bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Continuous Versus Intermittent Vancomycin Infusions for Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus Bacteremia in Neonates: A Propensity-matched Cohort Study
Authors: Gérard Rémy , Pauquet Emilie , Ros Barbara , Lehours Philippe , Renesme Laurent
Published: September 2024

Background:

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CONS) are a major cause of late-onset neonatal sepsis, particularly in preterm infants, with high morbidity and mortality. While vancomycin is the first-line treatment for these infections, the optimal administration in neonates remains uncertain.

Objective:

We aim to compare the outcomes of neonates with CONS bacteremia treated with adjusted continuous infusion (CIV) versus standard intermittent infusion (IIV) of vancomycin.

Methods:

This retrospective study included 110 neonates, with 29 in the CIV group and 47 in the IIV group after propensity score matching. The primary outcome was treatment failure defined by the persistence of a positive blood culture for the same organism after at least 48 hours of vancomycin treatment.

Results:

After matching, the CIV group exhibited significantly lower treatment failure rates [5/29 (17%) vs. 26/47 (44%); P = 0.014] and a higher rate of achieving therapeutic vancomycin levels after 24 hours [20/29 (69%) vs. 26/47 (44%); P = 0.002] compared to the IIV group. No significant differences were observed in terms of acute kidney failure between the 2 groups.

Conclusion:

Adjusted continuous vancomycin infusion in neonates with CONS bacteremia is associated with a lower treatment failure rate without an increase in renal toxicity compared to standard intermittent infusion. However, due to the observational design, larger prospective studies are needed to validate these results.
No Increase in Severity of Mycoplasma pneumoniae: Insights From the Postpandemic Epidemic
Authors: Taborda Inês , Tomé Rita , Santos Ferreira Carolina , Oliveira Inácio Raquel , Vaz João , Carmo Anália , Gata Lia , Rodrigues Fernanda
Published: September 2024

Following near-absence during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection has recently reemerged in children, much later than other respiratory pathogens. We describe the resurgence that we have observed starting in late 2023. Compared with prepandemic, disease severity and extrapulmonary manifestations did not change, while median age at presentation increased.
A Pain in the Neck Sixty Years On
Authors: Curtis Nigel , Levi Eric
Published: September 2024

This report describes the recurrence of an infected first branchial cleft cyst in an adult and highlights the importance of considering branchial cleft cysts in the differential diagnosis of cervical lymphadenitis or abscess in early childhood to enable definitive surgery.
School-Based Protective Factors for HIV Prevention in the United States: Secondary Analysis of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey 2015–2019
Authors: Garcia David R. , Fletcher Jason , Goldsamt Lloyd , Bell David L. , Zheng Yaguang , Dunn Navarra Ann-Margaret
Published: September 2024

This secondary analysis of the National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (years 2015–2019) examines associations between school-based protective factors (i.e., safe school environments and academic achievement) and HIV risk behaviors among sexually experienced adolescent gay and bisexual men (n = 644), a population with the highest prevalence of undiagnosed HIV infections. Demographics included Hispanics/Latinos (25%, n = 158), Other race/ethnicity (14%, n = 88), and non-Hispanic Blacks/African Americans (13%, n = 81). Adjusted models showed that protective factors reduced odds for early sexual debut, multiple sexual partners, sex under the influence of drugs/alcohol, and condomless sex, with an additive effect demonstrated when two protective factors were present. Hispanics/Latinos had greater odds of reporting multiple sexual partners and HIV testing, indicating opportunities for school-based HIV prevention and further research. Our findings provide support for school-based programs that aim to improve social and structural determinants of health and ultimately reduce adolescent HIV burdens.
Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion–Related Curricular Elements in Entry-Level Physical Therapist Education: A Delphi Study
Authors: Sutkowi-Hemstreet Allyson , Covington J. Kyle , Adams Tiffany N.
Published: September 2024

Introduction.

The purpose of this Delphi study was to determine whether experts in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in the field of physical therapy could achieve consensus on the key JEDI-related curricular content topics to be included in entry-level physical therapist education.

Review of Literature.

Inequities exist at all levels of health care for historically underserved populations, including referrals, access, and quality of physical therapy services. The physical therapy field is facing challenges and opportunities in how to best prepare providers to address individual, community, and population health inequities. There is a lack of consensus in physical therapist education regarding essential curricular content related to justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and antiracism.

Subjects.

Eighty-four experts in JEDI in the physical therapy profession were invited through email to participate in the Delphi process.

Methods.

A Delphi survey brought together 39 identified experts in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion within the field of physical therapy to reach consensus on key JEDI-related curricular topics in physical therapist education. In the first-round survey, participants answered an open-ended question: “What JEDI-related curricular content should be included in entry-level physical therapist education?” The work team coded these free-text responses to populate an initial list of curricular elements. Over 2 subsequent rounds of surveys, the experts came to a consensus on which curricular elements should be addressed within physical therapist education. Nineteen experts completed all survey rounds.

Results.

In round I, coding of the expert group's responses generated 61 initial JEDI-related curricular elements. By round III, the group refined the list to 43 curricular elements; 41 of the 43 (95%) elements garnered 94% or higher consensus. The expert group deemed 30 of the elements “entry-level” content and 13 as more “advanced practice” topics.

Discussion and Conclusions.

Experts had a strong consensus on key JEDI-related curricular elements that physical therapist education programs should include to best prepare providers to improve the health of society. Future scholarship will explore recommendations for how physical therapist education programs might prioritize and implement JEDI-related content.
The use of an online learning module to improve knowledge for prevention of back pain and injury in industrial workers
Authors: Spain Scarlet R. , Li Zheng , Akbar Raza
Published: September 2024

Back pain is a significant public health problem that accounts for a high percentage of morbidity and disability worldwide. Low back pain is a frequent cause of missed workdays and job-specific disability and is associated with poor outcomes for employees and employers. An online learning module that focused on normal anatomy of the spine, common pathophysiologic diagnosis or findings that may contribute to back pain, and techniques for back pain reduction was created for employees at risk due to the nature of their labor-intensive jobs. This module also contained case studies and graphics that demonstrated ways to reduce risks or hazards by incorporating job-specific changes in the work environment. A mixed method statistical analysis of knowledge change was completed after participation in the online module. This demonstrated that participants had a marked increase in knowledge in all areas examined. In addition, participants perceived the module as beneficial for grasping anatomical concepts, understanding injury prevention and management strategies, valuing the shared information, leveraging visual aids, and applying practical examples per qualitative questions answered. Participants gained knowledge that can be used on the job to decrease risk of sustaining back pain or injury. The intervention approach enhances the understanding of back pain among industrial workers and holds profound implications for public health on a broader scale. Monitoring population health and preventing back pain and injury while at work is essential for safety and is also a core competency in public health.
Manual mastery vs. mechanized magic: current opinions on manual vs. mechanical chest compressions
Authors: Crowley Conor , Salciccioli Justin , Pocock Helen , Moskowitz Ari
Published: September 2024

Purpose of review

Mechanical chest compression devices are increasingly deployed during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. We discuss the data supporting the use of mechanical chest compression devices during cardiac arrest and provide an opinion about the future of the technology.

Recent findings

Multiple randomized trials investigating the use of mechanical chest compression devices for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest have not demonstrated improved outcomes. There is little prospective evidence to support the use of mechanical chest compression devices in other settings. Data from observational studies do not support the routine use of mechanical chest compression devices for in-hospital cardiac arrest, but there may be a role for mechanical chest compressions for cardiac arrest in procedural areas and cardiac arrest prior to cannulation for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Mechanical chest compression devices offer a solution to some of the human limiting factors of resuscitation, but have failed to demonstrate meaningful improvement in outcomes from cardiac arrest. Routine use of mechanical chest compression devices during cardiac arrest is not supported by evidence.
Tissue factor pathway inhibitor – cofactor-dependent regulation of the initiation of coagulation
Authors: Ahnström Josefin , Petri Anastasis , Crawley James T.B.
Published: September 2024

Purpose of review

In humans, tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) exists in two alternatively spliced isoforms, TFPIα and TFPIβ. TFPIα consists of three Kunitz domains (K1, K2 and K3) and a highly basic C-terminal tail. K1 inhibits the tissue factor-activated factor VII complex, K2 specifically inhibits activated factor X, K3 is essential for interaction with its cofactor, protein S, and the basic C-terminus is binds factor V-short (FV-short) with high affinity. TFPIβ consists of K1 and K2 that is glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchored directly to cell surfaces. This review explores the structure/function of TFPI and its cofactors (protein S and FV-short), and the relative contributions that different TFPI isoforms may play in haemostatic control.

Recent findings

Recent data have underscored the importance of TFPIα function and its reliance on its cofactors, protein S and FV-short, in influencing haemostatic control as well as bleeding and thrombotic risk

TFPIα is likely the most important pool of TFPI in modifying the risk of thrombosis and bleeding. TFPIα forms a trimolecular complex with FV-short and protein S in plasma. FV-short expression levels control the circulating levels of TFPIα, whereas protein S exerts essential cofactor mediated augmentation of it anticoagulant function.
Predictors of Pediatric Asthma Management: Identifying Actionable Results With Geographic Determinants
Authors: Shacham Enbal , Scroggins Stephen E. , Gilmore Adam , Cheng Jane , Nava Rosalinda
Published: September 2024

Background:

Pediatric asthma remains one of the most prominent chronic health conditions among US youth. Geographic determinants such as air pollutants have been identified as playing a role in asthma development and exacerbation. The purpose of this study was to determine geospatial predictors of pediatric asthma exacerbation events and to prioritize housing remediation resources.

Methods:

Electronic medical records were abstracted from a health plan in Southern California. The inclusion criteria that created a sample of 51 557 members were those aged 21 years and younger, who had at least 1 asthma-related encounter between January 2019 and December 2021. Diagnoses, age, number of clinic and emergency department visits, and home addresses were included. The air quality index from the closest monitoring station during the study period, residential distance from a primary roadway, and residential distance from manufacturing sites were included in the spatial analysis.

Results:

The average number of asthma-related clinic visits was 2 across the sample. Individuals with more asthma-related clinic visits residing in public housing were more likely to live within 4 km of industrial manufacturing locations (P < .001), reside closer to a major roadway (P < .001), and experience a higher number of poor air quality days (P < .001). Modeling results show these factors were also significantly predictive of an increase of asthma-related health care encounters.

Conclusions:

The findings of this study were consistent with previous studies linking asthma and poor air quality and further highlighted some of the additive and potentially exponential challenges that public housing, major roadways, and manufacturing sites provide communities in their proximity. This research can guide environmental interventions, including the frequency of public housing inspections, community outreach, and the development of communication strategies, to reduce asthma-related experiences across neighborhoods.
Anger Expression Styles, Cynical Hostility, and the Risk for the Development of Type 2 Diabetes or Diabetes-Related Heart Complications: Secondary Analysis of the Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Ward Richard Andrew , Forget Geneviève , Lindekilde Nanna , Deschênes Sonya S. , Pouwer François , Schmitz Norbert , Schram Miranda , Burns Rachel J.
Published: September 2024

Objective

Limited research has examined associations between trait anger and hostility and incident type 2 diabetes (T2D) and diabetes-related heart complications. However, anger expression styles (i.e., anger-in, anger-out) have not been examined. The present study used secondary data to examine the associations between anger expression styles, cynical hostility, and the risk of developing T2D (objective 1) or diabetes-related heart complications (objective 2).

Methods

Self-report data came from participants aged 50 to 75 years in the Health and Retirement Study. Anger-in (anger that is suppressed and directed toward oneself, anger-out (anger directed toward other people or the environment), and cynical hostility were measured at baseline (2006 or 2008). Follow-up data (i.e., diabetes status or diabetes-related heart complications status) were collected every 2 years thereafter until 2020. The objective 1 sample included 7898 participants without T2D at baseline, whereas the objective 2 sample included 1340 participants with T2D but without heart complications at baseline.

Results

Only anger-in was significantly associated with incident T2D after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics (hazard ratio = 1.08, 95% confidence interval = 1.01–1.16), but the association did not hold after further adjustment for depressive symptoms. Only anger-out was significantly associated with incident diabetes–related heart complications after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, health-related covariates, and depressive symptoms (hazard ratio = 1.21, 95% confidence interval = 1.02–1.39).

Conclusions

Anger expression styles were differentially related to diabetes outcomes. These findings demonstrate the value of expanding the operationalization of anger beyond trait anger in this literature and encourage further investigation of anger expression styles.
Correlates and Predictors of Symptom Severity Over Time in People Under Investigation for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome
Authors: Knoop Iris , Jones Annie S.K. , Gall Nicholas , Norton Sam , Pascoe William , Moss-Morris Rona
Published: September 2024

Objective

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a poorly understood chronic disorder characterized by an unexplained excessive increase in heartbeat upon standing. The aim of this study was to investigate psychosocial and physiological correlates and predictors of symptom severity over time in patients presenting with POTS-like symptoms.

Methods

Longitudinal cohort study of patients under investigation for POTS (n = 149). Patients completed questionnaires at 1 month preclinic appointment and 6 months later. Diagnosis, blood pressure (BP), and heart rate (HR) measures were collected from medical records. Data were analyzed using hierarchical linear multiple regression.

Results

Orthostatic and small fiber neuropathy (SFN) symptoms remained stable over time and were significantly correlated with distress, cardiac anxiety, threatening views of the illness, and cognitive-behavioral responses to symptoms, but not with emotional reactivity or social support. Baseline psychosocial factors collectively explained 48% (F = 5.37, p < .001) of the variance in orthostatic symptoms, and 35% (F = 3.49, p < .001) of the variance of SFN symptoms at baseline, but a nonsignificant amount of variance in symptoms at 6 months when controlling for baseline symptoms. Hemodynamic measures explained a significant 4% (F = 3.37, p = .026) of variance of orthostatic symptoms at 6 months.

Conclusion

Symptom burden in patients with suspected POTS remained high over 6 months. Psychosocial factors explained a large amount of the variance in symptoms at baseline. As symptoms did not change/improve over time, baseline symptoms accounted for most of the variance in symptoms at 6 months. An integrated approach addressing psychosocial factors alongside medical treatments may promote adjustment to the condition and lessen symptom burden for this group.
Chains of misery: surging invasive group A streptococcal disease
Authors: Davis Kimberly , Abo Yara-Natalie , Steer Andrew C. , Osowicki Joshua
Published: September 2024

Purpose of review

We describe the epidemiology of the recent global surge in invasive group A streptococcal (GAS) disease and consider its proximate and distal causes. We highlight important knowledge gaps regarding clinical management and discuss potential strategies for prevention.

Recent findings

Rates of invasive GAS (iGAS) disease were increasing globally prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since mid-2022, following the worst years of the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, many countries with systems to monitor GAS syndromes have reported surges in cases of iGAS concurrent with increased scarlet fever, pharyngitis, and viral co-infections. The emergence of the hypervirulent M1UK strain as a cause of iGAS, particularly in high income countries, is concerning. New data are emerging on the transmission dynamics of GAS. GAS remains universally susceptible to penicillin but there are increasing reports of macrolide and lincosamide resistance, particularly in invasive isolates, with uncertain clinical consequences. Intravenous immunoglobulin is used widely for streptococcal toxic shock syndrome and necrotizing soft tissue infections, although there is limited clinical evidence, and none from a completed randomized controlled trial. Intensive and expensive efforts at population-level control of GAS infections and postinfectious autoimmune complications have been only partially successful. The great hope for control of GAS diseases remains vaccine development. However, all modern vaccine candidates remain in the early development stage.

In many countries, iGAS rates surged from mid-2022 in the aftermath of pandemic control measures and physical distancing. The emergence of a dominant hypervirulent strain is an important but incomplete explanation for this phenomenon. Clinical management of iGAS remains highly empirical and new data has not emerged. A vaccine remains the most likely means of achieving a sustainable reduction in the burden of iGAS.
Exogenous estrogen partially rescues progesterone deficiency and autophagosome enlargement in Mcoln1 −/− mouse model with lysosomal storage disorder
Authors: Wang Zidao , Li Yuehuan , Andersen Christian L. , El Zowalaty Ahmed E. , Hancock Jonathan M. , Martin Taylor E. , Howerth Elizabeth W. , Viswanathan Suvitha , Byun Haeyeun , Ye Xiaoqin
Published: September 2024

Objective:

Female Mcoln1
−/− mice exhibit progressive progesterone (P4) deficiency, luteal cell degeneration, and premature embryo implantation failure at 5 months old. We attempted to rescue embryo implantation in non-virgin Mcoln1
−/− mice (5–6 months old) with exogenous P4 treatment on days 1.5 post-coitum (D1.5), D2.5, and D3.5, and observed partially restored luteal cell morphology on D4.5, but unexpectedly found 17β-estradiol (E2) contamination in the P4 working solution. In this study, we aim to investigate exogenous P4 and/or E2 for the partial recovery of luteal cell morphology in infertile Mcoln1

−/−
mice.

Methods:

Control and non-virgin Mcoln1
−/− mice (5–6 months old) were treated with newly ordered vehicle, P4, E2, or P4 + E2 on D1.5 and D2.5 and dissected on D3.5 for P4 and E2 measurements, ovary histology, immunofluorescence, lipid droplet staining, and transmission electron microscopy.

Results:

E2 treatment significantly increased serum P4 levels in D3.5 Mcoln1
−/− mice. E2 and P4 + E2 treatments, but not P4 treatment alone, largely improved the morphology of D3.5 Mcoln1
−/− corpora lutea, indicated by a more contiguous web-like collagen IV expression pattern, increased heat shock protein 60 expression, and reduced accumulation of large lipid droplets. Transmission electron microscopy revealed extremely enlarged autophagosomes and lipid droplets, lysosomes with lamellar structures, and mitochondria with reduced cristae in vehicle-treated D3.5 Mcoln1
−/− luteal cells, while in E2-treated D3.5 Mcoln1
−/− luteal cells, extremely enlarged autophagosomes and lipid droplets were reduced, indicating improved luteal cell ultrastructure.

Conclusion:

These findings reveal protective effects of high levels of exogenous E2 on P4 production and lysosomal function in Mcoln1
−/− luteal cells.
Automatic Quantification of Abnormal Lung Parenchymal Attenuation on Chest Computed Tomography Images Using Densitometry and Texture-based Analysis
Authors: Carvalho Alysson R.S. , Guimarães Alan , Basilio Rodrigo , Conrado da Silva Marco A. , Colli Sandro , Galhós de Aguiar Carolina , Pereira Rafael C. , Lisboa Liseane G , Hochhegger Bruno , Rodrigues Rosana S.
Published: September 2024

Purpose:

To compare texture-based analysis using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) against lung densitometry in detecting chest computed tomography (CT) image abnormalities.

Material and Methods:

A U-NET was used for lung segmentation, and an ensemble of 7 CNN architectures was trained for the classification of low-attenuation areas (LAAs; emphysema, cysts), normal-attenuation areas (NAAs; normal parenchyma), and high-attenuation areas (HAAs; ground-glass opacities, crazy paving/linear opacity, consolidation). Lung densitometry also computes (LAAs, ≤–950 HU), NAAs (–949 to –700 HU), and HAAs (–699 to –250 HU). CNN-based and densitometry-based severity indices (CNN and Dens, respectively) were calculated as (LAA+HAA)/(LAA+NAA+HAA) in 812 CT scans from 176 normal subjects, 343 patients with emphysema, and 293 patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD). The correlation between CNN-derived and densitometry-derived indices was analyzed, alongside a comparison of severity indices among patient subgroups with emphysema and ILD, using the Spearman correlation and ANOVA with Bonferroni correction.

Results:

CNN-derived and densitometry-derived severity indices (SIs) showed a strong correlation (ρ=0.90) and increased with disease severity. CNN-SIs differed from densitometry SIs, being lower for emphysema and higher for moderate to severe ILD cases. CNN estimations for normal attenuation areas were higher than those from densitometry across all groups, indicating a potential for more accurate characterization of lung abnormalities.

Conclusions:

CNN outputs align closely with densitometry in assessing lung abnormalities on CT scans, offering improved estimates of normal areas and better distinguishing similar abnormalities. However, this requires higher computing power.
A Cross-Sectional Analysis of American Insurance Coverage of Upper and Lower Lid Blepharoplasty
Authors: Badiei Beita , Schlidt Kevin , Ha Michael , Simon Caroline , Onyima Chinenye , El-Mallah Jessica , Nagendran Vivekka , Rasko Yvonne M.
Published: September 2024

Objective:

Dermatochalasis is a common condition that can cause obstruction of peripheral visual fields and impairment of daily activities. These effects can be addressed with a blepharoplasty, which may be considered a cosmetic procedure by American health insurers. The authors assessed insurance coverage of all indications of blepharoplasty and their medical necessity criteria.

Methods:

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted of 70 insurance policies for blepharoplasty. The insurance companies were selected based on their state enrollment and market share. A web-based search and telephone interviews were utilized to identify the policies. Medically necessary criteria were extracted from the publicly available policies.

Results:

Of the 70 insurance policies assessed, 67 (96%) provide coverage for blepharoplasty. There were 7 indications for coverage, the most common being dermatochalasis causing functional visual impairment (n = 56, 80%), prosthesis difficulties in an anophthalmic socket (n = 44, 63%), and congenital ptosis (n = 38, 54%). Of companies that indicated coverage for dermatochalasis, 95% required visual field loss testing to qualify for coverage. Significantly more companies required a 30% loss in the superior visual field for coverage versus the literature-recommended amount of 24% loss (n = 14 versus n = 3, 26% versus 6%, P= 0.0067).

Conclusion:

There is a great discrepancy in insurance policy criteria for coverage of blepharoplasty, especially regarding requirements for visual field testing. Unfortunately, this disparity does not reflect the current literature as to whom may gain significant functional benefit from blepharoplasty.
Efficacy of Clonidine Adhesive Patch for Patients With Tourette Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Clinical Trial
Authors: Zhao Zhimin , Qian Yun , Du Yasong , Chen Hong , He Jie , Chen Yanhui , Wang Xiuxia , Mai Jianning , Sun Suzhen , Wang Huimei , Jiao Fuyong
Published: September 2024

Objective

This study aimed to explore the efficacy of the clonidine adhesive patch for participants with Tourette syndrome (TS).

Methods

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter phase IV clinical trial included participants with TS at 20 centers between May 2012 and March 2015. Treatment efficacy at week 8 was the primary outcome. The Clinical Global Impression–Severity scale and Improvement scale were the secondary endpoints.

Results

This trial included 488 participants, with 121 participants in the 2.0-mg/wk group, 119 participants in the 1.5-mg/wk group, 126 participants in the 1.0-mg/wk group, and 122 participants in the placebo group. For Yale Global Tic Severity Scale score reduction rate, compared with the placebo group (39.60 ± 25.56), those of the 2.0-mg/wk group (63.21 ± 32.60) and the 1.5-mg/wk group (68.16 ± 25.88) were statistically significantly different (all P < 0.001). For total Yale Global Tic Severity Scale score, compared with the placebo group (17.0 ± 8.03), the score for the 2.0-mg/wk group was 9.9 ± 8.36 (P < 0.001); 1.5-mg/wk group, 9.6 ± 8.03 (P < 0.001); and 1.0-mg/wk group, 10.5 ± 9.28 (P < 0.001). The Clinical Global Impression–Severity scale and Improvement scale scores were statistically significantly different in the 3 clonidine (or experimental) groups compared with the placebo group (all P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Larger doses of the clonidine adhesive patch such as 1.5 and 2.0 mg/wk are effective in improving the symptoms and overall function of participants with TS.
Evaluating Headache Incidence and Characteristics After Botulinum Toxin Treatment in Blepharospasm and Hemifacial Spasm Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Clinical Study
Authors: Bilgin Sule , Ozdemir Kaan Tugberk , Yaka Emiş Cansu , Demir Ömer , Aydın Huriye , Şener Ufuk
Published: September 2024

Objectives

The aim of the study is to assess the prevalence and clinical features of headache in patients treated with botulinum toxin for blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm. In addition, our secondary aim was to identify potential factors influencing the development of these headaches

Methods

A total of 70 patients who were treated with on a botulinum toxin A for dystonia treatment in our clinic between January 2023 and March 2023 were retrospectively screened, and the clinical and demographic characteristics of the patients who reported headache complaints after the last botulinum toxin treatment were examined.

Results

Headache was reported in 8 (%11.4) of the 70 patients included in the study. Of the 8 patients who reported headaches, 6 (%75) had the onset of the complaint within the first 24 hours. There was no significant correlation between headache occurrence and factors like age, gender, diagnosis, botulinum toxin dosage, application site, comorbid diseases, or hypertension. However, a statistically significant link was observed between the intensity of pain experienced during treatment and the frequency of headaches after the treatment

Conclusions

Botulinum toxin treatment can lead to short-term headaches in some patients, starting early after the procedure. The significant link between the frequency of these headaches and the pain experienced during injection highlights the need to examine factors like the volume and dilution rate of the toxin, the solvent used, treatment area, treatment purpose, patient characteristics, and the physician's technique. It is important to study these aspects by comparing them across a large patient group and control subjects.
Drag reduction and locomotory power in dolphins: Gray’s paradox revealed
Authors: Davis Randall W. , Fiori Lorenzo , Würsig Bernd , Orbach Dara N.
Published: September 2024

For 88 years, biologists and engineers have sought to understand the hydrodynamics enabling dolphins to swim at speeds seemingly beyond their energetic capabilities, a phenomenon known as Gray’s paradox. Hydromechanical models calculating the drag of swimming dolphins estimated power requirements for sustained high-speed swimming, which were physiologically impossible. Using an uncrewed aerial vehicle, we calculated the total power of free-ranging dusky dolphins (
Lagenorhynchus obscurus
) at speeds from 0.9 to 6.9 m s
−1
, deriving drag coefficients (
Cd
) and drag. Our results showed that the
Cd
decreased exponentially with speed, reducing drag by up to 89% at speeds >2 m s
−1
, with an additional 17% reduction during porpoising (>4.0 m s
−1
). At 6.9 m s
−1
, drag was 32 N, with a power of 15.8 W kg
−1
, nearly identical to the
mass-specific
allometric prediction for the maximum aerobic capacity of other mammals and physiologically possible. The
Cd
at speeds >2.5 m s
−1
indicated reduced turbulence in the boundary layer around the dolphin’s body, thereby reducing drag. The ability of dusky dolphins to swim at sustained high speeds resulted from an exponential decrease in
Cd
, which was further reduced by porpoising, thereby explaining the low drag and locomotory power that resolved Gray’s paradox.
Thermal tolerance traits of individual corals are widely distributed across the Great Barrier Reef
Authors: Denis Hugo , Bay Line K. , Mocellin Véronique J. L. , Naugle Melissa S. , Lecellier Gaël , Purcell Steven W. , Berteaux-Lecellier Véronique , Howells Emily J.
Published: September 2024

Adaptation of reef-building corals to global warming depends upon standing heritable variation in tolerance traits upon which selection can act. Yet limited knowledge exists on heat-tolerance variation among conspecific individuals separated by metres to hundreds of kilometres. Here, we performed standardized acute heat-stress assays to quantify the thermal tolerance traits of 709 colonies of
Acropora spathulata
from 13 reefs spanning 1060 km (9.5° latitude) of the Great Barrier Reef. Thermal thresholds for photochemical efficiency and chlorophyll retention varied considerably among individual colonies both among reefs (approximately 6°C) and within reefs (approximately 3°C). Although tolerance rankings of colonies varied between traits, the most heat-tolerant corals (i.e. top 25% of each trait) were found at virtually all reefs, indicating widespread phenotypic variation. Reef-scale environmental predictors explained 12–62% of trait variation. Corals exposed to high thermal averages and recent thermal stress exhibited the greatest photochemical performance, probably reflecting local adaptation and stress pre-acclimatization, and the lowest chlorophyll retention suggesting stress pre-sensitization. Importantly, heat tolerance relative to local summer temperatures was the greatest on higher latitude reefs suggestive of higher adaptive potential. These results can be used to identify naturally tolerant coral populations and individuals for conservation and restoration applications.
Migratory herbivorous waterfowl track multiple resource waves during spring migration
Authors: Xu Fei , Wu Wei , Wei Jie , Xin Qinchuan , Wielstra Ben , La Sorte Frank A. , Ma Zhijun , Lei Guangchun , Lei Jialin , Wu Wenzhao , Yang Yongchuan , Gong Peng , Xu Bing , Si Yali
Published: September 2024

East Asian herbivorous waterfowl intensively use farmland in spring, next to their natural habitat. Accordingly, they might have expanded their migration strategy from merely tracking the green wave of newly emerging vegetation to also incorporating the availability of post-harvest agricultural seeds (here dubbed the seed wave). However, if and how waterfowl use multiple food resources to time their seasonal migration is still unknown. We test this migration strategy using 167 spring migration tracks of five East Asian herbivorous waterfowl species and mixed-effect resource selection function models. We found that all study species arrived at their core stopover sites in the Northeast China Plain after agricultural seeds became available, extended their stay after spring vegetation emerged and arrived at their breeding sites around the emergence of vegetation. At the core stopover sites, all study species used snowmelt as a cue to track seed availability, although smaller-bodied species tended to arrive later. At the breeding sites, swans tracked the onset of vegetation emergence and geese tracked the mid- or end phases of snowmelt. Our findings suggest that waterfowl track multiple resource waves to fine-tune their migration, highlighting new opportunities for conservation.
Environmental sampling for the detection of capripox viruses and peste des petits ruminants virus in households and livestock markets in Plateau State, Nigeria
Authors: Brown Emma , Ehizibolo David , Dogonyaro Banenat , Wungak Yiltawe , Oyekan Olumuyiwa , Adedeji Adeyinka , Ijeoma Sandra , Atai Rebecca , Oguche Moses , Samson Mark , Rosso Fabrizio , Ludi Anna B , Limon Georgina , Shaw Andrew E , Colenutt Claire , Gubbins Simon
Published: September 2024

Multiple transboundary animal diseases (TADs) circulate in Plateau State, Nigeria, where livestock keeping is common and contributes to both the physical and socioeconomic wellbeing of a large proportion of the population. In this study, we explored the potential for environmental sampling to detect viruses causing TADs circulating in the region. Electrostatic dust cloths were used to swab areas of the environment likely to have contact with secretions and excretions from infected animals. Samples were collected monthly from five households, one transhumance site and one livestock market in two local government areas in Plateau State between March and October 2021. These were tested for the presence of peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) and capripox viruses using real-time PCR. Of the 458 samples collected 2.4% (n=11) were positive for PPRV RNA and 1.3% (n=6) were positive for capripox virus DNA. A capripox differentiation assay showed that these samples were positive for sheep pox virus (SPPV) (n=2), goat pox virus (GTPV) (n=2) and lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) (n=2). Our results demonstrate that environmental sampling could be used as part of TAD surveillance in the area. Environmental swabs require little technical knowledge to collect and they can be used for detection of multiple viruses from a single sample.
Faecal metagenomes of great tits and blue tits provide insights into host, diet, pathogens and microbial biodiversity
Authors: Pallen Mark J. , Ponsero Alise Jany , Telatin Andrea , Moss Cara-Jane , Baker David , Heavens Darren , Davidson Gabrielle L
Published: September 2024

Background

The vertebrate gut microbiome plays crucial roles in host health and disease. However, there is limited information on the microbiomes of wild birds, most of which is restricted to barcode sequences. We therefore explored the use of shotgun metagenomics on the faecal microbiomes of two wild bird species widely used as model organisms in ecological studies: the great tit (Parus major) and the Eurasian blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus).

Results

Short-read sequencing of five faecal samples generated a metagenomic dataset, revealing substantial variation in composition between samples. Reference-based profiling with Kraken 2 identified key differences in the ratios of reads assigned to host, diet, and microbes. Some samples showed high abundance of potential pathogens, including siadenoviruses, coccidian parasites and the antimicrobial-resistant bacterial species Serratia fonticola. From metagenome assemblies, we obtained complete mitochondrial genomes from the host species and from Isospora spp., while metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) documented new prokaryotic species.

Conclusions

Here, we have shown the utility of shotgun metagenomics in uncovering microbial diversity beyond what is possible with 16S rRNA gene sequencing. These findings provide a foundation for future hypothesis testing and microbiome manipulation to improve fitness in wild bird populations. The study also highlights the potential role of wild birds in the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance.

Impact statement

The community of microorganisms that lives in an animal’s gut is crucial for the host’s health. However, in wild birds, such as the great tit and Eurasian blue tit, the role of this community is poorly understood. Here, we have applied advanced DNA sequencing and computational techniques to faecal samples from these birds, revealing a rich diversity of microbes, including previously unknown species and potential pathogens. We discovered antibiotic resistance genes, raising concerns about the potential spread of resistance from wild birds to humans. This research highlights the importance of understanding gut microbes in wild birds and lays the groundwork for future efforts to manipulate their gut microbial communities to enhance their health and resilience in changing environments.

Data summary

The authors confirm all supporting data, code and protocols have been provided within the article or through supplementary data files.
Ultrashort-T2* mapping at 7 tesla using an optimized pointwise encoding time reduction with radial acquisition (PETRA) sequence at standard and extended echo times
Authors: Lockard Carly A. , Damon Bruce M. , Serrai Hacene
Published: September 2024

Zero echo time (ZTE) sequences capture signal from tissues with extremely short T2* and are useful for qualitative and quantitative imaging of musculoskeletal tissues’ ultrashort-T2* components. One such sequence is Pointwise Encoding Time Reduction with Radial Acquisition (PETRA). While this sequence has shown promising results, it has undergone only limited testing at 7 tesla (T). The purpose of this work was to evaluate PETRA at 7T in its standard form and with sequence modifications to allow extended echo times for the purpose of performing ultrashort-T2* mapping.

We acquired PETRA images of MnCl2and collagen phantoms and of the knee in eight participants (5 for optimization and 3 for ultrashort-T2* mapping assessment; 5 male/3 female, 39 ± 11 years old). Images were acquired using a 1-transmit/28-receive-channel knee coil. Artifacts, signal, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), ultrashort-T2*, the corresponding curve fit quality, and repeatability were assessed. SNR was high in knee tissues at TE = 0.07 msec compared to a conventional-TE sequence (Dual-Echo Steady State with TE = 2.55 msec), with values ranging between 68 to 337 across the assessed tissues for PETRA versus 16 to 30 for the same tissue regions of interest in the conventional-TE series. Acquisition of series for ultrashort-T2* maps was feasible at 1.50 mm isotropic acquisition resolution and TE ≤ 0.58 msec. Strong linear correlations were observed between relaxation times and MnCl2concentration, and between signal and collagen concentration. Ultrashort-T2* signal decay curve fit R2and repeatability were high for phantom and knee ultrashort-T2* <1 msec.

PETRA imaging with minimal artifacts, high SNR, and scan time < 11 minutes was achieved at 7T at high (0.34 mm isotropic) resolution at TE = 0.07 msec and lower resolution (1.52 mm isotropic) at echo times ≤ 0.58 msec. Ultrashort-T2* mapping provided acceptable curve-fitting results for substances with sub-millisecond T2*.
Nicotinamide riboside: A promising therapy for MI-induced acute kidney injury by upregulating nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase-mediated NAD levels
Authors: Habeichi Nada J. , Amin Ghadir , Boitard Solene , Tannous Cynthia , Ghali Rana , Momken Iman , Diab Reine , Booz George W. , Mericskay Mathias , Zouein Fouad A.
Published: September 2024

Background

Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) type 1 is characterized by the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) following acute cardiac illness and notably acute myocardial infarction (MI). AKI is considered an independent risk factor increasing mortality rate substantially. Nicotinamide dinucleotide (NAD) is an important coenzyme in energy metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation and in its oxidized form, a substrate for multiple NAD+-dependent enzymes such as Sirtuins and poly-ADP ribose polymerases. Decreased cardiac NAD levels along with a down-regulation of the nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase (NAMPT) have been reported following MI. A compensatory upregulation in nicotinamide riboside kinase (NMRK) 2, an NAD+biosynthetic enzyme that uses nicotinamide riboside (NR) to generate NAD+takes place in the heart after MI but the impact on kidney NAD metabolism and function has not been addressed before.

Methods

MI was induced by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery in 2 months old C57BL6/J mice, followed by the administration of NR (IP injection, 400mg/kg/day) for four and seven days. We hypothesized that NR treatment could be a potential promising therapy for MI-induced AKI.

Results

Our findings showed no significant improvement in cardiac ejection fraction following NR treatment at days 4 and 7 post-MI, whereas kidney functions were enhanced and morphological alterations and cell death decreased. The observed renal protection seems to be mediated by an up-regulation of NAMPT-mediated increase in renal NAD levels, notably in distal tubules.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that NR could be a potential promising therapy for AKI following an early stage of MI.
Generating human parvalbumin interneurons through 3D glia reprogramming
Authors: Stamouli Christina-Anastasia , Degener Alexander , Cepeda-Prado Efrain , Bruzelius Andreas , Andersson Emil , Giacomoni Jessica , Vorgeat Aurélie Delphine , Kidnapillai Srisaiyini , Klementieva Oxana , Parmar Malin , Olariu Victor , Ottosson Daniella Rylander
Published: September 2024

Parvalbumin (PV) interneurons are crucial for synaptic plasticity, and their damage or loss is linked to various neurological disorders. Yet, generating these cells of human sourcein vitrois challenging, limiting advancements in cell repair and disease modelling. We introduce a novel approach to derive human PV neurons through direct reprogramming of glial precursor cells (GPCs). Using ectopic expression of GABAergic neuronal genes, GPCs efficiently convert into GABAergic interneurons in 3D culture environment within weeks and achieve functional neuronal maturity. Single-nuclei RNA sequencing identified a distinct PV neuronal cluster with high maturity and characteristics of PV chandelier subclass that are equivalent to bona fide human interneurons. Trajectory analysis revealed a distinct glia-to-PV interneuron conversion pathway, involving several new transitory genes, with potential for functional importance for PV derivation. Our data introduces a new strategy for generating human PV interneurons, promising significant implications for future generation of patient-specific PV neurons bothin vitroandin vivo.

Highlights

A novel approach to derive human PV interneurons by direct glia reprogramming.

First comprehensive transcriptomic profiling of induced human PV interneurons.

Induced PV interneurons are of chandelier subtype with transcriptional similarity tobona fideinterneurons.

Successful glia-to-PV interneuron conversion passes through a specific reprogramming trajectory and involves key genes with functional potential.
Single cell genome and epigenome co-profiling reveals hardwiring and plasticity in breast cancer
Authors: Wang Kaile , Yan Yun , Elgamal Heba , Li Jianzhuo , Tang Chenling , Bai Shanshan , Xiao Zhenna , Sei Emi , Lin Yiyun , Wang Junke , Montalvan Jessica , Nagi Changandeep , Thompson Alastair M. , Navin Nicholas
Published: September 2024

Understanding the impact of genetic alterations on epigenomic phenotypes during breast cancer progression is challenging with unimodal measurements. Here, we report wellDA-seq, the first high-genomic resolution, high-throughput method that can simultaneously measure the whole genome and chromatin accessibility profiles of thousands of single cells. Using wellDA-seq, we profiled 22,123 single cells from 2 normal and 9 tumors breast tissues. By directly mapping the epigenomic phenotypes to genetic lineages across cancer subclones, we found evidence of both genetic hardwiring and epigenetic plasticity. In 6 estrogen-receptor positive breast cancers, we directly identified the ancestral cancer cells, and found that their epithelial cell-of-origin was Luminal Hormone Responsive cells. We also identified cell types with copy number aberrations (CNA) in normal breast tissues and discovered non-epithelial cell types in the microenvironment with CNAs in breast cancers. These data provide insights into the complex relationship between genetic alterations and epigenomic phenotypes during breast tumor evolution.