bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical and prognostic features of Langerhans cell histiocytosis in adults
Authors: Sato Aki , Kobayashi Masayuki , Yusa Nozomi , Ogawa Miho , Shimizu Eigo , Kawamata Toyotaka , Yokoyama Kazuaki , Ota Yasunori , Ichinohe Tatsuo , Ohno Hitoshi , Mori Yasuo , Sakaida Emiko , Kondo Tadakazu , Imoto Seiya , Nannya Yasuhito , Mitani Kinuko , Tojo Arinobu
Published: June 2023

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease characterized by clonal expansion of CD1a+CD207+ myeloid dendritic cells. The features of LCH are mainly described in children and remain poorly defined in adults; therefore, we conducted a nationwide survey to collect clinical data from 148 adult patients with LCH. The median age at diagnosis was 46.5 (range: 20–87) years with male predominance (60.8%). Among the 86 patients with detailed treatment information, 40 (46.5%) had single system LCH, whereas 46 (53.5%) had multisystem LCH. Moreover, 19 patients (22.1%) had an additional malignancy. BRAF V600E in plasma cell‐free DNA was associated with a low overall survival (OS) rate and the risk of the pituitary gland and central nervous system involvement. At a median follow‐up of 55 months from diagnosis, six patients (7.0%) had died, and the four patients with LCH‐related death did not respond to initial chemotherapy. The OS probability at 5 years post‐diagnosis was 90.6% (95% confidence interval: 79.8–95.8). Multivariate analysis showed that patients aged ≥60 years at diagnosis had a relatively poor prognosis. The probability of event‐free survival at 5 years was 52.1% (95% confidence interval: 36.6–65.5), with 57 patients requiring chemotherapy. In this study, we first revealed the high rate of relapse after chemotherapy and mortality of poor responders in adults as well as children. Therefore, prospective therapeutic studies of adults with LCH using targeted therapies are needed to improve outcomes in adults with LCH.
Health care resource utilization and clinical outcomes for adult heart transplant recipients with primary graft dysfunction
Authors: McCartney Sharon L. , Peskoe Sarah , Wright Mary Cooter , Mamoun Negmeldeen , Schroder Jacob N. , DeVore Adam D. , Nicoara Alina
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The advent of new technologies to reduce primary graft dysfunction (PGD) and improve outcomes after heart transplantation are costly. Adoption of these technologies requires a better understanding of health care utilization, specifically the costs related to PGD.

Methods

Records were examined from all adult patients who underwent orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) between July 1, 2013 and July 30, 2019 at a single institution. Total costs were categorized into variable, fixed, direct, and indirect costs. Patient costs from time of transplantation to hospital discharge were transformed with the z‐score transformation and modeled in a linear regression model, adjusted for potential confounders and in‐hospital mortality. The quintile of patient costs was modeled using a proportional odds model, adjusted for confounders and in‐hospital mortality.

Results

359 patients were analyzed, including 142 with PGD and 217 without PGD. PGD was associated with a .42 increase in z‐score of total patient costs (95% CI: .22‐.62; p < .0001). Additionally, any grade of PGD was associated with a 2.95 increase in odds for a higher cost of transplant (95% CI: 1.94‐4.46, p < .0001). These differences were substantially greater when PGD was categorized as severe. Similar results were obtained for fixed, variable, direct, and indirect costs.

Conclusions

PGD after OHT impacts morbidity, mortality, and health care utilization. We found that PGD after OHT results in a significant increase in total patient costs. This increase was substantially higher if the PGD was severe.

Primary graft dysfunction after heart transplantation impacts morbidity, mortality, and health care utilization. PGD after OHT is costly and investments should be made to reduce the burden of PGD after OHT to improve patient outcomes.
Institutional reform paths
Authors: Buchen Clemens
Published: June 2023

This paper develops a dynamic population game in which agents play a simple anonymous‐exchange game of cooperating or defecting. Agents switch to the strategy with a higher expected payoff. Reformers can affect the payoff structure of the stage game to maximize the number of cooperators in the population by either enacting legal reform (institutional quality of contract law) or focusing on the macro outlook of the economy. Based on the theoretical model, the paper predicts which types the reformer should enact first and under which conditions reform will not be successful.
Distance‐dependent attraction of the generalist aphid parasitoid Aphidius colemani towards synthetic volatile organic compounds under greenhouse conditions
Authors: van Neerbos Francine A. C. , Mertens Rani , Wäckers Felix L. , Bosmans Lien , Jacquemyn Hans , Lievens Bart
Published: June 2023

Manipulation of insect foraging may provide the basis for effective insect pest control strategies. Recent laboratory and small‐scale greenhouse experiments have shown that a blend of styrene and benzaldehyde is attractive to some Aphidius parasitoids, making it a good candidate for attracting and retaining these natural enemies in cropping systems. However, an appropriate dispenser type and appropriate dose for field application and its attraction range have yet to be identified. In this study, we performed experiments to determine an appropriate dispenser type – Omnilure® vs. low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) bags – and the most suitable dose to attract Aphidius colemani Viereck (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) under commercial greenhouse conditions and to determine the maximum distance of attraction. A mixture of 10 mg styrene and 100 μg benzaldehyde was the most attractive dose for A. colemani when provided by the dispensers under greenhouse conditions. The highest percentage of parasitoids was attracted when insects were released at a distance of 0.5 m from the Omnilure dispensers. Nevertheless, compared to the solvent control the blend of styrene and benzaldehyde remained attractive over a distance of up to 5 m. The potential application of these results in novel augmentation biocontrol strategies is discussed.
Equine dental caries and restoration
Authors: Rawlinson Jennifer E.
Published: June 2023

Peripheral, infundibular, and occlusal caries can result in significant dental disease affecting the quality of life of the horse. Recognition of dental caries and understanding the grading/classification and treatment options are vital for providing optimal equine oral health care. Accurate grading of dental caries and the recognition of the importance of location on the tooth impacts treatment planning that may or may not include restoration. Restoration of teeth can be performed to reduce dental decay and improve patient comfort. Restoration of teeth requires an armoury of dental restorative equipment and materials, and it is technique sensitive requiring the practitioner to have a deep understanding of dental materials and restorative dentistry. This commentary reviews the types and grading of equine dental decay, case selection for restoration, and the treatment steps for restoration of equine caries.
A causative role for remote dural puncture and resultant arachnoid bleb in new daily persistent headache: A case report
Authors: Callen Andrew L. , Lennarson Peter , Carroll Ian R.
Published: June 2023

A 24‐year‐old woman experienced a postdural puncture headache following a labor epidural, recovered following bedrest, and was then without headache for 12 years. She then experienced sudden onset of daily, holocephalic headache persisting for 6 years prior to presentation. Pain reduced with prolonged recumbency. MRI brain, MRI myelography, and later bilateral decubitus digital subtraction myelography showed no cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak or CSF venous fistula, and normal opening pressure. Review of an initial noncontrast MRI myelogram revealed a subcentimeter dural outpouching at L3–L4, suspicious for a posttraumatic arachnoid bleb. Targeted epidural fibrin patch at the bleb resulted in profound but temporary symptom relief, and the patient was offered surgical repair. Intraoperatively, an arachnoid bleb was discovered and repaired followed by remission of headache. We report that a distant dural puncture can play a causative role in the long delayed onset of new daily persistent headache.
Transient side shift of cluster headache attacks after unilateral greater occipital nerve injection
Authors: Brandt Roemer B. , Naber Willemijn C. , Ouwehand Rosa‐Lin H. , Haan Joost , Ferrari Michel D. , Fronczek Rolf
Published: June 2023

Attacks of cluster headache (CH) are usually side‐locked in most, but not all, patients. In a few patients, the side may alternate between or, rarely, within cluster episodes. We observed seven cases in whom the side of CH attacks temporarily shifted immediately or shortly after unilateral injection of the greater occipital nerve (GON) with corticosteroids. In five patients with previously side‐locked CH attacks and in two patients with previously side‐alternating CH attacks, a side shift for several weeks occurred immediately (N = 6) or shortly (N = 1) after GON injection. We concluded that unilateral GON injections might cause a transient side shift of CH attacks through inhibition of the ipsilateral hypothalamic attack generator causing relative overactivity of the contralateral side. The potential benefit of bilateral GON injection in patients who experienced a side shift after unilateral injection should be formally investigated.
‘Creating a culturally competent pharmacy profession’: A qualitative exploration of pharmacy staff perspectives of cultural competence and its training in community pharmacy settings
Authors: McCann Jessica , Lau Wing Man , Husband Andy , Todd Adam , Sile Laura , Doll Amandeep Kaur , Varia Sneha , Robinson‐Barella Anna
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Cultural competence is an important attribute underpinning interactions between healthcare professionals, such as pharmacists, and patients from ethnic minority communities. Health‐ and medicines‐related inequalities affecting people from underrepresented ethnic groups, such as poorer access to healthcare services and poorer overall treatment outcomes in comparison to their White counterparts, have been widely discussed in the literature. Community pharmacies are the first port of call for healthcare services accessed by diverse patient populations; yet, limited research exists which explores the perceptions of culturally competent care within the profession, or the delivery of cultural competence training to community pharmacy staff. This research seeks to gather perspectives of community pharmacy teams relating to cultural competence and identify possible approaches for the adoption of cultural competence training.

Methods

Semistructured interviews were conducted in‐person, over the telephone or via video call, between October and December 2022. Perspectives on cultural competence and training were discussed. Interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. The reflexive thematic analysis enabled the development of themes. QSR NVivo (Version 12) facilitated data management. Ethical approval was obtained from the Newcastle University Ethics Committee (reference: 25680/2022).

Results

Fourteen participants working in community pharmacies were interviewed, including eight qualified pharmacists, one foundation trainee pharmacist, three pharmacy technicians/dispensers and two counter assistants. Three themes were developed from the data which centred on (1) defining and appreciating cultural competency within pharmacy services; (2) identifying pharmacies as ‘cultural hubs’ for members of the diverse, local community and (3) delivering cultural competence training for the pharmacy profession.

Conclusion

The results of this study offer new insights and suggestions on the delivery of cultural competence training to community pharmacy staff, students and trainees entering the profession. Collaborative co‐design approaches between patients and pharmacy staff could enable improved design, implementation and delivery of culturally competent pharmacy services.

Patient or Public Contribution

The Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement group at Newcastle University had input in the study design and conceptualisation. Two patient champions inputted to ensure that the study was conducted, and the findings were reported, with cultural sensitivity.
A Community of Practice to increase education and collaboration in dementia and ageing research and care: The Liverpool Dementia & Ageing Research Forum
Authors: Giebel Clarissa , Tetlow Hilary , Faulkner Thomas , Eley Ruth
Published: June 2023

Background

Too often, dementia research is conducted in research silos without thorough integration and the involvement of people with lived experiences, care professionals and the Third Sector. Research can also get lost in academic publications, without reaching those benefiting most from the evidence. The aim of this methods and evaluation paper was to outline the aims, components and evaluation of the public‐facing and ‐engaging Liverpool Dementia & Ageing Research Forum, to provide a blueprint for setting up similar communities of practice.

Methods

The Forum was set up in 2019 with the aim to (a) connect different stakeholders in dementia and ageing and co‐produce research and to (b) inform and educate. This paper provides an account of the Forum model and evaluates the following key elements: (1) engagement; (2) experiences of the Forum and its impact (via an online evaluation survey and three reflections). All Forum members and attendees were asked to complete a brief evaluation survey about their experiences from October to November 2022. Three regular Forum attendees provided a case study about their involvement and its impact.

Findings

The Forum has reached out to diverse stakeholders and the general public, generating growing interest and engagement since its initiation. Forty‐four members and attendees completed the survey. Most attendees completing the evaluation survey have so far engaged in between 5 and 20 activities (47.8%), and 91% felt the aims of the Forum have been met. Engaging in the Forum has produced various benefits for attendees, including increased research capacity and knowledge, as well as improved connectivity with other stakeholders. Eleven percent of respondents, 39% of lived experts, stated they experienced improved access to postdiagnostic care.

Conclusions

This is the first reported multistakeholder Community of Practice (CoP) on dementia and ageing. We make key recommendations for setting up and running similar dementia CoP, as they provide a noninterventional format for raising awareness, capacity and access to dementia care.

Patient and Public Involvement

This paper reports on the involvement and engagement of people with dementia, unpaid carers, health and social care providers and Third Sector organisations in a CoP.
Using mid‐infrared spectroscopy combined with chemometrics to determine digested starch and maltose concentration during in‐vitro digestion of starches
Authors: Visnupriyan Ramanah , Flanagan Bernadine , Harper Karen , Cozzolino Daniel
Published: June 2023

Starch digestion is typically evaluated using in‐vitro techniques. During and after the in‐vitro digestion, samples are collected (gastric and intestinal phases) at allotted time intervals where starch digestion is quantified through the analysis of sugars using routine chemical and enzymatic analysis. This paper reports the use of mid‐infrared (MIR) spectroscopy as rapid method to measure the concentration of maltose and % digested starch during the digestion of rice and potato starch, maize starch namely Gelose 50 (50% amylose), Gelose 80 (80% amylose) and pregelatinized corn starch collected at different time points (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 75, 90, 105 and 120 min) from two in‐vitro digestion experiments. Two types of samples, turbid and supernatant were also evaluated. The coefficient of determination (R2) and the standard error in cross‐validation (SECV) ranged between 0.74 to 0.93 and 163 to 360 μg mL−1 for the prediction of the concentration of maltose. The use of turbid samples showed a better predictive ability when compared with the regression models developed using the supernatant samples. This method showed potential to significantly decrease the time and effort associated to determining maltose concentration and % digested starch during in‐vitro digestion.
The effects of gamma irradiation treatment on starch structure and properties: a review
Authors: Zhiguang Chen , Rui Zhou , Qi Yang , Haixia Zhong
Published: June 2023

Gamma irradiation is a new starch processing and modification method. In this paper, the effects of gamma irradiation on starch structure and properties were summarised and discussed. In terms of starch structure, gamma irradiation destroys glycosidic bonds and significantly reduces the average molecular weight of starch, which may be the fundamental reason for the change in starch properties after irradiation. In addition, irradiation has no effects on crystal type but decreases the crystallinity of starch. Meanwhile, gamma irradiation can increase the specific surface area of starch granules but have no significant effects on the granular morphologies, indicating the damage to starch granules caused by irradiation proceeds from inside the granules. In terms of starch properties, gamma irradiation treatment decreases the viscosity, setback, breakdown, To, Tp, Tc, the enthalpy of crystalline melting, storage modulus, loss modulus, consistency coefficient and swelling ability of starches. In addition, gamma irradiation increases the b value, water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity and solubility of starches. However, the results of the effects of irradiation on starch digestive, retrogradation and texture properties are not consistent in different studies. It may provide a reference for the application of irradiation in starch processing and modification.
The role of sense of coherence in workplace violence directed at nurses in the shadow of COVID‐19: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Amit‐Aharon Anat , Warshawski Sigalit , Itzhaki Michal
Published: June 2023

Aims

To explore (a) the associations between sense of coherence (SOC), previous exposure to COVID‐19, and the intention to act violently towards nurses, and (b) the role of SOC and sociodemographic variables as risk or protective factors involved in the intention to act violently.

Design

A cross‐sectional study with a convenience sample.

Methods

A structured self‐report questionnaire was distributed from February to March 2022. The questionnaire included socioeconomic variables, previous exposure to COVID‐19, and a validated questionnaire on SOC. Three vignettes (online shaming, verbal and physical violence) describing nurse–patient communication conflicts were presented to participants. A multinomial logistic regression was conducted to explore the associations with acting violently by comparing three options of no/sometimes/high intention to act violently. The study adhered to STROBE guidelines.

Results

Questionnaires were completed by 808 adults. SOC and religiosity were revealed as protective factors in the three vignettes. Verbal violent behaviour was found to be a risk factor for online and physical violent behaviour intention. Previous exposure to COVID‐19, non‐academic education, and ethnicity were found to be risk factors for the intention to behave violently toward nurses.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that training nurses in practical SOC dimensions (enhancing comprehensible, manageable and meaningful treatment processes) may reduce patients' lack of understanding and frustration and, in turn, reduce the tendency to behave violently.

Impact

This study focused on SOC as a variable that may affect the intention to act violently towards nurses. The results reveal that SOC may be a protective factor, where people with higher SOC will have less intention to behave violently towards nurses. The results can provide an insight for nurses, nurse leaders and policymakers, towards supplying coherent and cultural competency treatment processes for patients and assisting nurses in dealing with stressful situations during normal routines and pandemics.

Patient or Public Contribution

The questionnaire was distributed among the general public by master's degree nursing students. The students distributed the questionnaires among their friends and acquaintances using a snowball‐sampling approach.
Nakedly Normative: A Feminist (Re‐)Imagination of Planetary Politics
Authors: David Maxine , Guerrina Roberta , Wright Katharine A. M.
Published: June 2023

This article makes the case for a feminist (re‐)imagination of planetary politics in the context of the normative power approach and Manners' opening article in this special section. Arguing for an urgent turn to a politics that embraces the whole of the planet, we ask: How can we build processes and political structures that equip us with what is needed to manage those tests now faced by the planet? We apply a critical feminist lens to argue that the potential of a normative power approach in realising a planetary politics, so challenging anthropocentrism, can only be fulfilled if political and societal actors embrace four ‘Es’: ethic of care, empathy, emancipation and equity. The cosmopolity envisioned is premised on our ability to ‘see’, ‘hear’, question – perhaps even break with – the disciplining and bounding effects of the disciplines that feed into European studies.
Introgression between highly divergent fungal sister species
Authors: Kinneberg Vilde Bruhn , Lü Dabao Sun , Peris David , Ravinet Mark , Skrede Inger
Published: June 2023

To understand how species evolve and adapt to changing environments, it is important to study gene flow and introgression due to their influence on speciation and radiation events. Here, we apply a novel experimental system for investigating these mechanisms using natural populations. The system is based on two fungal sister species with morphological and ecological similarities occurring in overlapping habitats. We examined introgression between these species by conducting whole genome sequencing of individuals from populations in North America and Europe. We assessed genome-wide nucleotide divergence and performed crossing experiments to study reproductive barriers. We further used ABBA–BABA statistics together with a network analysis to investigate introgression, and conducted demographic modelling to gain insight into divergence times and introgression events. The results revealed that the species are highly divergent and incompatible in vitro. Despite this, small regions of introgression were scattered throughout the genomes and one introgression event likely involves a ghost population (extant or extinct). This study demonstrates that introgression can be found among divergent species and that population histories can be studied without collections of all the populations involved. Moreover, the experimental system is shown to be a useful tool for research on reproductive isolation in natural populations.

Abstract

We studied population histories with demographic modelling and found introgression between highly divergent fungal sister species, involving a ghost population.
The need to consider ‘temporality’ in person‐centred care of people with motor neurone disease
Authors: Harris Denise A. , Jack Kirsten , Wibberley Christopher
Published: June 2023

Aims and Objectives

The overall aim of this paper is to provide practical insight into the way that professionals caring for a person with motor neurone disease (MND) can recognise, respect and respond to that person's temporality; that is, the person that they have been, that they are now and that they will be in the future.

Background

MND is an umbrella term for a group of four rare, devastating neurodegenerative terminal diseases of middle/later life. Previously, we have acknowledged the importance of different time periods in the trajectory of MND as an illness, for example, during the diagnosis stage through to end of life and decision‐making at that time. Living with MND can cause anxiety at all stages of the disease trajectory especially as it can be difficult for people living with MND to communicate their desires and concerns to professionals and carers. It is important that professionals continue to provide holistic care throughout the illness trajectory and the aim of this paper is to explore past research about caring for someone with MND in relation to the concept of person‐centred care.

Method

The paper is based on the concatenated exploration of the findings of a hermeneutic phenomenological project. Thus, this discursive paper links elements/studies which have been published previously to develop a model of person‐centred care for people with MND which recognises and respects their temporality.

Conclusions

We suggest MND has a significant impact on a person's lifeworld. The proposed person‐centred care model focuses on understanding (interpreting) a person in a wider temporal frame and beyond the context of their illness. The expected collaborative outcomes are that: a person is acknowledged as more than a ‘patient with MND’ and that a professional is providing person‐centred care based on individuality of the person, through a temporal lens. This requires a collaborative approach between the person, others and professionals. Such person‐centred care, focused on individuality, may prevent a person experiencing life in crisis and suffering towards the end of life.
Perceived Stress and Depressive Symptoms Are Associated With Emotional Eating but Not Nutritional Intake During Pregnancy: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Carandang Rogie Royce , Epel Elissa , Radin Rachel , Lewis Jessica B. , Ickovics Jeannette R. , Cunningham Shayna D.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Pregnancy is a major life event during which women may experience increased psychological distress and changes in eating behaviors. However, few studies have investigated the influence of psychological distress on pregnant women's eating behaviors. The primary objective of this prospective study was to examine the associations of changes in perceived stress and depressive symptoms with emotional eating and nutritional intake during pregnancy. In addition, we examined the direct and moderating effects of perceived social support.

Methods

Participants were racially diverse pregnant women (14‐42 years) from 4 clinical sites in Detroit, MI, and Nashville, TN (N = 678). We used multiple linear and logistic regression models to determine if changes in stress and depressive symptoms across pregnancy were associated with changes in emotional eating and nutritional intake. We examined residualized change in stress and depressive symptoms from second to third trimester of pregnancy; positive residualized change scores indicated increased stress and depressive symptoms.

Results

Participants showed significant improvement in emotional eating and nutritional intake from second to third trimester of pregnancy (P < .001 for both). At second trimester, higher depressive symptoms were associated with a greater likelihood of emotional eating (P < .001) and worse nutritional intake (P = .044) at third trimester. Increased stress and depressive symptoms during pregnancy were both associated with increased risk, whereas increased perceived social support reduced risk of emotional eating at third trimester (stress: adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.17; 95% CI, 1.08‐1.26; depressive symptoms: AOR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01‐1.08; social support: AOR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.88‐0.99). None were associated with changes in nutritional intake. Perceived social support did not show any moderating effects.

Discussion

Increased psychological distress during pregnancy may increase emotional eating. Efforts to promote healthy eating behaviors among pregnant women should consider and address mental health.
Gene expression profiling in whole blood stimulated ex vivo with lipopolysaccharide as a tool to predict post‐stroke depressive symptoms: Proof‐of‐concept study
Authors: Piechota Marcin , Hoinkis Dzesika , Korostynski Michal , Golda Slawomir , Pera Joanna , Dziedzic Tomasz
Published: June 2023

Prediction of post‐stroke depressive symptoms (DSs) is challenging in patients without a history of depression. Gene expression profiling in blood cells may facilitate the search for biomarkers. The use of an ex vivo stimulus to the blood helps to reveal differences in gene profiles by reducing variation in gene expression. We conducted a proof‐of‐concept study to determine the usefulness of gene expression profiling in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated blood for predicting post‐stroke DS. Out of 262 enrolled patients with ischemic stroke, we included 96 patients without a pre‐stroke history of depression and not taking any anti‐depressive medication before or during the first 3 months after stroke. We assessed DS at 3 months after stroke using the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9. We used RNA sequencing to determine the gene expression profile in LPS‐stimulated blood samples taken on day 3 after stroke. We constructed a risk prediction model using a principal component analysis combined with logistic regression. We diagnosed post‐stroke DS in 17.7% of patients. Expression of 510 genes differed between patients with and without DS. A model containing 6 genes (PKM, PRRC2C, NUP188, CHMP3, H2AC8, NOP10) displayed very good discriminatory properties (area under the curve: 0.95) with the sensitivity of 0.94 and specificity of 0.85. Our results suggest the potential utility of gene expression profiling in whole blood stimulated with LPS for predicting post‐stroke DS. This method could be useful for searching biomarkers of post‐stroke depression.

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3D atlas of tinamou (Neornithes: Tinamidae) pectoral morphology: Implications for reconstructing the ancestral neornithine flight apparatus
Authors: Widrig Klara E. , Bhullar Bhart‐Anjan S. , Field Daniel J.
Published: June 2023

Palaeognathae, the extant avian clade comprising the flightless ratites and flight‐capable tinamous (Tinamidae), is the sister group to all other living birds, and recent phylogenetic studies illustrate that tinamous are phylogenetically nested within a paraphyletic assemblage of ratites. As the only extant palaeognaths that have retained the ability to fly, tinamous may provide key information on the nature of the flight apparatus of ancestral crown palaeognaths—and, in turn, crown birds—as well as insight into convergent modifications to the wing apparatus among extant ratite lineages. To reveal new information about the musculoskeletal anatomy of tinamous and facilitate development of computational biomechanical models of tinamou wing function, we generated a three‐dimensional musculoskeletal model of the flight apparatus of the extant Andean tinamou (Nothoprocta pentlandii) using diffusible iodine‐based contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (diceCT). Origins and insertions of the pectoral flight musculature of N. pentlandii are generally consistent with those of other extant volant birds specialized for burst flight, and the entire suite of presumed ancestral neornithine flight muscles are present in N. pentlandii with the exception of the biceps slip. The pectoralis and supracoracoideus muscles are robust, similar to the condition in other extant burst‐flying birds such as many extant Galliformes. Contrary to the condition in most extant Neognathae (the sister clade to Palaeognathae), the insertion of the pronator superficialis has a greater distal extent than the pronator profundus, although most other anatomical observations are broadly consistent with the conditions observed in extant neognaths. This work will help form a basis for future comparative studies of the avian musculoskeletal system, with implications for reconstructing the flight apparatus of ancestral crown birds and clarifying musculoskeletal modifications underlying the convergent origins of ratite flightlessness.
Pretreatment brain CT perfusion thresholds for predicting final infarct volume in distal medium vessel occlusions
Authors: Yedavalli Vivek , Hamam Omar , Mohseni Alireza , Chen Kwan , Wang Richard , Heo Hye‐Young , Heit Jeremy , Marsh Elisabeth Breese , Llinas Raf , Urrutia Victor , Xu Risheng , Gonzalez Fernando , Albers Greg , Hillis Argye , Nael Kambiz
Published: June 2023

Background and Purpose

Quantitative CT perfusion (CTP) thresholds for assessing the extent of ischemia in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) have been established; relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF) <30% is typically used for estimating estimated ischemic core volume and Tmax (time to maximum) >6 seconds for critical hypoperfused volume in AIS patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO). In this study, we aimed to identify the optimal threshold values for patients presenting with AIS secondary to distal medium vessel occlusions (DMVOs).

Methods

In this retrospective study, consecutive AIS patients with anterior circulation DMVO who underwent pretreatment CTP and follow‐up MRI/CT were included. The CTP data were processed by RAPID (iSchemaView, Menlo Park, CA) to generate estimated ischemic core volumes using rCBF <20%, <30%, <34%, and <38% and critical hypoperfused volumes using Tmax (seconds) >4, >6, >8, and >10. Final infarct volumes (FIVs) were obtained from follow‐up MRI/CT within 5 days of symptom onset. Diagnostic performance between CTP thresholds and FIV was assessed in the successfully and unsuccessfully recanalized groups.

Results

Fifty‐five patients met our inclusion criteria (32 female [58.2%], 68.0 ± 12.1 years old [mean ± SD]). Recanalization was attempted with intravenous tissue‐type plasminogen activator and mechanical thrombectomy in 27.7% and 38.1% of patients, respectively. Twenty‐five patients (45.4%) were successfully recanalized. In the successfully recanalized patients, no CTP threshold significantly outperformed what is used in LVO setting (rCBF < 30%). All rCBF CTP thresholds demonstrated fair diagnostic performances for predicting FIV. In unsuccessfully recanalized patients, all Tmax CTP thresholds strongly predicted FIV with relative superiority of Tmax >10 seconds (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = .875, p = .001).

Conclusion

In AIS patients with DMVOs, longer Tmax delays than Tmax > 6 seconds, most notably, Tmax > 10 seconds, best predict FIV in unsuccessfully recanalized patients. No CTP threshold reliably predicts FIV in the successfully recanalized group nor significantly outperformed rCBF < 30%.
Climatic niche evolution in Smilacaceae (Liliales) drives patterns of species diversification and richness between the Old and New World
Authors: Qi Zhe‐Chen , Li Pan , Wu Jun‐Jie , Gamisch Alexander , Yang Tuo , Zhao Yun‐Peng , Xu Wu‐Qing , Chen Shi‐Chao , Cameron Kenneth M. , Qiu Ying‐Xiong , Fu Cheng‐Xin
Published: June 2023

Geographical variation in species richness in plant groups is determined by the interplay between historical, evolutionary, and ecological processes. However, the processes underlying the striking disparity in species richness between Asia and the Americas remain poorly understood. Here, we synthesize global phylogenetic and macroecological data on the diversification of Smilacaceae, deciphering potential drivers underlying the species diversity pattern biased toward Asia. We compiled global distributions of all Smilacaceae species, and reconstructed the biogeographic history and niche evolution using a new time‐calibrated phylogeny (eight genes, 135 species). Integrating these data sets, we estimated evolutionary histories and diversification rates for each region, and tested correlations among species diversification, niche evolution, and niche divergence. Smilacaceae probably originated during the Late Cretaceous/Early Palaeocene and began to diversify in middle to low latitudes in Central America and Eurasia during the Late Eocene. Both the Old and New World clades exhibited a steady, albeit slight, increase of species diversification from the Late Eocene to Early Miocene. However, the Old World clade experienced an abrupt increase in net diversification during the Late Miocene. Our findings also revealed that species diversification rates were positively correlated with ecological niche evolution and niche divergence. Niche shifts and climatic niche evolution since the Middle Miocene played crucial roles in species diversification dynamics within Smilacaceae. The high plant richness in Asia may be explained by greater diversification in this region, potentially promoted by heterogeneous environments.
Breastfeeding moderates childhood obesity risk associated with prenatal exposure to excessive gestational weight gain
Authors: Matias Susana L. , Anderson Christopher E. , Koleilat Maria
Published: June 2023

Gaining excessive gestational weight may increase obesity risk in the offspring, while breastfeeding lowers that risk. Using data from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Programme for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) in Southern California, we examined the associations between gestational weight gain (GWG), breastfeeding during infancy and childhood obesity at 2–4 years, and determined whether breastfeeding moderated the association between GWG and childhood obesity. GWG was based on weight measurements collected during the first trimester and within a month before delivery. GWG values were standardized by gestational age (GWG z‐scores), per maternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and categorized into tertiles. Fully breastfeeding duration was determined by WIC infant package data indicating the amount of infant formula received monthly. Children's length (or height) and weight measurements were used to calculate BMI‐for‐age z‐scores and identify obesity (z‐score ≥ 95th percentile). Multivariable linear and modified Poisson regression analyses were conducted. Fully breastfeeding moderated the association between GWG z‐scores tertile and obesity in the offspring. Each additional month of fully breastfeeding was associated with 3%–5% obesity risk reduction for each age group and GWG z‐scores tertile, except at age 4 years for children whose mothers had low GWG z‐scores (tertile 1). Shorter fully breastfeeding duration was associated with greater obesity risk among children of mothers with high GWG z‐scores (tertile 3), but not for those whose mothers had low GWG z‐scores. Longer fully breastfeeding duration may provide greater protection against obesity among children at higher risk due to intrauterine exposure to high gestational weight gain.
Development of single‐tube real‐time PCR assay for the rapid detection of Aspergillus and Fusarium—The two most common causative agents in fungal keratitis
Authors: Tawde Yamini , Das Sourav , Gupta Amit , Sharma Savitri , Basak Soham , Shrimali Twishi , Singh Shreya , Rudramurthy Shivaprakash M. , Kaur Harsimran , Ghosh Anup
Published: June 2023

Background

To compare the performance of conventional, semi‐nested and real‐time panfungal ITS PCRs for diagnosing fungal keratitis (FK) and develop genus‐specific real‐time PCR for the most common aetiology of FK.

Methods

This multicentric study includes 232 corneal samples from suspected FK patients from four centres across India between November 2019 through August 2021. A total of 87 corneal buttons were included for the comparison of conventional, semi‐nested and real‐time ITS PCRs, of which 68 were from confirmed FK patients. Of these 87 samples, 44 (microscopy and culture positive for Aspergillus sp. and/or Fusarium sp.) were used for the standardisation of genus‐specific real‐time primers/probes. Subsequently, the best method showing highest sensitivity and specificity was validated in 188 samples.

Results

On Bayesian comparison, conventional ITS2 PCR showed best performance (sensitivity and specificity of 55.88% and 100%, respectively). Since, real‐time ITS2 PCR was also considerably efficient (sensitivity and specificity of 51.47% and 84.21%, respectively) in comparison with the conventional PCR but faster, cost‐effective, and less labor‐intensive, ITS‐2 real‐time PCR is a suitable method that can be applied along with culture and microscopy. During validation, real‐time PCR with genus‐specific primers showed 61.76% and 91.18% sensitivity with specificity of 98.05% and 79.22%, respectively, for Aspergillus sp. and Fusarium sp. Aspergillus probe, Fusarium probe and duplex PCR showed sensitivity of 52.94%, 50% and 54.41% with specificity of 92.86%, 82.47% and 75%, respectively. No cross‐reactivity of genus‐specific PCRs was observed during standardisation.

Conclusions

ITS‐2 real‐time PCR can be applied as an adjunct with conventional methods for the diagnosis of FK. The genus‐specific duplex real‐time PCRs are rapid which reduces the turnaround time (TAT) avoiding the need for sequencing.
Visceral hypersensitivity induced by mild traumatic brain injury via the corticotropin‐releasing hormone receptor: An animal model
Authors: Mizoguchi Akinori , Higashiyama Masaaki , Wada Akinori , Nishimura Hiroyuki , Tomioka Akira , Ito Suguru , Tanemoto Rina , Nishii Shin , Inaba Kenichi , Sugihara Nao , Hanawa Yoshinori , Horiuchi Kazuki , Okada Yoshikiyo , Kurihara Chie , Akita Yoshihiro , Narimatu Kazuyuki , Komoto Shunsuke , Tomita Kengo , Kawauchi Satoko , Sato Shunichi , Hokari Ryota
Published: June 2023

Background

Mild blast‐induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI) induces various gut symptoms resembling human irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as one of mental and behavioral disorders. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We investigated whether the extremely localized brain impact extracranially induced by laser‐induced shock wave (LISW) evoked IBS‐like phenomenon including visceral hypersensitivity and intestinal hyperpermeability in rats.

Methods

The rats were subjected to LISW on the scalp to shock the entire brain. Visceral hypersensitivity was evaluated by the threshold pressure of abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) using a colorectal distension test. Permeability was evaluated by the concentration of penetrating FITC‐dextran from intestine and the mRNA expression levels of tight junction family proteins. Involvement of corticotropin‐releasing factor receptor (CRFR) 1 and 2 was examined by evaluating mRNA expression and modulating CRFR function with agonist, recombinant CRF (10 μg/kg), and antagonist, astressin (33 μg/kg). High‐throughput sequencing of the gut microbiota was performed by MiSeqIII instrument and QIIME tool.

Key Results

The thresholds of the AWR were significantly lowered after LISW. Permeability was increased in small intestine by LISW along with decreased expression of tight junction ZO‐1. LISW significantly increased CRFR1 expression and decreased CRFR2 expression. Visceral hypersensitivity was significantly aggravated by CRFR agonist and suppressed by CRFR antagonist. The α‐ and β‐diversity of the fecal microbiota was altered after LISW.

Conclusions and Inferences

LISW provoked visceral hypersensitivity, small intestinal hyperpermeability, altered expression of CRFRs and changes in the microbiota, suggesting that genuine bTBI caused by LISW can induce a pathophysiology comparable to that of human IBS.
From ‘if‐then’ to ‘what if?’ Rethinking healthcare algorithmics with posthuman speculative ethics
Authors: Smith Jamie , Klumbyte Goda , Britton Ren Loren
Published: June 2023

This article discusses the role that algorithmic thinking and management play in health care and the kind of exclusions this might create. We argue that evidence‐based medicine relies on research and data to create pathways for patient journeys. Coupled with data‐based algorithmic prediction tools in health care, they establish what could be called health care algorithmics—a mode of management of healthcare that produces forms of algorithmic governmentality. Relying on a critical posthumanist perspective, we show how healthcare algorithmics is contingent on the way authority over bodies is produced and how predictive health care algorithms can reproduce inequalities of the worlds from which they are made, centreing possible futures on existing normativities regulated through algorithmic biopower. In contrast to that, we explore posthuman speculative ethics as a way to challenge understanding of ‘ethics’ and ‘care’ in healthcare algorithmics. We suggest some possible avenues towards working speculative ethics into health care while still being critically attentive to algorithmic modes of management and prediction in health care.
FERMT2 upregulation in CAFs enhances EMT of OSCC and M2 macrophage polarization
Authors: Ma Xiangrui , Zhao Dan , Liu Shan , Zuo Jinhua , Wang Wenlong , Wang Fang , Li Yourui , Ding Zhangfan , Wang Jing , Wang Xiaoyi
Published: June 2023

Objectives

FERMT2 upregulation was associated with malignant tumor behaviors, including epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal (EMT). This study aimed to characterize the expression profile of FERMT2 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and to explore its involvement in the tumor microenvironment sculptured by oral cancer‐associated fibroblasts (OCAFs).

Materials

Previous bulk‐seq (TCGA‐HNSC) and single‐cell RNA‐seq data sets were retrieved for bioinformatic analysis. Human OSCC lines SCC15 and CAL27, primary normal oral fibroblasts (NOFs), OCAFs, and THP‐1 cells were used for intro studies.

Results

FERMT2 expression was significantly higher in CAFs compared with OSCC tumor cells and normal fibroblasts. Higher FERMT2 expression might independently predict unfavorable disease‐specific survival (DSS) in patients with OSCC. Knockdown of FERMT2 suppressed the expression and secretion of IGFBP7, SPARC, TIMP3, COL4A1, and IGFBP4 in OCAFs. OCAFs with FERMT2 knockdown had significantly weakened capability to induce the invasion of OSCC cells and the expression of mesenchymal markers. FERMT2 knockdown impaired the inducing effect of OCAFs on the migration of M0 macrophages and the expression of M2 macrophage markers.

Conclusions

FERMT2 could modulate the production and secretion of IGFBP7, SPARC, COL4A1, and IGFBP4 in OCAFs, thereby inducing the EMT of OSCC and M2 macrophage polarization.
Prognostic value of pretreatment lymphocyte percentage in oral cancer: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Na , Lin Yulan , Shen Liling , Song Haoyuan , Huang Weihai , Huang Jingyao , Chen Fa , Liu Fengqiong , Wang Jing , Qiu Yu , Shi Bin , Lin Lisong , He Baochang
Published: June 2023

Objective

To assess the prognostic role of pretreatment lymphocyte percentage (LY%) for patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Methods

A large‐scale prospective cohort study between July 2002 and March 2021 was conducted. Propensity score‐matched (PSM) analysis and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis were performed to adjust for potential confounders. Using random survival forest (RSF), the relative importance of pretreatment LY% in prognosis prediction was also assessed.

Results

A total of 743 patients were enrolled and followed up (median: 2.75 years, interquartile range: 1.25–4.42 years). A high pretreatment LY% was significantly associated with better disease‐specific survival of patients with OSCC (Hazard ratio [HR] = 0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.42, 0.84). The same tendency was observed in PSM (HR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.38, 0.85) and IPTW analysis (HR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.40, 0.82). RSF showed that LY% ranked the fifth among importance ranking of all prognostic factors.

Conclusion

Pretreatment LY% showed a moderate predictive ability, suggesting it might be a valuable tool to predict prognosis for patients with OSCC.