bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using modified trapping regimes to understand the behavioral and spatial ecology of Philornis downsi (Diptera: Muscidae)
Authors: Boulton Rebecca A , Cahuana Andrea , Lahuatte Paola F , Ramírez Erika , Sevilla Christian , Causton Charlotte E
Published: March 2024

The avian vampire fly Philornis downsi (Dodge & Aitken) (Diptera: Muscidae) is native to continental South America and the Caribbean, but invasive in the Galapagos Archipelago. The larvae of P. downsi feed on the blood and tissues of the nestlings of 75% of the small land bird species that are endemic or native to Galapagos, causing high in-nest mortality and severe population declines in some species. Efficient trapping techniques are vital to safeguarding these birds in the short term as well as for monitoring fly populations, but basic information about the ecology of the fly is still needed to help develop a species-appropriate trapping method. In this study, we used a novel trapping regime with a vertical distribution to make inferences about P. downsi’s behavioral and spatial ecology and to optimize trap catch. Our results showed that male and female P. downsi were trapped in greater numbers below the canopy (3.1–7.5 m), lower down than other commonly caught insect species (5.1–11.5 m). Notably, the effect of trap height remained consistent across seasons and different weather conditions. These findings suggest that P. downsi tend to move at heights where their hosts nest (at or below the canopy) and do not spend time above the canopy. This also makes it unlikely that strategies such as hill-topping or aerial swarming are being used to locate mates. As such, trapping and control efforts should be focused below the canopy in forests with similar canopy heights to effectively capture P. downsi and reduce bycatch of other insects.
Inverted left atrial appendage mimicking potential left atrial thrombus in an infant following cardiac surgery: a case report
Authors: Liaqath Ali Muhammad Najih , Bharucha Tara , Kaarne Markku , Hayes Nicholas
Published: March 2024

Background

Inverted left atrial appendage (iLAA) is an infrequent complication following cardiac surgery, seen both in children and adults. Following a recent encounter, this review article is aimed to remind the reader about its occurrence, clinical manifestations, differential diagnoses, and management options.

Case summary

A 3-month-old baby underwent successful surgical repair of a large ventricular septal defect. Intraoperative epicardial echocardiogram at the end of the case demonstrated an unexpected left atrial mass, raising suspicion of a thrombus adjacent to the mitral valve. Urgent re-establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass and exploration of the left atrium did not reveal a thrombus, but this was subsequently identified as an iLAA. This completely resolved after manual external reduction of the appendage.

Discussion

Published literature is confined to case reports only, with most cases observed post-operatively, but some occurring spontaneously. Awareness of this unusual manifestation is particularly important in the intraoperative period as it can usually be addressed without the need for further cardiopulmonary bypass.
Pulmonary embolism with paradoxical embolization to right coronary artery in the presence of a large patent foramen ovale: a case report
Authors: Boberg Erik , Hedman Anders , Hollenberg Jacob
Published: March 2024

Background

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the leading cause of in-hospital death and the third most frequent cause of cardiovascular death. The clinical presentation of PE is variable, and choosing the appropriate treatment for individual patients can be challenging.

Case summary

A 64-year-old man presented to hospital with acute chest pain, shortness of breath, and pulmonary oedema. Electrocardiogram revealed ST-elevation myocardial infarction. D-dimer was 18.8 mg/L fibrinogen equivalent units (FEU) (normal <0.64), and troponin was 25 (normal 5–14 ng/L). After systemic thrombolysis, respiratory failure persisted, and the arterial blood gas showed PaO2 of 6.0 kPa (normal 10.5–13.5 kPa), with 100% oxygen delivery via high-flow nasal cannula. A computed tomography diagnosed bilateral lobar PE, and coronary angiogram showed multiple thrombus in the right coronary artery. A bubble study with thoracic echocardiogram revealed a large right–left inter-atrial shunt. The patient denied treatment with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and surgical thrombectomy. With no access to percutaneous catheter-directed thrombectomy, the patient received three separate thrombolysis treatments followed by a continued infusion for 22 h. After 6 weeks in hospital, the patient was discharged to rehab.

Discussion

For a long time, PE has been largely seen as a medical disease. Intra-cardiac shunts such as patent foramen ovale can complicate thrombo-venous disease and introduce paradoxical shunts leading to arterial emboli and persistent hypoxaemia. Over recent years, modern percutaneous catheter-directed thrombectomy has been developed for both high-risk and intermediate to high-risk PEs. Thrombectomy might improve right ventricular function and haemodynamics, but there is lacking evidence from randomized trials on efficacy, safety, and long-term outcome.
An unusual case of recurrent haemoptysis after ablation for atrial fibrillation requiring pneumonectomy: a case report
Authors: Mattioni Giovanni , Orlandi Riccardo , Rubino Barbara , Garatti Andrea , Pastorino Ugo
Published: March 2024

Background

Pulmonary vein (PV) stenosis is a rare complication after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). While there have been reported anecdotal cases of complete PV stenosis requiring pulmonary lobectomy, only one case of pneumonectomy has been documented so far.

Case summary

A 42-year-old man was referred to our Thoracic Surgery Unit for recurrent haemoptysis and exertional dyspnoea over the past 4 years and a recent finding of left PV occlusion. He suffered of relapsing AF that had almost five recurrences and that underwent a total of two percutaneous catheter ablations within a 7-year period. He also experienced a hospitalization for multifocal lobar pneumonia. Two attempts of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) were unsuccessful. Due to the severity and the duration of PV occlusion, the previous PTA failure, the patient’s age, and his symptoms, a left pneumonectomy was performed. During the postoperative period, the patient experienced only mild anaemia effectively managed with blood transfusions. Five months after surgery, he has no recurrence of symptoms.

Discussion

When the PV stenosis is complete, PTA may face high failure and recurrence rates. In this setting, anatomical pulmonary resections may represent a valid option to allow symptom relief and resolution.
Secundum atrial septal defect closure in adults in the UK
Authors: English Kate M , Espuny-Pujol Ferran , Franklin Rodney C , Crowe Sonya , Pagel Christina
Published: March 2024

Aims

To examine determinants of access to treatment, outcomes, and hospital utilization in patients undergoing secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) closure in adulthood in England and Wales.

Methods and results

Large retrospective cohort study of all adult patients undergoing secundum ASD closures in England and Wales between 2000/01 and 2016/17. Data were from population-based official data sets covering congenital heart disease procedures, hospital episodes, and death registries. Out of 6541 index closures, 79.4% were transcatheter [median age 47 years, interquartile range (IQR) 34–61] and 20.6% were surgical (40 years, 28–52). The study cohort was predominantly female (66%), with socioethnic profile similar to the general population. Mortality in hospital was 0.2% and at 1 year 1.0% [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.8–1.2%]. Risk of death was lower for transcatheter repairs, adjusting for age, sex, year of procedure, comorbidities, and cardiac risk factors [in-hospital adjusted odds ratio 0.09, 95% CI 0.02–0.46; 1-year adjusted hazard ratio 0.5, 95% CI 0.3–0.9]. There was excess mortality 1 year after ASD closure compared with matched population data. Median (IQR) peri-procedural length of stay was 1.8 (1.4–2.5) and 7.3 (6.2–9.2) days for transcatheter and surgical closures, respectively. Hospital resource use for cardiac reasons started the year before repair (median two inpatient and two outpatient-only days) and decreased post-repair (zero inpatient and one outpatient days during the first 2 years).

Conclusion

This national study confirms that ASD closure in adults, by surgical or transcatheter methods, is provided independently of ethnic or socioeconomic differences, it is low (but not no) risk, and appears to reduce future cardiac hospitalization even in older ages.
Solitary fibrous tumours of the pleura: do we need a different perspective on malignancy?
Authors: Dörr Niels Michael , Krüger Marcus , Möller Miriam , Zinne Norman , Toennies Mario , Schega Olaf , Ritter Christoph , Decker Steffen , Hölsken Antje , Schütte Wolfgang , Biancosino Christian
Published: March 2024

OBJECTIVES

Solitary fibrous tumours of the pleura (SFTP) are historically considered to be benign soft tissue neoplasms. However, a clinical relevant number of these neoplasms have malignant histological features. The objective of this study was to evaluate the percentage of SFTP presenting unfavourable clinical behaviour in order to predict negative long-term outcome.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 74 patients treated at 4 hospitals between 1990 and 2013 was performed. The median follow-up was 10 years (range: 1–20 years). Risk of tumour recurrence and metastases (unfavourable clinical behaviour) with regard to histology using the Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazards methods.

RESULTS

The mean age was 61 years (SD 12.75 years). There were 31 male patients (58%) and 43 female patients (42%). Tumour size ranged from 1 to 30 cm (mean 9.09 cm; SD 6.22 cm). Complete resection (R0) was achieved by minimally invasive thoracoscopic resection in 29% and thoracotomy in 57%; 25% of SFTPs showed histological evidence of malignancy, according to England criteria. Recurrence occurred in 21% and 10% of patients had metastases; 83% of patients with metastases and 39% of patients with recurrence died within 5 years. The median recurrence-free survival for histologically benign SFTP was not reached, compared to 8 years for malignant SFTP. The five-year overall survival rate was 84%. Mitotic rate ≥1/10 HPF, high cellularity, nuclear atypia, Ki-67 level >5% and poorly circumscribed (sessile) growth pattern were associated with poor long-term outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Pathological differentiation of SFTP morphology into pedunculated, well circumscribed and poorly circumscribed (sessile) growth pattern is recommended. Due to the misleading classification into histologically benign and malignant, all unpedunculated SFTP should be classified as potentially aggressive. Lifelong follow-up is mandatory.
Sex-dependent effect of socioeconomic status on cardiovascular event risk in a population-based cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Enguita-Germán Mónica , Tamayo Ibai , Librero Julián , Ballesteros-Domínguez Asier , Oscoz-Villanueva Ignacio , Galbete Arkaitz , Arnedo Laura , Cambra Koldo , Gorricho Javier , Moreno-Iribas Conchi , Millán-Ortuondo Eduardo , Ibáñez-Beroiz Berta
Published: March 2024

Background

Socioeconomic status (SES) factors often result in profound health inequalities among populations, and their impact may differ between sexes. The aim of this study was to estimate and compare the effect of socioeconomic status indicators on incident cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related events among males and females with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

A population-based cohort from a southern European region including 24,650 patients with T2D was followed for five years. The sex-specific associations between SES indicators and the first occurring CVD event were modeled using multivariate Fine-Gray competing risk models. Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) and stroke were considered secondary outcomes.

Results

Patients without a formal education had a significantly higher risk of CVD than those with a high school or university education, with adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) equal to 1.24 (95%CI: 1.09–1.41) for males and 1.50 (95%CI: 1.09–2.06) for females. Patients with <18 000€ income had also higher CVD risk than those with ≥18 000€, with HRs equal to 1.44 (95%CI: 1.29–1.59) for males and 1.42 (95%CI: 1.26–1.60) for females. Being immigrant showed a HR equal to 0.81 (95%CI: 0.66–0.99) for males and 1.13 (95%CI: 0.68–1.87) for females. Similar results were observed for stroke, but differed for CHD when income is used, which had higher effect in females.

Conclusion

Socioeconomic inequalities in CVD outcomes are present among T2D patients, and their magnitude for educational attainment is sex-dependent, being higher in females, suggesting the need to consider them when designing tailored primary prevention and management strategies.
From Doughnut Economics to Doughnut Jurisprudence: A Human Rights Perspective
Authors: Buser Andreas
Published: March 2024

Earth system science indicates the existence of planetary boundaries. Several of these ecological limits have been transgressed, raising serious human rights concerns. Concurrently, persistent poverty and significant economic disparities continue to challenge societies and human rights law and scholarship. How to reform economies to respect planetary boundaries and at the same time address deprivation and socio-economic inequalities is the subject of a rich ‘degrowth’ literature. Surprisingly, this literature received minimal attention from human rights scholarship. Building upon Raworth’s influential concept of Doughnut Economics, this paper aims to bridge this gap by investigating whether human rights can encompass ecological limits (outer circle of the doughnut) and how these limits relate to social priorities embodied in human rights law (inner circle of the doughnut). To do so, the paper is structured along two sub-sections. The first section examines the relevance of core planetary boundaries, particularly biosphere integrity and climate change, within the context of human rights law. In the second section, the paper addresses the relationship between the inner and outer circle of doughnut economics from a human rights perspective. Drawing on critical literature, the article problematizes the ‘growth paradigm’ in human rights practice but also offers alternative readings. In this final part of the article, the author demonstrates how central doctrines of ESC rights, such as progressive realization and non-retrogression, could be interpreted in a way agnostic of economic growth.
Randomized comparison of oblique and perpendicular stabilizers for minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum
Authors: Tedde Miguel L , De Carvalho Rafael Lucas Costa , De Campos Jose Ribas Milanez , Da Silva Diego Arley Gomes , Okumura Erica Mie , Guilherme Gustavo Falavigna , Marchesi Alana Cozzer , Petrizzo Paulla , Souto Maior Barbara Siqueira , Pego-Fernandes Paulo Manuel
Published: March 2024

OBJECTIVES

Bar dislocation is one of the most feared complications of the minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum.

METHODS

Prospective randomized parallel-group clinical trial intending to assess whether oblique stabilizers can reduce bar displacement in comparison with regular stabilizers used in minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum. Additionally, we evaluated pain, quality of life and other postoperative complications. Participants were randomly assigned to surgery with perpendicular (n = 16) or oblique stabilizers (n = 14) between October 2017 and September 2018 and followed for 3 years. Bar displacements were evaluated with the bar displacement index. Pain scores were evaluated through visual analogue scale and quality of life through the Pectus Excavatum Evaluation Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Control group average displacement index was 17.7 (±26.7) and intervention group average displacement index was 8.2 (±10.9). There was 1 reoperation in each group that required correction with 2 bars. Bar displacement was similar among groups (P = 0.12). No other complications were recorded. There was no statistically significant difference on pain score. There was a significant difference between pre- and postoperative composite scores of the participants’ body image domain and psycho-social aspects in both groups. The difference between the pre- and postoperative participants’ perception of physical difficulties was greater and statistically significant in the intervention group.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no statistical difference in the use of perpendicular or oblique stabilizers, but the availability of different models of stabilizers during the study suggested that this can be advantageous. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT03087734.
Double-branched stent graft and four-stage deployment in total arch repair: safety and feasibility evaluation in porcine models
Authors: Wang Chenhao , Li Wenfan , Yang Peng , Lu Chen , Zhang Yu , Wang Haiyue , Xiao Zhenghua , Hu Jia
Published: March 2024

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of this research was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of an innovative double-branched stent graft system employing four-stage deployment technology for aortic arch repair in porcine models.

METHODS

The double-branched stent graft system consisted of a proximal polyester artificial blood vessel, the main and double-branched stent grafts and a delivery system. We utilized 12 healthy pigs as experimental animals (6 per group). Postimplantation, samples were collected at 90 and 180 days after the operations. Preoperative and postoperative imaging and intraoperative arterial blood gas analyses were performed. After the pigs were euthanized, the implanted product, surrounding tissue and major organs were collected for pathological analysis.

RESULTS

The technical success rate of the stent graft implants was 100% (12/12). All animals survived to the experimental end point. Perioperative assessments showed intact stent grafts, and imaging features at the end of the follow-up period revealed neither endoleak nor device migration. No major adverse cardiovascular events were observed during the postoperative follow-up period. Pathological examinations confirmed the satisfactory biocompatibility of the stent graft.

CONCLUSIONS

This innovative double-branched stent graft system with four-stage deployment technology was affirmed as a safe and feasible option for aortic arch repair in accordance with our preclinical evaluation with porcine models.
Genome-wide association study of osteoporosis identifies genetic risk and interactions with Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet and sugar-sweetened beverages in a Hispanic cohort of older adults
Authors: Fouhy Liam E , Lai Chao-Qiang , Parnell Laurence D , Tucker Katherine L , Ordovás José M , Noel Sabrina E
Published: March 2024

Osteoporosis (OP) and low bone mass can be debilitating and costly conditions if not acted on quickly. This disease is also difficult to diagnose as the symptoms develop unnoticed until fracture occurs. Therefore, gaining understanding of the genetic risk associated with these conditions could be beneficial for health-care professionals in early detection and prevention. The Boston Puerto Rican Osteoporosis (BPROS) study, an ancillary study to the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study (BPRHS), collected information regarding bone and bone health. All bone measurements were taken during regular BPROS visits using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The OP was defined as T-score ≤ −2.5 (≥2.5 SDs below peak bone mass). Dietary variables were collected at the second wave of the BPRHS via a food frequency questionnaire. We conducted genome-wide associations with bone outcomes, including BMD and OP for 978 participants. We also examined the interactions with dietary quality on the relationships between genotype and bone outcomes. We further tested if candidate genetic variants described in previous GWAS on OP and BMD contribute to OP risk in this population. Four variants were associated with OP: rs114829316 (IQ motif containing J gene), rs76603051, rs12214684 (melanin-concentrating hormone receptor 2 gene), and rs77303493 (Ras and Rab interactor 2 gene), and 2 variants were associated with BMD of lumbar spine (rs11855618, cingulin-like 1 gene) and hip (rs73480593, NTRK2), reaching the genome-wide significance threshold of P ≤ 5E-08. In a gene–diet interaction analysis, we found that 1 SNP showed a significant interaction with the overall Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) score, and 7 SNPs with sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), a major contributor to the DASH score. This study identifies new genetic markers related to OP and BMD in older Hispanic adults. Additionally, we uncovered unique genetic markers that interact with dietary quality, specifically SSBs, in relation to bone health. These findings may be useful to guide early detection and preventative care.
CD44 expression on murine hepatic stellate cells promotes the induction of monocytic and polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells
Authors: Hagenstein Julia , Burkhardt Simon , Sprezyna Paulina , Tasika Elena , Tiegs Gisa , Diehl Linda
Published: March 2024

In chronic inflammation, regulatory immune cells, such as regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, can develop. Local signals in the inflamed tissue, such as cytokines and eicosanoids, but also contact-dependent signals, can promote myeloid-derived suppressor cell development. In the liver, hepatic stellate cells may provide such signals via the expression of CD44. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells generated in the presence of hepatic stellate cells and anti-CD44 antibodies were functionally and phenotypically analyzed. We found that both monocytic and polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells generated in the presence of αCD44 antibodies were less suppressive toward T cells as measured by T-cell proliferation and cytokine production. Moreover, both monocytic and polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells were phenotypically altered. Monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells mainly changed their expression of CD80 and CD39, and polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells showed altered expression of CD80/86, PD-L1, and CCR2. Moreover, both polymorphonuclear and monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells lost expression of Nos2 messenger RNA, whereas monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells showed reduced expression of TGFb messenger RNA and polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells reduced expression of Il10 messenger RNA. In summary, the presence of CD44 in hepatic stellate cells promotes the induction of both monocytic and polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells, although the mechanisms by which these myeloid-derived suppressor cells may increase suppressive function due to interaction with CD44 are only partially overlapping.
Generalized dynamics equation with causal symmetry
Authors: Chen ChiYi
Published: March 2024

The particle dynamics equation’s formal logic is examined in the context of classical mechanics to investigate the nature of inertial forces. First, a fresh perspective on the dual dependence of the inertial reference frame and inertial force in Newtonian dynamics is presented. The causal relationship between the two sides of Newton’s second law is found to be asymmetrical and inconsistent. Secondly, a more general particle dynamics equation, applicable in any translational frame of reference without additional assumptions, is introduced. Essentially, Newton’s second law is only an extreme case of the newly generalized dynamics equation since in Newton’s second law an entire term of the forces acting on the reference object is omitted. The nature of inertial force is unveiled as the mass-ratio weighted real force acting on the reference object. This qualitative explanation is entirely naturalistic as the reference frame’s acceleration depends directly on the acceleration of its reference object(s), and the acceleration of every reference object depends directly on the forces acting on this reference object.
A two-sample tree-based test for hierarchically organized genomic signals
Authors: Neuvial Pierre , Randriamihamison Nathanaël , Chavent Marie , Foissac Sylvain , Vialaneix Nathalie
Published: March 2024

This article addresses a common type of data encountered in genomic studies, where a signal along a linear chromosome exhibits a hierarchical organization. We propose a novel framework to assess the significance of dissimilarities between two sets of genomic matrices obtained from distinct biological conditions. Our approach relies on a data representation based on trees. It utilizes tree distances and an aggregation procedure for tests performed at the level of leaf pairs. Numerical experiments demonstrate its statistical validity and its superior accuracy and power compared to alternatives. The method’s effectiveness is illustrated using real-world data from GWAS and Hi-C data.
Population-level task-evoked functional connectivity via Fourier analysis
Authors: Meng Kun , Eloyan Ani
Published: March 2024

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a noninvasive and in-vivo imaging technique essential for measuring brain activity. Functional connectivity is used to study associations between brain regions, either while study subjects perform tasks or during periods of rest. In this paper, we propose a rigorous definition of task-evoked functional connectivity at the population level (ptFC). Importantly, our proposed ptFC is interpretable in the context of task-fMRI studies. An algorithm for estimating the ptFC is provided. We present the performance of the proposed algorithm compared to existing functional connectivity frameworks using simulations. Lastly, we apply the proposed algorithm to estimate the ptFC in a motor-task study from the Human Connectome Project.
Parental concerns about genital differences in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia persist regardless of the selected intervention
Authors: Alderson Julie , Thornton Maia , Skae Mars , Jones Julie , Nicoll Nicky , Harcourt Diana , Woodward Mark , Crowne Elizabeth C
Published: March 2024

Background

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21HD) can affect the in utero development of the genital anatomy of people with the 46XX karyotype. Health professionals engage parents in decision-making regarding managing genitals with this difference, including genital surgery options and patient communication.

Aim

We sought to investigate parental communication with their daughters regarding clitoral size variation related to neonatal CAH.

Methods

Semistructured in-person interviews of 24 parents of chromosomal XX children with clitoral size variation attributable to a neonatal CAH diagnosis comprised 3 management categories: (1) clitoral reduction surgery (RS) (7 parents, 9 children), (2) clitoral concealment surgery (CS) (8 parents, 8 children), and no surgery on or around the clitoris (NS) (9 parents, 7 children).

Outcomes

Four representative themes, Obvious Choice, Still Different, Parental Burden, and Ignorance Is Bliss, were common across all 3 treatment groups.

Results

For most parents, none of the 3 options of genital appearance alteration via clitoral reduction, clitoral concealment surgery, or avoidance of clitoral surgery ameliorated concerns, with most parents expressing an aversion to educating their child on the topic of genital differences, past treatment, or future function.

Clinical Implications

Reliance on surgical treatment pathways to manage this psychosocial concern is ineffective in alleviating parental uncertainty without the application of psychosocial interventions.

Strengths and Limitations

This was a qualitative study but was limited to parents of children with a specific genital difference, without direct exploration of parental values regarding the clitoris or the application of adequate psychosocial care.

Conclusion

Healthcare services must have an impact on parental ability to engage in essential communication with their children in cases such as clitoral size variation related to neonatal CAH. Improved communication skills allow parents to engage in more genuine decision-making and adapt to enduring genital reality, including possible future sexual challenges for their adult child, without resorting to burdensome strategies focused on attempts to perpetuate a benevolent ignorance.
Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K.) and Brazil nut oil: effects on oxidative stress and potential therapeutic health benefits from human, animal, and cell culture models
Authors: de Araújo Beatriz Alem Nascimento , de Campos Luisa Maria Tavares da Silva , Souza Gleiciane Teixeira , Abreu Giovanna de Menezes , de Almeida Carolina de Oliveira Ramos Petra , Figueiredo Mariana Sarto
Published: March 2024

Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K.) is characterized by its high nutritional and energetic value. It contains high levels of l-arginine, antioxidant vitamins, phenolic compounds, and phytosterols. In addition to their biological functions, bioactive compounds and essential fatty acids present therapeutic effects on chronic disease prevention through their antioxidant effects. Thus, this review aims to present the most recent scientific evidence on the effect of Brazil nut on human health. A search for scientific articles was carried out through the MEDLINE/PubMed, Science Direct, and LILACS databases, considering articles published between the years 2010 and 2023. The results showed that Brazil nuts and Brazil nut oil, when consumed regularly and associated with a balanced diet, can improve lipid profile, attenuate inflammatory response, and improve oxidative stress through increased activity and gene expression of antioxidant enzymes. However, further studies are recommended to better understand the mechanisms of action.
Chloroplast ATP synthase: From structure to engineering
Authors: Rühle Thilo , Leister Dario , Pasch Viviana
Published: March 2024

F-type ATP synthases are extensively researched protein complexes because of their widespread and central role in energy metabolism. Progress in structural biology, proteomics, and molecular biology has also greatly advanced our understanding of the catalytic mechanism, post-translational modifications, and biogenesis of chloroplast ATP synthases. Given their critical role in light-driven ATP generation, tailoring the activity of chloroplast ATP synthases and modeling approaches can be applied to modulate photosynthesis. In the future, advances in genetic manipulation and protein design tools will significantly expand the scope for testing new strategies in engineering light-driven nanomotors.
Perception-Action Approach Versus Standard Care for Infants With Congenital Muscular Torticollis: A Pilot Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Rahlin Mary , Haney Nancy B , Barnett Joyce
Published: March 2024

Objective

The purposes of this pilot study were to compare short-term outcomes of the Perception-Action Approach (P-AA) and standard care based on 5 components of first-choice interventions listed in the congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) clinical practice guideline. Changes in postural alignment, symmetrical use of both sides of the body during movement and play, gross motor development, and behavior observed during therapy were considered.

Methods

Thirty-two participants were enrolled in a 2-group (P-AA and standard care) randomized, single-blind trial with pre–posttest measures. Participants were infants with CMT, age range 5 to 35 weeks at enrollment. Outcome measures administered at initial and final evaluations included still photography, arthrodial goniometry, Muscle Function Scale, Alberta Infant Motor Scale, and Functional Symmetry Observation Scale. Participants in both groups attended 3 intervention sessions. Their behavior exhibited during therapy was compared using the Therapy Behavior Scale Version 2.2.

Results

Data collection was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Twenty-four infants completed the study (10 in P-AA and 14 in the standard care group). There were no significant differences between the groups in performance at initial and final evaluations. Both groups improved on most outcome measures. The P-AA group made greater gains on the Functional Symmetry Observation Scale, and the Therapy Behavior Scale Version 2.2 scores were higher in the P-AA group; however, these results did not reach significance.

Conclusion

Results suggest that similar short-term outcomes may be obtained in infants with CMT undergoing P-AA and standard care interventions. Definitive conclusions regarding the efficacy of the P-AA in infants with CMT cannot be made at this time. Nevertheless, the pilot findings provide valuable preliminary data for a future efficacy trial, which will require funding.

Impact

This was the first randomized controlled trial to provide evidence for use of P-AA intervention in infants with CMT.

Lay Summary

Compared to standard treatment, the Perception-Action Approach (P-AA) provided similar short-term benefits to infants with congenital muscular torticollis. The P-AA group participants demonstrated higher symmetry and behavior scores, which needs to be confirmed in a larger future study.
Efficacy and safety of dupilumab in the treatment of Kimura’s disease
Authors: Liu Y L , Ran Y T , Zhang Y F , Peng X T , Xia Y M , Yan H L
Published: March 2024

Background

Kimura’s disease (KD) is a rare chronic inflammatory condition characterized by nodules and lymphadenopathy in the head and neck region, exhibiting type II inflammation. Dupilumab is commonly used against type II inflammation.

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of dupilumab in KD patients.

Design

The real-world study was conducted in a hospital in China.

Methods

Six male patients with a mean age of 24.50 ± 15.47 years were treated with dupilumab following the same protocol as that for atopic dermatitis (AD). Clinical and laboratory indicators, such as maximum nodule diameter, blood eosinophil count, eosinophil percentage, and total serum IgE levels were assessed at baseline, Week 12 and Week 24. Adverse events were documented. Paired t-tests and one-way ANOVA were used for statistical analysis.

Results

The results showed significant reductions in the longest nodule diameter at Week 12 (P = 0.006) and Week 24 (P = 0.017) compared to baseline. Blood eosinophil count decreased by 57.95% (P = 0.024) at Week 12 and 90.59% (P = 0.030) at Week 24. Eosinophil percentage decreased by 58.44% (P = 0.026) at Week 12 and 89.37% (P = 0.013) at Week 24. Total serum IgE levels decreased by 78.02% (P = 0.040) at Week 12 and 89.55% (P = 0.031) at Week 24. The presence of AD did not affect the results. One patient experienced temporary facial erythema after 32 weeks of treatment, which resolved with topical treatment. No other adverse events were reported.

Conclusion

Dupilumab demonstrated effectiveness in treating KD without severe adverse events.
Practicing responsible research assessment: Qualitative study of faculty hiring, promotion, and tenure assessments in the United States
Authors: Rushforth Alexander , De Rijcke Sarah
Published: March 2024

Recent times have seen the growth in the number and scope of interacting professional reform movements in science, centered on themes such as open research, research integrity, responsible research assessment, and responsible metrics. The responsible metrics movement identifies the growing influence of quantitative performance indicators as a major problem and seeks to steer and improve practices around their use. It is a multi-actor, multi-disciplinary reform movement premised upon engendering a sense of responsibility among academic evaluators to approach metrics with caution and avoid certain poor practices. In this article we identify how academic evaluators engage with the responsible metrics agenda, via semi-structured interview and open-text survey responses on professorial hiring, tenure and promotion assessments among senior academics in the United States—a country that has so far been less visibly engaged with the responsible metrics reform agenda. We explore how notions of ‘responsibility’ are experienced and practiced among the very types of professionals international reform initiatives such as the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) are hoping to mobilize into their cause. In doing so, we draw on concepts from science studies, including from literatures on Responsible Research and Innovation and ‘folk theories’ of citation. We argue that literature on citation folk theories should extend its scope beyond simply asking researchers how they view the role and validity of these tools as performance measures, by asking them also what they consider are their professional obligations to handle bibliometrics appropriately.
Thorough assessment of the effectiveness of belimumab in a large Spanish multicenter cohort of systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Authors: Altabás-González Irene , Pego-Reigosa José María , Mouriño Coral , Jiménez Norman , Hernández-Martín Andrea , Casafont-Solé Ivette , Font Urguelles Judit , Román-Ivorra José Andrés , de la Rubia Navarro Marta , Galindo-Izquierdo María , Salman-Monte Tarek Carlos , Narváez Javier , Vidal-Montal Paola , García-Villanueva María Jesús , Garrote-Corral Sandra , Blázquez-Cañamero María Ángeles , Marras Carlos , Piqueras-García María , Martínez-Barrio Julia , Sánchez-Lucas Marina , Cortés-Hernández Josefina , Penzo Eleonora , Calvo-Alén Jaime , de Dios Juan Ramón , Álvarez Rodríguez Belén , Vasques-Rocha Margarida , Tomero Eva , Menor-Almagro Raúl , Gandía Myriam , Gómez-Puerta José A , Frade-Sosa Beatriz , Ramos-Giráldez Consuelo , Trapero-Pérez Carmen , Diez Elvira , Moriano Clara , Muñoz-Jiménez Alejandro , Rúa-Figueroa Iñigo Jesús
Published: March 2024

Objectives

To provide an overview on the current use of belimumab (BLM) in SLE patients in clinical practice and to examine its efficacy in terms of standardized outcomes, drug survival, as well as patient and safety profiles.

Methods

A longitudinal retrospective multicenter cohort including SLE patients treated with BLM at 18 Spanish centers. Data was collected upon initiation of BLM, at 6 and 12 months after initiation, and at the last recorded visit. Changes in SLEDAI-2K, the proportion of patients who achieved LLDAS and DORIS 2021, and number of flares were compared between visits. Changes in damage, glucocorticoids use and employment status pre-BLM and post-BLM were also assessed.

Results

A total of 324 patients were included with a mean follow-up of 3.8 (±2.7) years. LLDAS was attained by 45.8%, 62% and 71% of patients, and DORIS by 24%, 36.2% and 52.5% on successive visits, respectively. A total of 27.2% of patients were in DORIS ≥50% of the visits and 46% in LLDAS-50. Flares and number of flares were significantly lower one year after treatment with BLM and no changes in damage accrual were observed. Mean (±SD) prednisone dose was significantly reduced over time, with 70 (24%) patients discontinuing GC.

Conclusion

Our study not only demonstrates belimumab’s efficacy in attaining treat-to-target goals in SLE patients, but also confirms its GC-sparing effect, and its prevention of flares and organ damage accrual.
Uptake and safety of pneumococcal vaccination in adults with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases: a UK wide observational study
Authors: Nakafero Georgina , Grainge Matthew J , Card Tim , Mallen Christian D , Nguyen Van-Tam Jonathan S , Abhishek Abhishek
Published: March 2024

Objective

The uptake and safety of pneumococcal vaccination in people with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) is poorly understood. We investigated the UK-wide pneumococcal vaccine uptake in adults with IMIDs and explored the association between vaccination and IMID flare.

Methods

Adults with IMIDs diagnosed on or before 1 September 2018, prescribed steroid-sparing drugs within the last 12 months and contributing data to the Clinical Practice Research Datalink Gold, were included. Vaccine uptake was assessed using a cross-sectional study design. Self-controlled case series analysis investigated the association between pneumococcal vaccination and IMID flare. The self-controlled case series observation period was up to 6 months before and after pneumococcal vaccination. This was partitioned into a 14-day pre-vaccination induction, 90 days post-vaccination exposed and the remaining unexposed periods.

Results

We included 32 277 patients, 14 151 with RA, 13 631 with IBD, 3804 with axial SpA and 691 with SLE. Overall, 57% were vaccinated against pneumococcus. Vaccine uptake was lower in those younger than 45 years old (32%), with IBD (42%) and without additional indication(s) for vaccination (46%). In the vaccine safety study, data for 1067, 935 and 451 vaccinated patients with primary-care consultations for joint pain, autoimmune rheumatic disease flare and IBD flare, respectively, were included. Vaccination against pneumococcal pneumonia was not associated with primary-care consultations for joint pain, autoimmune rheumatic disease flare and IBD flare in the exposed period, with incidence rate ratios (95% CI) 0.95 (0.83–1.09), 1.05 (0.92–1.19) and 0.83 (0.65–1.06), respectively.

Conclusion

Uptake of pneumococcal vaccination in UK patients with IMIDs was suboptimal. Vaccination against pneumococcal disease was not associated with IMID flare.
Patient and health professional views on risk-stratified monitoring of immune-suppressing treatment in adults with inflammatory diseases
Authors: Fuller Amy , Hancox Jennie , Williams Hywel C , Card Tim , Taal Maarten W , Aithal Guruprasad P , Fox Christopher P , Mallen Christian D , Maxwell James R , Bingham Sarah , Vedhara Kavita , Abhishek Abhishek
Published: March 2024

Objective

To explore the acceptability of an individualized risk-stratified approach to monitoring for target-organ toxicity in adult patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases established on immune-suppressing treatment(s).

Methods

Adults (≥18 years) taking immune-suppressing treatment(s) for at least six months, and healthcare professionals (HCPs) with experience of either prescribing and/or monitoring immune-suppressing drugs were invited to participate in a single, remote, one-to-one, semi-structured interview. Interviews were conducted by a trained qualitative researcher and explored their views and experiences of current monitoring and acceptability of a proposed risk-stratified monitoring plan. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and inductively analysed using thematic analysis in NVivo.

Results

Eighteen patients and 13 HCPs were interviewed. While participants found monitoring of immune-suppressing drugs with frequent blood-tests reassuring, the current frequency of these was considered burdensome by patients and HCPs alike, and to be a superfluous use of healthcare resources. Given abnormalities rarely arose during long-term treatment, most felt that monitoring blood-tests were not needed as often. Patients and HCPs found it acceptable to increase the interval between monitoring blood-tests from three-monthly to six-monthly or annually depending on the patients’ risk profiles. Conditions of accepting such a change included: allowing for clinician and patient autonomy in determining individuals’ frequency of monitoring blood-tests, the flexibility to change monitoring frequency if someone’s risk profile changed, and endorsement from specialist societies and healthcare providers such as the National Health Service.

Conclusion

A risk-stratified approach to monitoring was acceptable to patients and health care professionals. Guideline groups should consider these findings when recommending blood-test monitoring intervals.
Can the neural representation of physical pain predict empathy for pain in others?
Authors: Li M , Racey C , Rae C L , Strawson W , Critchley H D , Ward J
Published: March 2024

The question of whether physical pain and vicarious pain have some shared neural substrates is unresolved. Recent research has argued that physical and vicarious pain are represented by dissociable multivariate brain patterns by creating biomarkers for physical pain (Neurologic Pain Signature, NPS) and vicarious pain (Vicarious Pain Signature, VPS), respectively. In the current research, the NPS and two versions of the VPS were applied to three fMRI datasets (one new, two published) relating to vicarious pain which focused on between-subject differences in vicarious pain (Datasets 1 and 3) and within-subject manipulations of perspective taking (Dataset 2). Results show that (i) NPS can distinguish brain responses to images of pain vs no-pain and to a greater extent in vicarious pain responders who report experiencing pain when observing pain and (ii) neither version of the VPS mapped on to individual differences in vicarious pain and the two versions differed in their success in predicting vicarious pain overall. This study suggests that the NPS (created to detect physical pain) is, under some circumstances, sensitive to vicarious pain and there is significant variability in VPS measures (created to detect vicarious pain) to act as generalizable biomarkers of vicarious pain.
Network Structure of Childhood Trauma, Bodily Disturbances, and Schizotypy in Schizophrenia and Nonclinical Controls
Authors: Torregrossa Lénie J , Liu Jinyuan , Armstrong Kristan , Heckers Stephan , Sheffield Julia M
Published: March 2024

Background and Hypothesis

Exposure to childhood trauma has been linked to the development of psychosis and bodily self-disturbances, 2 hallmarks of schizophrenia (SZ). Prior work demonstrated that bodily disturbances serve as a bridge between childhood trauma and SZ symptomatology, but the diagnostic specificity of these connections remains unknown. This study uses network analysis to bridge this gap by comparing the interplays between childhood trauma, bodily self-disturbances, and schizotypy in clinical and general populations.

Study Design

Networks were constructed to examine the relationships between schizotypy (Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire; SPQ), bodily self-disturbances (Perceptual Aberration Scale; PAS), and childhood trauma (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, CTQ) in 152 people with SZ and 162 healthy comparison participants (HC). The Fused Graphical Lasso was used to jointly estimate the networks in the 2 groups and the structure and strength of the networks were compared. Node centrality and shortest paths between CTQ, PAS, and schizotypy were examined.

Study Results

When comparing SZ and HC, the network of bodily self-disturbances, childhood trauma, and schizotypy were similarly structured, but the network was significantly stronger in SZ than HC. In both groups, bodily self-disturbances were on one of the shortest paths between childhood trauma to schizotypal experiences.

Conclusions

Our findings revealed reliable associations between childhood trauma, bodily self-disturbance, and schizotypy, with bodily disturbances acting as a bridge from childhood trauma to schizotypy. The elevated strength of the SZ network indicates a more highly interconnected, and therefore reactive network in which exposure to childhood trauma can more easily activate bodily disturbances and schizotypy.