bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing a calculable risk prediction model for sternal wound infection after median sternotomy: a retrospective study
Authors: Chen Yang , He Fei , Wu Fan , Hu Xiaolong , Zhang Wanfu , Li Shaohui , Zhang Hao , Duan Weixun , Guan Hao
Published: September 2024

Background

Diagnosing sternal wound infection (SWI) following median sternotomy remains laborious and troublesome, resulting in high mortality rates and great harm to patients. Early intervention and prevention are critical and challenging. This study aimed to develop a simple risk prediction model to identify high-risk populations of SWI and to guide examination programs and intervention strategies.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data obtained from 6715 patients who underwent median sternotomy between January 2016 and December 2020. The least absolute shrink and selection operator (LASSO) regression method selected the optimal subset of predictors, and multivariate logistic regression helped screen the significant factors. The nomogram model was built based on all significant factors. Area under the curve (AUC), calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to assess the model's performance.

Results

LASSO regression analysis selected an optimal subset containing nine predictors that were all statistically significant in multivariate logistic regression analysis. Independent risk factors of SWI included female [odds ratio (OR) = 3.405, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.535–4.573], chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR = 4.679, 95% CI = 2.916–7.508), drinking (OR = 2.025, 95% CI = 1.437–2.855), smoking (OR = 7.059, 95% CI = 5.034–9.898), re-operation (OR = 3.235, 95% CI = 1.087–9.623), heart failure (OR = 1.555, 95% CI = 1.200–2.016) and repeated endotracheal intubation (OR = 1.975, 95% CI = 1.405–2.774). Protective factors included bone wax (OR = 0.674, 95% CI = 0.538–0.843) and chest physiotherapy (OR = 0.446, 95% CI = 0.248–0.802). The AUC of the nomogram was 0.770 (95% CI = 0.745–0.795) with relatively good sensitivity (0.798) and accuracy (0.620), exhibiting moderately good discernment. The model also showed an excellent fitting degree on the calibration curve. Finally, the DCA presented a remarkable net benefit.

Conclusions

A visual and convenient nomogram-based risk calculator built on disease-associated predictors might help clinicians with the early identification of high-risk patients of SWI and timely intervention.
Basiliximab induction alone vs a dual ATG–basiliximab approach in first live-donor non-sensitized kidney transplant recipients with low HLA matching
Authors: Hod Tammy , Levinger Shmuel , Askenasy Enosh , Siman-Tov Maya , Davidov Yana , Ghinea Ronen , Pencovich Niv , Nachmani Ido , Mor Eytan
Published: September 2024

Background

Individualizing induction therapy based on immunological risk is crucial for optimizing outcomes in kidney transplantation.

Methods

A retrospective analysis included 157 first live-donor non-sensitized kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). Within this cohort, 96 individuals exhibited low human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching (5–6 HLA mismatches). The low HLA match subgroup was categorized into 52 KTRs receiving basiliximab alone and 44 recipients treated with a combined single ATG dose of 1.5 mg/kg and basiliximab. The primary endpoint was early acute cellular rejection (ACR) within 6 months post-transplant while secondary outcomes encompassed infection rates, renal allograft function, length of stay (LOS) and readmissions post-transplant.

Results

The incidence of early ACR was decreased for low HLA match KTRs, who received ATG–basiliximab, when compared with low HLA-matched KTRs who received basiliximab alone (9.1% vs 23.9%, P = .067). Age was a predictor for rejection, and subgroup analysis showed consistent rejection reduction across age groups. No significant differences were observed in admission for transplant LOS or in peri-operative complications, nor in infections rate including BK and cytomegalovirus viremia, allograft function and number of readmissions post-transplant up to 6 months post-transplant.

Conclusion

In non-sensitized first live-donor KTRs with low HLA matching, a dual ATG–basiliximab induction approach significantly reduced early ACR without compromising safety.
The media literacy theory of change and the message interpretation process model
Authors: Austin Erica Weintraub , Domgaard Shawn
Published: September 2024

The Message Interpretation Process (MIP) model originated to explain how youth engaging with entertainment media messages make decisions about apparent reality and behavioral choices. Although it has been tested over several decades with various age groups, population types and content foci, it has never been fully explicated. As it has matured as a model, its principles and concepts have contributed to a complementary theoretical model referred to herein as the Media Literacy Theory of Change. Both stem from the overriding perspective that media literacy involves both cognitive and affective components of message interpretation processes and skills that can be taught, engaged, and adapted as a person develops physically, cognitively, emotionally, and socially. This article provides a formal explanation of the MIP model and the Media Literacy Theory of Change, exploring their assumptions and propositions, and referencing the research that has supported and extended the theoretical growth of each over time.
Early life food intake modulates effects of diet restriction on lifespan and fecundity in later life in a predatory mite (Acari: Phytoseiidae)
Authors: Xu Yun , Zhang Keshi , Han Xiao , Zhang Zhi-Qiang
Published: September 2024

The nutritional status of an individual can significantly influence its life history traits, including development, growth, reproduction, and survival. In the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae), the plasticity of life history traits, such as developmental time and size at maturity, is influenced by the quality and quantity of food. This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary restriction at different life stages (i.e., juvenile, early adulthood, and later adulthood) on the lifespan and fecundity of P. persimilis. We found that reduced dietary intake during early adulthood resulted in a shorter lifespan for both male and female P. persimilis. Furthermore, this study demonstrated a sex-specific response to dietary restriction: it extended the lifespan of males but reduced that of females during later adulthood. Diet restriction during the postovipositional period of females showed the most variable life history trait response. Our results showed that the impact of diet restriction at different life stages can have combined influences on the postovipositional duration of P. persimilis, where the individuals receiving diet restriction during immature development and early adulthood had a greater reduction in ovipositional duration as those experiencing diet restriction during late adulthood. In addition, we observed a positive correlation between the lifespan and fecundity of females, with higher prey availability increasing both. The insights obtained from our research contribute to a better understanding of the aging process and dietary requirements of P. persimilis, which can facilitate the development of more effective biological control strategies using this predator for spider mites in agriculture.
Identification and estimation of entry games under symmetry of unobservables
Authors: Zhou Yu
Published: September 2024

This paper provides a new point identification and estimation method for two-player entry games with complete information, based on symmetry of unobservables. Neither equilibrium selection nor parametric distributional assumptions are required. In addition, a weaker support condition is used relative to the existing literature. Unlike other semiparametric estimators, the estimator proposed here is $\sqrt{n}$-consistent. A test of the required symmetry condition is provided. Monte Carlo evidence shows that the estimator performs well with moderate sample sizes, and is robust to unimodal and multimodal error distributions. The estimator is applied to an entry game of discount retailers. The results suggest that researchers should apply the normality assumption with caution.
Reversible complete left bundle branch block and a wide QRS complex following administration of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor and volume reduction in a patient with systolic heart failure: a case report
Authors: Takenaka Masaki , Yanagisawa Satoshi , Yoshida Yukihiko , Inden Yasuya , Murohara Toyoaki
Published: September 2024

Background

Guidelines recommend optimal medical therapy before cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) implantation. Herein, we report the potential effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) in improving the QRS duration and volume reduction in a patient with complete left bundle branch block (CLBBB) and reduced cardiac function.

Case summary

A 68-year-old man with a history of ischaemic cardiomyopathy and decreased cardiac function had exacerbation of heart failure (HF) at an outpatient clinic. His QRS duration increased remarkably with a CLBBB of 143 ms on an electrocardiogram, and left ventricular desynchrony was assessed by echocardiography, suggesting an indication of CRT implantation. Administration of an SGLT2i and multimodal treatment for HF stabilized his HF condition and improved the QRS duration and volume reduction thereafter. The CLBBB recovered to incomplete LBBB with a QRS duration of 112 ms on electrocardiography after 6 months. The patient has been stably followed up with continuous medications, including SGLT2i, without requiring CRT implantation or worsening of HF for 12 months.

Discussion

This case presents a unique scenario wherein electrical and mechanical reverse remodelling occurred in a patient with systolic HF and CLBBB, highlighting the potential benefits of SGLT2i in HF management. It may be important to carefully consider CRT indications when seeking other options to treat HF conditions and recognize an unusual phenomenon of reverse LBBB in clinical cases.
Takotsubo syndrome induced by severe hyponatraemia in mineralocorticoid-responsive hyponatraemia of the elderly: a case report
Authors: Asano Fuyuki , Wakatsuki Daisuke , Omura Ayumi , Suzuki Hiroshi
Published: September 2024

Background

There are limited reports on mineralocorticoid-responsive hyponatraemia of the elderly (MRHE), a condition that can cause severe hyponatraemia.

Case summary

An 85-year-old woman presented with transient loss of consciousness and nausea likely due to untreated severe hyponatraemia (114 mEq/L). Thirty-nine hours after initial admission, she developed sudden cardiac dysfunction and entered a circulatory collapse state. The patient was diagnosed with Takotsubo syndrome. Her hyponatraemia was an essential feature of syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion. However, she was clinically hypovolaemic. Therefore, the hyponatraemia was diagnosed as MRHE. The serum sodium level was corrected with 3% hypertonic saline administered at a rate of 10 mL per hour, with careful monitoring to avoid overly rapid correction and prevent osmotic demyelination. After 14 days, her serum sodium level, electrocardiogram findings, and cardiac contractions on echocardiography improved.

Discussion

To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of Takotsubo syndrome induced by severe hyponatraemia resulting from MRHE. The present report shows that acute cardiomyopathy can develop when severe hyponatraemia is not treated within several hours and at least a day. Since patients with MRHE are hypovolaemia statement, avoidance of diuretic drugs and water restriction for the treatment of hyponatraemia should be carefully considered, especially if they have acute cardiac dysfunction. This report highlights the need for prompt management of severe hyponatraemia in elderly patients and calls for further research on MRHE treatment protocols and its link to cardiomyopathy.
Anticoagulation for the prevention of arterial thromboembolism in cancer patients by primary tumour site: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Xu Yan , Mallity Caroline , Collins Erin , Siegal Deborah M , Wang Tzu-Fei , Carrier Marc
Published: September 2024

Aims

The incidence of arterial thromboembolism (ATE) among ambulatory cancer patients varies by primary tumour site. However, it is unclear whether this alters the benefit-to-harm profile of prophylactic anticoagulation for ATE prevention. Therefore, we systematically evaluated the efficacy and safety of anticoagulants for ATE prevention among ambulatory cancer patients according to the primary tumour site.

Methods and results

We conducted a systematic review using Medline, Embase, SCOPUS, and CENTRAL, and included randomized trials comparing prophylactic anticoagulation to no anticoagulation among ambulatory cancer patients who initiated tumour-directed systemic therapy. The incidence of symptomatic ATE (acute ischaemic stroke, acute myocardial infarction, or peripheral artery occlusion) and major bleeding, as well as risk differences (RDs) attributable to anticoagulation, were meta-analysed by primary tumour site using random-effects modelling. We included 10 randomized controlled trials with 9875 patients with follow-up ranging from 3.3 to 68 (median 6.6) months. While prophylactic anticoagulation did not reduce ATE risks overall (RD −0.49%; 95% CI −0.49% to 0.01%; I2 = 0%), it conferred a protective effect among pancreatic cancer patients (RD −3.2%; 95%CI −5.7% to −0.8%; I2 = 0%) without a detectable increase in major bleeding (RD −1.4%; 95% CI −4.6% to 1.8%; I2 = 0%). Prophylactic anticoagulation was not associated with ATE risk reduction in other tumour sites.

Conclusion

Based on available evidence, prophylactic anticoagulation did not reduce ATE risk among ambulatory cancer patients overall. However, we observed a lower incidence of ATE among pancreatic cancer patients randomized to receive anticoagulation. Prophylactic anticoagulant use to reduce ATEs in pancreatic cancer should be evaluated in future research.
Cohort profile: the prospective cohort study on the incidence of metabolic diseases and risk factors in Shunde, China (Speed-Shunde cohort)
Authors: Wan Heng , Yao Nanfang , Yang Jingli , Huang Guoqiu , Liu Siyang , Wang Xiao , Lin Xu , Li Zhao , Liu Lingling , Yang Aimin , Liu Lan , Shen Jie
Published: September 2024

Aims

The objective of this prospective cohort study on the incidence of metabolic diseases and risk factors in Shunde (Speed-Shunde cohort) was to evaluate the incidence of cardiovascular–kidney–metabolic (CKM) syndrome and metabolic-associated multimorbidity, such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in Shunde, Foshan, Guangdong, China. Additionally, the study sought to identify the potential determinants that may impact the development of these conditions and the potential consequences that may result.

Methods and results

In the Speed-Shunde cohort, data were gathered via questionnaires, physical measurements, and laboratory analyses encompassing demographic data, behavioural tendencies, anthropometric assessments, controlled attenuation parameters, and liver stiffness measurement utilizing vibration-controlled transient elastography, as well as serum and urine detection (such as oral 75 g glucose tolerance tests, haemoglobin A1c levels, lipid profiles, liver and renal function tests, urinary microalbumin, and creatinine levels). The baseline data were gathered from October 2021 to September 2022 from over 10 000 Chinese community-based adults and the follow-up surveys would be conducted every 2 or 3 years. Blood and urine samples were obtained and stored for future omics data acquisition. Initial analyses revealed the prevalence and risk factors associated with metabolic-associated multimorbidity.

Conclusions

The Speed-Shunde cohort study is a longitudinal community-based cohort with comprehensive CKM health and metabolic-associated multimorbidity assessment. It will provide valuable insights into these conditions’ development, progression, and interrelationships, potentially informing future prevention and treatment strategies.
How to manage Cushing's disease after failed primary pituitary surgery
Authors: Agrawal Nidhi , Urwyler Sandrine A , Mehta Sonal , Karavitaki Niki , Feelders Richard A
Published: September 2024

The first-line treatment for Cushing's disease is transsphenoidal adenomectomy, which can be curative in a significant number of patients. The second-line options in cases of failed primary pituitary surgery include repeat surgery, medical therapy, and radiation. The role for medical therapy has expanded in the last decade, and options include pituitary-targeting drugs, steroid synthesis inhibitors, and glucocorticoid receptor antagonists. Bilateral adrenalectomy is a more aggressive approach, which may be necessary in cases of persistent hypercortisolism despite surgery, medical treatment, or radiation or when rapid normalization of cortisol is needed. We review the available treatment options for Cushing's disease, focusing on the second-line treatment options to consider after failed primary pituitary surgery.
Global burden of cardiovascular diseases: projections from 2025 to 2050
Authors: Chong Bryan , Jayabaskaran Jayanth , Jauhari Silingga Metta , Chan Siew Pang , Goh Rachel , Kueh Martin Tze Wah , Li Henry , Chin Yip Han , Kong Gwyneth , Anand Vickram Vijay , Wang Jiong-Wei , Muthiah Mark , Jain Vardhmaan , Mehta Anurag , Lim Shir Lynn , Foo Roger , Figtree Gemma A , Nicholls Stephen J , Mamas Mamas A , Januzzi James L , Chew Nicholas W S , Richards A Mark , Chan Mark Y
Published: September 2024

Aims

The prediction of future trends in cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality and their risk factors can assist policy-makers in healthcare planning. This study aims to project geospatial trends in CVDs and their underlying risk factors from 2025 to 2050.

Methods and results

Using historical data on mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 study, encompassing the period of 1990 to 2019, Poisson regression was performed to model mortality and DALYs associated with CVD and its associated risk factors from 2025 to 2050. Subgroup analysis was based on GBD super-regions. Between 2025 and 2050, a 90.0% increase in cardiovascular prevalence, 73.4% increase in crude mortality, and 54.7% increase in crude DALYs are projected, with an expected 35.6 million cardiovascular deaths in 2050 (from 20.5 million in 2025). However, age-standardized cardiovascular prevalence will be relatively constant (−3.6%), with decreasing age-standardized mortality (−30.5%) and age-standardized DALYs (−29.6%). In 2050, ischaemic heart disease will remain the leading cause of cardiovascular deaths (20 million deaths) while high systolic blood pressure will be the main cardiovascular risk factor driving mortality (18.9 million deaths). Central Europe, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia super-region is set to incur the highest age-standardized cardiovascular mortality rate in 2050 (305 deaths per 100 000 population).

Conclusion

In the coming decades, the relatively constant age-standardized prevalence of global CVD suggests that the net effect of summative preventative efforts will likely continue to be unchanged. The fall in age-standardized cardiovascular mortality reflects the improvement in medical care following diagnosis. However, future healthcare systems can expect a rapid rise in crude cardiovascular mortality, driven by the ageing global populace. The continued rise in CVD burden will largely be attributed to atherosclerotic diseases.

Registration

Not applicable.
Electrocardiographic and morphological cardiac remodelling in competitive female athletes – a scoping review
Authors: Panhuyzen-Goedkoop Nicole M , van Hattum Juliette C , Beerman Florian E , Verbeek André L M , Goedkoop René J , Malekzadeh Arjan , Peters Ron J G , Jørstad Harald T
Published: September 2024

Aims

To quantitatively analyse exercise-induced cardiac remodelling (EICR) data in female athletes.

Methods and results

This scoping review included from the databases Medline, Embase, and Google Scholar, peer-reviewed original English-language articles on female athlete-populations aged ≥18 years containing data on electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography or cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), and excluded athletes with cardiovascular conditions. From the extracted ECG data, we calculated prevalence percentages, and from the imaging data we compared the results with the upper reference limits of the general female population (URL). We included 31 articles comprising 4896 female athletes, age mean of 22.2 ± 4.6 years. On ECG (n = 889), the most prevalent findings were increased QRS voltages for LV hypertrophy (LVH, n = 97), J-point elevation (JPE, n = 108), and T-wave inversion (TWI, n = 104). On echocardiography (n = 4644), we found increased mean of means BSA-indexed volumes for the LV 67.3 mL/m2 (95%CI, 66.8–67.8; URL = 61) and right ventricle (RV) 82.7 mL/m2 (95%CI, 79.5–86.0; URL = 74), while atrial volumes, septal wall thickness, and LV mass were within the upper reference limits of the general population (URL). On CMR (n = 309), the mean of means volumes of LA (62.0 mL/m2; 95%CI, 58.8–65.2; URL = 61), LV (103.4 mL/m2; 95%CI, 101.8–105.0; URL = 96), and RV (105.3 mL/m2; 95%CI, 103.3–110.6; URL = 107.2) were > URL.

Conclusion

Female athletes demonstrate distinct features of electrical (increased QRS voltages for LVH, JPE, and TWI) and morphological EICR (biventricular dilatation). On CMR, LA was borderline dilated. Extensive studies on female athletes are needed to understand sex-specific EICR.
Mismatch between pollen and pistil size causes asymmetric mechanical reproductive isolation across Phlox species
Authors: Feller Anna F , Burgin Grace , Lewis Nia F , Prabhu Rohan , Hopkins Robin
Published: September 2024

Characterizing the mechanisms of reproductive isolation between lineages is key to determining how new species are formed and maintained. In flowering plants, interactions between the reproductive organs of the flower—the pollen and the pistil—serve as the last barrier to reproduction before fertilization. As such, these pollen–pistil interactions are both complex and important for determining a suitable mate. Here, we test whether differences in style length (a part of the pistil) generate a postmating prezygotic mechanical barrier between five species of perennial Phlox wildflowers with geographically overlapping distributions. We perform controlled pairwise reciprocal crosses between three species with long styles and two species with short styles to assess crossing success (seed set). We find that the heterospecific seed set is broadly reduced compared to conspecific cross success and reveal a striking asymmetry in heterospecific crosses between species with different style lengths. To determine the mechanism underlying this asymmetric reproductive isolating barrier, we assess pollen tube growth in vivo and in vitro. We demonstrate that pollen tubes of short-styled species do not grow long enough to reach the ovaries of long-styled species. We find that short-styled species also have smaller pollen and that both within- and between-species pollen diameter is highly correlated with pollen tube length. Our results support the hypothesis that the small pollen of short-styled species lacks resources to grow pollen tubes long enough to access the ovaries of the long-styled species, resulting in an asymmetrical, mechanical barrier to reproduction. Such reproductive isolating mechanisms, combined with additional pollen–pistil incompatibilities, may be particularly important for closely related species in geographic proximity that share pollinators.
Phylogenetic diversity of Rhizobium species recovered from nodules of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in fields in Uganda: R. phaseoli, R. etli, and R. hidalgonense
Authors: Aserse Aregu Amsalu , Nimusiima Jean , Tumuhairwe John Baptist , Yli-Halla Markku , Lindström Kristina
Published: September 2024

A total of 75 bacterial isolates were obtained from nodules of beans cultivated across 10 sites in six agro-ecological zones in Uganda. Using recA gene sequence analysis, 66 isolates were identified as members of the genus Rhizobium, while 9 were related to Agrobacterium species. In the recA gene tree, most Rhizobium strains were classified into five recognized species. Phylogenetic analysis based on six concatenated sequences (recA–rpoB–dnaK–glnII–gyrB–atpD) placed 32 representative strains into five distinct Rhizobium species, consistent with the species groups observed in the recA gene tree: R. phaseoli, R. etli, R. hidalgonense, R. ecuadorense, and R. sophoriradicis, with the first three being the predominant. The rhizobial strains grouped into three nodC subclades within the symbiovar phaseoli clade, encompassing strains from distinct phylogenetic groups. This pattern reflects the conservation of symbiotic genes, likely acquired through horizontal gene transfer among diverse rhizobial species. The 32 representative strains formed symbiotic relationships with host beans, while the Agrobacterium strains did not form nodules and lacked symbiotic genes. Multivariate analysis revealed that species distribution was influenced by the environmental factors of the sampling sites, emphasizing the need to consider these factors in future effectiveness studies to identify effective nitrogen-fixing strains for specific locations.
The updated mouse universal genotyping array bioinformatic pipeline improves genetic QC in laboratory mice
Authors: Blanchard Matthew W , Sigmon John Sebastian , Brennan Jennifer , Ahulamibe Chidima , Allen Michelle E , Ardery Sam , Baric Ralph S , Bell Timothy A , Farrington Joseph , Ciavatta Dominic , Cruz Cisneros Marta C , Drushal Madison , Ferris Martin T , Fry Rebecca C , Gaines Christiann , Gu Bin , Heise Mark T , Hock Pablo , Hodges Richard Austin , Hulgin Mia , Kafri Tal , Lynch Rachel M , Magnuson Terry , Miller Darla R , Murphy Caroline E Y , Nguyen David Truong , Noll Kelsey E , Proulx Megan K , Sassetti Christopher M , Schoenrock Sarah A , Shaw Ginger D , Simon Jeremy M , Smith Clare M , Styblo Miroslav , Tarantino Lisa M , Woo Joyce , Pardo Manuel de Villena Fernando
Published: September 2024

The MiniMUGA genotyping array is a popular tool for genetic quality control of laboratory mice and genotyping samples from most experimental crosses involving laboratory strains, particularly for reduced complexity crosses. The content of the production version of the MiniMUGA array is fixed; however, there is the opportunity to improve the array's performance and the associated report's usefulness by leveraging thousands of samples genotyped since the initial description of MiniMUGA. Here, we report our efforts to update and improve marker annotation, increase the number and the reliability of the consensus genotypes for classical inbred strains and substrains, and increase the number of constructs reliably detected with MiniMUGA. In addition, we have implemented key changes in the informatics pipeline to identify and quantify the contribution of specific genetic backgrounds to the makeup of a given sample, remove arbitrary thresholds, include the Y Chromosome and mitochondrial genome in the ideogram, and improve robust detection of the presence of commercially available substrains based on diagnostic alleles. Finally, we have updated the layout of the report to simplify the interpretation and completeness of the analysis and added a section summarizing the ideogram in table format. These changes will be of general interest to the mouse research community and will be instrumental in our goal of improving the rigor and reproducibility of mouse-based biomedical research.
Gastric residual volume, safety, and effectiveness of drinking 250 mL of glucose solution 2–3 hours before surgery in gastric cancer patients: a multicenter, single-blind, randomized–controlled trial
Authors: Yang Dongjie , Hou Xun , Fu Huafeng , Song Wu , Dong Wenqing , Wang Hu , Mao Yuantian , Li Mengbin , Chen Junqiang , He Yulong
Published: September 2024

Background

Carbohydrate drinking 2–3 hours before surgery has been widely adopted in colorectal operations. However, there is little direct evidence regarding its application in gastric cancer surgery. We aimed to evaluate the gastric residual volume, safety, and effectiveness of drinking 250 mL of 5% glucose solution 2–3 hours before elective gastric cancer surgery.

Methods

We conducted an investigator-initiated, multicenter, randomized–controlled, parallel group, and equivalence trial. Eighty-eight patients with gastric adenocarcinoma were randomized into study or control group. Patients in the control group followed the traditional routine of 6–8 hours preoperative fasting, while those in the study group drank 250 mL of 5% glucose solution 2–3 hours before surgery. Immediately following tracheal intubation, gastric contents were aspirated through gastroscopy. The primary outcome was preoperative gastric residual volume.

Results

Eighty-three patients were eventually analysed in the study (42 in the study group and 41 in the control group). Two groups were comparable at baseline characteristics. There were no statistical differences in residual gastric fluid volumes (35.86 ± 27.13 vs 27.70 ± 20.37 mL, P = 0.135) and pH values (2.81 ± 1.99 vs 2.66 ± 1.68, P = 0.708) between the two groups. Preoperative discomfort was significantly more decreased in the study group than in the control group (thirst score: 1.49 ± 1.23 vs 4.14 ± 2.07, P < 0.001; hunger score: 1.66 ± 1.18 vs 3.00 ± 2.32, P = 0.007). There was no statistical difference in the incidence of postoperative complications (19.05% vs 17.07%, P = 0.815).

Conclusions

Drinking 250 mL of 5% glucose solution 2–3 hours before surgery in elective gastric cancer patients shows benefits in lowering thirst and hunger scores without increasing gastric residual volume and perioperative complications.
Endoscopic ultrasound in portal hypertension: navigating venous hemodynamics and treatment efficacy
Authors: Dragomir Irina , Pojoga Cristina , Hagiu Claudia , Seicean Radu , Procopet Bogdan , Seicean Andrada
Published: September 2024

Portal hypertension-related complications increase mortality in patients, irrespective of its etiology. Classically, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) was used to assess the portal venous system and collaterals, considering size and hemodynamic parameters, which correlate with portal hypertension (PH) and related complications. Furthermore, therapeutic EUS guides treatment interventions, such as embolization of the gastric varices through coil placement and tissue adhesive injection, yielding encouraging clinical results. Recently, the direct measurement of portal pressure, emerging as an alternative to hepatic venous pressure gradient, has shown promise, and further research in this area is anticipated. In this review, we aimed to provide a detailed description of various possibilities for diagnosing vascular anatomy and hemodynamics in PH and actual knowledge on the EUS usefulness for PH vessel-related complications. Also, future promises for this field of endo-hepatology are discussed.
Interaction between ESCRT-III proteins and the yeast SERINC homolog Tms1
Authors: Kölling Ralf
Published: September 2024

The endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT)-III is involved in membrane remodeling and abscission during intraluminal vesicle (ILV) formation at endosomes. Our data now suggest that ESCRT-III function could be connected to lipid remodeling of the endosomal membrane. This notion is based on our finding that ESCRT-III proteins bind to the yeast serine incorporator (SERINC) homolog Tms1. Human SERINC3 and SERINC5 are HIV-1 restriction factors and have been shown to act as scramblases, flipping phospholipids between membrane leaflets. Due to the extraordinarily high sequence conservation between Tms1 and human SERINCs, it is likely that Tms1 is also a scramblase. While deletion of TMS1 had only a moderate effect on the sorting of multivesicular body (MVB) cargo proteins, the simultaneous deletion of a component of the Vps55/Vps68 complex led to a strong synergistic phenotype. This pronounced synergism suggests that Tms1 and Vps55/Vps68 perform a parallel function at endosomes. Vps55/Vps68 loosely resembles Tms1 in its overall structure. Thus, it is possible that Vps55/Vps68 is also a scramblase. Since both Vps55 and Tms1 physically interact with ESCRT-III proteins, we propose that the recruitment of a scramblase plays a crucial role in ESCRT-III-dependent membrane remodeling at endosomes.
Joint Association of Combined Healthy Lifestyle Factors and Hearing Loss With Cognitive Impairment in China
Authors: Zhao Feifan , Wang Zhentao , Wu Zaichao , Wang Xueling , Li Yun , Gao Yunge , Han Kun , Yu Qiongfei , Wu Cai , Chen Jie , Zhao Dan , Dong Keqing , Qian Yan , Wu Xuanyi , Chen Ying , Wu Hao
Published: September 2024

Background

Hearing loss and lifestyle factors have been associated with cognitive impairment. We aimed to explore the joint association of combined healthy lifestyle factors and hearing loss with cognitive impairment, which has been scarcely studied.

Methods

This baseline study used data from the CHOICE-Cohort study (Chinese Hearing Solution for Improvement of Cognition in Elders). Hearing loss was assessed by the better-ear pure-tone average. A composite healthy lifestyle score was built based on never smoking, never drinking, regular physical activity, and a balanced diet. Cognitive impairment was diagnosed by the Mini-Mental State Examination score of less than 24.

Results

We included 17 057 participants aged 60 years or older in China (mean age 69.8 [standard deviation 6.2] years, 55.7% female). Among the participants, 48.3% (n = 8 234) had mild hearing loss, and 25.8% (n = 4 395) had moderate or greater hearing loss. The proportion of participants with healthy lifestyle scores of 0–1, 2, 3, and 4 was 14.9% (n = 2 539), 29.3% (n = 5 000), 37.4% (n = 6 386), and 18.4% (n = 3 132), respectively. About 29.6% (n = 5 057) participants had cognitive impairment. When compared to those with normal hearing and healthy lifestyle (scores of 3–4), participants with hearing loss plus unhealthy lifestyle (scores of 0–2) exhibited approximately twofold increased risk of cognitive impairment (odds ratio [OR] = 1.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.70–2.18). Conversely, the risk was greatly attenuated by adherence to healthy lifestyle in individuals with hearing loss (OR = 1.57, 95% CI 1.40–1.76).

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrated adherence to a broad range of healthy lifestyle factors was associated with a significantly lower risk of cognitive impairment among participants with hearing loss.
The Burden of Psychiatric Manifestations in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis
Authors: Massironi Sara , Pigoni Alessandro , Vegni Elena Anna Maria , Keefer Laurie , Dubinsky Marla C , Brambilla Paolo , Delvecchio Giuseppe , Danese Silvio
Published: September 2024

Background

Psychiatric disorders in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represent a significant but uncertain facet of the disease, with unsolved questions regarding their overall magnitude, their impact on intestinal disease, and the whole burden of psychiatric manifestations.

Aim

This systematic review summarizes the evidence on the prevalence and impact of psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder (BD), and schizophrenia, among patients with IBD.

Methods

A systematic search across PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus databases from January 2010 to January 2023 was performed to identify relevant studies. The focus was on studies exploring the prevalence of specific psychiatric disorders in IBD patients compared to the general population and that reported specific outcome measures. A subsequent meta-analysis (MA) assessed the strength of the association between IBD and these psychiatric disorders, with data reliability ensured through rigorous extraction and quality assessment.

Results

Out of 3,209 articles, 193 met the inclusion criteria and only 26 provided complete data for comprehensive analysis. These studies showed a significantly higher overall prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities in IBD patients compared to the general population. The MA showed a significant association between IBD and depression (pooled OR 1.42, 95% CI = 1.33-1.52, P < .0001) and anxiety (pooled OR 1.3, 95% CI = 1.22-1.44, P < .0001). The association between IBD and BD was significant (pooled OR 1.64, 95% CI = 1.20-2.24, P < .0001) but showed considerable heterogeneity (I2 = 94.01%). Only 3 studies examined the association between schizophrenia and IBD, providing widely heterogeneous results, with an inconclusive OR, estimated at 0.93 (95% CI = 0.62-1.39, P = .73).

Conclusions

This MA highlights the high prevalence of psychiatric disorders, particularly depression and anxiety, in IBD patients, which exceeds rates in the general population. BD in IBD is proving to be an important but under-researched area. The sparse and contradictory data on schizophrenia requires further investigation. These findings highlight the need for better understanding, early detection, and tailored mental health interventions in the management of IBD to significantly improve patients’ quality of life.
Trophic flows to mesozooplankton support the conventional paradigm of pelagic food web structure in ocean ecosystems
Authors: Landry Michael R , Décima Moira , Stukel Michael R , Gutiérrez-Rodríguez Andrés
Published: September 2024

The current conventional paradigm of ocean food web structure inserts one full level or more of microzooplankton heterotrophic consumption, a substantial energy drop, between phytoplankton and mesozooplankton. Using a dataset with contemporaneous measurements of primary production (PP), size-fractioned mesozooplankton biomass, and micro- and mesozooplankton grazing rates from 10 tropical to temperate ocean ecosystems, we examined whether the structural inefficiencies in this paradigm allow sufficient energy transfer to support active metabolism and growth of observed zooplankton standing stocks. Zooplankton carbon requirements (ZCR) were determined from allometric equations that account for ecosystem differences in temperature and size structure. ZCRs were relatively low (∼30% of PP or less) for both oligotrophic systems and bloom biomass accumulation in eutrophic coastal waters. Higher relative ZCRs (>30% PP) were associated with elevated mesozooplankton grazing scenarios (bloom declines, abundant salps), advective subsidies, and open-ocean upwelling systems. Microzooplankton generally dominated as grazers of PP but were equal or secondary to direct herbivory as nutritional support for mesozooplankton in five of eight regional studies. All systems were able to satisfy ZCR within the conventional food-web interpretation, but balanced open-ocean upwelling systems required the most efficient alignments of contributions from microzooplankton grazing, direct herbivory, and carnivory to do so.
Density of fresh wall of acute aortic dissection with synchrotron-based x-ray phase tomography
Authors: Yokawa Koki , Hoshino Masato , Yagi Naoto , Nakashima Yutaka , Nakagawa Kazunori , Okita Yutaka , Okada Kenji , Tsukube Takuro
Published: September 2024

OBJECTIVES

The mechanisms behind the onset of acute aortic dissection have not been fully elucidated. We developed dynamic synchrotron-based X-ray phase-contrast tomography to quantitatively study the dynamics of biological samples and applied it to the fresh aortic wall in acute type-A aortic dissection (ATAAD).

METHODS

Fresh, ring-shaped aortas undergoing aortic repair in ATAAD were measured in a container filled with normal cold saline within 24 h of surgery. As a control, we obtained 5 formalin-fixed normal ascending aortas from autopsies (female: 2, 59.7 years) [standard deviation (SD): 5.5 years]. To evaluate the quantitative morphological change, we estimated the density at each step stretched by 2 mm per step. The fresh specimens were analysed pathologically using the area ratio of the elastic fibres.

RESULTS

Samples were obtained from 5 patients [1 man and 4 women, 59.4 (SD: 8.7) years]. The overall density of the tunica media (TM) in the fresh aorta was 1.062 (SD: 0.006) g/cm3 and differed significantly between the dissected and non-dissected portions [1.05 (SD: 0.004) vs 1.066 (SD: 0.004) g/cm3, respectively; P = 0.0122]. When the fresh aortic wall was stretched and became thinner, the density of the TM remained unchanged. Compared with the pathological findings, the area ratios of the elastic fibres of the TM were lower in the non-dissected portion than normal [48.6 (SD: 7.1)% vs 60.5 (SD: 5.7 %, P < 0.001].

CONCLUSIONS

Dynamic synchrotron-based X-ray phase-contrast tomography can trace the deformation process that occurs in situ in fresh aorta in ATAAD. We confirmed that the densitometric property of the aortic wall in ATAAD was unchanged during the stretching process.
Numerical investigation on weakening the thermal bridge of link ribs for sintered self-insulation bricks
Authors: Wen Jianan , Gao Yanna
Published: September 2024

The self-insulation-sintered bricks are widely employed in the walls of green buildings with the obvious advantages of the thermal insulation performance and avoiding the secondary construction of a single insulation layer. The link ribs in the sintered brick are essential components to ensure its mechanical performance, as well as directly affecting the thermal insulation performance of the brick. Therefore, the link ribs can be regarded as thermal bridges in the self-insulating bricks, where their heat transfer characteristics directly affect its insulation performance. To improve the thermal performance of self-insulation sintered bricks, the heat transfer paths of the link ribs are optimized and three optimized link ribs are proposed. The numerical simulation is employed to calculate the heat transfer process. The results show three optimized link ribs can reduce the peak and average values of surface heat flow, and thereby improve the thermal resistance of analytical units. Compared to traditional link rib, the thermal resistances were diminished by 0.84%–6.44%, 4.46%–12.73%, and 9.93%–24.69% for inclined link rib, offset link rib, and curved link rib, respectively, while they were lowered by 7.34%, 7.92%, and 13.43%, respectively, with increasing the setoff distance from 8 mm to 24 mm.
Approximate message passing for orthogonally invariant ensembles: multivariate non-linearities and spectral initialization
Authors: Zhong Xinyi , Wang Tianhao , Fan Zhou
Published: September 2024

We study a class of Approximate Message Passing (AMP) algorithms for symmetric and rectangular spiked random matrix models with orthogonally invariant noise. The AMP iterates have fixed dimension $K \geq 1$, a multivariate non-linearity is applied in each AMP iteration, and the algorithm is spectrally initialized with $K$ super-critical sample eigenvectors. We derive the forms of the Onsager debiasing coefficients and corresponding AMP state evolution, which depend on the free cumulants of the noise spectral distribution. This extends previous results for such models with $K=1$ and an independent initialization. Applying this approach to Bayesian principal components analysis, we introduce a Bayes-OAMP algorithm that uses as its non-linearity the posterior mean conditional on all preceding AMP iterates. We describe a practical implementation of this algorithm, where all debiasing and state evolution parameters are estimated from the observed data, and we illustrate the accuracy and stability of this approach in simulations.
Volumetric versus Element-scaling Mass Estimation and Its Application to Permo-Triassic Tetrapods
Authors: Wright M A , Cavanaugh T J , Pierce S E
Published: September 2024

Synopsis

Size has an impact on various aspects of an animal's biology, including physiology, biomechanics, and ecology. Accurately and precisely estimating size, in particular body mass, is therefore a core objective of paleobiologists. Two approaches for estimating body mass are common: whole-body volumetric models and individual element-scaling (e.g., bones, teeth). The latter has been argued to be more accurate, while the former more precise. Here, we use minimum convex hulls (MCHs) to generate a predictive volumetric model for estimating body mass across a broad taxonomic and size range (127 g – 2735 kg). We compare our MCH model to stylopodial-scaling, incorporating data from the literature, and find that MCH body mass estimation is both more accurate and more precise than stylopodial estimation. An explanation for the difference between methods is that reptile and mammal stylopod circumference and length dimensions scale differentially (slope 1.179 ± 0.102 vs. 1.038 ± 0.031, respectively), such that reptiles have more robust bones for a given size. Consequently, a mammalian-weighted stylopodial-scaling sample overestimates the body mass of larger reptiles, and this error increases with size. We apply both estimation equations to a sample of 12 Permo-Triassic tetrapods and find that stylopodial-scaling consistently estimates a higher body mass than MCH estimation, due to even more robust bones in extinct species (slope = 1.319 ± 0.213). Finally, we take advantage of our MCH models to explore constraints regarding the position of the center of mass (CoM) and find that relative body proportions (i.e., skull:tail ratio) influence CoM position differently in mammals, crocodylians, and Permo-Triassic tetrapods. Further, we find that clade-specific body segment expansion factors do not affect group comparisons but may be important for individual specimens with rather disproportionate bodies (e.g., the small-headed and large-tailed Edaphosaurus). Our findings suggest that the whole-body volumetric approach is better suited for estimating body mass than element-scaling when anatomies are beyond the scope of the sample used to generate the scaling equations and provides added benefits such as the ability to measure inertial properties.
Metabolic features that select for Bathyarchaeia in modern ferruginous lacustrine subsurface sediments
Authors: Ruiz-Blas Fátima , Bartholomäus Alexander , Yang Sizhong , Wagner Dirk , Henny Cynthia , Russell James M , Kallmeyer Jens , Vuillemin Aurèle
Published: September 2024

Ferruginous conditions prevailed through Earth’s early oceans history, yet our understanding of biogeochemical cycles in anoxic iron-rich, sulfate-poor sediments remains elusive in terms of redox processes and organic matter remineralization. Using comprehensive geochemistry, cell counts, and metagenomic data, we investigated the taxonomic and functional distribution of the microbial subsurface biosphere in Lake Towuti, a stratified ferruginous analogue. Below the zone in which pore water becomes depleted in electron acceptors, cell densities exponentially decreased while microbial assemblages shifted from iron- and sulfate-reducing bacterial populations to fermentative anaerobes and methanogens, mostly selecting Bathyarchaeia below the sulfate reduction zone. Bathyarchaeia encode metabolic machinery to cycle and assimilate polysulfides via sulfhydrogenase, sulfide dehydrogenase, and heterodisulfide reductase, using dissimilatory sulfite reductase subunit E and rubredoxin as carriers. Their metagenome-assembled genomes showed that carbon fixation could proceed through the complete methyl-branch Wood-Ljungdahl pathway, conducting (homo)acetogenesis in the absence of methyl coenzyme M reductase. Further, their partial carbonyl-branch, assumed to act in tetrahydrofolate interconversions of C1 and C2 compounds, could support close interactions with methylotrophic methanogens in the fermentation zone. Thus, Bathyarchaeia appeared capable of coupling sulfur-redox reactions with fermentative processes, using electron bifurcation in a redox-conserving (homo)acetogenic Wood-Ljungdahl pathway, and revealing geochemical ferruginous conditions at the transition between the sulfate reduction and fermentation zone as their preferential niche.