bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in the diagnosis of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Chen Becky Biqi , Hamilton Zachary , Hasosah Mohammed , Zetler Peter , Popescu Oana , Bush Jonathan , Katz Rael , Smyth Matthew , Jacobson Kevan
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) tract involvement is frequently reported in pediatric Crohn disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Aside from granulomas, most findings are nonspecific. The aims of this study were to review the prevalence of UGI tract findings in pediatric patients with CD or UC at diagnosis and to describe differences in endoscopic and histologic features.

Methods

Patients with CD and UC aged 2 to 17 years diagnosed between 2000 and 2015 who had upper and lower endoscopy at diagnosis were randomly chosen from the BC Children’s Hospital inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) registry. Pathology review of the UGI biopsy specimens was blinded to IBD diagnosis.

Results

Of the 198 patients, 102 with CD and 96 with UC were included, with a mean age of 11.7 years (range, 2.3-17 years). Patients with CD were more likely to have aphthous ulcers (20.4% vs 3.5%, P = .002) and erosions (16.3% vs 3.5%, P =.018), most commonly affecting the antrum. Macroscopically normal UGI endoscopy was present in 60% of patients. Microscopic disease was reported in 100% of patients with CD and 87% of patients with UC. In both groups, nonspecific inflammation was the most common finding. Chronic deep, superficial, and diffuse inflammation were more frequent among patients with CD than UC (42% vs 4%, P < .001; 60% vs 17%, P < .001; 50% vs 34%, P = .04, respectively).

Conclusions

The UGI tract macroscopic changes were common in pediatric IBD, especially in CD. Despite macroscopically normal endoscopy, histologic abnormalities were frequent. Although chronic inflammation was more often reported in patients with CD, aside from granulomas there were no unique histologic abnormalities unique to CD.
Risk factors for second primary cancer in a prospective cohort of endometrial cancer survivors: an Alberta Endometrial Cancer Cohort Study
Authors: Kokts-Porietis Renée L , O’Sullivan Dylan E , Nelson Gregg , Courneya Kerry S , Cook Linda S , Friedenreich Christine M
Published: June 2024

We examined associations between modifiable and nonmodifiable cancer-related risk factors measured at endometrial cancer diagnosis and during early survivorship (~3 years postdiagnosis) with second primary cancer (SPC) risk among 533 endometrial cancer survivors in the Alberta Endometrial Cancer Cohort using Fine and Gray subdistribution hazard models. During a median follow-up of 16.7 years (IQR, 12.2-17.9), 89 (17%) participants developed an SPC; breast (29%), colorectal (13%), and lung (12%) cancers were the most common. Dietary glycemic load before endometrial cancer diagnosis (≥90.4 vs < 90.4 g/day: subhazard ratio [sHR] = 1.71; 95% CI, 1.09-2.69), as well as older age (≥60 vs < 60 years: sHR = 2.48; 95% CI, 1.34-4.62) and alcohol intake (≥2 drinks/week vs none: sHR = 3.81; 95% CI, 1.55-9.31) during early survivorship, were associated with increased SPC risk. Additionally, reductions in alcohol consumption from prediagnosis to early survivorship significantly reduced SPC risk (sHR = 0.34; 95% CI, 0.14-0.82). With 1 in 6 survivors developing an SPC, further investigation of SPC risk factors and targeted surveillance options for high-risk survivors could improve long-term health outcomes in this population. Reductions in dietary glycemic load and alcohol intake from prediagnosis to early survivorship showed promising risk reductions for SPCs and could be important modifiable risk factors to target among endometrial cancer survivors.

This article is part of a Special Collection on Gynecological Cancer.
35b Supporting women in mining: reproductive health, birth outcomes and breastfeeding
Authors: Gendron Courtney , Wilk Nancy
Published: June 2024

Research and policies to protect workers from workplace hazards have generally focused on the male experience, and particularly the non-pregnant and non-breastfeeding worker. There are differences in how exposure to workplace hazards affect a woman and the fetus as well as the infant child when breastfeeding. These differences may put them at higher risk of negative health outcomes. Supporting women’s reproductive health is vital to providing decent work and advancing gender equality, and can contribute to increased recruitment and retention of women in the mining industry. Guidance is needed to best support pregnancies, birth outcomes and breastfeeding. Regulated and recommended occupational exposure levels established for the pregnant or breastfeeding employee are rare. Good guidance should include protective and meaningful work re-assignment when required. Based on literature reviews, potential or confirmed reproductive hazards in mining will be presented, including heat stress, metals, noise, vibration, ionizing radiation, ergonomics and shift work. Hazards will be presented along with their potential health outcomes, occupational exposure limits, when available, and control recommendations to mitigate risk. Gaps in information will be highlighted and the need for future research discussed. Protective measures to support women’s reproductive health in mining must include leadership support, training and awareness, written programs and policies, and accessible medical and emergency services. Integrating these elements into company management systems will be discussed.
78 Occupational exposure assessment to inhaled anaesthetics of personnel of human and veterinary surgical theatres
Authors: Salamon Fabiola , Martinelli Andrea , Carrieri Mariella
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Desflurane, sevoflurane and isoflurane are halogenated anaesthetics used in human and animal surgery. The airborne dispersion of volatile anaesthetics during surgical procedures gives rise to some unavoidable exposure of the operating room personnel. The aim of this study was to evaluate the exposure to anaesthetics gases of personnel of operating rooms by environmental and biological monitoring.

Methodology

The study was carried out on 176 workers involved in human (n. 167) and animal (n. 9) surgery. Personal exposure was measured using the diffusive air sampler Radiello placed near the breathing zone (only 68 subjects). At the end of the work shift (lasting at least 4 h) a urine sample from each subject was collected to measure the anaesthetic gases concentration. All analysis were performed by HS-GC-MS.

Results

Personal environmental exposure to sevoflurane, desflurane and isoflurane was in the range <0.003-1.214 ppm, 0.035-0.253 ppm and 1.371-5.034 ppm, respectively. Urinary concentrations were in the range <0.1-5.2 µg/L for sevoflurane, <0.1-2.2 µg/L for desflurane and 29.7-40.1 µg/L for isoflurane. The anaesthetic gases exposure of workers in human surgery was low. Higher exposure levels were found for the personnel performing surgery on animals, in particular for isoflurane (used only for animal surgery) where, in some cases, the levels were above 2 ppm (occupational limit value recommended by NIOSH for halogenated anaesthetics). This result, even if is based on few data could be due to the physical characteristics of patients (horses), the quantity of anaesthetics used, surgical procedures and scavenging methods.
245 Detection of human respiratory pathogens in air and surface samples collected in several workplaces and public spaces
Authors: Raynor Peter , Muñoz Angie Quiñonez , Sobhy Nader , Goyal Sagar , Adesina Adepeju , Arnold Susan , Hosseinabadi Majid Bagheri , Li Li , Moshele Puleng , Yang My , Torremorell Montserrat , Olson Bernard , Luqman Muhammad , Krishna Venkatramana , Bistodeau Sarah , Cunningham Scott
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The objective of this research was to develop and demonstrate methods to detect and assess viability of human respiratory viruses and bacteria in air and on surfaces in workplaces and public spaces.

Methodology

Air and surface samples were collected in a music classroom, medical clinic, dental clinic, basketball arena, and ice hockey arena. Air samples were taken using Non-Viable Andersen Cascade Impactors and either AGI-30 impingers or SKC BioSamplers. Samples from the impactors were eluted using Eagle’s Minimum Essential Medium (MEM) with supplements. MEM was also the collection liquid for the impingement samplers. Surface samples were taken using gauze dipped into MEM. All samples were analyzed on a Luminex MAGPIX System using a NxTAG Respiratory Pathogen Panel (RPP) + SARS-CoV-2. This permitted multiplex detection for 23 viral and bacterial targets per sample. Virus isolation was performed on positive samples to determine if viable virus was present.

Results

Analyses recovered RNA or DNA from SARS-CoV-2, CoV 229E, CoV OC43, human bocavirus, human metapneumovirus, rhinovirus/enterovirus, and adenovirus. While positive results were found at all sites, more surface samples (47.2%) had positive results than air samples (12.5%). Isolation did not identify viable virus in any of the positive samples. No links were established between virus presence and environmental conditions or general particle concentrations.

Conclusions

Based on the findings from this initial work, future testing will include greater use of surface sampling and settling substrates, higher flow rate air samplers, and reduced emphasis on size-differentiated sampling.
scPLAN: a hierarchical computational framework for single transcriptomics data annotation, integration and cell-type label refinement
Authors: Guo Qirui , Yuan Musu , Zhang Lei , Deng Minghua
Published: June 2024

Motivation

In the past decade, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has emerged as a pivotal method for transcriptomic profiling in biomedical research. Precise cell-type identification is crucial for subsequent analysis of single-cell data. And the integration and refinement of annotated data are essential for building comprehensive databases. However, prevailing annotation techniques often overlook the hierarchical organization of cell types, resulting in inconsistent annotations. Meanwhile, most existing integration approaches fail to integrate datasets with different annotation depths and none of them can enhance the labels of outdated data with lower annotation resolutions using more intricately annotated datasets or novel biological findings.

Results

Here, we introduce scPLAN, a hierarchical computational framework designed for scRNA-seq data analysis. scPLAN excels in annotating unlabeled scRNA-seq data using a reference dataset structured along a hierarchical cell-type tree. It identifies potential novel cell types in a systematic, layer-by-layer manner. Additionally, scPLAN effectively integrates annotated scRNA-seq datasets with varying levels of annotation depth, ensuring consistent refinement of cell-type labels across datasets with lower resolutions. Through extensive annotation and novel cell detection experiments, scPLAN has demonstrated its efficacy. Two case studies have been conducted to showcase how scPLAN integrates datasets with diverse cell-type label resolutions and refine their cell-type labels.

Availability

https://github.com/michaelGuo1204/scPLAN
H2S donor GYY4137 mitigates sFlt-1-induced hypertension and vascular dysfunction in pregnant rats
Authors: Yadav Pankaj , Mishra Jay S , Hurt Mason William , Chen Dong-Bao , Kumar Sathish
Published: June 2024

Gestational hypertension, often associated with elevated soluble Fms-related receptor tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1), poses significant risks to both maternal and fetal health. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a gasotransmitter, has demonstrated blood pressure-lowering effects in hypertensive animals and humans. However, its role in pregnancy-induced hypertension remains unclear. This study investigated the impact of GYY4137, a slow-release H2S donor, on sFlt-1-induced hypertension in pregnant rats . Pregnant rats were administered sFlt-1 (6 μg/kg/day, intravenously) or vehicle from gestation day (GD) 12–20. A subset of these groups received GYY4137 ( 50 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneal) from GD 16–20. Serum H2S levels, mean arterial blood pressure, uterine artery blood flow, and vascular reactivity were assessed. Elevated sFlt-1 reduced both maternal weight gain and serum H2S levels. GYY4137 treatment restored both weight gain and H2S levels in sFlt-1 dams. sFlt-1 increased mean arterial pressure and decreased uterine artery blood flow in pregnant rats. However, treatment with GYY4137 normalized blood pressure and restored uterine blood flow in sFlt-1 dams. sFlt-1 dams exhibited heightened vasoconstriction to phenylephrine and GYY4137 significantly mitigated the exaggerated vascular contraction. Notably, sFlt-1 impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation, while GYY4137 attenuated this impairment by upregulating eNOS protein levels and enhancing vasorelaxation in uterine arteries. GYY4137 mitigated sFlt-1-induced fetal growth restriction. In conclusion, sFlt-1 mediated hypertension is associated with decreased H2S levels. Replenishing H2S with the donor GYY4137 mitigates hypertension and improves vascular function and fetal growth outcomes. This suggests modulation of H2S could offer a novel therapeutic strategy for managing gestational hypertension and adverse fetal effects.
Recalled through this day but forgotten next week?—retrieval activity predicts durability of partly consolidated memories
Authors: Ness Hedda T , Folvik Line , Sneve Markus H , Grydeland Håkon , Vidal-Piñeiro Didac , Raud Liisa , Geier Oliver M , Walhovd Kristine B , Fjell Anders M
Published: June 2024

Even partly consolidated memories can be forgotten given sufficient time, but the brain activity associated with durability of episodic memory at different time scales remains unclear. Here, we aimed to identify brain activity associated with retrieval of partly consolidated episodic memories that continued to be remembered in the future. Forty-nine younger (20 to 38 years; 25 females) and 43 older adults (60 to 80 years, 25 females) were scanned with functional magnetic resonance imaging during associative memory retrieval 12 h post-encoding. Twelve hours is sufficient to allow short-term synaptic consolidation as well as early post-encoding replay to initiate memory consolidation. Successful memory trials were classified into durable and transient source memories based on responses from a memory test ~6 d post-encoding. Results demonstrated that successful retrieval of future durable vs. transient memories was supported by increased activity in a medial prefrontal and ventral parietal area. Individual differences in activation as well as the subjective vividness of memories during encoding were positively related to individual differences in memory performance after 6 d. The results point to a unique and novel aspect of brain activity supporting long-term memory, in that activity during retrieval of memories even after 12 h of consolidation contains information about potential for long-term durability.
Findings beyond procedural region and their clinical implications in pre-transaortic valve replacement computed tomography in a second level hospital
Authors: Sanz Ortega I , Sadaba Sagredo M , Armendariz Tellitu K , Salcedo Arruti A , Onaindia Gandarias J J , Rodriguez Sanchez I , Ullate De La Torre A , Velasco Del Castillo M
Published: June 2024

Background

Computed tomography (CT) is widely used for planification of transaortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures. In coronary-CT scans concurrent findings are often reported. As TAVR population is generally older, these findings may be even more frequent.

Methods

We selected patients with CT preTAVR from February 2015 to March 2023 and reviewed findings other than aortic valve, heart failure, coronarial and/or vascular access disease. Findings were classified as cardiac, vascular and extracardiovascular. Anatomic variants were excluded. It was reported if findings were incidental, if more exams o treatment were needed, and if a cause for temporal o definite exclusion for TAVR.

Results

There were 145 patients (46% women) with mean age 82 (standard deviation (SD): 0,5). Among patients with no findings (14%), 25% women (mean age of 82 (range 78-87) and among patients with any finding, 49% were women (mean age 82 (SD: 0,5)) (χ2 p=0,04 for sex). 58% patients had 1 type of finding (1 patient cardiac, none patients vascular, the rest extracardiovascular). 26% with 2 type of findings, and 1 patient with 3 type of findings. 21% of patients had cardiac findings (mean 1.2 findings/patient, range 1-4): 2 patients (7%) incidental. 1 (3%) need for more treatment or exams with temporal exclusion for TAVR. 13% of patients had vascular findings (mean 1.4 findings/patient, range 1-3): 95% incidental, 3 patients (16%) needed more treatment and were temporally excluded from TAVR. 85% of patients had extracardiovascular findings (mean 5.8 findings/patient±3,2range 1-3): 80% incidental ones, 8% need more exams o treatment and 40% of them had temporal exclusion (1 patient died waiting for more exams). Definite exclusion was only due to extracardiovascular cause in 3 patients (2%). it is shown in picture 1 patients with incidental findings. Odds for treatment or exclusion vs no change was 0.03 in cardiac findings, 0.16 for vascular findings and 0,1 for extracardiovascular findings. It was more probable to have an actuation or exclusion if vascular or extracardiovascular incidental finding was prsente (OR: 5.3 for vascular, 33.3 for extracardiovascular)

Conclusions

Findings outside procedural region are very frequent, mainly known but sometimes incidental. Some of them may need treatment or exams and may cause temporal exclusion for TAVR but definite exclusion occurred rarely only with extracardiovascular ones. Male sex may be a factor for not having findings. Radiologists and clinicians should take this into account. cCT performed at second level hospital may avoid unnecessary referrals to TAVR centres.Graphic
Prototype catheter-based device for real time dual-isotope myocardial mapping
Authors: Stendahl J C , Vermillion Ii B , Daghighian F , Sinusas A J
Published: June 2024

Background

Molecular signals from radiotracers have potential utility for guiding localized interventions to the myocardium. To address potential technical challenges related to the coordination of these interventions with PET and SPECT imaging, we are developing an integrated catheter-based device for real time myocardial mapping and molecularly-guided intervention (1). In this context, a catheter-based device that performs dual-isotope evaluations may be especially useful.

Purpose

Develop a prototype gamma detection catheter for dual-isotope myocardial assessment.

Methods

Our prototype device (see image) consists of a flexible catheter with a gamma detection tip that contains a miniature plastic scintillator coupled to an Si photodiode. Signals from the catheter are transmitted wirelessly to the remote display unit. We utilized the catheter to measure gamma emission spectra from plastic vials containing variable concentrations of 99mTc (peak 140 keV) and 201Tl (68-80 keV). Peak counts for each radionuclide were normalized and compared to normalized data generated by gamma well counting.

Results

Normalized catheter-based measurements of gamma emissions from 99mTc/ 201Tl solutions correlate linearly with the relative amounts of the radionuclides in solution (solid bars in chart). These dual-isotope catheter-based measurements also show good agreement with corresponding well counting data (cross-hatched bars).

Conclusion

The miniature gamma detector in our prototype catheter device reliably performs dual-isotope measurements in vitro; further evaluation is needed to determine its effectiveness in detecting myocardial gamma emissions and guiding interventions.
Does myocardial perfusion imaging after revascularization have a role in risk stratification of heart rhythm abnormalities?
Authors: Sobral Torres L , Soeiro P , Albergueiro R
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Myocardial Perfusion Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (MPS) is a standard practice for monitoring patients with ischemic heart disease when new symptoms arise. Nonetheless, its application is less common in asymptomatic individuals who have recently undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and the relevance of this procedure in such cases is not well-established. The occurrence of heart rhythm abnormalities post-CABG is frequent and is correlated with an unfavourable long-term prognosis.

Purpose

The objective of this study is to evaluate if MPS in asymptomatic patients after CABG can serve as a predictive indicator for the likelihood of developing heart rhythm abnormalities.

Methods

A single tertiary-care centre retrospective study was conducted, including asymptomatic adult patients who underwent MPS within the first 3 years following CABG between January and May of 2013. Patients with pre-existing heart conditions other than coronary disease or pathology and therapy that potentially affect the heart were excluded. MPS imaging was retrieved and reviewed using the QGS/QPS and SyncToolTM software, covering aspects of perfusion, motility and left ventricular function. Demographic data was retrieved and medical records up to December 2023 were reviewed to assess Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events and the occurrence of heart rhythm abnormalities, including conduction disturbances and/or supraventricular arrhythmias. Cox regression analysis was performed using the R software. Univariate and multivariate models to assess the risk of occurrence of heart rhythm abnormalities were performed with 16 variables – summed stress scores (SSS) of the motility and thickening polar maps and left ventricular function parameters.

Results

Forty one patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria, with mean age 66±9,2 years old; 78% were male. The mean time elapsed between CABG and MPS was 9±8,4 months. The mean stress EF at the time of MPS was 64±9%. Fourteen (34%) of the patients developed rhythm abnormalities, 9 (64%) of which atrial fibrillation, a mean time of 6,75±3,5 years after CABG. Univariate models to assess the risk of arrhythmia occurrence showed no statistical significance. When employing a predictive model incorporating three variables—end-systolic eccentricity (ESE), stress ejection fraction (EF), and the motility map’s SSS of the anterior descending artery (ADA) territory –, all of them exhibited statistical significance. ESE and the SSS of the ADA yielded hazard ratios of 1.15 (p=0.006) and 1.12 (p<0.001), respectively, indicating an association with an elevated risk of developing arrhythmia.

Conclusion

Based on our preliminary data, MPS shows promise in identifying patients at a higher risk of developing heart rhythm disorders after CABG.
Left atrium wall metabolism by PET-CT in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Alves P , Fernandes C R , Silva R , Gomes A , Abrunhosa A , Castelo-Branco M , Goncalves L , Ferreira M J
Published: June 2024

Background

In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) diastolic dysfunction leads to left atrium (LA) enlargement and often to the occurrence of atrial fibrillation. The aim of this study was to assess myocardial LA wall metabolism with its volume (LAV) and with the presence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with non-obstructive cardiomyopathy.

Methods and Results

Thirty patients were recruited with an age of 54.4±11.3, 60% males and a with a LAV of 46.1±16.5. LA metabolism was assessed by PET-CT performed in a Biograph Vision 600, Siemens and to suppress physiologic 2-[18F]FDG cardiac uptake, a 2 day high-fat/low-carbohydrate diet and a 12 hours overnight fast were prescribed. Metabolism in the LA through maximum 2-[18F]FDG uptake by drawing several regions of interest (ROI) in the left atria and the maximum found value was corrected to vascular activity in the right atria (TBR). A TBR above 1 was seen in 13.3% and AF was present in 23.3% of the patients. The TBR in the LA wall was of 0.84±0.15. LA TBR was correlated with LAV with a coefficient of 0.42(p=0.02). Although patients with atrial fibrillation exhibit higher values of TBR, no statistical significance was found (AF 0.92±0.18 / No AF 0.81±0.14 p=0.07).

Conclusions

Increased metabolism in the LA wall in patients with HCM is related with its volume and could be related with the presence of AF.
Not all aortic segments are created equal: an exploratory analysis from a 18F-NaF PET-CT study
Authors: Grine M , Oliveira-Santos M , Borges-Rosa J , Silva R , Gomes A , Abrunhosa A , Castelo-Branco M , Goncalves L , Ferreira M J
Published: June 2024

Introduction

18F-NaF-PET-CT (Positron emission tomography­ computed tomography with 18F­sodium fluoride) is able to identify active microcalcification, a marker of plaque instability. Differences in 18F-NaF uptake between the coronary, carotid and aortic territories have been described.

Purpose

We sought to further characterize regional variations in 18F-NaF uptake within the Aorta of a population with high cardiovascular (CV) risk.

Methods

We prospectively scanned individuals at high CV risk but no prior events with 18F-NaF-PET-CT. Aortic wall 18F-NaF uptake was quantified via tissue-to-background ratio (TBR), which was calculated by dividing the maximum standard uptake value in each region of interest by the baseline blood pool activity (measured in the atria).

Results

Thirty patients were included in this analysis. Mean age was 63.7 ± 9.5 years, 70.0% were male, most were diabetic and hypertensive (93.3%). Estimated 10-year CV event risk was 10.5% (6.5-15.5) according to SCORE2/SCORE-OP and 32.2 ± 18.6% according to the ASCVD equation. 18F-NaF uptake was significantly higher in the Abdominal Aorta compared with remaining aortic segments [p<0.001; Abdominal Aorta TBR: 1.84 (1.56-2.21); Descending Thoracic Aorta TBR: 1.63 (1.51-1.84); Aortic Arch TBR: 1.68 ± 0.25; Ascending Aorta TBR: 1.65 (1.43-1.78)]. No other significant regional differences were found. Males had higher Abdominal Aorta TBR (1.95 (1.68-2.62) vs. 1.56 (1.51-1.79), p = 0.014). Higher 18F-NaF uptake was positively correlated with the 10-year event risk estimated by the SCORE2/SCORE-OP and ASCVD systems (R=0.49/p=0.006 and R=0.43/p=0.017, respectively). There was no significant association between other baseline characteristics and Abdominal Aorta TBR.

Conclusions

In our cohort, the abdominal portion of the Aorta had significantly higher 18F-NaF activity than other segments. Abdominal Aorta TBR was more pronounced in males and was positively associated with greater predicted CV risk. Larger studies are required to validate these findings and determine the role of 18F-NaF-PET-CT in CV disease research and management.
Clinical Value and Utility of the 18F-FDG PET/CT in Detecting Prosthetic Infection After the Aortic Valve and Thoracic Aorta Reconstruction
Authors: Gracia Sanchez L , Sanchez Rodriguez I E , Notta P C , Hervas Sanz B , Diaz Lopez J L , Carrero Vazquez V , Martinez Ramos C , Escrihuela Vidal F , Blasco A , Sbraga F , Cortes Romera M
Published: June 2024

Aim/Introduction

To assess the utility of 18F-FDG PET/CT in detecting infection in aortic vascular prostheses. Identify the morphometabolic characteristics that allow discerning between post-surgical inflammatory changes and the infectious process. Correlate PET/CT findings with clinical data.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective descriptive study in patients undergoing reconstruction of the aortic valve and thoracic aortic artery with prosthetic devices who presented clinical suspicion of prosthetic infection and underwent an examination with 18F-FDG PET/CT for diagnostic purposes. Twelve patients were reviewed from March 2016 to October 2023. Demographic data, vascular devices, symptoms, clinical analysis, and the characteristics of the PET/CT study were studied, contrasting with the final diagnosis.

Results

12 patients (8 men) with a mean of 71 years old (53-82) were analyzed. The 2 patients that PET/CT classified as positive were true positives; 3 were classified as doubtful: 1 was positive, and the other 2 were negative. Two of those positive for endocarditis presented heterogeneous uptake; the other showed a focal uptake on the PET image. The positive patients showed a higher semiquantitative uptake index (SUVmax) in the suspicious images and a slight elevation of leukocytes compared to the negative patients. The CT identified abscesses in 2 of the 3 positive patients. The 7 patients that PET/CT classified as negative were true negatives.

Conclusion

18F-FDG PET/CT allowed us to reject all negative patients, avoiding unnecessary surgeries and prolonged courses of antibiotic therapy. It demonstrated excellent performance in the detection and localization of infectious processes. The focal uptake pattern and the abscess were the PET/CT image findings that were most associated with the diagnosis of infection.
[18F]FDG PET/CT as a novel imaging biomarker in the diagnosis of anthracycline cardiotoxicity in hematologic patients
Authors: Kalnina M , Nikolajevs A , Vikentjeva A , Vagalis E
Published: June 2024

Background/Introduction

Anthracyclines is a highly effective and commonly employed chemotherapy drug for individuals with lymphoma. The primary negative impact of this substance is its ability to myocardial injury due to oxidative stress, caused irreversible damage. In clinical practice, routine cardiovascular examinations are not carried out for patients with hematological malignancy). [18F]FDG PET/CT, the gold standard in lymphoma imaging, may be a valuable technology for the early detection of myocardial damage.

Purpose

To examine the impact of chemotherapy on the cardiac metabolism of lymphoma patients using [18F]FDG PET/CT before, during and after the administration of chemotherapy.

Methods

In 2022 and 2023, 145 patients with lymphoma underwent [18F]FDG-PET/CT for staging, chemotherapy efficacy evaluation and remission conformation at a single center. Patients with no initial uptake in the myocardium were included. Each patient was administered doxorubicin based on their treatment plan. An analysis of the myocardial [18F]FDG uptake in each patient before, during, and after exposure to chemotherapy was conducted. The correlation between the glucose analog uptake in the myocardium and the dose of doxorubicin was determined.

Results

The study included only patients who followed the diet restrictions and recommendation to have no physiologic myocardial uptake. The patterns of [18F]FDG myocardial uptake were as follows: no uptake (100% at staging, 70.3% at interim, 69% at end of treatment), focal uptake (8.3% at interim, 11.7% at end of treatment), diffuse uptake (15.2% at interim, 14.5% at end of treatment), and focal-on-diffuse uptake (6.2% at interim, 4.8% at end of treatment). There were no significant changes in myocardial uptake patterns between interim PET/CT and end-of-treatment PET/CT (McNemar-Bowker test, p= 0.679). Significant disparity in the SUVmax and SUVmean between the staging PET/CT and interim PET/CT (p<0.001), as well as between the staging PET/CT and end-of-treatment PET/CT (p<0.001), was found. The correlation was found between Doxorubicin dose and EOT PET/CT SUVmax and SUVmean values (rs = -0.310, p = 0.024, and rs = -0.312, p = 0.023).

Conclusion(s)

The study demonstrated a noticeable change in the metabolism of [18F]FDG in the heart among lymphoma patients prior to and following anthracycline chemotherapy. The metabolism of the heart muscle changes after two cycles of chemotherapy and continues to be in a similar state after the treatment is finished, suggesting changes occur early and have long-lasting effects. The key determinant is the changing metabolic activity in the myocardium of the individual patient during the treatment and after it and it correlates with the administered dose of anthracyclines, showing that oncologic PET/CT imaging findings in myocardium may serve as a biomarker for cardiotoxicity.
Experimental evolution of multicellularity via cuboidal cell packing in fission yeast
Authors: Pineau Rozenn M , Kahn Penelope C , Lac Dung T , Belpaire Tom E R , Denning Mia G , Wong Whitney , Ratcliff William C , Bozdag G Ozan
Published: June 2024

The evolution of multicellularity represents a major transition in life’s history, enabling the rise of complex organisms. Multicellular groups can evolve through multiple developmental modes, but a common step is the formation of permanent cell–cell attachments after division. The characteristics of the multicellular morphology that emerges have profound consequences for the subsequent evolution of a nascent multicellular lineage, but little prior work has investigated these dynamics directly. Here, we examine a widespread yet understudied emergent multicellular morphology: cuboidal packing. Extinct and extant multicellular organisms across the tree of life have evolved to form groups in which spherical cells divide but remain attached, forming approximately cubic subunits. To experimentally investigate the evolution of cuboidal cell packing, we used settling selection to favor the evolution of simple multicellularity in unicellular, spherical Schizosaccharomyces pombe yeast. Multicellular clusters with cuboidal organization rapidly evolved, displacing the unicellular ancestor. These clusters displayed key hallmarks of an evolutionary transition in individuality: groups possess an emergent life cycle driven by physical fracture, group size is heritable, and they respond to group-level selection via multicellular adaptation. In 2 out of 5 lineages, group formation was driven by mutations in the ace2 gene, preventing daughter cell separation after division. Remarkably, ace2 mutations also underlie the transition to multicellularity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida glabrata, lineages that last shared a common ancestor >300 million years ago. Our results provide insight into the evolution of cuboidal cell packing, an understudied multicellular morphology, and highlight the deeply convergent potential for a transition to multicellular individuality within fungi.
The evolution of exceptional diversity in parental care and fertilization modes in ray-finned fishes
Authors: Vági Balázs , Katona Gergely , Miranda Oscar G , Mándi Mihály Gábor , Hofmann Hans A , Plagányi Éva , Végvári Zsolt , Liker András , Freckleton Robert P , Székely Tamás
Published: June 2024

Among vertebrates, ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii) display the highest diversity in parental care, and their diversification has been hypothesized to be related to phylogenetic changes in fertilization modes. Using the most comprehensive, sex-specific data from 7,600 species of 62 extant orders of ray-finned fishes, we inferred ancestral states and transitions among care types and caring episodes (i.e., the stage of offspring development). Our work has uncovered 3 novel findings. First, transitions among different care types (i.e., male-only care, female-only care, biparental care, and no care) are common, and the frequencies of these transitions show unusually diverse patterns concerning fertilization modes (external, or internal via oviduct, mouth, or brood pouch). Second, both oviduct and mouth fertilization are selected for female-biased care, whereas fertilization in a brood pouch is selected for male-biased care. Importantly, internal fertilization without parental care is extremely unstable phylogenetically. Third, we show that egg care in both sexes is associated with nest building (which is male-biased) and fry care (which is female-biased). Taken together, the aquatic environment, which supports considerable flexibility in care, facilitated the diversification of parenting behavior, creating the evolutionary bases for more comprehensive parenting to protect offspring in semiterrestrial or terrestrial environments.
Effects of spontaneous mutations on survival and reproduction of Drosophila serrata infected with Drosophila C virus
Authors: Mendel Bonita M , Asselin Angelique K , Johnson Karyn N , McGuigan Katrina
Published: June 2024

The impact of selection on host immune function genes has been widely documented. However, it remains essentially unknown how mutation influences the quantitative immune traits that selection acts on. Applying a classical mutation accumulation (MA) experimental design in Drosophila serrata, we found the mutational variation in susceptibility (median time of death, LT50) to Drosophila C virus (DCV) was of similar magnitude to that reported for intrinsic survival traits. Mean LT50 did not change as mutations accumulated, suggesting no directional bias in mutational effects. Maintenance of genetic variance in immune function is hypothesized to be influenced by pleiotropic effects on immunity and other traits that contribute to fitness. To investigate this, we assayed female reproductive output for a subset of MA lines with relatively long or short survival times under DCV infection. Longer survival time tended to be associated with lower reproductive output, suggesting that mutations affecting susceptibility to DCV had pleiotropic effects on investment in reproductive fitness. Further studies are needed to uncover the general patterns of mutational effect on immune responses and other fitness traits, and to determine how selection might typically act on new mutations via their direct and pleiotropic effects.
Communication Matters: Loneliness in Senior Living Communities During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Wilkinson Lindsay R , Masters Julie L , Boron Julie Blaskewicz
Published: June 2024

Background and Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate individuals residing in senior living communities (SLCs) amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. One reason those living in SLCs often choose these communities is to have a readily available social network. Necessary social distancing disrupted this socialization, thus, possibly increasing perceptions of loneliness in residents of SLCs. This study examined relationships among loneliness, perceived provider communication about the pandemic and related restrictions, as well as individual characteristics.

Research Design and Methods

In December 2020, a survey was administered to older adults residing in a network of SLCs in Nebraska. Utilizing data from 657 residents aged 60 and older, ordinary least squares regression models were used to examine associations between 2 distinct measures of perceived provider communication and feelings of loneliness during the pandemic. The analysis also considered whether these associations varied as a function of education.

Results

The respondents were, on average, 84 years of age, primarily female (72%), and living independently (87%) in the SLC. The linear regression results revealed that 53% of respondents were very lonely during the pandemic. However, provider communication that was rated as helpful to residents’ understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with lower perceived loneliness. There was not a similar association for provider communication regarding services and amenities, and the association was not present for those with the highest level of education.

Discussion and Implications

Provider communication in times of disruption from normal activities, such as with the COVID-19 pandemic, is important to perceptions of loneliness among those living in SLCs, particularly for those with lower educational attainment. SLCs are communities that individuals select to reside in, and through communication, providers may have the opportunity to positively affect resident experiences, especially in times of stress.
A regional approach for high-resolution gravity anomaly recovery from full airborne gravity gradient tensor
Authors: Wu Yihao , He Xiufeng , Shi Hongkai , Luo Zhicai , Abulaitijiang Adili , Wang Haihong
Published: June 2024

A regional approach is developed for high-resolution gravity anomaly recovery from the full airborne gravity gradient tensor (GGT) based on the radial basis function (RBF) technique. The analytical expressions that link the full GGT to the gravity anomaly based on Poisson wavelets are developed, where the closed formulae of the associated derivatives of Poisson wavelets are deduced. Based on this approach, the gravity anomalies at a mean resolution of ∼0.15 km over the Kauring Test Range in Australia are recovered by using the local airborne GGT. The results show that the solution computed from the vertical component provides the best quality when a single component is used, whereas the model computed from the curvature component performs the worst. Moreover, the incorporation of two components magnifies the gravity anomalies and further improves the fit with the terrestrial and airborne gravity data, compared with the solutions computed from individual components. However, the solutions calculated by additionally merging one or more components provide comparable qualities with the models calculated by fusing two components only. Finally, the solution is computed by merging the full airborne GGT, and the standard deviation of the misfits against the terrestrial gravity data is 0.788 mGal. Further comparisons with the Fourier transformation and equivalent source method demonstrate that the proposed approach has slightly better performance. The proposed method is numerically efficient and offers a better data adaptation, which is useful for high-resolution gravity data recovery in managing huge number of gravity gradient data.
Inflammation-related Proteins Support Diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Are Modified by Exclusive Enteral Nutrition in Children With Crohn’s Disease, Especially of Ileal Phenotype
Authors: White Bernadette , Svolos Vaios , Gervais Lisa , Jatkowska Aleksandra , Nichols Ben , MacDonald Jonathan , Seenan John Paul , Hansen Richard , Russell Richard K , Milling Simon , Gerasimidis Konstantinos
Published: June 2024

Background

The immunological effects of treatment with exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) in Crohn’s disease (CD) remain unknown. We characterized the plasma levels of inflammation-related proteins (IRPs) in children with CD and ulcerative colitis (UC) compared with noninflammatory controls (non-IBD) and explored the effect of EEN in CD.

Methods

Ninety-two IRPs were quantified using Olink proteomics in children with CD (n = 53), UC (n = 11), and non-IBD (n = 19). For 18 children with active CD, IRPs were measured before and after 8 weeks of EEN. Relationships with disease phenotype and response to EEN were studied.

Results

Compared with non-IBD, patients with active UC and CD had different levels of 27 (24 raised, 3 decreased) and 29 (26 raised, 3 decreased) IRPs, respectively. Exclusive enteral nutrition modified the levels of 19 IRPs (13 increased, 6 decreased including CCL23, interleukin-24, interleukin-6, and MMP-1). More pronounced changes in IRP profile were observed in patients with ileal involvement and a ≥50% decrease in fecal calprotectin during EEN compared with those with colonic involvement and a <50% decrease in fecal calprotectin, respectively. A machine-learning model utilizing baseline IRP profile predicted response to EEN with a sensitivity of 89%, specificity of 57%, and accuracy of 73%. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin was the most important IRP in the model, this being higher in responders.

Conclusions

Inflammation-related proteins may be useful in the differential diagnosis of IBD. Exclusive enteral nutrition extensively modulated IRPs levels in children with active CD with more pronounced effects observed in patients who showed a reduction in FC and had ileal disease involvement.
Physiological Basis of Convergent Evolution in Animal Communication Systems
Authors: Anderson Nigel K , Preininger Doris , Fuxjager Matthew J
Published: June 2024

Synopsis

To humans, the diverse array of display behaviors that animals use for communication can easily seem peculiar or bizarre. While ample research delves into the evolutionary principles that shape these signals’ effectiveness, little attention is paid to evolutionary patterning of signal design across taxa, particularly when it comes to the potential convergent evolution of many elaborate behavioral displays. By taking a mechanistic perspective, we explore the physiological and neurobiological mechanisms that likely influence the evolution of communication signals, emphasizing the utilization of pre-existing structures over novel adaptations. Central to this investigation are the concepts of perceptual bias and ritualization that we propose contribute to the convergence of elaborate display designs across species. Perceptual bias explains a phenomenon where pre-existing perceptual systems of receivers, used for innate behaviors such as food and predator recognition, select for certain traits of a communication signal from a signaler. Ritualization occurs when traits with no functional role in communication are co-opted through selection and transformed into a new communicative signal. Importantly, susceptibility for ritualization can be brought about through physiological modifications that occurred early in evolutionary time. In this way, perceptual bias can be a selective force that causes the co-option of non-communicative traits into a new communication signal through ritualization involving pre-existing modifications to physiological systems. If the perceptual bias, non-communicative signal, and physiological modifications that increase susceptibility to ritualization are highly conserved, then we may see the convergent evolution of the new communication signal with unrelated taxa facing similar sensory constraints. We explore this idea here using the foot-flagging frog system as a theoretical case study.
Safety and Immunogenicity of mRNA-1010, an Investigational Seasonal Influenza Vaccine, in Healthy Adults: Final Results From a Phase 1/2 Randomized Trial
Authors: Ananworanich Jintanat , Lee Ivan T , Ensz David , Carmona Lizbeth , Schaefers Kristi , Avanesov Andrei , Stadlbauer Daniel , Choi Angela , Pucci Alicia , McGrath Shannon , Kuo Hsiao-Hsuan , Henry Carole , Chen Ren , Huang Wenmei , Nachbagauer Raffael , Paris Robert
Published: June 2024

Background

Seasonal influenza remains a global public health concern. A messenger RNA (mRNA)–based quadrivalent seasonal influenza vaccine, mRNA-1010, was investigated in a first-in-human, phase 1/2 clinical trial conducted in 3 parts.

Methods

In parts 1 to 3 of this stratified observer-blind study, adults aged ≥18 years were randomly assigned to receive a single dose (6.25–200 µg) of mRNA-1010 or placebo (part 1) or an active comparator (Afluria; parts 2 and 3). Primary study objectives were assessment of safety, reactogenicity, and humoral immunogenicity of mRNA-1010, placebo (part 1), or active comparator (parts 2 and 3). Exploratory end points included assessment of cellular immunogenicity (part 1) and antigenic breadth against vaccine heterologous strains (A/H3N2; parts 1 and 2).

Results

In all study parts, solicited adverse reactions were reported more frequently for mRNA-1010 than placebo or Afluria, and most were grade 1 or 2 in severity. No vaccine-related serious adverse events or deaths were reported. In parts 1 and 2, a single dose of mRNA-1010 (25–200 µg) elicited robust day 29 hemagglutination inhibition titers that persisted through 6 months. In part 3, lower doses of mRNA-1010 (6.25–25 µg) elicited day 29 hemagglutination inhibition titers that were higher or comparable to those of Afluria for influenza A strains. When compared with Afluria, mRNA-1010 (50 µg) elicited broader A/H3N2 antibody responses (part 2). mRNA-1010 induced greater T-cell responses than placebo at day 8 that were sustained or stronger at day 29 (part 1).

Conclusions

Data support the continued development of mRNA-1010 as a seasonal influenza vaccine.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT04956575 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04956575).