bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inter-phylum circulation of a beta-lactamase-encoding gene: a rare but observable event
Authors: Gschwind Rémi , Petitjean Marie , Fournier Claudine , Lao Julie , Clermont Olivier , Nordmann Patrice , Mellmann Alexander , Denamur Erick , Poirel Laurent , Ruppé Etienne
Published: March 2024

Beta-lactamase-mediated degradation of beta-lactams is the most common mechanism of beta-lactam resistance in Gram-negative bacteria. Beta-lactamase-encoding genes can be transferred between closely related bacteria, but spontaneous inter-phylum transfers (between distantly related bacteria) have never been reported. Here, we describe an extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-encoding gene (
bla
MUN-1
) shared between the Pseudomonadota and Bacteroidota phyla. An
Escherichia coli
strain was isolated from a patient in Münster (Germany). Its genome was sequenced. The ESBL-encoding gene (named
bla
MUN-1
) was cloned, and the corresponding enzyme was characterized. The distribution of the gene among bacteria was investigated using the RefSeq Genomes database. The frequency and relative abundance of its closest homolog in the global microbial gene catalog (GMGC) were analyzed. The
E. coli
strain exhibited two distinct morphotypes. Each morphotype possessed two chromosomal copies of the
bla
MUN-1
gene, with one morphotype having two additional copies located on a phage-plasmid p0111. Each copy was located within a 7.6-kb genomic island associated with mobility.
bla
MUN-1
encoded for an extended-spectrum Ambler subclass A2 beta-lactamase with 43.0% amino acid identity to TLA-1.
bla
MUN-1
was found in species among the Bacteroidales order and in
Sutterella wadsworthensis
(Pseudomonadota). Its closest homolog in GMGC was detected frequently in human fecal samples. This is, to our knowledge, the first reported instance of inter-phylum transfer of an ESBL-encoding gene, between the Bacteroidota and Pseudomonadota phyla. Although the gene was frequently detected in the human gut, inter-phylum transfer was rare, indicating that inter-phylum barriers are effective in impeding the spread of ESBL-encoding genes, but not entirely impenetrable.
FeLIX is a restriction factor for mammalian retrovirus infection
Authors: Pramono Didik , Takeuchi Dai , Katsuki Masato , AbuEed Loai , Abdillah Dimas , Kimura Tohru , Kawasaki Junna , Miyake Ariko , Nishigaki Kazuo
Published: March 2024

Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are remnants of ancestral viral infections. Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is an exogenous and endogenous retrovirus in domestic cats. It is classified into several subgroups (A, B, C, D, E, and T) based on viral receptor interference properties or receptor usage. ERV-derived molecules benefit animals, conferring resistance to infectious diseases. However, the soluble protein encoded by the defective envelope (
env
) gene of endogenous FeLV (enFeLV) functions as a co-factor in FeLV subgroup T infections. Therefore, whether the gene emerged to facilitate viral infection is unclear. Based on the properties of ERV-derived molecules, we hypothesized that the defective
env
genes possess antiviral activity that would be advantageous to the host because FeLV subgroup B (FeLV-B), a recombinant virus derived from enFeLV
env
, is restricted to viral transmission among domestic cats. When soluble truncated Env proteins from enFeLV were tested for their inhibitory effects against enFeLV and FeLV-B, they inhibited viral infection. Notably, this antiviral machinery was extended to infection with the Gibbon ape leukemia virus, Koala retrovirus A, and Hervey pteropid gammaretrovirus. Although these viruses used feline phosphate transporter 1 (fePit1) and phosphate transporter 2 as receptors, the inhibitory mechanism involved competitive receptor binding in a fePit1-dependent manner. The shift in receptor usage might have occurred to avoid the inhibitory effect. Overall, these findings highlight the possible emergence of soluble truncated Env proteins from enFeLV as a restriction factor against retroviral infection and will help in developing host immunity and antiviral defense by controlling retroviral spread.

IMPORTANCE

Retroviruses are unique in using reverse transcriptase to convert RNA genomes into DNA, infecting germ cells, and transmitting to offspring. Numerous ancient retroviral sequences are known as endogenous retroviruses (ERVs). The soluble Env protein derived from ERVs functions as a co-factor that assists in FeLV-T infection. However, herein, we show that the soluble Env protein exhibits antiviral activity and provides resistance to mammalian retrovirus infection through competitive receptor binding. In particular, this finding may explain why FeLV-B transmission is not observed among domestic cats. ERV-derived molecules can benefit animals in an evolutionary arms race, highlighting the double-edged-sword nature of ERVs.
Heme oxygenase-1 is an equid alphaherpesvirus 8 replication restriction host protein and suppresses viral replication via the PKCβ/ERK1/ERK2 and NO/cGMP/PKG pathway
Authors: Wang Tongtong , Li Shuwen , Hu Xinyao , Geng Yiqing , Chen Li , Liu Wenqiang , Zhao Juan , Tian Wenxia , Wang Changfa , Li Yubao , Li Liangliang
Published: March 2024

Equid alphaherpesvirus 8 (EqHV-8) is one of the most economically important viruses that is known to cause severe respiratory disease, abortion, and neurological syndromes in equines. However, no effective vaccines or therapeutic agents are available to control EqHV-8 infection. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is an antioxidant defense enzyme that displays significant cytoprotective effects against different viral infections. However, the literature on the function of HO-1 during EqHV-8 infection is little. We explored the effects of HO-1 on EqHV-8 infection and revealed its potential mechanisms. Our results demonstrated that HO-1 induced by cobalt-protoporphyrin (CoPP) or HO-1 overexpression inhibited EqHV-8 replication in susceptible cells. In contrast, HO-1 inhibitor (zinc protoporphyria) or siRNA targeting HO-1 reversed the anti-EqHV-8 activity. Furthermore, biliverdin, a metabolic product of HO-1, mediated the anti-EqHV-8 effect of HO-1 via both the protein kinase C (PKC)β/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/ERK2 and nitric oxide (NO)-dependent cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)–protein kinase G (PKG) signaling pathways. In addition, CoPP protected the mice by reducing the EqHV-8 infection in the lungs. Altogether, these results indicated that HO-1 can be developed as a promising therapeutic strategy to control EqHV-8 infection.

IMPORTANCE

EqHV-8 infections have threatened continuously donkey and horse industry worldwide, which induces huge economic losses every year. However, no effective vaccination strategies or drug against EqHV-8 infection until now. Our present study found that one host protien HO-1 restrict EqHV-8 replication
in vitro
and
in vivo
. Furthermore, we demonstrate that HO-1 and its metabolite biliverdin suppress EqHV-8 relication via the PKCβ/ERK1/ERK2 and NO/cGMP/PKG pathways. Hence, we believe that HO-1 can be developed as a promising therapeutic strategy to control EqHV-8 infection.
Multi-omics analysis elucidates the relationship between intratumor microbiome and host immune heterogeneity in breast cancer
Authors: Li Jia , Zhang Yu , Cai Yifan , Yao Peizhuo , Jia Yiwei , Wei Xinyu , Du Chong , Zhang Shuqun
Published: March 2024

Research has indicated that intratumor microbiomes affect the occurrence, progression, and therapeutic response in many cancer types by influencing the immune system. We aim to evaluate the characteristics of immune-related intratumor microbiomes (IRIMs) in breast cancer (BC) and search for potential prognosis prediction factors and treatment targets. The clinical information, microbiome data, transcriptomics data of The Cancer Genome Atlas Breast Invasive Carcinoma (TCGA-BRCA) patients were obtained from Kraken-TCGA-Raw-Data and TCGA portal. The core tumor-infiltrating immune cell was identified using univariate Cox regression analysis. Based on consensus clustering analysis, BC patients were categorized into two immune subtypes, referred to as immune-enriched and immune-deficient subtypes. The immune-enriched subtype, characterized by higher levels of immune infiltration of CD8+ T and macrophage M1 cells, demonstrated a more favorable prognosis. Furthermore, significant differences in alpha-diversity and beta-diversity were observed between the two immune subtypes, and the least discriminant analysis effect size method identified 33 types of IRIMs. An intratumor microbiome-based prognostic signature consisting of four prognostic IRIMs (
Acidibacillus
,
Succinimonas
,
Lachnoclostridium
, and
Pseudogulbenkiania
) was constructed using the Cox proportional-hazard model, and it had great prognostic value. The prognostic IRIMs were correlated with immune gene expression and the sensitivity of chemotherapy drugs, specifically tamoxifen and docetaxel. In conclusion, our research has successfully identified two distinct immune subtypes in BC, which exhibit contrasting prognoses and possess unique epigenetic and intratumor microbiomes. The critical IRIMs were correlated with prognosis, tumor-infiltrating immune cell abundance, and immunotherapeutic efficacy in BC. Consequently, this study has identified potential IRIMs as biomarkers, providing a novel therapeutic approach for treating BC.

IMPORTANCE

Recent research has substantiated the presence of the intratumor microbiome in tumor immune microenvironment, which could influence tumor occurrence and progression, as well as provide new opportunities for cancer diagnosis and treatment. This study identified the critical immune-related intratumor microbiome (
Acidibacillus
,
Succinimonas
,
Lachnoclostridium
, and
Pseudogulbenkiania
), which were correlated with prognosis, tumor-infiltrating immune cell abundance, and immunotherapeutic efficacy in breast cancer and might be the novel target to regulate immunotherapy in BC.
DEcreased Cognitive functiON, NEurovascular CorrelaTes and myocardial changes in women with a history of pre-eclampsia (DECONNECT): research protocol for a cross-sectional pilot study
Authors: Brandt Yentl , Alers Robert-Jan , Canjels Lisanne P W , Jorissen Laura M , Jansen Gwyneth , Janssen Emma B N J , van Kuijk Sander MJ , Went Tamara Michelle , Koehn Dennis , Gerretsen Suzanne C , Jansen Jacobus FA , Backes Walter H , Hurks Petra P M , van de Ven Vincent , Kooi M Eline , Spaanderman Marc E A , Ghossein-Doha Chahinda
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Pre-eclampsia is a hypertensive disorder affecting up to 8% of pregnancies. After pre-eclampsia, women are at increased risk of cognitive problems, and cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disorders. These sequelae could result from microvascular dysfunction persisting after pre-eclampsia. This study will explore differences in cerebral and myocardial microvascular function between women after pre-eclampsia and women after normotensive gestation. We hypothesise that pre-eclampsia alters cerebral and myocardial microvascular functions, which in turn are related to diminished cognitive and cardiac performance.

Methods and analysis

The cross-sectional ‘DEcreased Cognitive functiON, NEurovascular CorrelaTes and myocardial changes in women with a history of pre-eclampsia’ (DECONNECT) pilot study includes women after pre-eclampsia and controls after normotensive pregnancy between 6 months and 20 years after gestation. We recruit women from the Queen of Hearts study, a study investigating subclinical heart failure after pre-eclampsia. Neuropsychological tests are employed to assess different cognitive domains, including attention, processing speed, and cognitive control. Cerebral images are recorded using a 7 Tesla MRI to assess blood–brain barrier integrity, perfusion, blood flow, functional and structural networks, and anatomical dimensions. Cardiac images are recorded using a 3 Tesla MRI to assess cardiac perfusion, strain, dimensions, mass, and degree of fibrosis. We assess the effect of a history of pre-eclampsia using multivariable regression analyses.

Ethics and dissemination

This study is approved by the Ethics Committee of Maastricht University Medical Centre (METC azM/UM, NL47252.068.14). Knowledge dissemination will include scientific publications, presentations at conferences and public forums, and social media.

Trial registration number

NCT02347540.
Risk factors for medical adhesive-related skin injury at the site of peripherally inserted central venous catheter placement in patients with cancer: a single-centre prospective study from China
Authors: Qi Mengying , Qin Yuju , Meng Siya , Feng Nan , Meng Yan
Published: March 2024

Objectives

This study aims to explore the incidence of, and risk factors for medical adhesive-related skin injury (MARSI) at peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC) sites in patients with cancer.

Design

A prospective observational cohort study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Shenzhen, China.

Setting

This was a single-centre study conducted in a tertiary hospital in Shenzhen, China.

Participants

A total of 340 patients with cancer and PICC placement from January 2022 to June 2023 were selected using a convenience sampling method.

Methods

Factors potentially associated with PICC-related MARSI (PICC-MARSI) were recorded, including patient demographics, and catheter placement and maintenance. Patients were divided into MARSI and non-MARSI groups. Univariate analysis was performed to screen for associated variables, and logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for PICC-MARSI.

Results

Of all 340 patients enrolled, 33 (9.7%) developed PICC-MARSI, including skin tear (8, 24.2%), tension injury (5, 15.2%), irritant contact dermatitis (10, 30.3%), allergic dermatitis (7, 21.2%) and maceration (3, 9.1%). Multivariable analysis showed that age (OR=1.058, p=0.001, 95% CI 1.023–1.094), wet skin (OR=4.873, p=0.003, 95% CI 1.728–13.742), dry skin (OR=6.247, p<0.0001, 95% CI 2.239–17.431), oedema (OR=3.302, p=0.008, 95% CI 1.365–7.985), allergy history (OR=6.044, p=0.001, 95% CI 2.040–17.906), dressing type (OR=3.827, p=0.003, 95% CI 1.595–9.185), body mass index (BMI) <18.5 (OR=4.271, p=0.015, 95% CI 1.327–13.742) and BMI 25–30 (OR=2.946, p=0.027, 95% CI 1.131–7.678) were independent risk factors for PICC-MARSI.

Conclusions

Proper catheter maintenance and appropriate dressing selection are crucial for the prevention of this condition.
Genetic and transcriptomic landscape of colonic diverticulosis
Authors: Seo Jungkyun , Liu Hongwei , Young Kristin , Zhang Xinruo , Keku Temitope O , Jones Corbin D , North Kari E , Sandler Robert S , Peery Anne F
Published: March 2024

Objective

Colonic diverticulosis is a prevalent condition among older adults, marked by the presence of thin-walled pockets in the colon wall that can become inflamed, infected, haemorrhage or rupture. We present a case–control genetic and transcriptomic study aimed at identifying the genetic and cellular determinants underlying this condition and the relationship with other gastrointestinal disorders.

Design

We conducted DNA and RNA sequencing on colonic tissue from 404 patients with (N=172) and without (N=232) diverticulosis. We investigated variation in the transcriptome associated with diverticulosis and further integrated this variation with single-cell RNA-seq data from the human intestine. We also integrated our expression quantitative trait loci with genome-wide association study using Mendelian randomisation (MR). Furthermore, a Polygenic Risk Score analysis gauged associations between diverticulosis severity and other gastrointestinal disorders.

Results

We discerned 38 genes with differential expression and 17 with varied transcript usage linked to diverticulosis, indicating tissue remodelling as a primary diverticula formation mechanism. Diverticula formation was primarily linked to stromal and epithelial cells in the colon including endothelial cells, myofibroblasts, fibroblasts, goblet, tuft, enterocytes, neurons and glia. MR highlighted five genes includingCCN3, CRISPLD2, ENTPD7, PHGR1andTNFSF13, with potential causal effects on diverticulosis. Notably,ENTPD7upregulation was confirmed in diverticulosis cases. Additionally, diverticulosis severity was positively correlated with genetic predisposition to diverticulitis.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that tissue remodelling is a primary mechanism for diverticula formation. Individuals with an increased genetic proclivity to diverticulitis exhibit a larger numbers of diverticula on colonoscopy.
Striving for equity: exploring gender-inclusive medical leadership in India
Authors: Gulati Kamal , Davies Julie , Gonzalez de la Fuente Angel , Singh Angel Rajan
Published: March 2024

Introduction

There is a notable gap in studies examining the impact of gender within sociocultural norms in non-western professional settings, especially concerning the well-being of women physicians.

Methods

Using purposive sampling and thematic data analysis, we recorded interviews with 30 physicians in India during May–July 2023. Participants were aged 34 to 65 years, with experience ranging from five to 35 years, in various clinical (37%), surgical (30%), paraclinical (23%) and hospital administration (10%) roles, 97% were postgraduates and 53% were women. The research questions explored how leadership roles happened, managing key challenges, barriers and enablers, and practical interventions to support women into medical leadership positions.

Results

Findings revealed that the majority of interviewees believed gender-related barriers were obstructing women’s progress and success in medical leadership roles in India. These barriers were identified within three overarching domains: (1) specialty, (2) organisational and (3) sociocultural. Interviewees commonly acknowledged the male-dominated landscape of medical leadership although some women stated that they did not perceive any barriers for women’s advancement into leadership roles. Interestingly, some men surgeons held the perception that women might not be as effective in certain surgical disciplines, such as orthopaedics and neurosurgery. Some men physicians, however, considered women physicians in India to be highly effective multitaskers.

Conclusion

We recommend structural reforms in medical education, leadership development, workplace systems and cultures, and improved implementation of equality, diversity and inclusion policies in the Indian context.
Altered dynamic functional network connectivity in rheumatoid arthritis
associated with peripheral inflammation and neuropsychiatric
disorders
Authors: Zheng Yanmin , Hou Zhiduo , Ma Shuhua , Huang Zikai , Peng Jianhua , Huang Shuxin , Guo Ruiwei , Huang Jinzhuang , Lin Zhirong , Zhuang Zelin , Yin Jingjing , Xie Lei
Published: March 2024

Objective

This study explored the dynamic functional connective (DFC)
alterations in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and investigated
the correlation between the neuropsychiatric symptoms, peripheral
inflammation and DFC alterations.

Method

Using resting-state functional MRI, we investigated the DFC based on
spatial independent component analysis and sliding window method for 30
patients with RA and 30 healthy controls (HCs). The Spearman correlation
was calculated between aberrant DFC alterations, Montreal Cognitive
Assessment (MoCA), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD), C
reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).
Diagnostic efficacy of indicators was assessed using receiver operating
characteristic analysis (ROC).

Results

Three dynamic functional states were identified. Compared with HC,
patients with RA showed reduced FC variabilities between sensorimotor
network (SMN) and insula, SMN and orbitofrontal cortex, which were the
crucial regions of sensory processing network. The above FC
variabilities were correlated with the MoCA, HAD, CRP and ESR in
patients with RA. Additionally, the CRP and ESR were negatively
correlated to MoCA and positively related to HAD in patients with RA.
The ROC analysis results showed that MoCA, HAD and FC variabilities of
the sensory processing network could distinguish patients with RA from
HC and also identify patients with RA with high ESR.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrated that abnormal DFC patterns in sensory
processing networks in patients with RA were closely associated with
peripheral inflammation and neuropsychiatric symptoms. This indicates
that the dynamic temporal characteristics of the brain functional
network may be potential neuroimaging biomarkers for revealing the
pathological mechanism of RA.
Optimal Price Discrimination for Randomized Mechanisms
Authors: Ko Shao-Heng , Munagala Kamesh
Published: March 2024

We study the power of price discrimination via an intermediary in bilateral trade, when there is a revenue-maximizing seller selling an item to a buyer with a private value drawn from a prior. Between the seller and the buyer, there is an intermediary that can
segment
the market by releasing information about the true values to the seller. This is termed signaling, and enables the seller to price discriminate. In this setting, Bergemann et al. [
7
] showed the existence of a signaling scheme that simultaneously raises the optimal consumer surplus, guarantees the item always sells, and ensures the seller’s revenue does not increase.

Our work extends the positive result of Bergemann et al. to settings where the type space is larger, and where the optimal auction is randomized, possibly over a menu that can be exponentially large. In particular, we consider two settings motivated by budgets: The first is when there is a publicly known budget constraint on the price the seller can charge [
12
] and the second is the FedEx problem [
19
] where the buyer has a private deadline or service level (equivalently, a private budget that is guaranteed to never bind). For both settings, we present a novel signaling scheme and its analysis via a continuous construction process that recreates the optimal consumer surplus guarantee of Bergemann et al. and further subsumes their signaling scheme as a special case. In effect, our results show settings where even though the optimal auction is randomized over a possibly large menu, there is a market segmentation such that for each segment, the optimal auction is a simple posted price scheme where the item is always sold.

The settings we consider are special cases of the more general problem where the buyer has a private budget constraint in addition to a private value. We finally show that our positive results do not extend to this more general setting, particularly when the budget can bind in the optimal auction, and when the seller’s mechanism allows for all-pay auctions. Here, we show that any efficient signaling scheme necessarily transfers almost all the surplus to the seller instead of the buyer.
Hepatic LGR4 aggravates cholestasis-induced liver injury in mice
Authors: Gao Yuan , Zhai Wenbo , Sun Lijun , Du Xueqian , Wang Xianfeng , Mulholland Michael W. , Yin Yue , Zhang Weizhen
Published: March 2024

Deficiency of LGR4 in hepatocytes alleviates BDL-induced liver injury. LGR4 in macrophages demonstrates no effect on BDL-induced liver injury. Rspos-LGR4 increases bile acid synthesis and transport via potentiating S1PR2-AKT signaling in hepatocytes.
Bulk RNA sequencing of human pediatric lung cell populations reveals unique transcriptomic signature associated with postnatal pulmonary development
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Gautam , Jehrio Matthew G. , Baker Cameron , Bhattacharya Soumyaroop , Misra Ravi S. , Huyck Heidie L. , Chu ChinYi , Myers Jason R. , Ashton John , Polter Steven , Cochran Matthew , Bushnell Timothy , Dutra Jennifer , Katzman Philip J. , Deutsch Gail H. , Mariani Thomas J. , Pryhuber Gloria S.
Published: March 2024

This study presents postnatal transcriptomic changes in major cell populations in human lung, namely endothelial, epithelial, mesenchymal cells, and leukocytes. Although human postnatal lung development continues through early adulthood, our results demonstrate that greatest transcriptional changes occur in first few months of life during neonate to infant transition. These early transcriptional changes in lung parenchyma are particularly notable for functional maturation and activation of alveolar type II cell genes.
Nuevo enfoque en un nuevo mundo: Educación de excelencia para los profesionales del futuro
Authors: Borges Quintanilla Humberto
Published: March 2024

Gestión y Tendencias (GESTEN), desde que nació, en el año 2015, es el medio de difusión del Departamento de Gestión y Negocios de la Facultad de Economía y Negocios de la Universidad Alberto Hurtado (FEN UAH).
Round Table Discussion on Optimal Clinical Trial Design in Precursor Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Ghobrial Irene M. , Gormley Nicole , Kumar Shaji K. , Mateos Maria-Victoria , Bergsagel P. Leif , Chesi Marta , Dhodapkar Madhav V. , Dispenzieri Angela , Fonseca Rafael , Getz Gad , Kastritis Efstathios , Kristinsson Sigurdur Y. , Martinez-Climent Jose Angel , Manier Salomon , Marinac Catherine R. , Maura Francesco , Morgan Gareth J. , Davies Faith E. , Nadeem Omar , Nuvolone Mario , Paiva Bruno , O'Donnell Elizabeth , Prosper Felipe , Shah Urvi A. , Sklavenitis-Pistofidis Romanos , Sperling Adam S. , Vassiliou George S. , Munshi Nikhil C. , Castle Philip E. , Anderson Kenneth C. , San Miguel Jesus F.
Published: March 2024

While the current approach to precursor hematologic conditions is to “watch and wait,” this may change with the development of therapies that are safe and extend survival or delay the onset of symptomatic disease. The goal of future therapies in precursor hematologic conditions is to improve survival and prevent or delay the development of symptomatic disease while maximizing safety. Clinical trial considerations in this field include identifying an appropriate at-risk population, safety assessments, dose selection, primary and secondary trial endpoints including surrogate endpoints, control arms, and quality-of-life metrics, all of which may enable more precise benefit–risk assessment.
Health Care Access Dimensions and Racial Disparities in End-of-Life Care Quality among Patients with Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Karanth Shama , Osazuwa-Peters Oyomoare L. , Wilson Lauren E. , Previs Rebecca A. , Rahman Fariha , Huang Bin , Pisu Maria , Liang Margaret , Ward Kevin C. , Schymura Maria J. , Berchuck Andrew , Akinyemiju Tomi F.
Published: March 2024

This study investigated the association between health care access (HCA) dimensions and racial disparities in end-of-life (EOL) care quality among non-Hispanic Black (NHB), non-Hispanic White (NHW), and Hispanic patients with ovarian cancer. This retrospective cohort study used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–linked Medicare data for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer from 2008 to 2015, ages 65 years and older. Health care affordability, accessibility, and availability measures were assessed at the census tract or regional levels, and associations between these measures and quality of EOL care were examined using multivariable-adjusted regression models, as appropriate. The final sample included 4,646 women [mean age (SD), 77.5 (7.0) years]; 87.4% NHW, 6.9% NHB, and 5.7% Hispanic. In the multivariable-adjusted models, affordability was associated with a decreased risk of intensive care unit stay [adjusted relative risk (aRR) 0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.83–0.98] and in-hospital death (aRR 0.91, 95% CI: 0.84–0.98). After adjustment for HCA dimensions, NHB patients had lower-quality EOL care compared with NHW patients, defined as: increased risk of hospitalization in the last 30 days of life (aRR 1.16, 95% CI: 1.03–1.30), no hospice care (aRR 1.23, 95% CI: 1.04–1.44), in-hospital death (aRR 1.27, 95% CI: 1.03–1.57), and higher counts of poor-quality EOL care outcomes (count ratio:1.19, 95% CI: 1.04–1.36). HCA dimensions were strong predictors of EOL care quality; however, racial disparities persisted, suggesting that additional drivers of these disparities remain to be identified.

Significance:

Among patients with ovarian cancer, Black patients had lower-quality EOL care, even after adjusting for three structural barriers to HCA, namely affordability, availability, and accessibility. This suggests an important need to investigate the roles of yet unexplored barriers to HCA such as accommodation and acceptability, as drivers of poor-quality EOL care among Black patients with ovarian cancer.
Isolated Non-Secretory Extramedullary Relapse of Multiple Myeloma Responded Completely to Localized Radiotherapy
Authors: Dawd Danny , Kapur Shiv , Kotchetkov Rouslan
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Non-secretory multiple myeloma (NSMM) is a rare form of multiple myeloma (MM) that is often difficult to detect and has not yet been well characterized. This is due to the lack of production or the presence of monoclonal protein (MP) levels below levels detectable by testing such as serum/urine electrophoresis and immunofixation. Case Presentation: Two patients of ours were being treated for MM with typical courses of systemic therapy. By the third-line therapy, both developed an extramedullary mass, one in the pelvis and the other in the neck. In both cases, blood work showed no measurable MP, normal free light chain levels, and unremarkable skeletal surveys. Secondary malignancies were suspected due to the clinical presentation in each case, and biopsies confirmed the presence of non-secretory plasmacytomas. Both patients were only treated with localized radiotherapy with a total dose of 2,000 cGy in 5 fractions over 1 week. Ultimately, this resolved the original masses with no residual tumors. No changes had to be made to their systemic therapies, and both patients remained stable. Conclusion: NSMM relapse is not unusual and should be suspected in patients with relapsed refractory disease. Relapse should be confirmed by a tissue biopsy, and secondary malignancies should be ruled out. Radiotherapy is an excellent option to treat localized relapse and preserve the current line of systemic anti-myeloma therapy.
Hubungan Tingkat Kecemasan dengan Angka Kejadian Nokturia pada Mahasiswa/i Fakultas Teknologi Pertanian Universitas Brawijaya selama Pandemi COVID-19
Authors: Pradyaputri Naura Shafa , Daryanto Besut , Sagita Zendy
Published: March 2024

Pendahuluan: Nokturia merupakan gejala paling umum dan mengganggu pada gangguan saluran kemih bagian bawah. Dampak nokturia dirasakan lebih besar pada usia muda khususnya mahasiswa yang dapat menyebabkan penurunan performa akademik. Sebuah penelitian mengungkapkan bahwa kecemasan sering terjadi secara bersamaan dengan nokturia dan memiliki hubungan dua arah.

Tujuan: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui prevalensi serta hubungan tingkat kecemasan dengan angka kejadian nokturia pada mahasiswa/i teknologi pertanian selama pandemi COVID-19.

Metode: Penelitian observasional analitik dengan desain cross sectional. Kuisioner Google form berisi pertanyaan data karakteristik mahasiswa, kuesioner ICIQ-N berisi frekuensi nokturia serta skor mengganggu, dan kuesioner ZSAS untuk tingkat kecemasan. Analisis data menggunakan uji Chi Square untuk menganalisis hubungan antara tingkat kecemasan dan nokturia.

Hasil: Hasil diperoleh bahwa terdapat hubungan yang tidak signifikan antara tingkat kecemasan (p=0.307). Nokturia merupakan gejala yang sering dialami oleh mahasiswa. Skor mengganggu meningkat seiring dengan tingkat keparahan nokturia.

Kesimpulan: Terdapat hubungan yang lemah antara tingkat kecemasan dengan nokturia.
Unveiling Modern Strategies for Diagnosing and Treating Grave Orbitopathy
Authors: Ujianto Michelle , Sari Felita , Rakhman Muhammad Farid
Published: March 2024

Graves' Orbitopathy (GO), also known as thyroid eye disease or thyroid-associated orbitopathy is characterized by inflammation, ocular muscle hypertrophy, adipogenesis, and oedema (due to glycosaminoglycan accumulation). This condition leads to remodeling, tissue expansion, and/or fibrosis within the fibroadipose tissue or extraocular muscles of the orbit. GO manifests as an extrathyroidal aspect of autoimmune thyroid diseases in both Grave's disease (GD) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

The pathophysiological foundation of GO entails the infiltration of B cells, T cells, and CD34+ fibroblasts in the orbit. B cells generate IGF (insulin-like growth factor), wherein IGF and TRab (Thyroid-Receptor antibodies) stimulate the IGF receptor complex and thyrotropin receptor (respectively) on the surface of CD34+ cells which triggers orbital tissue expansion, orbital protrusion, optic nerve compression, and eyeball displacement, resulting in exophthalmos.

GO progress through an active phase (characterized by inflammation with visible manifestations), followed by a plateau phase (stabilization of GO manifestations), and a gradual resolution of distinctive residual signs and symptoms (inactive phase). This entire process spans between 18-24 months in untreated patients, where disease manifestations significantly depend on the phase during which the disease is identified.

GO therapy is intended to shorten the active phase and supress its residual eye manifestations during the inactive phase. In general, GO therapy is categorized into general and disease severity-specific approaches.

GO therapy often falls short of providing satisfactory results, prompting need of surgery to address lingering clinical manifestations. This review presents the latest insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of GO for better management and outcomes.
Diagnosis dan Tatalaksana Terkini Glaukoma
Authors: Zahra Azkiya
Published: March 2024

Glaukoma merupakan salah satu penyebab utama kebutaan pada populasi dunia yang tidak dapat disembuhkan. Glaukoma umumnya ditandai dengan peningkatan tekanan intraokular (TIO), kerusakan papil saraf optik, dan penurunan lapangan pandang. TIO yang meningkat terus menerus dapat menekan papil saraf mata dan sel ganglion retina dan menyebabkan kerusakan yang tidak dapat diperbaiki. Berdasarkan perubahan anatomis, glaukoma diklasifikasikan menjadi glaukoma sudut terbuka dan glaukoma sudut tertutup. Tatalaksana glaukoma saat ini, baik terapi farmakologi, terapi laser, maupun terapi pembedahan, bertujuan untuk mencegah progresivitas glaukoma dengan memanajemen TIO untuk mencapai kisaran target. Saat ini sedang dikembangkan beberapa terapi baru sebagai upaya untuk mengembalikan penglihatan yang hilang akibat glaukoma.
Left Atrial Strain Predicts Subclinical Atrial Fibrillation Detected by Long-term Continuous Monitoring in Elderly High-Risk Individuals
Authors: Olsen Flemming Javier , Diederichsen Søren Zöga , Jørgensen Peter Godsk , Jensen Magnus T. , Dahl Anders , Landler Nino Emanuel , Graff Claus , Brandes Axel , Krieger Derk , Haugan Ketil , Køber Lars , Højberg Søren , Svendsen Jesper Hastrup , Biering-Sørensen Tor
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:

Left atrial (LA) speckle tracking provides detailed information on atrial function. Its utility for predicting subclinical atrial fibrillation (SCAF) is unclear. Therefore, we sought to investigate whether LA strain measures could predict SCAF detected by long-term continuous rhythm monitoring.

METHODS:

This was an echocardiographic substudy of the LOOP study, where elderly at risk of stroke were randomized to receive a loop recorder (Reveal LINQ) or control. Participants who received a loop recorder were included in this analysis. Echocardiography included LA reservoir, conduit, and contraction strain. Participants were followed with continuous rhythm monitoring for SCAF (≥6 minutes). Cox proportional hazards regression was applied to adjust for atrial fibrillation risk factors.

RESULTS:

In total, 956 participants were eligible for analysis. Median continuous rhythm monitoring was 35 months (IQR, 20–40 months), during which 278 (29%) were diagnosed with SCAF. The mean age was 74 years, 56% were male, median CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc-score was 4. LA reservoir strain was an independent predictor of SCAF after multivariable adjustments (HR, 1.04 [1.02–1.05], per 1% decrease) and so was contraction strain. The findings were unchanged in competing risk analyses and in participants with normal LA size and diastolic function. Participants with low reservoir strain (<33%) had a significantly higher risk of SCAF compared with those with high reservoir strain (incidence rate, 14.5 [12.4–16.9] versus 9.8 [8.2–11.8] events/100 person-years). The same was noted for low versus high contraction strain.

CONCLUSIONS:

LA reservoir and contraction strain are independent predictors of SCAF in elderly at risk of stroke. This also applies to individuals with normal LA size and diastolic function.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02036450.
Author mentions in science news reveal widespread disparities across name-inferred ethnicities
Authors: Peng Hao , Teplitskiy Misha , Jurgens David
Published: March 2024

Media outlets play a key role in spreading scientific knowledge to the public and raising the profile of researchers among their peers. Yet, how journalists choose to present researchers in their stories is poorly understood. Using a comprehensive data set of 223,587 news stories from 288 US outlets reporting on 100,486 research papers across all areas of science, we investigate whether authors’ ethnicities, as inferred from names, are associated with whether journalists explicitly mention them by name. We find substantial disparities in mention rates across ethnic names. Researchers with non-Anglo names, especially those with East Asian and African names, are significantly less likely to be mentioned in their news stories, even with extensive controls for author prestige, semantic content, news outlets, publication venues, and research topics. The disparities are not fully explained by affiliation locations, suggesting that pragmatic factors play only a partial role. Furthermore, among US-based authors, journalists more often use authors’ institutions instead of names when referring to non-Anglo-named authors, suggesting that journalists’ rhetorical choices are also key. Overall, this study finds evidence of ethnic disparities in how often researchers are described in the media coverage of their research, likely affecting thousands of non-Anglo-named scholars in our data alone.
An Unfinished Quest: David J. Bosch’s Legacy Concerning the Relationship between Evangelism and Service
Authors: Jansson Andreas C.
Published: March 2024

David Bosch calls the relationship between evangelism and service “one of the thorniest areas” in Missiology. He analyses and criticises Western dichotomic thinking, which tends to contrast evangelism and service, word and deed, soul and body. This is the source of what Bosch calls “a battle for supremacy” between evangelism and service, and during his own life, he committed himself to “a personal quest” for a non-dichotomic understanding of evangelism and service. The present article presents Bosch’s reflection of the relationship between evangelism and service over a period of more than two decades. It analyses his approaches in overcoming the Western dichotomic thinking in this regard and argues that Bosch’s “personal quest” remained an unfinished quest, which we are invited to join. This can be seen as his legacy concerning the relationship between evangelism and service.
Translating the Gospel or Christianity?
Authors: Kaunda Chammah J.
Published: March 2024

This article employs Pentecostal mediation to engage the divergent views of Mbiti and Sanneh on the question of what translates between ‘the Gospel’ and ‘Christianity’. This approach is dialectical and dialogical imaginative Pentecostal third space inquiry which affirms paradoxical meaning makings. It is also embedded in the pneumatic principle as the power behind translatability. This approach demonstrates that both scholars were seeking to make sense of how Christianity can be said to have become a distinctive African religious reality in its practices, beliefs, and theological expressions. It concludes that the translatable Gospel is a Christian-producing Gospel and a Christian-producing Gospel is a translating and translatable Christianity. This frame of thinking makes sense, at least, within Pentecostal theological and missiological thought in which, ontologically, the Gospel and Christianity are already translated.
Feminist-Pentecostal Hermeneutics
Authors: Gregory Jeanetta N.B.
Published: March 2024

This article explores an emerging hermeneutic of participation arising from the feminist-Pentecostal dialogue. For many, Pentecostal and feminist hermeneutics appear incompatible. Further examination reveals the possibility of dialogue originating from their pneumatological, canonical, narratival, and anthropological hermeneutical convictions. This is reinforced through shared theological values, anthropological convictions, and common history. This feminist-Pentecostal dialogue yields a hermeneutic of participation marked by orthodoxy, orthopathy, and orthopraxy. Ultimately, this hermeneutic of participation fosters discipleship and the flourishing of the Church.
The stoicheiôsis of Proclus’ Elements of Theology
Authors: Troncoso Guillermo Javier Ruz
Published: March 2024

This article suggests a novel approach to the study of the argumentative structure of Proclus’ Elements of Theology (ET). Instead of studying it through the prism of the Elements of Euclid (EG), this novel approach proposes an evaluation of ET’s argumentative structure based on Proclus’ reflections about the genre of stoicheiôsis and the methods of dialectic and geometry. Thus, I argue that studies under the suggested form of evaluation should standardize the conceptual framework of their analyses about the features of ET’s argumentative structure, explicating their relevance for the interpretation of the text’s system of logical relations. Moreover, this article presents some examples of editorial enhancements made by editors of ET clarifying the argumentative structure of the text. With these examples, I will show how these enhancements help us clarify the argumentative structure of ET.
Mere Appearance or More? A Crux at Phaedo 74b–c Revisited
Authors: Bitetti Putzer Ryan
Published: March 2024

The non-identity argument at Phaedo 74b–c is among the most studied and disputed arguments in Plato’s dialogues. In the passage, equality is distinguished from perceptible equals insofar as the latter sometimes appear (phainetai) unequal. A long-standing crux is whether the distinction concerns perceptible equals’ merely appearing unequal or actually being so. A fresh approach to the construal of the verb phainomai is taken here and shown to favor the latter view, thereby securing a stronger argument for non-identity.
Towards a Monophyletic Infrageneric Circumscription of Adesmia DC. (Dalbergieae, Leguminosae): a Taxonomic Revision in Adesmia series Adesmia
Authors: COBRA E MONTEIRO THIAGO , RICARDO VIEIRA IGANCI JOÃO , TERESINHA SFOGGIA MIOTTO SILVIA , SIMPSON BERYL B. , VATANPARAST MOHAMMAD , P. LEWIS GWILYM , KLITGÅRD BENTE B. , FONSECA PEZZINI FLÁVIA , M. VARGAS OSCAR , FORTUNA-PEREZ ANA PAULA
Published: March 2024

The Adesmia clade comprises five genera, with Adesmia being the most diverse and speciose, and formerly containing 206 species and 37 varieties, distributed in two subgenera and 43 series. The genus inhabits almost exclusively the South American Arid Diagonal, which hosts some of the driest environments on Earth. Within Adesmia subgenus Adesmia, three series primarily inhabit the Pampa grasslands: series Muricatae, Bicolores, and Subnudae. These taxonomically complex series display overlapping morphological characters and geographical distribution ranges, and their monophyly has never been tested. We carried out a thorough systematic study of the three series, combining Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian analyses of 87 sequences of nrITS DNA of Adesmia. Beased on our phylogenetic results, we provide a taxonomic revision of the species in series Muricatae, Bicolores, and Subnudae. Series Subnudae and Bicolores are nested within series Muricatae, and synonymization of the first two under series Muricatae is here proposed. Three clades containing species with geographical and morphological coherence were unraveled inside Adesmia. Three varieties are elevated to species level, and another six were reduced to synonyms. Seven lectotypes and one neotype are proposed. We recognize 21 species in the new circumscription of Adesmia series Muricatae, and provide a species identification key, descriptions, illustrations, and maps, as well as comments on phenology, taxonomy, etymology, distribution, and habitat. We also present conservation assessments for the species of the series.
Cubanthonomus, a new genus of Anthonomini (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Curculioninae) from Cuba
Authors: ANDERSON ROBERT S.
Published: March 2024

Cubanthonomus Anderson, new genus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Curculioninae: Anthonomini) is here described to accommodate the Cuban species Cleogonus grossulus Suffrian, which was previously placed as incertae sedis within Cleogonini. The genus is characterized by head constricted behind the eyes, globose form, compact antennal funicle of seven antennomeres, base of pronotum strongly produced posteriorly at middle, elytra with rows of punctures (striae effaced), tarsal claws with small basal tooth, profemora with two teeth, meso- and metafemora with single small tooth. Specimens have been collected in tropical semideciduous forest but no host associations are known.
Introduction
Authors: Myers Kathleen Ann
Published: March 2024

This chapter provides an overview of pastoralism. As well as telling the long history of this mode of subsistence that involves grazing animals on grasslands, the author describes its ongoing practice in Spain and how this is affected by recent issues such as climate change and capitalism. The chapter challenges misconceptions by presenting pastoralism as a complex, dynamic, and resilient practice that may influence our future behaviour as we recognize the value of shepherds’ methods. Case studies and interviews offer authentic accounts of hard-working, strong individuals who are, simultaneously, preserving the traditions of shepherds who came before them and forging new paths in the contemporary world. Key terminology and geographical information provide the contextual background necessary for the discussion of pastoralism in subsequent chapters.
Spatial and Temporal Variation of Subseasonal-to-Seasonal (S2S) Precipitation Reforecast Skill across the CONUS
Authors: Levey J. R. , Sankarasubramanian A.
Published: March 2024

Precipitation forecasts, particularly at subseasonal-to-seasonal (S2S) time scale, are essential for informed and proactive water resource management. Although S2S precipitation forecasts have been evaluated, no systematic decomposition of the skill, Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) coefficient, has been analyzed toward understanding the forecast accuracy. We decompose the NSE of S2S precipitation forecast into its three components—correlation, conditional bias, and unconditional bias—by four seasons, three lead times (1–12, 1–22, and 1–32 days), and three models, European Centre of Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), National Centers for Environmental Prediction’s (NCEP) Climate Forecast System (CFS) model, and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), over the conterminous United States (CONUS). Application of a dry threshold, removal of grid cells with seasonal climatological precipitation means below 0.01 in. per day, is important as the NSE and correlations are lower across all seasons after masking areas with low precipitation values. Further, a west-to-east gradient in S2S forecast skill exists, and forecast skill was better during the winter months and for areas closer to the coast. Overall, ECMWF’s model performance was stronger than both ECCC and NCEP CFS’s performance, mainly for the forecasts issued during the fall and winter months. However, ECCC and NCEP CFS performed better for the forecast issued during the spring months and for areas further from the coast. Postprocessing using simple model output statistics could reduce both unconditional and conditional biases to zero, thereby offering better skill for regimes with high correlation. Our decomposition results show that efforts should focus on improving model parameterization and initialization schemes for climate regimes with low correlation.