bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lineage Tracing of RGS5-CreER-Labeled Cells in Long Bones During Homeostasis and Injury
Authors: Root Sierra H , Vrhovac Madunic Ivana , Kronenberg Mark S , Cao Ye , Novak Sanja , Kalajzic Ivo
Published: March 2023

Regulator of G protein signaling 5 (RGS5) is a GTPase activator for heterotrimeric G-protein α-subunits, shown to be a marker of pericytes. Bone marrow stromal cell population (BMSCs) is heterogeneous. Populations of mesenchymal progenitors, cells supportive of hematopoiesis, and stromal cells regulating bone remodeling have been recently identified. Periosteal and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are participating in fracture healing, but it is difficult to distinguish the source of cells within the callus. Considering that perivascular cells exert osteoprogenitor potential, we generated an RGS5 transgenic mouse model (Rgs5-CreER) which when crossed with Ai9 reporter animals (Rgs5/Tomato), is suitable for lineage tracing during growth and post-injury. Flow cytometry analysis and histology confirmed the presence of Rgs5/Tomato+ cells within CD31+ endothelial, CD45+ hematopoietic, and CD31-CD45- mesenchymal/perivascular cells. A tamoxifen chase showed expansion of Rgs5/Tomato+ cells expressing osterix within the trabeculae positioned between mineralized matrix and vasculature. Long-term chase showed proportion of Rgs5/Tomato+ cells contributes to mature osteoblasts expressing osteocalcin. Following femoral fracture, Rgs5/Tomato+ cells are observed around newly formed bone within the BM cavity and expressed osterix and osteocalcin, while contribution within periosteum was low and limited to fibroblastic callus with very few positive chondrocytes. In addition, BM injury model confirmed that RGS5-Cre labels population of BMSCs expands during injury and participates in osteogenesis. Under homeostatic conditions, lineage-traced RGS5 cells within the trabecular area demonstrate osteoprogenitor capacity that in an injury model contributes to new bone formation primarily within the BM niche.
Cell-to-cell transmission promotes the emergence of double-drug resistance
Authors: Saeki Koichi , Sasaki Akira
Published: March 2023

The use of multiple antivirals in a single patient increases the risk of emergence of multidrug-resistant viruses, posing a public health challenge and limiting management options. Cell-to-cell viral transmission allows a pair of viruses that are each resistant to a single drug to persist for a prolonged period of passages although neither can survive alone under double-drug treatment. This pair should then persist until they accumulate a second mutation to generate resistance to both drugs. Accordingly, we here propose a hypothesis that viruses have a much higher probability of developing double-drug resistance when they are transmitted via a cell-to-cell mode than when they are transmitted via a cell-free mode through released virions. By using a stochastic model describing the changes in the frequencies of viral genotypes over successive infections, we analytically demonstrate that the emergence probability of double resistance is approximately the square of the number of viral genomes that establish infection times greater in cell-to-cell transmission than in cell-free transmission. Our study suggests the importance of inhibiting cell-to-cell transmission during multidrug treatment.
Characterization of Colletotrichum Causing Anthracnose on Rubber Trees in Yunnan: Two New Records and Two New Species from China
Authors: Liu Yixian , Shi Yuping , Zhuo Duanyong , Yang Tao , Dai Limin , Li Lanlan , Zhao Heng , Liu Xiaoyong , Cai Zhiying
Published: March 2023

Among the most damaging diseases of rubber trees is anthracnose caused by the genus Colletotrichum, which leads to significant economic losses. Nonetheless, the specific Colletotrichum spp. that infect rubber trees in Yunnan Province, an important natural rubber base in China, have not been extensively investigated. Here, we isolated 118 Colletotrichum strains from rubber tree leaves exhibiting anthracnose symptoms in multiple plantations in Yunnan. Based on comparisons of their phenotypic characteristics and internal transcribed spacer ribosomal DNA sequences, 80 representative strains were chosen for additional phylogenetic analysis based on eight loci (act, ApMat, cal, CHS-1, GAPDH, GS, his3, and tub2), and nine species were identified. Colletotrichum fructicola, C. siamense, and C. wanningense were found to be the dominant pathogens causing rubber tree anthracnose in Yunnan. C. karstii was common, whereas C. bannaense, C. brevisporum, C. jinpingense, C. mengdingense, and C. plurivorum were rare. Among these nine species, C. brevisporum and C. plurivorum are reported for the first time in China, and two species are new to the world: C. mengdingense sp. nov. in the C. acutatum species complex and C. jinpingense sp. nov. in the C. gloeosporioides species complex. Their pathogenicity was confirmed with Koch’s postulates by inoculating each species in vivo on rubber tree leaves. This study clarifies the geographic distribution of Colletotrichum spp. associated with anthracnose on rubber trees in representative locations of Yunnan, which is crucial for the implementation of quarantine measures.
Patient-Reported Outcomes and Return to Intended Oncologic Therapy After Colorectal Enhanced Recovery Pathway
Authors:   The Italian ColoRectal Anastomotic Leakage (iCral3) study group
Published: March 2023

Objective:

To evaluate the influence of enhanced recovery pathway (ERP) on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and return to intended oncologic therapy (RIOT) after colorectal surgery.

Background:

ERP improves early outcomes after colorectal surgery; however, little is known about its influence on PROMs and on RIOT.

Methods:

Prospective multicenter enrollment of patients who underwent colorectal resection with anastomosis was performed, recording variables related to patient-, institution-, procedure-level data, adherence to the ERP, and outcomes. The primary endpoints were PROMs (administered before surgery, at discharge, and 6 to 8 weeks after surgery) and RIOT after surgery for malignancy, defined as the intended oncologic treatment according to national guidelines and disease stage, administered within 8 weeks from the index operation, evaluated through multivariate regression models.

Results:

The study included 4529 patients, analyzed for PROMs, 1467 of which were analyzed for RIOT. Compared to their baseline preoperative values, all PROMs showed significant worsening at discharge and improvement at late evaluation. PROMs values at discharge and 6 to 8 weeks after surgery, adjusted through a generalized mixed regression model according to preoperative status and other variables, showed no association with ERP adherence rates. RIOT rates (overall 54.5%) were independently lower by aged > 69 years, ASA Class III, open surgery, and presence of major morbidity; conversely, they were independently higher after surgery performed in an institutional ERP center and by ERP adherence rates > median (69.2%).

Conclusions:

Adherence to the ERP had no effect on PROMs, whereas it independently influenced RIOT rates after surgery for colorectal cancer.
Age Influence Upon Glenohumeral Remodeling After Shoulder Axial Rebalancing Surgery in Brachial Plexus Birth Injury
Authors: Le Hanneur Malo , Brahim Lilia , Langlais Tristan , Bouché Pierre-Alban , Fitoussi Franck
Published: March 2023

Background:

Shoulder rebalancing procedures have been proven to provide satisfactory functional improvements in patients with shoulder external rotation (ER) deficit due to brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI). However, the influence of age at the time of surgery on osteoarticular remodeling remains uncertain. The purposes of this retrospective case series were (1) to assess the age impact on glenohumeral remodeling and (2) to determine an age limit after which significant changes can no longer be expected.

Methods:

We reviewed preoperative and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging data of 49 children with BPBI who underwent a tendon transfer to reanimate active shoulder ER, with (n=41) or without (n=8) concomitant anterior shoulder release to restore passive shoulder ER, at a mean age of 72 ± 40 months (19;172). Mean radiographic follow-up was 35 ± 20 months (12;95). Univariate linear regressions were used to assess the influence of age at the time of surgery upon changes of glenoid version, glenoid shape, percentage of the humeral head anterior to the glenoid midline, and glenohumeral deformity. Beta coefficients with 95% CI were calculated.

Results:

Improvements of glenoid version, glenoid shape, percentage of the humeral head anterior and glenohumeral deformity significantly decreased by 0.19 degrees [CI=(−0.31; −0.06), P=0.0046], 0.02 grade [CI=(−0.04; −0.01), P=0.002], 0.12% [CI=(−0.21; −0.04), P=0.0076], and 0.01 grade [CI=(−0.02; −0.01), P=0.0078] per additional month of age at the time of surgery, respectively. The threshold of 5 years was identified as the age at the time of surgery after which significant remodeling no longer occurred. No significant postoperative changes were observed in patients without glenohumeral dysplasia on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging.

Conclusion:

In the setting of BPBI-related glenohumeral dysplasia, the younger the surgical axial rebalancing of the shoulder, the greater the glenohumeral remodeling seems to be. Such procedure seems to be safe in patients without significant joint deformity on preoperative imaging.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic—Level IV.
A Prospective, Multicenter Study of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: What Can Patients Expect After Open Reduction?
Authors: Kiani Sara N. , Gornitzky Alex L. , Matheney Travis H. , Schaeffer Emily K. , Mulpuri Kishore , Shah Hitesh H. , Yihua Ge , Upasani Vidyadhar , Aroojis Alaric , Krishnamoorthy Venkatadass ,   Global Hip Dysplasia Registry, Sankar Wudbhav N.
Published: March 2023

Background:

Although there are several predominantly single-center case series in the literature, relatively little prospectively collected data exist regarding the outcomes of open hip reduction (OR) for infantile developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The purpose of this prospective, multi-center study was to determine the outcomes after OR in a diverse patient population.

Methods:

The prospectively collected database of an international multicenter study group was queried for all patients treated with OR for DDH. Minimum follow-up was 1 year. Proximal femoral growth disturbance (PFGD) was defined by consensus review using Salter’s criteria. Persistent acetabular dysplasia was defined as an acetabular index >90th percentile for age. Statistical analyses were performed to compare preoperative and operative characteristics that predicted re-dislocation, PFGD, and residual acetabular dysplasia.

Results:

A cohort of 232 hips (195 patients) was identified; median age at OR was 19 months (interquartile range 13 to 28) and median follow-up length was 21 months (interquartile range 16 to 32). Re-dislocation occurred in 7% of hips (n=16/228). The majority (81%; n=13/16) occurred in the first year after initial OR. Excluding patients with repeat dislocation, 94.5% of hips were IHDI 1 at most recent follow-up. On the basis of strict radiographic review, some degree of PFGD was present in 44% of hips (n=101/230) at most recent follow-up. Seventy-eight hips (55%) demonstrated residual dysplasia compared with established normative data. Hips that had a pelvic osteotomy at index surgery had about half the rate of residual dysplasia (39%; n=32/82) versus those without a pelvic osteotomy with at least 2 years follow-up (78%; n=46/59).

Conclusions:

In the largest prospective, multicenter study to date, OR for infantile DDH was associated with a 7% risk of re-dislocation, 44% risk of PFGD, and 55% risk of residual acetabular dysplasia at short term follow-up. The incidence of these adverse outcomes is higher than previous reports. Patients treated with concomitant pelvic osteotomy had lower rates of residual dysplasia. These prospectively collected, multicenter data provide better generalizable information to improve family education and appropriately set expectations.

Level of Evidence:

Level II, prospective comparative study.
TRAIL or TRAIL-R2 as a Predictive Biomarker for Mortality or Cardiovascular Events: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Kuang Na , Shu Bingjun , Yang Fengjing , Li Song , Zhang Mingxi
Published: March 2023

Tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and TRAIL-receptor-2 (TRAIL-R2) are associated with atherosclerosis. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the potential association between TRAIL/TRAIL-R2 with mortality or cardiovascular (CV) events. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for reports published up to May 2021. Reports were included when the association between TRAIL or TRAIL-R2 and mortality or CV events was reported. Considering the heterogeneity between studies, we used the random-effects model for all analyses. Ultimately, the meta-analysis included 18 studies (16,295 patients). The average follow-up ranged from 0.25 to 10 years. Decreased TRAIL levels were negatively associated with all-cause mortality [rank variable, hazard ratio (HR), 95% CI, 2.93, 1.94–4.42; I
2 = 0.0%, P
heterogeneity = 0.835]. Increased TRAIL-R2 levels were positively associated with all-cause mortality (continuous variable, HR, 95% CI, 1.43, 1.23–1.65; I
2 = 0.0%, P
heterogeneity = 0.548; rank variable, HR, 95% CI, 7.08, 2.70–18.56; I
2 = 46.5%, P
heterogeneity = 0.154), CV mortality (continuous variable, HR, 95% CI, 1.33, 1.14–1.57; I
2 = 0.0%, P
heterogeneity = 0.435), myocardial infarction (continuous variable, HR, 95% CI, 1.23, 1.02–1.49; rank variable, HR, 95% CI, 1.49, 1.26–1.76; I
2 = 0.7%, P
heterogeneity = 0.402), and new-onset heart failure (rank variable, HR, 95% CI, 3.23, 1.32–7.87; I
2 = 83.0%, P
heterogeneity = 0.003). In conclusion, decreased TRAIL was negatively associated with all-cause mortality, and increased TRAIL-R2 was positively associated with all-cause mortality, CV mortality, myocardial infarction, and heart failure.
Genioglossus Advancement: Technique Modification for Improved Chin Contour
Authors: Emanuelli Elisa , O’Connor Michaela K. , Garg Ravi K.
Published: March 2023

Genioglossus advancement plays an important role in the armamentarium of the obstructive sleep apnea surgeon and has gone through many iterations over several decades. A recently described technique involves creating a box osteotomy, which is carried through the inferior border of the mandible in order to increase recruitment of the suprahyoid musculature. Here we introduce a further modification of the technique that uses virtual planning to improve the safety and accuracy of genial tubercle capture. In addition, angulation of the lateral osteotomies enhances bone to bone contact. Before the osteotomy, the surgeon has the opportunity to drill the buccal plate to reduce the chin profile. This approach is particularly valuable in the patient who is prognathic at baseline or who becomes prognathic after simultaneous maxillomandibular advancement. Here we discuss this unique approach, demonstrating how the patient profile may be balanced even as the genial tubercle is advanced.
Nipple Shield Made from a Thermoplastic with Aluminum Properties
Authors: Soyano Haruka , Matsumine Hajime
Published: March 2023

Here, we report the preparation of a nipple shield from an inexpensive and re-formable thermoplastic with metallic properties as well as its favorable outcomes when used for patients who had undergone nipple reconstruction. The nipple shield was prepared from a material made of a mixture of a thermoplastic resin and special aluminum pellets (aluminum content, 70%). Each patient wore the nipple shield for 3 months after nipple reconstruction. The material was re-softened for re-forming into an adequate shape as required during this 3-month period. All reconstructed nipples were securely protected, with no complications (eg, ulceration, wound dehiscence, and wound infections) during the 3-month period. Also, there were no skin complications such as contact dermatitis or cellulitis in the area where the nipple shield was in contact with the skin. None of the patients stopped using the nipple shield because it came off frequently, or was uncomfortable or painful to wear, and there were no cases in which the nipple shield had to be remade due to damage. The thermoplastic material used in this study appeared to be extremely useful as a nipple protection material because of its good breathability, attributed to its nonwoven form, its low thermal conductivity and resulting cooling effect attributed to its aluminum content, its suitability for rapid re-forming, and its washability.
Subclinical atherosclerosis and risk factors in relation to autonomic indices in the general population
Authors: Zambach Christian , Fedorowski Artur , Gerward Sofia , Johansson Madeleine , Engström Gunnar , Hamrefors Viktor
Published: March 2023

Objective:

Orthostatic hypotension and resting heart rate (RHR) are associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, it is unknown how these factors relate to subclinical CVD. We examined the relationship between orthostatic blood pressure (BP) response, RHR and cardiovascular risk factors, including coronary artery calcification score (CACS) and arterial stiffness, in the general population.

Methods:

We included 5493 individuals (age 50–64 years; 46.6% men) from The Swedish CArdioPulmonary-bio-Image Study (SCAPIS). Anthropometric and haemodynamic data, biochemistry, CACS and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) were retrieved. Individuals were categorized into binary variables that manifest orthostatic hypotension and in quartiles of orthostatic BP responses and RHR, respectively. Differences across the various characteristics were tested using χ2 for categorical variables and analysis of variance and Kruskal–Wallis test for continuous variables.

Results:

The mean (SD) SBP and DBP decrease upon standing was -3.8 (10.2) and -9.5 (6.4) mmHg, respectively. Manifest orthostatic hypotension (1.7% of the population) associated with age (P = 0.021), systolic, diastolic and pulse pressure (P < 0.001), CACS (<0.001), PWV (P = 0.004), HbA1c (P < 0.001) and glucose levels (P = 0.035). Age (P < 0.001), CACS (P = 0.045) and PWV (P < 0.001) differed according to systolic orthostatic BP, with the highest values seen in those with highest and lowest systolic orthostatic BP-responses. RHR was associated with PWV (P < 0.001), SBP and DBP (P < 0.001) as well as anthropometric parameters (P < 0.001) but not CACS (P = 0.137).

Conclusion:

Subclinical abnormalities in cardiovascular autonomic function, such as impaired and exaggerated orthostatic BP response and increased resting heart rate, are associated with markers of increased cardiovascular risk in the general population.
Arterial stiffness and blood pressure in treated hypertension: a longitudinal study
Authors: Wu Shouling , Tian Xue , Chen Shuohua , Zhang Yijun , Zhang Xiaoli , Xu Qin , Wang Anxin
Published: March 2023

Objectives:

It has been reported that an increase in arterial stiffness precedes an increase in blood pressure (BP) in the general population. Whether BP lowering results from of reducing arterial wall or vice versa in antihypertensive treatment is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between arterial stiffness and BP in patients with treated hypertension.

Methods:

This study included 3277 participants who were treated with antihypertensive agents and with repeated measurements of branchial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and BP during 2010–2016 from the Kailuan study. Temporal relation between baPWV and BP was assessed by cross-lagged path analyses.

Results:

After adjustment for potential confounders, the standard regression coefficient from baseline baPWV to follow-up SBP was 0.14 [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.10–0.18], which was significantly greater than that from baseline SBP to follow-up baPWV (0.05; 95% CI, 0.02–0.08) (P < 0.0001 for difference). Similar results were observed for the cross-lagged analysis with changes of baPWV and mean arterial pressure. Further analysis showed that the yearly rate of change in SBP during the follow-up period significantly varied across increasing quartiles of baseline baPWV (P < 0.0001), whereas the yearly rate of change in baPWV showed a nonsignificantly varied trend across quartiles of baseline SBP (P = 0.2443).

Conclusion:

These findings provided strong evidence that reduction in arterial stiffness through antihypertensive treatment could precede BP lowering.
The sustainable antihypertensive and target organ damage protective effect of transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Li Dapeng , Zhang Siyuan , Cao Fangyuan , Han Jie , Wang Mengke , Lai Chunhao , Zhang Jingjing , Xu Tianqi , Bouakaz Ayache , Wan Mingxi , Ren Pengyu
Published: March 2023

Objective:

In this study, we aimed to investigate the sustainable antihypertensive effects and protection against target organ damage caused by low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) stimulation and the underlying mechanism in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) model.

Methods and results:

SHRs were treated with ultrasound stimulation of the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (VlPAG) for 20 min every day for 2 months. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was compared among normotensive Wistar–Kyoto rats, SHR control group, SHR Sham group, and SHR LIFU stimulation group. Cardiac ultrasound imaging and hematoxylin–eosin and Masson staining of the heart and kidney were performed to assess target organ damage. The c-fos immunofluorescence analysis and plasma levels of angiotensin II, aldosterone, hydrocortisone, and endothelin-1 were measured to investigate the neurohumoral and organ systems involved. We found that SBP was reduced from 172 ± 4.2 mmHg to 141 ± 2.1 mmHg after 1 month of LIFU stimulation, P < 0.01. The next month of treatment can maintain the rat's blood pressure at 146 ± 4.2 mmHg at the end of the experiment. LIFU stimulation reverses left ventricular hypertrophy and improves heart and kidney function. Furthermore, LIFU stimulation enhanced the neural activity from the VLPAG to the caudal ventrolateral medulla and reduced the plasma levels of ANGII and Aldo.

Conclusion:

We concluded that LIFU stimulation has a sustainable antihypertensive effect and protects against target organ damage by activating antihypertensive neural pathways from VLPAG to the caudal ventrolateral medulla and further inhibiting the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) activity, thereby supporting a novel and noninvasive alternative therapy to treat hypertension.
Remembering Paul E. Meehl: Historical Contributions to Predictive Modeling in Human Behavior
Authors: Ryu Jihan
Published: March 2023

This article briefly examines the life and work of the late clinical psychologist and philosopher of science Paul E. Meehl. His thesis in Clinical versus Statistical Prediction (1954) that the data combination performed by mechanical operations, as compared to clinicians, achieves higher accuracy in predicting human behavior is one of the earliest theoretical works that laid the groundwork for utilizing statistics and computational modeling in research in psychiatry and clinical psychology. For today’s psychiatric researchers and clinicians grappling with the challenges of translating the ever-increasing data of the human mind into practice tools, Meehl’s advocacy for both accurate modeling of the data and their clinically relevant use is timely.
Hikikomori Syndrome and Digital Technologies: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sales-Filho Gabriel S. , Bandeira Igor D. , Argollo Nayara , Lucena Rita
Published: March 2023

Hikikomori syndrome (HS) is a voluntary prolonged social isolation associated with personal and community impact. Previous evidence pointed out a possible relationship between this syndrome with addiction to digital technologies. Here we aim to understand the relationship between HS and digital technology use, overuse, and addictive behaviors, as well as potential therapeutic approaches.

We conducted a systematic review of observational and intervention studies available in PubMed/MEDLINE, LILACS, IBECS, Embase, PsycINFO, and SciELO databases, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA 2020) criteria. The risk of bias was assessed with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) and Consensus-based Clinical Case Reporting Guideline Development (CARE). Eligibility criteria were pre-, at-risk populations, or those with HS diagnosis, and any kind of technological overuse. Seventeen studies were included in the review, of which eight were cross-sectional, eight were case reports, and one was quasi-experimental. Hikikomori syndrome was associated with addition to digital technologies; no cultural differences were found. Environmental factors, such as a history of bullying, low self-esteem, and grief were identified as precursors of addictive behaviors. The included articles addressed addiction to digital technologies, electronic games, and social networks, among others, in HS. HS is cross-culturally associated with such addiction. The management of these patients remains challenging, and no target evidence-based treatments have been developed. The studies included in this review had several limitations, and more studies with a higher level of evidence are needed to support the results.
Effect of combined procedural pain interventions during neonatal intensive care on sleep, cognitive development, and internalizing behavior: a follow-up analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gao Haixia , Li Mei , Gao Honglian , Xu Guihua , Wang Danwen , Lv Hui
Published: March 2023

Repeated procedural pain can cause preterm infants to spend excessive time awake at the cost of sleep and can have a detrimental impact on later cognitive and behavioral development. What's more, poor sleep may be correlated with worse cognitive development and more internalizing behaviors in infants and toddlers. In a randomized controlled trial (RCT), we found that combined procedural pain interventions (sucrose, massage, music, nonnutritive sucking, and gentle human touch) during neonatal intensive care could improve preterm infants' early neurobehavioral development. Here, we followed up the participants who were enrolled in the RCT to evaluate the effect of combined pain interventions on later sleep, cognitive development, and internalizing behavior and to determine whether sleep may moderate the effect of combined pain interventions on the cognitive development and internalizing behavior. Total sleep time and night awakenings at 3, 6, and 12 months old; the cognitive development (adaptability, gross motor, fine motor, language, and personal–social domains) at 12 and 24 months old measured by the Chinese version of Gesell Development Scale; and the internalizing behavior at 24 months old measured by the Chinese version of Child Behavior Checklist were assessed. Our findings showed the potential benefits of combined pain interventions during neonatal intensive care for preterm infant's later sleep, motor and language development, and internalizing behavior, and the effect of combined pain interventions on motor development and internalizing behavior might be moderated by the mean total sleep duration and night awakenings at 3, 6, and 12 months old.
Work-Related Factors Associated With Health and Well-Being of Early Care and Education Workers
Authors: Quinn Emilee L. , Otten Jennifer J. , Stover Bert , Peckham Trevor , Seixas Noah S.
Published: March 2023

Objective

We assessed and examined relationships between the health and working conditions of early care and education workers.

Methods

We surveyed early care and education workers (n = 2242) about their socioeconomic characteristics; work organization; psychosocial, physical, and ergonomic exposures; coping behaviors; and health.

Results

Nearly half of respondents reported chronic health conditions. Most worked full time, half earned less than $30,000 a year, and many reported unpaid hours or inability to take breaks. One-quarter reported economic strain. Numerous exposures were prevalent. Workers' general health was poorer than normed averages, although their physical functioning was slightly better. Sixteen percent of workers reported work-related injuries, and 43% reported depressive symptoms. Factors associated with health included socioeconomic characteristics, having a chronic condition, job type, access to benefits, eight psychosocial stressors, four physical exposures, sleep, and alcohol consumption.

Conclusions

Findings support the need for attention to this workforce's health.
Effect of Surface Decalcification With Hydrochloric Acid on the Determination of Estrogen Receptor, Progesterone Receptor, Ki67, and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Expressions in Invasive Breast Carcinoma Based on Immunohistochemistry and Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization
Authors: Ping Wu , Xin Rao , Li Zhang , Yupeng Chen , Fangling Song , Caihong Ren , Shun Hu , Sheng Zhang
Published: March 2023

Background:

Bone is the most common site of metastatic breast cancer (MBC). EDTA is often used to decalcify bony tissue samples to ensure the accurate assessment of antigenicity in MBC. It takes ~24 to 48 hours to decalcify small bone tissues such as bone marrow, which is considered unacceptable given the priority that is often placed on the rapid processing of bone marrow trephine cores. Thus, an effective decalcification method that preserves genetic material is needed.

Aim:

We performed immunohistochemical studies on surface decalcification (SD) in breast tumors and evaluated the effect of SD on receptor status and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Fluorescence in situ hybridization was performed on a subset of these tumors to establish a protocol for handling bone specimens for MBC.

Materials and Methods:

Forty-four cases of invasive breast tumors were studied. We compared the immunohistochemical expressions of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), Ki67, and HER2 between control tissue (nondecalcified) and parallel tissue subjected to SD with hydrochloric acid. We also evaluated the effect of SD on the fluorescence in situ hybridization expression of HER2.

Results:

Categorical decreases in ER and PR expression were identified in 9/31 (29.0%) cases without SD and 10/26 (38.5%) cases with SD. HER2 expression changed from equivocal to negative in 4/12 (33.4%) cases. Among the HER2-positive cases, all remained positive after SD. The most significant declines in immunoreactivity occurred with Ki67, with an average decrease from 22% to 13%. The average HER2 copy numbers were 5.37 and 4.76 in the control and SD groups, respectively, and the average HER2/CEP17 ratios were 2.35 and 2.08, respectively.

Conclusions:

Overall, SD is an alternative decalcification method in bony metastases to assess ER, PR, and HER2 in MBC.
Factors Associated With Weight Loss After Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding in Adolescents With Severe Obesity
Authors: Levaillant Lucie , Levaillant Mathieu , Sfeir Nathalie , Bouhours-Nouet Natacha , Amsellem-Jager Jessica , Beaumesnil Marion , Coutant Régis , Riquin Élise , Schmitt Françoise
Published: March 2023

Background:

Childhood obesity is associated with many comorbidities. Bariatric surgery is known to be efficient for reducing weight in adolescents.

Objectives:

The primary outcome was to identify somatic or psychosocial factors associated with success at 24 months after a laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) procedure in our cohort of adolescents with severe obesity. Secondary endpoints were to describe weight loss outcomes, comorbidity resolution, and complications.

Methods:

We have retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients who had LAGB placed between 2007 and 2017. Factors associated with success at 24 months after LAGB were researched, with success being defined as positive percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) at 24 months.

Results:

Forty-two adolescents underwent a LAGB procedure, the mean %EWL was 34.1% at 24 months, with improvement in most comorbidities and without major complications. Having lost weight before surgery was associated with success, whereas a high body mass index at surgery was associated with a higher risk of failure. No other factor was found to be associated with success.

Conclusion:

Comorbidities mostly improved 24 months after LAGB and no major complication occurred. Having lost weight before surgery was associated with a successful surgery, whereas a high body mass index at surgery increases the risk of failure.
Baseline depressive symptoms do not moderate the association between baseline symptom severity and time to recovery in individuals with grade I-II whiplash-associated disorders: A secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Marchand Andrée-Anne , Hogg-Johnson Sheilah , Côté Pierre
Published: March 2023

Objective

This study investigated the moderating role of baseline depressive symptoms on the association between baseline pain severity and time to recovery in individuals with acute grade I-II whiplash-associated disorders (WAD).

Design

This is a secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial investigating the effectiveness of a government-regulated rehabilitation guideline for the management of grade I-II WAD. Participants who completed baseline questionnaires for neck pain intensity and depressive symptoms and follow-up questionnaire on self-reported recovery were included in the analysis. Cox proportional hazards models were built, and hazard rate ratios were reported to describe the association between baseline neck pain intensity and time to self-reported recovery and to assess the effect modification of baseline depressive symptoms.

Results

303 participants provided data for this study. Despite baseline level of depressive symptoms and neck pain intensity being independently associated with delayed recovery, the association between baseline neck pain intensity and time to recovery was not stronger for individuals with significant post-collision depressive symptoms (HRR = 0.91 (95%CI 0.79–1.04)) than for those without depressive symptoms (HRR = 0.92 (95%CI 0.83-1.02)).

Conclusion

Baseline depressive symptoms are not an effect modifier of the association between baseline neck pain intensity and time to self-reported recovery in acute WAD.
Frailty education: promoting geriatric competencies among Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residents
Authors: Maccarone Maria Chiara , Masiero Stefano , Papathanasiou Jannis , Panayotov Kiril , Kashilskah Yana , Prokopidis Konstantinos , Papanastasiou Christina , Tyllianakis Minos , Dionyssiotis Yannis
Published: March 2023

Frailty, a geriatric syndrome of growing importance in recent years, has been shown to be associated with increased risk of disability, adverse health and socio-economic outcomes. Therefore, there is a need for new educational strategies for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) residents to promote greater geriatric competencies, with a focus on developing customized evaluation and management plans. With this paper, we aimed at offering a quick reference tool summarizing the latest evidence on the rehabilitative management of frailty. Indeed, a comprehensive geriatric evaluation is needed before developing an evidence-based and individually tailored rehabilitation program including physical activity, educative strategies, nutritional interventions and proposals for social reintegration. In the future, appropriate educational training may allow a more careful management of these patients, with consequent improvements in quality of life and functionality.
Harmonic Scalpel-Assisted Endonasal Endoscopic Resection of the Vascular Tumors of the Anterior Skull Base
Authors: Jurlina Martin , Pupić-Bakrač Jure , Pupić-Bakrač Ana
Published: March 2023

Vascular tumors represent a challenging pathologic subset for surgical treatment as they show a propensity for profuse bleedings. This is especially applicable to the skull base region, where surgical access is difficult due to its complex anatomy. To overcome this problem, the authors introduced the use of a harmonic scalpel in endoscopic skull base surgery for vascular tumors. Here, the authors report the outcomes of endoscopic harmonic scalpel-assisted surgery in 6 juvenile angiofibromas and 2 hemangiomas. All surgeries were performed using Ethicon Endo-Surgery HARMONIC ACE 5 mm Diameter Shears. The median intraoperative blood loss was 400 mL (range: 200–1500 mL). The median length of hospital stay was 7 days (range: 5–10 days). Recurrence was recorded in 1 patient with juvenile angiofibroma, which was successfully resolved with revision surgery. In this institutional experience, ultrasonic technology showed precise cutting with minimal bleeding, resulting in reduced surgical morbidity compared with conventional endoscopic instruments.
A Nurse-Led Outpatient Clinic for Patients With Decompensated Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Hamberg Marie Louise S. , Dupont Lene , Jønsson Marthe F. , Bennick Hanne , Teisner Ane S. , Andersen Mette L. , Konradsen Hanne , Danielsen Anne
Published: March 2023

Patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis constitute a growing and vulnerable patient group with a particular need for easy outpatient access and close follow-up. By establishing a nurse-led clinic, we aimed to counter this need in a patient-centered manner within a multidisciplinary rehabilitating framework. This article presents the organization, staffing, and structure of this initiative as well as the patient population demographics and characteristics. Furthermore, patient satisfaction within the clinic was explored. Two complementary substudies are presented: a descriptive, registry-based journal audit, presenting data from the clinic's first years, 2017–2019, and a cross-sectional, descriptive survey, exploring patient satisfaction 2 years later. Different visit types with predefined content constitute an operable structure suitable for meeting patients' current needs. An increase in both the number of patients and visits from the first to second years indicates an existing need for nurse-led support. Data not only support the well-known characteristics of patients with cirrhosis but also add to a broader perspective with more nuances for this patient population. The survey shows an overall high score on satisfaction but also points out areas for improvement. The nurse-led clinic provides both structure and knowledge to facilitate patient-centered treatment and care for those suffering from liver cirrhosis.
Captive and urban environments are associated with distinct gut microbiota in deer mice (
Peromyscus maniculatus
)
Authors: Diaz Jessica , Redford Kent H. , Reese Aspen T.
Published: March 2023

Animals in captive and urban environments encounter evolutionarily novel conditions shaped by humans, such as altered diets, exposure to human-associated bacteria, and, potentially, medical interventions. Captive and urban environments have been demonstrated to affect gut microbial composition and diversity independently but have not yet been studied together. By sequencing the gut microbiota of deer mice living in laboratory, zoo, urban and natural settings, we sought to identify (i) whether captive deer mouse gut microbiota have similar composition regardless of husbandry conditions and (ii) whether captive and urban deer mice have similar gut microbial composition. We found that the gut microbiota of captive deer mice were distinct from those of free-living deer mice, indicating captivity has a consistent effect on the deer mouse microbiota regardless of location, lineage or husbandry conditions for a population. Additionally, the gut microbial composition, diversity and bacterial load of free-living urban mice were distinct from those of all other environment types. Together, these results indicate that gut microbiota associated with captivity and urbanization are likely not a shared response to increased exposure to humans but rather are shaped by environmental features intrinsic to captive and urban conditions.
Emotional responding to overt and subtle social exclusion among young women who engage in non-suicidal self-injury
Authors: Robinson Kealagh , Boyes Mark E. , Wilson Marc S. , Grimshaw Gina M.
Published: March 2023

People who engage in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) consistently report greater emotion reactivity and dysregulation than their peers. However, evidence that these self-reports reflect an amplified emotional response under controlled conditions is limited. Here we test the effects of both subtle and overt social exclusion, to determine whether self-reported emotion dysregulation reflects responses to real-time emotional challenge for people who self-injure. We recruited 100 young women with past-year NSSI and 100 without NSSI to an online experiment. Participants took part in a baseline social inclusion ball-tossing game, followed by either an overt or subtle social exclusion ball-tossing game, while we measured negative mood and belongingness. Despite reporting greater emotion reactivity (
d
= 1.40) and dysregulation (
d
= 1.63) than controls, women with past-year NSSI showed no differences in negative mood or belongingness ratings in response to either overt or subtle social exclusion. Within the NSSI group, exploratory analyses found greater endorsement of intrapersonal functions predicted greater negative mood following social exclusion (
β
= 0.19). Given that amplified emotional responding is central to prominent theoretical models of NSSI, findings highlight the need to better understand the divergence in findings between self-reported emotion dysregulation and real-time emotional responding among people who self-injure.
Transmission and reflection of energy at the boundary of a random two-component composite
Authors: Willis J. R.
Published: March 2023

A half-space

x
2

>
0

is occupied by a two-component statistically uniform random composite with specified volume fractions and two-point correlation. It is bonded to a uniform half-space

x
2

<
0

from which a plane wave is incident. The problem requires the specification of the properties of three media: those of the two constituents of the composite and those of the homogeneous half-space. The complexity of the problem is minimized by considering a model acoustic-wave problem in which the two media comprising the composite have the same modulus but different densities. The homogeneous half-space can have any chosen modulus and density. An approximate formulation based on a stochastic variational principle is formulated and solved explicitly in the particular case of an exponentially decaying correlation function, generalizing a previous solution in which the homogeneous medium had the same modulus as the composite. The main novelty of the present work is that the mean energy fluxes in the composite and reflected from the boundary are calculated, demonstrating explicitly the large backscatter associated with the mean-zero component of the reflected signal and the systematic transfer of energy from the decaying mean transmitted waves into the mean-zero disturbance as distance from the boundary increases.
Realization of Bullard’s disc dynamo
Authors: Alejandro Avalos-Zúñiga Raúl , Priede Jānis
Published: March 2023

We report experimental results from three successful runs of a Bullard-type homopolar disc dynamo. The set-up consisted of a copper disc with a radius of 30 cm and thickness of 3 cm which was placed co-axially beneath a flat, multi-arm spiral coil of the same size and connected to it electrically at the centre and along the circumference by sliding liquid-metal contacts. The magnetic field was measured using Hall probes which were fixed on the top face of the coil. We measured also the radial voltage drop across the coil. When the disc rotation rate reached

Ω
≈
7
 

Hz

, the magnetic field increased steeply approaching

B

0

≈
40
 

mT

in the central part of the coil. This field was more than two orders of magnitude stronger than the background magnetic field. In the first two runs, the electromagnetic torque braking the disc in the dynamo regime exceeded the breakdown torque of the electric motor driving the disc. As a result, the motor stalled and the dynamo was interrupted. Stalling did not occur in the third run when the driving frequency was set higher and increased faster. We also propose an extended disc dynamo model which qualitatively reproduces the experimental results.
Reconstructing locomotor ecology of extinct avialans: a case study of
Ichthyornis
comparing sternum morphology and skeletal proportions
Authors: Lowi-Merri Talia M. , Demuth Oliver E. , Benito Juan , Field Daniel J. , Benson Roger B. J. , Claramunt Santiago , Evans David C.
Published: March 2023

Avian skeletal morphology is associated with locomotor function, including flight style, swimming and terrestrial locomotion, and permits informed inferences on locomotion in extinct taxa. The fossil taxon
Ichthyornis
(Avialae: Ornithurae) has long been regarded as highly aerial, with flight similar to terns or gulls (Laridae), and skeletal features resembling foot-propelled diving adaptations. However, rigorous testing of locomotor hypotheses has yet to be performed on
Ichthyornis
, despite its notable phylogenetic position as one of the most crownward stem birds. We analysed separate datasets of three-dimensional sternal shape (geometric morphometrics) and skeletal proportions (linear measurements across the skeleton), to examine how well these data types predict locomotor traits in Neornithes. We then used this information to infer locomotor capabilities of
Ichthyornis.
We find strong support for both soaring and foot-propelled swimming capabilities in
Ichthyornis.
Further, sternal shape and skeletal proportions provide complementary information on avian locomotion: skeletal proportions allow better predictions of the capacity for flight, whereas sternal shape predicts variation in more specific locomotor abilities such as soaring, foot-propelled swimming and escape burst flight. These results have important implications for future studies of extinct avialan ecology and underscore the importance of closely considering sternum morphology in investigations of fossil bird locomotion.
Sex-biased gene expression in nutrient-sensing pathways
Authors: Bennett-Keki Suzanne , Fowler Emily K. , Folkes Leighton , Moxon Simon , Chapman Tracey
Published: March 2023

Differences in lifespan between males and females are found across many taxa and may be determined, at least in part, by differential responses to diet. Here we tested the hypothesis that the higher dietary sensitivity of female lifespan is mediated by higher and more dynamic expression in nutrient-sensing pathways in females. We first reanalysed existing RNA-seq data, focusing on 17 nutrient-sensing genes with reported lifespan effects. This revealed, consistent with the hypothesis, a dominant pattern of female-biased gene expression, and among sex-biased genes there tended to be a loss of female-bias after mating. We then tested directly the expression of these 17 nutrient-sensing genes in wild-type third instar larvae, once-mated 5- and 16-day-old adults. This confirmed sex-biased gene expression and showed that it was generally absent in larvae, but frequent and stable in adults. Overall, the findings suggest a proximate explanation for the sensitivity of female lifespan to dietary manipulations. We suggest that the contrasting selective pressures to which males and females are subject create differing nutritional demands and requirements, resulting in sex differences in lifespan. This underscores the potential importance of the health impacts of sex-specific dietary responses.