bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethics for Rational Animals
Authors: Cagnoli Fiecconi Elena
Published: March 2024

This monograph engages in a comprehensive study of Aristotle’s moral psychology in order to give a new account of his views on practical wisdom, virtue and akrasia. Aristotle’s moral psychology is characterised as a qualified intellectualism. The view is intellectualistic because it describes practical wisdom as the sort of knowledge that can govern desire and action, and akrasia as involving a form of ignorance. However, Aristotle’s intellectualism is qualified because practical wisdom goes beyond grasping the truth about the human good, for it must also be able to convey the truth persuasively to non-rational cognition and desires. Conversely, ethical rational failures are not only failures to grasp the truth, but also failures to be persuaded by it. Practical wisdom does not merely articulate, silence or manipulate non-rational cognitions and desires. Rather, it persuades them with explanations that are comprehensible and compelling. Virtue, in turn, involves perfecting the ability to listen to reason by learning to recognise fine and shameful things perceptually. Akrasia is a form of ignorance because it implies the failure of the agent to produce the persuasive explanations that would remove her vicious desires. Contrary to what is commonly assumed, bad desires are a symptom, not a cause, of the ignorance of the akratic. This ignorance, furthermore, is compatible with the akratic holding the belief that she is doing something wrong while she acts. The conclusions about practical wisdom, virtue and akrasia are drawn on the basis of a study of Aristotle’s views on perception, thought, phantasia, attention and desire.
Sexual Citizenship and Social Change
Authors: Langdridge Darren
Published: March 2024

There has been enormous change in social and state acceptance regarding sex and sexualities over the last 30 years or so in the West, with an apparent new acceptance and openness towards diverse sexual practices and sexualities. Much of this change has come about through community claims for rights grounded in critical social theory and the language of citizenship. While accepting that much of this critique has been valuable in advancing rights for sexual minorities, Sexual Citizenship and Social Change raises the spectre that the mode of critique itself may now have become problematic. To this end, this book examines the use and abuse of critique in contemporary sexuality scholarship and associated activism and presents an argument that a new danger for contemporary sexual life emerges from an excess of critique. This implicates a particular form of critique that is detached and unfettered, set loose from the usual anchor of tradition. What is most dangerous with this excess of unfettered critique is that it emerges from within minority sexual communities (and their allies), not from the usual conservative opposition to progressive change. Even the most ostensibly well-meaning critic and associated critique can become problematic when their arguments are detached from tradition. So, while recognizing there is proven value in critique, it has limits, and we are arguably witness to some sensible limits being breached. While other authors focus their critical efforts on resistance to change and the limitations of tradition, Sexual Citizenship and Social Change takes on critique itself.
Engaging the Dead
Authors: de Maaker Erik
Published: March 2024

This chapter explores how and why funerals in rural West Garo Hills are significant occasions for the assertion of matrilineal and affinal relationships. Funerals allow people to guide a deceased person to the afterworld, while simultaneously facilitating their reconnection to the living. While people assess their obligations towards the dead, they are led to consider the extent to which they identify with the larger groups they are part of, and the kind of loyalties this involves. Funerals encompass a broad range of ritually significant gifts, most of which are embedded in reciprocal relationships. Funerals also connect people to place, not only with the interment of bodies or—following cremation—pieces of bone, but also in the various locations and objects that the dead are made to associate with.
Claiming Relationships, Spaces, and Resources
Authors: de Maaker Erik
Published: March 2024

This chapter reveals how obligations, rights, and claims towards other people, as well as to essential resources are culturally encoded. In this respect, the replacement of deceased spouses is of prime importance. Achieving replacement is a complex and often difficult process that often creates conflicts of interest between individual persons and the larger groups of relatives to which they belong. Replacement is of particular relevance when claims to land are at stake. Such claims depend on the continuation of marital bonds across generations. While these customary arrangements enable communal access to land, they also include mechanisms that can facilitate the demise of joint land management. The steadily increasing integration of rural West Garo Hills into a monetary, market-oriented economy, fuelled by a need for cash among its growing rural population, creates a major threat towards communal land management practices.
Sub-parsec-scale jet-driven water maser with possible gravitational acceleration in the radio galaxy NGC 1052
Authors: Kameno Seiji , Harikane Yuichi , Sawada-Satoh Satoko , Sawada Tsuyoshi , Saito Toshiki , Nakanishi Kouichiro , Humphreys Elizabeth , Impellizzeri C M Violette
Published: March 2024

We report sub-parsec-scale observations of the 321 GHz H2O emission line in the radio galaxy NGC 1052. The H2O line emitter size is constrained in <0.6 mas distributed on the continuum core component. The brightness temperature exceeding 106 K and the intensity variation indicate certain evidence for maser emission. The maser spectrum consists of redshifted and blueshifted velocity components spanning ∼400 km s−1, separated by a local minimum around the systemic velocity of the galaxy. The spatial distribution of maser components shows a velocity gradient along the jet direction, implying that the population-inverted gas is driven by the jets interacting with the molecular torus. We identified a significant change of the maser spectra between two sessions separated by 14 days. The maser profile showed a radial velocity drift of 127 ± 13 km s−1 yr−1 implying inward gravitational acceleration at 5000 Schwarzschild radii. The results demonstrate the feasibility of future very long baseline interferometry observations to resolve the jet–torus interacting region.
Arabidopsis ribosomal RNA processing meerling mutants exhibit suspensor-derived polyembryony due to direct reprogramming of the suspensor
Authors: Wang Honglei , Santuari Luca , Wijsman Tristan , Wachsman Guy , Haase Hannah , Nodine Michael , Scheres Ben , Heidstra Renze
Published: March 2024

Embryo development in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) starts off with an asymmetric division of the zygote to generate the precursors of the embryo proper and the supporting extraembryonic suspensor. The suspensor degenerates as the development of the embryo proper proceeds beyond the heart stage. Until the globular stage, the suspensor maintains embryonic potential and can form embryos in the absence of the developing embryo proper. We report a mutant called meerling-1 (mrl-1), which shows a high penetrance of suspensor-derived polyembryony due to delayed development of the embryo proper. Eventually, embryos from both apical and suspensor lineages successfully develop into normal plants and complete their life cycle. We identified the causal mutation as a genomic rearrangement altering the promoter of the Arabidopsis U3 SMALL NUCLEOLAR RNA-ASSOCIATED PROTEIN 18 (UTP18) homolog that encodes a nucleolar-localized WD40-repeat protein involved in processing 18S preribosomal RNA. Accordingly, root-specific knockout of UTP18 caused growth arrest and accumulation of unprocessed 18S pre-rRNA. We generated the mrl-2 loss-of-function mutant and observed asynchronous megagametophyte development causing embryo sac abortion. Together, our results indicate that promoter rearrangement decreased UTP18 protein abundance during early stage embryo proper development, triggering suspensor-derived embryogenesis. Our data support the existence of noncell autonomous signaling from the embryo proper to prevent direct reprogramming of the suspensor toward embryonic fate.
CONSTANS, a HUB for all seasons: How photoperiod pervades plant physiology regulatory circuits
Authors: Romero Jose M , Serrano-Bueno Gloria , Camacho-Fernández Carolina , Vicente Mateus Henrique , Ruiz M Teresa , Pérez-Castiñeira J Román , Pérez-Hormaeche Javier , Nogueira Fabio T S , Valverde Federico
Published: March 2024

How does a plant detect the changing seasons and make important developmental decisions accordingly? How do they incorporate daylength information into their routine physiological processes? Photoperiodism, or the capacity to measure the daylength, is a crucial aspect of plant development that helps plants determine the best time of the year to make vital decisions, such as flowering. The protein CONSTANS (CO) constitutes the central regulator of this sensing mechanism, not only activating florigen production in the leaves but also participating in many physiological aspects in which seasonality is important. Recent discoveries place CO in the center of a gene network that can determine the length of the day and confer seasonal input to aspects of plant development and physiology as important as senescence, seed size, or circadian rhythms. In this review, we discuss the importance of CO protein structure, function, and evolutionary mechanisms that embryophytes have developed to incorporate annual information into their physiology.
Dietary pyruvate targets cytosolic phospholipase A2 to mitigate inflammation and obesity in mice
Authors: Hasan Sadaf , Ghani Nabil , Zhao Xiangli , Good Julia , Huang Amanda , Wrona Hailey Lynn , Liu Jody , Liu Chuan-ju
Published: March 2024

Obesity has a multifactorial etiology and is known to be a state of chronic low-grade inflammation, known as meta-inflammation. This state is associated with the development of metabolic disorders such as glucose intolerance and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Pyruvate is a glycolytic metabolite and a crucial node in various metabolic pathways. However, its role and molecular mechanism in obesity and associated complications are obscure. In this study, we reported that pyruvate substantially inhibited adipogenic differentiation in vitro and its administration significantly prevented HFD-induced weight gain, white adipose tissue inflammation, and metabolic dysregulation. To identify the target proteins of pyruvate, drug affinity responsive target stability was employed with proteomics, cellular thermal shift assay, and isothermal drug response to detect the interactions between pyruvate and its molecular targets. Consequently, we identified cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) as a novel molecular target of pyruvate and demonstrated that pyruvate restrained diet-induced obesity, white adipose tissue inflammation, and hepatic steatosis in a cPLA2-dependent manner. Studies with global ablation of cPLA2 in mice showed that the protective effects of pyruvate were largely abrogated, confirming the importance of pyruvate/cPLA2 interaction in pyruvate attenuation of inflammation and obesity. Overall, our study not only establishes pyruvate as an antagonist of cPLA2 signaling and a potential therapeutic option for obesity but it also sheds light on the mechanism of its action. Pyruvate’s prior clinical use indicates that it can be considered a safe and viable alternative for obesity, whether consumed as a dietary supplement or as part of a regular diet.
Making Our Voices Heard
Authors: Kirton Carl A.
Published: March 2024

Elections have consequences for a variety of health care issues.
A Reflection on Claire Fagin
Authors: Barnsteiner Jane , Villarruel Antonia M.
Published: March 2024

Honoring the life and work of this visionary leader
Nurses Step Up to Address Climate Change and Health
Authors: Fauteux Nicole , Simon Benjamin
Published: March 2024

Opportunities exist to mitigate impacts.
Breastfeeding Initiation in People With Hepatitis C Virus Infection in the United States
Authors: Blauvelt Christine A. , Turcios Stephanie , Wen Timothy , Boscardin John , Seidman Dominika
Published: March 2024

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate breastfeeding initiation rates among people living with and without hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection during pregnancy and to identify characteristics associated with breastfeeding initiation.

METHODS:

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of individuals who had a live birth in the United States from 2016 to 2021 using the National Center for Health Statistics birth certificate data. We grouped participants by whether they had HCV infection during pregnancy. Using propensity-score matching, we assessed the association between breastfeeding initiation before hospital discharge, defined as neonates receiving any parental breast milk or colostrum, and HCV infection during pregnancy in a logistic regression model. We also assessed factors associated with breastfeeding initiation among those with HCV infection.

RESULTS:

There were 96,896 reported cases (0.5%) of HCV infection among 19.0 million births that met inclusion criteria during the study period. Using propensity-score matching, we matched 87,761 individuals with HCV infection during pregnancy with 87,761 individuals without HCV infection. People with HCV infection during pregnancy were less likely to initiate breastfeeding compared with those without HCV infection (51.5% vs 64.2%, respectively; odds ratio 0.59, 95% CI, 0.58–0.60, P<.001). Characteristics associated with higher rates of breastfeeding initiation among individuals with HCV infection included a college degree (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.22, 95% CI, 1.21–1.24); self-identified race or ethnicity as Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander (aOR 1.22, 95% CI, 1.06–1.40), Asian (aOR 1.09, 95% CI, 1.06–1.13), or Hispanic (aOR 1.09, 95% CI, 1.08–1.11); private insurance (aOR 1.07, 95% CI, 1.06–1.08); nulliparity (aOR 1.09, 95% CI, 1.08–1.10), and being married (aOR 1.08, 95% CI, 1.07–1.09). Characteristics associated with not breastfeeding before hospital discharge included receiving no prenatal care (aOR 0.81, 95% CI, 0.79–0.82), smoking during pregnancy (aOR 0.88, 95% CI, 0.88–0.89), and neonatal intensive care unit admission (aOR 0.92, 95% CI, 0.91–0.93).

CONCLUSION:

Despite leading health organizations’ support for people living with HCV infection to breastfeed, our study demonstrates low breastfeeding initiation rates in this population. Our findings highlight the need for tailored breastfeeding support for people with HCV infection and for understanding the additional effects of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection, HCV treatment, and concurrent substance use disorders on breastfeeding initiation.
Diagnosis Shift in Site of Origin of Tubo-Ovarian Carcinoma
Authors: Lee Matthew W. , Anderson Zachary S. , Girma Alodia M. , Klar Maximilian , Roman Lynda D. , Carlson Joseph W. , Wright Jason D. , Sood Anil K. , Matsuo Koji
Published: March 2024

OBJECTIVE:

To assess population-level trends, characteristics, and outcomes of high-grade serous tubo-ovarian carcinoma in the United States.

METHODS:

This retrospective cohort study queried the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. The study population was 27,811 patients diagnosed with high-grade serous tubo-ovarian carcinoma from 2004 to 2020. The exposure was the primary cancer site (ovary or fallopian tube). Main outcome measures were temporal trends, clinical characteristics, and overall survival associated with primary cancer site assessed in multivariable analysis.

RESULTS:

The study population comprised 23,967 diagnoses of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma and 3,844 diagnoses of high-grade serous fallopian tubal carcinoma. The proportion of diagnoses of high-grade serous fallopian tubal carcinoma increased from 365 of 7,305 (5.0%) in 2004–2008 to 1,742 of 6,663 (26.1%) in 2017–2020. This increase was independent in a multivariable analysis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] vs 2004–2008, 2.28 [95% CI, 1.98–2.62], 3.27 [95% CI, 2.86–3.74], and 6.65 [95% CI, 5.84–7.57] for 2009–2012, 2013–2016, and 2017–2020, respectively). This increase in high-grade serous fallopian tubal carcinoma was seen across age groups (4.3–5.8% to 22.7–28.3%) and across racial and ethnic groups (4.1–6.0% to 21.9–27.5%) (all P for trend <.001). Among the cases of tumors smaller than 1.5 cm, the increase was particularly high (16.9–67.6%, P for trend <.001). Primary-site tumors in the high-grade serous fallopian tubal carcinoma group were more likely to be smaller than 1.5 cm (aOR 8.26, 95% CI, 7.35–9.28) and unilateral (aOR 7.22, 95% CI, 6.54–7.96) compared with those in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma. At the cohort level, the diagnosis shift to high-grade serous fallopian tubal carcinoma was associated with narrowing differences in survival over time between the two malignancy groups: adjusted hazard ratio 0.84 (95% CI, 0.74–0.96), 0.91 (95% CI, 0.82–1.01), 1.01 (95% CI, 0.92–1.12), and 1.12 (95% CI, 0.98–1.29) for 2004–2008, 2009–2012, 2013–2016, and 2017–2020, respectively.

CONCLUSION:

This population-based assessment suggests that diagnoses of high-grade serous tubo-ovarian carcinoma in the United States have been rapidly shifting from high-grade serous ovarian to fallopian tubal carcinoma in recent years, particularly in cases of smaller, unilateral tumors.
External Fixator Stabilization Following Open Reduction and Combined Pelvic and Proximal Femur Osteotomy in Developmental Dysplasia Hip: A Surgical Note
Authors: Tripathy Sujit Kumar , Khan Shahnawaz , Varghese Paulson , Behera Hrudeswar , Balagod Raghavendra , Jain Mantu , Neradi Deepak
Published: March 2024

Introduction:

Maintenance of hip joint reduction after combined pelvic and femoral osteotomy in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in children using a hip-spica cast has the potential to cause numerous cast-related complications. We proposed a modification of the surgical technique where the hip reduction is maintained with an external fixator to avoid cast-related complications.

Methodology:

The surgical technique involved the placement of Scahnz pins along the iliac crest or lateral aspects of the ilium, in the supra-acetabular region below the pelvic osteotomy site, and the proximal femur. The pins were connected and stabilized with tubular/solid rods. Six children with 10 dysplastic hips [4 bilateral and 2 unilateral, International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IDHI) grade IV] were operated on with pelvic and femoral osteotomies and external fixator construct. The fixators were removed after 8 weeks and the children were followed up at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months.

Results:

The average age of the children was 6.5 years (range: 4 to 11 y). After an average follow-up of 10 months, the hips were reduced with IDHI grade of I in 7 hips and IDHI grade of II in 3 hips. There were no wound complications. Superficial pin tract infections were seen in all patients but responded to topical antibiotic application. There was no unplanned visit by the parents and no one complained of perineal hygiene issues.

Conclusion:

The external fixator construct maintains the hip reduction in DDH and allows the osteotomy sites to heal without any wound-related complications.
Cutaneous Collagenous Vasculopathy: A Short Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Kodali Anahita T. , Agni Meghana , Marka Arthur , Aaron Denise , Cloutier Jeffrey , Sriharan Aravindhan
Published: March 2024

Cutaneous collagenous vasculopathy (CCV) is a rare and idiopathic microangiopathy of superficial dermal blood vessels. There have been 75 cases described in the literature to date, not including the current report; however, given its clinical similarity to other primary telangiectasias, it is likely to be underreported and underdiagnosed. Here, we describe the clinical and histological features of 2 patients we newly diagnosed with CCV. Both generally fit the profile of prior cases and confirm previously described associations—they both are older White women, have rashes on their lower extremities, and have conditions and medications that are common among other reported cases. However, both are also somewhat atypical, as Patient 1 had symptomatic CCV and Patient 2 had a papular rash. As such, both cases broaden the spectrum of our current understanding of CCV. We also provide a comprehensive review of all published reports of CCV to date and uncover 2 previously unreported associations: one with visceral malignancy, and the other with hypothyroidism. Whether these association are coincidental is worth investigating in future studies.
Unique characteristics of Asians with hypertension: what is known and what can be done?
Authors: Loo Germaine , Puar Troy , Foo Roger , Ong Tiong Kiam , Wang Tzung-Dau , Nguyen Quang Ngoc , Chin Chee Tang , Chin Calvin W.L.
Published: March 2024

Hypertension remains the leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease worldwide. Over the past 30 years, the prevalence of hypertension has been increasing in East and Southeast Asia to a greater extent as compared with other Western countries. Asians with hypertension have unique characteristics. This can be attributed to increased impact of obesity on Asians with hypertension, excessive salt intake and increased salt sensitivity, loss of diurnal rhythm in blood pressure and primary aldosteronism. The impact of hypertension on cardiovascular (particularly strokes) and chronic kidney disease is greater in Asians. These unique characteristics underpinned by the diverse socioeconomic backgrounds pose its own challenges in the diagnosis and management of hypertension in Asia.
ELLIPSOID ZONE RECOVERY IN MACULAR TELANGIECTASIA TYPE 2
Authors: Goerdt Lukas , Raming Kristin , Rodriguez Garcia José Luis , Pfau Kristina , Holz Frank G. , Herrmann Philipp
Published: March 2024

Purpose:

To describe imaging features of macular telangiectasia type 2 eyes experiencing ellipsoid zone (EZ) recovery.

Methods:

Macular telangiectasia type 2 patients with EZ recovery were identified from the Natural History and Observational Registry study and underwent retinal imaging including optical coherence tomography and fundus photography. Eyes were graded according to the classification system by Gass and Blodi, the EZ-loss area was measured, and optical coherence tomography parameters were assessed by two independent readers. Parameters were analyzed for their presence before EZ recovery.

Results:

Twenty-four eyes of 21 patients (12 female, 57.12%; mean age 68 ± 8.54 years) were included in this study and followed for 21.25 months ± 12.79 months. At baseline, mean EZ-loss area was 0.036 mm2 ± 0.028 mm2 and 0.01 mm2 ± 0.013 mm2 at follow-up (P < 0.001). A persisting external limiting membrane overlaying the EZ-loss was detected in 16 cases (66%), and hyperreflective changes in the outer retina were present in 18 cases (75%). Best-corrected visual acuity was 0.23 (20/32) ± 0.33 logMAR at baseline and 0.34 (20/40) ± 0.34 logMAR at follow-up (P = 0.3).

Conclusion:

Distinct optical coherence tomography features precede ellipsoid zone recovery in macular telangiectasia type 2 and warrant further studies investigating implications for patient care and clinical trial interpretation.
Medical Equipment Aging
Authors: Wang Binseng , Rui Torgeir , Skinner Scott , Ayers-Comegys Morgan , Gibson Jason , Williams Steve
Published: March 2024

It has been long assumed that medical equipment deteriorates gradually with time (also known as wear-out or aging) like industrial equipment or human beings. An analysis of approximately 342 000 pieces of medical equipment managed for 30+ years by a single service provider shows this hypothesis is not always true. Some equipment will exhibit aging, whereas others can be deployed until a catastrophic event occurs and replacement is preferable than repair considering costs, downtimes, and/or technical/clinical innovations. Such knowledge can help to determine the best maintenance strategy for each type or even brand/model of equipment, as well as to optimize replacement planning, instead of blindly following recommendations made by manufacturers and/or age-based replacements often suggested by consultants. The first of this series of 3 articles presents the aging impact on maintenance, whereas the second one analyzes the impact on equipment lifespan. The final article reviews the root causes of aging and presents a simple, intuitive aging model that can be used for both maintenance and replacement plannings without having to analyze individual equipment types or individual brands and models in a comprehensive manner.
Feasibility and Acceptability of Using Wireless Limited Polysomnography to Capture Sleep Before, During, and After Hospitalization for Patients With Planned Cardiothoracic Surgery
Authors: Cordoza Makayla L. , Anderson Brian J. , Cevasco Marissa , Diamond Joshua M. , Younes Magdy , Gerardy Bethany , Iroegbu Christin , Riegel Barbara
Published: March 2024

Background

Sleep disruption, a common symptom among patients requiring cardiovascular surgery, is a potential risk factor for the development of postoperative delirium. Postoperative delirium is a disorder of acute disturbances in cognition associated with prolonged hospitalization, cognitive decline, and mortality.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of using polysomnography (PSG) to capture sleep in patients with scheduled cardiothoracic surgery.

Methods

Wireless limited PSG assessed sleep at baseline (presurgery at home), postoperatively in the intensive care unit, and at home post hospital discharge. Primary outcomes were quality and completeness of PSG signals, and acceptability by participants and nursing staff.

Results

Among 15 patients, PSG data were of high quality, and mean percentage of unscorable data was 5.5% ± 11.1%, 3.7% ± 5.4%, and 3.7% ± 8.4% for baseline, intensive care unit, and posthospitalization measurements, respectively. Nurses and patients found the PSG monitor acceptable.

Conclusions

Wireless, limited PSG to capture sleep across the surgical continuum was feasible, and data were of high quality. Authors of future studies will evaluate associations of sleep indices and development of postoperative delirium in this high-risk population.
Infected humeral shaft nonunion treatment with the induced membrane technique and a novel fixation construct: a case report
Authors: Fisher Nina D. , Konda Sanjit R.
Published: March 2024

Case:

A 51-year-old woman with an infected left humeral shaft recalcitrant nonunion presented 3 years after initial injury. This case report focuses on the staged treatment of a 17-centimeter (cm) humeral shaft nonunion with the induced membrane technique (IMT) using a unique fixation construct of dual locked plating around a humeral nail to provide long-lasting fixation and allow for bone graft consolidation.

Conclusion:

Large segmental bone loss of the humerus can be treated with the IMT using nail-plate fixation constructs that allow for early mobilization, increased time for bone graft consolidation before hardware failure, and less frequent follow-up.
The Malignant Potential of Ovarian Steroid Cell Tumors Revisited
Authors: Fadare Oluwole , Fard Elmira Vaziri , Bhargava Rohit , Desouki Mohamed Mokhtar , Hanley Krisztina Z. , Ip Philip P.C. , Li Joshua J.X. , Lu Bingjian , Medeiros Fabiola , Ng Joshua Hoi Yan , Parkash Vinita , Pinto Andre , Quick Charles M. , Skala Stephanie L. , Tokuyama Minami , Turashvili Gulisa , Wei Christina H. , Xing Deyin , Zheng Wenxin , Soong T. Rinda , Howitt Brooke E.
Published: March 2024

Steroid cell tumors (SCTs) of the ovary are rare and understudied, and as such, uncertainties remain about their malignant potential, as well as clinicopathologic predictors of patient outcome. Based on a multi-institutional cohort of cases, we present findings from the largest study of SCT reported to date. Clinicopathologic data were documented on 115 cases of SCT that were assembled from 17 institutions. The median patient age was 55 years (range: 9 to 84). When measured, preoperative androgen levels were elevated in 84.2% (48/57) of patients. A total of 111 (96.5%) cases were classified as stage I (103 stage IA; 2 stage IB; 6 stage IC). The stage distribution for the remaining 4 patients was as follows: stage II (n = 1), III (n = 3; 1 IIIA, 1 IIIB, 1 IIIC). The median tumor size was 3 cm (range: 0.2 to 22). Cytologic atypia, microscopic tumor necrosis, microscopic tumor hemorrhage, and a mitotic index of >1 mitotic figure/10 high-power fields were present in 52% (60/115), 9.6% (11/115), 37% (43/115), and 19% (22/115) of cases, respectively. Of 115 patients, 7 (6.1%) recurred postexcision, 4 (3.5%) ultimately died of disease, and 10 (8.7%) either recurred, died of disease, or were advanced stage at presentation. The median duration to recurrence postresection was 33 months (range: 23 to 180). Four of the 7 recurrences were stage IA at baseline. Tumor size >4 cm, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage ≥IB, tumor necrosis, and tumor hemorrhage were each significantly associated with reduced recurrence-free survival in log-rank tests and univariable Cox models, with age older than 65 years being of marginal significance (hazard ratio [HR]: 5.4, 95% CI: 1.0-30.0, P = 0.05). Multivariable analyses suggested that FIGO stage ≥IB (HR: 27.5, 95% CI: 2.6-290.5), and age older than >65 years (HR: 21.8, 95% CI: 1.6-303.9) were the only parameters that were independently associated with recurrence. Cross-section analyses showed that tumor necrosis, tumor hemorrhage, and larger tumor size were significantly associated with a FIGO stage ≥IB status, which bolstered the conclusion that they are not independent predictors of recurrence. In summary, <10% of SCTs are clinically malignant, a substantially lower frequency than has previously been reported in the literature. Clinicopathologic predictors of patient outcomes that are prospectively applicable in practice could not be definitively established. Recurrences may occur many years (up to 15 y in this study) after primary resection, even in stage IA cases.
Virtually delivered Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) reduces daily pain intensity in patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wexler Ryan S. , Fox Devon J. , ZuZero Danielle , Bollen Melissa , Parikshak Anand , Edmond Hannah , Lemau Johnny , Montenegro Diane , Ramirez Jillian , Kwin Sophia , Thompson Austin R. , Carlson Hans L. , Marshall Lynn M. , Kern Thomas , Mist Scott D. , Bradley Ryan , Hanes Douglas A. , Zwickey Heather , Pickworth Courtney K.
Published: March 2024

Introduction:

Lumbosacral radiculopathy (LR), also known as sciatica, is a common type of radiating neurologic pain involving burning, tingling, and numbness in the lower extremities. It has an estimated lifetime prevalence as high as 43%.

Objectives:

The objective of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the impact of virtually delivered Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) on patients with LR during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

Potentially eligible patients were identified using electronic health record queries and phone screenings. Participants were then randomized to MORE or treatment-as-usual (TAU) for 8 weeks, with pain intensity assessed daily. At baseline and follow-up visits, participants completed questionnaires assessing the primary outcome, disability, as well as quality of life, depression, mindful reinterpretation of pain, and trait mindfulness.

Results:

In our study, patients undergoing virtual delivery of MORE had greater improvements in daily pain intensity (P = 0.002) but not in disability (P = 0.09), depression (P = 0.26), or quality of life (P = 0.99 and P = 0.89, SF-12 physical and mental component scores, respectively), relative to TAU patients. In addition, patients in MORE experienced significantly greater increases in mindful reinterpretation of pain (P = 0.029) and trait mindfulness (P = 0.035).

Conclusion:

Among patients with lumbar radiculopathy, MORE significantly reduced daily pain intensity but did not decrease disability or depression symptoms. Given the long duration of symptoms in our sample, we hypothesize the discrepancy between changes in daily pain intensity and disability is due to fear avoidance behaviors common in patients with chronic pain. As the first trial of a mindfulness intervention in patients with LR, these findings should inform future integrative approaches to LR treatment, particularly when considering the increasing use of virtual interventions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Social health in young women with chronic pain
Authors: Boggero Ian A. , Sangalli Linda , Brasch Lauryn , King Christopher D.
Published: March 2024

Introduction:

Chronic pain may negatively affect social functioning, but no study to date has examined the specific social impact of different chronic pain conditions in young women, and whether living with multiple chronic overlapping pain conditions (COPCs) differently influences social domains.

Objectives:

This study aimed to assess social functioning (social isolation, hostility, informational support satisfaction, social roles, emotional support, friendships, and family relationships) among young women with chronic pain compared with pain-free controls and to test whether the number of COPCs influenced the extent of social burden.

Methods:

Participants aged 18 to 30 years with a physician-confirmed diagnoses of migraine, fibromyalgia, or temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and pain-free controls were invited to participate from across the United States. After confirming eligibility, participants completed a 1-hour REDCap online questionnaire assessing social functioning.

Results:

One hundred four participants (mean age 24.54 ± 3.35 years) were included (n = 26 with TMD, n = 25 with fibromyalgia, n = 25 with migraine, and n = 28 controls). All 3 chronic pain groups combined reported worse functioning than controls on friendship (P = 0.038), social isolation (P = 0.002), and social roles (P < 0.001). There were no differences on social variables between the 3 chronic pain groups (all P's > 0.05). Compared with those with 3 COPCs, participants with 1 condition reported better family relationships (P = 0.024).

Conclusions:

Experience of chronic pain—regardless of the specific pain condition—may negatively affect some areas of social functioning in young women.
The impact of urbanization on youth mental health in Hong Kong
Authors: Cheung Teris , Fong Kwan Hin , Xiang Yu-Tao
Published: March 2024

Purpose of review

Urbanization is a multifaceted process that can have both positive and negative effects on mental health, especially in adolescents. This paper attempts to summarize the impact of urbanization on youth mental health in Hong Kong.

Recent findings

Several studies have shown that urbanization is associated with an increased risk of youth mental health problems in Hong Kong. Psychosocial factors like perceived stress, social isolation, and exposure to environmental pollutants may contribute to a negative association between urbanization and mental health issues. Academic pressure, poor transparency and accessibility to mental health services in Hong Kong further exacerbate youth's mental health wellbeing. Environmental factors like housing conditions, green spaces, and visible urban greenery have been found to influence mental health outcomes. Existing empirical studies have found a positive association between urbanization and mental health problems, while others have found no association or even a negative association.

Further research is warranted to investigate the complex relationship between urbanization and youth mental health in Hong Kong. Exploration of effective interventions is necessary to mitigate the negative impacts of urbanization on youth mental health. Understanding this relationship can inform health policy-making and formulate interventions to promote youth's mental health well being in the short-and long run.
Update on the proposed minimal standards for the use of genome data for the taxonomy of prokaryotes
Authors: Riesco Raúl , Trujillo Martha E.
Published: March 2024

The field of microbial taxonomy is dynamic, aiming to provide a stable and contemporary classification system for prokaryotes. Traditionally, reliance on phenotypic characteristics limited the comprehensive understanding of microbial diversity and evolution. The introduction of molecular techniques, particularly DNA sequencing and genomics, has transformed our perception of prokaryotic diversity. In the past two decades, advancements in genome sequencing have transitioned from traditional methods to a genome-based taxonomic framework, not only to define species, but also higher taxonomic ranks. As technology and databases rapidly expand, maintaining updated standards is crucial. This work seeks to revise the 2018 guidelines for applying genome sequencing data in microbial taxonomy, adapting minimal standards and recommendations to reflect technological progress during this period.
Relationship between body regional fat and cardiovascular disease in middle-aged and young adults: Results from NHANES 2011–2018 and Mendelian randomization meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Zheng , Shu Wenqi , Liu Meisi , Chong Wei
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

To assess the correlation between regional body fat and cardiovascular diseases in middle-aged and young adults.

METHODS

Information on the regional body fat, including the mass and percentage of fat in the head, arms, trunk, and legs, was collected. Data for the observational study were derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2018. The relationship between exposure and outcomes was primarily assessed using restricted cubic splines (RCS), weighted multivariable logistic regression, and subgroup analysis. In the Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, the outcome was precisely defined as coronary heart disease (CHD), and the data primarily originated from the IEU OpenGWAS project.

RESULTS

A total of 10,158 participants aged 20–59 years were included, with a prevalence of cardiovascular diseases at 3.4%. Regional body fat was primarily associated with heart disease rather than with stroke. The RCS indicated a positive linear correlation between all body fat masses and the percentage of heart disease. After adjusting for confounding factors, logistic regression analysis revealed significant associations between heart disease and head fat mass (unit: 0.1 kg, odds ratio [OR] = 1.31, p = 0.002), head fat percentage (unit: 1%, OR = 1.37, p = 0.018), arm fat mass (unit: 1 kg, OR = 1.18, p = 0.047), and trunk fat mass (unit: 2.5 kg, OR = 1.14, p = 0.027). Leg fat mass and percentage of fat in the arms, trunk, and legs showed no significant correlation with heart disease (p > 0.05). The IEU OpenGWAS database does not include head-fat information. MR meta-analysis indicated that the fat mass and percentage in the arms, trunk, and legs were all causally related to CHD.

CONCLUSION

Head fat mass, head fat percentage, arm fat mass, and trunk fat mass were all associated with heart disease and were likely causally related.

WHAT IS KNOWN

Trunk fat mass is positively associated with certain cardiovascular risk factors, while leg fat mass is the opposite.

Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry measures regional body fat, characterized by its speed, low radiation exposure, and cost-effectiveness, making it suitable for community settings.

WHAT THE STUDY ADDS

In middle-aged and young adults, regional body fat mass and percentage are not associated with stroke.

Head fat mass, head fat percentage, arm fat mass, and trunk fat mass are all associated with heart disease and are likely causally related.

Measurement of fat in the head, arms, and trunk may contribute to early screening forheart diseases in middle-aged and young adults.
Validation of RT-qPCR primers and probes for new and old variants of SARS-CoV-2 in a world scale
Authors: Almeida Alderrosy Fragoso Rodrigues , Almeida Weriskiney Araújo , Pereira Wvelton Mendes , Silva Renato de Santana , Venancio Larissa Paola Rodrigues , Fabres-Klein Mary Hellen , Lima Jonilson Berlink , Klein Raphael Contelli , Araújo-Santos Théo
Published: March 2024

Introduction

The demand for molecular diagnosis of pathogens has surged dramatically since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, different diagnostic tests have been developed to identify SARS-CoV-2 in patient samples. The emergence of new variants of SARS-CoV-2 raises questions about whether the molecular tests available for diagnosis continue to be effective in detecting the virus in biological samples.

Objective

This study analyzed the viability of molecular targets directed to N, E and RdRp genes available against the new variants of SARS-CoV-2.

Methodology

For this, we used bioinformatics tools to analyze SARS-CoV-2 genomic data of different variants deposited in GSAID and NCBI virus genomic databases to assess the accuracy of molecular tests available for the diagnosis of COVID-19. We also developed software for analyzing mutation frequencies in different molecular targets from the mutation database.

Results

Mutation frequency analysis revealed a high rate of mutations in the N, E and RdRp genes and targets, although the target regions were more conserved. Only three SNPs were recurrent in the sequences of the variants identified in different continents and all in different targets. On the other hand, the registered mutations are not consistent and do not appear frequently in isolates of the same variant in all regions of the world.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that the molecular targets designed for the first SARS-CoV-2 variants remain valid for the identification of new virus variants despite the large number of identified haplotypes. However, false negative test failures can be identified by using more than one molecular target for the same sample. Genomic regions that are under evolutive selective pressure should be avoided in the use of the diagnostic, once the emergence of new variants may affect the efficiency of molecular testing on a global scale.
Antibiotics damage the colonic mucus barrier in a microbiota-independent manner
Authors: Sawaed Jasmin , Zelik Lilach , Levin Yehonatan , Feeney Rachel , Naama Maria , Gordon Ateret , Zigdon Mor , Rubin Elad , Telpaz Shahar , Modilevsky Sonia , Ben-Simon Shira , Awad Aya , Harshuk-Shabso Sarina , Nuriel-Ohayon Meital , Werbner Michal , Schroeder Bjoern O , Erez Amir , Bel Shai
Published: March 2024

Antibiotic use is a risk factor for development of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). IBDs are characterized by a damaged mucus layer, which does not properly separate the host intestinal epithelium from the microbiota. Here, we hypothesized that antibiotics might affect the integrity of the mucus barrier. By systematically determining the effects of different antibiotics on mucus layer penetrability we found that oral antibiotic treatment led to breakdown of the mucus barrier and penetration of bacteria into the mucus layer. Using fecal microbiota transplant, RNA sequencing followed by machine learning andex vivomucus secretion measurements, we determined that antibiotic treatment induces ER stress in the colonic tissue which inhibits colonic mucus secretion in a microbiota-independent manner. This mucus secretion flaw led to penetration of bacteria into the colonic mucus layer, translocation of microbial antigens into circulation and exacerbation of ulcerations in a mouse model of IBD. Thus, antibiotic use might predispose to development of intestinal inflammation by impeding mucus production.
Batch correction methods used in single cell RNA-sequencing analyses are often poorly calibrated
Authors: Emmanúel Antonsson Sindri , Melsted Páll
Published: March 2024

As the number of experiments that employ single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) grows it opens up the possibility of combining results across experiments or processing cells from the same experiment assayed in separate sequencing runs. The gain in the number of cells that can be compared comes at the cost of batch effects that may be present. Several methods have been proposed to combat this for scRNA-seq datasets.

We compared seven widely used method used for batch correction of scRNA-seq datasets. We present a novel approach to measure the degree to which the methods alter the data in the process of batch correction, both at the fine scale comparing distances between cells as well as measuring effects observed across clusters of cells. We demonstrate that many of the published method are poorly calibrated in the sense that the process of correction creates measurable artifacts in the data.

In particular, MNN, SCVI and LIGER performed poorly in our tests, often altering the data considerably. Batch correction with Combat, BBKNN and Seurat introduced artifacts that could be detected in our setup. However, we found that Harmony was the only method that consistently performed well, in all the testing methodology we present. Due to these result Harmony is the only method we can safely recommend using when performing batch correction of scRNA-seq data.
Investigating demic versus cultural diffusion and sex bias in the spread of Austronesian languages in Vietnam
Authors: Thao Dinh Huong , Dinh Tran Huu , Mitsunaga Shige , Duy La Duc , Phuong Nguyen Thanh , Anh Nguyen Phuong , Anh Nguyen Tho , Duc Bui Minh , Thi Thu Hue Huynh , Ha Nguyen Hai , Ton Nguyen Dang , Hübner Alexander , Pakendorf Brigitte , Stoneking Mark , Inoue Ituro , Duong Nguyen Thuy , Hai Nong Van
Published: March 2024

Austronesian (AN) is the second-largest language family in the world, particularly widespread in Island Southeast Asia (ISEA) and Oceania. In Mainland Southeast Asia (MSEA), groups speaking these languages are concentrated in the highlands of Vietnam. However, our knowledge of the spread of AN-speaking populations in MSEA remains limited; in particular, it is not clear if AN languages were spread by demic or cultural diffusion. In this study, we present and analyze new data consisting of complete mitogenomes from 369 individuals and 847 Y-chromosomal single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 170 individuals from all five Vietnamese Austronesian groups (VN-AN) and five neighboring Vietnamese Austroasiatic groups (VN-AA). We found genetic signals consistent with matrilocality in some, but not all, of the VN-AN groups. Population affinity analyses indicated connections between the AN-speaking Giarai and certain Taiwanese AN groups (Rukai, Paiwan, and Bunun). However, overall, there were closer genetic affinities between VN-AN groups and neighboring VN-AA groups, suggesting language shifts. Our study provides insights into the genetic structure of AN-speaking communities in MSEA, characterized by some contact with Taiwan and language shift in neighboring groups, indicating that the expansion of AN speakers in MSEA was a combination of cultural and demic diffusion.