bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public event lobbying: how interest groups use seminars and conferences for political influence
Authors: Fredheim Nanna A. G.
Published: July 2024

While interest groups frequently arrange seminars and conferences, the strategic use of public events for political influence has largely evaded scholarly scrutiny. Drawing on systematic, in-depth data from 49 interviews, quantitative event mapping and extensive ethnographic observation within the health field, this study proposes that public event lobbying serve two key purposes: first, to forward policy issues and -solutions directly to policy makers within a public, communicatively controlled setting, and second, to network with a broad range of issue stakeholders, including policy makers. By arranging public events, interest groups in practice construct non-institutional arenas for direct access which afford substantial control over how issues are presented, and by whom. Moreover, by physically assembling decision makers and issue stakeholders, public event lobbying directly or indirectly contributes to establish and strengthen policy communities. Theoretically, public event lobbying is proposed as a direct outsider lobbying strategy, which serve both short-term issue influence objectives and long-term capacity building for lobbying through the construction of supportive networks. While public event lobbying is applied across group types, the study finds that financial resources and inter-organizational cooperation are key determinants for event organizing.
Metallic glasses show promise for bone grafting
Authors: Johnson-Groh Mara
Published: July 2024

Simulations showed that the mechanical and thermophysical properties of metallic glasses could make them an excellent choice for dental grafts.
Comparative performance of fluorite-structured materials for nanosupercapacitor applications
Authors: Magagnin Grégoire , Bouaziz Jordan , Le Berre Martine , Gonzalez Sara , Deleruyelle Damien , Vilquin Bertrand
Published: July 2024

Over the last fifteen years, ferroelectric (FE) and antiferroelectric (AFE) ultra-thin films based on fluorite-structured materials have drawn significant attention for a wide variety of applications requiring high integration density. AFE ZrO2, in particular, holds significant promise for nanosupercapacitors, owing to its potential for high energy storage density (ESD) and high efficiency (η). This work assesses the potential of high-performance Hf1−xZrxO2 thin films encapsulated by TiN electrodes that show linear dielectric (LD), FE, and AFE behavior. A wake-up effect is observed for AFE ZrO2, a phenomenon barely reported for pure zirconium oxide and AFE materials in general, correlated with the disappearance of the pinched hysteresis loop commonly observed for Zr-doped HfO2 thin films. ESD and η are compared for FE, AFE, and LD samples at the same electrical field (3.5 MV/cm). As expected, ESD is higher for the FE sample (95 J/cm3), but η is ridiculously small (≈55%) because of the opening of the FE hysteresis curve, inducing high loss. Conversely, LD samples exhibit the highest efficiency (nearly 100%), at the expense of a lower ESD. AFE ZrO2 thin film strikes a balance between FE and LD behavior, showing reduced losses compared to the FE sample but an ESD as high as 52 J/cm3 at 3.5 MV/cm. This value can be further increased up to 84 J/cm3 at a higher electrical field (4.0 MV/cm), with an η of 75%, among the highest values reported for fluorite-structured materials, offering promising perspectives for future optimization.
Monitoring resilience in bursts
Authors: Delecroix Clara , van Nes Egbert H. , Scheffer Marten , van de Leemput Ingrid A.
Published: July 2024

The possibility to anticipate critical transitions through detecting loss of resilience has attracted attention in many fields. Resilience indicators rely on the mathematical concept of critical slowing down, which means that a system recovers more slowly from external perturbations when it gets closer to tipping point. This decrease in recovery rate can be reflected in rising autocorrelation and variance in data. To test whether resilience is changing, resilience indicators are often calculated using a moving window in long, continuous time series of the system. However, for some systems, it may be more feasible to collect several high-resolution time series in short periods of time, i.e., in bursts. Resilience indicators can then be calculated to detect a change of resilience between such bursts. Here, we compare the performance of both methods using simulated data and showcase the possible use of bursts in a case study using mood data to anticipate depression in a patient. With the same number of data points, the burst approach outperformed the moving window method, suggesting that it is possible to downsample the continuous time series and still signal an upcoming transition. We suggest guidelines to design an optimal sampling strategy. Our results imply that using bursts of data instead of continuous time series may improve the capacity to detect changes in resilience. This method is promising for a variety of fields, such as human health, epidemiology, or ecology, where continuous monitoring can be costly or unfeasible.
David Singing at the End of the Psalter
Authors: Goff Matthew
Published: July 2024

This short chapter contains a succinct overview of Psalm 151, which is part of the biblical book of Psalms in the Eastern Orthodox tradition but is not in Catholic or Protestant Bibles. Ancient biblical manuscripts present this psalm as the end of the Psalter in various ways. The poem focuses on the figure of David as a young shepherd, singing while tending his sheep. A lengthy Psalms Scroll found among the Dead Sea Scrolls brought to light a lost ancient Hebrew version of the poem, which is substantially different from the better-known Greek version. The psalm’s placement at the end of the Psalms imbues the entire collection with an impression of Davidic authorship.
Forgotten Scripture
Authors: Goff Matthew
Published: July 2024

This chapter examines 1 Enoch and the book of Jubilees. These two books are in the Old Testament of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. The Dead Sea Scrolls and early Christian literature demonstrate that both these texts had a degree of authoritative status in antiquity. 1 Enoch is a collection of five separate apocalyptic works attributed to Enoch, who is extolled as a legendary antediluvian sage. Enochic literature stresses that male angels came down to earth and slept with women who gave birth to horrendous giants, whose rampages triggered Noah’s flood (the watchers myth). The book of Jubilees is an extensive retelling of Genesis and part of Exodus. It claims to be a transcription of the revelation Moses received when on Mount Sinai. 1 Enoch and Jubilees indicate that texts considered to have scriptural status in antiquity encompassed a larger corpus of texts than the writings preserved in the Bible.
War Power
Authors: Gould Philip
Published: July 2024

War Power reconsiders the literature of the Civil War North in light of the transformation of the power of the federal state. While literary scholarship about the Civil War generally has focused on the rise of wartime nationalism, it looks particularly at how literary works engage the subjects of censorship, propaganda, and the reconfigured meanings of “loyalty” and “treason” at a time of political crisis. During the war the Lincoln administration shut down opposition newspapers, curtailed free expression and civil liberties protected by the US Constitution, and Lincoln suspended the writ of habeas corpus to deal with political dissenters and try to control public opinion. Early on in the war, he coined the phrase “war power” to describe the (presumed) powers to address this crisis, and his policies became controversial throughout the conflict. War Power considers literary production in this “total war” that radically changed the federal government’s (and its military’s) relation to traditional norms and spaces of private, domestic, and social life. Each chapter focuses on a major writer in the Civil War North’s engagement with questions of identity, affect, and affiliation: Could one love the Union as one loved home and family? What were the implications for literary expression in the midst of a political culture being reshaped by censorship and propaganda? The book’s final two chapters address the role and plight of African Americans in the Civil War and its aftermath, focusing particularly on African American military service as the supposed means by which racially disenfranchised Americans might become citizens.
Power, Politics, and the Marriage Plot in the Fiction of John W. De Forest
Authors: Gould Philip
Published: July 2024

This chapter rereads John William De Forest’s Civil War novel Miss Ravenel’s Conversion from Secession to Loyalty (1867), and his story “Parole d’Honneur” (1868), which address the pressures the military state exerts on its main characters. As a Civil War veteran, De Forest traditionally has been situated as an important figure in American literary realism. White critics traditionally praise De Forest’s novel as a work of war realism sadly undermined by its sentimental romance plot, my approach looks instead to the marriage plot as the site where civilian and military lives become fatally entangled. I argue this romance of reunion is concerned not only with national reconciliation of the North and South after the war, but also with the military’s invasive and sometimes destructive presence in wartime civilian life. Miss Ravenel’s Conversion expresses De Forest’s wary sense of the military government in a time of war and presents characters who must be rescued from it.
Revealing the evolutionary history and contemporary population structure of Pacific salmon in the Fraser River through genome resequencing
Authors: Christensen Kris A , Flores Anne-Marie , Sakhrani Dionne , Biagi Carlo A , Devlin Robert H , Sutherland Ben J G , Withler Ruth E , Rondeau Eric B , Koop Ben F
Published: July 2024

The Fraser River once supported massive salmon returns. However, over the last century, the largest returns have consistently been less than half of the recorded historical maximum. There is substantial interest from surrounding communities and governments to increase salmon returns for both human use and functional ecosystems. To generate resources for this endeavor, we resequenced genomes of Chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch), and sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) from the Fraser River at moderate coverage (∼16×). A total of 954 resequenced genomes were analyzed, with 681 collected specifically for this study from tissues sampled between 1997 and 2021. An additional 273 were collected from previous studies. At the species level, Chinook salmon appeared to have 1.6–2.1× more SNPs than coho or sockeye salmon, respectively. This difference may be attributable to large historical declines of coho and sockeye salmon. At the population level, 3 Fraser River genetic groups were identified for each species using principal component and admixture analyses. These were consistent with previous research and supports the continued use of these groups in conservation and management efforts. Environmental factors and a migration barrier were identified as major factors influencing the boundaries of these genetic groups. Additionally, 20 potentially adaptive loci were identified among the genetic groups. This information may be valuable in new management and conservation efforts. Furthermore, the resequenced genomes are an important resource for contemporary genomics research on Fraser River salmon and have been made publicly available.
Full-length transcriptome sequencing of pepper fruit during development and construction of a transcript variation database
Authors: Liu Zhoubin , Yang Bozhi , Zhang Tianyuan , Sun Hao , Mao Lianzhen , Yang Sha , Dai Xiongze , Suo Huan , Zhang Zhuqing , Chen Wenchao , Chen Hu , Xu Wangjie , Dossa Komivi , Zou Xuexiao , Ou Lijun
Published: July 2024

Chili pepper is an important spice and a model plant for fruit development studies. Large-scale omics information on chili pepper plant development continues to be gathered for understanding development as well as capsaicin biosynthesis. In this study, a full-spectrum transcriptome data of eight chili pepper tissues at five growth stages using the Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing approach was generated. Of the 485 351 transcripts, 35 336 were recorded as reference transcripts (genes), while 450 015 were novel including coding, lnc, and other non-coding RNAs. These novel transcripts belonged to unknown/intergenic (347703), those retained introns (26336), and had multi-exons with at least one junction match (20333). In terms of alternative splicing, retained intron had the highest proportion (14795). The number of tissue-specific expressed transcripts ranged from 22 925 (stem) to 40 289 (flower). The expression changes during fruit and placenta development are discussed in detail. Integration of gene expression and capsaicin content quantification throughout the placental development clarifies that capsaicin biosynthesis in pepper is mainly derived from valine, leucin, and isoleucine degradation as well as citrate cycle and/or pyrimidine metabolism pathways. Most importantly, a user-friendly Pepper Full-Length Transcriptome Variation Database (PFTVD 1.0) (http://pepper-database.cn/) has been developed. PFTVD 1.0 provides transcriptomics and genomics information and allows users to analyse the data using various tools implemented. This work highlights the potential of long-read sequencing to discover novel genes and transcripts and their diversity in plant developmental biology.
Improved Casualty Depiction System for Simulated Mass Casualty Exercises
Authors: Meyer Eric G , Godshall-Bennett Loxley , Moreno Arianna , Guo Grace , May Natalie , Spencer Chelsea M , Schwartz James , Vojta Leslie R , Rudinsky Sherri L
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Assessing military medical teams’ ability to respond to large-scale mass casualty (MASCAL) events has become a priority in preparing for future conflicts. MASCAL exercises rely on large numbers of simulated patients with limited medical training. Role-players must be appropriately prepared to ensure that medical exercises adequately assess the expected capabilities of military medical units. The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) has evaluated future military providers for decades using a large-scale, multiday, immersive simulation called Bushmaster. Despite a robust casualty training system, the fidelity of the portrayals remained limited.

Materials and Methods

Through collaboration with national military medical experts, a comprehensive casualty depiction system was developed. This system relied on structured casualty cards linked to time-based illness scripts. Structured casualty cards included an appropriate balance of disease non-battle injuries and trauma, included multipatient presentations based on shared events (i.e., multiple injured personnel due to an aircraft crash), normal and pathologic combat stress, population/unit considerations, requirements for different roles within the medical unit, and expected clinical outcomes. Illness scripts, supplemented by video guides, included time-based courses of illness/injury and prescribed responses to different typical treatments. This system was piloted during an annual MASCAL exercise (Operation Bushmaster) at USUHS. Clinical faculty were queried on the fidelity of this new system while role-players were evaluated on feasibility.

Results

Three hundred casualty cards linked to 49 illness scripts were created, peer-reviewed, and piloted at Bushmaster. A total of 170 military members with limited medical training portrayed simulated patients utilizing the new casualty depiction system. Clinical faculty members strongly agreed that the improved casualty depiction system improved the realism of individual patient presentations (96%). Eighty-three percent of role-players strongly agreed that the casualty depiction system was easy to understand.

Conclusions

This improved casualty depiction system was a feasible approach to enhance the fidelity of a MASCAL exercise. It has since been shared with military medical units around the globe to assist with their MASCAL exercises, making future multisite evaluations of this casualty depiction system possible.
Peripartum Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Arany Zoltan
Published: July 2024

(Abstracted from N Engl J Med 2024;390:154–164)

Clinical heart failure during pregnancy or immediately postpartum is sometimes caused by degeneration known as peripartum cardiomyopathy and is a leading cause of maternal death. The mechanism of this degeneration is typically new maternal heart failure with systolic dysfunction developing in the last month of pregnancy or in the first 5 months after delivery, and in some cases, it can occur outside of this window.
Perinatal Morbidity Among Women With a Previous Cesarean Delivery (PRISMA Trial): A Cluster-Randomized Trial
Authors: Chaillet Nils , Mâsse Benoît , Grobman William A. , Shorten Allison , Gauthier Robert , Rozenberg Patrick , Dugas Marylène , Pasquier Jean-Charles , Audibert François , Abenhaim Haim A. , Demers Suzanne , Piedboeuf Bruno , Fraser William D. , Gagnon Robert , Gagné Guy-Paul , Francoeur Diane , Girard Isabelle , Duperron Louise , Bédard Marie-Josée , Johri Mira , Dubé Eric , Blouin Simon , Ducruet Thierry , Girard Mario , Bujold Emmanuel
Published: July 2024

(Abstracted from Lancet 2024;403:44–54)

Women who have delivered a baby via cesarean section have a difficult choice when it comes to delivering a second child: delivery via a second cesarean or attempting vaginal delivery, both of which are associated with some risks to both mother and baby. Recent studies have shown evidence that provider support for decision-making is vital in minimizing risk.
Third-Trimester Fetoscopic Ablation Therapy for Types II and III Vasa Previa
Authors: Chmait Ramen H. , Monson Martha A. , Chon Andrew H. , Masri Jinnen , Korst Lisa M. , Incerpi Marc H.
Published: July 2024

(Abstracted from Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024;230:87.e1–87.e9)

Vasa previa is diagnosed when fetal blood vessels develop near or covering the internal cervical os and is associated with high perinatal morbidity and mortality due to vessel injury. The ability to detect vasa previa prenatally has greatly reduced the impact on perinatal morbidity and mortality by allowing for preterm cesarean delivery before the rupture of membranes.
A Comparison of the Carbon Footprint of Alternative Sampling Approaches for Cervical Screening in the UK: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Whittaker Maya , Davies Jennifer C. , Sargent Alexandra , Sawyer Matt , Crosbie Emma J.
Published: July 2024

(Abstracted from BJOG 2024;131:699–708)

Global greenhouse gas emissions continue to fuel the climate crisis, and health care systems are responsible for a significant proportion of these emissions, with the National Health Service (NHS) accounting for 4% of United Kingdom’s total carbon footprint. The NHS Cervical Screening Programme (NHSCSP) has successfully reduced cervical cancer mortality by 70% and currently requires participants to have a cervical sample taken by a clinician during speculum examination.
The “Freeze-All” Strategy Seems to Improve the Chances of Birth in Adenomyosis-Affected Women
Authors: Bourdon Mathilde , Santulli Pietro , Maignien Chloe , Bordonne Corinne , Millischer Anne Elodie , Chargui Ahmed , Marcellin Louis , Mantelet Lorraine Maitrot , Gadol Laura Fouque , Chapron Charles
Published: July 2024

(Abstracted from Fertil Steril 2024;121(3))

Adenomyosis is a benign uterine disorder characterized by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma within the myometrium associated with smooth muscle hyperplasia. Its presentation is heterogeneous, involving hypermenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, and infertility, with variations in phenotype based on the location of the lesions.
Corneal Collagen Cross-linking for Keratoconus in Pediatric and Developmentally Delayed Patients
Authors: Conner Elizabeth , Gagrani Meghal , Lalgudi Vaitheeswaran G. , Shah Parth R. , Hiasat Jamila , Jhanji Vishal , Nischal Ken K.
Published: July 2024

Purpose:

Corneal cross-linking (CXL) is the standard of care in patients with keratoconus but presents unique challenges in children and developmentally delayed patients. We present our clinical decision-making algorithm, CXL surgical technique, and outcomes in these groups.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was undertaken at a tertiary referral center of all patients who underwent CXL for keratoconus at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh between October 1, 2017, and April 1, 2021. Demographic information along with preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative ophthalmic examination findings were collected. The main outcome measures were indications of CXL, postoperative complications, and visual acuity (VA).

Results:

Forty-eight eyes of 34 patients [21 patients (30 eyes) with developmental delay (DD) and 13 patients (18 eyes) with no DD (NDD)] underwent epithelium-off, standard CXL. General anesthesia was used for CXL in all patients except for 3 with NDD. A temporary central tarsorrhaphy was performed in all patients with DD and 7 patients with NDD. The remaining got a bandage contact lens. There were no immediate postoperative complications. A trend toward improvement in VA was noted postoperatively. The mean logMAR VA (with habitual correction) was 0.67 preoperatively and 0.57 postoperatively (P = 0.3) in DD and 0.52 and 0.36, respectively (P = 0.13), in NDD.

Conclusions:

This retrospective review presents a technique for assessment and treatment of keratoconus in children and those with DD. Our technique ensures timely diagnosis and provides a safe method for CXL in these groups. Temporary central tarsorrhaphy is a well-tolerated option to reduce postoperative pain.
Novel neutrophil biology insights underlying atypical chemokine receptor-1/Duffy antigen receptor of chemokines-associated neutropenia
Authors: Liu Johnson M. , Luo Hongbo R.
Published: July 2024

Purpose of review

Atypical chemokine receptor-1 (ACKR1)/Duffy antigen receptor of chemokines (DARC)-associated neutropenia (ADAN; OMIM 611862), previously named benign ethnic neutropenia, and present in two-thirds of individuals identifying as Black in the USA, is associated with mild to moderate decreases in peripheral neutrophil counts that nevertheless do not lead to increased infections. Consequently, recent initiatives have sought to establish normal neutrophil count reference ranges for ADAN, considering it a normal variant rather than a clinical disorder requiring medical intervention.

Recent findings

A limited number of studies elucidating the mechanism of neutropenia in ADAN has suggested that neutrophils may redistribute from peripheral blood to the tissues including the spleen: this might explain why ADAN is not associated with increased risks of infection since the total number of neutrophils in the body remains normal. In this review, we critically examine the research underlying the molecular basis of ADAN.

Insights into the biology of neutrophils and their trafficking may inform the clinical interpretation of neutropenia in ADAN. The bulk of research suggests that ADAN does not lead to a diminished host defense as do other forms of neutropenia. However, ADAN may lead to increased proinflammatory signaling, with possible implications for senescence of the immune system and predisposition to autoimmunity and cancer.
Heme- and iron-activated macrophages in sickle cell disease: an updated perspective
Authors: Navaneethabalakrishnan Shobana , An Xiuli , Vinchi Francesca
Published: July 2024

Purpose of review

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hereditary blood disorder due to a single-point mutation in the β-globin gene. The ensuing hemoglobin has the tendency to polymerize upon deoxygenation, leading to the typical sickle shape of red blood cells. While the primary pathology of sickle cell disease is a direct consequence of altered red blood cells, emerging evidence highlights the central role of macrophages in mediating hemoglobin scavenging, perpetuating oxidative stress and inflammation, and causing endothelial dysfunction and tissue remodeling.

Recent findings

Recent research uncovered the impact of heme and iron overload on macrophage polarization and functions in sickle cell disease, and its implication for chronic inflammation and tissue damage in vital organs such as the liver, spleen, lungs and kidneys. By providing a thorough understanding of the dynamic interactions between macrophages and various cellular components within the sickle cell disease milieu, these studies have laid the foundation for the identification of macrophage-related cellular and molecular mechanisms potentially targetable for therapeutic purposes to attenuate sickle complications.

This review provides a current update about recent discoveries on heme/iron-activated macrophages in SCD, shedding light on their critical role in disease pathophysiology. Ultimately, it proposes avenues for future research aimed at addressing the relevance of these cells for other sickle complications and at targeting them to mitigate disease morbidity and improve patient outcomes.
Referral Efficiency for Veterans with Osteoarthritis
Authors: Sauter Elizabeth , Lee Shanjean , Watts Theresa , Busch Deborah
Published: July 2024

Management of osteoarthritis, a common disease among veterans, includes referrals to orthopedic specialists. This requires an effective referral system. The aim of this study was to evaluate a quality improvement project addressing inefficiencies in the osteoarthritis referral process between primary care providers and orthopedic specialists. A pre- and post-intervention evaluation using medical record review and provider surveys was conducted to measure the process improvement of a primary care to orthopedic referral template. There was a 3.5% increase in the referral acceptance rate following the intervention. In addition, primary care providers perceived that role clarity and perception on making referrals had significantly improved. The largest perceived improved change among orthopedic specialists was in communication. A simple process change, such as improving the referral template, can help with communication, data transfer, and referral acceptance rates between primary care providers and orthopedic specialists. This in turn will benefit the large population of veterans needing orthopedic referrals for management of osteoarthritis.
Update on Assessment of Ovarian Reserve Testing
Authors: Osman Nasreen A. , Morgham Amel E.
Published: July 2024

Importance

Women are increasingly postponing pregnancy to achieve specific goals, and as it is known, the ovarian reserve (OR) declines with age, especially after the 30s. Assessing the OR helps in managing the care of women seeking pregnancy. Several OR tests (ORTs) have been advocated for assessing OR.

Objectives

This review aims to discuss the different ORTs and the consequences of their use.

Evidence Acquisition

For each topic, a PubMed search was conducted using MeSH terms. The following terms were used: ovarian reserve, ovarian reserve tests, anti-Müllerian hormone, antral follicle count, and diminished ovarian reserve. The search for further references was complemented by manual search, review, synthesis, and summarization of retrieved articles.

Results

In this review, we clarified the concept of OR and the different ORTs and provided a guide for the ultrasound to assess OR. In addition, the clinical value of ORTs was highlighted to explain the implications of the results of these tests and how they can aid in patient counseling.

Conclusion and Relevance

A number of ORTs are available to the clinician. Anti-Müllerian hormone and antral follicle count are the most valuable, but as with all ORTs, they are best used as screening, not diagnostic tests for OR. Screening for OR is most helpful when applied to specific groups.

Target Audience

Obstetricians and gynecologists, family physicians.

Learning objectives

After completing this activity, the learner will be better able to describe the different available ovarian reserve tests; discuss the indications of their use; and explain the different ultrasonic testing used for the assessment of ovarian reserve and how to interpret results.
Transobturator Versus Minisling for Urinary Incontinence: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lisboa Rodrigo Bartilloti Barachisio , de Arruda Faber Marcelo , Pereira Glaucia Miranda Varella , de Castro Edilson Benedito , Camargo Ana Carolina Marchesini , Juliato Cássia Raquel Teatin , Brito Luiz Gustavo Oliveira
Published: July 2024

(Abstracted from Urogynecology 2024;30:443–451)

Urinary incontinence affects roughly 25% of women between the ages of 15 and 64 years and more than half of patients seen at geriatric clinics. It is typically treated using surgical and other methods.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Receipt of General Anesthesia for Cesarean Delivery
Authors: Thomas Caroline Leigh , Lange Elizabeth M. S. , Banayan Jennifer M. , Zhu Yinhua , Liao Chuanhong , Peralta Feyce M. , Grobman William A. , Scavone Barbara M. , Toledo Paloma
Published: July 2024

(Abstracted from JAMA Network Open 2024;7:e2350825)

Neuraxial analgesia and anesthesia during cesarean delivery improves outcomes for both mother and child compared with general anesthesia, and has been widely adopted to decrease anesthesia-related maternal morbidity and mortality. General anesthesia has been shown to be associated with higher rates of cardiac arrest, aspiration of gastric contents, airway management complications, surgical site infections, postpartum hemorrhage, and maternal mortality.
Surgical Cancellations and Postponements by Surgeon and Patient Sex
Authors: Ruzycki Shannon M. , Daodu Oluwatomilyo , Tang Selphee , Ejaredar Maede , Lithgow Kirstie , Harrison Tyrone G. , Brennand Erin A.
Published: July 2024

Objective:

The objective of this work was to estimate the association between surgeon sex with surgical postponements or cancellations.

Summary Background Data:

Female surgeons receive lower hourly, per patient, and total compensation than their male colleagues. Bias in the decision to postpone or cancel surgical cases may contribute to compensation inequality, since this results in unpaid surgeon time.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study used administrative health data to identify surgeries performed at four hospitals in Calgary, Alberta, Canada that were cancelled or postponed due to surgeon/operating room overbooking or to accommodate an emergency case between April 1, 2015, and March 31, 2020. Surgeries performed in dedicated operating or procedure rooms (e.g., bronchoscopy, cardiac surgery, etc.) were excluded. The exposure of interest was surgeon sex, identified by matching their name to the provincial regulatory body record of self-identified sex, which allowed for selection between female and male only during the time of this study.

Results:

There were 214,832 eligible surgical cases, of which 1,481 and 2,473 were postponed or cancelled due to overbooking and to accommodate an emergency, respectively. After adjusting for surgical specialty, whether the procedure was a day case, and for patient sex, female surgeons were more likely to be cancelled or postponed to accommodate an emergency case compared to male surgeons (odds ratio [OR] 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-1.38).

Conclusion:

There may be sex-bias in the decision about which surgical cases to postpone or cancel to accommodate emergency surgeries in our setting. This bias may contribute to compensation inequality in a fee-for-service setting.
A Randomized, Controlled Trial Evaluating Perioperative Risk-stratification and Risk-based, Protocol-driven Management After Elective Major Cancer Surgery
Authors: Esnaola Nestor F. , Chelluri Raju , Castellanos Jason , Altman Ariella , Chen David Y.T. , Chu Christina , Farma Jeffrey M. , Haber Alan , Sheriff Fathima , Huang Christine , Kutikov Alexander , Patel Sameer , Patrick Kenneth , Reddy Sanjay , Rubin Stephen , Viterbo Rosalia , Ridge John A. , Edelman Martin , Ross Eric , Smaldone Marc , Uzzo Robert G.
Published: July 2024

Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy of risk-based, protocol-driven management versus usual management after elective major cancer surgery to reduce 30-day rates of postoperative death or serious complications (DSCs).

Background:

Major cancer surgery is associated with significant perioperative risks, which result in worse long-term outcomes.

Methods:

Adults scheduled for elective major cancer surgery were stratified/randomized to risk-based escalating levels of care, monitoring, and comanagement versus usual management. The primary study outcome was a 30-day rate of DSC. Additional outcomes included complications, adverse events, health care utilization, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and disease-free survival and overall survival.

Results:

Between August 2014 and June 2020, 1529 patients were enrolled and randomly allocated to the study arms; 738 patients in the intervention arm and 732 patients in the control arm were eligible for analysis. Thirty-day rate of DSC with the intervention was 15.0% (95% CI: 12.5%–17.6%) versus 14.1%, (95% CI: 11.6%–16.6%) with usual management (P = 0.65). There were no differences in 30-day rates of complications or adverse events (including return to the operating room), postoperative length of stay, rate of discharge to home, or 30, 60, or 90-day HRQOL or rates of hospital readmission or receipt of antineoplastic therapy between the study arms. At a median follow-up of 48 months, overall survival (P = 0.57) and disease-free survival (P = 0.91) were similar.

Conclusions:

Risk-based, protocol-driven management did not reduce the 30-day rate of DSC after elective major cancer surgery compared with usual management, nor did it improve postoperative health care utilization, HRQOL, or cancer outcomes. Trials are needed to identify cost-effective, tailored perioperative strategies to optimize outcomes after major cancer surgery.
Negative parental and offspring environmental effects of macroalgae on coral recruitment are linked with alterations in the coral larval microbiome
Authors: Pozas-Schacre Chloé , Bischoff Hugo , Clerissi Camille , Nugues Maggy M.
Published: July 2024

The persistence of reef-building corals is threatened by macroalgal competitors leading to a major demographic bottleneck in coral recruitment. Whether parental effects exist under coral–algal competition and whether they influence offspring performance via microbiome alterations represent major gaps in our understanding of the mechanisms by which macroalgae may hinder coral recovery. We investigated the diversity, variability and composition of the microbiome of adults and larvae of the coral
Pocillopora acuta
and surrounding benthic substrate on algal-removed and algal-dominated bommies. We then assessed the relative influence of parental and offspring environmental effects on coral recruitment processes by reciprocally exposing coral larvae from two parental origins (algal-removed and algal-dominated bommies) to algal-removed and algal-dominated environmental conditions. Dense macroalgal assemblages impacted the microbiome composition of coral larvae. Larvae produced by parents from algal-dominated bommies were depleted in putative beneficial bacteria and enriched in opportunistic taxa. These larvae had a significantly lower survival compared to larvae from algal-removed bommies regardless of environmental conditions. In contrast, algal-induced parental and offspring environmental effects interacted to reduce the survival of coral recruits. Together our results demonstrate negative algal-induced parental and offspring environmental effects on coral recruitment that could be mediated by alterations in the offspring microbiome.
Disseminated hydatidosis an unusual presentation:  A case report

Authors: ZIAD Fatima , ZOUAOUI Imane , EL MAMOUNE Mostaine , AOUFI Sarra
Published: July 2024

Hydatidosis, also known as cystic Echinococcosis, is a widespread zoonosis, caused by a tapeworm of the genus Echinococcus. It presents a significant public health concern, particularly in endemic areas. The occurrence of disseminated hydatid disease is uncommon, even in regions where it is endemic, with an incidence ranging from 1 to 8%. The definitive diagnosis relies on parasitological method.
In this work, we present an unusual case of disseminated hydatid disease that was diagnosed in the central parasitology-mycology laboratory of “The Ibn Sina University Hospital”.
This is a 21-year-old patient, residing in a rural area, who presented with heaviness-type pain in the right hypochondrium, accompanied with nausea and vomiting. During the examination, the patient mentioned the contact with dogs. Abdominal radiography (Ultrasound and CT) revealed findings suggestive of multiple hydatid cysts located in the liver and peritoneum. This suspicion was confirmed by positive hydatid serology.
After 9 months of treatment with albendazole, the patient underwent surgery for excision of the cysts shown on the x-ray, as well as other cysts incidentally discovered intraoperatively at the pelvic and rectal levels. All of the extracted specimens were sent to the parasitology laboratory. The direct examination, along with the viability test, revealed the presence of hooks and scolex of non-viable Echinococcus granulosus.
Disseminated hydatidosis is a rare but serious presentation, and the positive diagnosis relies on several epidemiological, clinical, radiological and parasitological arguments. Medical and surgical treatments play a crucial role in determining the patient's prognosis.
Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli in Blantyre, Malawi
Authors: Ashton Philip , Katuah Zefaniah Joel , Botomani Arnold , Kutambe Belson M. , Cunliffe Nigel A. , von Mentzer Astrid , Msefula Chisomo , Jere Khuzwayo C.
Published: July 2024

We announce the deposition of the first two enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) genomes from Malawi. They were isolated from the faeces of asymptomatically infected children obtained in 2014. Both genomes encode the porcine variant of the heat labile toxin and no known ETEC colonisation factors.
MLL4 regulates postnatal palate growth and midpalatal suture development
Authors: Lee Jung-Mi , Jung Hunmin , de Paula Machado Pasqua Bruno , Park Yungki , Tang Qinghuang , Jeon Shin , Lee Soo-Kyung , Lee Jae W , Kwon Hyuk-Jae Edward
Published: July 2024

MLL4, also known as KMT2D, is a histone methyltransferase that acts as an important epigenetic regulator in various organogenesis programs. Mutations in the MLL4 gene are the major cause of Kabuki syndrome, a human developmental disorder that involves craniofacial birth defects, including anomalies in the palate. This study aimed to investigate the role of MLL4 and the underlying mechanisms in the development and growth of the palate. We generated a novel conditional knockout (cKO) mouse model with tissue-specific deletion of Mll4 in the palatal mesenchyme. Using micro-computed tomography (CT), histological analysis, cell mechanism assays, and gene expression profiling, we examined palate development and growth in the Mll4-cKO mice. Gross craniofacial examination at adult stages revealed mild midfacial hypoplasia and midline defects of the palate in Mll4-cKO mice, including a widened midpalatal suture and disrupted midline rugae pattern. Micro-CT-based time-course skeletal analysis during postnatal palatogenesis through adulthood demonstrated a transverse growth deficit in overall palate width in Mll4-cKO mice. Whole-mount and histological staining at perinatal stages identified that the midline defects in the Mll4-cKO mice emerged as early as one day prior to birth, presenting as a widened midpalatal suture, accompanied by increased cell apoptosis in the suture mesenchyme. Genome-wide mRNA expression analysis of the midpalatal suture tissue revealed that MLL4 is essential for the timely expression of major cartilage development genes, such as Col2a1 and Acan, at birth. Immunofluorescence staining for osteochondral differentiation markers demonstrated a marked decrease in the chondrogenic marker COL2A1, while the expression of the osteogenic marker RUNX2 remained unchanged, in the Mll4-cKO midpalatal suture. Additionally, SOX9, a master regulator of chondrogenesis, exhibited a significant decrease in protein expression. Indeed, time-course histological analysis during postnatal palate growth revealed retardation in the development of the suture cartilage in Mll4-cKO mice. Taken together, our results demonstrate that MLL4 is essential for orchestrating key cellular and molecular events that ensure proper midpalatal suture development and palate growth.
Single cell RNA-sequencing reveals GINIP-expressing neurons as the main targets of focused ultrasound
Authors: Brunet Elena , Parpaite Thibaud , Yoo Sungjae , Debieu Eric , Metwally Khaled , Mensah Serge , Malapert Pascale , Saurin Andrew , Macherey Olivier , Franceschini Emilie , Moqrich Aziz
Published: July 2024

Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons have a wide range of functions, including touch, pain and itch. These neurons have emerged as promising targets for non-invasive focused ultrasound (FUS) neuromodulation. However, our knowledge of the molecular and physical mechanisms underlying FUS-evoked responses in DRG neurons is limited. Here, we investigate the neuromodulatory capabilities of FUS in cultured DRG neurons in combination with calcium imaging. We find that a 20-MHz FUS burst of 1-ms duration at an acoustic pressure of 5 MPa elicited calcium responses in 52% of DRG neurons. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals that the majority of FUS-sensitive neurons belong to three subsets of DRG neurons; C-LTMRs, the MRGPRD-expressing C-HTMRs and A6-LTMRs. FUS excites all these neuronal subtypes by membrane deformation, suggesting a mechanism mediated by mechanosensitive ion channels. Our results identify FUS parameters that activate distinct subsets of DRG neurons and open new avenues for using FUS stimulation to modulate DRG neuron function.
Characterization of LTBP2 mutation causing Mitral Valve Prolapse
Authors: Shpitzen Shoshi , Rosen Haim , Ben-Zvi Ayal , Meir Karen , Levin Galina , Gudgold Amichay , Ben Dor Shifra , Haffner Rebecca , Zwas Donna R. , Leibowitz David , Slaugenhaupt Susan , Banin Eyal , Mizrachi Rotem , Obolensky Alexey , Levine Robert A , Gilon Dan , Leitersdorf Eran , Tessler Idit , Reshef Noga , Durst Ronen
Published: July 2024

Background

Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) is a prevalent valvular disorder linked to considerable morbidity and mortality, affecting approximately 2.4% of the general population. A prior genome association study linked LTBP2 to this trait. We report a knockout mouse with LTBP2 mutation demonstrating valve phenotype as well as a family with a novel mutation causing MVP

Methods

Exome sequencing and segregation analysis were conducted on a large pedigree to identify mutations associated with MVP. Using CRISPR-Cas9 technology, two strains of mice were generated: one with a complete knockout (KO) of the LTBP2 gene and another with a knock-in (KI) mutation corresponding to the putative causative mutation. Echocardiography and histological examinations of valves were performed in the KO and the KI at the age of 6 months. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and histological examination of the eyes was done at the same time. mRNA qPCR analysis for TGFβ signaling targets (periostin/POSTN, RUNX2, and CTGF) in valve tissues was analysed.

Results

The LTBP2 rs117800773 V1506M mutation exhibited segregation with the MVP trait. LTBP2 KO mice had higher incidence of myxomatous changes by histology (7 of 9 of KO vs. 0 of 7 control animals, p=0.00186) and echocardiography (7 of 9 vs. 0 of 8, p=0.0011). LTBP2 Knock-in mice for the human mutation showed a significantly elevated myxomatous histological phenotype (8 of 8 vs. 0 of 9, p=0.00004) as well as by echocardiography (6 of 8 vs. 0 of 9, p=0.00123). KO mice demonstrated a significant increase in the depth of the anterior chamber as well as reduced visual acuity. LTBP2 KO mice demonstrated overexpression of both TGFβ signaling targets RUNX2 and periostin (P=0.0144 and P=0.001826, respectively).

Conclusion

Animal models of LTBP2 KO and KI recapitulate MVP phenotype indicating that LTBP2 mutations are indeed causing myxomatous degeneration. Further, LTBP2 rs117800773 V1506M segregated with MVP in a large pedigree. Our data indicate the importance of LTBP2 in normal mitral valve function and that mutations in the gene care causing myxomatous valve.
Trees as a Reliable Carbon Capture in Urban Spaces: A Case Study in Kalaburagi
Authors: Shreyas S K , Dwarka DJ
Published: July 2024

The urgency of climate action has never been more apparent, and this research seeks to align the vital task of carbon mitigation with pragmatic solutions grounded in urban forestry. The objectives of this study encompass the quantification of carbon and CO2stocks within the urban trees of Kalaburagi city, India, the analysis of the relative abundance of tree species, and the dissemination of findings aimed at raising awareness about the imperative of climate action. This study follows a systematic sampling approach to measure and collect data. Physical measurements were taken of each tree species spanning 20 hectares, and the readings were enumerated using allometric formulas to obtain the carbon and CO2stocks (in metric tons). A total of over 500 individual trees belonging to 20 families were recorded. The total Biomass stood at 188.286 t, Carbon stocks reached 89.436 t, and CO2stocks reached 327.871 t in the study area.Azadirachta indicahad the highest relative abundance and sequestration potential, followed by other members of the family Meliaceae and Fabaceae,Murraya koenigiihad the lowest carbon storage potential. The results satisfied the Shannon-Simpson indices. This research is not merely an academic endeavour; it is a call to arms, a clarion call for cities to recognize the invaluable contribution of their arboreal denizens in the struggle against climate change.
Expression of elongase- and desaturase-encoding genes shapes the cuticular hydrocarbon profiles of honey bees
Authors: Rodríguez-León Daniel Sebastián , Schmitt Thomas , Pinto María Alice , Thamm Markus , Scheiner Ricarda
Published: July 2024

Most terrestrial insects have a layer of cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) protecting them from desiccation and mediating chemical communication. CHC composition is regulated by the expression of genes coding for enzymes in the biosynthetic pathway of hydrocarbons. The diversity and expression of these enzymes determine the abundance and richness of compounds in the CHC profile of an insect. For example, elongases are enzymes that lengthen the hydrocarbon chain, while desaturases introduce double bonds in it. CHC profiles of honey bees (Apis mellifera) vary among castes, task groups, and subspecies. This makesA. melliferaan excellent model to study the molecular mechanism underlying CHC biosynthesis. Here, we examined the expression of specific elongase- and desaturase-encoding genes and correlated gene expression with CHC composition in bees from two different task groups of two highly divergentA. melliferasubspecies:A. m. carnicaandA. m. iberiensis. We show that inA. mellifera, the specificity of desaturases and elongases shapes the CHC profiles of different task groups. Our results shed light on the genetic basis for the task-specific CHC composition differences in social hymenopterans and lay the ground for further studies aiming to unravel the genetic underpinning of CHC biosynthesis. Moreover, these results underline the importance of investigating different subspecies ofA. melliferato better understand the mechanisms driving CHC composition.