , Yoshimura Naoki
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVES

Intestinal ischaemia–reperfusion injury induced by cardiopulmonary bypass causes intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction, leading to dysbiosis and bacterial translocation. We conducted a randomized prospective study with 2 objectives: (i) to investigate epithelial barrier dysfunction and bacterial translocation induced by cardiopulmonary bypass and changes in the gut microbiota and (ii) to verify whether probiotics can improve these conditions.

METHODS

Between 2019 and 2020, patients 0–15 years old scheduled to undergo cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass were enrolled and randomly allocated to 2 groups: the intervention group received probiotics and the control group did not receive probiotics. We analysed the microbiota in faeces and blood, organic acid concentrations in faeces, plasma intestinal fatty acid-binding protein and immunological responses.

RESULTS

Eighty-two patients were enrolled in this study. The characteristics of the patients were similar in both groups. The total number of obligate anaerobes was higher in the intervention group than in the control group after postoperative day 7. We identified 4 clusters within the perioperative gut microbiota, and cluster changes showed a corrective effect of probiotics on dysbiosis after postoperative day 7. Organic acid concentrations in faeces, incidence of bacterial translocation, intestinal fatty acid-binding protein levels and immunological responses, except for interleukin -17A, were not markedly different between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of probiotics was able to correct dysbiosis but did not sufficiently alleviate the intestinal damage induced by cardiopulmonary bypass. More effective methods should be examined to prevent disturbances induced by cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass.

Clinical trial registration number

https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000037174

UMIN000035556
Frequency of stress dosing and adrenal crisis in paediatric and adult patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia: a prospective study
Authors: Tschaidse Lea , Wimmer Sophie , Nowotny Hanna F , Auer Matthias K , Lottspeich Christian , Dubinski Ilja , Schiergens Katharina A , Schmidt Heinrich , Quinkler Marcus , Reisch Nicole
Published: April 2024

Objective

Patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) require life-long glucocorticoid replacement, including stress dosing (SD). This study prospectively assessed adrenal crisis (AC) incidence, frequency, and details of SD and disease knowledge in adult and paediatric patients and their parents.

Design

Prospective, observational study.

Methods

Data on AC and SD were collected via a patient diary. In case of AC, medical records were reviewed and patient interviews conducted. Adherence to sick day rules of the German Society of Endocrinology (DGE) and disease knowledge using the German version of the CAH knowledge assessment questionnaire (CAHKAQ) were assessed.

Results

In 187 adult patients, the AC incidence was 8.4 per 100 patient years (py) and 5.1 in 100 py in 38 children. In adults, 195.4 SD episodes per 100 py were recorded, in children 169.7 per 100 py. In children 72.3% and in adults 34.8%, SD was performed according to the recommendations. Children scored higher on the CAHKAQ than adults (18.0 [1.0] vs 16.0 [4.0]; P = .001). In adults, there was a positive correlation of the frequency of SD and the incidence of AC (r = .235, P = .011) and CAHKAQ score (r = .233, P = .014), and between the incidence of AC and CAHKAQ (r = .193, P = .026).

Conclusion

The AC incidence and frequency of SD in children and adults with CAH are high. In contrast to the paediatric cohort, the majority of SD in adults was not in accordance with the DGE recommendations, underlining the need for structured and repeated education of patients with particular focus on transition.
What are the determinants of change in walking fitness in patients with a history of depression following cardiac rehabilitation?
Authors: Sever Serdar , Harrison Alexander , Doherty Patrick
Published: April 2024

Aims

This study aims to investigate the demographic, clinical, and service-level factors determining change in walking fitness in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) patients with a history of depression following the CR programme.

Methods and results

The National Audit of Cardiac Rehabilitation clinical data were used to identify 1476 patients with a history of depression who had their pre- and post-incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) recorded between 1 January 2016 and 31 January 2020. A multiple linear regression was conducted to examine the determinants of change in walking fitness (m) following CR. Mean age was 61 (SD 10.45), and mean ISWT distance at baseline and outcome was 352.06 m (SD 169.48) and 463.43 m (SD 197.65), respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that change in walking distance reduced by 1.6 m for each year increase in age at baseline (P < 0.001). Females and unemployed patients had less improvement in walking fitness (23.1 and 21.5 m, respectively). Having a body mass index (BMI) > 30 was associated with lower improvement (24.2 m, P < 0.001), while physically active patients had 14.6 m higher change. Higher baseline ISWT quintiles were associated with less improvement, and increased waiting time to start CR was associated with reduced change in walking fitness following CR.

Conclusion

Older age, female gender, unemployment, higher baseline BMI, longer waiting time, and lower physical activity were associated with reduced walking fitness improvement in patients with a history of depression. Targeted intervention and prompt access to CR can optimize outcomes.
2024 European Heart Rhythm Association/Heart Rhythm Society/Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society/Latin American Heart Rhythm Society expert consensus statement on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Tzeis Stylianos , Gerstenfeld Edward P , Kalman Jonathan , Saad Eduardo B , Sepehri Shamloo Alireza , Andrade Jason G , Barbhaiya Chirag R , Baykaner Tina , Boveda Serge , Calkins Hugh , Chan Ngai-Yin , Chen Minglong , Chen Shih-Ann , Dagres Nikolaos , Damiano Ralph J , De Potter Tom , Deisenhofer Isabel , Derval Nicolas , Di Biase Luigi , Duytschaever Mattias , Dyrda Katia , Hindricks Gerhard , Hocini Meleze , Kim Young-Hoon , la Meir Mark , Merino Jose Luis , Michaud Gregory F , Natale Andrea , Nault Isabelle , Nava Santiago , Nitta Takashi , O’Neill Mark , Pak Hui-Nam , Piccini Jonathan P , Pürerfellner Helmut , Reichlin Tobias , Saenz Luis Carlos , Sanders Prashanthan , Schilling Richard , Schmidt Boris , Supple Gregory E , Thomas Kevin L , Tondo Claudio , Verma Atul , Wan Elaine Y , Steven Daniel , Agbayani Michael-Joseph , Jared Bunch T , Chugh Aman , Díaz Juan Carlos , Freeman James V , Hardy Carina Abigail , Heidbuchel Hein , Johar Sofian , Linz Dominik , Maesen Bart , Noseworthy Peter A , Oh Seil , Porta-Sanchez Andreu , Potpara Tatjana , Rodriguez-Diez Gerardo , Sacher Frederic , Suwalski Piotr , Trines Serge A
Published: April 2024

In the last three decades, ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) has become an evidence-based safe and efficacious treatment for managing the most common cardiac arrhythmia. In 2007, the first joint expert consensus document was issued, guiding healthcare professionals involved in catheter or surgical AF ablation. Mounting research evidence and technological advances have resulted in a rapidly changing landscape in the field of catheter and surgical AF ablation, thus stressing the need for regularly updated versions of this partnership which were issued in 2012 and 2017. Seven years after the last consensus, an updated document was considered necessary to define a contemporary framework for selection and management of patients considered for or undergoing catheter or surgical AF ablation. This consensus is a joint effort from collaborating cardiac electrophysiology societies, namely the European Heart Rhythm Association, the Heart Rhythm Society, the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society, and the Latin American Heart Rhythm Society .
Management of patients with an electrical storm or clustered ventricular arrhythmias: a clinical consensus statement of the European Heart Rhythm Association of the ESC—endorsed by the Asia-Pacific Heart Rhythm Society, Heart Rhythm Society, and Latin-American Heart Rhythm Society
Authors: Lenarczyk Radosław , Zeppenfeld Katja , Tfelt-Hansen Jacob , Heinzel Frank R , Deneke Thomas , Ene Elena , Meyer Christian , Wilde Arthur , Arbelo Elena , Jędrzejczyk-Patej Ewa , Sabbag Avi , Stühlinger Markus , di Biase Luigi , Vaseghi Marmar , Ziv Ohad , Bautista-Vargas William-Fernando , Kumar Saurabh , Namboodiri Narayanan , Henz Benhur Davi , Montero-Cabezas Jose , Dagres Nikolaos , Peichl Petr , Frontera Antonio , Tzeis Stylianos , Merino Jose Luis , Soejima Kyoko , de Chillou Christian , Tung Roderick , Eckardt Lars , Maury Philippe , Hlivak Peter , Tereshchenko Larisa G , Kojodjojo Pipin , Atié Jacob
Published: April 2024

Electrical storm (ES) is a state of electrical instability, manifesting as recurrent ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) over a short period of time (three or more episodes of sustained VA within 24 h, separated by at least 5 min, requiring termination by an intervention). The clinical presentation can vary, but ES is usually a cardiac emergency. Electrical storm mainly affects patients with structural or primary electrical heart disease, often with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). Management of ES requires a multi-faceted approach and the involvement of multi-disciplinary teams, but despite advanced treatment and often invasive procedures, it is associated with high morbidity and mortality. With an ageing population, longer survival of heart failure patients, and an increasing number of patients with ICD, the incidence of ES is expected to increase. This European Heart Rhythm Association clinical consensus statement focuses on pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and acute and long-term management of patients presenting with ES or clustered VA.
Use of three-dimensional electroanatomic mapping for epicardial access: needle tracking, electrographic characteristics, and clinical application
Authors: Yu Ronghui , Liu Nian , You Binquan , Wang Haixiong , Ruan Yanfei , Wen Songnan , Weiss Peter J , Zawaneh Michael , Su Wilber , Tung Roderick , Zhao Xin , Wang Wei , Tang Ribo , Bai Rong
Published: April 2024

Aims

Pericardiocentesis is usually completed under fluoroscopy. The electroanatomic mapping (EAM) system allows visualizing puncture needle tip (NT) while displaying the electrogram recorded from NT, making it possible to obtain epicardial access (EA) independent of fluoroscopy. This study was designed to establish and validate a technique by which EA is obtained under guidance of three-dimensional (3D) EAM combined with NT electrogram.

Methods and results

3D shell of the heart was generated, and the NT was made trackable in the EAM system. Unipolar NT electrogram was continuously monitored. Penetration into pericardial sac was determined by an increase in NT potential amplitude and an injury current. A long guidewire of which the tip was also visible in the EAM system was advanced to confirm EA. Epicardial access was successfully obtained without complication in 13 pigs and 22 patients. In the animals, NT potential amplitude was 3.2 ± 1.0 mV when it was located in mediastinum, 5.2 ± 1.6 mV when in contact with fibrous pericardium, and 9.8 ± 2.8 mV after penetrating into pericardial sac (all P ≤ 0.001). In human subjects, it measured 1.54 ± 0.40 mV, 3.61 ± 1.08 mV, and 7.15 ± 2.88 mV, respectively (all P < 0.001). Fluoroscopy time decreased in every 4–5 cases (64 ± 15, 23 ± 17, and 0 s for animals 1–4, 5–8, 9–13, respectively, P = 0.01; 44 ± 23, 31 ± 18, 4±7 s for patients 1–7, 8–14, 15–22, respectively, P < 0.001). In five pigs and seven patients, EA was obtained without X-ray exposure.

Conclusion

By tracking NT in the 3D EAM system and continuously monitoring the NT electrogram, it is feasible and safe to obtain EA with minimum or no fluoroscopic guidance.
The role for ambulatory electrocardiogram monitoring in the diagnosis and prognostication of Brugada syndrome: a sub-study of the Rare Arrhythmia Syndrome Evaluation (RASE) Brugada study
Authors: Scrocco Chiara , Ben-Haim Yael , Ensam Bode , Aldous Robert , Tome-Esteban Maite , Specterman Mark , Papadakis Michael , Sharma Sanjay , Behr Elijah R
Published: April 2024

Aims

Brugada syndrome (BrS) diagnosis and risk stratification rely on the presence of a spontaneous type 1 (spT1) electrocardiogram (ECG) pattern; however, its spontaneous fluctuations may lead to misdiagnosis and risk underestimation. This study aims to assess the role for repeat high precordial lead (HPL) resting and ambulatory ECG monitoring in identifying a spT1, and evaluate its prognostic role.

Methods and results

HPL resting and ambulatory monitoring ECGs of BrS subjects were reviewed retrospectively, and the presence of a spT1 associated with ventricular dysrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Three-hundred and fifty-eight subjects (77 with spT1 pattern at presentation, Group 1, and 281 without, Group 2) were included. In total, 1651 resting HPL resting and 621 ambulatory monitoring ECGs were available for review, or adequately described. Over a median follow-up of 72 months (interquartile range - IQR - 75), 42/77 (55%) subjects in Group 1 showed a spT1 in at least one ECG. In Group 2, 36/281 subjects (13%) had a newly detected spT1 (1.9 per 100 person-year) and 23 on an HPL ambulatory recording (8%). Seven previously asymptomatic subjects, five of whom had a spT1 (four at presentation and one at follow-up), experienced arrhythmic events; survival analysis indicated that a spT1, either at presentation or during lifetime, was associated with events. Univariate models showed that a spT1 was consistently associated with increased risk [spT1 at presentation: hazard ratio (HR) 6.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4–28, P = 0.016; spT1 at follow-up: HR 3.1, 95% CI 1.3–7.2, P = 0.008].

Conclusion

Repeated ECG evaluation and HPL ambulatory monitoring are vital in identifying transient spT1 Brugada pattern and its associated risk.
Accurate diagnosis of apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy using explainable advanced electrocardiogram analysis
Authors: Hughes Rebecca K , Thornton George D , Malcolmson James W , Pierce Iain , Khoury Shafik , Hornell Amanda , Knott Kristopher , Captur Gabriella , Moon James C , Schlegel Todd T , Ugander Martin
Published: April 2024

Aims

Typical electrocardiogram (ECG) features of apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (ApHCM) include tall R waves and deep or giant T-wave inversion in the precordial leads, but these features are not always present. The ECG is used as the gatekeeper to cardiac imaging for diagnosis. We tested whether explainable advanced ECG (A-ECG) could accurately diagnose ApHCM.

Methods and results

Advanced ECG analysis was performed on standard resting 12-lead ECGs in patients with ApHCM [n = 75 overt, n = 32 relative (<15 mm hypertrophy); a subgroup of which underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance (n = 92)], and comparator subjects (n = 2449), including healthy volunteers (n = 1672), patients with coronary artery disease (n = 372), left ventricular electrical remodelling (n = 108), ischaemic (n = 114) or non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy (n = 57), and asymmetrical septal hypertrophy HCM (n = 126). Multivariable logistic regression identified four A-ECG measures that together discriminated ApHCM from other diseases with high accuracy [area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) curve (bootstrapped 95% confidence interval) 0.982 (0.965–0.993)]. Linear discriminant analysis also diagnosed ApHCM with high accuracy [AUC 0.989 (0.986–0.991)].

Conclusion

Explainable A-ECG has excellent diagnostic accuracy for ApHCM, even when the hypertrophy is relative, with A-ECG analysis providing incremental diagnostic value over imaging alone. The electrical (ECG) and anatomical (wall thickness) disease features do not completely align, suggesting that future diagnostic and management strategies may incorporate both features.
Interventions for cold homes: a rapid review of the health impacts
Authors: Lazo Green Kimberly , Tan Michelle M C , Johnson Eugenie Evelynne , Ahmed Nisar , Eastaugh Claire , Beyer Fiona , Craig Dawn , Spiers Gemma F , Hanratty Barbara
Published: April 2024

Background

Cold homes are associated with an increased risk of adverse health outcomes for older people. To mitigate this risk, homes need to be heated to an appropriate temperature. This review aims to identify interventions designed to improve heating and temperatures within homes and summarize its impact on health, health service utilization and cost effectiveness.

Methods

A rapid review was conducted. Studies assessing the effects of structural, financial, or behavioural interventions designed to improve home temperatures of residents aged 18+ years were eligible. Searches were carried out in four databases. A search for grey literature, and backward and forward citation searching were performed. Data were summarized in a narrative synthesis and mapped using EPPI-Reviewer and EPPI-Mapper software.

Results

Eighteen studies reported across 19 publications were included. Structural interventions were associated with better mental health and quality of life, a reduction in health service utilization, and improvements in satisfaction with internal home temperature, social interactions and financial difficulties. The impact on physical health outcomes varied by age, gender and long-term conditions. Evidence about the impact of behavioural interventions was inconsistent.

Conclusion

Structural improvements to increase home temperatures may offer the potential to improve some aspects of health. However, the impact on physical health, including which groups are most likely to benefit, is unclear. Key gaps include the lack of evidence about the impact of financial interventions, and the impact of all types of interventions, on quality of life, mortality and costs.
Mitochondrial membrane transporters as attractive targets for the fermentative production of succinic acid from glycerol in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Rendulić Toni , Perpelea Andreea , Ortiz Juan Paulo Ragas , Casal Margarida , Nevoigt Elke
Published: April 2024

Previously, we reported an engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae CEN.PK113-1A derivative able to produce succinic acid (SA) from glycerol with net CO2 fixation. Apart from an engineered glycerol utilization pathway that generates NADH, the strain was equipped with the NADH-dependent reductive branch of the TCA cycle (rTCA) and a heterologous SA exporter. However, the results indicated that a significant amount of carbon still entered the CO2-releasing oxidative TCA cycle. The current study aimed to tune down the flux through the oxidative TCA cycle by targeting the mitochondrial uptake of pyruvate and cytosolic intermediates of the rTCA pathway, as well as the succinate dehydrogenase complex. Thus, we tested the effects of deletions of MPC1, MPC3, OAC1, DIC1, SFC1, and SDH1 on SA production. The highest improvement was achieved by the combined deletion of MPC3 and SDH1. The respective strain produced up to 45.5 g/L of SA, reached a maximum SA yield of 0.66 gSA/gglycerol, and accumulated the lowest amounts of byproducts when cultivated in shake-flasks. Based on the obtained data, we consider a further reduction of mitochondrial import of pyruvate and rTCA intermediates highly attractive. Moreover, the approaches presented in the current study might also be valuable for improving SA production when sugars (instead of glycerol) are the source of carbon.
Perceived Discrimination and Incident Dementia Among Older Adults in the United States:  The Buffering Role of Social Relationships
Authors: Hsieh Ning , Liu Hui , Zhang Zhenmei
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Recent studies have found that perceived discrimination as a chronic stressor predicts poorer cognitive health. However, little research has investigated how social relationships as potential intervening mechanisms may mitigate or exacerbate this association. Using a nationally representative sample of U.S. older adults, this study examined how the existence and quality of 4 types of relationships—with a partner, children, other family members, and friends—may modify the impact of perceived discrimination on incident dementia.

Methods

We analyzed data from the 2006 to 2016 Health and Retirement Study (N = 12,236) using discrete-time event history models with competing risks. We used perceived discrimination, social relationships, and their interactions at the baseline to predict the risk of incident dementia in the follow-ups.

Results

Perceived discrimination predicted a higher risk of incident dementia in the follow-ups. Although having a partner or not did not modify this association, partnership support attenuated the negative effects of discrimination on incident dementia. Neither the existence nor quality of relationships with children, other family members, or friends modified the association.

Discussion

Our findings imply that intimate partnership plays a critical role in coping with discrimination and, consequently, influencing the cognitive health of older adults. Although perceived discrimination is a significant risk factor for the incidence of dementia, better partnership quality may attenuate this association. Policies that eliminate discrimination and interventions that strengthen intimate partnerships may facilitate better cognitive health in late life.
Petrophysical parameter estimation using Biot-poroelastic full-waveform inversion
Authors: Wang Haiwei , Liu Yike , Liu Linong , Yan Tianfan , Zhang Zhendong
Published: April 2024

The increasing need for petrophysical parameter inversion has spurred the advancement of full-waveform inversion (FWI). This study introduces a new inversion method that can directly estimate petrophysical parameters from seismic waveform data. Specifically, we modified the regular elastic wave equation by including Biot poroelastic parameters and designed an inversion workflow based on the framework of elastic FWI. The newly introduced inversion algorithms have demonstrated their effectiveness and accuracy using the Marmousi model and a synthetic model related to the gas hydrate deposits based on the Shenhu area of the South China Sea. Our work demonstrates the feasibility of directly inverting petrophysical parameters and assessing if a deposit contains gas hydrate.
The role of pharmacist in community palliative care—a scoping review
Authors: Thrimawithana Thilini R , Spence Meredith , Lee Madison , Naysoe Nancy , Hanna Shereen , Yako Ghaith , Goma Stan , Stupans Ieva , Lim Chiao Xin
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Dynamic and adaptive services that provide timely access to care are pivotal to ensuring patients with palliative needs experience high-quality care. Patients who have palliative care needs may require symptomatic relief with medicines and, therefore, may engage with community pharmacists frequently. However, there is limited evidence for pharmacists’ involvement in community palliative care models. Therefore, a scoping review was conducted to identify pharmacists’ role in community palliative care.

Methods

A systematic search strategy was implemented across PubMed, PsychINFO, CINAHL, and Embase databases. Articles were screened by abstract and full text against inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Key findings

Five articles (two from Australia, two from England, and one from Scotland) met the inclusion criteria and described interventions involving pharmacists in community palliative care. This review has identified that the inclusion of trained pharmacists in community palliative care teams can improve the quality of care provided for patients with palliative needs. Pharmacists are able to undertake medication reviews and provide education to patients and other healthcare professionals on the quality use of palliative care medicines. Additionally, the underutilization of community pharmacists in palliative care, the need for further training of pharmacists, and improved community pharmacy access to patient information to deliver community palliative care were identified.

Conclusion

Pharmacists can play a vital role in community palliative care to enhance the quality of life of patients. There is a need for greater pharmacist education/training, improved interprofessional communication, improved access to patient information and sustainable funding to strengthen community-based palliative care.
Existence of solution for an optimal control problem in a heterogeneous porous medium
Authors: Kundu A , Mahato H S
Published: April 2024

The paper explores an optimal control problem concerning transport processes in a porous medium. The transport phenomena is governed by diffusion-reaction equations, which is basically a semi-linear parabolic system. An $L^{2}$-cost (energy) functional is introduced, and control (distributed) is applied in the porous part of the medium. The primary objective is to characterize a given control to be an optimal control and analyse the relationship between optimal control and the adjoint state. The analysis commences with the microscopic description of the controlled system followed by upscaling the system via periodic homogenization.
Duality in the Directed Landscape and Its Applications to Fractal Geometry
Authors: Bhatia Manan
Published: April 2024

Geodesic coalescence, or the tendency of geodesics to merge together, is a hallmark phenomenon observed in a variety of planar random geometries involving a random distortion of the Euclidean metric. As a result of this, the union of interiors of all geodesics going to a fixed point tends to form a tree-like structure that is supported on a vanishing fraction of the space. Such geodesic trees exhibit intricate fractal behaviour; for instance, while almost every point in the space has only one geodesic going to the fixed point, there exist atypical points that admit two such geodesics. In this paper, we consider the directed landscape, the recently constructed [ 18] scaling limit of exponential last passage percolation (LPP), with the aim of developing tools to analyse the fractal aspects of the tree of semi-infinite geodesics in a given direction. We use the duality [ 39] between the geodesic tree and the interleaving competition interfaces in exponential LPP to obtain a duality between the geodesic tree and the corresponding dual tree in the landscape. Using this, we show that problems concerning the fractal behaviour of sets of atypical points for the geodesic tree can be transformed into corresponding problems for the dual tree, which might turn out to be easier. In particular, we use this method to show that the set of points admitting two semi-infinite geodesics in a fixed direction a.s. has Hausdorff dimension $4/3$, thereby answering a question posed in [ 12]. We also show that the set of points admitting three semi-infinite geodesics in a fixed direction is a.s. countable.
The fractional free convolution of R-diagonal elements and random polynomials under repeated differentiation
Authors: Campbell Andrew , O’Rourke Sean , Renfrew David
Published: April 2024

We extend the free convolution of Brown measures of $R$-diagonal elements introduced by Kösters and Tikhomirov [ 28] to fractional powers. We then show how this fractional free convolution arises naturally when studying the roots of random polynomials with independent coefficients under repeated differentiation. When the proportion of derivatives to the degree approaches one, we establish central limit theorem-type behavior and discuss stable distributions.
RETRACTED AND REPLACED: Commentary: Mendelian Randomization for Causal Inference
Authors: Moodie Erica E M , le Cessie Saskia
Published: April 2024

This article has been retracted and replaced. Please see: https://doi.org/10.1093/infdis/jiae358
Montelukast and cefoperazone act as antiquorum sensing and antibiofilm agents against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Vieira Tatiana F , Leitão Miguel M , Cerqueira Nuno M F S A , Sousa Sérgio F , Borges Anabela , Simões Manuel
Published: April 2024

Aims

Drug repurposing is an attractive strategy to control biofilm-related infectious diseases. In this study, two drugs (montelukast and cefoperazone) with well-established therapeutic applications were tested on Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum sensing (QS) inhibition and biofilm control.

Methods and results

The activity of montelukast and cefoperazone was evaluated for Pqs signal inhibition, pyocyanin synthesis, and prevention and eradication of Ps. aeruginosa biofilms. Cefoperazone inhibited the Pqs system by hindering the production of the autoinducer molecules 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline (HHQ) and 2-heptyl-3-hydroxy-4(1H)-quinolone (the Pseudomonas quinolone signal or PQS), corroborating in silico results. Pseudomonas aeruginosa pyocyanin production was reduced by 50%. The combination of the antibiotics cefoperazone and ciprofloxacin was synergistic for Ps. aeruginosa biofilm control. On the other hand, montelukast had no relevant effects on the inhibition of the Pqs system and against Ps. aeruginosa biofilm.

Conclusion

This study provides for the first time strong evidence that cefoperazone interacts with the Pqs system, hindering the formation of the autoinducer molecules HHQ and PQS, reducing Ps. aeruginosa pathogenicity and virulence. Cefoperazone demonstrated a potential to be used in combination with less effective antibiotics (e.g. ciprofloxacin) to potentiate the biofilm control action.
Synergistic interactions of essential oil components with antibiotics against multidrug-resistant Corynebacterium striatum
Authors: Yilmaz Umut , Coşkun Ahmet Gökhan , Özel Yener , Ünlü Mehmet , Vardar-ünlü Gülhan
Published: April 2024

Aim

In this study, it was aimed to examine the antibacterial activity of the essential oil components (EOCs), carvacrol (CAR), cinnamaldehyde (CIN), thymol (TH), alpha pinene (α-PN), eucalyptol (EU), limonene (LIM), and the antibiotics, linezolid (LZD), vancomycin (VAN), gentamicin (GEN), ciprofloxacin (CIP), clindamycin (CLN), and penicillin (PEN) against 50 multidrug resistant Corynebacterium striatum strains, and the synergistic interactions of CAR and CIN with the antibiotics against 10 randomly selected Coryne. striatum strains to explore synergistic interactions to determine if their combined use could enhance antibiotic activity and potentially reduce resistance.

Methods and results

The activity of the EOCs and the antibiotics against Coryne. striatum strains isolated from clinical specimens, was examined by broth microdilution method. The synergistic interactions of the EOCs with the antibiotics against 10 randomly selected Coryne. striatum strains were determined by checkerboard method. EOCs, CIN, and CAR and antibiotics, LZD, VAN, GEN, CIP, and CLN were detected to have antibacterial activity against Coryne. striatum strains alone and either synergistic interactions were observed in combinations of the antibiotics with EOCs.

Conclusions

All Coryne. striatum strains were determined to be susceptible to VAN and LZD and resistant to GEN, PEN, CIP, and CLN. Synergistic interactions were observed in all combinations of antibiotics tested with CAR and CIN.
Pleomorphic adenoma gene1 in reproduction and implication for embryonic survival in cattle: a review
Authors: D’Occhio Michael J , Campanile Giuseppe , Baruselli Pietro S , Porto Neto Laercio R , Hayes Ben J , Snr Alf Collins , Fortes Marina R S
Published: April 2024

The pleomorphic adenoma gene1 (PLAG1) encodes a DNA-binding, C2H2 zinc-finger protein which acts as a transcription factor that regulates the expression of diverse genes across different organs and tissues; hence, the name pleomorphic. Rearrangements of the PLAG1 gene, and/or overexpression, are associated with benign tumors and cancers in a variety of tissues. This is best described for pleomorphic adenoma of the salivary glands in humans. The most notable expression of PLAG1 occurs during embryonic and fetal development, with lesser expression after birth. Evidence has accumulated of a role for PLAG1 protein in normal early embryonic development and placentation in mammals. PLAG1 protein influences the expression of the ike growth factor 2 (IGF2) gene and production of IGF2 protein. IGF2 is an important mitogen in ovarian follicles/oocytes, embryos, and fetuses. The PLAG1-IGF2 axis, therefore, provides one pathway whereby PLAG1 protein can influence embryonic survival and pregnancy. PLAG1 also influences over 1,000 other genes in embryos including those associated with ribosomal assembly and proteins. Brahman (Bos indicus) heifers homozygous for the PLAG1 variant, rs109815800 (G > T), show greater fertility than contemporary heifers with either one, or no copy, of the variant. Greater fertility in heifers homozygous for rs109815800 could be the result of early puberty and/or greater embryonic survival. The present review first looks at the broader roles of the PLAG1 gene and PLAG1 protein and then focuses on the emerging role of PLAG1/PLAG1 in embryonic development and pregnancy. A deeper understanding of factors which influence embryonic development is required for the next transformational increase in embryonic survival and successful pregnancy for both in vivo and in vitro derived embryos in cattle.
Burn Wounds and Enzymatic Debridement (ED)—Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Atiyeh Bishara , Makkawi Kareem , Beaineh Paul
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Excision of necrotic and devitalized tissues of deep burns is key for optimal care of burn injuries. However, the modality of early tangential excision followed by skin grafting proposed by Zora Janzekovic 5 decades ago was not received initially with great enthusiasm. At present, it developed to become the standard of care (SOC) despite the special expertise it necessitates and the general anesthesia it requires in addition to several drawbacks including excessive blood loss, risk of hypothermia, and most importantly potential excision of normal non-burned tissues. Conservative non-surgical selective enzymatic debridement (ED) at present is becoming more popular as an adjunct or even an alternative approach.

Methods

A systematic review of the PubMed electronic database was conducted to identify all experimental and clinical studies about ED of burn wounds. Additional separate searches were also conducted to identify any reports missed by the initial systematic review. Full texts of 59 reports (42 clinical and 17 experimental studies) were retrieved for analysis.

Results

A total of 46 studies (11 experimental and 35 clinical) were about the pineapple extract debriding agent. In total, 23 clinical studies describing promising favorable results with pineapple bromelain-based debridement (BBD) concentrate were published in the last 3 years (2020-2023).

Conclusion

Though available evidence is not entirely in favor of replacing the current surgical SOC with BBD, it certainly presents ED as a highly advantageous modality for the management of burn wounds. Newly described keratinase and SN514 also are promising new products. They both still await further investigation before being clinically adopted.
Current trends for venous thromboembolic prophylaxis for hip arthroscopy: a modified Delphi and nominal group technique consensus study
Authors: Parsa Ali , Bedi Asheesh , Domb Benjamin G
Published: April 2024

The overall risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after hip arthroscopy (HA) is reported to range from 0.2% to 9.5%, but a clear set of recommendations for VTE prophylaxis in HA patients remains scarce. The aim is to survey high-volume hip arthroscopists about their current trends regarding VTE prophylaxis use. A combination of two consensus group methods was used in this study: nominal group technique (NGT) and modified Delphi. A preliminary questionnaire was prepared, and rounds of discussion were completed between NGT members. The final version of the survey was administered to 35 high-volume hip surgeons. Delegates’ mean volume of annual hip arthroscopic surgery was 109. Approximately 22% of their patients are revision HA procedures. A total of 91.4% of delegates use chemoprophylaxis, 28.6% use sequential compression devices and 91.4% believed that chemoprophylaxis is necessary for more prolonged and complex procedures (strong consensus). Aspirin was the choice for all participants, and the duration was 2–3 weeks (31.4%), 1 month (65.7%) and 2–3 months (2.9%). History of VTE, hypercoagulable status, and malignancy were considered risk factors. No consensus was achieved for the discontinuation of oral contraceptive and smoking preoperatively. However, the optimal length of VTE prophylaxis is unclear. A total of 97.1% of the experts responded that they administer aspirin between 2 and 4 weeks. High-volume arthroscopic surgeons do consider VTE prophylaxis to be important and warranted in the postoperative setting. Aspirin is the mainstay of chemoprophylaxis, although the appropriate duration is unknown.
Profile of Duponchelia fovealis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) as a greenhouse and nursery pest in the United States
Authors: Copeman Sophia M , Frank Steven D
Published: April 2024

Duponchelia fovealis (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is a pest native to Southern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean that has become invasive in many other parts of the world including the United States. This polyphagous pest infests many ornamental plants, fruit and vegetable crops, cut flowers, and some aquatic plants. In the United States, it is mainly a pest in greenhouses and outdoor nurseries. Data on D. fovealis are limited, and there is no solid information on effective integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. A review of pest distribution and pest status, host plants, nature of pest injury, description of life stages, biology and ecology, and management options for D. fovealis is presented. We also highlight areas of research that will improve IPM.
Inhibition of GLUD1 mediated by LASP1 and SYVN1 contributes to hepatitis B virus X protein-induced hepatocarcinogenesis
Authors: You Hong-Juan , Li Qi , Ma Li-Hong , Wang Xing , Zhang Huan-Yang , Wang Yu-Xin , Bao En-Si , Zhong Yu-Jie , Kong De-Long , Liu Xiang-Ye , Kong Fan-Yun , Zheng Kui-Yang , Tang Ren-Xian
Published: April 2024

Glutamate dehydrogenase 1 (GLUD1) is implicated in oncogenesis. However, little is known about the relationship between GLUD1 and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In the present study, we demonstrated that the expression levels of GLUD1 significantly decreased in tumors, which was relevant to the poor prognosis of HCC. Functionally, GLUD1 silencing enhanced the growth and migration of HCC cells. Mechanistically, the upregulation of interleukin-32 through AKT activation contributes to GLUD1 silencing-facilitated hepatocarcinogenesis. The interaction between GLUD1 and AKT, as well as α-ketoglutarate regulated by GLUD1, can suppress AKT activation. In addition, LIM and SH3 protein 1 (LASP1) interacts with GLUD1 and induces GLUD1 degradation via the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway, which relies on the E3 ubiquitin ligase synoviolin (SYVN1), whose interaction with GLUD1 is enhanced by LASP1. In hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCC, the HBV X protein (HBX) can suppress GLUD1 with the participation of LASP1 and SYVN1. Collectively, our data suggest that GLUD1 silencing is significantly associated with HCC development, and LASP1 and SYVN1 mediate the inhibition of GLUD1 in HCC, especially in HBV-related tumors.
Evaluating colonoscopy quality by performing provider type
Authors: Berry Emily , Hostetter Jeff , Bachtold Joseph , Zamarripa Sarah , Argenbright Keith E
Published: April 2024

Background

Colorectal cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Colonoscopy is an essential tool for screening, used as a primary approach and follow-up to an abnormal stool-based colorectal cancer screening result. Colonoscopy quality is often measured with 4 key indicators: bowel preparation, cecal intubation, mean withdrawal time, and adenoma detection. Colonoscopies are most often performed by gastroenterologists (GI), however, in rural and medically underserved areas, non-GI providers often perform colonoscopies. This study aims to evaluate the quality and safety of screening colonoscopies performed by non-GI practitioner, comparing their outcomes with those of GI providers.

Methods

Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the study population. Results for quality indicators were stratified by provider type and compared. Statistical significance was determined using a P value of less than .05 as the threshold for all comparisons; all P values were 2-sided.

Results

No statistical difference was found when comparing performance by provider type. Median performance for gastroenterologists, general surgeons, and family medicine providers ranged from 98% to 100% for cecal intubation; 97.4% to 100% for bowel preparation; 57.4% to 88.9% for male adenoma detection rate; 47.7% to 62.13% for female adenoma detection rate; and 0:12:10 to 0:20:16 for mean withdrawal time. All provider types met and exceeded the goal metric for each of the quality indicators (P < .001).

Conclusions

As a result of this analysis, we can expect non-GI practitioner to perform colonoscopies with similar quality to GI practitioner given the performance outcomes for the key quality metrics.
Housing assistance among patients with cancer: SEER-Medicare US Department of Housing and Urban Development data linkage
Authors: Pollack Craig Evan , Garrison Veronica , Johnson Taylor , Blackford Amanda L , Banks Bob , Howe William , Yabroff K Robin , Enewold Lindsey
Published: April 2024

Background

Lack of stable, affordable housing is an important social determinant of health. Federal housing assistance may buffer against housing vulnerabilities among low-income households, but research examining the association of housing assistance and cancer care has been limited. We introduce a new linkage of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program-Medicare and US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administrative data.

Methods

Individuals enrolled in HUD public and assisted housing programs between 2006 and 2021 were linked with cancer diagnoses between 2006 and 2019 identified in the SEER-Medicare data from 16 states using Match*Pro (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD) probabilistic linkage software. HUD administrative data include timing and type of housing assistance as well as verified household income. Medicare administrative data are available through 2020.

Results

A total of 335 490 unique individuals who received housing assistance at any time point, including 156 794 who received housing assistance around the time of their diagnosis (at least 6 months before diagnosis until 6 months after diagnosis or death), were matched to SEER-Medicare data. A total of 63 251 individuals receiving housing assistance at the time of their diagnosis were aged 66 years and older and continuously enrolled in Medicare parts A and B fee for service; 12 035 had a diagnosis of lung cancer, 8866 of breast cancer, 7261 of colorectal cancer, and 4703 of prostate cancer.

Conclusions

This novel data linkage will be available through the National Cancer Institute and can be used to explore the ways in which housing assistance is associated with cancer diagnosis, care, and outcomes, including the role of housing assistance status in potentially reducing or contributing to inequities across racialized and ethnic groups.
The Maintain High Blood Glucose subscale of the child hypoglycemia fear survey: proposed preliminary cut points for screening youth with type 1 diabetes
Authors: O’Donnell Holly K , Johnson Suzanne Bennett , Driscoll Kimberly A
Published: April 2024

Objective

To improve the clinical utility of the Maintain High Blood Glucose subscale of the Hypoglycemia Fear Surveys (HFS) by identifying clinically meaningful cut points associated with glycemic outcomes.

Methods

Youth (N = 994; 13.96 ± 2.3 years) with type 1 diabetes and their caregivers (N = 1,111; 72% female) completed the Child or Parent version of the HFS. Modal Score Distribution, Standard Deviation Criterion, and Elevated Item Criterion approaches were used to identify proposed preliminary cut points for the Maintain High Blood Glucose subscale. The association between proposed preliminary cut points was examined with youth glycemic outcomes.

Results

A cut point of ≥7 for the Maintain High Blood Glucose subscale on the Child HFS was associated with a greater percentage of blood glucose readings >180 mg/dl (p < .01), higher mean blood glucose (p < .001), and a higher hemoglobin A1c (p < .05). In subsequent multiple regression analyses, controlling for other factors associated with glycemia, the significant association between scores above ≥7 and higher mean blood glucose and higher hemoglobin A1c remained. A clinically useful cut point was not identified for caregivers. However, elevated youth scores on the Maintain High Blood Glucose subscale were positively associated with elevated caregiver scores (phi = .171, p < .001).

Conclusions

The proposed preliminary cut point for the Maintain High Blood Glucose subscale will aid the type 1 diabetes care team in identifying youth whose behaviors may be contributing to their suboptimal glycemia.
“Where Did This Come From?”: Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Biliary Atresia After Kasai Procedure
Authors: Ravanbakhsh Naseem , Chapin Catherine A , Li Yun , Jhaveri Ravi
Published: April 2024

For patients with Biliary atresia, antibiotic prophylaxis after Kasai portoenterostomy is a common practice. Societal guidelines often cite one reference as supportive evidence for this practice. In this paper, we go back to review the quality of this evidence and suggest more research is required to demonstrate the efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis in this population.