bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
miPEPs and cPEPs as tools to monitor plant gene expression and to develop alternative strategies in agriculture
Authors: Thuleau Patrice , Ormancey Mélanie , Plaza Serge , Combier Jean-Philippe
Published: December 2024

In order to develop a sustainable agriculture respecting the environment and to reduce chemical inputs, a new strategy has emerged in recent years, based on the use of products targeting plant natural defense and growth mechanisms. In this context, a few years ago we demonstrated the existence in plants of regulatory peptides called miPEPs for ‘microRNA-encoded peptides’. miRNAs are small RNAs that down-regulate the expression of numerous genes in eukaryotes. miPEPs increase the amount of their cognate miRNA, resulting in an even greater decrease in the expression of genes targeted by these miRNAs. Thus, the application of an artificial miPEP to plants causes a phenotype associated with a change in the genes targeted by the corresponding miRNA. More recently we also identified new regulatory peptides, namely cPEPs for ‘complementary peptides’, capable of enhancing the activity of a given protein, independently of any increase in transcriptional activity. Moreover, as for the miPEPs, the external application of these new peptides makes it possible to regulate the phenotypes associated with the targeted proteins. This review highlights the most recent advances in the potential use of miPEPs and cPEPs in agronomy to improve plant development and stress tolerance.
Is the repeat worth it? Optimizing syndromic panel pathogen detection protocols
Authors: Cerqueira Filipe M , Do Linh , Enderle Janet , Ren Ping
Published: December 2024

Objective

The aim of the study was to compare the cost and clinical impact of repeating BioFire FilmArray gastrointestinal (GI) and respiratory (RP) panel assays with 3 vs 4 pathogen targets positive.

Method

We analyzed 12,027 GI and RP panels to evaluate our retesting policy, which retested panels with 3 or more detected pathogens (3-pathogen protocol) compared with the manufacturer’s 4-pathogen (4-pathogen protocol) recommendation. We compared the retesting results, calculated the cost implications, and reviewed the clinical impact on antibiotic prescriptions and patient outcomes.

Results

Retesting with our 3-pathogen protocol revealed that 81% (39/48) of GI and 76% (26/34) of RP panels had identical results, whereas 19% (9/48) of GI and 24% (8/34) of RP panels showed discrepancies on retesting. The additional cost incurred by our protocol compared with the manufacturer’s protocol was $9820.32. There was no evidence that our more stringent policy affected antibiotic prescription or clinical outcomes.

Conclusion

Our more stringent 3-pathogen protocol for retesting panels did not improve patient management compared with the manufacturer’s 4-pathogen protocol but resulted in unnecessary costs and increased the risk of depleting testing kits during supply shortages. Consequently, we adopted the manufacturer’s suggestions, highlighting the need to balance clinical rigor with cost-effectiveness in laboratory testing protocols.
Methodology
Authors: Schenone Aldo L. , Reyes Eliana
Published: December 2024

Nuclear cardiology practices have evolved at unprecedented pace in recent years. Advances in camera technology (single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET)), paired with new methods of imaging reconstruction, filtering, and correction, have resulted in significant improvement in image quality, faster imaging, and lower radiation exposure. In parallel, innovation in imaging acquisition with novel patient-centred protocols has enhanced patient satisfaction and throughput of imaging laboratories, while further reducing radiation exposure. Contemporary radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging, with ECG-gated cine imaging, hybrid imaging, and parametric imaging, offers a comprehensive and accurate ischaemic evaluation that includes myocardial perfusion, ventricular function, myocardial blood flow, and coronary calcium score. Understanding of these novel technologies, methodologies, and practices is paramount for the optimal conduction and interpretation of nuclear cardiology studies in the current era.
Amyloidosis
Authors: Jaber Wael A. , Gimelli Alessia
Published: December 2024

This chapter delves into the pivotal role of nuclear cardiology techniques in the comprehensive evaluation of cardiac amyloidosis, a challenging and often underdiagnosed condition. The chapter explores the ability of single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) with specific radiotracers to provide crucial diagnostic insights, including early detection and subtype differentiation. With the spotlight on integration of multimodal imaging and emerging radiopharmaceuticals, this chapter offers a resource for clinicians navigating through the use of nuclear cardiology in the context of amyloidosis.
Novel Use of Exoskeleton Assist Device in an Ankle Fracture: A Case Report
Authors: Lax John W
Published: December 2024

Lower extremity fractures and musculoskeletal injuries are among the leading causes of morbidity for Special Operations Forces (SOF), frequently resulting in prolonged immobilization and weeks of therapeutic exercises and strength training to return to full status. This is a case of a 34-year-old Caucasian combat rescue officer with a stable right distal fibula (Weber B) fracture managed with early mobilization and assisted plantarflexion using a Dephy Exoboot device. Early mobilization resulted in no adverse events and resulted in a significant reduction in down-time compared with usual care. This case highlights the novel use of a commercially available exoskeleton device to minimize recovery time and speed return to duty for an injured SOF operator. Although further study is required to determine thresholds of safety and applicability, it suggests a potential role for assistive exoskeleton devices in the recovery of injured operators.
The MeerKAT Pulsar Timing Array: the first search for gravitational waves with the MeerKAT radio telescope
Authors: Miles Matthew T , Shannon Ryan M , Reardon Daniel J , Bailes Matthew , Champion David J , Geyer Marisa , Gitika Pratyasha , Grunthal Kathrin , Keith Michael J , Kramer Michael , Kulkarni Atharva D , Nathan Rowina S , Parthasarathy Aditya , Singha Jaikhomba , Theureau Gilles , Thrane Eric , Abbate Federico , Buchner Sarah , Cameron Andrew D , Camilo Fernando , Moreschi Beatrice E , Shaifullah Golam , Shamohammadi Mohsen , Possenti Andrea , Krishnan Vivek Venkatraman
Published: December 2024

Pulsar timing arrays search for nanohertz-frequency gravitational waves by regularly observing ensembles of millisecond pulsars over many years to look for correlated timing residuals. Recently the first evidence for a stochastic gravitational wave background has been presented by the major arrays, with varying levels of significance (${\sim} 2\sigma \!-\! 4\sigma$). In this paper, we present the results of background searches with the MeerKAT Pulsar Timing Array. Although of limited duration (4.5 yr), the ${\sim} 250\,000$ arrival times with a median error of just $3 \, \mu {\rm s}$ on 83 pulsars make it very sensitive to spatial correlations. Detection of a gravitational wave background requires careful modelling of noise processes to ensure that any correlations represent a fit to the underlying background and not other misspecified processes. Under different assumptions about noise processes, we can produce either what appear to be compelling Hellings–Downs correlations of high significance ($3\sigma \!-\! 3.4\sigma$) with a spectrum close to that which is predicted, or surprisingly, under slightly different assumptions, ones that are insignificant. This appears to be related to the fact that many of the highest precision MeerKAT Pulsar Timing Array pulsars are in close proximity and dominate the detection statistics. The sky-averaged characteristic strain amplitude of the correlated signal in our most significant model is $h_{{\rm c}, {\rm yr}} = 7.5^{+0.8}_{-0.9} \times 10^{-15}$ measured at a spectral index of $\alpha =-0.26$, decreasing to $h_{{\rm c}, {\rm yr}} = 4.8^{+0.8}_{-0.9} \times 10^{-15}$ when assessed at the predicted $\alpha =-2/3$. These data will be valuable as the International Pulsar Timing Array project explores the significance of gravitational wave detections and their dependence on the assumed noise models.
The MeerKAT Pulsar Timing Array: Maps of the gravitational wave sky with the 4.5-yr data release
Authors: Grunthal Kathrin , Nathan Rowina S , Thrane Eric , Champion David J , Miles Matthew T , Shannon Ryan M , Kulkarni Atharva D , Abbate Federico , Buchner Sarah , Cameron Andrew D , Geyer Marisa , Gitika Pratyasha , Keith Michael J , Kramer Michael , Lasky Paul D , Parthasarathy Aditya , Reardon Daniel J , Singha Jaikhomba , Venkatraman Krishnan Vivek
Published: December 2024

In an accompanying publication, the MeerKAT Pulsar Timing Array (MPTA) Collaboration reports tentative evidence for the presence of a stochastic gravitational wave background, following observations of similar signals from the European and Indian Pulsar Timing Arrays, the North American Nanohertz Observatory for Gravitational Waves, the Parkes Pulsar Timing Array, and the Chinese Pulsar Timing Array. If such a gravitational wave background signal originates from a population of inspiraling supermassive black hole binaries, the signal may be anisotropically distributed in the sky. In this paper, we evaluate the anisotropy of the MPTA signal using a spherical harmonic decomposition. We discuss complications arising from the covariance between pulsar pairs and the regularization of the Fisher matrix. Applying our method to the $4.5 \hbox{-}\text{yr}$ data set, we obtain two forms of sky maps for the three most sensitive MPTA frequency bins between $7 \ {\rm and} \ 21 \, {\rm nHz}$. Our ‘clean maps’ estimate the distribution of gravitational wave strain power with minimal assumptions. Our radiometer maps answer the question: Is there a statistically significant point source? We find a noteworthy hotspot in the $7 \, \mathrm{nHz}$ clean map with a p-factor of $p=0.015$ (not including trial factors). Future observations are required to determine if this hotspot is of astrophysical origin.
The High Time Resolution Universe Pulsar Survey – XIX. A coherent GPU-accelerated reprocessing and the discovery of 71 pulsars in the Southern Galactic plane
Authors: Sengar R , Bailes M , Balakrishnan V , Barr E D , Bhat N D R , Burgay M , Bernadich M C I , Cameron A D , Champion D J , Chen W , Flynn C M L , Jameson A , Johnston S , Keith M J , Kramer M , Morello V , Ng C , Possenti A , Stevenson S , Shannon R M , van Straten W , Wongphechauxsorn J
Published: December 2024

We conducted a GPU-accelerated reprocessing of $\sim 87~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of the archival data from the High Time Resolution Universe South Low Latitude (HTRU-S LowLat) pulsar survey by implementing a pulsar search pipeline that was previously used to reprocess the Parkes Multibeam Pulsar Survey (PMPS). We coherently searched the full 72-min observations of the survey with an acceleration search range up to $|50|\, \rm m\, s^{-2}$, which is most sensitive to binary pulsars experiencing nearly constant acceleration during 72 min of their orbital period. Here we report the discovery of 71 pulsars, including six millisecond pulsars, of which five are in binary systems, and seven pulsars with very high dispersion measures (DM $\gt 800 \, \rm pc \, cm^{-3}$). These pulsar discoveries largely arose by folding candidates to a much lower spectral signal-to-noise ratio than in previous surveys and by exploiting the coherence of folding over the incoherent summing of the Fourier components to discover new pulsars as well as candidate classification techniques. We show that these pulsars could be fainter and on average more distant as compared with both the previously reported 100 HTRU-S LowLat pulsars and the background pulsar population in the survey region. We have assessed the effectiveness of our search method and the overall pulsar yield of the survey. We show that through this reprocessing we have achieved the expected survey goals, including the predicted number of pulsars in the survey region, and discuss the major causes why these pulsars were missed in previous processing of the survey.
A comparative study of galaxy evolution with four different active galactic nucleus torus models and two different host geometries
Authors: Papadopoulos Michail , Papadopoulou Lesta Vicky , Michos Ioannis , Farrah Duncan , Efstathiou Andreas
Published: December 2024

Estimating physical quantities such as the star formation rate, stellar mass, and active galactic nucleus (AGN) fraction of galaxies is a key step in understanding galaxy formation and evolution. In order to estimate the uncertainties in the predicted values for these quantities, in this paper we explore the impact of adopting four different AGN torus models in fitting the multiwavelength spectral energy distributions (SED) of galaxies. We also explore the impact of adopting two different geometries for the host, a spheroidal geometry, more appropriate for late-stage mergers, and a disc geometry, more appropriate for galaxies forming stars with secular processes. We use optical to submillimetre photometry from the Herschel Extragalactic Legacy Project (HELP) and utilize a Markov chain Monte Carlo SED-fitting code. We use exclusively radiative transfer models for the AGN torus as well as for the starburst and host galaxy. We concentrate on a sample of 200 galaxies at $z\approx 2$, selected in the ELAIS-N1 field. All galaxies have a detection at 250 $\mu \mathrm{ m}$ which ensures the presence of a starburst. We find that the stellar mass and star formation rate of the galaxies can be robustly estimated by the SED fitting but the AGN fraction depends very much on the adopted torus model. We also find that the vast majority of the galaxies in our sample are better fitted by a spheroidal geometry and lie above the main sequence. Our method predicts systematically higher SFR and lower stellar mass than the popular energy balance method cigale.
The nature of low-luminosity AGNs discovered by JWST based on clustering analysis: progenitors of low-z quasars?
Authors: Arita Junya , Kashikawa Nobunari , Onoue Masafusa , Yoshioka Takehiro , Takeda Yoshihiro , Hoshi Hiroki , Shimizu Shunta
Published: December 2024

JWST has discovered many faint AGNs at high-z by detecting their broad Balmer lines. However, their high number density, lack of X-ray emission, and overly high black hole masses with respect to their host stellar masses suggest that they are a distinct population from general type-1 quasars. Here, we present clustering analysis of 27 low-luminosity broad-line AGNs found by JWST (JWST AGNs) at $5\lt z\lt 6$ based on cross-correlation analysis with 679 photometrically-selected galaxies to characterize their host dark matter halo (DMH) masses. From the angular and projected cross-correlation functions, we find that their typical DMH mass is $\log (M_{\mathrm{halo}}/h^{-1}\, \mathrm{M_\odot }) = 11.46_{-0.25}^{+0.19},$ and $11.53_{-0.20}^{+0.15}$, respectively. This result implies that the host DMHs of these AGNs are ${\sim} 1$ dex smaller than those of luminous quasars. The DMHs of the JWST AGNs at $5\lt z\lt 6$ are predicted to grow to $10^{12-13}\, h^{-1}\, \mathrm{M_\odot }$ at $z\lesssim 3$, which is comparable to that of a more luminous quasar at the same epoch. Applying the empirical stellar-to-halo mass ratio to the measured DMH mass, we evaluate their host stellar mass as $\log (M_*/\mathrm{M_\odot })=9.48_{-0.41}^{+0.31},$ and $9.60_{-0.33}^{+0.24}$, which are higher than some of those estimated by the SED fitting. We also evaluate their duty cycle as $f_{\mathrm{duty}}=0.37_{-0.15}^{+0.19}$ per cent, corresponding to ${\sim} 4\times 10^6$ yr as the lifetime of the JWST AGNs. While we cannot exclude the possibility that the JWST AGNs are simply low-mass type-1 quasars, these results suggest that the JWST AGNs are a different population from type-1 quasars and the progenitors of quasars at $z\lesssim 3$.
Co-evolution and Gene Transfers Drive Speciation Patterns in Host-Associated Bacteria
Authors: Stott Caroline , Diop Awa , Raymann Kasie , Bobay Louis-Marie
Published: December 2024

Microbial communities that maintain symbiotic relationships with animals evolve by adapting to the specific environmental niche provided by their host, yet understanding their patterns of speciation remains challenging. Whether bacterial speciation occurs primarily through allopatric or sympatric processes remains an open question. In addition, patterns of DNA transfers, which are pervasive in bacteria, are more constrained in a closed host-gut system. Eusocial bees have co-evolved with their specialized microbiota for over 85 million years, constituting a simple and valuable system to study the complex dynamics of host-associated microbial interactions. Here, we studied the patterns of speciation and evolution of seven specialized gut bacteria from three clades of eusocial bee species: western honey bees, eastern honey bees, and bumblebees. We conducted genomic analyses to infer species delineation relative to the patterns of homologous recombination (HR), and horizontal gene transfer (HGT). The studied bacteria presented various modes of evolution and speciation relative to their hosts, but some trends were consistent across all of them. We observed a clear interruption of HR between bacteria inhabiting different bee hosts, which is consistent with a mechanism of allopatric speciation, but we also identified interruptions of HR within hosts, suggesting recent or ongoing sympatric speciation. In contrast to HR, we observed that HGT events were not constrained by species borders. Overall, our findings show that in host-associated bacterial populations, patterns of HR and HGT have different impacts on speciation patterns, which are driven by both allopatric and sympatric speciation processes.
Less, but More: New Insights From Appendicularians on Chordate Fgf Evolution and the Divergence of Tunicate Lifestyles
Authors: Sánchez-Serna Gaspar , Badia-Ramentol Jordi , Bujosa Paula , Ferrández-Roldán Alfonso , Torres-Águila Nuria P , Fabregà-Torrus Marc , Wibisana Johannes N , Mansfield Michael J , Plessy Charles , Luscombe Nicholas M , Albalat Ricard , Cañestro Cristian
Published: December 2024

The impact of gene loss on the diversification of taxa and the emergence of evolutionary innovations remains poorly understood. Here, our investigation on the evolution of the Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGFs) in appendicularian tunicates as a case study reveals a scenario of “less, but more” characterized by massive losses of all Fgf gene subfamilies, except for the Fgf9/16/20 and Fgf11/12/13/14, which in turn underwent two bursts of duplications. Through phylogenetic analysis, synteny conservation, and gene and protein structure, we reconstruct the history of appendicularian Fgf genes, highlighting their paracrine and intracellular functions. An exhaustive analysis of developmental Fgf expression in Oikopleura dioica allows us to identify four associated evolutionary patterns characterizing the “less, but more” conceptual framework: conservation of ancestral functions; function shuffling between paralogs linked to gene losses; innovation of new functions after the duplication bursts; and function extinctions linked to gene losses. Our findings allow us to formulate novel hypotheses about the impact of Fgf losses and duplications on the transition from an ancestral ascidian-like biphasic lifestyle to the fully free-living appendicularians. These hypotheses include massive co-options of Fgfs for the development of the oikoblast and the tail fin; recruitment of Fgf11/12/13/14s into the evolution of a new mouth, and their role modulating neuronal excitability; the evolutionary innovation of an anterior tail FGF signaling source upon the loss of retinoic acid signaling; and the potential link between the loss of Fgf7/10/22 and Fgf8/17/18 and the loss of drastic metamorphosis and tail absorption in appendicularians, in contrast to ascidians.
Control and Elimination of Hepatitis C Virus Among People With HIV in Australia: Extended Follow-up of the CEASE Cohort (2014–2023)
Authors: Martinello Marianne , Carson Joanne M , Post Jeffrey J , Finlayson Robert , Baker David , Read Phillip , Shaw David , Bloch Mark , Doyle Joseph , Hellard Margaret , Filep Ecaterina , Hosseini-Hooshyar Samira , Dore Gregory J , Matthews Gail V
Published: December 2024

Background

Approximately 10% of people with HIV in Australia had active hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection prior to availability of government-subsidized direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy in 2016. This analysis evaluated progress toward HCV elimination among people with HIV in Australia between 2014 and 2023.

Methods

The CEASE cohort study enrolled adults with HIV with past or current HCV infection (anti-HCV antibody positive) from 14 primary and tertiary clinics. Biobehavioral, clinical, and virologic data were collected at enrollment (2014–2016), follow-up 1 (2017–2018), and follow-up 2 (2021–2023). HCV treatment uptake, outcome, and HCV RNA prevalence (current infection) were evaluated. Death and HCV reinfection incidence and risk were assessed.

Results

Of 402 participants, 341 (85%) had current HCV infection (RNA positive) at enrollment. Among the sample, 83% were gay and bisexual men, 13% had cirrhosis, and 80% had a history of injecting drug use (42%, past 6 months). DAA treatment was scaled up rapidly, with cumulative treatment uptake increasing from 12% in 2014 to 2015 to 92% in 2022 to 2023. HCV RNA prevalence declined from 85% (95% CI, 81%–88%) at enrollment (2014–2016) to 8% (95% CI, 6%–12%) at follow-up 1 (2017–2018) and 0.5% (95% CI, 0%–3%) at follow-up 2 (2020–2023). Sixteen reinfections occurred (incidence, 1.41 per 100 person-years; 95% CI, .81–2.29) as well as 30 deaths (incidence, 1.64 per 100 person-years; 95% CI, 1.11–2.34). HCV reinfection incidence declined over time while mortality remained stable.

Conclusions

Universal access and rapid DAA uptake were associated with a dramatic reduction in HCV prevalence and reinfection incidence among people with HIV to levels consistent with microelimination.

Registration: NCT02102451 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
Streptococcus pneumoniae Serotype Distribution Among US Adults Hospitalized With Community-Acquired Pneumonia, 2019–2020
Authors: Ramirez Julio A , Hubler Robin A , Ali Mohammad , Gray Sharon L , Carrico Ruth , McNaughton Candace D , Wunderink Richard G , Dela Cruz Charles S , Chilson Erica L , Cané Alejandro D , Isturiz Raul E , Pride Michael W , Jodar Luis , Gessner Bradford D , Grant Lindsay R
Published: December 2024

Background

Serotype-specific urinary antigen detection (UAD) assay results can be used to estimate the serotype contribution among adults with pneumococcal community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and to guide recommendations regarding higher-valency pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs).

Methods

Adults aged ≥18 years hospitalized with radiographic evidence of CAP were prospectively enrolled in 4 US cities from November 2019 to December 2020, overlapping the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Data were collected by patient interview and medical chart review. Streptococcus pneumoniae was isolated from standard-of-care respiratory samples and blood; urine collected per-protocol was tested by S pneumoniae BinaxNOW and UAD assays. The proportions of adults with radiologically confirmed CAP (RAD+ CAP) testing positive for S pneumoniae and for serotypes contained in PCV13, PCV15, and PCV20 were calculated.

Results

Among 3098 adults enrolled, 2105 (67.9%) had RAD+ CAP. Of these, 44.3% were ≥65 years of age, and most had a chronic medical condition (46.0%) or were immunocompromised (38.5%). Streptococcus pneumoniae was detected by any method in 214 (10.2%) RAD+ CAP participants, including 63 (3.0%) with serotypes covered by PCV13, 81 (3.9%) by PCV15, and 119 (5.7%) by PCV20. Streptococcus pneumoniae and PCV serotype positivity were higher before the pandemic (November 2019–April 2020) compared to during the COVID-19 pandemic (May 2020–December 2020).

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, PCV serotype pneumococcus continued to cause an important proportion of adult CAP in the US. These data are useful for informing PCV recommendations and for establishing an epidemiologic baseline to assess the impact of such recommendations.
Microrna-342 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis through the FOXP1/MYCBP Signaling Axis
Authors: Zhang Yanling , Da Yang Guang , Chen Qian Ya , Zeng Jinlong , Cao Yang
Published: December 2024

To investigate the role and mechanism of miR-342 and FOXP1 on hepatocellular carcinoma cells. QRT-PCR was applied to determine the expression of miR-342, FOXP1 and MYCBP in normal hepatocyte cell lines (NHC), hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines (HEK-293 T) and human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines (HepG2, MHCC97-L, Huh7 and SMMC7721). After knockdown or over-expression of miR-342 and FOXP1 in HepG2 cells respectively, cell proliferation and cell viability were measured using MTT assay and colony formation assay. Flow cytometry was adopted to test for apoptosis. Dual luciferase gene reporter assays were performed to validate the target relationship between FOXP1and miR-342 or MYCBP. The level of apoptosis-related proteins cleaved-caspase-3, Bcl-2 and Bax were measured by western blot. Compared with NHC, miR-342 expression was decreased and FOXP1 expression was up-regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines. MiR-342 could target and negatively regulate FOXP1. FOXP1 could promote the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells, positively regulate the expression of c-Caspase-3, Bax, negatively regulate Bcl-2 and inhibit apoptosis. FOXP1 can also target and positively regulate MYCBP. The expression of MYCBP was up-regulated in the hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines, while overexpression of miR-342 decreased MYCBP expression promoted by overexpression of FOXP1. MiR-342 can inhibit FOXP1/MYCBP signaling axis to regulate the members of Caspase-3 and Bcl-2 family to inhibit the proliferation and promote apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells.
Fluorescent identification of axons, dendrites and soma of neuronal retinal ganglion cells with a genetic marker as a tool for facilitating the study of neurodegeneration
Authors: Sripinun Puttipong , Lu Wennan , Nikonov Sergei , Patel Suhani , Hennessy Sarah , Yao Tianyuan , Cui Qi N. , Bell Brent A. , Mitchell Claire H.
Published: December 2024

This study characterizes a fluorescent Slc17a6‐tdTomato neuronal reporter mouse line with strong labeling of axons throughout the optic nerve, of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) soma in the ganglion cell layer (GCL), and of RGC dendrites in the inner plexiform layer (IPL). The model facilitated assessment of RGC loss in models of degeneration and of RGC detection in mixed neural/glial cultures. The tdTomato signal showed strong overlap with >98% cells immunolabeled with RGC markers RBPMS or BRN3A, consistent with the ubiquitous presence of the vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGUT2, SLC17A6) in all RGC subtypes. There was no cross‐labeling of ChAT‐positive displaced amacrine cells in the GCL, although some signal emanated from the outer plexiform layer, consistent with horizontal cells. The fluorescence allowed rapid screening of RGC loss following optic nerve crush and intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation. The bright fluorescence also enabled non‐invasive monitoring of extensive neurite networks and neuron/astrocyte interactions in culture. Robust Ca2+ responses to P2X7R agonist BzATP were detected from fluorescent RGCs using Ca2+‐indicator Fura‐2. Fluorescence from axons and soma was detected in vivo with a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope (cSLO); automatic RGC soma counts enhanced through machine learning approached the numbers found in retinal wholemounts. Controls indicated no impact of Slc17a6‐tdTomato expression on light‐dependent neuronal function as measured with a microelectrode array (MEA), or on retinal structure as measured with optical coherence tomography (OCT). In summary, the bright fluorescence in axons, dendrites and soma of ~all RGCs in the Slc17a6‐tdTomato reporter mouse may facilitate the study of RGCs.
Premedical Course Requirements in U.S. Medical Schools
Authors: Ahmed Ahmed , Boku Yoseph , Korolik Emma , Shultz Blake
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study characterizes required or recommended premedical coursework, coursework fulfillment, and congruence among U.S. medical schools.

Method

This cross-sectional study examined course requirements and recommendations of U.S. allopathic medical schools, using data from the 2023 to 2024 Association of American Medical Colleges Medical School Admission Requirements database. Courses required and recommended, credit hours, medical schools accepting pass/fail credits, advanced placement credits, online courses, and community college credits were evaluated.

Results

Of 157 medical schools, 154 had at least 1 premedical course requirement or recommendation. No schools had the same requirements or recommendations; 113 (72.0%) required or recommended 10 or more courses. The most commonly required courses were biology (107 [68.2%]), physics (106 [67.5%]), organic chemistry (105 [66.9%]), and inorganic chemistry (90 [57.3%]). The most commonly recommended courses were social sciences (96 [61.1%]), genetics (96 [61.1%]), and psychology (86 [54.8%]). Humanities had the highest range of credit hours expected (median, 6; range, 3-24) and cell and molecular biology, computer science, physiology, microbiology, and ethics the smallest (median, 3; range, 3-3). College mathematics had the highest proportion of schools accepting pass/fail (n = 15/26 [57.7%]) and AP (n = 51/65 [78.5%]) credits and biochemistry the lowest (n = 18/54 [33.3%] and n = 57/116 [49.1%], respectively). Statistics had the highest proportion of schools accepting online courses (n = 41/54 [75.9%]) and inorganic chemistry the lowest (n = 60/127 [47.2%]). College English had the highest proportion of schools accepting community college credits (n = 102/109 [93.6%]) and cell and molecular biology the lowest (n = 11/15 [73.3%]).

Conclusions

These results show substantial variability in premedical course requirements or recommendations among U.S. medical schools, which could be challenging for premedical students planning their undergraduate studies. Additional research is needed on the effect of this variability on students interested in attending medical school.
Single-Position Prone Lateral Interbody Fusion is Associated with Improved Radiographic and Clinical Outcomes at One Year compared to Single-Position Lateral Interbody Fusion
Authors: Yung Anthony , Onafowokan Oluwatobi O. , Tretiakov Peter S. , Fisher Max R. , Das Ankita , Cottrill Ethan J. , Prado Isabel P. , Ivasyk Iryna , Blaber Olivia K. , Wu Caroline M. , Williamson Tyler K. , Thomas Zach , Crutcher Clifford L. , Park Paul , Schoenfeld Andrew J. , Abd-El-Barr Muhammad M. , Passias Peter G.
Published: December 2024

Background.

Recent studies highlight the increasing adoption of single-position prone lateral(SP-PL) and single-position lateral decubitus(SP-LD) in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery(MISS) to reduce operative time, enhance patient safety, and improve surgical accessibility.

Objective.

To assess the differences between SP-PL and SP-LD achievement of optimal postoperative outcomes and post-operative complication rates.

Study Design.

Retrospective review of prospectively collected MIS database

Methods.

Consecutive series of 152 Patients with baseline(BL) and 1-year(1Y) postoperative radiographic/HRQL data were included. Patients placed in the SP-PL or SP-LD were isolated. Optimal Outcome(OO) was defined as patients who experienced no complication requiring reoperation and achieved Substantial Clinical Benefit(SCB) for NRS-leg or NRS-back. Means comparison analysis assessed differences in radiographic and clinical outcomes. ANCOVA and multivariable backward stepwise logistic regression were used to adjust for confounders.

Results.

59 SP-PL and 93 SP-LD patients were included. At baseline, cohorts were comparable in terms of age, gender, BMI, and CCI. Peri-operatively, SP-PL patients had a significantly lower operative time(207.22 vs. 317.5 min;P<0.001), LOS(3.1 vs. 3.6 days;P=0.033), EBL(244.5 vs. 376.3 mL;P=0.023), and demonstrated lower perioperative complication rate(25.4% vs. 41.9%;P=0.038). Multivariable analysis indicated that SP-PL patients had a lower likelihood of cardiac perioperative complications(OR 0.012;CI95%: 0.0-0.6;P=0.026). Immediate postoperatively, SP-PL has a greater degree of segmental lordosis improvement from L1-L2 to L5-S1(all;P<0.05). SP-PL patients have a higher likelihood of achieving SCB NRS-Back at 1Y(OR: 8.0;CI95%: 1.5-42.0;P=0.014) and MCID NRS-leg at 1Y(OR:4.6;CI95%:1.002-21.2;P=0.49). The SP-PL cohort had a significantly greater percentage of OO(96.6% vs. 78.5%;P=0.002) and a higher likelihood of achieving OO in adjusted analysis (OR:10.6;CI95%: 2.1-53.3;P=0.004).

Conclusions.

Patients placed in the SP-PL during minimally invasive spine surgery exhibit a reduced rate of perioperative complications, higher incidence of SCB, and a superior rate of achieving optimal outcome at the one-year follow-up. These findings underscore the SP-PL position as a potentially advantageous approach for minimally invasive lumbar fusion.
Prevalence and Patterns of Antibiotic Administration in Neonates With Critical Congenital Heart Defects
Authors: Davis Jessica A. , Seiler Em , Ghassemzadeh Rod , Baust Tracy , Firek Brian , Lorenzi Quigley Lauren , Kreutzer Jacqueline , Ren Dianxu , Morowitz Michael J. , Martin Judith M.
Published: December 2024

Background:

Although data exists demonstrating widespread antibiotic use across other critically ill neonatal populations, there are limited data regarding the frequency of empiric antibiotic use among neonates with critical congenital heart defects (CCHD). The purpose of this study is to describe prevalence of antibiotic treatment in the first 28 days of life in a cohort of neonates with CCHDs.

Methods:

A secondary analysis of retrospective electronic health record data of neonates admitted to a Pennsylvania pediatric hospital for cardiac surgery (2016-2020). Descriptive statistics were generated to show antibiotic treatment days and indications for use. Pearson Chi-Square and multivariable regression models were used to analyze predictors.

Results:

Seventy-four neonates were included. Fifty neonates (68%) received antibiotics for reasons other than postoperative prophylaxis. Two (3%) had confirmed bacteremia.

Conclusions:

Antibiotic administration was prevalent in this cohort. Future work should elucidate population prevalence of empirical antibiotic use, identify potential consequences, and design interventions to prevent overuse.
Study Protocol Evaluating Breastfeeding for Mother–Infant Dyads Experiencing Infant Ankyloglossia
Authors: Hill Rebecca R. , Carnino Jonathan M. , Levi Jessica R.
Published: December 2024

Background

Tongue-tie is associated with nipple pain and early breastfeeding cessation. To date, research has been limited by small sample sizes and a dearth of evidence on the effects of tongue-tie on infant feeding symptoms and physiologic breastfeeding mechanics.

Objectives

In this article, we describe the protocol for our study exploring infant feeding, negative breastfeeding symptoms, maternal anatomy, and physiologic sucking data between infants with and without tongue-tie.

Methods

A prospective cohort study design is being employed. Over 8 weeks, three visits will be conducted with a sample of mothers and their infants without tongue-tie and a sample of mothers and their infants diagnosed with tongue-tie undergoing treatment via frenotomy. The aims of the study are to compare breastfeeding symptoms, breast anatomy, infant feeding symptoms, feeding efficiency, and nutritive sucking parameters between infants with and without tongue-tie, further comparing these metrics pre- and post-treatment via frenotomy with the non-tongue-tied age-matched counterparts.

Results

This study is currently ongoing.

Discussion

Tongue-tie is an everyday problem; clear guidelines are needed to decide whether to treat it. This novel, innovative, and multidisciplinary research study aims to fill critical gaps in understanding the physiological and functional effects of tongue-tie on breastfeeding, offering evidence to inform better clinical decisions and support effective interventions.
Skin Graftless Dorsal Metacarpal Island VY Advancement Flap vs. Dorsal Rectangular Flap with Skin Grafting in 213 Simple Syndactyly Releases
Authors: Mendenhall Shaun D. , Graham Emily M. , Belardo Zoe E. , Buttrick Eliza , Card Elizabeth B. , Shah Apurva S. , Chang Benjamin
Published: December 2024

Background:

Simple syndactyly is a common congenital upper extremity difference. Traditional reconstructive approaches utilize skin grafts; however, recent studies suggest skin graftless techniques may improve outcomes. We hypothesized that patients who underwent reconstruction with a skin graftless dorsal metacarpal island VY advancement flap would have fewer postoperative complications compared to those released with a dorsal rectangular flap with skin grafts.

Methods:

Patients 0-17 years of age presenting for primary reconstruction of simple syndactyly were retrospectively analyzed at a large pediatric hospital. Medical records were identified using ICD-9/10 codes, CPT codes, and case logs from six hand surgeons. Outcomes of interest included early postoperative complications (within 30 days) such as infection, hematoma, seroma, wound healing issues, unplanned returns to the operating room, and digit loss. Late complications (greater than 30 days) included web creep and development of pathologic scar formation.

Results:

In total, 213 syndactyly repairs from 153 patients were analyzed (rectangular=94 webspaces, 58 patients; VY=119 webspaces, 95 patients). The rectangular group had significantly more early complications (p=0.04). The rectangular group had significantly higher incidences of web creep and hypertrophic scarring (19.3% vs 1.8%, p<0.001; 19.1% vs 5.9%, p=0.003, respectively). The rectangular flap with skin grafts was the only variable predictive of web creep and hypertrophic scar formation on regression analysis (p<0.001 and p=0.004, respectively). Subgroup analyses of syndromic and nonsyndromic cases and incomplete and complete cases mirrored overall cohort results.

Conclusion:

Simple syndactyly releases with the skin graftless technique produces fewer complications compared to the traditional approach with skin grafts.
Risk prediction of implant loss following implant-based breast reconstruction: a population-based study
Authors: Blok Yara L. , Plat Victor D. , van der Hage Jos A. , Putter Hein , Krekel Nicole M.A. , Mureau Marc A.M.
Published: December 2024

Introduction:

Implant loss following implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR) is a serious complication, resulting in re-operations, patient suffering, and a significant decrease in quality of life. This study aimed to create a validated risk prediction model for implant loss after IBBR using perioperative risk factors.

Methods:

Patients who had undergone either a two-stage or a direct-to-implant postmastectomy IBBR were identified from the Dutch Breast Implant Registry (DBIR). The cohort was divided in a training cohort (80%) and a validation cohort (20%). A multivariate logistic regression model was used to create a risk prediction model for implant loss in the training cohort, which was subsequently internally validated in the validation cohort. Implant loss was defined as explantation or replacement of the implant due to postoperative wound healing-related complications within 6 months after placement.

Results:

A total of 5260 IBBRs were divided into a training cohort and validation cohort. Implant loss occurred after 354 reconstructions (6.7%). The risk prediction model included four significant risk factors: BMI, active smoking status, previous radiotherapy and prepectoral placement. The model was able to predict an increasing probability of implant loss from 4.5% without any risk factors to 38.0% if four risk factors were present. The calibration plot showed good agreement.

Conclusion:

Nationwide population-based data were extracted from the DBIR and used to create a risk assessment model for implant loss after IBBR. The model was accurately internally validated, making it applicable to general practice and a valuable aid in preoperative counseling of women who consider IBBR.
Perceived task complexity in strategic decision situations: the role of cognitive integration and cognitive load
Authors: Mundlos Philip , Wulf Torsten , Mueller Fabian Alexander
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Strategic decisions in organizations are often characterized by high uncertainty and ambiguity, which increases their perceived complexity. While research has shown that perceived task complexity impacts strategic decisions, its drivers have not received much attention. Based on managerial cognition research, this paper aims to introduce cognitive abilities, especially cognitive integration and cognitive load, as important individual characteristics that impact perceived task complexity through their effects on information acquisition and processing.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on managerial cognition research, the authors argue that strategic decision-makers with high levels of cognitive integration perceive a task as less complex, whereas high levels of cognitive load have the opposite effect. Perceived task complexity, in turn, negatively affects strategic decision outcomes. The authors test the hypotheses based on a field study with 50 graduate-level management students who participated in a computer-based strategic decision simulation.

Findings

Based on OLS regression analyses, the authors find a positive effect of cognitive integration and a negative impact of cognitive load on perceived task complexity, which negatively impacts strategic decision outcomes.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to strategic decision-making research by highlighting the role of cognitive processes and abilities for strategic decision-making processes and outcomes.
Artificial intelligence and ChatGPT are fostering knowledge sharing, ethics, academia and libraries
Authors: Zeb Ali , Rehman Fazal Ur , Bin Othayman Majed , Rabnawaz Muhammad
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Given the increasing attention on ChatGPT in academia due to its advanced features and capabilities, this study aims to examine the links among Artificial intelligence (AI), knowledge sharing, ethics, academia and libraries in educational institutions. Moreover, this study also aims to provide a literature base while discussing recent trends in AI and ChatGPT technologies, highlighting their specific uses in institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper involves a structured interview format where a human interviewer poses questions “Qs” in ChatGPT, related to knowledge sharing, ethics, academia and libraries. Moreover a literature base is also provide to discussed recent trends in AI and ChatGPT technologies, highlighting their specific uses in institutions.

Findings

The study find out that AI and ChatGPT technologies in educational institutions affect knowledge sharing, ethical consideration, academia and libraries. This study also highlights literature directions for the trends and proper use of the AI and ChatGPT among institutions, such as improving student-learning engagement.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the prior literature by offering an in-depth review of current uses and applications of AI and ChatGPT in educational institutions. It not only highlights key trends and innovations but also provides insights and guidelines for future research. This study also provides insights and guidelines for future research. Furthermore, the article emphasizes the potential impact of AI and ChatGPT on the future of education and technology.
Dynamic effects of internal and external policy uncertainty on consumption: exploring with the perspective of trade shares
Authors: Zahid Ayesha , Asghar Nabila , Arshed Noman
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Macroeconomic policy shocks have consistently provoked debate across global economies, given their significant effect on economic growth, particularly by affecting markets and employment through changes in consumer behavior. Policymakers need proper abatement measures for both internal and external uncertainties.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study aims to analyze the impacts of internal and external policy uncertainty on consumption in 22 countries with their trading shares with each other from 2010q1 to 2021q4. In this regard, for external policy shocks the study constructed an index for each country based on their bilateral trade shares a weighted average of internal policy uncertainty.

Findings

By applying the panel ARDL, a U-shaped relationship between consumption and policy shocks is observed. Further, for the county wise assessment of internal and external policy uncertainty on domestic consumption is assessed and it has shown to be negative in most of countries. Gross effects are also revealed where internal policy shocks have more influence than external policy shocks as countries can diversify external risks from their trade portfolio. Other determinates of consumption like income and exchange rate have positive effects, while interest rate and inflation have negative influences.

Originality/value

The outcomes provide internal and external policy insights for consumption stabilization.
Analysis and optimization of the influence of bearing assembly parameters on the dynamic characteristics of shaft system
Authors: Yang Ke , Chen Guoqiang , Zhang Yabin , Li Yan , Cao Liang
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Inadequate support stiffness leads to motor vibrations exceeding the standard during the commissioning process. However, in-depth research on the parameters affecting bearing support stiffness remains incomplete. This paper aims to reveal the impact of the bearing support stiffness on the shaft system and explore the bearing assembly factors affecting the bearing support stiffness and optimization.

Design/methodology/approach

The finite-element method is adopted to calculate the bearing support stiffness accurately, with model validation conducted via a test rig. The significant factors affecting bearing housing stiffness are investigated by using the orthogonal experiment method. Finally, a multi-objective optimization strategy for bearing assembly parameters is proposed to improve the bearing support stiffness.

Findings

The bearing housing stiffness is anisotropic in vertical and horizontal directions, influencing the dynamics of shaft system. Bearing housing looseness can significantly reduce the bearing support stiffness. The contact angle and interference have a very significant effect on the bearing housing stiffness. Preferred combinations of bearing assembly parameters can be obtained by multi-objective genetic algorithms.

Originality/value

This study proposed a test determination method of bearing housing stiffness, showed that the phenomenon of bearing housing loosening in the test will reduce the bearing support stiffness and considered the respective phase anisotropy of the bearing housing stiffness. The influence of bearing support stiffness on the dynamic characteristics of the shaft system was studied, alongside the optimization of bearing assembly parameters affecting housing stiffness.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-07-2024-0265/