bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/computed tomography metabolic parameters and sarcopenia in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Zhang Qing , Ren Jingyun , Tan Xiaoyue , He Ming , Qiu Ting , Jiang Lei
Published: June 2023

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the association between 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/computed tomography (CT) and clinicopathological characteristics and sarcopenia in patients with pancreatic cancer and to determine their prognostic roles.

Methods

Clinicopathological factors and 18F-FDG PET/CT metabolic parameters of maximum standard uptake value, metabolic tumor volume, and total lesion glycolysis of the primary tumor (SUVmax_P, MTV_P, and TLG_P) and of whole-body lesions (MTV_T and TLG_T) were retrospectively reviewed in 113 pretreatment patients with pancreatic cancer. Sarcopenia was defined based on skeletal muscle index (SMI) calculated at the third lumbar vertebra (L3), and SUVmax of the psoas major muscle (SUVmax_M) was measured at L3 as well. The primary endpoint used was the overall survival (OS).

Results

Among 113 patients, 49 patients (43.4%) were diagnosed with sarcopenia. Compared with nonsarcopenia, sarcopenia more frequently occurred in the older population (P = 0.027), males (P = 0.014), and lower BMI (P < 0.001), and displayed lower SUVmax_M (P = 0.011). Age, sex, BMI, and SUVmax_M were independently predictive of sarcopenia. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that tumor stage (P = 0.010) and TLG_T (P < 0.001) were independently predictive of OS.

Conclusion

Sarcopenia increased with declining SUVmax_M in pancreatic cancer. Compared with SMI, SUVmax_M offers a more straightforward prediction of sarcopenia, thus a promising measurement to be incorporated into the diagnostic algorithm. Tumor stage and TLG_T, but not sarcopenia, were independent prognostic factors of pancreatic cancer.
Diagnostic value of [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor versus [18F]FDG PET/CTs in non-small cell lung cancer: a head-to-head comparative study
Authors: Mirshahvalad Seyed Ali , Manafi-Farid Reyhaneh , Fallahi Babak , Seifi Sharareh , Geramifar Parham , Emami-Ardekani Alireza , Eftekhari Mohammad , Beiki Davood
Published: June 2023

Objective

In this study, we aimed to compare the diagnostic value of [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor and [18F]FDG PET/CT in the evaluation of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

Methods

Patients with pathology-proven NSCLC were prospectively included. Patients underwent [18F]FDG and [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT within 1 week. All suspicious lesions were interpreted as benign or malignant, and the corresponding PET/CT semi-quantitative parameters were recorded. A two-sided P-value <0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Twelve consecutive NSCLC patients (mean age: 60 ± 7) were included. All patients underwent both [18F]FDG and [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT scans with a median interval of 2 days. Overall, 73 abnormal lesions were detected, from which 58 (79%) were concordant between [18F]FDG and [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT. All primary tumors were clearly detectable in both scans visually. Also, [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT demonstrated rather comparable results with [18F]FDG PET/CT scan in detecting metastatic lesions. However, malignant lesions demonstrated significantly higher SUVmax and SUVmean in [18F]FDG PET/CT (P-values <0.05). Regarding the advantages, [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor depicted two brain metastases that were missed by [18F]FDG PET/CT. Also, a highly suspicious lesion for recurrence on [18F]FDG PET/CT scan was correctly classified as benign by subsequent [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT.

Conclusion

[68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT was concordant with [18F]FDG PET/CT in detecting primary NSCLC tumors and could visualize the majority of metastatic lesions. Moreover, this modality was found to be potentially helpful in excluding tumoural lesions when the [18F]FDG PET/CT was equivocal, as well as in detecting brain metastasis where [18F]FDG PET/CT suffers from poor sensitivity. However, the count statistics were significantly lower.
The role of nutrition, food allergies, and gut dysbiosis in immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease: a narrative review
Authors: Bourkas Adrienn N. , Lara-Corrales Irene
Published: June 2023

Purpose of review

This review focuses on the emerging roles of nutrition, food allergies, and gut dysbiosis, and their influence on pediatric skin conditions such as psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and alopecia areata. As the prevalence of these conditions increases, understanding the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets is crucial for clinical practice and research.

Recent findings

The review covers 32 recent articles that highlight the significance of the gut microbiome, nutrition, and gut dysbiosis in the pathogenesis and progression of inflammatory and immune-related pediatric skin conditions. The data suggest that food allergies and gut dysbiosis play a crucial role in disease pathogenesis.

This review emphasizes the need for larger-scale studies to determine the effectiveness of dietary changes in preventing or treating inflammatory and immune-related skin conditions. Clinicians must maintain a balanced approach when implementing dietary changes in children with skin diseases like atopic dermatitis to avoid potential nutritional deficiencies and growth impairments. Further research into the complex interplay between environmental and genetic factors is warranted to develop tailored therapeutic strategies for these skin conditions in children.
Update on lasers in pediatric dermatology: how primary care providers can help patients and families navigate appropriate treatment options and timelines
Authors: Osborn Lindsay P. , Nieman Elizabeth L.
Published: June 2023

Purpose of review

The use of lasers in pediatric dermatology is well established, but recent literature has expanded the evidence for specific timelines of treatment. Additionally, new devices and combinations with medical therapy have improved outcomes and treatment options for various conditions.

Recent findings

Pulsed dye laser remains the first-line laser for vascular lesions. Recent guidelines support early initiation of laser treatment in port-wine birthmarks to optimize outcomes. For hemangiomas, laser treatment can offer a meaningful addition to oral propranolol therapy. Lasers with shorter wavelengths offer improved outcomes with decreased downtime for pigmented lesions. General anesthesia in the pediatric population continues to be a controversial topic, and the decision to perform laser under general versus topical anesthesia requires discussion with family of risks and benefits.

Primary care providers can benefit their patients by prompt referral to dermatology for discussion of laser treatment. Port-wine birthmarks require referral in the first weeks of life so that laser treatment can be initiated if appropriate. Although many dermatologic conditions cannot be completely cleared or cured with laser, treatment can offer meaningful outcomes and benefit for patients and families.
Changes in skeletal muscle mass index and fat mass index during rehabilitation for traumatic brain injury and stroke measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis
Authors: Tóth Babett , Dénes Zoltán , Németh Mariann , Fazekas Gábor
Published: June 2023

Although malnutrition may negatively impact the outcomes of rehabilitation and increase the cost of care, there are still no valid nutritional assessment methods appropriate for specific groups of patients undergoing rehabilitation. This study aimed to determine if a multifrequency bioelectrical impedance is suitable for monitoring the changes in body composition of brain-injured patients for whom individualized nutritional goals were set during rehabilitation. Fat mass index (FMI) and skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI) were examined by Seca mBCA515 or portable Seca mBCA525 device within 48 h of admission and before discharge in 11 traumatic brain injury (TBI) and 11 stroke patients with admission Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 scores ≥2. The changes in outcomes and plausible interactions were examined between the admission values and the values estimated for the 18th day (minimum length of stay in the sample) using a repeated measure mixed-sample analysis of covariance. In patients with low FMI at admission (mainly younger, TBI patients, with longer ICU stay), there was no change over time whereas, in those with high admission FMI (older, stroke patients, with shorter ICU stay), a decrease was observed (significant interaction F(1,19) = 9.224P = 0.007 Part. η² = 0.327). The SMMI significantly increased over time (F(1,19) = 5.202P = 0.034 Part. η² = 0.215) independently of gender, age, days spent in ICU and cause of brain injury. Our results suggest that bioelectrical impedance analysis is feasible and informative for monitoring the changes in body composition during rehabilitation, which also requires consideration of demographic and pre-rehabilitation characteristics.
Superior pedicle reduction mammoplasty: A multivariable analysis of 1306 patients. Risk factors for complications and development of a predictive score.
Authors: Girard Paul , Berkane Yanis , Laloze Jérôme , Rousseau Chloé , Lupon Elise , Schutz Sacha , Watier Eric , Bertheuil Nicolas
Published: June 2023

INTRODUCTION:

Breast reduction surgery for hypertrophy is one of the most commonly performed procedures in plastic surgery. This surgery exposes patients to complications well documented in the literature. The objective of this study is therefore to identify the risk factors in order to establish an estimate of the risk of developing complications. We propose the first predictive score of postoperative complications including continuous preoperative variables like Body Mass Index (BMI) and Supra Sternal Notch – Nipple Distance (SSN:N).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

An analytic observational retrospective cohort study was conducted including 1306 patients who underwent superior pedicle reduction mammoplasty at the Rennes University Hospital (France) between 2011/01/01 and 2016/31/12. Primary endpoint was to study association between known preoperative risk factors and occurrence of any complications using multivariable logistic regression in order to identify independent risk factors. Secondary endpoint was to establish a score to estimate a probability of occurrence of complication.

RESULTS:

1306 patients were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression showed three independent risk factors : active smoking (OR 6.10 [4.23; 8.78] p < 0.0001), BMI (OR 1.16 [1.11; 1.22] p < 0.0001), SSN:N (OR 1.14 [1.08; 1.21] p < 0.0001). The Rennes Plastic Surgery Score estimating occurrence of postoperative complications was determined, integrating regression coefficient of each risk factor.

CONCLUSION:

Active smoking, BMI and SSN:N distance are independent preoperative risk factors for the occurrence of breast reduction complications. The Rennes Plastic Surgery Score including the continuous values of BMI and SSN:N allows us to provide to our patients a reliable estimate of the risk of occurrence of these complications.

Evidence Based Medicine Level II:

Lesser-quality prospective cohort or comparative study; retrospective cohort or comparative study; or untreated controls from a randomized controlled trial
A Multi-center Phase II Study Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of Botulax® in Asian Patients with Benign Masseteric Hypertrophy.
Authors: Lee Ji Su , Son Hyung Seok , Kim Beom Joon , Lee Yang Won
Published: June 2023

Background:

Benign masseteric hypertrophy (BMH) is a condition in which the thickness of the masseter muscle is increased, resulting in jawline prominence with undesirable aesthetic appearance. Botulinum toxin type A (BTA) injection is a promising treatment option, but its effective dose remains debated.

Methods:

Adults over 19 diagnosed with BMH through visual examination and palpation related to a masseter muscle prominence were selected; 80 patients were randomly assigned into five groups (placebo group and 4 groups with different doses of BTA – 24U, 48U, 72U, 96U on both sides of the jaw) and treated with placebo or BTA once at their baseline visit. During each follow-up, the treatment efficacy was evaluated via ultrasound examination of the masseter muscle, 3D facial contour analysis, visual evaluation by the investigator, and patient satisfaction evaluation.

Results:

The mean age of the 80 patients was 42.7±9.98 years; 68.75% were women. The mean change of the MMT during the maximum clenching state after 12 weeks of drug administration compared to the baseline in the 24U, 48U, 72U, and 96U groups were -2.33±0.41 mm, -3.35±0.42 mm, -2.86±0.42 mm, and -3.79±0.42 mm. All treatment groups showed a statistically significant decrease compared to placebo. Regarding subjective satisfaction, all treatment groups, except the 24U group at 4 weeks, showed higher satisfaction than the placebo group during all visits. No significant adverse events were noted.

Conclusions:

BTA administration of at least 48U for BMH is more cost-effective than high-dose units and has a low possibility of side effects.
Fabricating Stiffness-Matched Three Dimensional –Printed Metal Implants for Total Wrist Arthroplasty
Authors: Jacobs-El Hannah , Liston Jared M. , Hepner Charles , Ma Ji , DeGeorge Brent R.
Published: June 2023

Background

Total wrist arthroplasty (TWA) is a motion-sparing treatment for pancarpal arthritis; however, complication rates up to 50% have limited widespread use. Implant micromotion, stress shielding, and periprosthetic osteolysis result in implant failure and revision to arthrodesis. Metal 3-dimensional (3D) printing allows for more accurate matching of surrounding bone biomechanical properties, theoretically reducing periprosthetic osteolysis. Herein, we use computed tomography to characterize the relationship of relative stiffness along the length of the distal radius with patient demographic factors.

Methods

After institutional review, wrist computed tomography scans at a single institution between 2013 and 2021 were identified. Exclusion criteria were history of radius or carpal trauma or fracture. Collected demographics included age, sex, and comorbidities (including osteoporosis/osteopenia). Scans were analyzed using Materialize Mimics Innovation Suite 24.0 (Leuven, Belgium). Distal radius cortical density (in Hounsfield units) and medullary volume (in cubic millimeters) with relation to distance from the radiocarpal joint were recorded. Average values for each variable were used to 3D-printed distal radius trial components with stiffness matched to bone density by length.

Results

Thirty-two patients met inclusion criteria. Distal radius cortical bone density progressively increased proximal to the radiocarpal joint, whereas medullary volume decreased; changes in both plateaued 20 mm proximal to the joint. Distal radius material properties differed by age, sex, and comorbidities. Total wrist arthroplasty implants were fabricated to match these variables as proof of concept.

Conclusions

Distal radius material properties vary along the bone length; conventional implants do not account for this variance. This study showed 3D-printed implants can be created to match bone properties along the length of the implant.
Preoperative Prophylactic Antibiotics in Mandibular Fractures and Surgical Site Infection
Authors: Atwez Abdelaziz , Antosz Kayla , Cooper Lindsey , Le Paulina , Mujadzic Tarik , Seagle Jackson , Mujadzic Mirsad , Friedman Harold
Published: June 2023

Background

Compared with other facial fractures, mandibular fractures have the highest rate of postsurgical site infection. There is strong evidence to suggest that postoperative antibiotics do not reduce rates of surgical site infections (SSIs) regardless of duration. However, there are conflicting data in the literature regarding the role of prophylactic preoperative antibiotics in reducing rates of SSIs. This study reviews the rate of infections in patients who underwent mandibular fracture repair who received a course of preoperative prophylactic antibiotics compared with those who received no or 1 dose of perioperative antibiotics.

Methods

Adult patients who underwent mandibular fracture repair at Prisma Health Richland between 2014 and 2019 were included in the study. A retrospective cohort review was conducted to determine the rate of SSI, comparing 2 groups of patients who underwent mandibular fracture repair. Patients who received more than 1 dose of scheduled antibiotics before surgery were compared with those who did not receive any antibiotic treatment before surgery or received only a single dose of antibiotics within 1 hour of incision time (perioperative antibiotics). The primary outcome was the rate of SSI between the 2 groups of patients.

Results

There were 183 patients who received more than 1 dose of scheduled antibiotics before surgery and 35 patients who received a single dose of perioperative antibiotics or did not receive any antibiotics. The rate of SSI was not significantly different in the preoperative prophylactic antibiotics group (29.3%) compared with the patients who received a single perioperative dose or no antibiotics (25.0%).

Conclusion

Extended regimens of preoperative prophylactic antibiotics beyond a single dose at time of surgery do not reduce SSIs after surgical repair in mandibular fractures.
Transforming Professional Identity in Simulation Debriefing
Authors: Kainth Ranjev , Reedy Gabriel
Published: June 2023

Summary Statement: There continues to be a lack of detailed understanding of how debriefing works and how it enables learning. To further our understanding and simultaneously illuminate current knowledge, a metaethnographic qualitative synthesis was undertaken to address the research question: how are interactions in simulation debriefing related to participant learning? Ten databases were searched (up to November 2020) and 17 articles were selected for inclusion.

Initial interpretive synthesis generated 37 new concepts that were further synthesized to produce a new theoretical framework. At the heart of the framework is a concept of reflective work, where participants and faculty recontextualize the simulation experience bidirectionally with clinical reality: a process that facilitates sensemaking. This occurs in a learning milieu where activities such as storytelling, performance evaluation, perspective sharing, agenda setting, and video use are undertaken. The outcome is conceptualization of new future roles, clinical competence, and professional language development—a process of transforming professional identity.
Efficacy and Safety of Supraclavicular Thoracic Outlet Decompression
Authors: Panda Nikhil , Hurd Jacob , Madsen James , Anderson Jacob N. , Yang Margaret E. , Sulit Jon , Kuhan Sangkavi , Potter Alexandra L. , Colson Yolonda L. , Yang Chi-Fu Jeffrey , Donahue Dean M.
Published: June 2023

Objectives:

We aimed to report efficacy, safety, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes of a multidisciplinary treatment approach including supraclavicular thoracic outlet decompression among patients with thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS).

Summary Background Data:

TOS is a challenging condition where controversy remains in diagnosis and treatment, primarily given a lack of data exploring various treatment approaches and associated patient outcomes.

Methods:

Patients who underwent unilateral, supraclavicular thoracic outlet decompression or pectoralis minor tenotomy for neurogenic, venous, or arterial TOS were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Demography, use of preoperative botulinum toxin injection, and participation in multidisciplinary evaluation were measured. The primary endpoints were composite postoperative morbidity and symptomatic improvement compared with baseline.

Results:

Among 2,869 patients evaluated (2007-2021), 1,032 underwent surgery, including 864 (83.7%) supraclavicular decompressions and 168 (16.3%) isolated pectoralis minor tenotomies. Predominant TOS subtypes among surgical patients were neurogenic (75.4%) and venous TOS (23.4%). Most patients (92.9%) with nTOS underwent preoperative botulinum toxin injection; 56.3% reported symptomatic improvement. Prior to surgical consultation, few patients reported participation in physical therapy (10.9%). Median time from first evaluation to surgery was 136 days (IQR 55, 258). Among 864 patients who underwent supraclavicular thoracic outlet decompression, complications occurred in 19.8%; the most common complication was chyle leak (8.3%). Four patients (0.4%) required revisional thoracic outlet decompression. At a median follow-up of 420 days (IQR 150, 937), 93.3% reported symptomatic improvement.

Conclusions:

Based on a low composite morbidity, need for very few revisional operations, and high rates of symptomatic improvement, a multidisciplinary treatment approach including primarily supraclavicular thoracic outlet decompression is safe and effective for patients with TOS.
Predictors of acute incisional hernia incarceration at initial hernia diagnosis on computed tomography
Authors: Hrebinko Katherine A. , Huckaby Lauren V. , Silver David , Ratnayake Charith , Hong Yeahwa , Curtis Brett , Handzel Robert M. , van der Windt Dirk J. , Dadashzadeh Esmaeel Reza
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND

Acute incisional hernia incarceration is associated with high morbidity and mortality yet there is little evidence to guide which patients will benefit most from prophylactic repair. We explored baseline computed tomography (CT) characteristics associated with incarceration.

METHODS

A case-control study design was utilized to explore adults (≥18 years) diagnosed with an incisional hernia between 2010 and 2017 at a single institution with a 1-year minimum follow-up. Computed tomography imaging at the time of initial hernia diagnosis was examined. Following propensity score matching for baseline characteristics, multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors associated with acute incarceration.

RESULTS

A total of 532 patients (27.26% male, mean 61.55 years) were examined, of whom 238 experienced an acute incarceration. Between two well-matched cohorts with and without incarceration, the presence of small bowel in the hernia sac (odds ratio [OR], 7.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.35–16.38), increasing sac height (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.10–1.64), more acute hernia angle (OR, 0.98 per degree; 95% CI, 0.97–0.99), decreased fascial defect width (OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.58–0.81), and greater outer abdominal fat (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.02–1.60) were associated with acute incarceration. Using threshold analysis, a hernia angle of <91 degrees and a sac height of >3.25 cm were associated with increased incarceration risk.

CONCLUSION

Computed tomography features present at the time of hernia diagnosis provide insight into later acute incarceration risk. Improved understanding of acute incisional hernia incarceration can guide selection for prophylactic repair and thereby may mitigate the excess morbidity associated with incarceration.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level III.
Thermodynamics, organisms and behaviour
Authors: De Bari Benjamin , Dixon James , Kondepudi Dilip , Vaidya Ashwin
Published: June 2023

The physical origin of behaviour in biological organisms is distinct from those of non-living systems in one significant way: organisms exhibit intentionality or goal-directed behaviour. How may we understand and explain this important aspect in physical terms, grounded in laws of physics and chemistry? In this article, we discuss recent experimental and theoretical progress in this area and future prospects of this line of thought. The physical basis for our investigation is thermodynamics, though other branches of physics and chemistry have an important role.

This article is part of the theme issue 'Thermodynamics 2.0: Bridging the natural and social sciences (Part 1)'.
The quantum foundations of utility and value
Authors: Abel Cal R.
Published: June 2023

This work presents a generalization of game theory and new perspectives on utility and value. Using quantum formalism, we prove that classical game theory is a special case of quantum game theory. We show that the von Neumann entropy and von Neumann–Morgenstern utility are equivalent and that the Hamiltonian operator represents value.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Thermodynamics 2.0: Bridging the natural and social sciences (Part 1)’.
A unified science of matter, life and evolution
Authors: Poudel Ram C.
Published: June 2023

We are accustomed to looking at matter, life and evolution from different viewpoints. In this article, we present a simple but unified theoretical framework inspired by classical mechanics and thermodynamics. Our framework generalizes Newton's third law of matter to encompass life and evolution. The generalized action–reaction relationship includes scale and temporal parameters. This generalization helps explain why life is a system out of equilibrium. Life can go beyond the action–reaction symmetry law of matter. We define life as an open system that is self-aware of the time trajectory of energy state and environment. The theoretical framework we propose for studying life in terms of power reduces to the science of matter as a limiting case.

This article is part of the theme issue 'Thermodynamics 2.0: Bridging the natural and social sciences (Part 1)'.
Long-term surveillance of group B Streptococcus strains isolated from infection and colonization in pregnant women and newborns
Authors: Le Gallou Brice , Pastuszka Adeline , Lemaire Coralie , Perrotin Franck , Mitanchez Delphine , Lanotte Philippe , Mereghetti Laurent
Published: June 2023

Introduction. Group B

Streptococcus

(GBS) remains the leading cause of bacterial neonatal infections worldwide, despite the spread of recommendations on vaginal screening and antibiotic prophylaxis.

Hypothesis/Gap Statement. There is a need to evaluate the potential changes in GBS epidemiology over time following the introduction of such guidelines.

Aim. Our aim was to perform a descriptive analysis of the epidemiological characteristics of GBS by conducting a long-term surveillance of strains isolated between 2000 and 2018, using molecular typing methods.

Methodology. A total of 121 invasive strains, responsible for maternal infections (20 strains), fetal infections (8 strains) and neonatal infections (93 strains), were included in the study, representing all the invasive isolates during the period; in addition, 384 colonization strains isolated from vaginal or newborn samples were randomly selected. The 505 strains were characterized by capsular polysaccharide (CPS) type multiplex PCR assay and the clonal complex (CC) was assigned using a single nucleotide polymorphism PCR assay. Antibiotic susceptibility was also determined.

Results. CPS types III (32.1 % of the strains), Ia (24.6 %) and V (19 %) were the most prevalent. The five main CCs observed were CC1 (26.3 % of the strains), CC17 (22.2 %), CC19 (16.2 %), CC23 (15.8 %) and CC10 (13.9 %). Neonatal invasive GBS diseases were predominantly due to CC17 isolates (46.3 % of the strains), which mainly express CPS type III (87.5 %), with a very high prevalence in late-onset diseases (76.2 %).

Conclusion. Between 2000 and 2018, we observed a decrease in the proportion of CC1 strains, which mainly express CPS type V, and an increase in the proportion of CC23 strains, mainly expressing CPS type Ia. Conversely, there was no significant change in the proportion of strains resistant to macrolides, lincosamides or tetracyclines. The two molecular techniques used in our study provide almost as much information as classical serotyping and multilocus sequence typing, but are quicker, easy to perform, and avoid long sequencing and analysis steps.
Metatranscriptome analysis of blood in healthy individuals and irritable bowel syndrome patients
Authors: Jagare Lauma , Rozenberga Maija , Silamikelis Ivars , Ansone Laura , Elbere Ilze , Briviba Monta , Megnis Kaspars , Konrade Ilze , Birka Ilze , Straume Zane , Klovins Janis
Published: June 2023

Introduction. Although the presence of micro-organisms in the blood of healthy humans is a relatively new concept, there is a growing amount of evidence that blood might have its own microbiome.

Gap Statement. Previous research has targeted the taxonomic composition of the blood microbiome using DNA-based sequencing methods, while little information is known about the presence of microbial transcripts obtained from the blood and their relation to conditions connected with increased gut permeability.

Aim. To detect potentially alive and active micro-organisms and investigate differences in taxonomic composition between healthy people and patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), we used the metatranscriptomics approach.

Methodology. We collected blood samples from 23 IBS patients and 26 volunteers from the general population, and performed RNAseq on the isolated RNA. Reads corresponding to microbial genomes were identified with Kraken 2’s standard plus protozoa and fungi database, and re-estimated at genus level with Bracken 2.7. We looked for trends in the taxonomic composition, making a comparison between the IBS and control groups, accounting for other different factors.

Results. The dominant genera in the blood microbiome were found to be

Cutibacterium

,

Bradyrhizobium

,

Escherichia

,

Pseudomonas

,

Micrococcus

,

Delftia

,

Mediterraneibacter

,

Staphylococcus

,

Stutzerimonas

and

Ralstonia

. Some of these are typical environmental bacteria and could partially represent contamination. However, analysis of sequences from the negative controls suggested that some genera which are characteristic of the gut microbiome (

Mediterraneibacter

,

Blautia

,

Collinsella

,

Klebsiella

,

Coprococcus

,

Dysosmobacter

,

Anaerostipes

,

Faecalibacterium

,

Dorea

,

Simiaoa

,

Bifidobacterium

, Alistipes, Prevotella,

Ruminococcus

) are less likely to be a result of contamination. Differential analysis of microbes between groups showed that some taxa associated with the gut microbiome (

Blautia

,

Faecalibacterium

,

Dorea

,

Bifidobacterium

,

Clostridium

,

Christensenella

) are more prevalent in IBS patients compared to the general population. No significant correlations with any other factors were identified.

Conclusion. Our findings support the existence of the blood microbiome and suggest the gut and possibly the oral microbiome as its origin, while the skin microbiome is a possible but less certain source. The blood microbiome is likely influenced by states of increased gut permeability such as IBS.
The difference method approach for sampling order constrained parameters: an improved implementation and important limitations
Authors: Hill-McManus Daniel
Published: June 2023

A health economic model may include a set of related inputs whose true values are uncertain, but that can be assumed to follow a logical order. Various approaches are available for performing probabilistic sensitivity analysis while preserving the order constraint, one such approach is known as the difference method. The difference method approach appears to have many of the required properties, has been endorsed by good practice guidelines, and is likely to prove a popular approach. However, the proposed implementation of the difference method approach is cumbersome, requiring numerical estimation, which might present a barrier to its adoption. Furthermore, it is unclear whether the method can always be applied to 3 or more model inputs and whether it is unbiased across all possible input values. This study has investigated these three issues for ordered inputs bounded between 0 and 1. An analytic solution is given that allows for more straightforward and compact implementation. The difference method approach cannot always be applied to a set of 3 or more model inputs, and this depends on the relative size of the variances of the logit transformed Beta distributions fitted to each variable. The approach can also produce samples with biased means and variances under certain combinations of input means and variances. It is recommended that the difference method approach be considered, however, an understanding of its limitations is necessary in order to identify such cases.
Effects of Parental Migration on Early Childhood Development of Left-Behind Children in Bangladesh: Evidence from a Nationally Representative Survey
Authors: Khanam Shimlin Jahan , Khan Md Nuruzzaman
Published: June 2023

Background

In Bangladesh, as in other low- and middle-income countries, parents frequently migrate to other areas, often for employment opportunities, leaving their children behind with the hope that their earnings will contribute to securing a better future for them. However, the absence of parents due to migration can have negative implications for the well-being of these left-behind children. Despite the existence of studies investigating this phenomenon, the evidence thus far has produced inconclusive findings, with no specific data available from Bangladesh. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the effects of parental migration on the early childhood development of left-behind children in Bangladesh.

Methods

The present study utilized data from the Bangladesh Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) conducted in 2019. A sample of 8833 children aged 36-48 months was included in the analysis. The Early Childhood Development Index (ECDI) and its individual domains served as the outcome variables of interest. The primary explanatory variables considered in the analysis were father migration, mother migration, migration of both parents, and migration of either parent. To assess the association between the outcomes and explanatory variables, multilevel logistic regression analysis was employed, controlling for relevant covariates. This analytical approach accounted for the hierarchical structure of the data and allowed for adjustments at multiple levels to obtain more accurate estimates.

Results

Approximately 29% of all children in the study were not developmentally on track, as measured by the ECDI. When examining the individual domains of the ECDI, only 9% of the total children demonstrated developmental progress in the learning domain. Regarding the association between parental migration and ECDI outcomes, we observed a 26% decrease in the likelihood of poor ECDI among children with a migrated father (OR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.54-0.93). This decrease became even more pronounced, reaching 37% (OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.48-0.97), among children with both parents migrated, compared to children with neither parent migrated.

Conclusion

The findings of this study indicate that parental migration, especially when both parents are involved, has a substantial negative impact on the likelihood of achieving favourable ECDI outcomes for children in Bangladesh. To ensure the optimal development of children with migrating parents, it is crucial to strengthen early childhood development education programs and implement robust social safety nets. These efforts should specifically target the unique needs and challenges faced by children with migrated parents, providing them with the necessary support and resources for their holistic development.
R2R3-MYB EVER links emission of volatiles with epicuticular wax biosynthesis in petunia petal epidermis
Authors: Skaliter Oded , Bednarczyk Dominika , Shor Ekaterina , Shklarman Elena , Manasherova Ekaterina , Aravena-Calvo Javiera , Kerzner Shane , Cna’ani Alon , Jasinska Weronika , Masci Tania , Dvir Gony , Edelbaum Orit , Spitzer-Rimon Ben , Brotman Yariv , Cohen Hagai , Vainstein Alexander
Published: June 2023

The epidermal cells of petunia flowers are the main site of volatile emission. However, data on the mechanisms underlying the release of volatiles into the environment are lacking. Here, using cell-layer-specific transcriptomic analysis, reverse genetics by VIGS and CRISPR, and metabolomics we identified EPIDERMIS VOLATILE EMISSION REGULATOR (EVER)—a petal adaxial epidermis-specific MYB activator that affects the emission of volatiles. Using a three-step viral-based CRISPR/Cas9 editing system,everknockout lines were generated and together with transient suppression assays, revealed EVER’s involvement in the repression of low-vapor-pressure volatiles. Internal pools and annotated scent-related genes involved in production and emission were not affected by EVER. RNA-Seq analyses of petals ofeverknockout lines andEVER-overexpressing flowers revealed enrichment in wax-related biosynthesis genes. LC/GC-MS analyses of petal epicuticular waxes revealed substantial reductions in wax loads ineverpetals, particularly of monomers of fatty acids and wax esters. These results implicate EVER in the emission of volatiles by fine-tuning the composition of petal epicuticular waxes. Thus, we reveal a petunia MYB regulator that interlinks epicuticular wax composition and volatile emission, thus unraveling a new regulatory layer in the scent-emission machinery in petunia flowers.
Feeding and swallowing outcomes of children receiving long-term ventilation: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Lee Sabrena , Marshall Jeanne , Clarke Michael , Smith Christina H
Published: June 2023

Background

The last three decades have seen a growth in the number of children requiring long-term ventilation. Children with long-term ventilation present with underlying respiratory and neurological conditions that place them at risk of feeding and swallowing difficulties. To date, a scoping review or systematic review investigating the feeding and swallowing outcomes of children with long-term ventilation needs has not been conducted.

Aims

This paper describes a protocol for a scoping review of the feeding and swallowing outcomes of children receiving long-term ventilation.

Methods

This scoping review protocol will utilize the Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review methodology guideline. Our review will focus on the feeding and swallowing outcomes of children aged 0 to 18 years with long-term ventilation needs. A full search strategy initially created by the authors and a research librarian was conducted on the PubMed database. Following this, pilot testing took place to determine discrepancies in eligibility criteria. A full search strategy will be conducted across several databases. A data extraction form has been developed by the authors and will be used during the scoping review process.

Discussion

This protocol has been created to provide a rigorous and comprehensive basis for undertaking a scoping review. All necessary steps have been completed in order to commence the scoping review.

Registration

This scoping review protocol was registered on Open Science Framework on the 26thNovember 2021 (Registration DOI10.17605/OSF.IO/NQBPD)
Donor tissue-resident memory-like T and NK cells generate a transient peripheral chimerism in lung transplant recipients, potentially protective from chronic lung allograft dysfunction
Authors: Bellmàs-Sanz Ramon , Hitz Anna-Maria , Wiegmann Bettina , Kühne Jenny F. , Chichelnitskiy Evgeny , Kapellos Theodore S. , Bläsing Kim-Alina , Keil Jana , Beushausen Kerstin , Sommer Wiebke , Händler Kristian , Becker Matthias , Baßler Kevin , Horn Lisa-Marie , Jonigk Danny , Greer Mark , Haverich Axel , Schultze Joachim L. , Ius Fabio , Warnecke Gregor , Falk Christine S.
Published: June 2023

Lung transplantation (LTx) is the only definite treatment option of patients suffering from end- stage lung disease. Long-term outcome is hampered by chronic allograft dysfunction resulting from poorly defined immune mechanisms. In this study of 97 lung recipients, we demonstrate dynamic changes of T, B and NK cell subsets early after lung transplantation with a selective decrease in memory CD4+and CD8+T cells accompanied by a relative increase in NK cells. Simultaneously, donor-derived T and NK cells were detected in recipient blood (n=44) immediately after LTx, persisting for three weeks. Donor T and NK cells displayed a CD69+but CD103-CD49a-CD25-phenotype, which was shared by T and NK cells in lung perfusion solutions. In order to uncover the origin of these donor T and NK cells, the immune compartment of human lung explant tissue, i.e. trachea and parenchyma, was analyzed and it revealed three major subsets: classical circulating CD69-CD103-CD49a-T and NK cells, CD69+CD103+CD49a+tissue-resident memory (TRM) T and NK cells and CD69+CD103-CD49a-TRM-like T and NK cells. Single-cell RNA sequencing confirmed the presence of TRM-like subsets with unique features, which reflected the phenotypes of donor T and NK cells and created a transient chimerism in recipient blood. Higher frequencies of donor T cells within the first three weeks showed a tendency for protection from chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) two years after transplantation although the correlation analyses did not reach statistical significance. To the best of our knowledge, we show for the first time that a transient chimerism is established within the first weeks after lung transplantation by donor TRM- like T and NK cells, which may contribute to protection from chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) development.

Single Sentence Summary

Donor TRM-like T and NK cells cause a transient chimerism in lung recipients and potentially contribute to protection from CLAD.
Surface temperatures are influenced by handling stress independently of corticosterone levels in wild king penguins(Aptenodytes patagonicus)
Authors: Lewden Agnès , Ward Chelsea , Noiret Aude , Avril Sandra , Abolivier Lucie , Gérard Caroline , Hammer Tracey L. , Raymond Émilie , Robin Jean-Patrice , Viblanc Vincent A. , Bize Pierre , Stier Antoine
Published: June 2023

Assessing the physiological stress responses of wild animals opens a window for understanding how organisms cope with environmental challenges. Since stress response is associated with changes in body temperature, the use of body surface temperature through thermal imaging could help to measure acute and chronic stress responses non-invasively. We used thermal imaging, acute handling-stress protocol and an experimental manipulation of corticosterone (the main glucocorticoid hormone in birds) levels in breeding king penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus), to assess: 1. the potential contribution of the Hypothalamo-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis in mediating chronic and acute stress-induced changes in adult surface temperature, 2. the influence of HPA axis manipulation on parental investment through thermal imaging of eggs and brooded chicks, and 3. the impact of parental treatment on offspring thermal’s response to acute handling.

Maximum eye temperature (Teye) increased and minimum beak temperature (Tbeak) decreased in response to handling stress in adults, but neither basal nor stress-induced surface temperatures were significantly affected by corticosterone implant. While egg temperature was not significantly influenced by parental treatment, we found a surprising pattern for chicks: chicks brooded by the (non-implanted) partner of corticosterone-implanted individuals exhibited higher surface temperature (bothTeyeandTbeak) than those brooded by glucocorticoid-implanted or control parents. Chick’s response to handling in terms of surface temperature was characterized by a drop in bothTeyeandTbeakindependently of parental treatment.

We conclude that the HPA axis seems unlikely to play a major role in determining chronic or acute changes in surface temperature in king penguins. Changes in surface temperature may primarily be mediated by the Sympathetic-Adrenal-Medullary (SAM) axis in response to stressful situations. Our experiment did not reveal a direct impact of parental HPA axis manipulation on parental investment (egg or chick temperature), but a potential influence on the partner’s brooding behaviour.

Highlights

Experimental increase in corticosterone does not affect king penguin’s surface temperature

Acute handling stress increases eye but decreases beak surface temperature in adults

Acute handling decreases both eye and beak surface temperatures in young chicks

Parental corticosterone treatment does not affect egg surface temperature during incubation

Chicks brooded by non-implanted partners of corticosterone parents are warmer than chicks brooded by others adults.
A 3D printed plastic frame deeply impacts yeast cell growth
Authors: Molina-Menor Esther , Vidal-Verdú Àngela , Gomis-Olcina Carlos , Peretó Juli , Porcar Manuel
Published: June 2023

Solid State Fermentation (SSF) processes have been explored for yeast growth and protein and metabolites production. However, most of these processes lack standardization. In this work, we present a polylactic acid (PLA) 3D printed matrix that dramatically enhances yeast growth when embedded in liquid media compared to equivalent static cultures, and changes yeast expression patterns at the proteome level. Moreover, differences in sugar assimilation and ethanol production, as the main product of alcoholic fermentation, are observed. Our results suggest that these matrixes may be useful for a vast range of biotechnological applications based on yeast fermentation.
Turning Ecology Against Pesticide Resistance: Exploiting Competition in Pest Populations Through Pesticide Use
Authors: Guariento Rafael Dettogni , Almeida-Gomes Mauricio , Oliveira-Santos Luiz Gustavo Rodrigues , Pires Aliny Patricia Flausino , Roque Fabio de Oliveira
Published: June 2023

Modern agriculture is dependent on the efficacy of pesticides in controlling pests. However, such efficacy is threatened by the evolution of resistance. Although pesticides are essentially novel chemical compounds, target pests can manifest resistance soon after these compounds are introduced. Inspired by recent advances in medical research, we propose an ecologically inspired paradigm in pest management through pesticide use that capitalizes on competitive interactions between pesticide-sensitive and pesticide-resistant individuals. This principle relies on a reactive use of pesticides, constantly tracking pest response, promoting the containment of the pest population below economic injury levels, and buffering resistant individuals' proliferation. Using a mathematical model, we show that containing pests' abundance at critical levels, instead of seeking immediate eradication, diminishes management failure by reducing resistant individuals' growth rates, and consequently the time until resistant-pest dominance. Therefore, management strategies that maximize the abundance of pesticide-sensitive individuals, or explore the potential competitive ability of these populations, can hamper resistance proliferation. The insights provided by our simulations reconcile key challenges in environmental management, emphasizing the importance of managing threats to the food production systems using a proactive ecological and evolutionary-informed approach. They also highlight several opportunities for new experimental and theoretical research into the ecological facet of managing pesticide resistance in crops.