bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differing conceptual maps of skills for implementing evidence-based interventions held by community-based organization practitioners and academics: A multidimensional scaling comparison
Authors: Ramanadhan Shoba , Cruz Jennifer L , Weese Maggie , Kirk Shinelle , Rivard Madison K , Eisenkraft Arthur , Peterson Karen , Kirk Judi , Whitaker Albert , Nwamuo Chinyere , Rosas Scott R
Published: November 2024

Community-based organizations (CBOs) are critical for delivering evidence-based interventions (EBIs) to address cancer inequities. However, a lack of consensus on the core skills needed for this work often hinders capacity-building strategies to support EBI implementation. The disconnect is partly due to differing views of EBIs and related skills held by those typically receiving versus developing capacity-building interventions (here, practitioners and academics, respectively). Our team of implementation scientists and practice-based advisors used group concept mapping to engage 34 CBO practitioners and 30 academics with experience addressing cervical cancer inequities implementing EBIs. We created group-specific maps of skills using multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis, then compared them using Procrustes comparison permutations. The 98 skills were sorted into six clusters by CBO practitioners and five by academics. The groups generated maps with statistically comparable underlying structures but also statistically significant divergence. Some skill clusters had high concordance across the two maps, e.g. “managing funding and external resources.” Other skill clusters, e.g. “adapting EBIs” from the CBO practitioner map and “selecting and adapting EBIs” from the academic map, did not overlap as much. Across groups, key clusters of skills included connecting with community members, understanding the selected EBI and community context, adapting EBIs, building diverse and equitable partnerships, using data and evaluation, and managing funding and external resources. There is a significant opportunity to combine CBO practitioners’ systems/community frames with the EBI-focused frame of academics to promote EBI utilization and address cancer and other health inequities.
CsCBF2 contributes to cold repression of chlorophyll and carotenoid biosynthesis in albino Camellia sinensis cv. Baiye 1
Authors: Cheng Xin , Sun Ying , Wang Yijia , Liu Xuyang , Cao Jingjie , Li Dandan , Yang Dan , Zhuo Chao , Wan Xiaochun , Liu Linlin
Published: November 2024

C-repeat binding factors (CsCBFs) play a pivotal role in regulating cold response in higher plants. Camellia sinensis cv. Baiye 1, a representative albino tea cultivar, has been identified as temperature-sensitive based on long-term observations by tea farmers. However, it remains unclear whether CsCBFs are involved in temperature-mediated albinism and seasonal greening in ‘Baiye 1’, and the mechanisms by which CBFs regulate cold responses in albino leaves are unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that CsCBF2 suppresses the seasonal greening of albino leaves by inhibiting chlorophyll and carotenoid biosynthesis under cold stress. In tea plantations, the accumulation of chlorophylls and carotenoids in the albino shoots of ‘Baiye 1’ is closely correlated with the effective accumulated temperature during its seasonal greening process. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis revealed negative associations between CsCBF expression and chlorophylls, carotenoids, as well as their biosynthetic genes REVEILLE 1 (CsRVE1) and Zeaxanthin epoxidase 1 (CsZEP1) under temperature fluctuations during seasonal greening. Cold-induced upregulation of CsCBF2 expression and decreased chlorophyll and carotenoids under controlled climate conditions. Transient suppression of CsCBF2 by antisense oligodeoxynucleotides elevated expressions of target genes and increased chlorophylls and carotenoids. CBF-binding cis-elements were identified in CsRVE1, Protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase A (CsPORA) and CsZEP1 promoters. Luciferase assays suggested CsCBF2 binding to the CRT/DRE cis-elements and repressing expression of CsRVE1, CsPORA and CsZEP1. These findings highlight CsCBF2 as a key transcriptional repressor involved in the seasonal greening of albino ‘Baiye 1’ under cold stress by modulating cold responses and inhibiting genes associated with chlorophyll and carotenoid biosynthesis.
Association between blood group antigens ABO, Rh, Kell, Kidd, Duffy and MNS and clinical forms of Chagas disease
Authors: Vizzoni Alexandre G , da Costa Andréa Rodrigues , Hasslocher-Moreno Alejandro M , Mediano Mauro Felippe F , Saraiva Roberto M
Published: November 2024

Background

The mechanisms that determine the progression to cardiac or digestive forms of chronic Chagas disease (CD) are still unclear. We assessed the association between blood group antigens ABO, Rh, Kell, Kidd, Duffy and MNS, and chronic CD clinical forms.

Methods

Patients were included consecutively between March 2013 and April 2016. Clinical and epidemiological data were obtained from electronic medical records and interviews. Classification of CD clinical forms followed the Brazilian Consensus on CD. The ID-Gel Card technology from Bio-Rad (Diamed/Bio-Rad Latin America, MG, Brazil) was used to analyze the blood group antigens.

Results

A total of 619 adult patients (56.9% women, mean age 60±12 y) were included. Patients’ clinical forms of CD were classified as follows: indeterminate 29.1%, cardiac 55.4%, digestive 5.5% and mixed 10.0%. Logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, comorbidities and time away from an endemic area revealed that the S+s- allele of the MNS blood type was associated with a lower odds of cardiac disease and that the B blood group type was associated with a higher odds of digestive disease. All other blood types did not have an association with CD clinical form.

Conclusions

Blood group systems ABO and MNS were associated with chronic CD clinical forms.
Randomized trial of BCG in healthcare workers to reduce absenteeism during the COVID-19 pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Silva I , Nhamússua L , Ca E , Schaltz-Buchholzer F , Nhama A , Cumbe M , Delgado A P , Lima Mendonça M L , Fontoura P , Sidat M , Ferrinho P , Araújo I I , Aide P , Benn C , Fronteira I , Nielsen S
Published: November 2024

Background

We tested whether providing BCG vaccine to healthcare workers (HCWs) could reduce non-planned absenteeism and thereby reduce the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare systems in Africa.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter, single-blinded, placebo-controlled randomized trial in Guinea-Bissau and Mozambique between December 2020 and June 2022. Participants were randomized 1:1 to BCG vaccine or placebo (saline) and followed by biweekly telephone calls for 6 mo. The incidence of unplanned absenteeism due to illness was analyzed using Bayesian negative binomial regression yielding relative RRs. Secondary outcomes included infectious disease episodes, COVID-19 infection and all-cause hospitalizations.

Results

We enrolled 668 HCWs (Guinea-Bissau, n=503; Mozambique, n=165). The RR for absenteeism of BCG vs placebo was 1.29 (0.81 to 1.94) with comparable effects by country. No protection against infectious disease episodes (HR=1.18 [0.97 to 1.45]) or COVID-19 infection (HR=1.19 [0.80 to 1.75]) was observed. Two trial deaths (1 BCG, 1 control) were registered and nine admissions (3 BCG, 6 control), the all-cause admission HR being 0.51 (0.13 to 2.03).

Conclusions

With 64% of the planned sample size and unplanned absenteeism rates lower than expected, BCG did not reduce self-reported absenteeism due to illness. Rather, BCG tended to increase the risk of self-reported absenteeism, infectious disease episodes and COVID-19 infections.

Short summary

This was a randomized control trial assessing non-specific effects of BCG vaccination in healthcare workers. There was no beneficial effect on self-reported absenteeism due to illness within 6 mo of follow-up during the COVID-19 pandemic, but a trend towards fewer all-cause hospital admissions.
High‐molecular‐weight oligomer tau (HMWoTau) species are dramatically increased in Braak‐stage dependent manner in the frontal lobe of human brains, demonstrated by a novel oligomer Tau ELISA with a mouse monoclonal antibody (APNmAb005)
Authors: Fukumoto Hiroaki , Kao Tzu‐Huei , Tai Chin‐Yin , Jang Ming‐Kuei , Miyamoto Masaomi
Published: November 2024

Disease‐specific oligomers Tau assay system is anticipated in Alzheimer disease (AD) to elucidate their etiological roles. We developed a highly sensitive and selective ELISA for high‐molecular‐weight oligomer tau (HMWoTau) with LLOQ of 0.3 pg/well for the first time, using a novel mouse monoclonal antibody APNmAb005. The target molecule was identified as HMWoTau with circa 2000 kD as a minimum size and the more oligomerized species (>5000 kD), in combination analysis with Size‐Exclusion‐Chromatography and Sucrose‐Density‐Gradient‐Centrifugation for both recombinant human (rh) Tau‐derived aggregates and AD brain‐lysates in PBS(−). HMWoTau was labeled by Thioflavin S and visualized as a homogeneous globular particle (about 30 nm in diameter) by two different technologies of atomic force microscopy and dSTORM‐Nanoimager. Specific quantitation was also confirmed by immune‐absorption, rhHMWoTau‐spiked, and cross‐reactivity studies. APNmAb005 failed to detect the HMWoTau signal by treatment with DTT/SDS under no influence on the pan‐tau antibody, indicating its conformation‐specific recognition. APNmAb005‐ELISA showed AD‐specific and statistically significant ELISA signals from 1 ng brain lysate protein/well. Analysis of the frontal neocortex (N = 40, Braak stage I–VI) by ELISA revealed the detection‐limit levels of HMWoTau species at stage I–III, and drastic and statistically significant increases at stage V/VI (AD). By contrast, total Tau and p181 Tau showed 1/4–1/5 levels of AD even at Stage I, while both tau species also showed a statistically significant increase in AD. In sum, our novel APNmAb005‐ELISA clarified the disease‐specific increase in HMWoTau species and will be useful for not only further etiological elucidation but also the potential diagnostics in AD and relevant tauopathy.
Effects of an Institute for Healthcare Improvement Course on Students’ Attitudes About Quality Improvement
Authors: Gaffney Mary Kathryn
Published: November 2024

Despite nurse faculty efforts to cultivate attitudes related to safety and quality, practicing nurses often do not report errors or risk, suggesting the competency is underdeveloped. During a longitudinal, prospective study of four baccalaureate cohorts, students completed the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s Basic Certificate in Quality and Safety Course (BCQSC). BCQSC modules were embedded across the five-semester program. Quality improvement attitudes were measured using the Quality Improvement Nursing Attitude Survey in Semesters 1 and 5. A significant, positive relationship was observed between the BCQSC and student attitudes. The BCQSC fosters development of positive attitudes and student competency in quality and safety.
Social Determinants of Health and College Persistence Risk in Accelerated Undergraduate Nursing Students
Authors: Waletzko Clarissa Silva , Lopez Tracy , Villanueva Lizette
Published: November 2024

Social determinants of health have been identified as factors influencing resilience, but little data exist regarding their influence on nursing students’ persistence to graduation. Nursing schools must address interventions to promote persistence. This nonexperimental quantitative study explored the impact of social determinants in prelicensure nursing. Nine social determinants were found to be significantly associated with six college persistence variables in nursing programs. Persistence findings showed that 31.6 percent of the participants did not graduate or did not graduate on time. Addressing risk factors related to social determinants of health may decrease the risk of attrition in nursing programs.
Unlocking Excellence: Improving Nursing Students’ Knowledge of Pressure Injury Prevention through an Escape Room Experience
Authors: Sengul Tuba , Kaya Nurten
Published: November 2024

OBJECTIVE

To determine if an escape room game approach, which has emerged as a novel and engaging education tool, is an effective method to improve nursing students’ knowledge of pressure injury (PI) prevention and attitudes toward the care of patients with a PI.

METHODS

This study evaluated 33 university nursing students using a quasi-experimental pretest/posttest design. Students completed five questionnaires before the escape room experience and again 1 month after.

RESULTS

After the intervention, the students’ mean scores on their self-reported PI knowledge level, Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Assessment Tool 2.0, Pressure Injuries Prevention Knowledge Questionnaire, and Attitude towards Pressure Ulcer Prevention Instrument all significantly increased (Ps < .001). Further, the mean score on the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was significantly lower postintervention (P < .001), indicating decreased anxiety.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that the escape room game approach is an effective method to improve nursing students’ knowledge of PI prevention and attitudes toward the care of patients with PIs. This method also improved students’ knowledge retention by promoting facilitated learning in solving complex cases.
A Case of Ramipril-Induced Angioedema and Solar Purpura
Authors: Oztas Kara Rabia , Sevimli Dikicier Bahar , Elcin Bilge
Published: November 2024

This case report describes a patient who developed solar purpura after treatment for angioedema associated with ramipril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. The patient presented to the ED with angioedema. She had been using ramipril for 2 years. Two days after she was admitted, a malar “butterfly” rash occurred on her face and purpura on her lower lip and chin, as well as the extensor part of her forearm. After testing and review of the patient history, she was diagnosed with solar purpura and began topical corticosteroid and antiscar cream treatment. The patient’s lesions healed with an atrophic scar in 3 weeks. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first such case to be reported in the literature.
In-Person and Video-Based Education: Do They Affect Pressure Injury Knowledge in Nursing?
Authors: İnangil Demet , Ertürk Nilüfer , Pakdil Elif Lale , Türkoğlu İlayda , Torun Özgül , Kabuk Ayşe
Published: November 2024

OBJECTIVE

To determine how training on the nursing care of pressure injuries (PIs) affects knowledge levels and satisfaction.

METHODS

This study was semiexperimental, conducted in the form of a pretest and posttest in one group of 105 nurses working in a training and research hospital. The training took place in person and via video. All nurses included in the study group first received in-person training in 15-person groups followed by weekly video training for 4 consecutive weeks. Before training, investigators assessed the nurses’ PI knowledge using the Nurses’ Knowledge Level Assessment for PI Care (NKLAPIC; pretest). After the in-person module (posttest 1) and video-based module (posttest 2), investigators provided the NKLAPIC again. The independent-sample test, one-way analysis of variance, repeated-test-measures analysis of variance, Bonferroni test, and pairwise comparisons were used in data analysis.

RESULTS

Mean NKLAPIC scores were 47.71 ± 13.5 (out of 100 points) at pretraining, 68.5 ± 12.32 after the in-person training, and peaked at 72.38 ± 4.74 after video-based training (P < .001). Video-based training appeared to lead to a larger increase in knowledge levels than in-person training alone (P < .001). Further, although the average satisfaction score given to the in-person training was 3.97 ± 0.93, the same score for the online training was 4.12 ± 0.95 (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Outcomes suggest that in-person training and video-based training regarding PI care improve the knowledge levels of nurses.
Keratoprosthesis of Brazil (KoBra): Preliminary Results of the First 2 Human Cases
Authors: Magalhães Otavio de Azevedo , Pereira Gomes José Alvaro , Pena de Oliveira Italo , de Castro Neto Jarbas Caiado , Schor Paulo
Published: November 2024

Purpose:

We evaluated the clinical performance of a novel keratoprosthesis (KPro) named KoBra (Keratoprosthesis of Brazil) in patients with corneal blindness.

Methods:

Two-piece KPro was three-dimensionally (3D) printed using titanium alloy powder (Ti-6Al-4V) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The KPros were implanted unilaterally in 2 patients who had corneal disease that was not amenable to standard corneal transplantation. An autologous full-thickness corneal graft was used as the KPro carrier. Patients were examined for at least 16 months to evaluate retention and postoperative complications. Biomicroscopy and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) were performed throughout the experiment to evaluate the relationship between the KPro and the carrier graft.

Results:

No intraoperative complications occurred during the surgeries, and the immediate postoperative period was uneventful. The implanted KoBra integrated well into all operated eyes, and clear optics without prothesis extrusion were maintained. The mean duration of the postoperative follow-up was 17 months (range 16–18 months). AS-OCT demonstrated the correct relationship of the device and carrier at the final follow-up in all cases.

Conclusions:

The first short-term clinical analysis demonstrated good outcomes associated with this new technology in 2 patients who were not amenable to standard corneal transplantation. Longer follow-up and additional implantations are necessary to better assess the safety and efﬁcacy of this device.
A Review of Cardiovascular Effects of Marijuana Use
Authors: Rezkalla Shereif H. , Kloner Robert A.
Published: November 2024

Objective:

Cannabinoids exert their effects on body tissues via cannabinoid 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid 2 (CB2) receptors. Receptors are present in brain, myocardium, vascular endothelium, platelets, and adipose tissues. Under normal physiologic conditions, endocannabinoid effects are minimal. The use of exogenous cannabis leads to endothelial dysfunction and increases vascular thrombosis via CB1 receptor stimulation. On the other hand, CB2 receptors may have a beneficial anti-inflammatory response.

Review Methods:

We reviewed reports of the effects of cannabis on the cardiovascular system utilizing PUBMED from the last 20 years with emphasis on the most recent reports.

Despite a plethora of reviews and some retrospective studies, there is a need for more definitive data regarding the effect of cannabis use on cardiovascular events (CVE). Marijuana does not appear to accelerate atherosclerosis. There is a suggestion that it may induce myocardial infarction in a small percentage of users, especially in male users, particularly during recent use. It has a possibility of increasing cerebrovascular events when combined with other risk factors such as tobacco use. There is an association between cannabis use and increased evidence of peripheral vascular disease. To have a definitive answer to the question of whether cannabis contributes to CVE, there is an urgent need for prospective controlled studies with patients presenting to academically oriented medical facilities with CVE following cannabis use for either medicinal or recreational use.
FACTORS AFFECTING ASPIRATION VOLUMES OF BACK-FLUSH NEEDLES AND INFUSION VOLUMES OF VITRECTOMY DEVICE
Authors: Mizuno Masaharu , Koto Takashi , Nakajima Kosuke , Ishida Tomoka , Inoue Makoto
Published: November 2024

Purpose:

The stability of the eye is important during vitrectomy, which makes it important to balance the infusion rates (IRs) and the aspiration rates (ARs). The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the IR from the vitrectomy device and the AR with back-flush needles.

Methods:

We compared the ARs of 25-gauge or 27-gauge back-flush needles manufactured by four companies. The AR of balanced salt solution (BSS), ethylene glycol mimicking subretinal fluid, and air was measured for each aspiration pressure. The IR of BSS and air was measured at different intraocular pressures.

Results:

The AR increased in proportion to the increase in the aspiration pressure, and it was positively correlated with the cross-sectional area of the soft tips and negatively with the total length of the soft tips. The IR of BSS and air increased in proportion to the increase in the intraocular pressures settings. The IR of BSS exceeded the AR of BSS and ethylene glycol for all parameters, but the IR of air could be less than the AR at some settings.

Conclusion:

The results suggest that the aspiration of air may cause a collapse of the eye under some settings.
Photoacoustic Microscopy Offers a New Perspective on Imaging of Vascular Anomalies: A Case Series of Venous Malformations
Authors: Tay Charmaine Jieying , Koh Mark Jean Aan , Toh Luke Han Wei , Wee Lynette Wei Yi , Su Bing , Tan Lucinda Siyun , Tey Hong Liang
Published: November 2024

Objectives:

Vascular malformations are mostly benign but can potentially be life-threatening or function-threatening when involving vital structures or when associated with overgrowth syndromes. Yet, for these lesions that are predominantly cutaneous, diagnostic techniques like ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging may be inadequate in the characterization of these superficial lesions; leaving the alternative of invasive tissue biopsies.

Methods:

We explore an emerging imaging modality via the photoacoustic microscope, which relies on the optical properties of tissues—allowing the detection of hemoglobin, water, lipids, and other light-absorbing chromophores, resulting in greater contrast and spatial resolution than conventional ultrasonography. We detail a case series of 8 pediatric patients with venous malformations who presented at the Vascular Anomalies Clinic in KK Women’s & Children’s Hospital. The photoacoustic microscope device was applied to lesional and control skin in each patient, with measurements taken twice for each site.

Results:

Despite the small sample size, there was discernible visual and quantitative difference in vessel caliber and length between lesional and control skin—the majority of venous malformations had vessels with larger diameters and lengths than control vessels. Of sampled vessels, the diameter of vessels was larger in the lesional sample in 85.7% with a mean difference of +10.4 μm (P = .02); whereas 83.3% of studied vessels had longer vessel lengths in the lesional sample with a mean difference of +81.3 μm (P = .20).

Conclusion:

This descriptive case series serves as a pilot exploratory study to investigate vascular parameters (ie, vessel length and diameter) of venous malformations with an alternative noninvasive imaging tool like photoacoustic imaging, which provides higher resolution visualization and characterization of vessel architecture in superficial vascular anomalies. Subsequent studies building on this preliminary study data may be performed to compare venous malformations to other vascular anomalies. Future applications include the development of diagnostic algorithms for various vascular lesions to aid in rapid bedside diagnosis, visualization of the effects of treatment in real-time, and defining prognostic markers to determine response to treatment.
Management of a Colorenal Fistula After Percutaneous Cryoablation for Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Stokes Laura , Arnzen Grady , Richie Charlotte , Li Zhao , Narverson Joel , Delto Joan C. , Punja Viren
Published: November 2024

Renal cell carcinoma is a prevalent form of malignant kidney tumors, making up 90% of diagnosed cases. It can be effectively treated through a range of options, including active surveillance, surgery, and cryoablation. However, the specific procedural approach used depends on multiple factors such as the individual characteristics of the tumor (size, location, multifocality, and bilateral disease) as well as the underlying health and comorbidities of the patient (solitary kidney; familial renal cell carcinoma; chronic kidney disease; proteinuria; previous abdominal surgeries; and comorbidities that have the potential to affect renal function, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and kidney stones). When cryoablation is used as a treatment modality, it carries the risk of potential complications such as hemorrhage, urinary system injury, and colon injury from damage to collateral tissues as a result of the proximity between the kidney and colon. However, bowel injuries after cryoablation are uncommon (1% complication rate), with colorenal fistula formation being even more rare. There are a limited number of case reports available to guide management of a secondary colorenal fistula, with conservative measures involving percutaneous drainage and antibiotics being the most common, although there is some variability in management approaches. The purpose of this case was to describe a management approach of a secondary colorenal fistula in this specific setting and, based on the existing literature, propose a treatment guideline.
Progress towards effective vaccines for Chlamydia trachomatis
Authors: Collar Amanda L. , Frietze Kathryn M.
Published: November 2024

Purpose of review

Effective vaccines to prevent sexually transmitted Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) infection have eluded researchers for decades. However, recent studies of a promising vaccine in human trials, and emerging understanding of the complexity of the natural immune response to infection have provided hope for the eventual approval of a vaccine. This review highlights recent progress toward developing effective vaccines for Ct.

Recent findings

In 2019, the first-in-human Ct vaccine, CTH522, Phase I/IIB trial was reported. Recent studies of this vaccine and its derivatives have further established CTH522 as the lead vaccine against sexually transmitted Ct. A variety of vaccines have entered the preclinical development pipeline, with researchers reporting efforts to target non-MOMP antigens, include novel adjuvants in vaccine formulations, and use alternative routes of administration to increase efficacy.

While the approval of a vaccine for Ct is closer than ever, the need for careful consideration of future implementation is especially important for the successful clinical translation of Ct vaccines into humans.
Body Contouring With Electromagnetic Treatment Plus Radiofrequency
Authors: Swanson Eric
Published: November 2024

Background

Electromagnetic treatments have recently been combined with radiofrequency to reduce the fat layer and simultaneously increase muscle thickness. Studies report treatment efficacy, using photographs and imaging methods.

Methods

A literature review was conducted. Measurement data were tabulated. The EmSculpt Neo device (BTL Industries, Boston, MA) was used in all studies.

Results

Seven studies evaluated the fat thickness and muscle thickness using either ultrasound (1 study) or magnetic resonance imaging methods (6 studies). The abdomen was treated in 2 studies. The other studies treated the lateral thighs, flanks, buttocks, inner thighs, and upper arms. The mean reduction in fat thickness was 8.0 mm, and the mean increase in muscle thickness was 5.5 mm. All 7 studies were authored by BTL medical advisors. Measured changes were likely within the margin of error and of questionable clinical relevance. Few adverse events were reported.

Discussion

Photographs were frequently not standardized, showing changes in treated areas, but unexplained changes in nontreated areas as well. The magnetic resonance imaging scans were affected by differing levels of the axial slice. Measured changes were incremental and likely not indicative of a true treatment effect. The scientific basis for efficacy is tenuous, both for fat reduction and muscle hypertrophy.

Conclusions

A scientific evaluation of the results fails to produce reliable evidence of a clinically meaningful result for this combination energy-based treatment. Financial conflict is a major factor. Liposuction remains the gold standard.
Tapered Submerged Implants in an Augmented Posterior Maxilla After Oroantral Fistula Closure
Authors: Aung Yoon Thu , Eo Mi Young , Mustakim Kezia Rachellea , Kim Soung Min
Published: November 2024

Dental implantation in the posterior maxilla is challenging due to anatomic proximity to the sinuses, relative bone quality, and pre-existing sinus diseases. An oroantral fistula (OAF) acts as a pathologic pathway of bacteria and can cause sinus infections and complicate dental implant management. Bony augmentation between the sinus floor mucosa and the oral mucosa at the OAF closure site is another critical consideration. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the sequential patient management protocol from surgical closure of OAF and bone grafting to implant installation. The authors also aimed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of dental implants in the augmented posterior maxilla. A retrospective study was designed for patients receiving the tapered bone-level dental implants in the posterior maxilla after OAF closure performed by a single surgeon at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Seoul National University Dental Hospital, by applying specific inclusion criteria. Implant survival was determined by the presence of a functioning implant in the oral cavity at the time of assessment. In total, 13 implants were installed in 4 OAF patients with different etiologies. The method of OAF closure differed according to OAF cause and size. Three patients underwent concomitant modified endoscopic sinus surgery. Two patients underwent autogenous bone grafting from the ramus and symphysis, and 2 patients received sequential allogeneic onlay bone grafting. Implant survival was not affected by the type of graft material. The implant survival rate was 100%. An implant diameter of 4 mm (92.3%) and an implant length of 7 mm (69.23%) were most common. Careful separate sinus membrane and oral mucosa closure with sequential bone grafting between ensures stable and predictable outcomes for subsequent implantations. The tapered submerged implants, particularly the 7-mm length, can be reliably installed in the augmented posterior maxilla after OAF closure.
Metabolic complementation between cells drives the evolution of tissues and organs
Authors: Pavlicev Mihaela , DiFrisco J. , Love Alan C. , Wagner Günter P.
Published: November 2024

Although evolutionary transitions of individuality have been extensively theorized, little attention has been paid to the origin of levels of organization within organisms. How and why do specialized cells become organized into specialized tissues or organs? What spurs a transition in organizational level in cases where the function is already present in constituent cell types? We propose a hypothesis for this kind of evolutionary transition based on two features of cellular metabolism: metabolic constraints on functional performance and the capacity for metabolic complementation between parenchymal and supporting cells. These features suggest a scenario whereby pre-existing specialized cell types are integrated into tissues when changes to the internal or external environment favour offloading metabolic burdens from a primary specialized cell type onto supporting cells. We illustrate this process of ‘supra-functionalization’ using the nervous system and pancreas.
Uropygial secretion changes mouth colouration in starling nestlings
Authors: García-Núñez Antonio José , Soler Juan José , Martínez-Renau Ester , Tomás Gustavo
Published: November 2024

Cosmetic colourations of animals have been mainly studied in scenarios of sexual selection, while there has been no assessment of the partial contribution of cosmetics to the final colouration of begging-related traits. In birds, the uropygial gland is functional soon after hatching, and we experimentally investigated the effects of uropygial secretion on mouth-flange colouration in spotless starling (
Sturnus unicolor
) nestlings. Nestlings' flange colouration was measured with a spectrophotometer before and after being either cleaned of, or painted with, its own uropygial secretion. After cleaning, flanges were brighter, more UV and less yellow-red coloured (chroma). Instead, painting the mouth flanges of nestlings with their own uropygial secretion did not modify any of the considered colour components. Our findings therefore show that the uropygial secretion of nestlings alters their beak colouration and open the possibility for future research to investigate the role of uropygial secretion in reinforcing the signalling role of begging-related traits involved in parent–offspring communication.
The 1978 English boarding school influenza outbreak: where the classic SEIR model fails
Authors: Avilov Konstantin K. , Li Qiong , Lin Lixin , Demirhan Haydar , Stone Lewi , He Daihai
Published: November 2024

Previous work has failed to fit classic SEIR epidemic models satisfactorily to the prevalence data of the famous English boarding school 1978 influenza A/H1N1 outbreak during the children’s pandemic. It is still an open question whether a biologically plausible model can fit the prevalence time series and the attack rate correctly. To construct the final model, we first used an intentionally very flexible and overfitted discrete-time epidemiologic model to learn the epidemiological features from the data. The final model was a susceptible (
S
) – exposed (
E
) – infectious (
I
) – confined-to-bed (
B
) – convalescent (
C
) – recovered (
R
) model with time delay (constant residence time) in
E
and
I
compartments and multi-stage (Erlang-distributed residence time) in
B
and
C
compartments. We simultaneously fitted the reported
B
and
C
prevalence curves as well as the attack rate (proportion of children infected during the outbreak). The non-exponential residence times were crucial for good fits. The estimates of the generation time and the basic reproductive number (

R

0

) were biologically reasonable. A simplified discrete-time model was built and fitted using the Bayesian procedure. Our work not only provided an answer to the open question, but also demonstrated an approach to constructive model generation.
Reply to ‘Experimental measurement of assembly indices are required to determine the threshold for life’
Authors: Hazen Robert M. , Burns Peter C. , Cleaves II H. James , Downs Robert T. , Krivovichev Sergey V. , Wong Michael L.
Published: November 2024

We clarify misunderstandings of Walker et al. (Walker
et al.
2024
J. R. Soc. Interface
21, 20240367 (doi:10.1098/rsif.2024.0367)) related to studies of the assembly pathways of molecular subunits in minerals. The finding that these subunits have calculated assembly pathways less than approximately 25 informs a central premise of Assembly Theory—that only life can produce numerous copies of molecules with assembly indices above a threshold value. What that threshold value might be, and whether the same value applies to chemical systems as different as organic and inorganic molecules, are questions deserving of additional study.
Ultrastructural features of psychological stress resilience in the brain: a microglial perspective
Authors: González Ibáñez Fernando , VanderZwaag Jared , Deslauriers Jessica , Tremblay Marie-Ève
Published: November 2024

Psychological stress is the major risk factor for major depressive disorder. Sustained stress causes changes in behaviour, brain connectivity and in its cells and organelles. Resilience to stress is understood as the ability to recover from stress in a positive way or the resistance to the negative effects of psychological stress. Microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain, are known players of stress susceptibility, but less is known about their role in stress resilience and the cellular changes involved. Ultrastructural analysis has been a useful tool in the study of microglia and their function across contexts of health and disease. Despite increased access to electron microscopy, the interpretation of electron micrographs remains much less accessible. In this review, we will first present microglia and the concepts of psychological stress susceptibility and resilience. Afterwards, we will describe ultrastructural analysis, notably of microglia, as a readout to study the mechanisms underlying psychological stress resilience. Lastly, we will cover nutritional ketosis as a therapeutic intervention that was shown to be effective in promoting psychological stress resilience as well as modifying microglial function and ultrastructure.
Molecular, spectroscopic and thermochemical characterization of C
2
Cl
3
, C
2
F
3
and C
2
Br
3
radicals and related species
Authors: Ferreira María Liz , Dubois Franco Ignacio , Tucceri María Eugenia , Badenes María Paula
Published: November 2024

This work reports a detailed theoretical study of the molecular parameters, harmonic vibrational frequencies, UV absorption spectra and standard enthalpies of formation for the radicals C
2
X
3
(with X = F, Cl and Br) and a comparison with the corresponding determinations for the rest of the members of the family C
2
X

n

(with
n
= 2-4). Molecular properties were calculated using different levels of theory: density functional theory employing the B3LYP, X3LYP, BMK, M06-2X and M08-HX functionals combined with the basis sets 6–311++G(3df,3pd) and aug-cc-pVTZ, and the
ab initio
composite models G3B3 and G4. Structural and spectroscopic characterization of the C
2
F
3
, C
2
Cl
3
and C
2
Br
3
radicals, along with the estimation of the enthalpies of formation of C
2
F
3
and C
2
Cl
3
, were derived here for the first time, to our knowledge. In particular, values of −220.9 ± 2.9, 230.8 ± 3.8 and 375.4 ± 5.9 kJ mol
−1
were computed for enthalpies of formation of C
2
F
3
, C
2
Cl
3
and C
2
Br
3
, respectively. Additionally, enthalpies of formation for related closed-shell molecules were obtained with less uncertainty compared to those found in the literature. The recommended values of −669.6 ± 3.8, −23.0 ± 4.6 and 155.3 ± 5.0 kJ mol
−1
were derived for C
2
F
4
, C
2
Cl
4
and C
2
Br
4
, while corresponding values of 0.6 ± 6.3, 228.1 ± 2.1 and 319.6 ± 5.4 kJ mol
−1
were estimated for C
2
F
2
, C
2
Cl
2
and C
2
Br
2
, respectively.
How the pandemic affected psychological research
Authors: Gollwitzer Mario , Nuding Stephan , Schramm Leonhard , Glöckner Andreas , Gruber Robert , Hajek Katharina V. , Häusser Jan A. , Imhoff Roland , Rudert Selma C.
Published: November 2024

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many journals swiftly changed their editorial policies and peer-review processes to accelerate the provision of knowledge about COVID-related issues to a wide audience. These changes may have favoured speed at the cost of accuracy and methodological rigour. In this study, we compare 100 COVID-related articles published in four major psychological journals between 2020 and 2022 with 100 non-COVID articles from the same journal issues and 100 pre-COVID articles published between 2017 and 2019. Articles were coded with regard to design features, sampling and recruitment features, and openness and transparency practices. Even though COVID research was, by and large, more ‘observational’ in nature and less experimentally controlled than non- or pre-COVID research, we found that COVID-related studies were more likely to use ‘stronger’ (i.e. more longitudinal and fewer cross-sectional) designs, larger samples, justify their sample sizes based on
a priori
power analysis, pre-register their hypotheses and analysis plans and make their data, materials and code openly available. Thus, COVID-related psychological research does not appear to be less rigorous in these regards than non-COVID research.
Dynamic topography and the planform of mantle convection since the Jurassic inferred from global continental hiatus maps
Authors: Vilacís B. , Brown H. , Bunge H.-P. , Carena S. , Hayek J. N. , Stotz I. L. , Wang Z. R. , Friedrich A. M.
Published: November 2024

The planform is a defining feature of mantle convection. It can be gleaned from the stratigraphic record by mapping the continent-scale distribution of hiatus and no hiatus surfaces serving as a proxy for high and low dynamic topography. We carry this out for all continents apart from Antarctica for eight geological series since the Upper Jurassic, showing that: (i) the planform as indicated by our maps contains wavelengths of the order of 1000 km, smaller than the convective scales implied by the geoid. (ii) The planform changes on timescales of geological series (10–20 Myrs), smaller than the mantle transit time. (iii) Flood basalt eruptions are frequently preceded by hiatus surfaces. (iv) Some hiatus surfaces are not linked to any known plume, potentially reflecting the lateral transport of material in the asthenosphere. Our results reveal the importance of mantle viscosity stratification in shaping the convective planform and the resulting dynamic topography. Geodynamic Earth models should aim to reproduce the global characteristics of our maps, as well as specific regional events identified in this work. Finally, we separate the effects of sea-level variation from regional changes in base level induced by dynamic topography by contrasting the stratigraphic evolution of different regions.
The evolution of post-infection mortality
Authors: Saad-Roy Chadi M. , White Andy , Boots Mike
Published: November 2024

COVID-19 infections have underlined that there can be substantial impacts on health after recovery, including elevated mortality. While such post-infection mortality (PIM) is clearly widespread, we do not yet have any understanding of its evolutionary dynamics. To address this gap, we use an eco-evolutionary model to determine conditions where PIM is evolutionarily favoured. Importantly, from a pathogen perspective, there are two potential ‘resources’: never-infected susceptibles and previously infected susceptibles (provided some reinfection is possible), and PIM only occurs in the latter. A key insight is that unlike classic virulence (i.e. during-infection mortality, DIM) PIM is neutral and not selected against in the absence of other trade-offs. However, PIM modulates characteristics of endemicity, and may also vary with other pathogen-specific components. If PIM is only correlated with transmission, recovery or DIM, it simply acts to modulate their impacts on the evolutionary outcome. On the other hand, if PIM trades off with the relative susceptibility to reinfection, there are important evolutionary implications that contrast with DIM. We find settings where a susceptibility–mortality trade-off (i.e. an increase in mortality leads to higher relative susceptibility to reinfection) can select against DIM but favour PIM. This provides a potential explanation for the ubiquity of PIM. Overall, our work illustrates that PIM can readily evolve in certain settings and highlights the importance of considering different sources of mortality.
Adaptive trade-offs between vertebrate defence and insect predation drive Amazonian ant venom evolution
Authors: Touchard Axel , Robinson Samuel D. , Lalagüe Hadrien , Ascoët Steven , Billet Arnaud , Dejean Alain , Téné Nathan J. , Petitclerc Frédéric , Troispoux Valérie , Treilhou Michel , Bonnafé Elsa , Vetter Irina , Vizueta Joel , Moreau Corrie S. , Orivel Jérôme , Tysklind Niklas
Published: November 2024

Stinging ants have diversified into various ecological niches, and selective pressures may have contributed to shape the composition of their venom. To explore the drivers underlying venom variation in ants, we sampled 15 South American rainforest species and recorded a range of traits, including ecology, morphology and venom bioactivities. Principal component analysis of both morphological and venom bioactivity traits reveals that stinging ants display two functional strategies where species have evolved towards either an exclusively offensive venom or a multi-functional venom. Additionally, phylogenetic comparative analysis indicates that venom function (predatory, defensive or both) and mandible morphology correlate with venom bioactivity and volume. Further analysis of the venom biochemistry of the 15 species revealed switches between cytotoxic and neurotoxic venom compositions among species. Our study supports an evolutionary trade-off between the ability of venom to deter vertebrate predators and to paralyse insect prey which are correlated with different venom compositions and life-history strategies among Formicidae.
Causal Effect of Multi-cohort Circulating Proteome on the Risk of Aortic Aneurysm: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Zheng Yuan , Qin Lin , Ji Jiayu , Mo Huanqi , Wang Kan
Published: November 2024

Background

The pathogenesis of aortic aneurysm (AA) remains unclear, and there are no effective therapeutic drugs or targets. Circulating plasma proteins are considered biomarkers of AA and potential therapeutic targets for AA. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the causal effects of plasma proteins on AA using a multi-cohort Mendelian randomization (MR) approach.

Methods

Protein quantitative trait loci (pQTLs) was obtained from 9 published proteome genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and AA GWAS data from the FinnGen cohort. Independent pQTLs were selected as instrumental variables (IVs). Two-sample MR analysis was performed using inverse-variance weighted, MR-Egger regression, weighted median, weighted mode, and simple mode methods. Heterogeneity and pleiotropy were assessed using Cochran’s Q test, I² statistic, MR-Egger intercept, MR-PRESSO, and Leave-one-out analysis. Steiger filtering was used to test the causal direction. Colocalization analysis and pQTL-eQTL overlap assessment were conducted to validate the findings. Pathway enrichment and drug target analyses were performed to explore the biological and clinical implications of the MR results.

Results

A total of 8,285 pQTLs for 4,421 proteins were retained as IVs. Using cis-pQTLs for IVs, MR analysis identified 154 proteins causally associated with TAA (76 protective factors and 78 risk factors) and 211 proteins with AAA (112 protective factors and 99 risk factors). Using cis-pQTLs+trans-pQTLs for IVs, MR analysis identified 236 proteins causally associated with TAA (113 protective factors and 123 risk factors) and 309 proteins with AAA (143 protective factors and 166 risk factors). The MR results showed no significant heterogeneity or pleiotropy. Steiger filtering confirmed the causal direction from circulating proteins to AA. Colocalization analysis found evidence of shared causal variants between multiple proteins and AA. The majority of AA-associated proteins had pQTLs overlapping with blood eQTLs or proxy eQTLs. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that these proteins were involved in stress response, immune regulation, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, metabolic processes and so on. Nearly two-thirds of the causally related proteins were classified as druggable or potentially druggable targets.

Conclusions

This study identified a large number of potentially novel pathogenic proteins and therapeutic targets for AA, providing important references for elucidating the molecular pathogenesis of AA and advancing drug development.