bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
P1342 Characteristics of the gut microbiota of patients with concomitant inflammatory bowel disease and psoriatic arthritis
Authors: De Francisco Garcia R M , Arboleya S , Queiro R , García-Pérez C , Gómez E , Pérez-Martínez I , Castaño-García A , Carballo-Folgoso L , Flórez-Díez P , Fernández-González E , Suárez A , González-Solares S , Gueimonde M , Riestra Menéndez S
Published: January 2025

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are immune-mediated diseases (IMDs) that have been independently related to shifts in the gut microbiota. In this pilot study, we analyzed whether, in patients in whom both IMIDs coexist, the composition and function of the gut microbiota is different from when only one of the two IMDs exists.

Methods

Transversal observational study performed at a Spanish tertiary hospital. Ten patients with concomitant IBD and PsA (group A) were included. Two age, gender and disease duration matched control groups were also created, one with IBD-only patients (group B, n=20), and another with PsA-only patients (group C, n=20). Demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. Stool samples were collected and the variable region V3–V4 of the bacterial 16S rRNA genes present in the feces was PCR-amplified and the resulting amplicons were sequenced on an Illumina NovaSeq 6000 instrument. Short chain fatty acids (SCFA) were analyzed by gas chromatography from the supernatants of the homogenized feces. Dietary assessment was registered by an online food frequency questionnaire specifically designed for intestinal disturbances; foods were transformed into nutrients and dietary compounds. For statistical analysis, ANOVA was used to compare the three groups (when the ANOVA was significant [p<0.05], Bonferroni's test was used for post-hoc comparisons).

Results

Globally, the microbiota of the different study groups did not show major rearrangements, with alpha diversity not showing statistically significant differences between them. However, beta diversity analyses indicated that the microbiotas of groups C and B were statistically different, with group A occupying an intermediate position. A linear discriminant analysis of the effect size showed that group A was enriched in certain microorganisms such as Akkermansia, while group C was enriched in Bacteroides (Figure 1).

The quantification of the fecal levels of SCFA showed no statistical significant differences between the three groups. Moreover, no significant differences were observed regarding energy and nutrient intake between the assessed groups.

Conclusion

Our results suggest the existence of different gut microbiota profiles in subjects suffering from PsA or IDB, while patients with both conditions have an intermediate composition. These differences do not see to result from different dietary habits, since no differences in nutrient or energy intake between the groups were observed.
N01 Sexuality and IBD. Does it need to be talked about in IBD centres? Results of an anonymous survey at IBD-Patients, -Nurses und -Physicians (MD) in Germany (IBD-INTIM!)
Authors: Hartmann P , Zemke J , Fischer T , Knaus S , Dukwen H , Otto K ,   FA-CED e.V. - German IBD Nurse Association
Published: January 2025

Background

Sexuality in Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is often a tabu topic. But do patients want to talk about it at all? How familiar are IBD Nurses and MD with this topic, will this routinely be addressed to IBD-patients during their consultations? This study attempted to determine the need for information and the willingness to talk about sexuality among patients, IBD nurses and MDs. The survey was carried out in an outpatient setting in Germany.

Methods

Each participant completed an anonymous questionnaire, limited to 2 MDs, 2 IBD nurses, 5 patients per site, in order to optain a broad opinion across Germany. All participants received an information sheet about the survey in advance. The completed questionnaire was sent to the evaluators in a sealed envelope. It was possible to complete the questions electronically, but this option was rarely used. Patients were selected randomly without taking into account the extent, duration and severity of the disease or the actual drug therapy.

Results

53 MD, 60 IBD nurses and 144 patients (Figure 1) in 39 sites answered the survey. Over half of patients in our cohort don't want to talk about sex if asked (52%). Out of those 48% who want to talk about the topic, do 62% not care who addresses that topic, 24% prefer the IBD nurse and 15% a MD. 93% of patients were never addressed to the topic in their IBD Centre. There was no connection between the wish to talk about sex and age (r = -.06, p = .460) nor between age groups (χ² (3)=0.81, p = .848) or between Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) (χ² (1)=0.29, p = .588). The quality of sexual life does not necessarily appear to be affected, as average values are always relatively high and symptoms are low (Table 1). Nurses and MDs have sufficient knowledge about IBD and Sexuality: Nurses M=3.17/6 (SD = 1.13), MD M=3.44/6 (SD = 0.96). There is a significant connection between shame and knowledge (r = -.30, p = .023), meaning more knowledge, less shame and vice versa. 83% of MD, 90% of IBD Nurses would like (more) information material, most frequently print media (71% of MD) or guideline (83% of Nurses) to pass on to patients or self-training.

Conclusion

The quality of sexual life does not necessarily appear to be affected in our cohort. Sexuality beyond pregnancy and the desire to have children does not appear to be a major issue for IBD patients, 52% do not want to talk about it, even when the topic comes up during their consultations. There was no correlation between the desire to talk about sexuality based on gender, age, different age groups, or CD or UC. Further research with focus on individual aspects is necessary in order to be able to provide good advice to patients who want information.

References

none
N29 Inflammatory Bowel Disease advice lines: A Scoping Review
Authors: Hare N , Norton C , Irving P , Czuber-Dochan W
Published: January 2025

Background

Telephone or email advice lines offer a service that bridges primary and specialist care provision, supporting the needs of those living with an unpredictable disease course. This scoping review aimed to systematically synthesise published evidence with regards to Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) advice line services and to identify gaps in research to inform further work.

Methods

A scoping review was undertaken in accordance with the patterns, advances, gaps, evidence and research (PAGER) framework1. Databases searched included CINAHL, PubMed and EMBASE. Inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied by two reviewers independently. Data were collected using a pre-defined matrix, from which the framework was applied as a means of systematically collating patterns, advances, gaps, evidence and research recommendations.

Results

17 full text publications and 22 abstracts published between 2006 – 2023 were included. Four overarching patterns were identified: advice lines as a complex intervention, drivers for advice line encounters, patient outcomes, and economic impact of advice lines.Advice lines are commonly a nurse-led service, facilitating on-demand specialist advice and clinical care. They function as a complex intervention within growing IBD services, and are currently accessed for a variety of clinical and non-clinical reasons, although flare management and medication advice remain a common driver for access. There are significantly increased costs to wider healthcare, associated with frequent users of IBD advice lines.

Conclusion

The current evidence landscape lacks empirical research supporting the clinical and economic effectiveness of advice lines. IBD advice lines are commonly a nurse-led service functioning as a complex intervention, supporting both administrative and clinical issues. They appear pivotal in preventing use of acute services and escalating or re-directing care including treatment, investigation and advice. Further research should focus on robust clinical and economic evaluation for patients and services, exploring patient experience of advice line services, including barriers and facilitators, and characterising those who do not currently access the service.

References

1.Bradbury-Jones C, Aveyard H, Herber OR, Isham L, Taylor J, O’Malley L. Scoping reviews: the PAGER framework for improving the quality of reporting. Int J Soc Res Methodol. 2022;25(4):457-470. doi:10.1080/13645579.2021.1899596
Developing a collaborative Dungeness crab larval monitoring network in the Salish Sea to provide long-term, fishery-relevant data
Authors: Buckner Emily V , Grossman Sarah K , Cook Claire , Brownlee Allison , Barber Julie S , Earle Heather , Becker Bonnie J , Bosley Katelyn , Harrington Neil , McDonald P Sean , Paul Blair , Homerding Margaret , Houle Katie , Galiotto Alexandra , Pantaleo Gianna , Paul Austin
Published: January 2025

Many natural resources are managed without essential, biologically relevant data. Fisheries are particularly susceptible to this reality and, thus, are vulnerable to environmental changes and disturbances, with both human livelihoods and the health of ecological systems at stake. Here, we explore how the Pacific Northwest Crab Research Group (PCRG) employs a collaborative, stakeholder-driven approach to generate the information needed to inform a data-poor, co-managed fishery, using the example of Dungeness crab Metacarcinus magister in the northeastern Pacific’s Salish Sea. We focus on the PCRG larval crab monitoring network as a multifaceted case study, which unites tribal, state, and federal governments, nongovernmental organizations, academic institutions, and local communities working to produce the first standardized continuous data set on Dungeness crab larval dynamics in the region. Highlighting the types of biological data collected, including spatial and temporal patterns of larval flux and larval size, we explore the application of novel data to fisheries management, as well as the network’s contribution to a diversity of educational opportunities and ability to leverage new research projects and collaborations. The success of PCRG’s larval crab monitoring network ultimately highlights the effectiveness of a cooperative, network-based approach in addressing fisheries management challenges and offers a viable model for managing data-poor systems worldwide.
Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act: What does it mean for fisheries?
Authors: Kusnierz Paul C , Alford Brian , Pierce Ron , Tracy Bryn H , Jager Henriette I , Lomnicky Gregg
Published: January 2025

The Clean Water Act (CWA) was passed by the United States Congress in 1972. It established regulations for the quality of discharges from point sources and a framework to assess water quality condition, identify what must be done for impaired waters to meet water quality standards, and work with stakeholders to improve water quality conditions. Section 303(d) of the CWA specifically outlines a framework for authorized states, territories, and tribes to identify polluted waters. It also requires plans be written that describe how water quality can be restored. Implementation of Section 303(d) can affect the condition of waterbodies as well as the fisheries that they support. In this paper we describe the 303(d) process and explain how fisheries professionals and the species they manage can benefit from the data produced through this process and the required public engagement. In addition, we provide two examples where involvement of fisheries professionals in the 303(d) process has resulted in both improved water quality and fisheries. Finally, we encourage fisheries professionals to become engaged in the 303(d) process to improve water quality and fisheries outcomes.
Surface deformation dynamics of Sierra Negra's 2018 eruption: insights from InSAR, optical flow and pixel offset tracking
Authors: Mohammadnia Mohammadhossein , Vajedian Sanaz , Mousavi Zahra , Aflaki Mahtab
Published: January 2025

Monitoring volcanic deformation is crucial for understanding volcanic behaviour, but challenges like limited global navigation satellite system (GNSS) coverage, infrequent synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data acquisitions, and coherence loss during eruptions complicate this task. Our study on the 2018 eruption of Sierra Negra utilizes Sentinel-1A/B images to track surface deformation patterns that revert to their initial state across three phases: before, during and after the eruption. We implemented an adaptive workflow using the shortest temporal baseline of consecutive SAR image pairs, including InSAR, optical flow and pixel offset tracking methods, to accurately capture surface displacement linked to the dynamics of the magma reservoir in the caldera and a nearby (sub-) horizontal dike. Results show that while the caldera subsided gradually over two months during lava flow (initially at a rate of several metres) until it began to uplift again, the northern region alternated between uplift and subsidence twice in the line-of-sight (LOS) direction. This pattern suggests repeated magma injections into the sub-horizontal dike sustained the lava flows from the northeastern fissure. The one-day difference between SAR images from ascending and descending tracks enabled us to estimate the underground magma transfer rate at approximately 60 m hr−1, which aligns with the magma migration trajectory indicated by seismic data. By integrating InSAR and offset tracking methods, we provide a comprehensive view of surface displacement throughout the volcanic eruption cycle.
Giant rhinolith in the left nasal cavity: a case report and literature review
Authors: Alabdulaal Maria R , Aljubran Hussain J , Alruwaili Sultan H , Subaih Abdulrahman T , Albahrani Hussain S , Almomen Ali
Published: January 2025

Giant rhinoliths are uncommon, mineralized concretions that usually develop around an intranasal foreign substance in the nasal canal. These lesions frequently cause respiratory problems, foul-smelling discharge, and nasal blockage. Clinical examination, endoscopy, and radiological imaging are used to make the diagnosis, and surgical removal is the only effective therapy. A giant rhinolith was discovered in a 42-year-old female patient with metastatic breast cancer came with nasal blockage. After 6 months, there were no complications or recurrences following the surgical removal of the calcified tumor. The significance of taking rhinoliths into account in individuals who have prolonged symptoms and unilateral nasal blockage is demonstrated by this case study. Consequently, early diagnosis and management are necessary to avoid potential complications and ensuring an excellent outcome.
TeV afterglow emission from a multi-component GRB jet using the kinetic approach
Authors: Hope John P , van Eerten Hendrik J , Kundu Sayan , Schady Patricia
Published: January 2025

Recent years have seen a growing sample of TeV emission detections in gamma-ray burst afterglows, as well as an increasing role for structured jets in afterglow modelling. Using a kinetic approach, we show that the structure of an afterglow jet impacts its TeV emission, with jets where the energy falls off more sharply with angle showing a decrease in Inverse Compton (IC) peak flux relative to synchrotron peak flux. We use a modified version of the code katu, to which we have added adiabatic expansion and a fully self-consistent treatment of IC cooling both for the electron and photon populations. We compare our results to the semi-analytical code afterglowpy, finding a good agreement with our model except at early times off axis where the effects of baryon loading are important. We compare electron cooling in the cases where there is no IC cooling, Thomson cooling and an inclusion of Klein-Nishina effects, finding that the spectra can only be distinguished if the Compton potential is significantly increased. The smooth and gradual transition of our KN cooling also leads to a disparity in the cooling between our results and semi-analytical solutions based on asymptotic limits. Finally, we combine best fit parameters from afterglowpy to reproduce the light curves of GRB 170817A in our model. For our choice of parameters, we find that GRB 170817 would not have been detected in the TeV domain if seen on-axis, even by the upcoming Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory.
Dual improvement of alopecia areata and immune thrombocytopenia with baricitinib: a case report
Authors: Moon Chelsea , Park Sarah E , Hsiao Jennifer L , Lee Katrina H
Published: January 2025

The oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor baricitinib is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of alopecia areata (AA). We report a case of dual improvement of AA and immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) with oral baricitinib monotherapy, which may suggest linked autoimmune pathophysiology. In phase III clinical trials of baricitinib for AA, reports of rare adverse haematological events include neutropenia and anaemia. While a history of haematological comorbidities may raise concern for many clinicians when considering treatment with a JAK inhibitor, this clinical vignette suggests that baricitinib may be considered and safely administered in those with concomitant AA and ITP. A 56-year-old man with a history of AA, ITP and vitiligo presented to the clinic for relapse of his steroid-resistant hair loss which had previously been treated with tofacitinib. In consultation with the patient’s haematologist, baricitinib 2 mg daily was started with close platelet monitoring then doubled to 4 mg after platelets showed improvement at the 6-month follow-up. Fourteen months after initiating baricitinib, improvement in white and dark hair regrowth was observed, and platelets remained normal. Thus, baricitinib may be considered for the dual treatment of AA and ITP with regular platelet monitoring and co-management with haematology colleagues.
REM Refines and Rescues Memory Representations: A New Theory
Authors: Shuster Alessandra E , Morehouse Allison , McDevitt Elizabeth A , Chen Pin-Chun , Whitehurst Lauren N , Zhang Jing , Sattari Negin , Uzoigwe Tracy , Ekhlasi Ali , Cai Denise , Simon Katherine , Niethard Niels , Mednick Sara C
Published: January 2025

Despite extensive evidence on the roles of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and REM sleep in memory processing, a comprehensive model that integrates their complementary functions remains elusive due to a lack of mechanistic understanding of REM’s role in offline memory processing. We present the REM Refining and Rescuing (RnR) Hypothesis, which posits that the principal function of REM sleep is to increase the signal-to-noise ratio within and across memory representations. As such, REM sleep selectively enhances essential nodes within a memory representation while inhibiting the majority (Refine). Additionally, REM sleep modulates weak and strong memory representations so they fall within a similar range of recallability (Rescue). Across multiple NREM-REM cycles, tuning functions of individual memory traces get sharpened, allowing for integration of shared features across representations. We hypothesize that REM sleep’s unique cellular, neuromodulatory, and electrophysiological milieu, marked by greater inhibition and a mixed autonomic state of both sympathetic and parasympathetic activity, underpins these processes. The RnR Hypothesis offers a unified framework that explains diverse behavioral and neural outcomes associated with REM sleep, paving the way for future research and a more comprehensive model of sleep-dependent cognitive functions.
A systematic review to determine the effect of strategies to sustain chronic disease prevention interventions in clinical and community settings
Authors: Riley-Gibson Edward , Hall Alix , Shoesmith Adam , Wolfenden Luke , Shelton Rachel C , Pascoe William , Peden Belinda , Doherty Emma , Pollock Emma , Booth Debbie , Salloum Ramzi G , Laur Celia , Powell Byron J , Kingsland Melanie , Lane Cassandra , Hailemariam Maji , Sutherland Rachel , Nathan Nicole
Published: January 2025

This review assessed the effect of strategies designed to sustain the delivery of evidenced based interventions (EBIs) which target behavioural risk factors linked to leading causes of chronic disease in clinical and community settings. Seven electronic databases were searched for randomised controlled studies published from earliest record to November 2022. Studies were included if they tested a strategy to sustain the delivery of an EBI within clinical or community settings. Results were synthesised using vote counting based on direction of effect, and reported in accordance with non-meta-analytic review standards following the Synthesis Without Meta-analysis (SWiM) guidelines. Three studies met the study inclusion criteria. Two studies were community-based, with one conducted in Australian community sports clubs and the second in afterschool clubs in the United States. The single clinical-based study was conducted in community health care centres in the United States. Across the three studies, 25 strategies were employed and only two strategies were common across all studies. Synthesis using vote counting based on direction of effect indicated that two of three studies favoured the intervention as positively impacting sustainment of EBIs. Few studies have been conducted to assess the effect of strategies designed to support sustainment of EBIs for chronic disease prevention in clinical and community settings. As such, it is difficult to determine the effect of strategies designed to support sustainment. Further research with comprehensive reporting of the selection, use and testing of sustainment strategies is needed to advance understanding of how to sustain EBIs in clinical and community settings.
Diabetes and the Social, Biologic, and Behavioral Determinants of Endometrial Cancer in the United States
Authors: Massouh Nour , Jaffa Ayad A. , Jaffa Miran A.
Published: January 2025

(Abstracted from BMC Cancer 2024;24:540

Previous studies have associated an increased risk of endometrial cancer with diseases such as diabetes mellitus and with other biological factors such as age and obesity. Other factors that have been linked to endometrial cancer include social and behavioral factors, but research is lacking that shows the associations of these factors combined in a bigger picture.
Associations between injury occurrence and environmental temperatures in the Australian and German professional football leagues
Authors: Schwarz Edgar , Duffield Rob , Lu Donna , Fullagar Hugh , aus der Fünten Karen , Skorski Sabrina , Tröß Tobias , Hadji Abed , Meyer Tim
Published: January 2025

A cross-sectional analysis was performed to investigate associations between environmental temperatures and injury occurrence in two professional male football (soccer) leagues. Data from seven seasons of the German Bundesliga (2142 matches) and four seasons of the Australian A-League (470 matches) were included. Injuries were collated via media reports for the Bundesliga and via team staff reports in the A-League and comprised injury incidence, mechanisms (contact, noncontact), locations (e.g., ankle, knee, and thigh), and types (e.g., muscle and tendon, joint and ligament). Weather data included ambient air temperature (temperature or T) and wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT), which were collected from online sources retrospectively. Generalized linear mixed models were analyzed to examine associations between temperature or WBGT and injury occurrence for each league, respectively. Additionally, matches were grouped into categories of 5°C temperature steps to compare for injury occurrence. Results showed no relationship existed between either temperature or WBGT and any injury occurrence, mechanisms, locations or types for the Bundesliga (P > 0.10). A trend for an increase in injury occurrence in higher WBGT existed in the A-League (P = 0.05). Comparisons between 5°C temperature categories showed no significant differences for injury occurrence for either temperature or WBGT in either League (P > 0.05). Within the observed temperature ranges (−11.2 to 37.1°C T; −12.2 to 29.6°C WBGT) environmental temperature had no relationship with the rate or type of injury occurrence in professional football. Nevertheless, the number of matches at extreme heat within this study was limited and other factors (e.g., playing intensity, season stage, ground conditions) likely co-influence the relationship with injuries.
PSC and colitis: A complex relationship
Authors: Horst Ludwig J. , Kempski Jan , Walmsley Martine , Huber Samuel , Schramm Christoph
Published: January 2025

Primary sclerosing cholangitis is one of the most challenging conditions in hepatology, and due to our limited understanding of its pathogenesis, no causal therapies are currently available. While it was long assumed that a minority of people with IBD also develop PSC, which is sometimes labeled an extraintestinal manifestation of IBD, the clinical phenotype, genetic and intestinal microbiota associations strongly argue for PSC-IBD being a distinct form of IBD, existing alongside ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. In fact, the liver itself could contribute to intestinal pathology, clinically overt in 60 – 80 % of patients. Recent studies suggested that on a molecular level, almost all people with PSC have underlying colitis. The extent to which the liver and gut influence each other clinically and in terms of disease progression has not yet been conclusively revealed. However, while it seemed intuitive that the two diseases have a negative influence on each other, evidence suggests that sclerosing cholangitis can also be protective for the gut and that colitis can in certain settings ameliorate liver pathology. This underscores the complex pathophysiological relationships, where factors such as genetic predisposition, changes in the intestinal microbiota, altered bile acid metabolism, and immune cell migration are among the suspected contributors. PSC is an emerging disease with a significant impact on health-related quality of life of affected people. With this review, we aim to summarize the current knowledge on the gut-liver axis in PSC-IBD, provide new perspectives on risk stratification and treatment and identify gaps in our current knowledge. Our understanding of this complex relationship will therefore help to design clinical trials and shape the future therapy of PSC-IBD.
Factors Associated with Corneal Hysteresis in an Elderly White Population: The Thessaloniki Eye Study
Authors: Bartzoulianou Rodanthi Christina , Coleman Anne L. , Wilson M. Roy , Harris Alon , Bougioukas Konstantinos I. , Pappas Theofanis , Giannoulis Dimitrios A. , Yu Fei , Raptou Anastasia , Tzoanou Grigoria , Topouzis Fotis
Published: January 2025

Précis:

In 801 participants, corneal hysteresis (CH) was positively associated with female gender and central corneal thickness, and negatively with age and axial length. Diabetes showed no significant association with CH in the adjusted models.

Purpose:

To provide values of corneal hysteresis (CH) in an elderly, healthy Greek population and to investigate its association with demographic, ocular, and systemic factors.

Methods:

Cross-sectional population-based study. Out of 1,092 participants in the incidence cohort of the Thessaloniki Eye Study (TES) who were re-examined between 2013 and 2015, there were 801 eligible subjects in this study according to pre-specified criteria. All subjects underwent an interview and a comprehensive clinical examination. Demographic data and medical and ophthalmic, family, and smoking histories were recorded. CH was evaluated with Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA).

Results:

The mean age of study subjects was 79.7±3.9 years and 345 out of 801 participants (43.1%) were female. The mean CH among all subjects was 10.1±1.5 mmHg. After adjusting for age, gender, central corneal thickness (CCT), axial length (AL), and diabetes, CH was positively associated with female gender (β=0.446; P<0.0001) and CCT (β=0.017; P<0.0001), and negatively associated with age (β=−0.024; P=0.038) and AL (β=−0.181; P<0.0001). There was no association between CH and diabetes (β=0.186; P=0.10). In a supplementary multivariable analysis of a smaller sample size, where we included corneal curvature (CC) as an additional covariate, no association was found between CH and CC (β=−0.235; P=0.26) or age (β=−0.023; P=0.09).

Conclusion:

This study outlined variations in CH among a Greek population. CH decreased with advancing age while women had greater CH compared to men. In addition, eyes with thinner corneas and longer AL had lower CH values. No significant associations were found between CH and CC or the presence of diabetes.
Histopathological Characteristics of Zonular Fibers and Lens Capsule and Their Relationship to Clinical Features in Intraocular Lens Dislocation
Authors: Hirata Akira , Mine Keiko , Ken Hayashi  , Ohta Keisuke
Published: January 2025

Purpose:

To identify the histopathologic changes in the lens capsule of eyes with in-the-bag intraocular lens (IOL) dislocation.

Design:

Pathological analysis and correlation with clinical findings.

Setting:

Hayashi Eye Hospital (Fukuoka, Japan).

Methods:

Specimens of twenty-five IOL-lens capsule complexes obtained during surgery were processed for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Backscattered electron images of cross-sections of the lens capsule were obtained using SEM. Ultrastructural changes in the lens capsule were examined and analyzed based on preoperative clinical findings.

Results:

The mean age was 70.0±18.0 years. The mean time from initial cataract surgery to IOL removal was 12.5±7.0 years. Of these, nine eyes had exfoliation syndrome (XFS), seven had high myopia, five underwent vitrectomy, and three had atopic dermatitis. The mean age of the XFS cases was 86.6±4.3 years. All XFS specimens demonstrated highly associated ruptured zonular fibers (p <.01). In the 16 non-XFS cases, the mean age was 61.2±17.5 years, significantly younger than in the XFS cases (p <.01); 14 of the 16 specimens had a detachment of zonular lamella (ZL), which was highly associated (p <.01). Four non-XFS eyes exhibited clear capsules, demonstrating significant associations with capsular delamination (p < .01) and the absence of lens epithelial cells (p < .01), resembling dead-bag syndrome.

Conclusions:

Structural changes in the lens capsule associated with IOL dislocation are mainly of three types: ruptured zonular fibers in XFS, detachment of the ZL, and capsular delamination. They vary according to the associated diseases, suggesting that prevention and treatment should consider the underlying pathophysiology.
Increasing access to pain care services to improve rural pain management: a realist review investigating factors affecting uptake, implementation, and sustainability
Authors: Grant Ashley R. , Westhorp Gill , Murray Carolyn M. , de la Perrelle Lenore , Dettwiller Pascale , Davey Andrew , Norrish Abbie , Walsh Sandra , Scinta Gretchen , Karran Emma L. , Hibbert Peter D. , Moseley G. Lorimer
Published: January 2025

Guideline-based care for chronic pain is challenging to deliver in rural settings. Evaluations of programs that increase access to pain care services in rural areas report variable outcomes. We conducted a realist review to gain a deep understanding of how and why such programs may, or may not, work. Our review incorporated interest-holder input in all review phases. We conducted CLUSTER searching to identify literature relevant to understanding the factors affecting the uptake, implementation, and sustainability of programs offering pain care services to rural general practitioners. We used retroductive analysis to generate and test context–mechanism–outcome configurations. Our results are informed by 74 studies. We identified that awareness of the program, provision of necessary resources, and positive attitudes towards the program are required to enable program uptake. When looking for suitable patients to refer, general practitioners need to trust their ability to discuss a referral with a patient in their allocated appointment time. Program sustainability requires clear roles for all providers and sufficient program coordination. Increased access to pain care services enabled interprofessional learning that increased local providers' confidence to manage chronic pain. Many barriers can interfere with successful uptake, implementation, and sustainability of programs that increase access to pain care services in rural settings. It is important to tailor rural workforce programs to local community needs to increase the likelihood of success. Our findings include recommendations for future program planners to consider.
Implementing a Nurse-Driven Early Ambulation Protocol to Enhance Post-Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Outcomes
Authors: Worthington Katie P. , Giannantonio Erin
Published: January 2025

Background:

Immobility in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is linked to adverse outcomes and prolonged length of stay (LOS). Advancements in TAVR procedures allow for early ambulation post-procedure.

Local problem:

In a large teaching hospital, ambulation occurred at an average of 16.9 hours post-TAVR procedures, higher than the goal of 6 hours.

Methods:

A pre/post-implementation design was used. Data on ambulation times, LOS, and discharge disposition were collected and analyzed.

Results:

Time to the first ambulation significantly decreased from a mean of 16.9 (SD = 13.1) to 8.9 hours (SD = 5.3), P < .001. Patients meeting the goal of ambulation 4-6 hours post-procedure had a significantly lower LOS, P < .005. Fewer patients needed a higher level of care at discharge, P = .064.

Conclusions:

Early ambulation reduced LOS and had a positive impact on patient discharge disposition. A nurse-driven ambulation protocol can improve outcomes after TAVR.
Clinical Analysis of 314 Patients With High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion Who Underwent Total Hysterectomy Directly: A Multi-center, Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Lei Lingyu , Zhang Lin , Zheng Yahong , Ma Wei , Liu Fang , Li Dongmei , Chen Keming , Zeng Yong
Published: January 2025

(Abstracted from BMC Cancer 2024;24:575

Cancer risk can be mitigated by treating precancerous cells. This is demonstrably true for cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs), which can develop into cancer in 31% to 50% of individuals; however, with treatment, this number is reduced to 0.7%.
Clinical Evaluation of 3D Motion-Correction Via Scout Accelerated Motion Estimation and Reduction Framework Versus Conventional T1-Weighted MRI at 1.5 T in Brain Imaging
Authors: Leukert Laura S. , Heitkötter Katya Hoffmannbeck , Kronfeld Andrea , Paul Roman H. , Polak Daniel , Splitthoff Daniel Nicolas , Brockmann Marc A. , Altmann Sebastian , Othman Ahmed E.
Published: January 2025

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of motion artifacts and image quality of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T1-weighted imaging applying 3D motion correction via the Scout Accelerated Motion Estimation and Reduction (SAMER) framework compared with conventional T1-weighted imaging at 1.5 T.

Materials and Methods

A preliminary study involving 14 healthy volunteers assessed the impact of the SAMER framework on induced motion during 3 T MRI scans. Participants performed 3 different motion patterns: (1) step up, (2) controlled breathing, and (3) free motion. The patient study included 82 patients who required clinically indicated MRI scans. 3D T1-weighted images (MPRAGE) were acquired at 1.5 T. The MRI data were reconstructed using either regular product reconstruction (non-Moco) or the 3D motion correction SAMER framework (SAMER Moco), resulting in 145 image sequences. For the preliminary and the patient study, 3 experienced radiologists evaluated the image data using a 5-point Likert scale, focusing on overall image quality, artifact presence, diagnostic confidence, delineation of pathology, and image sharpness. Interrater agreement was assessed using Gwet's AC2, and an exploratory analysis (non-Moco vs SAMER Moco) was performed.

Results

Compared with non-Moco, the preliminary study demonstrated significant improvements across all imaging parameters and motion patterns with SAMER Moco (P < 0.001). Odds ratios favoring SAMER Moco were >999.999 for freedom of artifact and overall image quality (P < 0.0001). Excellent or good ratings for freedom of artifact were 52.4% with SAMER Moco, compared with 21.4% for non-Moco. Similarly, 66.7% of SAMER Moco images were rated excellent or good for overall image quality versus 21.4% for non-Moco. Multireader interrater agreement was excellent across all parameters.

The patient study confirmed that SAMER Moco provided significantly superior image quality across all evaluated imaging parameters, particularly in the presence of motion (P < 0.001). Diagnostic confidence was rated as excellent or good in 95.1% of SAMER Moco cases, compared with 78.1% for non-Moco cases. Similarly, overall image quality was rated as excellent or good in 89.8% of SAMER Moco cases versus 65.9% for non-Moco cases. The odds ratios for diagnostic confidence and for overall image quality were 6.698 and 6.030, respectively, both favoring SAMER Moco (P < 0.0001). Multireader interrater agreement was excellent across all parameters.

Conclusions

The application of SAMER in T1-weighted imaging datasets is feasible in clinical routine and significantly increases image quality and diagnostic confidence in 1.5 T brain MRI by effectively reducing motion artifacts.
Herbivory can increase plant fitness via reduced interspecific competition—evidence from models and mesocosms
Authors: Böttner Laura , Dudenhausen Fabio , Nouere Sara , Malacrinò Antonino , Schäfer Martin , Koene Joris M. , Huber Meret , Xu Shuqing
Published: January 2025

Herbivores are generally considered to reduce plant fitness. However, as in natural communities they often feed on several competing plant species, herbivores can also increase plant fitness by reducing interspecific competition among plants. In this study, we developed a testable model to predict plant fitness in the presence of an interspecific competitor and a herbivore that feeds on both plant species. Our model allows prediction of the herbivore and competitor densities at which the focal species will benefit from herbivory. This can be estimated by quantifying the effects of the herbivore on the fitness of the focal plant and on its competitor, and by estimating the levels of intra- and interspecific competition in a pairwise fashion, respectively. We subsequently validated the model in indoor microcosms using three interacting species: an aquatic macrophyte (the giant duckweed
Spirodela polyrhiza
), its native competitors (green algae) and its native herbivore (the pond snail
Lymnaea stagnalis
). Additional outdoor mesocosm experiments supported our model under natural conditions. Together, this study provides a conceptual framework to understand how herbivores shape plant fitness in a community context.
Dating the origin of a viral domestication event in parasitoid wasps attacking Diptera
Authors: Guinet Benjamin , Vogel Jonathan , Kacem Haddj El Mrabet Nabila , Peters Ralph S. , Hrcek Jan , Buffington Mattew L. , Varaldi Julien
Published: January 2025

Over the course of evolution, hymenopteran parasitoids have developed a close relationship with heritable viruses, sometimes integrating viral genes into their chromosomes. For example, in
Drosophila
parasitoids belonging to the
Leptopilina
genus, 13 viral genes from the
Filamentoviridae
family have been domesticated to deliver immunosuppressive factors to host immune cells, thereby protecting parasitoid offspring from the host immune response. The present study aims to comprehensively characterize this domestication event in terms of the viral genes involved, the wasp diversity affected by this event and its chronology. Our genomic analysis of 41 Cynipoidea wasps from six subfamilies revealed 18 viral genes that were endogenized during the early radiation of the Eucoilini/Trichoplastini clade around 75 million years ago. Wasps from this highly diverse clade develop not only from
Drosophila
but also from a variety of Schizophora. This event coincides with the radiation of Schizophora, a highly speciose Diptera clade, suggesting that viral domestication facilitated wasp diversification in response to host diversification. Additionally, in one of the species, at least one viral gene was replaced by another gene derived from a related filamentovirus. This study highlights the impact of viral domestication on the diversification of parasitoid wasps.
Socio-ecological context modulates the significance of territorial contest competition in
Drosophila prolongata
Authors: De Nardo Alessio N. , Biswas Broti , Perdigón Ferreira Jhoniel , Meena Abhishek , Lüpold Stefan
Published: January 2025

The intensity and direction of sexual selection are intricately linked to the social and ecological context. Both operational sex ratios (OSRs) and population densities can affect the ability of males to monopolize resources and mates, and thus the form and intensity of sexual selection on them. Here, we studied how the mating system of the promiscuous and strongly sexually dimorphic fruit fly
Drosophila prolongata
responds to changes in the OSR and population density. We recorded groups of flies over five days and quantified territory occupancy, mating success (MS) and competitive fertilization success. Although sexual selection was stronger under male-biased than even OSRs but unrelated to density, realized selection on morphological traits was higher under even OSRs and increased with density. Larger and more territorial males achieved both higher MS and competitive fertilization success, but only under even OSRs. Our combined results also support a shift in the mating system from territorial contest competition to scramble competition under male-biased OSRs and potentially at low density, where there was no clear contribution of the measured traits to reproductive success. Our study emphasizes the limitations of traditional selection metrics and the role of the socio-ecological context in predicting adaptation to a changing environment.
Ontogeny of energy use in harvester ant colonies, and the metabolic expense of colony growth
Authors: Guo Xiaohui , Lynch Colin , Fewell Jennifer H. , Harrison Jon F.
Published: January 2025

In animals, metabolic rates during ontogeny often scale differently from the way they do in cross-species or population comparisons, with near-isometric scaling patterns more often observed during juvenile growth. In multiple social insect taxa, colony metabolic rate scales hypometrically across species or populations at the same developmental stage, but metabolic patterns during ontogeny have not been examined for any social insect species. We performed the first ontogenetic study of social metabolic scaling in harvester ant colonies (
Pogonomyrmex californicus
) over 3.5 years as they grew from 52

±

12 to 767

±

380 workers. Our data reveal iso- and hypermetric metabolic scaling during the first 20 months of growth, transitioning to hypometric scaling (scaling exponent = 0.93) thereafter. We discovered that the fraction of colony as brood has dual effects on colonial metabolic rate. A higher fraction of the colony that is brood decreases colonial metabolic rate because brood has approximately half the mass-specific metabolic rates of adult ants. Conversely, metabolic rate and activity of adult ants increase as this fraction increases. We further developed a nonlinear composition model, which shows that the maximal colony metabolic rate occurs when 29% of the colony mass is brood, suggesting that demographic changes and colony size may interact to drive the metabolic scaling.
The type I IFN-IL-27 axis promotes mRNA vaccine-induced CD8+T cell responses
Authors: Phan Anthony T. , Aunins Emily , Cruz-Morales Elisa , Dwivedi Garima , Bunkofske Molly , Eberhard Julia N. , Aldridge Daniel L. , Said Hooda , Banda Omar , Tam Ying , Christian David A. , Vonderheide Robert H. , Kedl Ross M. , Weissman Drew , Alameh Mohamad-Gabriel , Hunter Christopher A.
Published: January 2025

The ability of lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-delivered mRNA vaccines to induce type I IFNs is critical to promote CD8+T cell responses. The studies presented here indicate that immunization with nucleoside modified mRNA-LNP vaccines drives myeloid cell expression of the cytokine IL-27, which acts on antigen-specific CD8+T cells to sustain T cell expansion.In vitroandin vivostudies revealed that type I IFN signaling is necessary for mRNA-LNP-induced IL-27 production, that immunization failed in IL-27 KO mice, and that immunization of IFNAR1-deficient mice with mRNA-LNP particles that also encode IL-27 mRNA restored antigen-specific CD8+T cell responses. In addition, IL-27 mRNA-LNPs served as an adjuvant that improved cytolytic CD8+T cell responses and the therapeutic efficacy of mRNA-LNPs to drive anti-pathogen and anti-tumor immunity. These studies highlight the central role of IL-27 in mRNA-LNP induced CD8+T cell responses and the ability of this cytokine to augment the functionality of the CD8+T cell response for prophylactic or therapeutic immunization.
Measuring the Strength of Spatial Sorting
Authors: Goel Nikunj , Comerford Mattheau S. , Bernat Anastasia , Egan Scott P , Juenger Thomas E. , Keitt Timothy H.
Published: January 2025

Empirical work suggests that spatial sorting—a mechanism of evolutionary change fueled by phenotype-dependent dispersal—may lead to phenotypic shifts on ecological timescales. However, we currently lack a quantitative framework to measure the strength of spatial sorting. To address this gap, we present a quantitative genetics model of spatial sorting and identify an evolutionary parameter in the model to measure the strength of spatial sorting. This parameter, referred to as the standardized sorting gradient, is structurally akin to the standardized selection gradient, which is commonly used to measure the strength of natural selection. To show the utility of our approach, we analyzed binary wing-morphology data of soapberry bugs (Jadera haematoloma) recolonizing flooded habitats extirpated by a hurricane. We found that non-random recolonization resulted in a standardized sorting gradient of 0.90 ± 0.08, which ranked in the top 5 percentile compared to standardized selection gradients documented in the scientific literature. Genetic crosses further revealed that the binary trait, short and long-wing forms, is heritable (h2= 0.65 ± 0.13) and yielded a standardized evolutionary response of 0.58 ± 0.13. Our results underscore that, like natural selection, spatial sorting, too, can yield rapid evolution, providing quantitative evidence that non-random dispersal may produce novel eco-evolutionary dynamics.