bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving the Retention of Low-Volume Autologous Fat Grafting: A Comparative Analysis of Lipoaspirate Processing Techniques for Facial Feminization
Authors: Carruthers Katherine H , Austen William G , Remy Katya , Hamaguchi Ryoko , Liu Sofia , Vyas Krishna , Bojovic Branko
Published: June 2024

Background

Outcomes following autologous fat grafting have historically been unpredictable because of variability in fat retention rates. The novel poloxamer wash, absorption, mesh filtration system (PWAS) uses proprietary technology to stabilize and concentrate lipoaspirate. Its use in low-volume fat grafting has not been reported.

Objectives

The authors in this study aimed to compare PWAS technology with traditional lipoaspirate processing techniques in low-volume fat grafting procedures.

Methods

Medical charts were reviewed to determine a consecutive cohort of patients who underwent fat grafting for facial feminization. All patients had obtained preoperative and postoperative 3-dimensional facial imaging. Patients were grouped based on the method of lipoaspirate processing. The analysis software was used to measure changes in facial volume, and percent retention was calculated.

Results

Between September 2021 and February 2023, 11 facial fat grafting procedures were performed using the PWAS, and 5 performed using traditional lipoaspirate osmotic filtration with Telfa. Age and BMI were statistically similar between both the groups (P > .1). The average volume of lipoaspirate that was grafted was 23.4 mL (standard deviation [SD] 10.9 mL) and similar between both the groups (P > .1). The mean follow-up duration was 7.1 months (SD 3.1 months): 7.2 months, SD 3.5 months in the PWAS group vs 7.0 months, SD 2.2 months in the osmotic filtration group (P > .5). The average fat volume retention rate was 73.1% (SD 6.8%) in patients in whom the PWAS was used when compared with 46.1% (SD 5.2%) in patients in whom osmotic filtration was used (P > .01).

Conclusions

For patients undergoing low volume fat grafting, the PWAS technology may result in improved fat retention rates when compared with traditional lipoaspirate processing with Telfa.

Level of Evidence: 4
A hybrid demultiplexing strategy that improves performance and robustness of cell hashing
Authors: Li Lei , Sun Jiayi , Fu Yanbin , Changrob Siriruk , McGrath Joshua J C , Wilson Patrick C
Published: June 2024

Cell hashing, a nucleotide barcode-based method that allows users to pool multiple samples and demultiplex in downstream analysis, has gained widespread popularity in single-cell sequencing due to its compatibility, simplicity, and cost-effectiveness. Despite these advantages, the performance of this method remains unsatisfactory under certain circumstances, especially in experiments that have imbalanced sample sizes or use many hashtag antibodies. Here, we introduce a hybrid demultiplexing strategy that increases accuracy and cell recovery in multi-sample single-cell experiments. This approach correlates the results of cell hashing and genetic variant clustering, enabling precise and efficient cell identity determination without additional experimental costs or efforts. In addition, we developed HTOreader, a demultiplexing tool for cell hashing that improves the accuracy of cut-off calling by avoiding the dominance of negative signals in experiments with many hashtags or imbalanced sample sizes. When compared to existing methods using real-world datasets, this hybrid approach and HTOreader consistently generate reliable results with increased accuracy and cell recovery.
Health-related quality of life by type of breast surgery in women with primary breast cancer: prospective longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Gulis Kim , Ellbrant Julia , Bendahl Pär-Ola , Svensjö Tor , Rydén Lisa
Published: June 2024

Background

Health-related quality of life and patient-related outcome measures for patients with cancer have gained increased interest over the last decade. However, few prospective studies with longitudinal data evaluated health-related quality of life in patients with breast cancer. This study aimed to investigate how health-related quality of life changed from the time of diagnosis to 1 year after breast cancer surgery for the main surgical techniques.

Methods

This prospective longitudinal single-centre study included patients with primary breast cancer diagnosed in 2019–2020 who underwent surgery. Patients completed a health-related quality of life questionnaire (Breast-Q) at baseline. One year after surgery, they completed the Breast-Q a second time, the EORTC (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer) quality of life questionnaire-C30 and the quality of life questionnaire-BR23. Analysis of variance and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to evaluate the differences in health-related quality of life between surgical groups. Analysis of covariance with robust standard errors was used to adjust for confounders.

Results

In total, 340 patients were included in the study; 160 patients received oncoplastic partial mastectomy, 112 received partial mastectomy, 42 received mastectomy and 26 had mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. Patients that had partial mastectomy or oncoplastic partial mastectomy were more satisfied with their breasts (P < 0.001), had a better body image (P = 0.006) and higher sexual functioning scores (P = 0.027) than patients who had a mastectomy with/without reconstruction. The oncoplastic and mastectomy with reconstruction groups had more breast symptoms than other groups (P < 0.001), and the mastectomy group had the least symptoms from the chest area.

Conclusion

Partial mastectomy and oncoplastic partial mastectomy have the best outcomes in terms of breast satisfaction, body image and sexual functioning. This highlights the importance of preserving the breast when feasible and underscores that breast reconstruction is not equal to breast conservation.

Registration number: NCT04227613 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
The immune system in Parkinson's disease: what we know so far
Authors: Roodveldt Cintia , Bernardino Liliana , Oztop-Cakmak Ozgur , Dragic Milorad , Fladmark Kari E , Ertan Sibel , Aktas Busra , Pita Carlos , Ciglar Lucia , Garraux Gaetan , Williams-Gray Caroline , Pacheco Rodrigo , Romero-Ramos Marina
Published: June 2024

Parkinson's disease is characterized neuropathologically by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the ventral midbrain, the accumulation of α-synuclein (α-syn) aggregates in neurons and chronic neuroinflammation. In the past two decades, in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo studies have consistently shown the involvement of inflammatory responses mediated by microglia and astrocytes, which may be elicited by pathological α-syn or signals from affected neurons and other cell types, and are directly linked to neurodegeneration and disease development. Apart from the prominent immune alterations seen in the CNS, including the infiltration of T cells into the brain, more recent studies have demonstrated important changes in the peripheral immune profile within both the innate and adaptive compartments, particularly involving monocytes, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.

This review aims to integrate the consolidated understanding of immune-related processes underlying the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease, focusing on both central and peripheral immune cells, neuron-glia crosstalk as well as the central-peripheral immune interaction during the development of Parkinson's disease. Our analysis seeks to provide a comprehensive view of the emerging knowledge of the mechanisms of immunity in Parkinson's disease and the implications of this for better understanding the overall pathogenesis of this disease.
Treatment of refractory cutaneous dermatomyositis with oral sirolimus
Authors: Dar Nakul , Lusa Amanda L , Petersen William C , Greer Kenneth E , Flowers R Hal
Published: June 2024

We present a single-centre retrospective case series of four patients with clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis from our institution who were treated with oral sirolimus after failing multiple other therapies. Three of our four patients achieved significant control of disease and were able to decrease their prednisone dose while on sirolimus. There were no clinically significant infections or new malignancies during sirolimus treatment in any of the patients.
One-pot synthesis of HKUST-1 monolith for CO2 adsorption
Authors: Sakai Motomu , Ito Ayaka , Matsumoto Takaya , Matsukata Masahiko
Published: June 2024

Shape-forming technology is essential for the widespread utilization of metal-organic frameworks. We developed a one-pot synthesis method for an HKUST-1 monolith. An HKUST-1 monolith was successfully prepared by the hydrothermal treatment of a Cu monolith in an aqueous solution of 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid, ethanol, and nitric acid without the addition of a metal source. The prepared HKUST-1 monolith showed CO2 adsorption properties comparable to those of commercially available HKUST-1 powdery crystals.
Artificial Intelligence-assisted Video Colonoscopy for Disease Monitoring of Ulcerative Colitis: A Prospective Study
Authors: Ogata Noriyuki , Maeda Yasuharu , Misawa Masashi , Takenaka Kento , Takabayashi Kaoru , Iacucci Marietta , Kuroki Takanori , Takishima Kazumi , Sasabe Keisuke , Niimura Yu , Kawashima Jiro , Ogawa Yushi , Ichimasa Katsuro , Nakamura Hiroki , Matsudaira Shingo , Sasanuma Seiko , Hayashi Takemasa , Wakamura Kunihiko , Miyachi Hideyuki , Baba Toshiyuki , Mori Yuichi , Ohtsuka Kazuo , Ogata Haruhiko , Kudo Shin-ei
Published: June 2024

Backgrounds and Aims

The Mayo endoscopic subscore [MES] is the most popular endoscopic disease activity measure of ulcerative colitis [UC]. Artificial intelligence [AI]-assisted colonoscopy is expected to reduce diagnostic variability among endoscopists. However, no study has been conducted to ascertain whether AI-based MES assignments can help predict clinical relapse, nor has AI been verified to improve the diagnostic performance of non-specialists.

Methods

This open-label, prospective cohort study enrolled 110 patients with UC in clinical remission. The AI algorithm was developed using 74 713 images from 898 patients who underwent colonoscopy at three centres. Patients were followed up after colonoscopy for 12 months, and clinical relapse was defined as a partial Mayo score > 2. A multi-video, multi-reader analysis involving 124 videos was conducted to determine whether the AI system reduced the diagnostic variability among six non-specialists.

Results

The clinical relapse rate for patients with AI-based MES = 1 (24.5% [12/49]) was significantly higher [log-rank test, p = 0.01] than that for patients with AI-based MES = 0 (3.2% [1/31]). Relapse occurred during the 12-month follow-up period in 16.2% [13/80] of patients with AI-based MES = 0 or 1 and 50.0% [10/20] of those with AI-based MES = 2 or 3 [log-rank test, p = 0.03]. Using AI resulted in better inter- and intra-observer reproducibility than endoscopists alone.

Conclusions

Colonoscopy using the AI-based MES system can stratify the risk of clinical relapse in patients with UC and improve the diagnostic performance of non-specialists.
Differential gene expression of leaflet tissue in chronic ovine functional tricuspid regurgitation
Authors: Gaweda Boguslaw , Goodyke Austin , Prokop Jeremy , Arora Sanjana , Iwasieczko Artur , Piekarska Magda , Zagorski Joseph , Widenka Kazimierz , Rausch Manuel K , Aguirre Aitor , Timek Tomasz A
Published: June 2024

OBJECTIVES

Severe functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) is associated with subvalvular remodelling, but leaflet tissue alterations may also contribute. We set out to investigate molecular mechanisms driving leaflet remodelling in chronic ovine FTR.

METHODS

Thirteen adult sheep (55 ± 4 kg) underwent left thoracotomy, epicardial echocardiography and pulmonary artery banding to induce right heart failure and FTR. After 16 weeks, 13 banded (FTR) and 12 control animals underwent median sternotomy for epicardial echocardiography and were subsequently sacrificed with each tricuspid leaflet tissue harvested for RNA-seq and histology.

RESULTS

After 16 weeks, 7 animals developed severe, 2 moderate and 4 mild tricuspid regurgitation. Relative to control, FTR animals had increased pulmonary artery pressure, tricuspid regurgitation, tricuspid annular diameter and right atrial volume, while tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and right ventricle fractional area change decreased. FTR leaflets exhibited altered constituents and an increase in cellularity. RNA-seq identified 85 significantly differentially expressed genes with 17, 53 and 127 within the anterior, posterior and septal leaflets, respectively. RRM2, PRG4 and CXCL8 (IL-8) were identified as differentially expressed genes across all leaflets and CXCL8 was differentially expressed between FTR severity grades. RRM2, PRG4 and CXCL8 significantly correlated with tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, and this correlation was consistent regardless of the anatomical location of the leaflet.

CONCLUSIONS

Pulmonary artery banding in our ovine model resulted in right ventricle failure and FTR. Leaflet RNA-seq identified several differentially expressed genes, specifically RRM2, PRG4 and CXCL8, with known roles in tissue remodelling. These data, along with an overall increase in leaflet cellularity, suggest tricuspid leaflets actively remodel in FTR.
Multiple giant intercostal and lumbar artery aneurysms
Authors: Vento Vincenzo , Felici Luca , Berretta Paolo , Gatta Emanuele
Published: June 2024

This case report presents a 49-year-old male with multiple intercostal and lumbar aneurysms of the thoraco-abdominal aorta, complicating a history of aortic surgeries and comorbidities. Following emergent surgical repair of a ruptured lumbar aneurysm, a multidisciplinary team opted for staged interventions, mitigating risks and optimizing outcomes. Treatment stages involved surgical ligation and endovascular embolization, aiming to minimize complications, particularly spinal cord ischaemia. This case underscores the challenges of managing complex and rare aortic pathology, highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary care and close follow-up to mitigate risks.
Thromboembolic and bleeding complications after elective cardioversion of atrial fibrillation: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Itäinen-Strömberg Saga , Lehto Mika , Halminen Olli , Putaala Jukka , Haukka Jari , Lehtonen Ossi , Teppo Konsta , Mustonen Pirjo , Linna Miika , Hartikainen Juha , Airaksinen Kari Eino Juhani , Aro Aapo L
Published: June 2024

Aims

Elective cardioversion (ECV) is routinely used in atrial fibrillation (AF) to restore sinus rhythm. However, it includes a risk of thromboembolism even during adequate oral anticoagulation treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of thromboembolic and bleeding complications after ECV in a real-life setting utilizing data from a large AF population.

Methods and results

This nationwide register-based study included all (n = 9625) Finnish AF patients undergoing their first-ever ECV between 2012 and 2018. The thromboembolic and bleeding complications within 30 days after ECV were analysed. The mean age of the patients was 67.7 ± 9.9 years, 61.2% were men, and the mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 2.6 ± 1.6. Warfarin was used in 6245 (64.9%) and non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in 3380 (35.1%) cardioversions. Fifty-two (0.5%) thromboembolic complications occurred, of which 62% were ischaemic strokes, 25% transient ischaemic attacks, and 13% other systemic embolisms. Thromboembolic events occurred in 14 (0.4%) NOAC-treated patients and in 38 (0.6%) warfarin-treated patients (odds ratio 0.77; confidence interval: 0.42–1.39). The median time from ECV to the thromboembolic event was 2 days, and 78% of the events occurred within 10 days. Age and alcohol abuse were significant predictors of thromboembolic events. Among warfarin users, thromboembolic complications were more common with international normalized ratio (INR) <2.5 than INR ≥2.5 (0.9% vs. 0.4%, P = 0.026). Overall, 27 (0.3%) bleeding events occurred.

Conclusion

The rate of thromboembolic and bleeding complications related to ECV was low without significant difference between NOAC- and warfarin-treated patients. With warfarin, INR ≥2.5 at the time of cardioversion reduced the risk of thromboembolic complications.
A Systematic Review of Effective Interventions and Strategies to Support the Transition of Older Adults From Driving to Driving Retirement/Cessation
Authors: Dickerson Anne E , Stapleton Tadhg , Bloss Jamie , Géinas Isabelle , Harries Priscilla , Choi Moon , Margot-Cattin Isabel , Mazer Barbara , Patomella Ann-Helen , Swanepoel Lizette , Van Niekerk Lana , Unsworth Carolyn A , Vrkljan Brenda
Published: June 2024

Background and Objectives

In most western countries, older adults depend on private cars for transportation and do not proactively plan for driving cessation. The objective of this review was to examine current research studies outlining effective interventions and strategies to assist older adults during their transition from driver to driving retirement or cessation.

Research Design and Methods

A search was completed across 9 databases using key words and MeSH terms for drivers, cessation of driving, and older adult drivers. Eligibility screening of 9,807 titles and abstracts, followed by a detailed screening of 206 papers, was completed using the Covidence platform. Twelve papers were selected for full-text screen and data extraction, comprising 3 papers with evidence-based intervention programs and 9 papers with evidence-informed strategies.

Results

Three papers met the research criteria of a controlled study for programs that support and facilitate driving cessation for older adults. Nine additional studies were exploratory or descriptive, which outlined strategies that could support older drivers, their families, and/or healthcare professionals during this transition. Driving retirement programs/toolkits are also presented.

Discussion and Implications

The driver retirement programs had promising results, but there were methodological weaknesses within the studies. Strategies extracted contributed to 6 themes: Reluctance and avoidance of the topic, multiple stakeholder involvement is important, taking proactive approach is critical, refocus the process away from assessment to proactive planning, collaborative approach to enable “ownership” of the decision is needed, and engage in planning alternative transportation should be the end result. Meeting the transportation needs of older adults will be essential to support aging in place, out-of-home mobility, and participation, particularly in developed countries where there is such a high dependency on private motor vehicles.
The Untapped Potential of Patent Law in Deterring Environmentally Unsustainable Innovation
Authors: Spedicato Giorgio
Published: June 2024

Despite the common belief that the granting of a patent is a neutral act, patent protection is intended to encourage technological innovations that are acceptable from an ethical point of view: in fact, both international and supranational legislation exclude from patentability inventions whose commercial exploitation would be contrary to ordre public, a notion that certainly encompasses also the prevention of serious damage to the environment. However, the provisions excluding the patentability of inventions whose commercial exploitation is contrary to ordre public (and in particular to environmental ordre public) have rarely been applied in Europe. After outlining the reasons why ordre public exceptions have had very limited application in Europe so far, the paper offers a new perspective through which such exceptions should be interpreted and suggests how patent offices can play a new and more decisive role in promoting environmentally sustainable innovation.
Capturing and harvesting in Medicare Advantage plan design
Authors: Miller Keaton
Published: June 2024

Consumers in health insurance markets have inertia stemming from the desire to maintain relationships with providers and other frictions involved in switching plans. In other markets that feature inertia, suppliers respond with pricing strategies that vary by market share: lowering markups to capture consumers when market shares are low and raising markups to harvest profits once market share has been established. I tested for this behavior in the Medicare Advantage (MA) market by examining how MA plan sponsors changed the financial terms of their plans in response to changes in market share from 2007 to 2021 using a first-difference model with fixed effects. I found evidence that plans increase premiums, copays, and out-of-pocket limits when market shares increase. The results imply that for every 1% increase in market share, plan sponsors subsequently increase out-of-pocket costs by 1% in the following year.
Understanding male circumcision: insights from a peri-urban community in Maputo City, Mozambique
Authors: Baduro Joelma , Mccabe K Carter , Cavele Nílzio , José Américo , Mulimela Anchelda , Jamnadas Mehol , Manhiça Cremildo , Monjane Celso , Nhachungue Sheila , Decroo Tom , Macicame Ivalda
Published: June 2024

Background

Circumcision is a protective measure against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), reducing the risk of HIV infection. This study reported coverage of male circumcision and assessed the factors associated with male uncircumcision in a peri-urban area in Maputo City, Mozambique.

Methods

This cross-sectional study of the Health Demographic Surveillance System in the Polana Caniço neighborhood investigated the sociodemographic and behavioral factors associated with uncircumcised males aged 15–49 y from October 2019 to June 2021. Data were collected from an HIV risk factors questionnaire and descriptive analyses conducted comparing self-reported male circumcision status by sociodemographic factors and sexual behaviors. The association was assessed via χ2 tests, and a multivariable logistic regression model was constructed. Adjusted ORs and 95% CIs were reported for factors associated with uncircumcised status.

Results

Of the 3481 males aged 15–49 y who responded to the questionnaire, 79.5% (2766) self-reported being circumcised. The percentage of uncircumcised men steadily increased with age, ranging from 12.4% (95) among males aged 15–19 y to 34.5% (148) of men aged 40–49 y. Men without education or with primary education, as well as those not practicing Islam, were 3–4 times more likely to be uncircumcised. Uncircumcised men were more likely to self-report an STI and a lack of condom use.

Conclusions

Being uncircumcised was associated with not using condoms and having STIs, highlighting the need to further emphasize combination HIV-prevention programs and regular HIV/STI screening. Targeting males with lower education and across religions can help reach those with lower coverage of this effective prevention intervention.
Evaluation of environmental antibiotic contamination by surface wipe sampling in a large care centre
Authors: Sessink Paul , Tans Birgit , Devolder David , Schrijvers Rik , Spriet Isabel
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Exposure of healthcare workers to antibiotics may cause adverse health effects. Results of environmental contamination with antibiotics, obtained by taking surface wipe samples, can be used as an indicator for potential exposure to these sensitizing drugs. The objective was to describe the results of repeated measurements of contamination with antibiotics on multiple surfaces in hospital wards. Standardized needle and syringe preparation techniques and cleaning procedures were used.

Methods

The preparation table and the floor around the waste bin in six wards were sampled and analysed for contamination with the antibiotics amoxicillin, benzylpenicillin, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, flucloxacillin, meropenem, piperacillin and vancomycin. Sampling was performed in four trials during 8 months. Depending on the outcome of the trials, the cleaning procedure was adapted. Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry was used for the analysis of the drugs.

Results

During the four trials, contamination with all eight antibiotics was omnipresent on all preparation tables and floors in the six wards. The highest contamination was found for amoxicillin (1291 ng/cm2). Changing the cleaning procedure did not reduce the level of contamination.

Conclusions

Surface contamination with the antibiotics was widespread and most probably caused by spillage during the preparation in combination with an ineffective cleaning procedure. Strategies should be developed and implemented by institutions for safe handling of antibiotics to reduce environmental contamination and potential exposure of healthcare workers to these sensitizing drugs.
Effect of dietary antioxidants on free radical damage in dogs and cats
Authors: Jewell Dennis E , Motsinger Laura A , Paetau-Robinson Inke
Published: June 2024

Alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) is an antioxidant that is largely involved in immune defense and enhancing the ability of biological systems to respond to oxidative stress. During the process of free radical scavenging, vitamin C supports the regeneration of vitamin E. Although the functions of antioxidants and their importance have been widely studied, the intricate interplay between antioxidants has yet to be fully elucidated, especially in dogs and cats. As such, the objective of the present study was to determine the effect of a combination of dietary antioxidants on DNA damage and antioxidant status in dogs and cats. Forty adult mixed-breed dogs and 40 adult domestic shorthair cats were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups per species. Dogs and cats remained in these groups for the 84-d duration of the study. The food differed in antioxidant supplementation with the control food meeting all of the Association of American Feed Control Officials requirements for complete and balanced nutrition, including sufficient vitamin E to exceed the published minimum. The treatment diets were targeted to include either 500, 1,000, or 1,500 IU vitamin E/kg as well as 100 ppm of vitamin C and 1.5 ppm of β-carotene in the food. The effect of vitamin E supplementation level on serum vitamin E concentration, DNA damage, and total antioxidant power was evaluated. Feeding diets enriched with antioxidants resulted in an increased (P < 0.05) circulating vitamin E concentration, increased (P < 0.05) immune cell protection, reduced (P < 0.05) DNA damage in dogs, and an improved (P < 0.05) antioxidant status. Overall, these data demonstrated that feeding a dry kibble with an antioxidant blend inclusive of vitamin E, vitamin C, and β-carotene enhanced cell protection and improved antioxidant status in dogs and cats.
Influence of steroidal implants and zinc sulfate supplementation on growth performance, trace mineral status, circulating metabolites, and transcriptional changes in skeletal muscle of feedlot steers
Authors: Smerchek Dathan T , Rients Emma L , McLaughlin Amy M , Thornton Kara J , Hansen Stephanie L
Published: June 2024

Angus-cross steers (n = 144; 362 kg ± 20.4) were used to determine the effect of Zn and steroidal implants on performance, trace mineral status, circulating metabolites, and transcriptional changes occurring in skeletal muscle. Steers (n = 6 per pen) were stratified by body weight (BW) in a 3 × 2 factorial. GrowSafe bunks recorded individual feed intake (steer as experimental unit; n = 24 per treatment). Dietary treatments (ZINC; eight pens per treatment) included supplemental Zn as ZnSO4 at 1) 0 (analyzed 54 mg Zn/kg DM; Zn0); 2) 30 mg/kg DM (Zn30); 3) 100 mg Zn/kg DM (Zn100). After 60 d of Zn treatment, steers received a steroidal implant treatment (IMP) on day 0: 1) no implant; NO; or 2) high-potency combination implant (TE-200, Elanco, Greenfield, IN; 200 mg TBA, 20 mg E2; TE200). BWs were taken at days −60, 0, and in 28 d increments thereafter. Liver biopsies for TM analysis and blood for TM, serum glucose, insulin, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), urea-N, and IGF-1 analysis were collected on days 0, 20, 40, and 84. Glucose, NEFA, and insulin were used to calculate the revised quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (RQUICKI). Linear and quadratic effects of ZINC were evaluated in SAS 9.4. Means for IMP were separated using the LSMEANS statement with the PDIFF option. Day −60 BW was a covariate for performance and carcass data. Growth performance, plasma, liver, and metabolite data were analyzed as repeated measures. TE200 tended to decrease plasma Zn by 8.4% from days 0 to 20 while NO decreased by 3.6% (IMP × day; P = 0.08). A tendency for a ZINC × day effect on G:F was noted (P = 0.06) driven by Zn30 and Zn100 decreasing significantly from period 0-28 to period 28-56 while Zn0 was similar in both periods. An IMP × day effect was noted for RQUICKI where (P = 0.02) TE200 was greater on day 40 compared to NO cattle, but by day 84 RQUICKI was not different between TE200 and NO. On day 20, increasing Zn supplementation linearly increased mRNA abundance (P ≤ 0.09) of protein kinase B (AKT1), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), and myogenic factor 5 (MYF5). In this study, Zn and implants differentially affected genes related to energy metabolism, satellite cell function, and TM homeostasis on days 20 and 84 postimplant. These results suggest steroidal implants increase demand for Zn immediately following implant administration to support growth and may influence insulin sensitivity in finishing cattle.
Evaluation of long-term supplementation of a Bacillus subtilis direct-fed microbial and enzymatically hydrolyzed yeast cell culture product used alone or in combination on Clostridia, Clostridium perfringens, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella prevalence in beef steers
Authors: DeHaan Erin R , Thompson Jesse , Rusche Warren C , de Jesus Mackenzie , Block Elliot , Rehberger Tom , Smith Zachary K
Published: June 2024

The objective was to determine the influence of long-term supplementation (258 d) of a direct-fed microbial (DFM) and/or yeast cell wall (YCW) product on bacterial populations in beef steers. Single-sourced Charolais × Red Angus steers (n = 256; body weight = 246 ± 1.68 kg) were used in a randomized complete block design and blocked by location into one of four treatments: 1) fed no DFM and no YCW (Control); 2) fed only the DFM (DFM; Certillus CP B1801 Dry, 28 g/steer d−1 ); 3) fed only the YCW (YCW; Celmanax; 18 g/steer d−1 ); and 4) fed the DFM and the YCW (DFM+YCW). Steers were vaccinated for respiratory and clostridial diseases and treated for internal and external parasites at processing and individually weighed on days 1, 14, 42, 77, 105, 133, 161, 182, 230, and 258. To determine bacterial prevalence, fecal samples were collected on days 1, 14, 77, 133, 182, and 230 and environmental (pen area, feed, and water) samples were collected at the beginning of the week when cattle were weighed. No treatment × day interactions or treatment effects (P > 0.05) were observed between treatment groups at any sampling days for the bacterial populations. Samples on days 1, 133, and 182 had greater (P < 0.05) Clostridia levels compared to the other sampling points but were not different from each other. Clostridia levels were also greater (P < 0.05) on day 77 compared to days 14 and 230. Samples on days 77 and 230 had greater (P < 0.05) Clostridium perfringens levels compared to the other sampling points but were not different (P > 0.05) from each other. Samples on days 1 and 14 had lower (P < 0.05) total Escherichia coli levels compared to the other sampling points but were not different (P > 0.05) from each other. Escherichia coli levels on day 77 were higher (P < 0.05) compared to days 133, 182, and 230. Little Salmonella prevalence (1.5%) was observed throughout the study. This study had greater levels of Clostridia compared to small and large commercial feedlots in the Church and Dwight research database, but C. perfringens, total and pathogenic E. coli, and Salmonella prevalence were notably lower. Collectively, there were no appreciable treatment influences on bacterial populations. These data further indicate a low pathogenic bacterial challenge at the trial site, which could partially explain the lack of differences with DFM or YCW supplementation. The DFM and YCW used alone or in combination cannot be expected to show additional benefits when animals are relatively unstressed with a low pathogenic bacterial challenge.
Recommendations on visit duration and sample number requirements for an automated head chamber system
Authors: Beck Matthew R , Thompson Logan R , Proctor Jarret A , Reuter R Ryan , Gunter Stacey A
Published: June 2024

Automated head chamber systems (AHCS; GreenFeed, C-Lock Inc., Rapid City, SD) increasingly are being used for measuring the gas flux of unrestrained cattle. There are a wide range of recommendations for what constitutes a “good” visit (i.e., duration) to an AHCS and how many visits are required for the AHCS to quantify gas fluxes accurately and precisely. Accordingly, the purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effects of visit duration thresholds and the subsequent effects of these thresholds on the number of visits needed to provide adequate estimates of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) emissions, and oxygen (O2) consumption by beef cattle. This analysis utilized data from three previously published experiments with grazing beef steers and one experiment with finishing beef steers, with 103 steers total. When comparing all available visits, there was excellent agreement [Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) ≥ 0.96] between visits ≥ 3 min in duration and those ≥ 2 min for the three gases in all four experiments. When data from all four experiments were pooled, there was excellent agreement between visits ≥ 3 min and those ≥ 2 min and ≥ 1 min for all gases (CCC ≥ 0.96). These results suggest that estimates from visits ≥ 2 min are like those from visits ≥ 3 min. Next, we investigated if including visits ≥ 2 min or ≥ 1 min would increase the minimal number of visits required to provide excellent agreement with the “gold-standard” (mean of all visits ≥ 3 min). For this, we used only one of the experiments and randomly selected visits per animal ranging from n = 5 to 60, in increments of 5. The sole experiment was used because all animals had more than 60 visits. We then assessed the agreement between the “gold-standard” (mean of all visits ≥ 3 min [144 ± 55.01 visits per steer]) estimates of CO2, O2, and CH4. The minimum number of visits required to achieve excellent agreement (CCC ≥ 0.90) to the “gold-standard” estimate for all gases was 30 visits ≥ 3 min in duration, or 40 visits ≥ 2 min in duration. Visits ≥ 1 min in duration did not achieve excellent agreement, even when 60 were used. Based on these results, we recommend excluding visits < 3 min in duration with 30 minimum visit records per animal. However, if researchers choose to implement a 2-min visit duration threshold then 40 visit records are needed per animal.
Environmental DNA assays for Laricobius beetles (Coleoptera: Derodontidae), biocontrol agents of the hemlock woolly adelgid in North America
Authors: Liu Fangzhou , Bittner Tonya D , Whitmore Mark C
Published: June 2024

The hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae Annand (Hemiptera: Adelgidae), is an invasive pest causing significant ecological and economic damage to certain hemlock tree (Tsuga (Endlicher) Carrière, Pinales:Pinaceae) species. In response to this invasive threat, biological control strategies have been implemented, introducing natural predators such as Laricobius nigrinus Fender (Coleoptera: Derodontidae) and, more recently, Laricobius osakensis Montgomery and Shiyake (Coleoptera: Derodontidae), as specialist predators against A. tsugae. However, the genetic and morphological similarities between L. osakensis and both L. nigrinus and the native beetle, Laricobius rubidus LeConte (Coleoptera: Derodontidae), pose challenges in their identification. Effective monitoring of released predators is integral to evaluating the success of biological control measures. Environmental DNA (eDNA) holds potential for various detection applications, including species monitoring. In this study, we developed specific primers and probes targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 gene sequences, achieving high specificity despite their 95% sequence similarity. With an optimal annealing temperature of 60 °C, our tools effectively differentiated L. osakensis from the other 2 beetles and demonstrated eDNA detection sensitivity down to 2 copies/µl. This research underscores the potential of precise molecular tools for advancing biological control and biodiversity assessment against invasive threats like A. tsugae.
Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms, bioavailable 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and hepatocellular carcinoma survival
Authors: Shu Jing , Zhang Mingjie , Dong Xiaocong , Long Jingan , Li Yunshan , Tan Peishan , He Tongtong , Giovannucci Edward L , Zhang Xuehong , Zhou Zhongguo , Xu Yanjun , Xu Xiaojun , Peng Tianyou , Lu Jialin , Chen Minshan , Zhu Huilian , Zhang Yaojun , Fang Aiping
Published: June 2024

Background

Little is known about the role of vitamin D receptor polymorphisms and their interaction with vitamin D status in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prognosis.

Methods

We evaluated the association of TaqI, BsmI, Cdx-2, and ApaI polymorphisms, individually and in combination, with liver cancer-specific (LCSS) and overall survival (OS) among 967 patients with newly diagnosed HCC. Subsequently, we examined whether these polymorphisms modified the association between serum bioavailable 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) concentrations and survival. Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

During a median follow-up of 1017 days, 393 deaths occurred, with 360 attributed to HCC. Having TaqI G allele (HRper allele = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.08 to 1.57) or BsmI T allele (HRper allele = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.99) was associated with worse LCSS. Carrying increasing numbers of protective alleles was associated with superior LCSS (HR6-8 vs 0-3 = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.34 to 0.80). The inverse association of bioavailable 25OHD with LCSS was statistically significant only in patients with TaqI AA (HRQuartile 4 vs Quartile 1 = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.44 to 0.92), BsmI CC (HRQuartile 4 vs Quartile 1 = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.44 to 0.88), and 6 to 8 protective alleles (HRQuartile 4 vs Quartile 1 = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.23 to 0.87). Similar associations were observed for OS.

Conclusions

Patients carrying wild-type TaqI, BsmI, or more protective alleles had improved survival and might benefit from optimizing bioavailable 25OHD status.
Primary human papillomavirus testing vs cotesting: clinical outcomes in populations with different disease prevalence
Authors: Das Shrutikona , Wentzensen Nicolas , Sawaya George F , Egemen Didem , Locke Alexander , Kinney Walter , Lorey Thomas , Cheung Li C
Published: June 2024

Implementation of primary human papillomavirus (HPV) testing has been slow in the United States perhaps because of concerns of decreased sensitivity compared with concurrent HPV and cytology testing (“cotesting”). We used the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program and the Kaiser Permanente of Northern California cohort to quantify potential trade-offs with primary HPV compared with cotesting in 4 US populations with differing precancer or cancer prevalence. In all settings, cotesting required more lab tests and more colposcopies compared with primary HPV testing. Additional cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 or cancer immediately detected from cotesting vs primary HPV decreased with decreasing population-average cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 or cancer prevalence from 71 per 100 000 screened among never or rarely screened individuals in the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (prevalence = 1212 per 100 000) to 4 per 100 000 screened among individuals with prior HPV-negative results in Kaiser Permanente of Northern California (prevalence = 86 per 100 000). These data suggest that cotesting confer an unfavorable benefit-to-harm ratio over primary HPV testing.
Racial and socioeconomic disparities in survival among patients with metastatic non–small cell lung cancer
Authors: Uprety Dipesh , Seaton Randell , Hadid Tarik , Mamdani Hirva , Sukari Ammar , Ruterbusch Julie J , Schwartz Ann G
Published: June 2024

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have profoundly impacted survival among patients with metastatic non–small cell lung cancer. However, population-based studies evaluating this impact on survival by race and socioeconomic factors are lacking.

Methods

We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program–Medicare database to identify patients with metastatic non–small cell lung cancer diagnosed between 2015 and 2019. The primary study outcomes were the receipt of an immune checkpoint inhibitor and overall survival. χ2 tests and logistic regression were used to identify demographic factors associated with receipt of immune checkpoint inhibitors. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to calculate 2-year overall survival rates, and log-rank tests were used to compare survival by race and ethnicity.

Results

Of 17 134 patients, approximately 39% received an immune checkpoint inhibitor. Those diagnosed with cancer recently (in 2019); who are relatively younger (aged younger than 85 years); non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Asian, or Hispanic; living in high socioeconomic status or metropolitan areas; not Medicaid eligible; and with adenocarcinoma histology were more likely to receive immune checkpoint inhibitors. The 2-year overall survival rate from diagnosis was 21% for the overall population. The 2-year overall survival rate from immune checkpoint inhibitor initiation was 30%, among those who received at least 1 cycle and 11% among those who did not receive immune checkpoint inhibitors. The 2-year overall survival rates were higher among non-Hispanic White (22%) and non-Hispanic Asian (23%) patients compared with non-Hispanic Black (15%) and Hispanic (17%) patients. There was no statistically significant racial differences in survival for those who received immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Conclusion

Immune checkpoint inhibitor utilization rates and the resulting outcomes were inferior for certain vulnerable groups, mandating the need for strategies to improve access to care.
Trends in financial payments from industry to US cancer centers, 2014-2021
Authors: Chakraborty Nirjhar , Brown Meredith , Persaud Sonia , Gallagher Grace , Trivedi Niti U , Bach Peter B , Mitchell Aaron P
Published: June 2024

Background

Industry payments to US cancer centers are poorly understood.

Methods

US National Cancer Institute (NCI)–designated comprehensive cancer centers were identified (n = 51). Industry payments to NCI–designated comprehensive cancer centers from 2014 to 2021 were obtained from Open Payments and National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant funding from NIH Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools (RePORT). Given our focus on cancer centers, we measured the subset of industry payments related to cancer drugs specifically and the subset of NIH funding from the NCI.

Results

Despite a pandemic-related decline in 2020-2021, cancer-related industry payments to NCI–designated comprehensive cancer centers increased from $482 million in 2014 to $972 million in 2021. Over the same period, NCI research grant funding increased from $2 481  million to $2 724  million. The large majority of nonresearch payments were royalties and licensing payments.

Conclusion

Industry payments to NCI–designated comprehensive cancer centers increased substantially more than NCI funding in recent years but were also more variable. These trends raise concerns regarding the influence and instability of industry payments.
Meet my baby daughter, Cardeigh Cobain
Authors: Dalla Riva Chris
Published: June 2024

Pop singers, movie stars and presidents have all dramatically influenced baby names over the twentieth century. Chris Dalla Riva delves into US government data to reveal some intriguing facts
Multiple cutaneous granular cell tumors involving the shoulder and foot in a child; a rare case report
Authors: Amir Baraa , Amir Amaar , Sheikh Salwa , Aljahdali Akram
Published: June 2024

Granular cell tumors are rare soft tissue neoplasms derived from Schwann cells and are characterized by their infiltrative, non-encapsulated nests and sheets of polygonal cells with fine eosinophilic cytoplasmic granules on histology. Herin, we report a case of a 10-year-old Saudi female who presented to the hospital with multiple asymptomatic skin lesions, the largest located on the right shoulder and left foot. Preoperative workup revealed the absence of liver metastasis, and the patient underwent complete surgical excision successfully. Histopathology revealed ill-defined proliferation of large bland cells with prominent eosinophilic granular cytoplasm and mild epithelial hyperplasia consistent with granular cell tumors. Granular cell tumors are a rare entity that represent only 0.5% of all soft tissue tumors. They have characteristic histological features and can present with both malignant and being features. Due to the rarity of this disease, further research is needed to enhance our understanding and improve recognition in future practice.
Primary Ewing sarcoma of the kidney: a rare entity with diagnostic challenges
Authors: El Mohtarim Rihane , Yassine Aaboudech Taha , Sassi Samia , Rguieg Naji , Cherraqi Amine , Dokal Ibrahima Diallo , El Haddad Siham , Allali Nazik , Chat Latifa , Hessissen Laila , Kisra Mounir , Rouas Lamiaa , Lamalmi Najat
Published: June 2024

Ewing sarcoma is a very rare tumour with aggressive behaviour and a poor prognosis. It tends to metastasize rapidly. Renal Ewing sarcoma is extremely rare, and only 48 cases have been reported in the literature. Herein, we report the case of a 14-year-old female presenting with a painful left flank swelling. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging showed a large tumour invading the left kidney, heterogeneously enhanced after injection, associated with lymph nodes and peritoneal carcinomatosis. A thoraco-abdomino-pelvic computed tomography scan revealed pulmonary nodules and osteolytic lesions. A biopsy was performed, and histology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular studies confirmed the diagnosis of retroperitoneal Ewing sarcoma. Multi-agent chemotherapy followed by radical nephrectomy was performed, confirming the renal origin, and histology showed a post-therapeutical response. After a 1-year follow-up, there was no evidence of recurrence. We report this case to highlight the rarity of this entity and its challenging clinico-pathological diagnosis when presenting as a renal tumour.
Spontaneous omental infarction in an obese young female patient treated with laparoscopy: a case report
Authors: Nikolovski Andrej , Lazarova Ana , Mojsilovic Dino , Ristovski Gligor , Argirov Ivan , Ulusoy Cemal
Published: June 2024

Partial infarction of the great omentum is a rare cause of abdominal pain and may present as a surgical emergency. Omental infarction might occur due to its torsion, but cases without obvious cause are reported. Risk factors related to this condition are overweight, obesity, abdominal trauma, recent abdominal surgery, hypercoagulability, postprandial vascular congestion and an increase in intra-abdominal pressure. Because of the condition’s rarity, most patients are treated with surgery and the diagnosis is established intraoperatively. Preoperative diagnosis allows successful conservative treatment with analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs. This case reports a young female patient with class III obesity presented with spontaneous partial infarction of the great omentum treated with laparoscopy.