bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proteomic analysis of Acanthamoeba castellanii response to Legionella pneumophila infection
Authors: Hay Alban , Rolland Steven , Bernard Clément , Héchard Yann , Villéger Romain , Samba-Louaka Ascel
Published: September 2023

Legionella pneumophila is an opportunistic pathogen responsible for Legionnaires’ disease or Legionellosis. This bacterium is found in the environment interacting with free-living amoebae such as Acanthamoeba castellanii. Until now, proteomic analyses have been done in amoebae infected with L. pneumophila but focused on the Legionella-containing vacuole. In this study, we propose a global proteomic analysis of the A. castellanii proteome following infection with L. pneumophila wild-type (WT) or with an isogenic ΔdotA mutant strain, which is unable to replicate intracellularly. We found that infection with L. pneumophila WT leads to reduced levels of A. castellanii proteins associated with lipid homeostasis/metabolism, GTPase regulation, and kinase. The levels of organelle-associated proteins were also decreased during infection. Legionellapneumophila WT infection leads to increased levels of proteins associated with polyubiquitination, folding or degradation, and antioxidant activities. This study reinforces our knowledge of this too little explored but so fundamental interaction between L. pneumophila and A. castellanii, to understand how the bacterium could resist amoeba digestion.
What’s in a name? Characteristics of clinical biofilms
Authors: Lichtenberg Mads , Coenye Tom , Parsek Matthew R , Bjarnsholt Thomas , Jakobsen Tim Holm
Published: September 2023

In vitro biofilms are communities of microbes with unique features compared to individual cells. Biofilms are commonly characterized by physical traits like size, adhesion, and a matrix made of extracellular substances. They display distinct phenotypic features, such as metabolic activity and antibiotic tolerance. However, the relative importance of these traits depends on the environment and bacterial species. Various mechanisms enable biofilm-associated bacteria to withstand antibiotics, including physical barriers, physiological adaptations, and changes in gene expression. Gene expression profiles in biofilms differ from individual cells but, there is little consensus among studies and so far, a ‘biofilm signature transcriptome’ has not been recognized. Additionally, the spatial and temporal variability within biofilms varies greatly depending on the system or environment. Despite all these variable conditions, which produce very diverse structures, they are all noted as biofilms. We discuss that clinical biofilms may differ from those grown in laboratories and found in the environment and discuss whether the characteristics that are commonly used to define and characterize biofilms have been shown in infectious biofilms. We emphasize that there is a need for a comprehensive understanding of the specific traits that are used to define bacteria in infections as clinical biofilms.
Data Access Technologies and the ‘New Governance’ Techniques of Financial Regulation
Authors: McNulty David , Miglionico Andrea , Milne Alistair
Published: September 2023

Modern data and information technologies are having a profound impact on financial services and opening new frontiers in regulation. This article explores the opportunities for using modern tools of data access and sharing to embed regulatory objectives within the management and decision-making processes of financial firms. This can enhance oversight of prudential and conduct risks as well as substantially lowering compliance costs. It can also help address the information imbalances that limit the effectiveness of older approaches in which the firm is a ‘black box’ that can only be externally supervised. The central challenge is establishing an appropriate governance of data in regulated firms to ensure the achievement of both regulatory and business objectives. Such an approach can be viewed as a further and more radical development of established ‘new governance’ techniques of financial regulation.
A case of proximal migration of a double-J ureteral stent in a patient with metastatic gastric cancer
Authors: Mutou Tatsuya , Kira Satoru , Furuya Ryota , Mochiduki Takanori , Sawada Norifumi , Mitsui Takahiko
Published: September 2023

Ureteral stenting is a common procedure to relieve ureteral obstructions. There are few reports regarding the proper migration of the proximal coil of a double-J ureteral stent into the ureter. Herein, we report a case of proximal stent migration after stent placement for ureteral stenosis caused by a malignant tumor in the gastrointestinal tract.
The Influence of Physical and Mental Health Mediators on the Relationship Between Combat-Related Traumatic Injury and Ultra-Short-Term Heart Rate Variability in a U.K. Military Cohort: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach
Authors: Maqsood Rabeea , Schofield Susie , Bennett Alexander N , Khattab Ahmed , Clark Carol , Bull Anthony M J , Fear Nicola T , Boos Christopher J
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Combat-related traumatic injury (CRTI) adversely affects heart rate variability (HRV). The mediating effect of mental and physical health factors on the relationship between CRTI, its severity and HRV has not been previously studied and investigated.

Materials and Methods

A cross-sectional mediation analysis of the ArmeD SerVices TrAuma and RehabilitatioN OutComE (ADVANCE) prospective cohort study was performed. The sample consisted of injured and uninjured British male servicemen who were frequency-matched based on their age, rank, role-in-theater, and deployment to Afghanistan (2003-2014). CRTI and injury severity (the New Injury Severity Scores [NISS] [NISS < 25 and NISS ≥ 25]) were included as exposure variables. HRV was quantified using the root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) obtained using pulse waveform analysis. Depression and anxiety mediators were quantified using the Patient Health Questionnaire and Generalized Anxiety Disorder, respectively. Body mass index and the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) represented physical health measures. Two mediation pathways between exposure and outcome variables were examined in comparison with the uninjured group using structural equation modeling.

Results

Of 862 servicemen, 428 were injured and 434 were uninjured with the mean age at assessment of 33.9 ± 5.4 (range 23-59) years. Structural equation modeling revealed that depression, anxiety, and body mass index did not significantly mediate the relationship between injury/injury severity and RMSSD. However, the 6MWT significantly mediated the relationship between CRTI and RMSSD (27% mediation). The indirect effect of 6MWT on the relationship between injury severity (NISS ≥ 25 vs. uninjured) and RMSSD was −0.06 (95% CI: −0.12, −0.00, P < .05).

Conclusions

The findings suggest that greater physical function may improve HRV following CRTI. Longitudinal studies are warranted to further validate these findings.
Post-processing CHARIS integral field spectrograph data with pyklip
Authors: Chen Minghan , Wang Jason J , Brandt Timothy D , Currie Thayne , Lozi Julien , Chilcote Jeffrey , Vincent Maria
Published: September 2023

We present the pyKLIP-CHARIS post-processing pipeline, a Python library that reduces high contrast imaging data for the CHARIS integral field spectrograph used with the SCExAO project on the Subaru Telescope. The pipeline is a part of the pyklip package, a Python library dedicated to the reduction of direct imaging data of exoplanets, brown dwarfs, and discs. For PSF subtraction, the pyKLIP-CHARIS post-processing pipeline relies on the core algorithms implemented in pyklip but uses image registration and calibrations that are unique to CHARIS. We describe the pipeline procedures, calibration results, and capabilities in processing imaging data acquired via the angular differential imaging and spectral differential imaging observing techniques. We showcase its performance on extracting spectra of injected synthetic point sources as well as compare the extracted spectra from real data sets on HD 33632 and HR 8799 to results in the literature. The pipeline is a python-based complement to the SCExAO project supported, widely used (and currently IDL-based) CHARIS data post-processing pipeline (CHARIS DPP) and provides an additional approach to reducing CHARIS data and extracting calibrated planet spectra.
Causes of Hypoxemia in COVID-19 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Combined Multiple Inert Gas Elimination Technique and Dual-energy Computed Tomography Study
Authors: Busana Mattia , Rau Anna , Lazzari Stefano , Gattarello Simone , Cressoni Massimo , Biggemann Lorenz , Harnisch Lars-Olav , Giosa Lorenzo , Vogt Andreas , Saager Leif , Lotz Joachim , Meller Birgit , Meissner Konrad , Gattinoni Luciano , Moerer Onnen
Published: September 2023

Background

Despite the fervent scientific effort, a state-of-the art assessment of the different causes of hypoxemia (shunt, ventilation–perfusion mismatch, and diffusion limitation) in COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is currently lacking. In this study, the authors hypothesized a multifactorial genesis of hypoxemia and aimed to measure the relative contribution of each of the different mechanism and their relationship with the distribution of tissue and blood within the lung.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, the authors prospectively enrolled 10 patients with COVID-19 ARDS who had been intubated for less than 7 days. The multiple inert gas elimination technique (MIGET) and a dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) were performed and quantitatively analyzed for both tissue and blood volume. Variables related to the respiratory mechanics and invasive hemodynamics (PiCCO [Getinge, Sweden]) were also recorded.

Results

The sample (51 ± 15 yr; Pao
2/Fio
2, 172 ± 86 mmHg) had a mortality of 50%. The MIGET showed a shunt of 25 ± 16% and a dead space of 53 ± 11%. Ventilation and perfusion were mismatched (LogSD, Q, 0.86 ± 0.33). Unexpectedly, evidence of diffusion limitation or postpulmonary shunting was also found. In the well aerated regions, the blood volume was in excess compared to the tissue, while the opposite happened in the atelectasis. Shunt was proportional to the blood volume of the atelectasis (R2 = 0.70, P = 0.003).

mismatch was correlated with the blood volume of the poorly aerated tissue (R2 = 0.54, P = 0.016). The overperfusion coefficient was related to Pao
2/Fio
2 (R2 = 0.66, P = 0.002), excess tissue mass (R2 = 0.84, P < 0.001), and Etco
2/Paco
2 (R2 = 0.63, P = 0.004).

Conclusions

These data support the hypothesis of a highly multifactorial genesis of hypoxemia. Moreover, recent evidence from post-mortem studies (i.e., opening of intrapulmonary bronchopulmonary anastomosis) may explain the findings regarding the postpulmonary shunting. The hyperperfusion might be related to the disease severity.

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Neurocognitive Effect of Biased µ-Opioid Receptor Agonist Oliceridine, a Utility Function Analysis and Comparison with Morphine
Authors: Moss Laurence , Hijma Hemme , Demitrack Mark , Kim Jessica , Groeneveld Geert Jan , van Velzen Monique , Niesters Marieke , Olofsen Erik , Dahan Albert
Published: September 2023

Background

Oliceridine (Olinvyk) is a μ-opioid receptor agonist that in contrast to conventional opioids preferentially engages the G-protein–coupled signaling pathway. This study was designed to determine the utility function of oliceridine versus morphine based on neurocognitive tests and cold pressor test.

Methods

The study had a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, partial block three-way crossover design. Experiments were performed in 20 male and female volunteers. The subjects received intravenous oliceridine (1 or 3 mg; cohorts of 10 subjects/dose), morphine (5 or 10 mg; cohorts of 10 subjects/dose), or placebo on three separate occasions. Before and after dosing, neurocognitive tests, cold pressor test, and plasma drug concentrations were obtained at regular intervals. Population pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic analyses served as the basis for construction of a utility function, which is an objective function of probability of benefit minus probability of harm. Antinociception served as the measure of benefit, and slowing of saccadic peak velocity and increased body sway as the measures of neurocognitive harm.

Results

The oliceridine and morphine C50 values, i.e., the effect-site concentrations causing 50% effect, were as follows: antinociception, 13 ± 2 and 23 ± 7 ng/ml; saccadic peak velocity, 90 ± 14 and 54 ± 15 ng/ml; and body sway, 10 ± 2 and 5.6 ± 0.8 ng/ml, respectively. The ratio oliceridine/morphine of the therapeutic indices, C50(benefit)/C50(harm), were 0.34 (95% CI, 0.17 to 0.7; P < 0.01) for saccadic peak velocity and 0.33 (0.16 to 0.50; P < 0.01) for body sway. The oliceridine utility was positive across the effect-site concentration 5 to 77 ng/ml, indicative of a greater probability of benefit than harm. The morphine utility was not significantly different from 0 from 0 to 100 ng/ml. Over the concentration range 15 to 50 ng/ml, the oliceridine utility was superior to that of morphine (P < 0.01). Similar observations were made for body sway.

Conclusions

These data indicate that over the clinical concentration range, oliceridine is an analgesic with a favorable safety profile over morphine when considering analgesia and neurocognitive function.

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From Centimeters to Millimeters: The Evolution of the Surgical Margins for Melanoma—A Historical Review
Authors: Rosenthal Amanda , Juhasz Margit , Lask Gary , Gharavi Nima
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

With an improved understanding of tumor biology and behavior, the recommended margins for the surgical treatment of melanoma have evolved.

OBJECTIVE

We describe the progression of these surgical margins, detailing the historical basis for the 5-cm margin and transitioning to current practice, in which Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) with immunohistochemistry (IHC) has become increasingly used.

METHODS/MATERIALS

We searched PubMed and Google Scholar for articles published between January 2019 and April 2023 describing the use of MMS for melanoma in situ (MIS) and invasive melanomas.

RESULTS

We identified 12 articles focusing on the use of MMS for MIS and invasive melanomas: 3 meta-analyses and 9 retrospective studies. Two retrospective analyses documented no differences in overall survival between MMS and wide local excision (WLE) and 2 found improved overall survival for MMS compared with WLE. Three retrospective analyses and 3 meta-analyses demonstrated low recurrence rates after the use of MMS for both MIS and invasive melanomas. Finally, 2 retrospective studies documented the success of MMS with IHC using MART-1.

CONCLUSION

Over the past century, the surgical margins for the treatment of melanoma have undergone a marked transformation. MMS with IHC has become increasingly popular given its ability to reliably produce superior clinical outcomes.
Risk of Exudation in Eyes with Non-exudative Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy
Authors: Son Ki Young , Kim Sang Jin , Kang Se Woong , Choi Jiyoun , Choi Jaehwan , Hwang Sungsoon
Published: September 2023

Purpose:

To investigate the characteristics and natural history of treatment-naïve non-exudative polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and to determine biomarkers predicting exudative conversion.

Methods:

Patients diagnosed with non-exudative PCV based on indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were included. Incidence of exudative conversion in non-exudative PCV patients and cumulative estimates for overall risk were assessed. ICGA and OCT imaging-based features were analyzed to identify risk factors for exudative conversion.

Results:

The study included 42 eyes of 40 patients with non-exudative PCV. The mean follow-up duration was 54.3 ± 35.5 months. Of the 42 eyes with non-exudative PCV, exudative conversion developed in 23 eyes (54.8%) after 42.2 ± 28.3 months (range, 8–103 months). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that the exudation-free survival at 5 years after baseline was estimated to be 53.6%. Multivariate regression analysis showed that sequentially increased protrusion of retinal pigment epithelium in the polyp area was a significant risk factor for exudation in non-exudative PCV (odds ratio = 10.16, 95% CI:1.78 to 57.81, P = .01).

Conclusions:

Exudative conversion has been noted in nearly half of the non-exudative PCV cases in 5 years. The progressive protrusion of polypoidal lesions on OCT examination might be a significant biomarker for predicting the near-term onset of exudation.
Punctate Inner Pachychoroidopathy. Demographic and Clinical Features of Inner Choroidal Inflammation in Eyes with Pachychoroid Disease
Authors: Ramtohul Prithvi , Freund K. Bailey , Parodi Maurizio Battaglia , Introini Ugo , Bandello Francesco , Miserocchi Elisabetta , Cicinelli Maria Vittoria
Published: September 2023

Purpose:

To perform an unsupervised machine learning clustering of patients with punctate inner choroidopathy (PIC) and provide new insights into the significance of pachychoroid disease features in PIC eyes.

Methods:

Retrospective multicenter study, including 102 eyes from 82 patients diagnosed with PIC. Demographics, clinical data, and multimodal imaging (MMI), including fundus photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), were collected. Clusters of eyes were identified, and multilevel logistic regression analysis was performed to compare between-group differences.

Results:

Using 17 clinical features, two distinct PIC patient clusters were identified. Cluster 1 was characterized by older age, high myopia, myopic maculopathy features, thin choroids, multiple lesions, and a higher likelihood of developing patchy chorioretinal atrophy. Cluster 2 consisted of younger age, emmetropia or low myopia, thick choroids, choroidal vascular hyperpermeability on late-phase ICGA, and a high prevalence of focal choroidal excavation. These features exhibited significant differences (p<0.05) between the two clusters.

Conclusions:

While PIC typically affects young myopic females with thin choroids, a subset of PIC patients exhibits features associated with pachychoroid disease. Considering the potential influence of choroidal venous insufficiency on PIC manifestations and secondary complications, we propose the term "punctate inner pachychoroidopathy" to characterize this distinct subtype of PIC.
Eye Trauma in Mixed Martial Arts and Boxing
Authors: Chang Chih-Chiun , Saifee Murtaza , Ton Lauren , Ashraf Davin , Winn Bryan J. , Kersten Robert , Vagefi M. Reza , Deiner Michael , Grob Seanna R.
Published: September 2023

Purpose:

To evaluate and compare eye and face trauma in mixed martial arts (MMA) and boxing.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods:

Data from boxing and MMA competitions were extracted from the Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC) between 2000 and 2020. Details of competitions, contestants, outcomes, and injuries were extracted.

Results:

In total 1539 boxing injuries (from 4313 contests) and 1442 MMA injuries (from 2704 contests) were identified. Boxing had higher eye injury rates compared to MMA (p < 0.0001), with an odds ratio of 1.268 (95% CI, 1.114–1.444). Eye trauma represented 47.63% of boxing injuries and 25.59% of MMA injuries, with periocular lacerations being the most common eye injury in both. Orbital fractures represented 17.62% of eye injuries in MMA and 3.14% in boxing contests. However, 2%–3% were retinal in both sports, and 3.27% were glaucomatous in boxing. MMA contestants had an odds ratio of 1.823 (95% CI, 1.408–2.359) for requiring physician evaluation following an eye injury compared with boxing. MMA contestants also had a higher rate of face (p < 0.0001) and body (p < 0.0001) injuries. For both sports, an increased number of rounds and being the losing fighter were associated with increased odds of eye and face injury.

Conclusion:

Although boxing has a higher rate of eye injuries, MMA eye injuries are more likely to require physician evaluation. MMA contestants also have a higher rate of orbital fractures and face and body trauma. A detailed postfight examination and long-term follow-up of ocular injury in combat sports will be vital in proposing reforms to prevent eye trauma.
Impact of a reduced iodine load with deep learning reconstruction on abdominal MDCT
Authors: Ludes Gaspard , Ohana Mickael , Labani Aissam , Meyer Nicolas , Moliére Sébastien , Roy Catherine
Published: September 2023

To evaluate the impact of a reduced iodine load using deep learning reconstruction (DLR) on the hepatic parenchyma compared to conventional iterative reconstruction (hybrid IR) and its consequence on the radiation dose and image quality. This retrospective monocentric intraindividual comparison study included 66 patients explored at the portal phase using different multidetector computed tomography parameters: Group A, hybrid IR algorithm (hybrid IR) and a nonionic low-osmolality contrast agent (350 mgI/mL); Group B, DLR algorithm (DLR) and a nonionic iso-osmolality contrast agent (270 mgI/mL). We recorded the attenuation of the liver parenchyma, image quality, and radiation dose parameters. The mean hounsfield units (HU) value of the liver parenchyma was significantly lower in group B, at 105.9 ± 10.9 HU versus 118.5 ± 14.6 HU in group A. However, the 90%IC of mean liver attenuation in the group B (DLR) was between 100.8 HU and 109.3 HU. The signal-to-noise ratio of the liver parenchyma was significantly higher on DLR images, increasing by 56%. However, for both the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and CNR liver/PV no statistical difference was found, even if the CNR liver/PV ratio was slightly higher for group A. The mean dose-length product and computed tomography dose index volume values were significantly lower with DLR, corresponding to a radiation dose reduction of 36% for the DLR. Using a DLR algorithm for abdominal multidetector computed tomography with a low iodine load can provide sufficient enhancement of the liver parenchyma up to 100 HU in addition to the advantages of a higher image quality, a better signal-to-noise ratio and a lower radiation dose.
MiR-155 enhances phagocytosis of alveolar macrophages through the mTORC2/RhoA pathway
Authors: Yang Xinna , Zeng Xiaoli , Shu Juan , Bao Hairong , Liu Xiaoju
Published: September 2023

Alveolar macrophage phagocytosis is significantly reduced in Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cigarette smoke extract is one of the chief reasons for this decrease. Nevertheless, the specific underlying mechanism remains elusive. In this study, the role and possible mechanism of miR-155-5p/mTORC2/RhoA in the phagocytosis of mouse alveolar macrophages (MH-S) were explored. Our results revealed that cigarette smoke extract intervention reduced MH-S cell phagocytosis and miR-155-5p expression. Meanwhile, the dual-luciferase reporter assay validated that Rictor is a target of miR-155-5p. On the one hand, transfecting miR-155-5p mimic, mimic NC, miR-155-5p inhibitor, or inhibitor NC in MH-S cells overexpressing miR-155-5p increased the Alveolar macrophage phagocytotic rate, up-regulated the expression level of RhoA and p-RhoA, and down-regulated that of mTOR and Rictor mRNA and protein. On the other hand, inhibiting the expression of miR-155-5p lowered the phagocytotic rate, up-regulated the expression of mTOR, Rictor mRNA, and protein, and down-regulated the expression of RhoA and p-RhoA, which taken together, authenticated that miR-155-5p participates in macrophage phagocytosis via the mTORC2/RhoA pathway. Finally, confocal microscopy demonstrated that cells overexpressing miR-155-5p underwent cytoskeletal rearrangement during phagocytosis, and the phagocytic function of cells was enhanced, signaling that miR-155-5p participated in macrophage skeletal rearrangement and enhanced alveolar macrophage phagocytosis by targeting the expression of Rictor in the mTORC2/RhoA pathway.
Neurological manifestations of an emerging zoonosis—Human monkeypox virus: A systematic review
Authors: Khan Sajjad Ahmed , Parajuli Surya Bahadur , Rauniyar Vivek K.
Published: September 2023

Background:

The last few decades have witnessed an appalling rise in several emerging and re-emerging viral and zoonotic outbreaks. Amongst those emerging zoonosis, one of the diseases which is gaining popularity these days and has been declared as public health emergency of international concern by the world health organization, is human monkeypox virus (HMPX). Proper understanding of the clinical spectrum of the disease is of paramount importance for early diagnosis and treatment. In this review, we aimed to study and quantify the neurological manifestations of HMPX virus infection.

Methods:

Any study, released prior to April 13, 2023, that reported neurological manifestations in patients infected by HMPX virus were reviewed systematically on PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis) statement.

Results:

Our systematic review included data from 22 eligible studies: 10 cohort studies, 3 cross sectional studies, one retrospective study, 5 case series, and 2 case reports. The most commonly reported neurological manifestations of HMPX were headache (48.84%), myalgia (27.50%), fatigue (17.73%), and photophobia (4.43%). Uncommonly, HMPX can also present with visual deficit (0.57%), seizure (0.34%), encephalitis (0.8%), dizziness (0.34%), encephalomyelitis (0.23%), coma (0.11%), and transverse myelitis (0.11%).

Discussions:

Monkeypox virus usually presents with self-limiting painful rash, lymphadenitis, and fever, complications like secondary skin infection, eye problems and pneumonia can be life threatening, carrying a case fatality rate of 1% to 10%. Neurological manifestations are not uncommon and can further add-on to morbidity and mortality.
LigaSure technique for splenectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Long , Yu Qingsheng , Peng Hui , Zhen Zhou
Published: September 2023

Background:

This study aimed to clarify the optimal management of the LigaSure technique and conventional techniques during splenectomy.

Methods:

All databases, including CBM, CNKI, WFPD, Medline, EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane databases up to April 2023, were searched for relevant studies comparing the LigaSure technique with conventional techniques. Six studies, extracted by 2 independent reviewers, were evaluated for blood loss, operative time, conversion, mortality, hospital stay, and transfusion.

Results:

The blood loss was significantly higher in the convention group than in the LigaSure group (WMD = −48.98, 95% CI: −62.41 to −35.55, P < .00001). Meanwhile, the mean operative time was significantly shorter in LigaSure group than in convention group (WMD = −10.57; 95% CI: −12.35 to −8.78), P < .00001). No significant differences were found regarding the conversion rate, hospital stay, morbidity, and transfusion.

Conclusions:

The LigaSure technique has comparable effects to conventional techniques, but to some extent reduces blood loss and operative time.
Construction of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network in severe asthmatic bronchial epithelial cells: A bioinformatics study
Authors: Fan Mengzhen , Song Wenjie , Hao Zheng , Zhang Jing , Li Yang , Fu Jinjie
Published: September 2023

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease caused by environment-host interactions. Bronchial epithelial cells (BECs) are the first line of defense against environmental toxins. However, the mechanisms underlying the role of BECs in severe asthma (SA) are not yet fully understood. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to play important roles in the regulation of gene expression in the pathogenesis of SA. In this study, bioinformatics was used for the first time to reveal the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network of BECs in SA. Five mRNA datasets of bronchial brushing samples from patients with SA and healthy controls (HC) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. A combination of the Venn diagram and robust rank aggregation (RRA) method was used to identify core differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis of core DEGs was performed to screen hub genes. The miRDB, miRWalk, and ENCORI databases were used to predict the miRNA-mRNA relationships, and the ENCORI and starBase v2.0 databases were used to predict the upstream lncRNAs of the miRNA-mRNA relationships. Four core DEGs were identified: carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 5 (CEACAM5), interleukin-1 receptor type 2 (IL1R2), trefoil factor 3 (TFF3), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA). These 4 core DEGs indicated that SA was not significantly associated with sex. Enrichment analysis showed that the MAPK, Rap1, Ras, PI3K-Akt and Calcium signaling pathways may serve as the principal pathways of BECs in SA. A lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network of the severe asthmatic bronchial epithelium was constructed. The top 10 competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) were FGD5 antisense RNA 1 (FGD5-AS1), metastasis associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1), X inactive specific transcript (XIST), HLA complex group 18 (HCG18), small nucleolar RNA host gene 16 (SNHG16), has-miR-20b-5p, has-miR-106a-5p, hsa-miR-106b-5p, has-miR-519d-3p and Fms related receptor tyrosine kinase 1 (FLT1). Our study revealed a potential mechanism for the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network in BECs in SA.
Strabismus surgery for improving the quality of life of strabismus patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy
Authors: Huang Yihua , Li Kaijun , Yan Yuqing , He Jianfeng , Chen Jinmao
Published: September 2023

Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is an autoimmune disease involving the ocular tissues that may require strabismus surgery treatment. Presently, little is known about the impact of strabismus surgery on the quality of life of such patients. Consequently, the aim of the present study was to explore the effect of strabismus surgery on the quality of life of strabismus patients with quiescent TAO. This was a prospective case-series study. Strabismus patients with TAO who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University for strabismus surgery from October 2011 to April 2016 were included in this study. The included patients were asked to complete the Graves’ ophthalmopathy quality of life questionnaire (GO-QOL) before strabismus surgery and 6 weeks after the surgery, respectively. Preoperative and postoperative GO-QOL scores were compared using the paired samples t-test. The correlation between strabismus surgery and the quality of life was analyzed using Spearman correlation analysis. In total, 23 patients, with a mean age of 49.04 years old, were included in the study. Compared to the preoperative GO-QOL scores, the postoperative scores of these patients for visual function (43.04 vs 73.50, P < .001) and psychosocial function (40.13 vs 72.93, P < .001) were both significantly increased. The greater the preoperative angle of misalignment of the eyes, the worse the psychosocial function (r = −0.433, P = .039). Strabismus surgery can significantly improve the quality of life of strabismus patients with quiescent TAO.
Association of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and fibroblastic growth factor 21 in 3 groups of type 2 diabetes: Without overweight/obesity, free of insulin resistance, and without hepatosteatosis
Authors: Takebe Noriko , Hasegawa Yutaka , Matsushita Yuriko , Chiba Hiraku , Onodera Ken , Kinno Hirofumi , Oda Tomoyasu , Nagasawa Kan , Segawa Toshie , Takahashi Yoshihiko , Okada Kenta , Ishigaki Yasushi
Published: September 2023

The physiological effects of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), leading to beneficial metabolic outcomes, have been extensively revealed in recent decades. Significantly elevated serum levels of FGF21 in obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are referred to as FGF21 resistance. However, Asian population tend to develop metabolic disorders at a lesser degree of obesity than those of Western. This study aimed to explore factors potentially related to serum FGF21 according to the severity of metabolic disorders in patients with T2DM. This cross-sectional study included 176 T2DM patients. The patients were categorized according to whether they had hepatic steatosis (fatty liver index [FLI] ≥ 60), insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA-R] ≥ median), and/or overweight/obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 25.0 kg/m2). Independent predictors of serum FGF21 were determined using multiple linear regression analysis in these 3 groups of T2DM patients. Circulating FGF21 levels were correlated positively with BMI, abdominal fat areas, leptin, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). After adjustment for potential confounders, multiple linear regression analysis identified leptin as a factor strongly associated with serum FGF21 levels in all patients. Moreover, PAI-1 was a significant predictor of FGF21 in those with FLI < 60, BMI < 25.0 kg/m2, and HOMA-R < median, while leptin was the only independent factor in each of their counterparts. The factors related to serum FGF21 differ according to the severity of metabolic disorders. FGF21 appears to be independently associated with PAI-1 in T2DM patients: without overweight/obesity, those free of insulin resistance, and those without hepatic steatosis.
Banxia Xiexin decoction: A review on phytochemical, pharmacological, clinical and pharmacokinetic investigations
Authors: Zhou Zehua , An Rui , You Lisha , Liang Kun , Wang Xinhong
Published: September 2023

Banxia Xiexin decoction (BXD), a famous traditional Chinese prescription constituted by Pinelliae Rhizoma, Zingiberis Rhizoma, Scutellariae Radix, Coptidis Rhizoma, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Jujubae Fructus and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata Cum Mell, has notable characteristics of acrid-opening, bitter down-bearing and sweet-tonification, interfering with tumors, gastrointestinal diseases, central nervous system diseases and much more. Based on the wide clinical applications, current investigations of BXD focused on several aspects: chemical analysis to explore the underlying substrates responsible for the therapeutic effects; basic studies on pharmacological actions of the whole prescription or of those representative ingredients to demonstrate the intriguing molecular targets for specific pathological processes; pharmacokinetic feature studies of single or all components of BXD to reveal the chemical basis and synergistic actions contributing to the pharmacological and clinically therapeutic effects. In this review, we summarized the main achievements of phytochemical, pharmacological, clinical and pharmacokinetic profiles of BXD and its herbal or pharmacologically active chemicals, as well as discussions of our understanding which further reveals the significance of BXD clinically.
Unveiling the “Kebab” technique: A case report on a two-stage reconstruction method for repeated complex cranioplasty
Authors: Chiang Liang-Jui , Lee Jing-Wei , Lee Po-Hsuan , Lee Jung-Shun
Published: September 2023

Rationale:

Cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy provides brain protection and improves cerebral hemodynamics. However, recurrent infection and sinking skin flap syndrome after cranioplasty remain cumbersome complications that require a well-planned reconstruction strategy.

Patient concerns:

A 74-year-old man presented with traumatic subdural hematoma and underwent decompressive craniectomy. Cranioplasty using an original bone flap, bone cement with wires, and a titanium mesh were complicated and resulted in recalcitrant infection and sinking skin flap syndrome.

Diagnoses:

Recurrent infection and sinking skin flap syndrome post-cranioplasty.

Interventions:

We designed a two-stage “kebab” reconstruction technique using a combination of free latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap and delayed non-vascularized free rib graft. A well-vascularized musculocutaneous flap can obliterate dead space in skull defects and reduce bacterial inoculation in deep infections. Subsequently, delayed rib grafts act as the scaffold to expand the sunken scalp flap.

Outcomes:

At the 3-year follow-up, the patient showed improvement in headache, without evidence of surgical site infection.

Lessons:

The novel “kebab” technique using a combination of a free myocutaneous flap and delayed rib graft can eliminate bacterial growth in infected calvarial defects, reverse sinking skin flap syndrome, and minimize potential donor-site morbidity, and is therefore suitable for patients who require multiple cranioplasties and are unable to withstand major reconstructions.
The QSEN Competency Legacy Threaded Through the Entry-Level AACN Essentials
Authors: Dolansky Mary A. , Dick Tracey , Byrd Elizabeth , Miltner Rebecca S. , Layton Shannon S.
Published: September 2023

Background:

For the last 17 years, the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) prelicensure competencies and knowledge, skill, and attitude (KSA) statements were integrated into nursing curricula.

Problem:

With the publication of the competency-based American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials, it is important to determine the overlap of the QSEN competencies.

Approach:

We developed a QSEN-AACN prelicensure crosswalk to help faculty map and integrate the 2021 AACN Essentials into their curriculum.

Outcomes:

The 6 QSEN competencies match to the 10 AACN Essentials domains except for evidence-based practice, which is listed as a concept. Fifty graduate-level QSEN KSAs were found to better align with prelicensure education and therefore important to integrate into the crosswalk. All but 1 of the original prelicensure QSEN KSA statements and all but 2 of the 50 transferred graduate-level QSEN KSAs were found in the AACN Essentials.

Conclusion:

Faculty implementing the QSEN framework can use the QSEN-AACN competency crosswalk and QSEN teaching strategies to guide their AACN Essentials journey.
Muscle Properties, Gross Motor Performance, and Quality of Life in Children With Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Rock Kelly , Ho Simon , Gray Vicki L. , Addison Odessa , York Teresa , Keegan Wells Diane , DeLuca Holly , Marchese Victoria
Published: September 2023

Purpose:

To explore muscle properties, gross motor performance, and quality of life (QoL) in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) compared with controls and to assess relationships among these outcomes.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study of 24 children assessed muscle properties including: knee extension strength by dynamometry; vastus lateralis (VL) and rectus femoris (RF) muscle thickness by ultrasonography; and VL and RF neuromuscular activation (rate of muscle activation [RoA]) by electromyography (EMG). Gross motor performance and QoL were assessed by standardized tests and questionnaires.

Results:

Children with SCD had impaired knee extension strength, VL EMG RoA, gross motor performance, and QoL compared with children without SCD. Relationships among muscle properties, gross motor performance, and QoL were identified.

Conclusions:

These findings indicate that comprehensive muscle properties, gross motor performance, and QoL assessments should be considered to support and develop individualized physical therapy plans for children with SCD.
Cultural Considerations in the Formal Process of Simulation Curriculum Adaptation: A Scoping Review
Authors: Charnetski Matthew D. , Asoodar Maryam , Yu Hao , van Mook Walther
Published: September 2023

Summary Statement

Transborder curriculum partnerships in health professions education have been increasing in numbers in recent years. These partnerships present unique challenges when transferring curricula from one context to another. It has been noted that cultural differences between institutions, faculty, staff, and learners can have profound effects on collaboration. Given the significant need for context and fidelity (especially relative to cultural considerations) in healthcare simulation education, there are gaps that need to be addressed in the transfer of these curricula. A scoping literature review was conducted examining recently published articles with relevance to simulation curriculum design or adaptation in transborder contexts to determine to what extent cultural elements are considered in the design and adaptation of simulation-based education in transborder curriculum partnerships. This review resulted in 19 studies requiring full-text review. Studies represented every region of the world with both near and distant proximity of partnering parties. From the reviewed studies, 8 categories related to curriculum adaptation were identified. These categories, when compared with the themes present in Campinha-Bacote's model of cultural competency, showed complete overlap with the 5 themes of the model plus an additional theme complementary to the model. This scoping review demonstrates that cultural considerations clearly play a role in the adaptation of simulation curricula in transborder healthcare curricular partnerships, but further research is needed to further define the exact nature of that relationship.
Mitochondrial calcium modulates odor-mediated behavioral plasticity inC. elegans
Authors: Lee Hee Kyung , Joo Dong-Kyu , Park Kyu-Sang , Yoon Kyoung-hye
Published: September 2023

Despite growing understanding of the various roles mitochondria play in neurons, how they contribute to higher brain functions such as learning and memory remains underexplored. Here, using the nematodeCaenorhabditis elegans,we found that the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) pore forming unit MCU-1 is required for aversive learning to specific odors sensed by a single sensory neuron, AWCON. MCU-1 expression was required in the sensory neuron at the time of odor conditioning for proper behavioral response to 60 min of prolonged odor exposure. Through genetic and pharmacological manipulation, we show evidence that MCU is activated in response to prolonged odor conditioning, causing mtROS production, leading to NLP-1 secretion. Finally, we show that the timing of MCU activation and neuropeptide release correspond with the OFF-neuron properties of the AWC neuron, suggesting that mitochondrial calcium entry and neuropeptide secretion coincide with AWC activation upon odor removal. Overall, our results demonstrate that, by regulating mitochondrial calcium influx, mitochondria can modulate the synaptic response to incoming stimuli in the sensory neuron, resulting in learning and modified behavior.
Netrin signaling mediates survival of dormant epithelial ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Perampalam Pirunthan , MacDonald James I. , Zakirova Komila , Passos Daniel T. , Wasif Sumaiyah , Ramos-Valdes Yudith , Hervieu Maëva , Mehlen Patrick , Rottapel Rob , Gibert Benjamin , Correa Rohann , Shepherd Trevor G. , Dick Frederick A.
Published: September 2023

Dormancy in cancer is a clinical state in which residual disease remains undetectable for a prolonged duration. At a cellular level, rare cancer cells cease proliferation and survive chemotherapy and disseminate disease. We created a suspension culture model of high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) dormancy and devised a novel CRISPR screening approach to identify survival genes in this context. In combination with RNA-seq, we discovered the Netrin signaling pathway as critical to dormant HGSOC cell survival. We demonstrate that Netrin-1, -3, and its receptors are essential for low level ERK activation to promote survival, and that Netrin activation of ERK is unable to induce proliferation. Deletion of all UNC5 family receptors blocks Netrin signaling in HGSOC cells and compromises viability during the dormancy step of dissemination in xenograft assays. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Netrin-1 and -3 overexpression in HGSOC correlates with poor outcome. Specifically, our experiments reveal that Netrin overexpression elevates cell survival in dormant culture conditions and contributes to greater spread of disease in a xenograft model of abdominal dissemination. This study highlights Netrin signaling as a key mediator HGSOC cancer cell dormancy and metastasis.
Middle-schoolers’ reading and processing depth in response to digital and print media: An N400 study
Authors: Froud Karen , Levinson Lisa , Maddox Chaille , Smith Paul
Published: September 2023

We report the first use of ERP measures to identify text engagement differences when reading digitally or in print. Depth of semantic encoding is key for reading comprehension, and we predicted that deeper reading of expository texts would facilitate stronger associations with subsequently-presented related words, resulting in enhanced N400 responses to unrelated probe words and a graded attenuation of the N400 to related and moderately related words. In contrast, shallow reading would produce weaker associations between probe words and text passages, resulting in enhanced N400 responses to both moderately related and unrelated words, and an attenuated response to related words. Behavioral research has shown deeper semantic encoding of text from paper than from a screen. Hence, we predicted that the N400 would index deeper reading of text passages that were presented in print, and shallower reading of texts presented digitally.

Middle-school students (n= 59) read passages in digital and print formats and high-density EEG was recorded while participants completed single-word semantic judgment tasks after each passage. Following digital text reading, the N400 response pattern anticipated for shallow reading was observed. Following print reading, the N400 response pattern expected for deeper reading was observed for related and unrelated words, although mean amplitude differences between related and moderately related probe words did not reach significance. These findings provide evidence of differences in brain responses to texts presented in print and digital media, including deeper semantic encoding for print than digital texts.
Myofibre-specific knockout of TGF-β type I receptors triggers muscle hypertrophy and promotes contraction and oxidative metabolism
Authors: Shi A. , Hillege M.M.G. , Noort W. , Offringa C. , Wu G. , Forouzanfar T. , Hoogaars W.M.H. , Wüst R.C.I. , Jaspers R.T.
Published: September 2023

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling is associated with progressive skeletal muscle wasting and fibrosis, while double knockout of TGF-β type I receptorsAcvr1bandTgfbr1results in hypertrophy. Gaining insights in how myofibre-specific knockout of these receptors affects muscle transcriptome, strength and mitochondrial activity could aid in the development of therapeutic interventions to improve muscle function. Here, we show that 3 months of myofibre-specific knockout of both receptors (dKO) in mice induced a 1.6-fold increase in gastrocnemius medialis mass and a 1.3-fold increase in maximal force. Soleus muscle mass and maximal force both increased 1.2-fold in dKO mice. Muscle hypertrophy in dKO mice was accompanied by a proportional increase in succinate dehydrogenase enzyme activity. Single receptor knockout caused minor phenotypical alterations. Transcriptome analyses revealed that gastrocnemius medialis had 1811 and soleus had 295 differentially expressed genes, mainly related to muscle contraction, hypertrophy, filament organization and oxidative metabolism.HgfandSlngenes were strongly upregulated in both muscles of dKO mice, whileSntb1was downregulated. This in combination of transcriptional changes are associated with muscle hypertrophy and increased mitochondrial biosynthesis. Our study highlights that myofibre-specific interference with both TGF-β type I receptors concurrently stimulates myofibre hypertrophy and mitochondrial activity.