bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive Errors in Diagnosis and Clinical Reasoning
Authors: Restrepo Daniel , Rencic Joseph
Published: August 2024

Misdiagnosis is common and costly. When it occurs, it is often due to cognitive errors by a diagnostician. Research in psychology has described the dual-process theory, a two-system model of cognition that explains how humans process information. System 1 thinking refers to intuitive, subconscious associations made based on pattern recognition. System 2 thinking, conversely, consists of slow, effortful, and analytical thought processes. Cognitive shortcuts described in System 1 thinking are known as heuristics. The term “bias” is typically used when a heuristic leads to a judgment error. Some, but certainly not all, misdiagnoses can be traced back to failures in System 1 thinking and its cognitive biases. Common causes of misdiagnosis stem from the representativeness and availability heuristics. Additionally, certain cognitive biases are overrepresented in cases of misdiagnosis, including premature closure, anchoring, framing, base rate neglect, and confirmation. This chapter serves as an overview for the learner to learn these concepts and use them to help prevent diagnostic mistakes in their practice.
Introduction
Authors: Diederich Nico J. , Brüne Martin , Amunts Katrin , Goetz Christopher G.
Published: August 2024

The Evolutionary Roots of Human Brain Diseases presents an evolutionary view of neurological and psychiatric conditions meant to complement and enrich existing medical perspectives. Modeling the complexity of human (social) life, human language, or manual dexterity, and mental or emotional behaviors that typify human neurological or psychological function and dysfunction and expanded and explained.
Adaptive Archaic Introgression
Authors: Dolgova Olga , Lao Oscar
Published: August 2024

The canonical belief that anatomically modern humans (AMH) completely replaced archaic populations without admixture when they moved out of Africa (OOA) was challenged with the sequencing of the Neanderthal and Denisovan genomes. Comparison of the genetic variation between archaic and modern humans showed that both hybridized soon after the OOA. Whereas most of the archaic inheritance has been erased from the human genome by purifying selection, some archaic variants have reached high frequency in particular AMH populations. These archaic variants have been associated with evolutionary advantages associated mainly with immunity, metabolism, skin pigmentation, as well as brain size and functioning and positively selected in human populations. Furthermore, methodological advances suggest the existence of other archaic populations that interbred with AMH ancestors, highlighting a more complex population substructure of archaic populations at the time when AMH left Africa than the one retrieved from archaeological remains.
Evolutionary Aspects of Neuropsychopharmacology
Authors: Brüne Martin , Abed Riadh , John-Smith Paul St.
Published: August 2024

Neuropsychopharmacology has advanced drug development and discovery as well as the understanding of the neuronal “machinery.” However, there is very little reference to the evolution of “neurotransmitters” or “biomodulators” and their systems in the literature. For example, the evolutionary history of central nervous systems, the how and why brains came to utilize certain molecules to improve and accelerate the transmission of information, is largely unrecognized. This chapter, therefore, provides an overview of the evolutionary history of “neurotransmitters” or “biomediators” and some of their related systems. It deals with the evolution and evolutionary constraints of cell communication and focuses, as an exemplar, on the evolutionary story of glutamate and its role in brain health and disease. Possible implications of an evolutionary perspective on neuropsychopharmacology for the understanding of the constraints of neuropsychotropic drug action and for the development of new agents for the treatment of psychiatric and neurological conditions are discussed.
Carrier Screening and Newborn Screening
Authors: Phillips Amber Mathiesen , Roy Kali Bogaard
Published: August 2024

This chapter provides information on carrier screening options available, including testing based on ethnicity, targeted to the family history or clinical situation, or by use of expanded carrier screening panels. It describes who should be offered testing, the timing of testing, how to evaluate the risks of conditions being tested, and how to interpret results. The chapter describes testing protocols for specific conditions including cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, FMR1–related conditions, and hemoglobinopathies. It reviews ethnicity-based screening, as in Ashkenazi Jewish and French-Canadian populations, as well as screening when there is a family history. It also discusses the use, benefits, and recommendations when offering expanded carrier screening. In addition, this chapter provides a description of newborn screening including the conditions generally screened, the process, and the role of the perinatal health care provider.
The effects of antiseizure medications on comorbidities
Authors: Rugg-Gunn Fergus J. , Patsalos Philip N.
Published: August 2024

The effects of antiseizure medications (ASMs) often extend beyond their therapeutic benefit on seizure activity. Typically, ASMs exert a therapeutic benefit for non-seizure conditions as a result of their effects on neuronal or cortical excitability via ion channel modulation and enhanced GABA-related inhibition, although other mechanisms exist. There is an increased prevalence of comorbid conditions in people with epilepsy compared to the general population. ASMs may also contribute to either the de novo development of a comorbidity or an exacerbation of a pre-existing condition. Many ASMs can affect the pharmacokinetics of non-ASM drugs; however, most interactions can be attributable to a small number of enzyme-inducing ASMs which enhance the metabolism of many drugs prescribed for various comorbidities and reduce their efficacy. In summary, the use of ASMs is challenging, complex, and possibly harmful. Knowledge of the potential benefits, adverse effects, and interactions is important in the effective and safe prescribing of ASMs to manage both epilepsy and non-seizure disorders.
Epilepsy and psychopathological comorbidities
Authors: Mula Marco , Hesdorffer Dale C. , Trimble Michael R.
Published: August 2024

This chapter examines psychiatric comorbidities in patients with epilepsy. It reviews the history of neuropsychiatry of epilepsy with special reference to the relationship between the pathophysiology of epilepsy and that of behavioural abnormalities. Epidemiological evidence is presented highlighting the bidirectional relationship between epilepsy and the majority of psychiatric conditions. This chapter also examines major clinical problems encountered by clinicians when diagnosing and treating psychiatric disorders in epilepsy, such as the atypical phenomenology, often not in line with classificatory systems such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or the International Classification of Diseases, the risk of seizure worsening during psychotropic drug treatment, and drug interactions.
Epilepsy and driving
Authors: Somerville Ernest
Published: August 2024

Driving is as important to those with epilepsy as to those without. A seizure at the wheel may result in a crash, which may be fatal. Efforts to eliminate this risk by banning people with epilepsy from driving are ineffective and may even be counterproductive. A harm minimization approach, permitting patients with an acceptably low risk of a seizure while driving to drive, is preferable, and forms the basis of the regulations in many countries. However, inaccuracy of the estimation of seizure probability in many clinical situations, with little relevant evidence, and the individual variability in time spent driving, mean that the rules are often arbitrary. The driver licensing authority should take responsibility for licensing decisions and not pass this on to the treating doctor, who has a conflict of interest and cannot be expected to make an objective assessment. However, the success of any system will depend on accurate information from the patient and compliance with the law by both patient and doctor.
The Human Connectome
Authors: Harris James C. , Coyle Joseph T.
Published: August 2024

This chapter reviews the understanding of nervous system connectivity in classical antiquity, when the first global structural account of the organization of the nervous system was proposed, and the emergence of Cajal’s revolutionary neuron doctrine, which was a paradigm shift in neuroscience. Cajal used Golgi’s anatomical methods to illustrate the basic framework of neural circuit organization that is refined in the model used today. Also reviewed are the four levels of analyses used in structural connectomes and functional connectomes, the synaptome, applications of artificial intelligence based on machine learning, brain neuronal network connectivity maps, and the development of the functional connectome.
Consciousness
Authors: Harris James C. , Coyle Joseph T.
Published: August 2024

Consciousness refers to a general state of a person; it is a particular capability found in living systems. Consciousness is at the center of the study of both objective and subjective experience; to experience existence is to be conscious. Fundamentally, consciousness is subjectively experienced from the first-person perspective. This chapter introduces the study of consciousness. It reviews the history of the study of consciousness, current concepts of consciousness, consciousness from an evolutionary standpoint, various concepts of consciousness and the brain, consciousness and memory, and the relationship between sleep and consciousness. It also reviews clinical situations in which consciousness is affected, and it summarizes recent views on the neurobiology of consciousness.
Intellectual Developmental Disorder
Authors: Harris James C. , Coyle Joseph T.
Published: August 2024

From a neurodevelopmental perspective, intellectual developmental disorder (IDD) is a failure of cognitive progression with onset in infancy. IDD is not a static condition but, rather, a dynamic one, which has multiple etiologies that must be considered in treatment planning. It is not a disease or an illness in itself but, rather, has heterogeneous etiologies. In IDD, thinking is not characteristically disordered, and perception is not distorted unless there is a concurrent mental disorder. This chapter reviews the history, diagnosis, classification, epidemiology, etiology, developmental issues, genetics, psychiatric assessment, psychopathology, and treatment of intellectual developmental disorders. Public law and the right to education and legal competency are also discussed.
[O ii] as an effective indicator of the dependence between the standardized luminosities of Type Ia supernovae and the properties of their host galaxies
Authors: Martin B , Lidman C , Brout D , Tucker B E , Dixon M , Armstrong P
Published: August 2024

We have obtained Integral Field Unit (IFU) spectra of 75 Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) host galaxies from the Foundation Supernova Survey to search for correlations between the properties of individual galaxies and SN Hubble residuals. After standard corrections for light-curve width and SN colour have been applied, we find correlations between Hubble residuals and the equivalent width (EW) of the [${\rm O\, {\small II}}$] $\lambda \lambda$3727, 3729 doublet (2.3$\sigma$), an indicator of the specific star formation rate. When splitting our sample by SN colour, we find no colour dependence impacting the correlation between EW[${\rm O\, {\small II}}$] and Hubble residual. However, when splitting by colour, we reveal a correlation between the Hubble residuals of blue SNe Ia and the Balmer decrement (2.2$\sigma$), an indicator of dust attenuation. These correlations remain after applying a mass-step correction, suggesting that the mass-step correction does not fully account for the limitations of the colour correction used to standardize SNe Ia. Rather than a mass correction, we apply a correction to SNe from star-forming galaxies based on their measurable EW[${\rm O\, {\small II}}$]. We find that this correction also removes the host galaxy mass-step, while also greatly reducing the significance of the correlation with the Balmer decrement for blue SNe Ia. We find that correcting for EW[${\rm O\, {\small II}}$], in addition to or in place of the mass-step, may further reduce the scatter in the Hubble diagram.
Spreading Width for the α Cluster Resonance Evaluated with an Optical Model
Authors: Fumimoto T , Ishihara M , Maeda T , Nakamoto R , Ito M
Published: August 2024

We evaluate the spreading width for the $\alpha$ + $^{40}$Ca cluster resonance from the optical potential used in $\alpha$ elastic scattering, which is determined so as to reproduce the differential cross section precisely. The spreading width calculated here represents the decay of the $\alpha$ + $^{40}$Ca resonances into more complicated states. The conversion of the optical potential into the spreading width is achieved by the absorbing boundary condition (ABC) method. The spreading width is derived by comparing the ABC calculation with and without the imaginary potential. We also estimate the upper value of the decay width of the $\alpha$ + $^{40}$Ca resonance into the compound nuclear state. From the results of the widths, the branching ratios decaying into various states are calculated. The effect of the spreading width is also included in the calculation of the isoscalar monopole and dipole transitions from the ground state in $^{44}$Ti to the $\alpha$ + $^{40}$Ca continuum states. We have found that the dissociation strength shifts to the lower-energy region by the effect of the spreading width. The enhancement of the dissociation strength in the low-energy region is discussed in connection with nuclear transmutation.
Patient Initiated Follow-Up (PIFU): how can rheumatology departments start to reap the benefits? A consensus document
Authors: Sengupta Raj , Bukhari Marwan , Cole Zoe , Kyle Stuart , MacDonald Gordon , McKay Kirsten , Irani Anushka , Perry Mark
Published: August 2024

Patient Initiated Follow-Up (PIFU) is gaining momentum in the NHS, aiming to optimize outpatient care amidst rising service demands. PIFU is valuable in rheumatology, where the increasing demand for ongoing management exacerbates the patient backlog. Importantly, PIFU has demonstrated comparable safety and outcomes to traditional care in numerous studies. PIFU empowers patients, drives personalized care, increases efficiency, and has the potential to reduce waiting lists by allowing services to focus on new and acute cases. Effective PIFU implementation includes careful selection of patients, educating patients and healthcare staff, well defined operational guidelines, and robust remote monitoring. Digital solutions can enhance PIFU through patient education, active remote monitoring and streamlined escalation. Electronic Patient Reported Outcome Measures (ePROMs) provide a suitable and safe metric to monitor patients remotely. Given the potential benefits, outpatient departments should consider investing in PIFU as a solution to current healthcare delivery challenges and as a means for future proofing clinical systems against increasing service demands.
Searching for sleep in all the right places: My career in sleep research
Authors: Shiromani Priyattam J
Published: August 2024

My research has always focused on sleep, whether monitoring neural activity (microwires, c-Fos, calcium imaging), triggering it with optogenetics or pharmacologically (anandamide, cholinergic agonists), or measuring levels of endogenous sleep agents such as adenosine. A recurring theme of my research is to use new tools to find the sweet spot in the brain where the signal to sleep begins. My goal is to identify the circuit, determine whether it degrades with age or disease, and repair the circuit when it fails. I am deeply grateful to my mentors for introducing me to the science of sleep, to my students and colleagues for helping me in my quest, and to the NIH and VA Research for supporting the research. Because of the collective efforts of sleep researchers, the public is more aware of the importance of sleep to a healthy lifestyle.
First Report of Uromyces trifolii-repentis on Trifolium repens from Iceland
Authors: Torres-Cruz Terry J. , Aime M. Catherine
Published: August 2024

Trifolium repens, commonly known as white clover, is an herbaceous perennial plant within Fabaceae that is a pasture legume in temperate regions. In September 2023, a rust was observed on T. repens in Iceland. Morphological characteristics and sequencing analysis identified the rust species as Uromyces trifolii-repentis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of U. trifolii-repentis in Iceland.
Ultra-low doses of methamphetamine suppress 5-hydroxytryptophan-induced head-twitch response in mice during aging
Authors: Sun Yina , Chebolu Seetha , Darmani Nissar A.
Published: August 2024

The head-twitch response (HTR) in mice is considered a behavioral assay for activation of 5-HT2A receptors in rodents. It can be evoked by direct-acting 5-HT2A receptor agonists such as (±)-2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine precursors [e.g. 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)], and selective 5-hydroxytryptamine releasers (e.g. d-fenfluramine). The nonselective monoamine releaser methamphetamine by itself does not produce the HTR but can suppress both (±)-2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine- and d-fenfluramine-evoked HTRs across ages via concomitant activation of the inhibitory serotonergic 5-HT1A or adrenergic α2 receptors. Currently, we investigated: (1) the ontogenic development of 5-HTP-induced HTR in 20-, 30-, and 60-day-old mice; (2) whether pretreatment with ultra-low doses of methamphetamine (0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) can suppress the frequency of 5-HTP-induced HTR at different ages; and (3) whether the inhibitory serotonergic 5-HT1A or adrenergic α2 receptors may account for the potential inhibitory effect of methamphetamine on 5-HTP-induced HTR. In the presence of a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor (carbidopa), 5-HTP produced maximal frequency of HTRs in 20-day-old mice which rapidly subsided during aging. Methamphetamine dose-dependently suppressed 5-HTP-evoked HTR in 20- and 30-day-old mice. The selective 5-HT1A-receptor antagonist WAY 100635 reversed the inhibitory effect of methamphetamine on 5-HTP-induced HTR in 30-day-old mice, whereas the selective adrenergic α2-receptor antagonist RS 79948 failed to reverse methamphetamine’s inhibition at any tested age. These findings suggest an ontogenic rationale for methamphetamine’s inhibitory 5-HT1A receptor component of action in its suppressive effect on 5-HTP-induced HTR during development which is not maximally active at a very early age.
Health Improvement by Design Through Partnership and Empathy
Authors: Chan Kee , Sewell Richard
Published: August 2024

The application of technology in precision medicine (i.e., using data to tailor care for specific groups) and machine learning (modeling data to develop new ways to meet particular needs) plays a vital role in population health. And yet, technology alone cannot resolve the challenges presented by the underlying social determinants of health (SDOH) and the structure of healthcare institutions. Progress requires a partnership of stakeholders to build holistic solutions. Typically, a rigid institutional reliance on a sequential process of hypothesis, study, experimentation, and evaluation drives the development of health programs and policies. While this process works in many cases, the results are not always long-lasting. The roots of many health problems persist in their communities, despite expanded funding and advanced resources. In light of this reality, should healthcare leaders do more of what has been done in the past, or should they explore another way—a new way of thinking—to design collaborative, people-driven programs and policies that can improve and sustain the health of their communities? The response presented here and detailed in our book, Public Health and Health Systems Management: A Population Health Perspective (scheduled for publication in 2025 by Health Administration Press), considers healthcare’s complex structure and SDOH and promotes the value of design thinking to address those factors.
Effect of Cannabis Usage on Thyroid Eye Disease
Authors: Zong Amanda M. , Barmettler Anne
Published: August 2024

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between cannabis usage and thyroid eye disease (TED) in patients with autoimmune hyperthyroidism. While the association between cigarette smoking and TED is well established, the effect of cannabis on TED is unclear.

Methods:

This cohort study examined data from TriNetX, an electronic health record platform, for patients with autoimmune hyperthyroidism between December 1, 2003, and December 1, 2023. Primary outcomes were TED presentation (exophthalmos, eyelid retraction, eyelid edema, orbital edema, strabismus, and optic neuropathy) and treatment (teprotumumab, methylprednisolone, tarsorrhaphy, and orbital decompression) in cannabis users, nicotine users, and control patients. Propensity matching was performed to control for characteristics such as age, sex, race, prior thyroidectomy, and/or radio ablation. Relative risk between cohorts was calculated for each outcome in 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year intervals following diagnosis of autoimmune hyperthyroidism.

Results:

Of 36,186 patients with autoimmune hyperthyroidism, 783 were cannabis users, 17,310 were nicotine users, and 18,093 were control patients without cannabis or nicotine usage. Compared with control patients, cannabis users were more likely to be younger, male, and Black/African American and have anxiety or depression. After propensity matching, cannabis users were 1.9 times more likely to develop exophthalmos (p= 0.03) and 1.6 times more likely to develop any TED presentation (p= 0.049) in the 1-year interval although these differences did not remain statistically significant in the 2-year interval.

Conclusions:

Cannabis users had a significantly increased risk for TED outcomes in the 1-year interval. Further research is needed to inform TED management.
Improving Lung Cancer Screening at an Academic Medical Center
Authors: Cantu Cynthia , Jones Rebecca , Garcia Dolores , Reyes Arlene , Cancino Ramon S.
Published: August 2024

Introduction:

Lung cancer ranks as the third most prevalent cancer in the United States. The use of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening significantly reduces mortality from this disease. Unfortunately, Texas lags in completing lung cancer screening (LCS) for high-risk patients, ranking 48th among all states. It is crucial to implement quality improvement (QI) initiatives in Texas. In collaboration with the American Cancer Society, the primary care center (PCC) at our institution led a multidisciplinary QI project aimed at enhancing LCS through LDCT for eligible PCC patients.

Methods:

The study included patients eligible for screening and who fall into the following categories: established patients with Medicaid, low-income or uninsured established patients, and established patients with either Medicare or commercial insurance. Enhancements to electronic medical records, education for clinical staff and patients, and a coordinated, multidisciplinary effort were implemented.

Results:

The study revealed a substantial 40.2% improvement in LCS rates.

Conclusion:

The US Preventive Services Task Force guidelines rely on an accurate history of patient's tobacco use to identify patients eligible for LCS. This QI project achieved success in improving the thoroughness of tobacco use history documentation and surpassed our target for increasing LCS by more than 10%.
Progression of Chest X-ray Findings of Silicosis Among Fluorspar Miners and Prognostic Factors
Authors: Khishigtogtokh Davaajav , Bayasgalan Nasanjargal , Lkhachinbal Munkhtsetseg , Dashtseren Ichinnorov , Nishikawa Yoshitaka , Toyama Mayumi , Takahashi Yoshimitsu , Nakayama Takeo
Published: August 2024

Objective

This study aimed to delineate the natural progression of silicosis in fluorspar miners after the termination of dust exposure and identify its prognostic factors.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study, conducted from 2000 to 2019, included 67 former miners. Radiological images were evaluated by comparing the initial and most recent radiographs using the International Classification of Radiographs of Pneumoconiosis. Cox multivariate proportional hazard models were used to estimate the hazard ratios using follow-up time to analyze the multivariable study of associated prognostic factors.

Results

Among the participants, 50 (75%) exhibited progression over 2 to 16 years (median, 5.8 years). The Cox analysis highlighted older age as a likely precursor to the progression of significant opacities. Additionally, higher International Labour Organization category grades at onset were associated with disease progression.

Conclusions

Nearly three-quarters of the miners diagnosed with silicosis demonstrated radiological progression even after the termination of dust exposure. Advancement in age and the degree of initial radiological opacity were associated with progression.
A Retrospective Chart Review of Factors That Influence Outpatient Physical Therapy Care for Individuals With Chronic Constipation Utilizing an Intersectionality Lens
Authors: Wood Andrea , Rodriguez Joselyn , Manderson Lottoya Janiel , Yusufova Rena , Ahn Soyeon , Cahalin Lawrence P.
Published: August 2024

Purpose:

This study sought to investigate intersectional factors regarding race, gender, health status, barriers to care, and socioeconomic factors surrounding adult individuals referred to outpatient physical therapy care with chronic constipation in the Miami, Florida metro area.

Methods:

The study was a retrospective chart review of 200 individuals referred to outpatient physical therapy at the University of Miami Health System over five years. The four primary questions that sought to explain physical therapy wait times, distance driven for care, duration of constipation on initial evaluation, and subjective well-being on the last physical therapy appointment were analyzed through binary logistic regression.

Results:

Our results demonstrate that subjective well-being at the end of outpatient physical therapy care for chronic constipation was negatively affected by identifying as African American/Black versus Caucasian (77.3%, odds ratio = 0.227 95% confidence interval, 0.061-0.847) and high durations of constipation ≥5 years (86.4%, odds ratio = 0.136; 95% confidence interval, = 0.026-0.723). Additionally, subjective well-being at the end of physical therapy care for CC was positively affected by an increasing number of sessions (9%, OR = 1.09; 95% CI, 1.002-1.194).

Conclusion:

Our findings indicated race and duration of constipation may impact clinical outcomes for individuals seeking outpatient physical therapy care for chronic constipation. Descriptive statistics also demonstrate the need to reach individuals with chronic constipation sooner and call for a more equitable and diverse representation of individuals in chronic constipation research and clinical care.
Increasing HIV prevalence rate among men who have sex with men: results of a comparison of two national surveys
Authors: Leal Marto , Kerr Ligia , Mota Rosa M.S. , Motta-Castro Ana R.C. , Lima Luana N.C. , Oliveira Lisangela C. , Merchan-Hamann Edgar , Bermudez Ximena Pamela Díaz , Pontes Alexandre K. , Moreira Regina C. , Guimarães Mark , Brito Ana Maria , Dourado Inês , Veras Maria Amelia , Leal Andréa F. , Knauth Daniela , Macena Raimunda H.M. , Brigido Luís , Magno Laio , Kendall Carl
Published: August 2024

Our objective was to compare HIV prevalence between two national surveys among men who have sex with men in Brazil in 2009 and 2016. HIV prevalence was estimated stratifying by age and socioeconomic status. HIV prevalence increased from 11.9% [95% confidence interval (CI): 9.9–14.3], in 2009, to 19.1% (95% CI: 16.5 – 22.0), in 2016 [odds ratio (OR) = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.3–2.3] increasing 320% among Young MSM of low SES. Political leadership is needed to develop a scientifically sound and inclusive solution.
Splicing of Helix Framework in Modified Nagata Method Stage I for Auricle Reconstruction in Patients With Insufficient 8th Rib Cartilage
Authors: Qian Jin , Lu Peng , He Bei , Liu Tun
Published: August 2024

Background

The 8th rib cartilage was sometimes insufficient to construct a complete external helix in ear reconstruction for microtia. The aim of this study was to investigate the splicing technique of 8th rib cartilage in modified Nagata method stage I.

Methods

Between September 2022 and May 2023, 231 consecutive patients with microtia underwent auricular reconstruction with modified Nagata method stage I. Thirty-four patients with insufficient 8th rib cartilage were screened out by three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography preoperatively, who were included in the study prospectively. The 8th rib was spliced to create the external helix when fabricating the ear framework in the stage I surgery for the 34 patients. The median duration of follow-up was 12.1 months (8–15 months).

Results

There were no perioperative complications in our study. During follow-up, all patients had satisfying outcomes, with no inward collapse, displacement, or absorption of the spliced external helix. The splicing point was not obvious.

Conclusions

It was safe and effective to splice the 8th rib cartilage for external helix of the cartilage framework in ear reconstruction for microtia.
Different Uses of Conscious Sedation for Managing Dental Anxiety During Third-Molar Extraction: Clinical Evidence and State of the Art
Authors: Rosa Alessio , Ronsivalle Vincenzo , Fiorillo Luca , Arcuri Claudio
Published: August 2024

Dental anxiety, linked to avoiding dental treatment and heightened medical and surgical risks, prompted this systematic review. The objective is to synthesize existing evidence on conscious sedation techniques employed for managing dental anxiety in patients scheduled for third molar extraction surgery, aiming to identify optimal approaches and address knowledge gaps. This systematic review followed the “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses” checklist and the population, investigation, comparation, outcome framework. The protocol still needs to be registered. A thorough search was conducted, incorporating MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, clinicaltrials.gov, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews until February 2024. Only randomized controlled trials were considered, following “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses” guidelines. The risk of bias was evaluated following the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Eighteen randomized controlled trials involving 2081 patients were included. Certain factors limited the feasibility of a meaningful meta-analysis, leading to a narrative synthesis. Conscious sedation with virtual reality showed an association with improved dental anxiety in 4 studies. One study reported reduced cortisol levels with midazolam compared with a placebo, whereas another noted significant variations in perioperative renin levels with remifentanil versus placebo. This review reveals inconclusive and conflicting findings regarding the role of conscious sedation in managing dental anxiety during third molar extraction surgery. Persistent uncertainties arise due to a need for consistent, standardized outcome measures. Addressing these limitations in study design is crucial for future research.
Mapping the Research on Periocular Basal Cell Carcinoma in the Past 20 Years: A Bibliometric Network Analysis
Authors: Wang Minghui , Li Gongfei , Zhang Ju
Published: August 2024

Purpose:

This study aims to analyze the literature on periocular basal cell carcinoma, identify research trends, and offer insights into future research areas in this field to assist clinicians and researchers.

Methods:

903 publications on periocular basal cell carcinoma were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection database. We assessed the contributions from various countries, institutions, journals, and authors, and performed network analysis using Excel, VOSviewer, and R Studio to represent the prominent areas of research visually.

Results:

The country with the highest number of publications and citations in this study was the United States of America, with 250 publications, 5917 citations, and the highest H-index of 44. Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is the leading journal. The UTMD Anderson Cancer Center had the highest number of publications, accounting for 43, or 4.76% of the total. Selva D from the University of Adelaide, Australia, is the top author with 26 publications, and 751 citations. Targeted therapy for PBCC-related pathways has been a hot topic in recent years.

Conclusions:

This study using bibliometrics seeks to explore the patterns and focal points of research and analyzes publication patterns, key research areas, influential authors, and prominent journals in periocular basal cell carcinoma during the last 2 decades.
Expression and Function of Connexin 43 and Connexin 37 in the Murine Zona Glomerulosa
Authors: Stölting Gabriel , Hellmig Nicole , Dinh Hoang An , Volkert Marina , Scholl Ute I.
Published: August 2024

The zona glomerulosa (ZG) synthesizes the mineralocorticoid aldosterone. The primary role of aldosterone is the maintenance of volume and electrolyte homeostasis. Aldosterone synthesis is primarily regulated via tightly controlled oscillations in intracellular calcium levels in response to stimulation. It has previously been shown that calcium oscillations are synchronized through mechanical linkage between adjacent ZG cells. In many other cell types, similar synchronization is rather dependent on gap junctions (GJ). The recent discovery of mutations inCADM1was linked to impaired GJ function in the ZG. Based on published transcriptomics data, we re-examined the presence and functional impact of GJ in the ZG. We found evidence for the expression of connexin 43 and 37 in the ZG in microarray data, in-situ hybridization and immunohistology. Calcium oscillations in ZG rosettes showed some degree of synchronization as reported previously. Unspecific GJ inhibition only had a small impact on this synchronicity. However, no signs of connections between cytosols could be observed as indicated by the lack of fluorescence recovery after photobleaching. We conclude that, while connexin proteins are expressed in the ZG, functional GJ in the physiological ZG are rare and of little consequence for calcium signaling.
Single-cell integration and multi-modal profiling reveals phenotypes and spatial organization of neutrophils in colorectal cancer
Authors: Marteau Valentin , Nemati Niloofar , Handler Kristina , Raju Deeksha , Kirchmair Alexander , Rieder Dietmar , Soto Erika Kvalem , Fotakis Georgios , Carollo Sandro , Boeck Nina , Rossi Alessia , Scheiber Alexandra , Amann Arno , Seeber Andreas , Gasser Elisabeth , Ormanns Steffen , Günther Michael , Martowicz Agnieszka , Loncova Zuzana , Lamberti Giorgia , Krogsdam Anne , Carlet Michela , Horvath Lena , Eling Marie Theres , Fazilaty Hassan , Valenta Tomas , Sturm Gregor , Sopper Sieghart , Pircher Andreas , Stoitzner Patrizia , Wild Peter J. , Welker Patrick , May Pascal J. , Ziegler Paul , Tschurtschenthaler Markus , Neureiter Daniel , Huemer Florian , Greil Richard , Weiss Lukas , Ijsselsteijn Marieke , de Miranda Noel F.C.C. , Wolf Dominik , Arnold Isabelle C. , Salcher Stefan , Trajanoski Zlatko
Published: August 2024

The immune composition of the tumor microenvironment (TME) has a major impact on the therapeutic response and clinical outcome in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, we comprehensively characterize the TME at the single-cell level by first building a large-scale atlas that integrates 4.27 million single cells from 1,670 patient samples. We then complemented the atlas with single-cell profiles from four CRC cohorts with 266 patients, including cells with low mRNA content, spatial transcriptional profiles from 3.7 million cells, and protein profiles from 0.7 million cells. The analysis of the atlas allows refined tumor classification into four immune phenotypes: immune desert, B cell enriched, T cell enriched, and myeloid cell enriched subtypes. Within the myeloid compartment we uncover distinct subpopulations of neutrophils that acquire new functional properties in blood and in the TME, including anti-tumorigenic capabilities. Further, spatial multimodal single-cell profiling reveals that neutrophils are organized in clusters within distinct functional niches. Finally, using an orthotopic mouse model we show that cancer-derived systemic signals modify neutrophil production in the bone marrow, providing evidence for tumor-induced granulopoiesis. Our study provides a big data resource for the CRC and suggests novel therapeutic strategies targeting neutrophils.
Black Women and the Preemie Prep for Parents (P3) Program: Exploratory Analysis of a Clinical Trial
Authors: McDonnell Siobhan M , Flynn Kathryn E , Barnekow Kris , Kim U. Olivia , Brazauskas Ruta , Ahamed S. Iqbal , McIntosh Jennifer J , Pitt Michael B , Leuthner Steven R , Kruper Abbey , Basir Mir A
Published: August 2024

Background

The smartphone Preemie Prep for Parents (P3) program was developed to address the gap in prenatal education of preterm birth in high-risk pregnancies. Despite a higher incidence of preterm birth, Black women are less likely to receive prenatal education.

Methods

Pregnant women with medical conditions that predisposed them to preterm birth were randomized to receive the P3 program or links to American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists webpages (control). The P3 group received periodic text messages, starting as early as 18 weeks gestational age, each with a link to a short, animated educational video. Participants completed the Parent Prematurity Knowledge Questionnaire, PROMIS Anxiety scale, and a feedback survey. This is a subgroup analysis of the Black, non-Hispanic participants in the P3 trial.

Results

Of the 26 Black non-Hispanic women enrolled, the P3 group (n=14) had higher knowledge scores than the control group (n=12), 67.5% correct vs. 43.6% (difference 24.0; 95% CI, 7.4 to 40.6), without experiencing an increase in anxiety. More P3 participants reported discussing preterm birth with their partner (100%) than control participants (57%; difference 43; 95% CI, 6 to 80).

Conclusions

The P3 program appears to be an effective method of providing preterm birth education to Black pregnant women.
Reopening the
Z
portal with semi-annihilations
Authors: Domínguez María J. , Rodríguez Oscar , Zapata Óscar
Published: August 2024

In one-component dark matter (DM) scenarios is commonly assumed that a scalar weakly interacting massive particle must either be part of an SU(2)L multiplet with zero hypercharge or have suppressed vector interactions with the Z-gauge boson to circumvent stringent direct detection (DD) bounds. In this work, we demonstrate that multicomponent scenarios with a dark scalar doublet exhibiting vectorlike interactions with the Z boson are also compatible with bounds arising from DD searches. Specifically, we consider a simple extension of the Standard Model wherein the dark sector comprises a doublet and a complex singlet ϕ, both charged under a Z6 symmetry. We find that semi-annihilation processes drastically reduce the relic abundance of the neutral component of the doublet, H0, sufficiently attenuating the effects of its large Z-mediated elastic scattering cross-section with nucleons to satisfy the DD constraints. Although the contribution of H0 to the total relic abundance is nearly negligible, with ϕ dominating, both dark matter components are expected to be detectable in ongoing and future DD experiments. The viability of the model is tested against several theoretical and experimental constraints, resulting in a parameter space featuring a nondegenerate mass spectrum at the electroweak scale.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Deformation of superintegrability in the Miwa-deformed Gaussian matrix model
Authors: Mironov A. , Morozov A. , Popolitov A. , Shakirov Sh.
Published: August 2024

We consider an arbitrary deformation of the Gaussian matrix model parametrized by Miwa variables za. One can look at it as a mixture of the Gaussian and logarithmic (Selberg) potentials, which are both superintegrable. The mixture is not, still one can find an explicit expression for an arbitrary Schur average as a linear transform of a polynomial made from the values of skew Schur functions at the Gaussian locus pk=δk,2. This linear operation includes multiplication with an exponential eza2/2 and a kind of Borel transform of the resulting product, which we call multiple and enhanced. The existence of such remarkable formulas appears intimately related to the theory of auxiliary K-polynomials, which appeared in superintegrable correlators at the Gaussian point (strict superintegrability). We also consider in great detail the generating function of correlators ⟨(TrX)k⟩ in this model, and discuss its integrable determinant representation. At last, we describe deformation of all results to the Gaussian β-ensemble.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Surface-mutagenesis strategies to enable structural biology crystallization platforms
Authors: Schaefer Martina , Pütter Vera , Hilpmann André , Egner Ursula , Holton Simon James , Hillig Roman Christian
Published: August 2024

A key prerequisite for the successful application of protein crystallography in drug discovery is to establish a robust crystallization system for a new drug-target protein fast enough to deliver crystal structures when the first inhibitors have been identified in the hit-finding campaign or, at the latest, in the subsequent hit-to-lead process. The first crucial step towards generating well folded proteins with a high likelihood of crystallizing is the identification of suitable truncation variants of the target protein. In some cases an optimal length variant alone is not sufficient to support crystallization and additional surface mutations need to be introduced to obtain suitable crystals. In this contribution, four case studies are presented in which rationally designed surface modifications were key to establishing crystallization conditions for the target proteins (the protein kinases Aurora-C, IRAK4 and BUB1, and the KRAS–SOS1 complex). The design process which led to well diffracting crystals is described and the crystal packing is analysed to understand retrospectively how the specific surface mutations promoted successful crystallization. The presented design approaches are routinely used in our team to support the establishment of robust crystallization systems which enable structure-guided inhibitor optimization for hit-to-lead and lead-optimization projects in pharmaceutical research.
The interaction of effective drivers in future religious tourism development in Yazd province as a global religious destination
Authors: Mirhoseini Atefeh , Nayebzadeh Shahnaz , Rousta Alireza
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The geographical location of Yazd province has significant potential for religious tourism. To make the most of this opportunity, it is important to develop an interpretive structural modeling. This paper aims to outline a model for the development of religious tourism in Yazd province as a Global Religious Destination by identifying and analyzing the interaction of effective drivers in future religious tourism development.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology is based on the interpretative paradigm and is developmental in nature. It takes an exploratory-analytical approach through the adoption of an inductive method and uses mixed research (qualitative/quantitative) involving religious tourism experts and tourists. The study consists of three main steps. In the first step, effective drivers in future religious tourism development were identified through content analysis of published articles. In the second step, the identified drivers were finalized through a survey of experts. Using futures research and Micmac software, a model was designed to investigate the interaction of the future drivers of religious tourism development. In the third step of the research, 384 tourists who visited Yazd Global Religious Destination participated to check the accuracy of the presented model.

Findings

Content analysis and review of scientific documents have identified 14 effective drivers in future religious tourism development that have finalized in a layered model. The model identified factors from the most influential at level one to the least influential at level eight. the theoretical foundations of this research confirmed by 384 visitors participated.

Originality/value

developing religious tourism, whether in the form of a religious city, a religious value system, a religious ceremony and a religious business, requires a comprehensive view that includes tourist’s mental and visual imagery, destination brand’s ideals and visions, religious belief, governmental and formal activities and the material and spiritual capital that can offer religious life style in the world markets to audiences from all over the world in the best way and in the dynamic conditions of competition between destination brands, occupy the first rungs of the audience’s mental ladder.
Untangling the determinants of carbon management strategy adoption in an emerging economy
Authors: Bedi Ankita , Singh Balwinder
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The current longitudinal study explores the determinants of carbon management strategy in an emerging economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on BSE 500 Indian firms for 7 years i.e. from 2016–17 to 2022–23. The appropriate panel regression models have been used to untangle the determinants of carbon management strategy.

Findings

The empirical findings of the study document that gender diversity, environment committee, Environment Management System (EMS) and climate change risks and opportunities play a significant and positive role in the adoption of carbon management strategy. Contrary, board size exerts a significant and negative influence on carbon management strategy adoption.

Practical implications

The study enriches the emerging climate change and carbon management strategy literature.

Social implications

The study provides treasured acumens to regulators, policymakers and managers as the study highlights the role of various determinants in carbon management strategy adoption.

Originality/value

The current research provides novel insights into carbon management strategy literature by unraveling the determinants of carbon management strategy adoption. Further, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the present study is the first to explore the determinants of carbon management strategy adoption in a developing country context.