bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Whole Genome Resequencing Reveals Significant Genetic Differentiation Between Exserohilum turcicum Populations from Maize and Sorghum and Candidate Effector Genes Related to Host Specificity (Retracted)
Authors: Cui Linkai , Wang Cong , Li Mengqi , Fang Yufeng , Hu Yanhong
Published: January 2024

After the manuscript was accepted, inconsistencies in the analyses were detected. These inconsistencies affected the general conclusion of the manuscript. This article was retracted on 27 March 2024. A peer-reviewed revised version was subsequently accepted: https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTO-05-24-0172-R .

Exserohilum turcicum is a devastating fungal pathogen that infects both maize and sorghum, leading to severe leaf diseases of the two crops. According to host specificity, pathogenic isolates of E. turcicum are divided into two formae speciales, namely E. turcicum f. sp. zeae and E. turcicum f. sp. sorghi. To date, the molecular mechanism underlying the host specificity of E. turcicum is marginally known. In this study, the whole genomes of 60 E. turcicum isolates collected from both maize and sorghum were resequenced, which enabled identification of 147,847 high-quality SNPs in total. Based on the SNPs, all isolates were clustered into four genetic groups that had a close relationship with host source. This observation was validated by the result of principal component analysis. The analysis of population structure revealed that there was obvious genetic differentiation between maize and sorghum host populations. Further analysis showed that 5,431 SNPs, including 612 nonsynonymous SNPs, were completely co-segregated with host source. These nonsynonymous SNPs were located in 539 genes, in which 18 genes were predicted to encode secretory proteins, including six putative effector genes. The sequence polymorphism analysis of the six effector genes in 60 isolates indicated that these genes were perfectly co-segregated with host source. All SNVs in the coding regions of these genes were non-synonymous substitutions, suggesting that these genes were subject to strong positive selection pressure. These findings provide new insights into the molecular basis of host specificity in E. turcicum.
Mitigating Emerging and Reemerging Diseases of Fruit and Vegetable Crops in a Changing Climate
Authors: Miller Sally A. , Testen Anna L. , Jacobs Jonathan M. , Ivey Melanie L. Lewis
Published: January 2024

Fruit and vegetable crops are important sources of nutrition and income globally. Producing these high-value crops requires significant investment of often scarce resources, and, therefore, the risks associated with climate change and accompanying disease pressures are especially important. Climate change influences the occurrence and pressure of plant diseases, enabling new pathogens to emerge and old enemies to reemerge. Specific environmental changes attributed to climate change, particularly temperature fluctuations and intense rainfall events, greatly alter fruit and vegetable disease incidence and severity. In turn, fruit and vegetable microbiomes, and subsequently overall plant health, are also affected by climate change. Changing disease pressures cause growers and researchers to reassess disease management and climate change adaptation strategies. Approaches such as climate smart integrated pest management, smart sprayer technology, protected culture cultivation, advanced diagnostics, and new soilborne disease management strategies are providing new tools for specialty crops growers. Researchers and educators need to work closely with growers to establish fruit and vegetable production systems that are resilient and responsive to changing climates. This review explores the effects of climate change on specialty food crops, pathogens, insect vectors, and pathosystems, as well as adaptations needed to ensure optimal plant health and environmental and economic sustainability.
Perceived Facilitators of Physical Activity Following Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Gray Emily Anne , Skinner Margot Alison , Hale Leigh Anne
Published: January 2024

Purpose:

Following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, people are required to navigate the majority of their physical recovery, including progressive engagement in physical activity, after they leave hospital. However, there are many physical and psychological challenges to physical activity during the early recovery period. The aim of this study was to identify facilitating factors that help overcome such challenges to physical activity following CABG surgery.

Methods:

A qualitative descriptive study using semistructured interviews (n = 22) was undertaken. Data analysis was informed by the COM-B model and Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and performed using the Framework Method. Interview data were first inductively coded to identify factors that facilitated physical activity followed by a deductive analysis to group these facilitators under the relevant COM-B and TDF headings.

Results:

Facilitators relevant to all 6 COM-B elements and 13 of 14 TDF domains were identified. Although having physical capability and physical opportunity were important, the most prevalent facilitators identified by participants as being helpful related to psychological capability (for example, knowledge, having a plan, identifying barriers and coming up with solutions, and listening to their body), reflective motivation (for example, goals, experiencing positive benefits from activity, and being optimistic and determined), and social opportunity (for example, support from family, health professionals, and peers).

Conclusions:

Psychosocial facilitators play a large role in overcoming barriers to physical activity following CABG surgery. The findings provide insight for clinicians regarding potential factors to address when preparing and supporting people to engage in physical activity.
New strategies for the management of triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Riaz Fauzia
Published: January 2024

Purpose of review

This review highlights important changes in our understanding of triple-negative breast cancer. It highlights important novel approaches in treatment and reviews predicts potential challenges facing the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer.

Recent findings

There is a clear shift away from chemotherapy-centric approaches to the treatment of breast cancer, and instead, a move towards incorporating immune checkpoint inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates, and other targeted therapies. There is a focus on understanding biomarkers and leveraging novel targets in drug development.

It is now standard of care to use neoadjuvant combination immunotherapy-chemotherapy in patients with Stage 1 and 2 breast cancers. Chemo-immunotherapy combinations when appropriate biomarkers are present (PD-L1) are standard first-line therapy in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. Antibody-drug conjugates are now a mainstay in the treatment of this disease. These findings have shifted the treatment paradigm of the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer.
New approaches for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-low and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-overexpressing metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Britten Karissa , McAndrew Nicholas
Published: January 2024

Purpose of review

In recent years, there has been a flurry of activity in the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive metastatic breast cancer space. New, powerful drugs like trastuzumab deruxtecan have challenged our fundamental definition of what HER2 expression means as a predictive biomarker.

Recent findings

Recent approvals of multiple agents in the second line-metastatic setting have given patients access to a variety of new agents, but also raise questions with regard to optimal sequencing.

This review will explore current issues with HER2 testing, recently approved drugs in the HER2+ and HER2 low spaces, as well as novel agents/combinations on the horizon.
Mental health conditions and contraception: current landscape, reproductive health and obstetric outcomes, and clinical guidance
Authors: Miller Hayley E. , Kruger Samantha L. , Panelli Danielle M.
Published: January 2024

Purpose of review

This review presents the epidemiology of mental health conditions among reproductive aged people, common adverse reproductive outcomes, the hormonal profile of contraception and its relationship with psychiatric outcomes, and updated information for clinicians providing contraceptive counselling for this population.

Recent findings

There is variability among contraceptive behaviours and patterns across those who have mental health conditions, impacting reproductive, psychiatric, and perinatal outcomes. The endocrinology of hormonal contraceptives is well understood, however, the impacts of steroidal hormones on mental health outcomes continue to be less understood. Overall, hormonal contraceptives are safe to use among those with mental health conditions, and among those using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Additional considerations are needed when prescribing contraception among people who may be at risk of poor adherence, who use certain classes of antidepressants, antipsychotics, antiepileptics, and who are <6 weeks postpartum.

Barriers to effective contraceptive use should be addressed and myths on negative psychiatric impacts of hormonal contraceptives should be dispelled. Healthcare clinicians should seek out opportunities to become proficient in contraception counselling to improve health outcomes among people with mental health conditions.
Provider Perspectives of Facilitators and Barriers to Reaching and Utilizing Chronic Pain Healthcare for Persons With Traumatic Brain Injury: A Qualitative NIDILRR and VA TBI Model Systems Collaborative Project
Authors: Nakase-Richardson Risa , Cotner Bridget A. , Martin Aaron M. , Agtarap Stephanie D. , Tweed Amanda , Esterov Dmitry , O'Connor Danielle R. , Ching Deveney , Haun Jolie N. , Hanks Robin A. , Bergquist Thomas F. , Hammond Flora M. , Zafonte Ross D. , Hoffman Jeanne M.
Published: January 2024

Objective:

To identify facilitators and barriers to reaching and utilizing chronic pain treatments for persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI) organized around an Access to Care framework, which includes dimensions of access to healthcare as a function of supply (ie, provider/system) and demand (ie, patient) factors for a specified patient population.

Setting:

Community.

Participants:

Clinicians (n = 63) with experience treating persons with TBI were interviewed between October 2020 and November 2021.

Design:

Descriptive, qualitative study.

Main Measures:

Semistructured open-ended interview of chronic pain management for persons with TBI. Informed by the Access to Care framework, responses were coded by and categorized within the core domains (reaching care, utilizing care) and relevant subdimensions from the supply (affordability of providing care, quality, coordination/continuity, adequacy) and demand (ability to pay, adherence, empowerment, caregiver support) perspective.

Results:

Themes from provider interviews focused on healthcare reaching and healthcare utilization resulted in 19 facilitators and 9 barriers reaching saturation. The most themes fell under the utilization core domain, with themes identified that impact the technical and interpersonal quality of care and care coordination/continuity. Accessibility and availability of specialty care and use of interdisciplinary team that permitted matching patients to treatments were leading thematic facilitators. The leading thematic barrier identified primarily by medical providers was cognitive disability, which is likely directly linked with other leading barriers including high rates of noncompliance and poor follow-up in health care. Medical and behavioral health complexity was also a leading barrier to care and potentially interrelated to other themes identified.

Conclusion:

This is the first evidence-based study to inform policy and planning for this complex population to improve access to high-quality chronic pain treatment. Further research is needed to gain a better understanding of the perspectives of individuals with TBI/caregivers to inform interventions to improve access to chronic pain treatment for persons with TBI.
WNL we never looked: vulvar carcinoma incidence after screening cutoff
Authors: Geisler Amaris N. , Ganz Jodi E.
Published: January 2024

The incidence of vulvar carcinoma increases with age, though elderly women receive less aggressive cancer therapies and fewer strategies aimed at cancer prevention. Furthermore, elderly women dual enrolled in Medicaid-Medicare experience poor survival rates for vulvar carcinoma. Herein, we provide recommendations for the prevention of and guidelines for the multidisciplinary care of vulvar carcinoma. Prevention of vulvar carcinoma can be categorized into primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention. Primary prevention consists of vaccination, secondary prevention consists of screening, and tertiary prevention is aimed at the management of premalignant and early-stage lesions.
Composite Biosynthetic Graft for Repair of Long-Segment Tracheal Stenosis: A Pilot In Vivo and In Vitro Feasibility Study
Authors: Karkhanis Teja , Byju Achu G. , Morales David L. , Zafar Farhan , Haridas Balakrishna
Published: January 2024

Pediatric patients who undergo surgery for long-segment congenital tracheal stenosis (LSCTS) have suboptimal outcomes and postsurgical complications. To address this, we propose a biosynthetic graft comprising (1) a porcine small intestinal submucosa extracellular matrix (SIS-ECM) patch for tracheal repair, and (2) a resorbable polymeric exostent for biomechanical support. The SIS-ECM patch was evaluated in vivo in an ovine trachea model over an 8 month period. Concurrently, the biosynthetic graft was evaluated in a benchtop lamb trachea model for biomechanical stability. In vivo results show that SIS-ECM performs better than bovine pericardium (control) by preventing granulation tissue/restenosis, restoring tracheal architecture, blood vessels, matrix components, pseudostratified columnar and stratified epithelium, ciliary structures, mucin production, and goblet cells. In vitro tests show that the biosynthetic graft can provide the desired axial and flexural stability, and biomechanical function approaching that of native trachea. These results encourage future studies to evaluate safety and efficacy, including biomechanics and collapse risk, biodegradation, and in vivo response enabling a stable long-term tracheal repair option for pediatric patients with LSCTS and other tracheal defects.
The use of triiodothyronine during critical illness
Authors: Maiden Matthew J. , Forehan Simon
Published: January 2024

Purpose of review

Thyroid hormone physiology changes during critical illness. Circulating concentration of triiodothyronine (T3), the active form of thyroid hormone decreases. It has long been uncertain whether this represents a pathologic change or if it is an adaptive phenomenon. Controlled clinical trials have been required to understand whether replacing and restoring serum T3 levels is therapeutic.

Recent findings

Clinical trials of T3 have recently been proposed with some completed. These have been conducted in patients with sepsis, myocardial infarction, infants undergoing cardiac surgery, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Of the completed trials, T3 administration restored serum concentrations, but was not accompanied by significant clinical benefit. Importantly, restoring serum T3 levels did not cause any adverse effects.

If T3 is to be considered a therapeutic target in critical illness, further studies should consider the stage of disease it is administered, and whether there are other surrogate measures to assess adequacy of hormone replacement over and above serum T3 concentrations.
The UEMS experience in continuous medical education accreditation process: a ‘quo vadis’ analysis of our global database
Authors: Sideris Michail , Rallis Kathrine S. , Nicolaides Marios , Kuri Ashvin , Schottler Nadine ,   Collaborators†, Paulus Nathalie , Haas Orthmar , Krajewski Romuald , Grenho Joao , Papalois Vassilios
Published: January 2024

Background:

The authors systematically appraise a large database of continuous professional development (CPD) and continuous medical education (CME) events against the European Accreditation Council for Continuous Medical Education (EACCME) framework.

Methods:

The authors performed a retrospective observational study of all CPD or CME events within the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS) database between 2017 and 2019, including 91 countries and 6034 events. Assessment of event design, quality and outcomes was evaluated against a validated, expert-derived accreditation framework, using thematic analysis to extract distinct themes, and subsequent quantitative analysis.

Results:

The authors included 5649 live educational events (LEEs) and 385 e-learning materials (ELMs). Three thousand seven hundred sixty-two [3762 (62.3%)] of the events did not report clear justification in their needs assessment process. Most accreditation applications claimed covering a single educational need [1603/2277 (70.3%)]. Needs assessments were reported to be similar across conferences, courses and other types of events (P<0.01); 5642/6034 events (93.5%) had clearly documented expected learning outcomes; only 978/6034 (16.2%) reported a single expected learning outcome while the rest report 2–10 outcomes. Providers who declared more than one educational need also declared multiple learning outcomes (ρ=0.051, P<0.01).

Conclusions:

Despite EACCME providing a robust framework for the CPD/CME accreditation process, reporting quality can still be improved, as more than 1 in 2 events fail to provide a clear description of their needs assessment. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the largest educational LEE/ELM database, which can be a starting to revisit the CME/CPD accreditation process.
Epidermodysplasia verruciformis arising in a female with systemic lupus erythematosus: a rare case from Syria
Authors: Mohammad Deeb Ahmad , Mohammad Deeb Eman , Al-Soufi Lina
Published: January 2024

Introduction and importance:

Epidermodysplasia verruciformis is a rare autosomal recessive genodermatosis. Clinical manifestations might be helpful in the diagnosis of this disease. However, the final diagnosis is made after a genetic and histological study. Acquired epidermodysplasia verruciformis is a form of epidermodysplasia verruciformis described in patients with compromised cell-mediated immunity.

Case presentation:

A 42-year-old female with a history of a pain and itch on the soles and palms started a year ago. There were multiple flat papules on the dorsal hands, scarring alopecia, malar rash, oral ulcers, Raynaud phenomenon, and palpable purpura. A histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of epidermodysplasia verruciformis.

Clinical discussion:

Epidermodysplasia verruciformis is an uncommon disease that affects the immune system. The coexistence of systemic lupus erythematosus and epidermodysplasia verruciformis is rarely reported in the medical literature. This paper reports a rare case in which these two diseases have coexisted.

Conclusion:

This publication aims to document this rare case and highlight the ideal criteria in diagnosing and treating epidermodysplasia verruciformis.
Caesarean section under spinal anesthesia for a mother with dilated cardiomyopathy in a resource-limited setting: a case report
Authors: Desalegn Mitiku
Published: January 2024

Introduction and importance:

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is an uncommon form of cardiomyopathy that develops in the latter stages of pregnancy or in the first few weeks following delivery. Anaesthetic management of caesarean section of a parturient with dilated cardiomyopathy is challenging due to its nature of impaired ventricular contractility coupled with cardiovascular changes during pregnancy. This is significantly worse in a resource-constrained environment with restricted access to medications and equipment.

Case presentation:

We report a case of a 31-year-old multigravida parturient presented with a diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy and a low ejection fraction undergoing emergency caesarean section. Successful management of a parturient with dilated cardiomyopathy undergoing a caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia is reported in this case report.

Clinical discussion:

Spinal anaesthesia is another alternative for the successful management of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) using a low dose of bupivacaine with intrathecal adjuvants. Our report indicates that caesarean section also may be managed safely with spinal anaesthesia alone in patients with DCM, by using low-dose bupivacaine and intrathecal morphine. The slight haemodynamic changes were adjusted with fluid infusion. The use of vasopressors was not required to manage the hypotension.

Conclusion:

General anaesthesia, epidural alone, and epidural combined with spinal anaesthesia are the widely used anaesthetics techniques for caesarean section in patients with heart disease. Spinal anaesthesia with low-dose bupivacaine with opioids is another suitable choice. The case report is written according to the CARE guideline (https://www.care-statement.org).
Home drug utilization, storage practice and associated factors among people living in Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia
Authors: Tafere Chernet , Demsie Desalegn G. , Kefale Belayneh , Tefera Bereket B. , Yehualaw Adane , Yayehrad Ashagrachew T. , Feyisa Kebede , Yismaw Malede B. , Debasu Zenaw , Aschale Endalamaw , Siraj Ebrahim A. , Bogale Kassahun , Kebede Bezie , Yilma Zewdu
Published: January 2024

Background:

Medicines are maintained at home for several reasons. However, irrational household storage of medicines is a universal public health problem, causing significant harm to health and the healthcare system.

Objective:

This study aimed to assess home drug use and storage practices among the residents of Bahir Dar. Town, Ethiopia.

Method:

A cross-sectional household study was conducted in three sub-cities of the town of Bahir Dar from July to October 2022. Multistage stratified sampling was used to select the households included in the study. Data on the prevalence of home drug storage, storage place, and self-medication practice, among others, were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science version 20.

Results:

More than half (57.9%) of the respondents stored medicines at home, mostly in drawers (35%). In this study, the widespread use of self-medication (44.6%) and drug-sharing practices (25%) were observed. Most of the leftover medicines (67.3%) were disposed of in the trash. Education status (AOR=3.8, 95% CI: 1.6–9.1), occupation (AOR=2.9, 95% CI: 1.2–7.2), income (AOR=1.73, 95% CI: 1.01–3.0), and the presence of chronic disease (AOR=3.2, 95% CI: 1.7–5.9) showed a significant association with home drug storage.

Conclusion:

Many study participants stored medications at home and bought them from pharmacies without consulting physicians. Disposing of medications into waste and practice of medication sharing were found to be high in the current study, suggesting that there is a lack of home drug utilization and storage practices by the general public.
Interactive pregnancy education on stress, cortisol, and epinephrine level in primigravida of trimester III pregnant: a quasi-experimental
Authors: Hidayati Elli , Rauf Syahrul , Hatta Mochammad , Lisal Sonny T. , Wibisono Jocobus J. , Syamsuddin Saidah , Chalid Maisuri T. , Saleh Ariyanti , Zainuddin Andi Alfian , Hamidah Hamidah , Fatimah Fatimah , Hapsah Hapsah , Permatasari Tria A. E. , Lusida Nurmalia
Published: January 2024

Infant mortality is caused by various health problems, especially since the gestation period, even starting before the gestation period. Stress during pregnancy affects the motor, cognitive, and emotional development of the baby. This study aims to determine the effect of interactive pregnancy education (IPE) on decreasing levels of cortisol, epinephrine, and its relationship with stress levels in third-trimester primigravida pregnant women. This research is a quasi-experimental study using a nonequivalent control group design, which has two groups, namely the experimental group and the control group. The authors compared the experimental group that was given the intervention with the control group that was not given any treatment. This research was conducted in the three Community Health Centers in Indonesia from June 2022 until December 2022. The samples were 30 third-trimester primigravida pregnant women for the intervention and control groups. Data were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney and Wilcoxon tests with SPSS 22 software. The results of this study indicate that IPE has a good impact on pregnant women, where there is a significant relationship in the post-test cortisol and epinephrine levels in the intervention group. This indicates that IPE contributed to the difference in post-test scores in the intervention group. The IPE method is effective in reducing stress levels and cortisol levels in pregnant women, especially in pregnant women with high levels of stress.
Richard Hader Visionary Leader Award 2023 Visionary Leader Linda Casey
Authors: Hopkins Margaret
Published: January 2024

The following manuscript is the winning 2023 Richard Hader Visionary Leader Award entry submitted to Nursing Management in recognition of Linda Casey, MHA, BSN, RN, OCN, NE-BC, director of nursing and operations and former director of nursing patient care for infusion at the John Theurer Cancer Center (JTCC) at Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC) in Hackensack, N.J.
Epoprostenol (Prostacyclin Analog) as a Sole Anticoagulant in Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy for Critically Ill Children With Liver Disease: Single-Center Retrospective Study, 2010–2019*
Authors: Deep Akash , Alexander Emma C. , Khatri Anuj , Kumari Nisha , Sudheendhra Kalyan , Patel Prithvi , Joarder Amina , Elghuwael Ismail
Published: January 2024

OBJECTIVES:

Despite deranged coagulation, children with liver disease undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) are prone to circuit clotting. Commonly used anticoagulants (i.e., heparin and citrate) can have side effects. The aim of this study was to describe our experience of using epoprostenol (a synthetic prostacyclin analog) as a sole anticoagulant during CRRT in children with liver disease.

DESIGN:

Single-center, retrospective study, 2010–2019.

SETTING:

Sixteen-bedded PICU within a United Kingdom supra-regional center for pediatric hepatology.

PATIENTS:

Children with liver disease admitted to PICU who underwent CRRT anticoagulation with epoprostenol.

INTERVENTIONS:

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

Regarding CRRT, we assessed filter life duration, effective 60-hour filter survival, and effective solute clearance. We also assessed the frequency of major or minor bleeding episodes per 1,000 hours of CRRT, the use of platelet and RBC transfusions, and the frequency of hypotensive episodes per 1,000 hours of CRRT. In the 10 years 2010–2019, we used epoprostenol anticoagulation during 353 filter episodes of CRRT, lasting 18,508 hours, in 96 patients (over 108 admissions). Median (interquartile range [IQR]) filter life was 48 (IQR 32–72) hours, and 22.9% of filters clotted. Effective 60-hour filter survival was 60.5%.We identified that 5.9% of filters were complicated by major bleeding (1.13 episodes per 1,000 hr of CRRT), 5.1% (0.97 per 1,000 hr) by minor bleeding, and 11.6% (2.22 per 1,000 hr) by hypotension. There were no differences in filter life or clotting between patients with acute liver failure and other liver diseases; there were no differences in rates of bleeding, hypotension, or transfusion when comparing patients with initial platelets of ≤ 50 × 109 per liter to those with a higher initial count.

CONCLUSIONS:

Epoprostenol, or prostacyclin, as the sole anticoagulant for children with liver disease receiving CRRT in PICU, results in a good circuit life, and complications such as bleeding and hypotension are similar to reports using other anticoagulants, despite concerns about coagulopathy in this cohort.
The association of changes in depression severity after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and viral nonsuppression among people with HIV
Authors: Verinumbe Tarfa , Lesko Catherine R. , Moore Richard D. , Fojo Anthony T. , Keruly Jeanne , Snow LaQuita N. , Hutton Heidi , Chander Geetanjali , Pytell Jarratt D. , Falade-Nwulia Oluwaseun
Published: January 2024

Objective:

This study sought to characterize changes in depressive symptom severity during the COVID-19 pandemic and the association of these changes with HIV viral nonsuppression among people with HIV (PWH).

Design:

A clinical cohort study.

Methods:

We included PWH in the Johns Hopkins HIV Clinical Cohort who completed the Patient Health Questionnaire 8 (PHQ-8) prepandemic (1 March 2018 to 28 February 2020) and during the COVID-era (1 September 2020 to 28 February 2022). PWH were classified according to depression severity categories prepandemic and during the COVID-era as: consistently depressed (prepandemic PHQ-8 >4 and no change in severity category); consistently nondepressed (prepandemic PHQ-8 ≤4 and no change in severity category); worsened (changed to a higher severity category) and; improved (change to a lower severity category). The association between changes in depressive symptom severity and viral nonsuppression (HIV RNA >200 copies/ml on the earliest viral load measured 7 days before to 12 months after the COVID-era PHQ-8 survey) was assessed using multivariable logistic regression.

Results:

Of 793 PWH, mean age was 56 (SD 10) years, 60% were male individuals and 88% were Black. After the onset of the pandemic, 60% were consistently nondepressed, 9% were consistently depressed, 15% worsened and 16% improved. PWH who worsened had 2.47 times the odds of viral nonsuppression (95% CI: 1.09–5.55) compared with the nondepressed group. Associations among other groups were not statistically significant.

Conclusion:

Worsening depression during the COVID-era was associated with HIV viral nonsuppression. Strategies to monitor and address depression among PWH may contribute to reduced risk of viral nonsuppression.
Nerve Decompression in the Lower Leg Results in an Improvement in Symptoms in Patients With Both Diabetic and Idiopathic Polyneuropathy
Authors: Meyer-Marcotty Max V. , Attabit Abduasalam , März Vincent , Vogt Peter M.
Published: January 2024

Background

Patients suffering from polyneuropathy often complain of pain, tingling, and numbness sensations, as well as an increased risk of falling with the corresponding subsequent complications. If symptoms persist after conservative treatment options have been exhausted, nerve decompression in the lower extremity, as described by Dellon, can bring about an improvement in symptoms in many patients. Dellon originally reported that this surgery led to very successful outcomes in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy. In this study, we compare our postsurgical results in patients with diabetic versus idiopathic polyneuropathy.

Methods

Thirty-three patients with idiopathic or diabetic polyneuropathy who had undergone Dellon nerve decompression in the lower extremity between 2011 and 2013 were included in the retrospective study. Pain (numeric rating scale [NRS] 0–10; 0, no pain; 10, worst imaginable pain), tingling, numbness, Hoffmann-Tinel sign, and Semes-Weinstein monofilament were assessed in 20 patients with diabetic polyneuropathy and in 13 patients with idiopathic polyneuropathy.

Results

Three months after surgery, a significant reduction in pain was evident in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy, from a preoperative level of NRS 4.9 (minimum, 0; maximum, 10) to 2 (minimum, 0; maximum, 8; P = 0.005). Ninety percent of patients complained of tingling (P = 0.000) before surgery and 18% after surgery, whereas 100% complained of numbness before surgery and 41% (P = 0.000) after surgery. One hundred percent of patients had no measurable surface sensitivity before surgery (measured with the Semes-Weinstein monofilament), whereas 3 months after surgery, only 24% of patients still had no measurable surface sensitivity (P = 0.000). A positive Hoffmann-Tinel sign was recorded in 85% of patients before surgery and only in 11% 3 months after surgery (P = 0.000). In the case of patients with idiopathic polyneuropathy, a reduction in pain was evident 3 months after surgery, from a preoperative level of NRS 3.9 (minimum, 0; maximum, 9) to 2.2 (minimum, 0; maximum, 9; P = 0.058). Seventy-seven percent of patients complained of tingling before surgery and 42% after surgery (P = 0.111), whereas 92% complained of numbness before surgery and 50% after surgery (P = 0.030). Seventy-seven percent of patients had no measurable surface sensitivity before surgery (measured with the Semes-Weinstein monofilament), whereas 3 months after surgery, only 33% of patients still had no measurable surface sensitivity (P = 0.047). A positive Hoffmann-Tinel sign was recorded in 62% of patients before surgery and only in 17% 3 months after surgery (P = 0.041).

Conclusions

Not only patients with diabetic polyneuropathy but also those with idiopathic polyneuropathy benefit from Dellon nerve decompression surgery in the lower extremities.
Thirty-day mortality as a metric for palliative radiotherapy in pediatric patients
Authors: Keit Emily , Nanda Ronica , Johnstone Peter A.S.
Published: January 2024

Purpose of review

Thirty-day mortality (30DM) is an emerging consideration for determining whether terminally ill adult patients may benefit from palliative radiotherapy (RT). However, the efficacy and ethics of delivering palliative RT at the end of life (EOL) in children are seldom discussed and not well-established.

Recent findings

Palliative RT is perhaps underutilized among patients ≤21 years old with rates as low as 11%. While effective when delivered early, clinical benefit decreases when administered within the last 30 days of life. Pediatric 30DM rates vary widely between institutions (0.7–30%), highlighting the need for standardized practices. Accurate prognosis estimation remains challenging and prognostic models specific to palliative pediatric patients are limited. Discordance between provider and patient/parent perceptions of prognosis further complicates decision-making.

RT offers effective symptom control in pediatric patients when administered early. However, delivering RT within the last 30 days of life may provide limited clinical benefit and hinder optimal EOL planning and care. Early referral for palliative RT, preferably with fewer fractions (five or fewer), along with multidisciplinary supportive care, optimizes the likelihood of maintaining patients’ quality of life. Prognosis estimation remains difficult, and improving patient and family understanding is crucial. Further research is needed to refine prognostic models and enhance patient-centered care.
Bridging research gaps in geriatric oncology: unraveling the potential of pragmatic clinical trials
Authors: Carmona-Gonzalez Carlos A. , Cunha Mateus T. , Menjak Ines B.
Published: January 2024

Purpose of review

This review examines the role of pragmatic clinical trials (PCTs) in addressing the underrepresentation of older adults with cancer (OAC) in clinical trials. Focusing on real-world evidence (RWE), it aims to provide a comprehensive overview of PCT utilization, emphasizing their potential to enhance treatment decisions and patient outcomes. Existing knowledge gaps in PCT implementation are also discussed.

Recent findings

PCTs are identified as effective tools to include OACs with comorbidities and complex conditions in research, bridging the representation gap. Despite their proven value in healthcare provision, their application in OAC contexts remains limited, hindering comprehensive understanding and inclusivity in clinical trials.

While randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are considered the gold standard in oncology research, OACs have historically been excluded, perpetuating underrepresentation. Furthermore, even in current oncology clinical development trials, this demographic continues to be underrepresented. PCTs offer a valuable avenue for the identification and evaluation of therapies within authentic RW contexts, encompassing various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and physician practices. RCTs and PCTs complement one another, and the utilization of PCTs has the potential to inform clinical decision-making across the OACs entire treatment trajectory.
Fission yeast Wee1 is required for stable kinetochore-microtubule attachment
Authors: Takado Masahiro , Yamamoto Takaharu G. , Chikashige Yuji , Matsumoto Tomohiro
Published: January 2024

Wee1 is a cell cycle regulator that phosphorylates Cdk1/Cdc2 and inhibits G2/M transition. Loss of Wee1 in fission yeast results in an early onset of mitosis. Interestingly, we found that cells lacking Wee1 require the functional spindle checkpoint for their viability. Genetic analysis indicated that the requirement is not attributable to the early onset of mitosis. Live-cell imaging revealed that some kinetochores are not attached or bioriented in the
wee1
mutant. Furthermore, Mad2, a component of the spindle checkpoint known to recognize unattached kinetochores, accumulates in the vicinity of the spindle, representing activation of the spindle checkpoint in the mutant. It appears that the
wee1
mutant cannot maintain stable kinetochore-microtubule attachment, and relies on the delay imposed by the spindle checkpoint for establishing biorientation of kinetochores. This study revealed a role of Wee1 in ensuring accurate segregation of chromosomes during mitosis, and thus provided a basis for a new principle of cancer treatment with Wee1 inhibitors.
Seasonal acoustic presence of marine mammals at the South Orkney Islands, Scotia Sea
Authors: Åsvestad Linn , Ahonen Heidi , Menze Sebastian , Lowther Andrew , Lindstrøm Ulf , Krafft Bjørn A.
Published: January 2024

Increased knowledge about marine mammal seasonal distribution and species assemblage from the South Orkney Islands waters is needed for the development of management regulations of the commercial fishery for Antarctic krill (
Euphausia superba
) in this region. Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) data were collected during the autumn and winter seasons in two consecutive years (2016, 2017), which represented highly contrasting environmental conditions due to the 2016 El Niño event. We explored differences in seasonal patterns in marine mammal acoustic presence between the two years in context of environmental cues and climate variability. Acoustic signals from five baleen whale species, two pinniped species and odontocete species were detected and separated into guilds. Although species diversity remained stable over time, the ice-avoiding and ice-affiliated species dominated before and after the onset of winter, respectively, and thus demonstrating a shift in guild composition related to season. Herein, we provide novel information about local marine mammal species diversity, community structure and residency times in a krill hotspot. Our study also demonstrates the utility of PAM data and its usefulness in providing new insights into the marine mammal habitat use and responses to environmental conditions, which are essential knowledge for the future development of a sustainable fishery management in a changing ecosystem.
Killer whale acoustic patterns respond to prey abundance and environmental variability around the Prince Edward Islands, Southern Ocean
Authors: Shabangu Fannie W. , Daniels Robyn , Jordaan Rowan K. , de Bruyn P. J. Nico , van den Berg Marcel A. , Lamont Tarron
Published: January 2024

Killer whales are apex predators with temporally and spatially varying distributions throughout the world's oceans. Their ecology and behaviour are poorly understood in most regions due to limited research, often because of logistical challenges. Here, we used a passive acoustic monitoring device to investigate the seasonal acoustic occurrence and diel vocalizing behaviour of killer whales around the remote sub-Antarctic Prince Edward Islands (PEIs), Southern Ocean. Killer whales showed diel vocalizing patterns that varied seasonally in relation to their prey abundance and social activities. Killer whale calls were intermittently detected year-round with a high number of hours containing calls in October to December, and a secondary peak in February to May, corresponding to seal prey abundance. Random forest modelling identified wind speed as the primary predictor of the occurrence of killer whale calls (with a negative correlation) while sea surface height, chlorophyll-a and sea surface temperature were moderately important. We provide the first acoustic evidence that killer whale occurrence around the PEIs might coincide with variability in environmental conditions and prey abundance. Our results provide the first indication of diel vocalizing pattern of killer whales in the Southern Ocean. This knowledge is important for understanding killer whale ecology and adaptation to the changing oceans.
Vertebral morphology in the tail-whipping common thresher shark,
Alopias vulpinus
Authors: Knaub Jamie L. , Passerotti Michelle , Natanson Lisa J. , Meredith Tricia , Porter Marianne
Published: January 2024

Thresher sharks (
Alopias
spp.) are characterized by an elongated, scythe-like caudal fin that is used in tail-whipping, a behaviour where the tail is thrown overhead to stun prey. Tail-whipping is performed via extreme dorsoventral bending of the vertebral column, and is dramatically different from lateral oscillatory motion used for swimming. Previous work has examined thresher shark vertebral morphology and mechanical properties, but in the context of swimming loads. Our goal was to assess centra morphometrics and microarchitecture for variations that may support extreme dorsoventral bending. We examined anterior and posterior body vertebrae from an embryo, five juvenile, and four adult thresher sharks using micro-computed tomography. We used principal component and landmark analyses to examine variables influencing vertebral morphology and mineral arrangement, respectively. We found that morphology and microstructure significantly varied across body regions and ontogeny. We hypothesize that anterior body vertebrae increase stability, while posterior body vertebrae support the caudal fin. Vertebral size and quantity of mineral structures (lamellae and nodes) increased across ontogeny, suggesting vertebrae adapt over development to support a larger body and tail. Based on our results, we hypothesize that thresher shark vertebrae vary in morphometrics and mineralization (amount and arrangement) supporting the mechanical needs for tail-whipping.
A constitutive model for transversely isotropic dispersive materials
Authors: Amendola A. , de Castro Motta J. , Saccomandi G. , Vergori L.
Published: January 2024

Due to their intrinsic complexity, it is not easy to model the mechanical behaviour of biomaterials. Despite the challenges they faced, some researchers have presented mathematical models to describe some aspects of the mechanical response of soft tissues. Since most of the materials of biological interest are composites made of different constituents reinforced by collagen and/or elastin fibres, material dispersion and anisotropy are non-negligible. Within the theory of elasticity, several models for anisotropic materials have been developed. The same cannot be said for anisotropic dispersive materials. The models available in the literature that account for material dispersion are valid only for isotropic materials. This paper aims at introducing a very general model for anisotropic dispersion in transversely isotropic bodies within the theory of simple materials of differential type. Our model has the potential to represent a first step towards a better understanding of the mechanical response of fibre-reinforced soft materials.
Mosquito ageing modulates the development, virulence and transmission potential of pathogens
Authors: Somé Bernard M. , Guissou Edwige , Da Dari F. , Richard Quentin , Choisy Marc , Yameogo Koudraogo B. , Hien Domombabele FdS. , Yerbanga Rakiswende S. , Ouedraogo Georges A. , Dabiré Kounbobr R. , Djidjou-Demasse Ramsès , Cohuet Anna , Lefèvre Thierry
Published: January 2024

Host age variation is a striking source of heterogeneity that can shape the evolution and transmission dynamic of pathogens. Compared with vertebrate systems, our understanding of the impact of host age on invertebrate–pathogen interactions remains limited. We examined the influence of mosquito age on key life-history traits driving human malaria transmission. Females of
Anopheles coluzzii
, a major malaria vector, belonging to three age classes (4-, 8- and 12-day-old), were experimentally infected with
Plasmodium falciparum
field isolates. Our findings revealed reduced competence in 12-day-old mosquitoes, characterized by lower oocyst/sporozoite rates and intensities compared with younger mosquitoes. Despite shorter median longevities in older age classes, infected 12-day-old mosquitoes exhibited improved survival, suggesting that the infection might act as a fountain of youth for older mosquitoes specifically. The timing of sporozoite appearance in the salivary glands remained consistent across mosquito age classes, with an extrinsic incubation period of approximately 13 days. Integrating these results into an epidemiological model revealed a lower vectorial capacity for older mosquitoes compared with younger ones, albeit still substantial owing to extended longevity in the presence of infection. Considering age heterogeneity provides valuable insights for ecological and epidemiological studies, informing targeted control strategies to mitigate pathogen transmission.
Genomic characterization of Mycoplasma edwardii isolated from a dog bite induced cat wound reveals multiple horizontal gene transfer events and loss of the CRISPR/Cas system
Authors: Klose Sara M. , Legione Alistair R. , Monotti Isobel , Bushell Rhys N. , Sugiyama Takanori , Browning Glenn F. , Vaz Paola K.
Published: January 2024

A domestic short hair cat (Felis catus) suffering from a purulent wound infection resulting from a dog bite was sampled for bacterial culture and isolation as the wound had been unresponsive to prolonged antimicrobial treatment. A mycoplasma was isolated from the wound. Whole genome sequencing of the isolate was performed using short-read Illumina and long-read Oxford Nanopore chemistry, and the organism was identified as

Mycoplasma edwardii

. Comparison of the genome sequence of the isolate to a reference

M. edwardii

genome sequence (canid isolate) identified the loss of several key bacterial factors involved in genome editing, as well the insertion of several novel ORFs most closely related to those found in other canine mycoplasmas, specifically Mycoplasma canis, M. cynos, M. molare and M. maculosa. This is only the second known report of disease caused by

M. edwardii

in a non-canid species, and the first report of it infecting and causing clinical disease in a cat.