bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spastin regulates anaphase chromosome separation distance and microtubule-containing nuclear tunnels
Authors: Kelley Megan E. , Carlini Lina , Kornakov Nikolay , Aher Amol , Khodjakov Alexey , Kapoor Tarun M.
Published: February 2024

Nuclear envelope reassembly during the final stages of each mitosis depends on disassembling spindle microtubules without disrupting chromosome separation. This process involves the transient recruitment of the ESCRT-III complex and spastin, a microtubule-severing AAA (ATPases associated with diverse cellular activities) mechanoenzyme, to late-anaphase chromosomes. However, dissecting mechanisms underlying these rapid processes, which can be completed within minutes, has been difficult. Here, we combine fast-acting chemical inhibitors with live-cell imaging and find that spindle microtubules, along with spastin activity, regulate the number and lifetimes of spastin foci at anaphase chromosomes. Unexpectedly, spastin inhibition impedes chromosome separation, but does not alter the anaphase localization dynamics of CHMP4B, an ESCRT-III protein, or increase γ-H2AX foci, a DNA damage marker. We show spastin inhibition increases the frequency of lamin-lined nuclear microtunnels that can include microtubules penetrating the nucleus. Our findings suggest failure to sever spindle microtubules impedes chromosome separation, yet reforming nuclear envelopes can topologically accommodate persistent microtubules ensuring nuclear DNA is not damaged or exposed to cytoplasm.
The Gulf Migrant Archives in Kerala
Authors: Karinkurayil Mohamed Shafeeq
Published: February 2024

The south Indian state of Kerala has a five-decade long history of large-scale circular labour migration to the Gulf. The Gulf migration has immensely changed the cultural and material scapes of Kerala. However, there is also a prevalent understanding that it is only now that we begin to understand the heavy personal and social costs to the migrants and their families at which this transformation has taken place. This work argues that the hitherto ignorance regarding the reality of the Gulf is an effect of the specific historical and structural conditions in Kerala and the Gulf which forced the Gulf experience into the realm of the private. The historical and structural conditions which consigned the Gulf as an experience to silence in public is a local manifestation of bordering that is characteristic of late capitalism. This volume takes a host of literary and visual texts by Gulf migrants, beginning in the late 1970s, to read in them the contradicting forces of staging borders on the one hand, and how the migrants sought to translate their private experience of the Gulf into a public idiom that could form affective ties with other migrants to the Gulf and the non-migrants back home. The Gulf migrant archives this work studies includes memoirs, novels, films, and personal photographs.
The Thrills of Migrant Photography
Authors: Karinkurayil Mohamed Shafeeq
Published: February 2024

This chapter outlines the changing order of visuality in Muslim households with the coming of photo albums. While wall-mounted photographs were consecratory in nature, a series of developments displaced this function of photographs. The reform movements questioned the reverence to one’s ancestors, and image-making was understood to be one of the ways in which this reverence was manifested. The coming of cheap cameras in the Gulf displaced the rarity of the photographic occasion. And the coming of photo albums from the Gulf changed the corpothetic engagement with the photographs. Migrant photographs became a media for imposturing, thus deploying it along the axis of narrative and desacralizing its inherent iconicity. The first half of the chapter details the changes in visual culture, while the second half reads a migrant photo to see both its imposturing nature and what it says about the Gulf migrant self-representation in photographs.
Conclusion
Authors: Karinkurayil Mohamed Shafeeq
Published: February 2024

This chapter concludes the book recapitulating the main points made in the book and gesturing towards future directions of study and action. The first part of the conclusion draws out the crucial intervention of the book as the emphasis on the cultural work of migration. The chapter then moves on to highlighting the salience of the paradigm of the epistemic border that has informed the book throughout. The last part focuses on rearticulating the migrant, and the ways in which it can be done. Such a rearticulation involves archiving of extant migrant cultural production, and an extensive study into Gulf migration as providing the affective, emotional, and sensorial present of Kerala.
Early breast development in girls: the power of greyscale sonography and sonoelastography
Authors: Keçeli Merter , Akyürek Nesibe
Published: February 2024

Objective

Accurate distinction between central pubertal precociousness (PP) and premature thelarche (PT) is important to guide treatment. Both greyscale ultrasonography (US) and sonoelastography can be used to examine breast tissue. The aim of this study is to investigate the performance of breast US and strain elastographic (SE) in the diagnosis of increased breast volume in girls.

Methods

Sixty-three girls with breast development up to 8 years of age and diagnosed with PP and PT were included in the prospective study. Basal luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol (E2) values were obtained. Each bud was considered as a unit in US. Mediolateral (ML) and anteroposterior diameters (AP) were measured, and US grading was performed. Breast SE was examined, and strain index (SI) was calculated. US and laboratory findings were compared.

Results

Of the 121 buds examined, 39 (32.2%) were with PP (6.97 ± 2.44 years) and 82 (67.8%) were with PT (6.51 ± 2.52 years). Diameters were correlated with bone age, LH, FSH, and US grade. The mean AP showed a moderate difference in favour of PP between the groups (P < .06). The mean ML was higher in PP (P < .01). There was a difference in mean SI values (P < .004). Sensitivity and specificity were 71% and 61% for ML and 72% and 56% for SI, respectively.

Conclusion

Both ML and US grading may help discriminate PP from PT. The role of sonoelastography requires further investigation.

Advances in knowledge

Ultrasound and SE show significant differences between PP and PT, but these are not sufficiently reliable to be of clinical use. The contribution of sonoelastography requires further study before it can be recommended. However, SI of breast tissue can be helpful in distinguishing PP and PT from other causes of early increase in breast volume.
3. OBJECTIVE ANALYSIS AND COMPARISON OF STRESS LEVEL DURING ROBOTIC AND CONVENTIONAL LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY
Authors: Pérez Salazar M J , González Nuño F M , Sánchez Margallo J A , Kappel M , Sánchez Margallo F M
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The aim of this study is to objectively analyse the stress experienced by surgeons during the performance of training tasks in robotic and conventional laparoscopic surgery.

Methods

For the parameters related to stress level, an electrodermal activity sensor (EDA) from the company Movisens was used. This sensor is placed on the subject's ankle using two electrodes that measure the impedance of the skin in the area in order to evaluate the surgeon's level of alertness in micro-siemens (µS). The surgical robot used was the Versius Platform from CMR Surgical. A group of 4 surgeons with different levels of experience (novice or expert) were evaluated under a series of 7 tasks on a physical laparoscopic simulator, with tasks progressively increasing in difficulty.

Results

Regarding the difference between the two surgical modalities, significantly lower values were obtained when using the robotic platform, with the difference being more pronounced among the less experienced surgeons. In the instance of the expert with prior surgical robotics experience, stress levels were found to be 100 times lower compared to the expert solely experienced in conventional laparoscopy.

Conclusion

The results show that not only do subjects with superior experience in robotic surgery exhibit lower stress levels, but that novices maintain lower stress levels than experts in conventional laparoscopic surgery due to their lack of predisposition towards a specific surgical discipline.
5. DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF EX-VIVO FUSION CONFOCAL MICROSCOPY IN BREAST CANCER
Authors: Humaran Cozar D , Pérez Anker J , Fernández Ruiz P , Blay Aulina L , Pascual Miguel I , Puig Sardà S , Malvehy Guilera J , Julián Ibáñez J F
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Ex-Vivo fusion confocal microscopy (EVFCM) provides a fast examination of breast tissues with the potential to reduce the rate of positive surgical margins and the need for additional interventions. This is an observational study aimed at verifying the diagnostic accuracy of EVFCM in diagnosing neoplasia and histologic subtypes.

Methods

Thirty-six breast tissue samples, including non-neoplastic (n=20) and neoplastic (n=16), underwent scanning using EVFCM. These samples were also processed through routine histopathological examination with hematoxylin and eosin, and the two techniques were subsequently compared. The assessment was performed by a Mohs surgeon dermatologist familiar with EVFCM (evaluator A) and two breast pathology experts (evaluators B and C) without experience in EVFCM, in a blinded diagnosis analysis.

Results

The ability to recognize neoplasia in the EVFCM images obtained a high level of concordance, as indicated by all kappa values (κ) presenting a p-value <0.001. Investigator A demonstrated a sensitivity and specificity of 100% in diagnosing neoplasia. Evaluators B and C exhibited a sensitivity >87% and a specificity >94% in diagnosing neoplasia, with positive predictive values (PPV)>95% and the negative predictive values (NPV) of 81% and 94%, respectively. The accuracy in recognizing the histological subtype was >86,1%, with a sensitivity >82%, specificity >88%, PPV>75% and NPV>92%.

Conclusion

EVFCM demonstrates excellent diagnostic accuracy for breast cancer, with high levels of concordance, sensitivity and specificity. Based on our data, we suggest and propose that EVFCM will be an excellent tool for intra-operative and definitive margin assessment, guiding breast conserving surgeries.
10. COMPARISON OF ERGONOMICS BETWEEN ROBOTIC AND CONVENTIONAL SURGERY: A STUDY OF MUSCLE ACTIVITY AND BODY POSTURE
Authors: Kappel M , Sánchez-Margallo J A , Pérez-Salazar M J , González-Nuño F M , Sánchez-Margallo F M
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The objective of this study is to compare the ergonomics of surgeons during surgical procedures using the Versius robot (CMR Surgical) and conventional laparoscopic surgery. The study assesses surgeons' body posture and muscle activity to objectively identify ergonomic distinctions between the two surgical approaches.

Methods

A set of surgeons were asked to perform both tasks in a box trainer and surgical procedures in an experimental model. Laparoscopic tasks and procedures were performed both with the robotic platform and conventionally. During the study, surgeons wore electromyography sensors to measure the activity of 14 muscles. Participants also wore inertial sensors to record body movements. Postures were compared with ergonomic guidelines for conventional and robotic laparoscopic surgery.

Results

In terms of muscle activity in box trainer and in vivo surgeries, the activity distribution of the gastrocnemius, vastus lateralis, erector spinae and medial trapezius muscles was concentrated around a lower median in robotic procedures compared to conventional ones. However, for the brachioradialis, triceps and upper trapezius, the distribution was concentrated at a higher median for robotic procedures. Regarding surgeon posture, a more ergonomically suitable posture is obtained for ﬂexion-extension of the knee and ulnar-radial deviation of the wrist during robotic surgery.

Conclusion

The study concludes that the use of robotic surgery improves certain aspects of ergonomics in laparoscopy.
17. TUMOR SIZE IN ADRENAL TUMORS. SIGNIFICANCE IN THE INDICATION FOR ADRENALECTOMY AND SURGICAL OUTCOMES
Authors: Mínguez Ojeda C , Gómez Dos Santos V , Araujo Castro M , Lorca Alvaro J , Tagalos Muñoz A , Sanjuan Benito Dehesa A , Burgos Revilla F J
Published: February 2024

Introduction

This study aims to assess the relevance of tumour size in adrenal tumours concerning the estimation of malignancy risk and its impact on the outcomes of adrenalectomy.

Methods

Histological results and surgical outcomes were assessed in a retrospective cohort of patients without a history of active extra-adrenal malignancy but with adrenal tumours. The study included individuals who underwent surgery at a third-level hospital between 2010 and 2020.

Results

Of 131 patients with adrenal tumours who underwent adrenalectomy, 76 (58.0%) had adrenal masses measuring ≥40 mm; 47 were >50 mm and 28 >60 mm. The final diagnosis was adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) in 7 patients, pheochromocytoma in 35, and benign lesions in the remaining. All patients with ACC had adrenal masses > 50 mm, with Hounsfield units >40 and low lipidic content in the CT. The risk of ACC and pheochromocytoma increased as tumour size did. The diagnostic accuracy of tumour size was quite good for the prediction of ACC (AUC-ROC 0.883). Nevertheless, when only adrenal tumours with HU <40 were considered, the risk of ACC was 0% independent of tumour size. For pheochromocytomas, the risk was of 8.6% independent of tumour size for lesions with <20HU. The risk of intraoperative and postoperative complications was independent of tumour size.

Conclusion

The risk of malignancy and pheochromocytoma increased with tumor size. However, in pre-surgical assessments of malignancy risk, considerations should extend beyond tumor size to include lipidic content and other radiological features. The risk of complications was independent of tumour size, but hospital stay was longer in patients with complication or open approach.
26. BIOPRINTING VASCULAR GRAFTS WITHOUT SUPPORT MATERIAL: A COMPARISON BETWEEN NEW AND COMMERCIAL HYDROGEL
Authors: Cardoso Castro T M , Gómez Blanco J C , Pereira Miguel S A , Countinho P I , Patrocinio Caballero D , Barabosa F R , Sánchez Margallo F M , Pagador Carrasco J B
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Currently, the demand for personalized vascular grafts is increasing and bioprinting techniques emerge as a promising approach for its development. The aim is to comparatively evaluate the performance of a Gelatin/Gellan Gum/Alginate hydrogel and a commercial bioink to produce bioprinted vascular grafts without support material.

Methods

Two hydrogels were employed in this study: a custom-made Gelatin/Gellan Gum/Alginate (8:3:0.5 %w/v) and a commercial bioink (Cellink Bioink) consisting of 5% alginate with nanocellulose. Three experiments were conducted to assess their performance. The first experiment involved diluting the commercial hydrogel in PBS at a 1:10 ratio. The second experiment applied the commercial hydrogel without dilution, while the third experiment utilized the custom-made hydrogel without dilution. Optimal printing conditions were established for both hydrogels, with the Cellink bioink set to 37 °C, 10 kPa, and 7 mm/s, and the Gelatin/Gellan Gum/Alginate hydrogel set to 50 °C, 45 kPa, and 9 mm/s. For each hydrogel, three grafts were printed, each with dimensions of 15 mm height, 500 μm wall-thickness, and a 6 mm inner diameter. The physical characteristics of these grafts were subsequently measured using an optical microscope.

Results

Results showed differences between the three experiments. Vascular grafts produced with Gelatin/Gellan Gum/Alginate hydrogel present a wall-thickness and an inner diameter of 553±150 μm and 5.33±0.24 mm, respectively. In contrast, the commercial bioink from Cellink failed to facilitate the production of vascular grafts, as it fully collapsed at layer 17 out of 37.

Conclusion

The Gelatin/Gellan Gum/Alginate hydrogel proves to be effective in bioprinting vascular grafts, demonstrating both adequate accuracy and structural stability. Notably, it distinguishes itself from commercial bioinks by not necessitating additional sacrificial materials in the process.
31. PHARMACOLOGICAL PREVENTION OF ISCHEMIA REPERFUSION INJURY IN RATS SUBJECTED TO LOWER LIMB ISCHEMIA
Authors: Martínez-Rubio P , Cuéllar A , Cearra I , Iturrizaga Correcher S , García Ruiz de Gordejuela A , Ruiz Montesinos I , García-Alonso I , Herrero de la Parte B
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The use of tourniquet to achieve a blood-free surgical field is a common practice in orthopedic surgery. Blood flow restoration may lead to systemic inflammatory and oxidative stress damage known as ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). The aim of this work is to evaluate whether the administration of dexketoprofen (DEX) before reperfusion contributes to the prevention of IRI-related damage.

Methods

Male WAG/RijHsd rats were divided into 3 groups: two of them underwent 3h of ischemia and were administered either dexketoprofen (1 mg/kg) or vehicle; the third group was used as control, not subjected to ischemia/reperfusion. The treatment was given orally 30 minutes before reperfusion. Systemic affectation was evaluated 3h, 24h and 14 days after ischemia; at the anatomopathological level, limb edema was measured after 24h; finally, functional recovery was evaluated during the 14 days following ischemia by the rotarod and treadmill tests.

Results

IRI-related hepatic and muscular damage was significantly reduced by dexketoprofen, although its effect on hepatic damage was seen earlier. However, the treatment had no beneficial effect on renal damage, nor did it reduce limb edema with respect to the vehicle group (63±7.8 vs 73±10mm; p>0.05). In addition, dexketoprofen anticipated functional recovery between 2 and 9 days compared to untreated animals, as assessed by rotarod and treadmill tests.

Conclusion

Dexketoprofen treatment proved to be effective, reducing both hepatic and muscular damage secondary to IRI, as well as hastening the functional recovery of treated animals.
Apathy scores in Parkinson’s disease relate to EEG components in an incentivized motor task
Authors: Lee Soojin , Song Esther , Zhu Maria , Appel-Cresswell Silke , McKeown Martin J
Published: February 2024

Apathy is one of the most prevalent non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and is characterized by decreased goal-directed behaviour due to a lack of motivation and/or impaired emotional reactivity. Despite its high prevalence, the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying apathy in Parkinson’s disease, which may guide neuromodulation interventions, are poorly understood. Here, we investigated the neural oscillatory characteristics of apathy in Parkinson’s disease using EEG data recorded during an incentivized motor task. Thirteen Parkinson’s disease patients with apathy and 13 Parkinson’s disease patients without apathy as well as 12 healthy controls were instructed to squeeze a hand grip device to earn a monetary reward proportional to the grip force they used. Event-related spectral perturbations during the presentation of a reward cue and squeezing were analysed using multiset canonical correlation analysis to detect different orthogonal components of temporally consistent event-related spectral perturbations across trials and participants. The first component, predominantly located over parietal regions, demonstrated suppression of low-beta (12–20 Hz) power (i.e. beta desynchronization) during reward cue presentation that was significantly smaller in Parkinson’s disease patients with apathy compared with healthy controls. Unlike traditional event-related spectral perturbation analysis, the beta desynchronization in this component was significantly correlated with clinical apathy scores. Higher monetary rewards resulted in larger beta desynchronization in healthy controls but not Parkinson’s disease patients. The second component contained gamma and theta frequencies and demonstrated exaggerated theta (4–8 Hz) power in Parkinson’s disease patients with apathy during the reward cue and squeezing compared with healthy controls (HCs), and this was positively correlated with Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores. The third component, over central regions, demonstrated significantly different beta power across groups, with apathetic groups having the lowest beta power. Our results emphasize that altered low-beta and low-theta oscillations are critical for reward processing and motor planning in Parkinson’s disease patients with apathy and these may provide a target for non-invasive neuromodulation.
Pulsed field ablation of spatiotemporal electrogram dispersion following pulmonary vein isolation and left atrial linear lesions for persistent atrial fibrillation: a case report
Authors: Sousonis Vasileios , Voglimacci-Stephanopoli Quentin , Zeriouh Sarah , Boveda Serge , Albenque Jean Paul
Published: February 2024

Background

Ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) remains challenging, with atrial substrate modification often being performed as an adjunct to pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a novel ablation modality that carries a favourable safety profile, which could facilitate complex procedures.

Case summary

We present the case of a 60-year-old male undergoing catheter ablation for symptomatic persistent AF. The procedure was performed with the Farapulse™ PFA system in a stepwise manner, including PVI and linear lesions for the isolation of the posterior left atrial wall and the ablation of the mitral isthmus. The final step of the procedure included the ablation of areas exhibiting spatiotemporal electrogram dispersion, identified with the help of artificial intelligence–based software (VX1, Volta Medical) in both atria. Sinus rhythm was restored after the abolition of an electrogram dispersion zone in the right atrium. The procedure was carried out without any complications.

Discussion

Complex ablation procedures for persistent AF can be successfully performed with PFA. In the context of such extensive ablation strategies, PFA is an attractive energy source, given its non-thermal nature that is known to prevent damage to surrounding tissue and result in less chronic fibrosis. However, caution should be exercised to avoid excessive ablation when using the currently available multispline PFA catheter, as it may inadvertently target adjacent areas of healthy myocardium.
Work–family conflicts and sickness absence—a register-linked cohort study among young and early midlife employees
Authors: Salonsalmi Aino , Kouvonen Anne , Rahkonen Ossi , Lahelma Eero , Lallukka Tea
Published: February 2024

Background

Work–family conflicts (WFC) have been associated with poor mental health, poor self-rated health and sickness absence. However, studies on short sickness absence are lacking and more information is needed also about long sickness absence regarding the direction of WFC, and potential explaining factors particularly among young and early middle-aged employees.

Methods

The Helsinki Health Study baseline survey (2017) among 19- to 39-year-old municipal employees (N = 3683, 80% women, response rate 51.5%) was linked to employer’s sickness absence data. The associations of work-to-family conflicts (WTFC) and family-to-work conflicts (FTWC) with short (1–7 days) and long (over 7 days) sickness absence were analyzed using negative binomial regression analysis. Covariates were age, gender, family-related factors and work-related factors. Stratified analyses by occupational class were performed. The results are presented as rate ratios and their 95% confidence intervals.

Results

High WTFC were associated with short (1.25, 1.12–1.40) and long (1.37, 1.11-1.70) sickness absence. High FTWC were also associated with short (1.12, 1.03–1.22) and long (1.24, 1.06–1.45) sickness absence. Adjustment for family-related factors strengthened the associations, whereas adjustment for work-related factors abolished the associations between WTFC and sickness absence. Associations between WFC and sickness absence were observed among two lowest occupational classes only.

Conclusion

WFC are associated with both short and long sickness absence. Work-related factors including the quality of supervisory work and shift work play a role in the association. Intervention studies could determine if improvements in combining work and family life lead to a reduction in sickness absence.
Factors Associated With Longitudinal Patterns of Hearing Aid Use
Authors: Gahlon Grace , Garcia Morales Emmanuel E , Assi Lama , Reed Nicholas S
Published: February 2024

Background and Objectives

The objectives of this study are to identify patterns of hearing aid usage among U.S. National Health & Aging Trends Study (NHATS) participants and to examine users’ characteristics associated with each pattern.

Research Design and Methods

Using data from 666 adults ages 65 and above from NHATS, we analyzed individuals’ self-reported hearing aid use from eight waves of data, 2011–2018, using group-based trajectory modeling to identify clusters of individuals with similar utilization patterns of use over time. Potential risk factors associated with membership to a specific group included baseline sociodemographic characteristics, problems with activities of daily living, presence of a caregiver, and experiencing problems with their hearing aid. We compute and analyze the odds ratios between individuals’ baseline characteristics and group membership.

Results

We identified three utilization group patterns: continued use (n = 510, 76.6%), interrupted use (n = 121, 18.2%), and ceased use (n = 35, 5.2%). Individuals with an income under the poverty line had 2.9 (95% CI: 1.09, 7.75) and 2.7 times (95% CI: 1.38, 5.27) the odds of being in the interrupted and ceased use group, respectively, compared with the continued use group. Other risk factors for interrupted and ceased use included lower education and having a caregiver.

Discussion and Implications

Nearly a quarter of hearing aid users experience interrupted or ceased use of hearing aids. Socioeconomic factors, such as age, income, and education, may be relevant for how individuals use assistive medical devices over time and could inform policymakers to support maintained use of hearing aids.
OBSTransformer: a deep-learning seismic phase picker for OBS data using automated labelling and transfer learning
Authors: Niksejel Alireza , Zhang Miao
Published: February 2024

Accurate seismic phase detection and onset picking are fundamental to seismological studies. Supervised deep-learning phase pickers have shown promise with excellent performance on land seismic data. Although it may be acceptable to apply them to Ocean Bottom Seismometer (OBS) data that are indispensable for studying ocean regions, they suffer from a significant performance drop. In this study, we develop a generalized transfer-learned OBS phase picker—OBSTransformer, based on automated labelling and transfer learning. First, we compile a comprehensive data set of catalogued earthquakes recorded by 423 OBSs from 11 temporary deployments worldwide. Through automated processes, we label the P and S phases of these earthquakes by analysing the consistency of at least three arrivals from four widely used machine learning pickers (EQTransformer, PhaseNet, Generalized Phase Detection and PickNet), as well as the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) picker. This results in an inclusive OBS data set containing ∼36 000 earthquake samples. Subsequently, we use this data set for transfer learning and utilize a well-trained land machine learning model—EQTransformer as our base model. Moreover, we extract 25 000 OBS noise samples from the same OBS networks using the Kurtosis method, which are then used for model training alongside the labelled earthquake samples. Using three groups of test data sets at subglobal, regional and local scales, we demonstrate that OBSTransformer outperforms EQTransformer. Particularly, the P and S recall rates at large distances (>200 km) are increased by 68 and 76 per cent, respectively. Our extensive tests and comparisons demonstrate that OBSTransformer is less dependent on the detection/picking thresholds and is more robust to noise levels.
Vedolizumab Does Not Affect Antibody Secreting Cell Recruitment to the Lactating Mammary Gland of Mothers With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Urrete Josef , Mitra Taniya , Boland Brigid S , Bertrand Kerri , Chambers Christina , Rivera-Nieves Jesús
Published: February 2024

Lay Summary

Despite a known role for α4β7 and MAdCAM-1 for the recruitment of antibody secreting cells to the lactating mammary gland, vedolizumab which targets integrin α4β7 did not lower breastmilk IgA in lactating mothers with IBD receiving the drug. It is likely that antibody secreting cells alternatively employ α4β1 to arrest on VCAM-1 also expressed by the lactating mammary gland.
Scaling Relationships among the Mass of Eggshell, Albumen, and Yolk in Six Precocial Birds
Authors: Chen Long , Niklas Karl J , Ding Zhenhui , Gielis Johan , Miao Qinyue , Lian Meng , Shi Peijian
Published: February 2024

Synopsis

The proportions in the size of the avian egg albumen, yolk, and shell are crucial for understanding bird survival and reproductive success because their relationships with volume and surface area can affect ecological and life history strategies. Prior studies have focused on the relationship between the albumen and the yolk, but little is known about the scaling relationship between eggshell mass and shape and the mass of the albumen and the yolk. Toward this end, 691 eggs of six precocial species were examined, and their 2-D egg profiles were photographed and digitized. The explicit Preston equation, which assumes bilateral symmetrical geometry, was used to fit the 2-D egg profiles and to calculate surface areas and volumes based on the hypothesis that eggs can be treated as solids of profile revolution. The scaling relationships of eggshell mass (Ms), albumen mass (Ma), and yolk mass (My), as well as the surface area (S), volume (V), and total mass (Mt) were determined. The explicit Preston equation was validated in describing the 2-D egg profiles. The scaling exponents of Ma vs. Ms, My vs. Ms, and My vs. Ma were smaller than unity, indicating that increases in Ma and My fail to keep pace with increases in Ms, and that increases in My fail to keep pace with increases in Ma. Therefore, increases in unit nutrient contents (i.e., the yolk) involve disproportionately larger increases in eggshell mass and disproportionately larger increases in albumen mass. The data also revealed a 2/3-power scaling relationship between S and V for each species, that is, the simple Euclidean geometry is obeyed. These findings help to inform our understanding of avian egg construction and reveal evolutionary interspecific trends in the scaling of egg shape, volume, mass, and mass allocation.
The Political Economy of Life Satisfaction: Democracy, National Wealth, and Personal Income
Authors: Bellinger Nisha , Krieckhaus Jonathan , Son Byunghwan
Published: February 2024

Numerous studies examine the micro-dynamics of subjective well-being (SWB) generally, or life satisfaction (LS) more specifically. Others also document the macro determinants of SWB and LS. We propose a model linking the two, in which an individual’s life satisfaction is contingent on (1) personal circumstances, (2) national factors such as democratic governance and the national wealth, and (3) the explicit interaction of these two levels of analysis. We test three sets of hypotheses that arise from this model with compiled data from six waves of the World Values Survey (WVS) data. The empirical evidence we present supports most of the hypotheses, including our novel proposition that both national wealth and democracy reduce the effect of individual personal income on LS.
Access to Work for Those Seeking Asylum: Concerns Arising from British and Swedish Legal Strategies
Authors: Herzfeld Olsson Petra , Novitz Tonia
Published: February 2024

This article seeks to probe the controversial relationship between seeking asylum and the permission (or obligation) to work. In doing so, we recognise the concurrent claims that can be made for asylum and access to the labour market, problematising the concept of ‘work’ and its relationship to freedom and dignity from the perspective of international refugee law and European human rights norms alongside European Union (EU) law. We examine how British and Swedish legal systems have reflected two starkly opposed policy stances. The UK has long denied asylum seekers the financial and psychological benefits that come with work usually until refugee status is formally granted, but the Swedish system has facilitated a complementary pathway for asylum seekers whose labour can make (what is determined politically to be) a sufficient contribution to the economy. We identify the perceived benefits and failings of each strategy. In this context, we observe that the status quo in both countries is changing and even arguably converging around an illiberal consensus regarding the relationship between asylum and work, which will demand further attention and potentially legal challenges in the years to come.
Trends in antibiotic prescribing in primary care out-of-hours doctors’ services in Ireland
Authors: Shah Mala , Barbosa Teresa M , Stack Gary , Fleming Aoife
Published: February 2024

Background

Infections are a common reason for patient consultation in out-of-hours (OOH) doctors’ services. Surveillance of antibiotic prescribing in OOH settings is important to develop tailored antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) interventions.

Objectives

To evaluate antibiotic prescribing patterns in OOH services in the Cork Kerry region, Ireland to inform future AMS interventions.

Methods

A retrospective, observational cohort study was conducted of all oral antibiotic prescriptions in OOH doctors’ consultations between 1 December 2019 and 31 December 2021 in the region. Data were gathered on age, gender, date and time of consultation, consultation method (in person, remote), antibiotic and its indication. Data were analysed using Microsoft Excel v.2018 and SPSS v.28.

Results

Overall, 17% (69 017 of 406 812) of the OOH doctors’ consultations resulted in an antibiotic prescription during the study period. This varied from 31% of OOH consultations in December 2019 to less than 2% of OOH consultations in April 2020. Of the antibiotics prescribed, 21% were for children under 6 years old. Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) were the most common indication for antibiotics (59%). Amoxicillin was the most commonly prescribed antibiotic (40% of all prescriptions). Red (reserved) antibiotics accounted for 19% of all prescriptions. During the COVID-19 pandemic period of the study, 66% of 49 421 of antibiotic prescriptions were issued from remote consultations.

Conclusions

Low antibiotic prescribing levels during the early stages of the pandemic were not sustained. Antibiotic prescriptions from remote consultations were common. A key opportunity for AMS is addressing the volume of antibiotic prescribing for RTIs, particularly in children.
Amphidromous shrimps (Decapoda: Caridea): current knowledge and future research
Authors: de Mazancourt Valentin , Ravaux Juliette
Published: February 2024

The caridean shrimps comprise one of the largest groups of amphidromous species, sharing their life cycle between freshwater habitats and the ocean. Key species of tropical ecosystems, some of which are also targets for local or international markets without any regulations being implemented, make carideans particularly vulnerable to the threats facing natural populations. We present an inventory of amphidromous carideans and an overview of their habitats, the interests they arouse, because of their ecological role as well as for their commercial importance and the threats they face. We suggest directions for future research following an experimental-biology approach, that may help to assess risks and impacts on natural habitats and ultimately prioritize conservation and management projects.
Fingolimod—(no) injunction before patent grant
Authors: Stief Marco
Published: February 2024

This article analyses the position of European courts on the availability of preliminary injunctions on the basis of a patent application, reviewing several national decisions in the fingolimod litigation. The decisions handed down by the Düsseldorf Regional Court, the Tribunal Judiciaire de Paris, the Danish Maritime and Commercial Court, the District Court of The Hague and the Barcelona Commercial Court show that the courts, with limited exceptions, reject provisional legal protection on the basis of a mere patent application on the grounds of absence of legal certainty. The analysis identifies four (minimum) prerequisites that must be fulfilled for the courts to consider the possibility of issuing an injunction before a patent is granted.
Simultaneous secondary electron microscopy in the scanning transmission electron microscope with applications for in situ studies
Authors: San Gabriel Mia L , Qiu Chenyue , Yu Dian , Yaguchi Toshie , Howe Jane Y
Published: February 2024

Scanning/transmission electron microscopy (STEM) is a powerful characterization tool for a wide range of materials. Over the years, STEMs have been extensively used for in situ studies of structural evolution and dynamic processes. A limited number of STEM instruments are equipped with a secondary electron (SE) detector in addition to the conventional transmitted electron detectors, i.e. the bright-field (BF) and annular dark-field (ADF) detectors. Such instruments are capable of simultaneous BF-STEM, ADF-STEM and SE-STEM imaging. These methods can reveal the ‘bulk’ information from BF and ADF signals and the surface information from SE signals for materials <200 nm thick. This review first summarizes the field of in situ STEM research, followed by the generation of SE signals, SE-STEM instrumentation and applications of SE-STEM analysis. Combining with various in situ heating, gas reaction and mechanical testing stages based on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), we show that simultaneous SE-STEM imaging has found applications in studying the dynamics and transient phenomena of surface reconstructions, exsolution of catalysts, lunar and planetary materials and mechanical properties of 2D thin films. Finally, we provide an outlook on the potential advancements in SE-STEM from the perspective of sample-related factors, instrument-related factors and data acquisition and processing.
Effect of bolus materials on dose deposition in deep tissues during electron beam radiotherapy
Authors: Kong Dong , Wu Jia , Kong Xudong , Huang Jianfeng , Zhao Yutian , Yang Bo , Zhao Qing , Gu Ke
Published: February 2024

Several materials are utilized in the production of bolus, which is essential for superficial tumor radiotherapy. This research aimed to compare the variations in dose deposition in deep tissues during electron beam radiotherapy when employing different bolus materials. Specifically, the study developed general superficial tumor models (S-T models) and postoperative breast cancer models (P-B models). Each model comprised a bolus made of water, polylactic acid (PLA), polystyrene, silica-gel or glycerol. Geant4 was employed to simulate the transportation of electron beams within the studied models, enabling the acquisition of dose distributions along the central axis of the field. A comparison was conducted to assess the dose distributions in deep tissues. In regions where the percentage depth dose (PDD) decreases rapidly, the relative doses (RDs) in the S-T models with silica-gel bolus exhibited the highest values. Subsequently, RDs for PLA, glycerol and polystyrene boluses followed in descending order. Notably, the RDs for glycerol and polystyrene boluses were consistently below 1. Within the P-B models, RDs for all four bolus materials are consistently below 1. Among them, the smallest RDs are observed with the glycerol bolus, followed by silica-gel, PLA and polystyrene bolus in ascending order. As PDDs are ~1–3% or smaller, the differences in RDs diminish rapidly until are only around 10%. For the S-T and P-B models, polystyrene and glycerol are the most suitable bolus materials, respectively. The choice of appropriate bolus materials, tailored to the specific treatment scenario, holds significant importance in safeguarding deep tissues during radiotherapy.
Endoscopic reversal of the modified Long vertical gastroplasty
Authors: Abelman Talia , Skidmore Adam
Published: February 2024

Endoscopic techniques are revolutionizing bariatric surgery because of the significant risks that obesity places on both anaesthesia and surgery. Due to the high number of long-term complications that may be associated with bariatric surgery, and the relative safety of endoscopy compared to operative management, endoscopic methods for reversal of previous bariatric techniques are becoming the favoured approach. We describe the use of an endoscopic stent to assist with endoscopic reversal of a modified Long vertical gastroplasty. The modified Long vertical gastroplasty was a restrictive bariatric procedure that was effective to promote weight loss, but had adverse effects including dysphagia, reflux, indigestion and weight regain. The use of an adjunct stent not only treated the patient’s reflux by dilating the stricture but allowed for erosion of the sutures intra-luminally to be removed endoscopically. The endoscopic reversal of this technique is safe and helped to relieve the patient’s symptoms of reflux and dysphagia.
Travel health practices, behaviours and experiences of people living with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Tarlton Chloe , James Steven , Dixson Barnaby , Craft Judy
Published: February 2024

Introduction

There are limited data regarding the international travel history and preparation, as well as glycaemic control practices, risk behaviours and experiences of people with type 1 diabetes during travel. Our review aimed to address the research question: ‘What are the health practices, behaviours and experiences of people with type 1 diabetes when travelling?’

Methods

We conducted a mixed-methods narrative review using adapted review methods from the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination and standards developed by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis. MEDLINE, Scopus, PubMed and CINAHL, and the reference lists of all eligible studies were searched.

Results

Nine records comprising of 11 studies were included, with data heralding from various countries, published between 1990 and 2022. We identified three main themes: travel preparation (type of travel, planning and advice seeking); issues related to air travel (airports and airport security, hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia, and insulin) and general travel-related issues (illness and medical treatment, type 1 diabetes management, and major concerns and barriers).

Conclusions

Our findings highlighted the lack of quality data regarding type 1 diabetes and travel within the extant literature, as well a pressing need for empirical studies to be undertaken and consensus guidelines developed to improve the travel experiences of people with type 1 diabetes. Unless change is made, people with type 1 diabetes will continue to experience preventable risk and harm while travelling.
Cervical Disc Displacement in Military Pilots
Authors: Tansey Patrick J , Janney Cory F , Jupiter Daniel C , Henriques Matthew , Alijanipour Pouya , Morrissey Patrick B
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Cervical disc displacement (CDD) may disqualify pilots from flying and have a profound impact on military unit capability. The objective of this retrospective database review is to characterize the incidence and demographic predictors of symptomatic cervical spine disc displacement in pilots of fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft and ground-based controls.

Materials and Methods

The Defense Military Epidemiology Database was queried for first-occurrence ICD-9 code 722.0: CDD cases from 2007 to 2015. Injury count rates among aircraft groups and overall incidence per 1,000 person-years were calculated and standardized for age, gender, and military rank, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were compared to determine significance.

Results

There were 934 new cases of CDD among active duty U.S. Military pilots during the study period. The overall incidence of CDD in all pilots during this time frame was 2.715 per 1,000 person-years (95% CI, 2.603-2.830). Helicopter pilots had a significantly higher incidence compared to all other aircraft pilots and crew at 3.79 per 1,000 person-years (95% CI, 3.48-4.13). This finding remained statistically significant after standardizing for age, gender, and rank. Among all military officers, increasing age was a risk factor for CDD.

Conclusions

The U.S. Military helicopter pilots have an increased risk compared to fixed-wing pilots and non-pilot controls. CDD remains a rare, though career-threatening, condition. Increased education and awareness training are warranted for both helicopter pilots and flight physicians to recognize signs and symptoms of cervical pathology. Continued investigations into preventive measures to minimize injury and time unfit for flight are warranted.
The Holocaust as an (UN)Exceptional Phenomenon: Development and Change in the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s Outlook
Authors: Reiser Daniel
Published: February 2024

This article examines the evolution and transformation in the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s perspective concerning the Holocaust. It traces the Rebbe’s viewpoint on the Holocaust by analyzing his various insights and observations in his sermons and writings over the years, and highlights a significant shift in his stance whereby he reached the conclusion that the Holocaust is exceptional and does not fall into the terms of sin, punishment, or even Tikkun (metaphysical rectification)—concepts which he himself previously utilized in earlier stages of his life. In his most recent phase, the Lubavitcher Rebbe posited that the Holocaust is an unprecedented and exceptional occurrence, both on historical and theological grounds. This assertion is not commonly espoused by traditional Jewish theologians and orthodox rabbis, thus rendering the Lubavitcher Rebbe relatively distinctive.
The intestinal commensal fungus Wallemia mellicola enhances asthma in mice through Dectin-2
Authors: Kanj Amjad N , Guiance Irene Riestra , Kottom Theodore J , Schaefbauer Kyle J , Choudhury Malay , Limper Andrew H , Skalski Joseph H
Published: February 2024

Overgrowth of the fungus Wallemia mellicola in the intestines of mice enhances the severity of asthma. Wallemia mellicola interacts with the immune system through Dectin-2 expressed on the surface of myeloid and intestinal epithelial cells. Using Dectin-2-deficient mice, we show that the interaction of W. mellicola with Dectin-2 is essential for the gut-lung pathways, enhancing the severity of asthma in mice with W. mellicola intestinal dysbiosis. These findings offer better insight into dysbiosis-associated inflammation and highlight the role pattern recognition receptors have in immune recognition of commensal fungi in the gut, leading to alterations in immune function in the lungs.