bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient-reported outcome for physical function in idiopathic inflammatory myopathy
Authors: Keret Shiri , Lomanto Silva Raisa , Chandra Tanya , Sharma Akanksha , Moghadam-Kia Siamak , Oddis Chester V , Aggarwal Rohit
Published: February 2024

Objectives

There is an unmet need to develop patient-reported outcomes measures for idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM). We aimed to investigate the feasibility, compliance and psychometric properties of the National Institutes of Health’s Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) physical function-20 (PF-20) in a large US IIM population.

Methods

‘Myositis Patient Centered Tele-Research’ (My PACER) is a multicentre prospective observational study of IIM patients, competitively recruited through traditional in-person clinic visits [centre-based cohort (CBC)], and remotely using smartphone- and web-based technology [tele-research cohort (TRC)]. The CBC was further randomly divided (1:1 ratio) into a traditional local subcohort and a remote subcohort. Data collected included patient-reported outcomes and other patient self-assessments monthly for 6 months. Clinician-reported outcomes were obtained at baseline and 6 months.

Results

A total of 120 IIM patients were enrolled (82 TRC/38 CBC, mean ± s.d. age 55 ± 13.4 years, 75% females, 81% Caucasians), with similar demographics and mean PROMIS PF-20 score between cohorts. The PROMIS PF-20 score was not associated with age, sex or race. The compliance and completion rates were similar between TRC and CBC as well as subcohorts. PROMIS PF-20 showed strong test–retest reliability at 1 month. PROMIS PF-20 was significantly associated with all core set measures except extra-muscular global and creatine kinase, as well as with most symptoms, and function and physical activity measures. PROMIS PF-20 illustrated concordant change with myositis response criteria and patient assessment, with a large effect size.

Conclusions

PROMIS PF-20 demonstrates favourable psychometric properties including reliability, validity and responsiveness in a large cohort of myositis patients, with similar adherence in local or remotely enrolled patients.
Comparison of the performance of two thermoluminescent dosimetry systems for the personal dose-equivalent Hp(10) measurement
Authors: Lu Fengfan , Li Wei , Jin Jing , Li Kui , Zhou Jinghua
Published: February 2024

The performance of two thermoluminescent dosimetry systems (RGD-3D and RE2000) manufactured in China and Finland was compared. Both of these dosimetry systems demonstrated satisfactory results as their performance met the requirements of the standard. The two dosimetry systems showed similar performance in the energy response. The RGD-3D dosimetry system performed better in nonlinear response, minimum detectable level and blind sample tests, whereas the RE2000 dosimetry system showed better stability.
How self-disclosure of negative experiences shapes prosociality?
Authors: Cheng Xiaojun , Wang Shuqi , Guo Bing , Wang Qiao , Hu Yinying , Pan Yafeng
Published: February 2024

People frequently share their negative experiences and feelings with others. Little is known, however, about the social outcomes of sharing negative experiences and the underlying neural mechanisms. We addressed this dearth of knowledge by leveraging functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) hyperscanning: while dyad participants took turns to share their own (self-disclosure group) or a stranger’s (non-disclosure group) negative and neutral experiences, their respective brain activity was recorded simultaneously by fNIRS. We observed that sharing negative (relative to neutral) experiences enhanced greater mutual prosociality, emotional empathy and interpersonal neural synchronization (INS) at the left superior frontal cortex in the self-disclosure group compared to the non-disclosure group. Importantly, mediation analyses further revealed that in the self-disclosure (but not non-disclosure) group, the increased emotional empathy and INS elicited by sharing negative experiences relative to sharing neutral experiences promoted the enhanced prosociality through increasing interpersonal liking. These results indicate that self-disclosure of negative experiences can promote prosocial behaviors via social dynamics (defined as social affective and cognitive factors, including empathy and liking) and shared neural responses. Our findings suggest that when people express negative sentiments, they incline to follow up with positive actions.
Sexual effects of commonly used recreational psychostimulants in women and the female rat model
Authors: Mott Maggie N , Goeders Nicholas E
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Recreational psychostimulants have been associated with increased sexual activity or changes in sexual function in women, but every drug in this class has not shown consistent sexual effects in scientific studies. Further, some studies in female animal models may recapitulate the effects observed in humans, while others produce conflicting results. Overall, though, published studies on the sexual effects of recreational stimulants in women are lacking.

Objectives

The objective of this manuscript was to review the published sexual effects of prominent recreational psychostimulants in women and in the female rat model.

Methods

Literature searches for “any years” were performed through PubMed and Google Scholar. Keywords for the searches included “amphetamine,” “methamphetamine,” “MDMA,” “ecstasy,” “3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine,” “cocaine,” “caffeine,” “sex,” “sexual,” “female,” and “women.” Studies in humans and using animal models were included.

Results

Older studies have shown that amphetamine produces a positive sexual effect in women, but often the sample size was too small to draw generalizable conclusions. Methamphetamine also has a positive effect on several sexual domains in women, as well as on vaginal lubrication. 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine may have a negative or positive effect on sexual activity, but often enhances the sensual aspects of sex. Though low doses of cocaine may heighten the sexual experience, most women who use cocaine experience negative sexual effects. Caffeine has been shown to enhance a physiological measure of arousal, vaginal blood flow, but based on our searches, no studies have investigated the subjective sexual effects of the drug.

Conclusion

Different recreational psychostimulants produce varying effects on sexual behavior and responses in women and female animal models, but more research is needed to understand these effects better.
Hemodynamic effects of noradrenaline in neonatal septic shock: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Kallimath Aditya , Garegrat Reema , Patnaik Suprabha , Singh Yogen , Soni Naharmal B , Suryawanshi Pradeep
Published: February 2024

Background

The incidence of neonatal septic shock in low-income countries is 26.8% with a mortality rate of 35.4%. The evidence of the hemodynamic effects of noradrenaline in neonates remains sparse. This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of noradrenaline in neonates with septic shock.

Methods

This was a single-center prospective cohort study in a tertiary care hospital’s level III neonatal intensive care unit. Neonates with septic shock and those who received noradrenaline as a first-line vasoactive agent were included. Clinical and hemodynamic parameters were recorded before and after one hour of noradrenaline infusion. The primary outcomes were: response at the end of one hour after starting noradrenaline infusion and mortality rate.

Results

A total of 21 babies were analyzed. The cohort comprised 17 preterm neonates. The mean age of presentation with septic shock was 74.3 h. Resolution of shock at one hour after starting noradrenaline was achieved in 76.2% of cases. The median duration of hospital stay was 14 days. The mean blood pressure improved after the initiation of noradrenaline from 30.6 mm of Hg [standard deviation (SD) 6.1] to 37.8 mm of Hg (SD 8.22, p < 0.001). Fractional shortening improved after noradrenaline initiation from 29% (SD 13.5) to 45.1% (SD 21.1, p < 0.001). The mortality rate was 28.6% in our study.

Conclusion

Noradrenaline is a potential drug for use in neonatal septic shock, with improvement in mean blood pressure and fractional shortening; however, further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm our findings before it can be recommended as first-line therapy in neonatal septic shock.
Prevalence of delayed initiation of rabies postexposure prophylaxis and factors influencing it among animal bite victims from Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Khan Imran Ahmed , Bashar M D Abu , Mohsin Sufiya , Shrivastava D K
Published: February 2024

Background

In a rabies-endemic country like India, every animal bite is potentially taken as rabid exposure and timely and appropriate postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) is crucial as rabies is an almost 100% fatal disease.

Methods

A retrospective record-based study was conducted at an anti-rabies clinic (ARC) in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India. Data of the animal bite victims attending the ARC for PEP from January to December 2022 were extracted from the records. A semistructured questionnaire was used for collecting information regarding the interval between exposure and the initiation of anti-rabies PEP, age, gender, residence, the bite site on the body, category of exposure and other risk factors associated with the delay in PEP.

Results

Most of the victims were male (67.6%), from an urban background (61.3%) and aged up to 20 y (43.9%). Out of the 222 victims, 62 (27.9%) had delayed initiation of PEP (>48 h after exposure). Factors found to be significantly associated with delayed initiation of PEP were residence (p=0.01), age (p=0.04) and the type of biting animal (p=0.002).

Conclusions

Delayed initiation of PEP is common among animal bite victims in this region of India, although PEP is affordable. Educational programmes and awareness-raising campaigns for timely administration of PEP should be a priority, especially targeting rural residents, those aged<18 y and those bitten by animals other than dogs.
The pro‐resolving mediator, annexin A1 regulates blood pressure, and age‐associated changes in cardiovascular function and remodeling
Authors: Singh Jaideep , Jackson Kristy L. , Tang Feng Shii , Fu Ting , Nowell Cameron , Salimova Ekaterina , Kiriazis Helen , Ritchie Rebecca H. , Head Geoffrey A. , Woodman Owen L. , Qin Cheng Xue
Published: February 2024

Aging is associated with chronic, low‐level inflammation which may contribute to cardiovascular pathologies such as hypertension and atherosclerosis. This chronic inflammation may be opposed by endogenous mechanisms to limit inflammation, for example, by the actions of annexin A1 (ANXA1), an endogenous glucocorticoid‐regulated protein that has anti‐inflammatory and pro‐resolving activity. We hypothesized the pro‐resolving mediator ANXA1 protects against age‐induced changes in blood pressure (BP), cardiovascular structure and function, and cardiac senescence. BP was measured monthly in conscious mature (4‐month) and middle‐aged (12‐month) ANXA1‐deficient (ANXA1−/−) and wild‐type C57BL/6 mice. Body composition was measured using EchoMRI, and both cardiac and vascular function using ultrasound imaging. Cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis and senescence, vascular fibrosis, elastin, and calcification were assessed histologically. Gene expression relevant to structural remodeling, inflammation, and cardiomyocyte senescence were also quantified. In C57BL/6 mice, progression from 4 to 12 months of age did not affect the majority of cardiovascular parameters measured, with the exception of mild cardiac hypertrophy, vascular calcium, and collagen deposition. Interestingly, ANXA1−/− mice exhibited higher BP, regardless of age. Additionally, age progression had a marked impact in ANXA1−/− mice, with markedly augmented vascular remodeling, impaired vascular distensibility, and body composition. Consistent with vascular dysfunction, cardiac dysfunction, and hypertrophy were also evident, together with markers of senescence and inflammation. These findings suggest that endogenous ANXA1 plays a critical role in regulating BP, cardiovascular function, and remodeling and delays cardiac senescence. Our findings support the development of novel ANXA1‐based therapies to prevent age‐related cardiovascular pathologies.
Heterogeneity of mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons: From molecular classifications, electrophysiological properties to functional connectivity
Authors: Lu Xiaying , Xue Jinhua , Lai Yudong , Tang Xiaolu
Published: February 2024

The mesencephalic dopamine (DA) system is composed of neuronal subtypes that are molecularly and functionally distinct, are responsible for specific behaviors, and are closely associated with numerous brain disorders. Existing research has made significant advances in identifying the heterogeneity of mesencephalic DA neurons, which is necessary for understanding their diverse physiological functions and disease susceptibility. Moreover, there is a conflict regarding the electrophysiological properties of the distinct subsets of midbrain DA neurons. This review aimed to elucidate recent developments in the heterogeneity of midbrain DA neurons, including subpopulation categorization, electrophysiological characteristics, and functional connectivity to provide new strategies for accurately identifying distinct subtypes of midbrain DA neurons and investigating the underlying mechanisms of these neurons in various diseases.
GSK3β: A ray of hope for the treatment of diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Liang Lu‐Lu , He Meng‐Fei , Zhou Pan‐Pan , Pan Shao‐Kang , Liu Dong‐Wei , Liu Zhang‐Suo
Published: February 2024

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), a major microvascular complication of diabetes, is characterized by its complex pathogenesis, high risk of chronic renal failure, and lack of effective diagnosis and treatment methods. GSK3β (glycogen synthase kinase 3β), a highly conserved threonine/serine kinase, was found to activate glycogen synthase. As a key molecule of the glucose metabolism pathway, GSK3β participates in a variety of cellular activities and plays a pivotal role in multiple diseases. However, these effects are not only mediated by affecting glucose metabolism. This review elaborates on the role of GSK3β in DKD and its damage mechanism in different intrinsic renal cells. GSK3β is also a biomarker indicating the progression of DKD. Finally, the protective effects of GSK3β inhibitors on DKD are also discussed.
Medium-long-term follow-up of slipped capital femoral epiphysis treated with in situ fixation and patient-acceptable symptom state evaluation
Authors: Priano Daniele , De Pascali Nicolò , Caccavella Valerio , Puglia Francesco , Trezza Paolo , Memeo Antonio
Published: February 2024

This study evaluates the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) in patients with slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) treated with in situ fixation, focusing on medium to long-term outcomes and quality of life. Its primary goal is to establish a subjective well-being cutoff, using subjective methods and the iHOT33 scale, for assessing patients in future studies. Additionally, it explores functionality differences between mild and moderate-severe SCFE, case series epidemiology and potential complications. A retrospective analysis of 63 patients (73 hips), treated for SCFE between 2000 and 2017 at our facility using in situ fixation, was conducted. These patients underwent clinical, anamnestic, and radiological assessments, with PASS determined based on iHOT33 questionnaire results and statistical analysis. The mean age at surgery was 12.95 years (±1.64, range 9–17), with an average follow-up of 11 years (±4.60, range 5–20). At follow-up, 87% of patients reported achieving PASS, with higher iHOT33 scores correlating to PASS. A cutoff of >68 on the iHOT33 scale showed strong predictive ability for assessing PASS (area under the curve 0.857, 88.89% sensitivity, 79.69% specificity). The findings indicate that 87% of patients achieved PASS at medium to long-term follow-up, with better clinical function than those who did not report PASS. The iHOT33 scale’s effectiveness in predicting PASS, especially with a cutoff of >68, suggests this method’s efficacy. Given these positive outcomes, including in moderate-severe cases treated with in situ fixation, this approach is considered a viable therapeutic option.
What Do We Really Know About the Natural History of Spastic Hip Dysplasia and Pain in Total-involvement Cerebral Palsy? A Systematic Review
Authors: Karkenny Alexa J. , Mackey Catherine , Sharkey Melinda S.
Published: February 2024

Background:

Hip surveillance protocols and surgery for spastic hip dysplasia have become standard of care for children with cerebral palsy (CP) out of concern for long-term sequelae, including pain. It is unclear if available data support that spastic hip dysplasia/dislocation independently correlates with pain in total-involvement CP. A better understanding of this correlation may help guide decision-making for these medically complex patients.

Methods:

We undertook a systematic literature review to assess published data on the association of spastic hip dysplasia and pain in total-involvement CP using PubMed (which includes the MedLine databases) and EMBASE databases. A total of 114 English-language articles were identified. Fifteen articles met the inclusion criteria and were evaluated using the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews.

Results:

Of 15 articles that specifically assessed the association of spastic hip dysplasia and pain, 5 articles provided strong evidence per our criteria regarding the correlation of pain and spastic hip dysplasia. All 5 articles described the severity of CP in their studied population, radiographically defined hip displacement, included a control group, and described how pain was assessed. Nevertheless, there was no standard classification of dysplasia between studies and the ages of patients and methods of pain determination varied. Four of the articles provided level III evidence and one provided level II evidence. Of these 5 articles with the strongest available evidence, data from 2 did not support a correlation between hip dysplasia and hip pain, 2 supported a correlation, and 1 was equivocal.

Conclusions:

Even the best available evidence on spastic hip dysplasia and pain reveals no consensus or conclusion on whether spastic hip dysplasia and dislocation in total-involvement CP is independently correlated with pain.

Level of Evidence:

Level III—Prognostic study.
Impact of Metabolic Syndrome on Early Postoperative Outcomes After Cervical Disk Replacement
Authors: Zhao Eric , Shinn Daniel J. , Basilious Mark , Subramanian Tejas , Shahi Pratyush , Amen Troy B. , Maayan Omri , Dalal Sidhant , Araghi Kasra , Song Junho , Sheha Evan D. , Dowdell James E. , Iyer Sravisht , Qureshi Sheeraz A.
Published: February 2024

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective:

To compare the demographics, perioperative variables, and complication rates following cervical disk replacement (CDR) among patients with and without metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Summary of Background Data:

The prevalence of MetS—involving concurrent obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia—has increased in the United States over the last 2 decades. Little is known about the impact of MetS on early postoperative outcomes and complications following CDR.

Methods:

The 2005–2020 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program was queried for patients who underwent primary 1- or 2-level CDR. Patients with and without MetS were divided into 2 cohorts. MetS was defined, according to other National Surgical Quality Improvement Program studies, as concurrent diabetes mellitus, hypertension requiring medication, and body mass index ≥30 kg/m2. Rates of 30-day readmission, reoperation, complications, length of hospital stay, and discharge disposition were compared using χ2 and Fisher exact tests. One to 2 propensity-matching was performed, matching for demographics, comorbidities, and number of operative levels.

Results:

A total of 5395 patients were included for unmatched analysis. Two hundred thirty-six had MetS, and 5159 did not. The MetS cohort had greater rates of 30-day readmission (2.5% vs. 0.9%; P=0.023), morbidity (2.5% vs. 0.9%; P=0.032), nonhome discharges (3% vs. 0.6%; P=0.002), and longer hospital stays (1.35±4.04 vs. 1±1.48 days; P=0.029). After propensity-matching, 699 patients were included. All differences reported above lost significance (P>0.05) except for 30-day morbidity (superficial wound infections), which remained higher for the MetS cohort (2.5% vs. 0.4%, P=0.02).

Conclusions:

We identified MetS as an independent predictor of 30-day morbidity in the form of superficial wound infections following single-level CDR. Although MetS patients experienced greater rates of 30-day readmission, nonhome discharge, and longer lengths of stay, MetS did not independently predict these outcomes after controlling for baseline differences in patient characteristics.

Level of Evidence:

Level III.
Prone Jack-Knife Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery: A Safe and Effective Approach for Anterior Low Rectal Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
Authors: Muniandy Jothinathan , Huang Cheng-Wei , Ke Tao-Wei , Chen William Tzu-Liang
Published: February 2024

Subepithelial rectal lesions, including gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST), leiomyomas, neuroendocrine tumours, lipomas, and schwannomas, are rare surgical conditions. 1 Surgical management in this region often entails radical surgical excisions with stoma creation. Radical surgical excisions with stoma creation are often required for surgical management in this region. In this video, we demonstrate a transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) approach to anterior low rectal GIST.

Patient underwent neoadjuvant Imatinib Mesylate after multidisciplinary team discussion, and were evaluated preoperatively with colonoscopy, pelvis MRI, and endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue biopsy. 2,3 The procedure was performed with the patient in the prone jack-knife position and using the GelPOINT® Path transanal access, providing an excellent surgical platform. 4 The access channel was chosen based on the lesion’s location from the anal verge, and ports were placed in a triangular fashion onto the GelSeal Cap, including an apex 10 mm sleeve for the telescope connected to the insufflation stabilization bag, two lower 10 mm working ports, and an additional port if traction was necessary. The RapidVac TM smoke evacuator was used for smooth surgery without fluctuating the surgical field and to achieve optimal vision. Dissection was initiated over the lower margin of the mass into the subepithelial plane and then performed along and around the mass in the desired plane.

This approach and positioning in prone jack-knife, allowed dissection under direct vision with excellent surgical ergonomics and avoided radical resection. Our video demonstrates the feasibility and safety of TAMIS for the management of anterior low rectal subepithelial lesion, providing an alternative to more radical surgical approaches. See Video Vignette.
Introducing a free-breathing MRI method to assess peri-operative myocardial oxygenation and function
Authors: Guensch Dominik P. , Utz Christoph D. , Jung Bernd , Dozio Scilla , Huettenmoser Stefan P. , Friess Jan O. , Terbeck Sandra , Erdoes Gabor , Huber Adrian T. , Eberle Balthasar , Fischer Kady
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Induction of general anaesthesia has many potential triggers for peri-operative myocardial ischaemia including the acute disturbance of blood gases that frequently follows alterations in breathing and ventilation patterns. Free-breathing oxygenation-sensitive cardiovascular magnetic resonance (OS-CMR) imaging may provide the opportunity to continuously quantify the impact of such triggers on myocardial oxygenation.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the impact of breathing patterns that simulate induction of general anaesthesia on myocardial oxygenation in awake healthy adults using continuous OS-CMR imaging.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

SETTING

Single-centre university hospital. Recruitment from August 2020 to January 2022.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty-two healthy volunteers younger than 45 years old were recruited. Data were analysed from n = 29 (69% male individuals).

INTERVENTION

Participants performed a simulated induction breathing manoeuvre consisting of 2.5 min paced breathing with a respiration rate of 14 breaths per minute, followed by 5 deep breaths, then apnoea for up to 60s inside a magnetic resonance imaging scanner (MRI). Cardiac images were acquired with the traditional OS-CMR sequence (OSbh-cine), which requires apnoea for acquisition and with two free-breathing OS-CMR sequences: a high-resolution single-shot sequence (OSfb-ss) and a real-time cine sequence (OSfb-rtcine).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Myocardial oxygenation response at the end of the paced breathing period and at the 30 s timepoint during the subsequent apnoea, reflecting the time of successful intubation in a clinical setting.

RESULTS

The paced breathing followed by five deep breaths significantly reduced myocardial oxygenation, which was observed with all three techniques (OSbh-cine −6.0 ± 2.6%, OSfb-ss −12.0 ± 5.9%, OSfb-rtcine −5.4 ± 7.0%, all P < 0.05). The subsequent vasodilating stimulus of apnoea then significantly increased myocardial oxygenation (OSbh-cine 6.8 ± 3.1%, OSfb-ss 8.4 ± 5.6%, OSfb-rtcine 15.7 ± 10.0%, all P < 0.01). The free-breathing sequences were reproducible and were not inferior to the original sequence for any stage.

CONCLUSION

Breathing manoeuvres simulating induction of general anaesthesia cause dynamic alterations of myocardial oxygenation in young volunteers, which can be quantified continuously with free-breathing OS-CMR. Introducing these new imaging techniques into peri-operative studies may throw new light into the mechanisms of peri-operative perturbations of myocardial tissue oxygenation and ischaemia.

VISUAL ABSTRACT

http://links.lww.com/EJA/A922
Analytical Validation of a Volumetric Absorptive Microsampling Method for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of the Oral Targeted Anticancer Agents, Abiraterone, Alectinib, Cabozantinib, Imatinib, Olaparib, and Sunitinib, and Metabolites
Authors: Meertens Marinda , de Vries Niels , Rosing Hilde , Steeghs Neeltje , Beijnen Jos H. , Huitema Alwin D. R.
Published: February 2024

Background:

Volumetric Absorptive Microsampling (VAMS) is a useful tool for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of oral targeted anticancer agents. VAMS aims to improve safety and efficacy by enabling at-home blood sample collection by patients. This study aimed to develop and validate an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for the quantitative determination of abiraterone, alectinib, cabozantinib, imatinib, olaparib, sunitinib, and the metabolites, Δ(4)-abiraterone (D4A), alectinib-M4, imatinib-M1, and N-desethyl sunitinib, in dried whole blood samples using VAMS to support TDM.

Methods:

After the collection of 10 μL of whole blood sample using the VAMS device, the analytes were extracted from the tip using methanol with shaking, evaporated, and reconstituted in acetonitrile:0.1 mol/L ammonium hydroxide in water (1:1, vol/vol). The extracts were then analyzed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Validation experiments based on the ICH M10 guideline were carried out, and stability was evaluated under shipping and storage conditions. VAMS specimens were collected in the outpatient clinic to demonstrate the applicability of the assay.

Results:

The validated range of the method was considered accurate and precise for all analytes. Accordingly, the validation experiments met the relevant requirements, except for cross-analyte interference. Based on the stability data, shipment can be performed at room temperature within 14 days after sample collection and the VAMS specimen can be stored up to 9 months at −20 and −70°C. Samples from 59 patients were collected at the hospital.

Conclusions:

The developed method could be used to successfully quantify the concentrations of abiraterone, D4A, alectinib, alectinib-M4, cabozantinib, imatinib, imatinib-M1, olaparib, sunitinib, and N-desethyl sunitinib within the validated range using VAMS. Therefore, the method can be used to estimate the dried whole blood-to-plasma ratios for TDM in the clinic.
Giant Interpectoral Lipoma Causing Venous Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: A Rare Case Presentation
Authors: Ho Chun Yee , Su Chun-Lin , Chen Chih-Hao
Published: February 2024

Lipomas are the most prevalent type of benign soft tissue tumors, primarily composed of adipocytes, and typically remain asymptomatic unless they reach a significant size. Although giant lipomas are infrequent, their occurrence on the chest wall, particularly in the interpectoral region, is exceedingly rare. We present a unique case of a 48-year-old man with a massive interpectoral lipoma measuring 19.4 × 12.9 × 9.4 cm, which resulted in venous thoracic outlet syndrome by compressing the subclavian vein. This case highlights the clinical challenges in diagnosing deep-seated chest wall lipomas and underscores the necessity of considering thoracic outlet syndrome as a potential complication, even in the absence of direct neural or arterial compression. The presentation of thoracic outlet syndrome can vary, and a comprehensive evaluation is imperative for accurate diagnosis and management.
Productivity outcomes from chronic pain management interventions in the working age population; a systematic review
Authors: Chowdhury Anonnya Rizwana , Graham Petra L. , Schofield Deborah , Costa Daniel S.J. , Nicholas Michael
Published: February 2024

Productivity loss because of chronic pain in the working age population is a widespread concern internationally. Interventions for chronic pain in working age adults might be expected to achieve enhanced productivity in terms of reduced costs of workers' compensation insurance, reduced disability support, and improved rates of return to work for injured workers. This would require the use of measures of productivity in the evaluation of chronic pain management interventions. The aim of this review was to identify and interpret the productivity outcomes of randomised controlled trials reported by studies that conducted economic evaluations (eg, cost-effectiveness and cost-utility) of chronic pain management interventions in the working age population published from database inception to March 2023. Econlit, Embase, and Pubmed electronic databases were searched, yielding 12 studies that met the selection criteria. All 12 studies used absenteeism to measure productivity, translating return to work measures into indirect costs. Only one study included return to work as a primary outcome. Ten studies found no statistically significant improvements in productivity-related costs. Despite evidence for reduced pain-related disability after pain management interventions, this review suggests that the use of measures for assessing productivity gains is lacking. Including such measures would greatly assist administrators and payers when considering the broader societal benefits of such interventions.
Tuberculous pleuritis: clinical presentations and diagnostic challenges
Authors: Chan Ken Ka Pang , Lee Yun Chor Gary
Published: February 2024

Purpose of review

Tuberculous pleuritis (TBP) is one of the most common types of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. We highlight the latest epidemiology of TBP, the heterogeneity of its presentation and the performance of different diagnostic strategies.

Recent findings

There are differential trends in the incidences of TBP worldwide. Its incidence increased in China but decreased in the United States in the past decade. The presentation of TBP is heterogeneous regarding clinical symptoms, radiological findings and pleural fluid analysis results. Conventional microbiological tests have low sensitivities to diagnose TBP. Recent research focused on various diagnostic tools with better yield. The sensitivity of nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) in pleural fluid, including the latest generation of PCR and sequencing-based techniques for detecting tuberculosis, remains suboptimal. Various pleural fluid biomarkers have been explored, but there is a lack of consensus on their clinical utility and cutoff levels.

The heterogeneity of clinical presentation poses obstacles to diagnosing TBP. Further development of diagnostic tools, including more robust NAAT and biomarkers with additional validation, is needed before incorporation into routine clinical practice.
How to Article: Prehabilitation and postoperative treatment at Shouldice Hospital
Authors: Mainprize Marguerite , Paasch Christoph , Spencer Netto Fernando A.C.
Published: February 2024

Shouldice Hospital has grown beyond its beginnings in the 1940s to become a leading center of excellence for mesh-free hernia repair. Little is known to the international surgical community about the preoperative and postoperative care at Shouldice Hospital, and colleagues working at Shouldice Hospital have been repeatedly asked to provide more details at international and national congresses. Therefore, this article aims to summarize preoperative and postoperative care at Shouldice Hospital based on previously published literature. We believe that the long-standing tradition of prehabilitation and postoperative treatment may play a role in facilitating patient satisfaction and superior postoperative results after hernia surgery.
Postoperative atrial fibrillation following coronary artery bypass grafting surgery: role of IL-6 from structural to electrical remodeling
Authors: Deng Yufeng , Wu Ying
Published: February 2024

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common complication of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery, and contributes significantly to morbidity, mortality, and rising healthcare costs. Although the underlying mechanisms for POAF are not completely understood, surgery-related inflammation, often in the presence of pre-existing factors, renders the atria susceptible to the induction and persistence of POAF. Notably, interleukin-6 (IL-6), a primary cytokine of the inflammatory cascade, has been identified as one of the principal molecular components of POAF pathogenesis. Atrial fibrosis may also be a key mechanistic link by which inflammation contributes to POAF. Recently, it has been shown that atrial fibrosis, in combination with the presence of an electrophysiological substrate capable of maintaining atrial fibrillation (AF), also promotes arrhythmia, suggesting that POAF shares proarrhythmic mechanisms with other types of AF. In this review, the impact of inflammation and the particular role of IL-6, on the structural and electrical changes that promote to the development of POAF is summarized.
Surgical Outcome Reporting. Moving From a Comic to a Tragic Opera?
Authors: Abbassi Fariba , Pfister Matthias , Domenghino Anja , Puhan Milo A. , Clavien Pierre-Alain
Published: February 2024

Objectives:

To assess the current quality of surgical outcome reporting in the medical literature and to provide recommendations for improvement.

Background:

In 1996, The Lancet labeled surgery as a “comic opera” mostly referring to the poor quality of outcome reporting in the literature impeding improvement in surgical quality and patient care.

Methods:

We screened 3 first-tier and 2 second-tier surgical journals, as well as 3 leading medical journals for original articles reporting on results of surgical procedures published over a recent 18-month period. The quality of outcome reporting was assessed using a prespecified 12-item checklist.

Results:

Six hundred twenty-seven articles reporting surgical outcomes were analyzed, including 125 randomized controlled trials. Only 1 (0.2%) article met all 12 criteria of the checklist, whereas 356 articles (57%) fulfilled less than half of the criteria. The poorest reporting was on cumulative morbidity burden, which was missing in 94% of articles (n=591) as well as patient-reported outcomes missing in 83% of publications (n=518). Comparing journal groups for the individual criterion, we found moderate to very strong statistical evidence for better quality of reporting in high versus lower impact journals for 7 of 12 criteria and strong statistical evidence for better reporting of patient-reported outcomes in medical versus surgical journals (P<0·001).

Conclusions:

The quality of outcomes reporting in the medical literature remains poor, lacking improvement over the past 20 years on most key end points. The implementation of standardized outcome reporting is urgently needed to minimize biased interpretation of data thereby enabling improved patient care and the elaboration of meaningful guidelines.
Geoffrey Eglinton. 1 November 1927—11 March 2016
Authors: Brassell Simon C. , Eglinton FRS Timothy I.
Published: February 2024

Where have all life's molecules gone?

Recycled to carbon dioxide every one!

Ah! But look—a hardy few remain

As biomarkers imprisoned in the fossil domain (G. Eglinton & R. Pancost,
Immortal molecules
(
47
))

Geoffrey Eglinton trained as an organic chemist at the University of Manchester working on acetylene synthesis, and the Eglinton reaction signifies his discovery of an effective method for their oxidative coupling. At the University of Glasgow, he recognized the potential of analytical advances to open new frontiers for characterization of molecular constituents of complex mixtures and continued to adopt and adapt instrumental techniques throughout his career. Eglinton's exploration of plant leaf waxes, and their taxonomic profiles, prompted forays in organic geochemistry, seeking molecular evidence for ancient life. Thus, his focus shifted to studying ‘chemical fossils’ preserved in the rock record and pioneering identification and interpretation of their compositions. At the University of Bristol, he established the Organic Geochemistry Unit and steered its rise to international prominence as a leading centre for research, a legacy that continues today. He served in planning the Apollo sampling programme and led research that explicated the carbon chemistry of the Moon. Major advances in using molecules as witnesses of the origins and fate of sedimentary organic matter bear the hallmarks of his insightful contributions and commitment to interdisciplinary, collaborative ventures. They include deciphering how environmental controls and thermal transformations govern the composition of petroleum hydrocarbons, and validating the ability for molecules to afford invaluable evidence of past climates. Eglinton's research accomplishments were recognized by many prestigious awards, including a Royal Gold Medal of the Royal Society, the V. M. Goldschmidt Medal of the Geochemical Society, the Wollaston Medal of the Geological Society, and the Dan David Prize.
A synthetic microbial Daisyworld: planetary regulation in the test tube
Authors: Maull Victor , Pla Mauri Jordi , Conde Pueyo Nuria , Solé Ricard
Published: February 2024

The idea that the Earth system self-regulates in a habitable state was proposed in the 1970s by James Lovelock, who conjectured that life plays a self-regulatory role on a planetary-level scale. A formal approach to such hypothesis was presented afterwards under a toy model known as the Daisyworld. The model showed how such life-geosphere homeostasis was an emergent property of the system, where two species with different properties adjusted their populations to the changing external environment. So far, this ideal world exists only as a mathematical or computational construct, but it would be desirable to have a real, biological implementation of Lovelock’s picture beyond our one biosphere. Inspired by the exploration of synthetic ecosystems using genetic engineering and recent cell factory designs, here we propose a possible implementation for a microbial Daisyworld. This includes: (i) an explicit proposal for an engineered design of a two-strain consortia, using pH as the external, abiotic control parameter and (ii) several theoretical and computational case studies including two, three and multiple species assemblies. The special alternative implementations and their implications in other synthetic biology scenarios, including ecosystem engineering, are outlined.
Ethical dilemma arises from optimizing interventions for epidemics in heterogeneous populations
Authors: Kollepara Pratyush K. , Chisholm Rebecca H. , Kiss István Z. , Miller Joel C.
Published: February 2024

Interventions to mitigate the spread of infectious diseases, while succeeding in their goal, have economic and social costs associated with them. These limit the duration and intensity of the interventions. We study a class of interventions which reduce the reproduction number and find the optimal strength of the intervention which minimizes the final epidemic size for an immunity inducing infection. The intervention works by eliminating the overshoot part of an epidemic, and avoids a second wave of infections. We extend the framework by considering a heterogeneous population and find that the optimal intervention can pose an ethical dilemma for decision and policymakers. This ethical dilemma is shown to be analogous to the trolley problem. We apply this optimization strategy to real-world contact data and case fatality rates from three pandemics to underline the importance of this ethical dilemma in real-world scenarios.
Sublethal heat reduces overall reproductive investment and male allocation in a simultaneously hermaphroditic snail species
Authors: van Dijk Shanna M. , Zizzari Z. Valentina , Koene Joris M. , Nakadera Yumi
Published: February 2024

The exposure to sublethally high temperature reduces reproductive performance in diverse organisms. Although this effect has been particularly emphasized for males or male reproductive functioning, it remains largely unknown whether the effect of heat on fertility is sex-specific. Here we examined the impact of sublethally high temperature on male and female functions in a simultaneously hermaphroditic snail species,
Lymnaea stagnalis
. Examining hermaphrodites is useful to evaluate the sex-specific impacts of heat exposure, since they possess male and female functions within a single individual, sharing genetic and environmental factors. Moreover, previously developed sex allocation theory allows us to compare the differential performance of sex functions. In this study, we exposed snails to 20°C (control), 24°C and 28°C for 14 days and assessed their egg and sperm production, sperm transfer, mating behaviour and growth. Both types of gamete production were significantly reduced by higher temperature, leading to an overall reduction of reproductive investment. By quantifying sex allocation, we furthermore revealed that the heat-stressed snails reduced the relative investment in their male function. This study illustrates that examining simultaneous hermaphrodites can provide significant insights for the impact of heat, and the proximate mechanism, on reproduction in diverse organisms.
Phylogenetic, morphological and niche differentiation unveil new species limits for the big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus)
Authors: Mônico Pedro Ivo , Soto-Centeno J. Angel
Published: February 2024

Phylogeographic accounts of mammals across fragmented landscapes show high levels of genetic, morphological and ecological variation. The big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus) widely spans mainland landmasses from Canada to Ecuador and Colombia, and the insular Caribbean through The Bahamas and Greater and Lesser Antilles. Given the distribution ofE. fuscus, we hypothesized that insular lineages could represent a different species aided by isolation. We assessed species limits by capitalizing on available mitochondrial and genomic data. Novel morphological and spatial datasets were produced to examine limits phenotypically and whether ecological niches could be associated with differences between groups. Phylogenetics strongly supported the Caribbean as unique compared to the mainland. Genomic data indicated high levels of genetic structure within the Caribbean and no detectable admixture of the Caribbean with continental lineages. Similarly, the Caribbean group shows high phenotypic disparity, and niche models revealed differences in habitat suitability between groups, concordant with the phylogenetic results. This study uncovered signals of divergence supporting the Caribbean clade ofE. fuscusas unique through an integrative framework. We endorse re-evaluating the taxonomic status of Caribbean big brown bats asEptesicus dutertreus. This recognition can help promote local conservation plans for insular lineages of big brown bats.
Does the settling column method underestimate phytoplankton sinking speeds?
Authors: Du Clos Kevin T. , Gemmell Brad J.
Published: February 2024

Phytoplankton sinking is a major component of vertical ocean carbon and nutrient fluxes, and sinking is an integral component of phytoplankton biology and ecology. Much of our understanding of phytoplankton sinking derives from the settling column method (SETCOL) in which sinking speeds are calculated from the proportion of cells reaching the bottom of a water-filled column after a set time. Video-based methods are a recent alternative to SETCOL in which sinking speeds are measured by tracking the movement of individual cells in a salinity-stratified water column. In this study, we present the results of a meta-analysis showing that SETCOL produces significantly and consistently lower sinking speeds than the video method. Next, we perform a particle image velocimetry analysis, which shows that the observed discrepancy in sinking speeds between the two methods can probably be explained by weak convection currents in the SETCOLs. Finally, we discuss the implications of these results for the interpretation of past and future phytoplankton sinking speed measurements and models that rely on those measurements.
Critical transitions in spatial systems induced by Ornstein–Uhlenbeck noise: spatial mutual information as a precursor
Authors: Deb Smita , Dutta Partha Sharathi
Published: February 2024

Complex dynamical systems are subject to perturbations across space and time, which can induce a critical transition or tipping in the state of the system. External perturbations are often correlated in time and can interplay with the underlying nonlinearity of the spatial system, affecting the occurrence of critical transitions. Theoretical analysis of the spatial system perturbed by the Ornstein–Uhlenbeck (OU) correlated noise poses challenges beyond the white noise assumptions and is yet to be done. Here, we resort to the mean-field approximation of a spatially extended system perturbed with OU noise and obtain the stationary probability density function deriving the Fokker–Planck equation for the same. This allows us to determine the role of diffusion and noise on the resilience of the spatial system. While the theoretical analysis guides us on the landscape of tipping thresholds of the system, critical transitions customary to a variety of systems, require
a priori
prediction. Here, we propose a probabilistic information-based indicator—spatial mutual information—that can successfully forecast tippings, complementing the previously developed spatial indicators. Further, validating its reliability on empirical data, we show that spatial mutual information serves as a robust indicator capturing information characteristic to an imminent tipping reaching peaks in its vicinity.