bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing abemaciclib-induced diarrhea management in patients with breast cancer: a pragmatic 2-group study using a postbiotic microbiota stabilizer
Authors: De Sanctis Rita , Tiberio Paola , Jacobs Flavia , Gaudio Mariangela , Benvenuti Chiara , Giordano Laura , Torrisi Rosalba , Zambelli Alberto , Pozzi Chiara , Penna Giuseppe , Santoro Armando , Rescigno Maria
Published: May 2024

Background

Abemaciclib-induced diarrhea is a relevant concern in clinical practice. Postbiotics have emerged as a promising option for managing it.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a retrospective-prospective, 2-group, observational study to assess the impact of the postbiotic PostbiotiX-Restore, derived by Lactobacillus paracasei CNCM I-5220, on abemaciclib-induced diarrhea in patients with hormone receptor-positive HER2-negative breast cancer. The prospective population (Postbio group) received postbiotic during the first cycle of abemaciclib, while the retrospective one received standard care (Standard group). Diarrhea grading was defined according to the National Cancer Institute’s Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events.

Results

During the first cycle, diarrhea occurred in 78.9% of patients in the Standard cohort and 97.1% in the Postbio one, with most cases being G1-G2. Severe (G3) diarrhea was significantly less frequent in the Postbio group (0%) compared to the Standard one (7.9%; P = .029). Over the entire study period, while the grading difference was not statistically significant, G3 events were less frequent in the Postbio population (5.9%) than the Standard one (15.4%). Moreover, Postbio patients required fewer dose reductions due to diarrhea compared to the Standard group (P = .002). Notably, in the Postbio population, G1 and G2 events had short median durations (3 and 1 days, respectively) and, for the 2 patients experiencing G3 events during the second abemaciclib cycle (off postbiotic), diarrhea lasted only 1 day.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates the effect of PostbiotiX-Restore in mitigating abemaciclib-induced diarrhea, resulting in reduced severity, fewer dose reductions, and shorter duration. Further exploration and validation in larger cohorts are needed.
Foucault’s Emancipatory Contributions to Method, and Why We Still Need Ideology Critique
Authors: Wedeen Lisa
Published: May 2024

This chapter explores the merits and limitations of Foucauldian discourse analysis. It discusses how Michel Foucault’s view in particular is informed by his philosophical insights about modern power, resulting in a genealogical method that opens up emancipatory possibilities for politics. Foucault teaches us how to take language and issues of subjectivity seriously without miring analysis in unanswerable questions about individual intention. His method provides a way to chart historical changes without overstating causal claims. And by accounting for the embodied disciplinary workings of power, it trains our focus on observable mechanisms suitable for grounding empirical arguments. Attuned also to the limitations of Foucauldian discourse analysis, this chapter concludes by bringing to bear insights drawn from ideology critique as understood in cultural Marxism, as well as from feminist and queer approaches to affect theory. The chapter makes a case for understanding ideology not simply in terms of content but also of form, and it shows how to put the resulting conceptualization to practical use in ethnographic research. The overall orientation helps theorize how discourse operates as a material force, clarifying issues of political belief, the temporalities of political affect, the role of incoherence in politics, and how ambivalence matters.
Theory and Possibilities in Social Network Analysis
Authors: Heaney Michael T.
Published: May 2024

As social network analysis has grown in use over the past quarter century, it has become a staple in the disciplinary toolkit of political science. While political scientists have been at the forefront of innovating network methodologies, these developments have outstripped advances in political network theory. This chapter makes the case for greater attention to political network theory. It points to four promising areas for investigation. First, it advocates greater theorization of the strength of political ties that moves beyond the weak ties/strong ties dichotomy. Second, it identifies opportunities for theorizing types of ties to expand understandings of multiplex networks, such as by modeling their isomorphic structures. Third, it endorses the extension of multimodal models to incorporate the number of types of actors beyond the traditional bipartite structure. Fourth, it proposes blending theories of temporal network dynamics (e.g., preferential attachment, triadic closure, balance, homophily, reciprocity, decay) with extant theories of political time related to path dependence and sequences. Finally, it considers possibilities for traversing these areas of advance using an illustration from the study of political brokerage.
The Trans-Crustal Evolution of Miocene Magmatism Parental to Epithermal Mineralization in the Sierra Madre del Sur, Southern Mexico
Authors: Cano Néstor , Martiny Barbara M , Camprubí Antoni , González-Partida Eduardo , Schaaf Peter , Ortega-Obregón Carlos , Solís-Pichardo Gabriela
Published: May 2024

Arc-related volcanism results from the interplay of magmatic processes occurring in trans-crustal systems that consolidate over time in a given location. Trans-crustal systems comprise extensive networks of magma reservoirs and conduits at different depths, wherein melts cyclically differentiate and segregate before reaching the surface. The study of these systems provides valuable insights into crustal-scale phenomena, such as the evolution of the continental crust and the formation of metallogenic regions. In this study, we address the trans-crustal magmatic evolution of lower Miocene magmatism parental to several intermediate-sulfidation epithermal deposits in the eastern Sierra Madre del Sur igneous province, southern Mexico. Using a multi-methodological approach, we document changes over ca. 1.1 Myr in the magmatic system that fed andesitic-to-felsic volcanism in this region. We employ whole-rock REE ratios and λ parameters—which are used to quantify the shape of a REE pattern—to track the involvement of pressure-sensitive minerals in the deep-crustal magmatic evolution. The andesitic rocks consist of lava flows, porphyries, and dikes that collectively show REE patterns suggestive of control by fractionated or residual (i.e. in crustal melting) amphibole and/or clinopyroxene. In contrast, the felsic rocks consist of rhyolitic–dacitic ignimbrites, domes, and dikes that show contrasting REE patterns suggestive of control by plagioclase, clinopyroxene, amphibole, and/or garnet. The distinct pressure-sensitive mineral assemblages in the andesitic and felsic rocks indicate that the locus of deep-crustal magma evolution varied within the middle–lower crust. These magmas were episodically injected into ephemeral shallow crustal reservoirs (shortly?) before being erupted, inducing a progressive thermomechanical maturation of the middle–upper crust. Meanwhile, low degrees of crustal assimilation occurred as recorded by Mesozoic inherited zircon ages and Sr–Nd–Pb radiogenic isotopes. An extensive middle–lower crustal magma evolution has been linked to the formation of porphyry Cu deposits (i.e. ‘fertile’ magmatism). Given that intermediate-sulfidation epithermal deposits may be genetically linked with porphyry Cu deposits, the documented processes could have contributed to the formation of epithermal deposits in the region. However, magmatic fertility proxies resemble those from infertile magmas worldwide. Since these proxies have been exclusively applied to porphyry-type deposits, our results highlight the importance of developing new geochemical exploration tools applicable to a wider range of ore deposits.
Treatment of metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer: from doublet therapy to triplet therapy
Authors: Ye Shi-jie , Huang Rui-da , Fei Xin , Tao Zhu-lei , Liu Wei-hua , Ma Qi
Published: May 2024

For metastatic prostate cancer, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the key strategy to control the disease. However, after 18–24 months of treatment, most patients will progress from metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) to metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) even with ADT. Once patients enter into mCRPC, they face with significant declines in quality of life and a dramatically reduced survival period. Thus, doublet therapy, which combines ADT with new hormone therapy (NHT) or ADT with docetaxel chemotherapy, substitutes ADT alone and has become the “gold standard” for the treatment of mHSPC. In recent years, triplet therapy, which combines ADT with NHT and docetaxel chemotherapy, has also achieved impressive effects in mHSPC. This article provides a comprehensive review of the recent applications of the triplet therapy in the field of mHSPC.
The Balancing Act of Family and College: Reciprocity and Its Consequences for Black Students
Authors: Wiggins Yolanda
Published: May 2024

Literature indicates the ways that young adults –especially those from advantaged backgrounds—rely on parents during college and the transition to adulthood. Little research focuses on how the Black family reaches into college and Black college students’ provision of support to parents and other kin. The nexus of family and higher education is a rich site for investigating inequalities in educational attainment and outcomes. Based on interviews with Black undergraduates, this paper analyzes variation in familial involvement during college. It shows the ways in which Black students maintain a balancing act to meet academic responsibilities and family obligations. These practices help sustain the families they value but also reproduce class inequalities. The social organization of colleges and families imposes greater costs on disadvantaged students and offers greater benefits for advantaged students. The structure of education and constructions of family diminish obligations to family, narrow family ties, and mystify aspects of dependence, especially for disadvantaged students. Student narratives highlight the broad character of family values that often compete with academic obligations and detract from college immersion. Different forms and patterns of assistance and connection by class and gender are tied to structural resources and cultural differences, such as the place of family, the meaning of self, assessments of who counts as family, and reliance on a norm of one-way giving.
Shuffle Out, Shuffle In: Child Protective Services Contact and Institutional Shuffling among Middle-Class Black Mothers
Authors: Smith DeAnna Y
Published: May 2024

Researchers have shown how punitive state contact shapes the lives of poor Black individuals but have paid less attention to the role of punitive state contact in the lives of the Black middle-class. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 29 middle-class Black mothers recently investigated by Child Protective Services (CPS)—a punitive state institution with the ability to remove children from their homes—this article asks how Black mothers who are not poor assess risk of future CPS contact and navigate the threats it poses. Armed with greater resources than poor mothers, middle-class Black mothers work to evade future CPS contact through institutional shuffling—a resource-intensive evasion strategy that involves shuffling children out of certain types of institutions and into others. I find that middle-class Black mothers shuffle their children out of formal institutions and into informal ones, out of predominantly white institutions and into predominantly Black ones, and out of institutions where they have weak ties and into institutions where they have strong ties. While shuffling may shield mothers and children from future CPS contact, it may also shrink mothers’ networks, isolate children from a broad array of institutional resources, and inadvertently expose middle-class Black families to greater surveillance and punishment.
Choosing Health: acceptability and feasibility of a theory-based, online-delivered, tailored weight loss, and weight loss maintenance intervention
Authors: Palacz-Poborczyk Iga , Naughton Felix , Luszczynska Aleksandra , Januszewicz Anna , Quested Eleanor , Hagger Martin S , Pagoto Sherry , Verboon Peter , Robinson Suzanne , Kwasnicka Dominika
Published: May 2024

Few weight loss and weight loss maintenance interventions are tailored to include factors demonstrated to predict the user’s behavior. Establishing the feasibility and acceptability of such interventions is crucial. The aim of this study was to assess the acceptability and feasibility of a theory-based, tailored, online-delivered weight loss and weight loss maintenance intervention (Choosing Health). We conducted a mixed methods process evaluation of the Choosing Health tailored intervention, nested in a randomized controlled trial (N = 288) with an embedded N-of-1 study, investigating participants’ and implementers’ experiences related to intervention context, implementation, and mechanisms of impact. Measures included: (i) surveys, (ii) data-prompted interviews (DPIs) with study participants, (iii) semi-structured interviews with implementers, and (iv) intervention access and engagement data. Five themes described the acceptability of the intervention to participants: (i) monitoring behavior change and personal progress to better understand the weight management process, (ii) working collaboratively with the intervention implementers to achieve participants’ goals, (iii) perceived benefits of non-judgmental and problem-solving tone of the intervention, (iv) changes in personal perception of the weight management process due to intervention tailoring, and (v) insufficient intervention content tailoring. The intervention delivery was feasible, however, emails and text messages differed in terms of accessibility and resources required to deliver the content. The use of Ecological Momentary Assessment as a technique to gather personal data for further tailoring was acceptable, and facilitated behavior change monitoring. Personalization of the intervention content above and beyond domain-specific issues, for example, by addressing participants’ social roles may better match their needs. Support from the implementers and feedback on body composition changes may increase participants’ engagement.
The use of PD-1 functional knockout rats to study idiosyncratic adverse reactions to nevirapine
Authors: Cho Tiffany , Hayes Anthony , Henderson Jeffrey T , Uetrecht Jack
Published: May 2024

Idiosyncratic drug reactions (IDRs) are associated with significant patient morbidity/mortality and lead to considerable drug candidate attrition in drug development. Their idiosyncratic nature makes the study of IDRs difficult. In particular, nevirapine is associated with a relatively high risk of serious skin rash and liver injury. We previously found that nevirapine causes a similar skin rash in female Brown Norway rats, but these animals do not develop significant liver injury. Programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) is an immune checkpoint involved in immune tolerance, and anti-PD-1 antibodies have been used to treat cancer. However, they increase the risk of liver injury caused by co-administered drugs. We found that PD-1−/− mice are more susceptible to drug-induced liver injury, but PD-1−/− mice are not a good model for all drugs. In particular, they do not develop a skin rash when treated with nevirapine, at least in part because they lack the sulfotransferase in their skin that forms the reactive metabolite responsible for the rash. Therefore, we developed a PD-1 mutant (PD-1m/m) rat, with an excision in the ligand-binding domain of PD-1, to test whether nevirapine would cause a more serious skin rash in these animals. The PD-1m/m rat was based on a Sprague Dawley background, which has a lower incidence of skin rash than Brown Norway rats. The treated PD-1m/m rats developed more severe liver injury than PD-1−/− mice, but in contrast to expectations, they did not develop a skin rash. Functional knockouts provide a unique tool to study the mechanisms of IDRs.
A Quantitative Real-Time PCR Method to Detect the Quinoa Downy Mildew Pathogen, Peronospora variabilis
Authors: Testen Anna Louise , Puri Purnima , Shaw R. Scott , Domsic Evan Christopher , Griffin-LaHue Deirdre , Murphy Kevin Matthew , Mattupalli Chakradhar
Published: May 2024

Quinoa downy mildew, caused by Peronospora variabilis, is the most devastating disease of quinoa globally. Rapid, sensitive diagnostic methods are needed to detect and quantify this pathogen in seeds and plant tissue. A hydrolysis probe-based quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay including a competitive internal control was developed for P. variabilis detection. This assay could detect as low as 20 ag of DNA or approximately 25 internal transcribed spacer (ITS) copies per reaction with efficiencies ranging from 93.9 to 98.2%. No nontarget amplification was observed when tested against DNA from other downy mildew pathogens and related oomycetes. P. variabilis strains from multiple countries were detected using this assay. The assay was successfully applied to quantify the pathogen in quinoa seeds from a field trial conducted in the state of Washington. Downy mildew disease was recorded on all 14 genotypes, with the genotypes 104.88 and 106.49 recording the highest area under the disease progress curve values (mean ± SE; 3,236 ± 303 and 2,851 ± 198, respectively) and J6 and Dutchess recording the lowest (441 ± 107 and 409 ± 129, respectively). Seed washes obtained from field samples were subjected to the qPCR assay, and the pathogen was detected in all samples. The highest pathogen ITS copy number was recorded with 106.49 (194,934 ± 38,171), and the lowest was observed in Pasto (5,971 ± 1,435) and Riobamba (9,954 ± 4,243). This qPCR assay could lead to improved detection and quantification of P. variabilis as well as increased understanding of quinoa–P. variabilis interactions and epidemiology.
Decontamination of Actinide-contaminated Injured Skin with Ca-DTPA Products Using an Ex Vivo Rat Skin Model
Authors: Van der Meeren Anne , Devilliers Karine , Griffiths Nina , Chaplault Anne-Sophie , Defrance Martine , Ducouret Gaëtan , Pasteur Michaël , Laroche Pierre , Caire-Maurisier François
Published: May 2024

Skin contamination by α-emitting actinides such as plutonium and americium is a risk for workers during nuclear fuel production and reactor decommissioning. Decontamination of skin is an important medical countermeasure to limit potential internal contamination, particularly in the case of injured skin. Current recommendations include undressing of the victim followed by skin washing using soap or chelating agents, such as diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA). The goal of the present work is to assess the efficacy of a novel Ca-DTPA loaded gel to decontaminate injured skin exposed to plutonium or americium as compared to recommended treatments. For decontaminant testing on injured skin, whole body skin was obtained from euthanized rats and lesions created using a metallic brush. Delimited test areas were contaminated with plutonium or americium solutions of known properties. Various protocols were tested including time before contamination, duration of gel application, washing steps, as well as the concomitant addition or not of dressings. Activity was measured in each decontamination product and in skin. Data indicate that healthy skin was easier to decontaminate than damaged skin. On injured skin, we demonstrated an increased decontamination efficacy of the Ca-DTPA gel formulation as compared to the solution. Importantly, gel application alone was effective, and further gel applications could be used for residual activity.
Body mass weighted prostate-specific antigen levels, new markers to predict locally advanced prostate cancer after prostatectomy
Authors: Ou Ying-Lun , Yang Ming-Hsin , Kao Chien-Chang , Meng En , Chen Jin-Li , Tsao Chih-Wei , Sun Guang-Huan , Yu Dah-Shyong , Cha Tai-Lung , Wu Sheng-Tang
Published: May 2024

Background:

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) remains the most useful marker for screening, risk categorization, and follow-up in patients with prostate cancer. In the obese population, several studies have revealed that obesity may not only inversely interfere with the concentration of PSA, but also increase the risk of prostate cancer. Thus, we considered using the body mass weighted PSA levels, presented as serum PSA concentration multiplied by body weight or body mass index (BMI), instead of traditional PSA concentration, as potential markers to predict locally advanced prostate cancer after prostatectomy.

Methods:

We retrospectively collected and analyzed data acquired from a single institute at which robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy was performed. A total of 174 patients underwent radical prostatectomy, and the collected data included age, PSA level, body weight, BMI, and pathology results.

Results:

A total of 174 patients were diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the prostate by needle biopsy, and most (N = 165) were considered to have localized disease on preoperative multiparameter magnetic resonance imaging. After prostatectomy, 73% (N = 127) of the patients remained in the localized disease group (group A) and 27% (N = 47) of the patients were reclassified to the locally advanced prostate cancer (group B). The value of PSA was higher in group B (16.9 vs 11.2 ng/dL; p = 0.062), but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. After using the numerical values of PSA × body weight and PSA × BMI, a statistically significant difference emerged between the two groups (p = 0.0198 in PSA × BW; p = 0.0110 in PSA × BMI).

Conclusion:

The body mass-weighted PSA levels, instead of the traditional PSA concentration, may be better markers for predicting non-organ-confined disease after surgery. It may also be useful in screening and risk categorization.
Association between daily sitting time and kidney stones based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2016: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Ya , Di Xingpeng , Liu Mengzhu , Wei Jingwen , Li Tianyue , Liao Banghua
Published: May 2024

Background:

Kidney stones are among the most common urological conditions affecting ~9% of the world population. Although some unhealthy diets and unhealthy lifestyles are reportedly risk factors for kidney stone, the association between daily sitting time and kidney stone has not been explored.

Materials and Methods:

This large-scale, cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database 2007–2016. Kidney stone history and daily sitting time were retrieved from the questionnaire and 24 hour (h) recall interviews. Logistic regression and subgroup analysis were conducted to investigate the association. The analysis was further stratified by vigorous recreational activity.

Results:

A total of 19 188 participants aged ≥20 years with complete information were included in this study. The overall prevalence of kidney stone was 9.6%. Among participants without vigorous recreational activity, a trend towards an increasing prevalence of kidney stone was observed with increased daily sitting time. However, the trend was not observed in individuals who participated in vigorous recreational activity, as they experienced a decreased risk of kidney stone despite having a daily sitting time of 6–8 h (crude model OR=0.659, 95% CI: 0.457–0.950, P=0.028), indicating that vigorous recreational activity may partially attenuate the detrimental effect of prolonged sitting time.

Conclusion:

Our study revealed an increasing trend of prevalence of kidney stone with increased daily sitting time among the population not performing vigorous recreational activity despite the difference was nonsignificant. Vigorous recreational activity may modify the association between daily sitting time and kidney stone. More prospective cohort studies are warranted to further examine this association.
Dexmedetomidine use during orthotopic liver transplantation surgery on early allograft dysfunction: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yang Liqun , Zhu Ling , Qi Bo , Zhang Yin , Ni Chenlu , Zhang Yijue , Shi Xiao , Xia Qiang , Masters Joe , Ma Daqing , Yu Weifeng
Published: May 2024

Background:

Previous studies have shown a protective effect of dexmedetomidine use in kidney transplantation. In contrast, it is not known whether intraoperative administration of dexmedetomidine can reduce early allograft dysfunction (EAD) incidence following liver transplantation.

Objective:

To investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine use during surgery on EAD following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT).

Study Design:

This is a single-center, double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial. Three hundred thirty adult patients undergoing OLT were enrolled from 14th January 2019 to 22nd May 2022. Patients received dexmedetomidine or normal saline during surgery. One year follow-ups were recorded.

Methods:

Patients were randomized to two groups receiving either dexmedetomidine or normal saline intraoperatively. For patients in the dexmedetomidine group, a loading dose (1 μg/kg over 10 min) of dexmedetomidine was given after induction of anesthesia followed by a continuous infusion (0.5 μg/kg /h) until the end of surgery. For patients in the normal saline group, an equal volume loading dose of 0.9% saline was given after the induction of anesthesia followed by an equal volume continuous infusion until the end of surgery. The primary outcome was EAD. Secondary outcomes included primary graft nonfunction, acute kidney injury, and acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Results:

Of 330 patients included in the intention-to-treat analysis, 165 were in the dexmedetomidine group [mean (SD) age, 49 (10) years; 117 (70.9%) men], and 165 were in the normal saline group [mean SD age, 49 (9) years; 118 (74%) men]. 39 (24.4%) patients in the dexmedetomidine group and 31 (19.4%) in normal saline group developed EAD and the difference was statistically insignificant (P=0.28). Secondary outcomes including primary graft nonfunction and acute kidney injury was similar between the two groups.

Conclusion:

Intraoperative administration of dexmedetomidine did not reduce EAD rate after OLT.
Ethical Decision-Making Confidence and Professional Values Among Nurse Leaders
Authors: Gassas Roai , Ahmed Mohamed Eldigire , Asloob Mashael
Published: May 2024

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to describe differences in nurse leaders' ethical decision-making confidence and their professional values based on identified characteristics and to explore the relationship between ethical decision making and professional values.

BACKGROUND

Nurse leaders have multiple duties and obligations toward their patients, other staff, and the organizations where they work. However, ethical decisions can be complex, requiring the guidance of professional values and critical appraisal of the situation.

METHODS

This study was conducted using a correlational design. Convenience sampling was used, resulting in a sample of 56 nurse leaders in various positions.

RESULT

Ethical decision making and professional values were found to be strongly correlated.

CONCLUSION

Ethical decision making and professional values are highly correlated in this sample. Understanding the importance of the effects of certain factors on ethical decision making can assist in forming an environment supportive of ethical practices for nurses.
18F-FDG PET/CT in Cystic Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Foppiani Luca , Morbini Patrizia , Catrambone Ugo , Fiz Francesco , Piccardo Arnoldo
Published: May 2024

A 52-year-old woman was evaluated for the appearance of a neck lump and dysphonia. Neck ultrasonography showed a large cystic nodule in the right thyroid lobe, confirmed by fine-needle aspiration cytology. Thyroid function and calcitonin were normal. 18F-FDG PET/TC showed moderate tracer uptake by the outer ring of the large hypodense formation. Right hemithyroidectomy was performed; since intraoperative histology showed an intracystic and invasive papillary thyroid carcinoma, a completion thyroidectomy was done. Definitive histopathology confirmed the intraoperative findings. 18F-FDG PET/CT may be a useful imaging procedure in evaluating patients with cystic thyroid nodules whenever clinical/ultrasonographic features are suspicious for malignancy.
Radiographic Recognition of Mental Nerve for Secured Dental Implant Placement by Cone-Beam Computed Tomography in Mosul City Population
Authors: Al-Saffar Asmaa B. , Alrigbo Mekdad H. , Al-Rawee Rawaa Y.
Published: May 2024

The study aims to estimate precisely the different levels of mental loop and foramina in the Mosul population of Nineveh governorate in Iraq. It is a cross-sectional study of a previously saved database in the cone-beam computed tomography device. The study sample was 357 patients selected randomly from the database of patients at the Oral Radiology Unit at the Maxillofacial Department in Al-Salam Teaching Hospital. The study variables are mental foramen (MF) position, shape, radiograph appearance, and mental loop presence and direction. The results show that the age group from 19 to 30 years shows the highest percentage (40.1%). Females show more than half of the cases (59.7%). The MF position’s highest percentage is shown in 2 areas with the slight differences. These are the long axis of first premolar and the area between first premolar and second premolar (42.6%, 40.9). According to shape variation round shapes are the uppermost percent (53.8%). More than 60% of cases (66.1%) show continuity with the inferior alveolar canal and 50% show no loop presence, and the mental nerve leaves the foramen in a perpendicular direction. In conclusion localization of the MF, nerve, and its loop precisely in both horizontal and vertical directions, both hard and soft tissues in a continuous view. Before arranging any surgical procedure, anatomic markers are crucial. To reduce the danger of harm to the foramen region, the authors thus advised cone-beam computed tomography before scheduling implant surgery, particularly in the mental region of the jaw.
Making Choices
Authors: Antunez Alexis G. , Sinco Brandy R. , Saucke Megan C. , Bushaw Kyle J. , Jensen Catherine B. , Dream Sophie , Fingeret Abbey L , Livhits Masha J , Mathur Aarti , McDow Alexandria , Roman Sanziana A. , Voils Corrine I. , Sydnor Justin , Pitt Susan C. ,   on behalf of the CHOiCE Collaborative (Comparing Health Outcomes in Cancer Experience)
Published: May 2024

Objective:

To evaluate the relative importance of treatment outcomes to patients with low-risk thyroid cancer (TC).

Summary Background Data:

Overuse of total thyroidectomy (TT) for low-risk TC is common. Emotions from a cancer diagnosis may lead patients to choose TT resulting in outcomes that do not align with their preferences.

Methods:

Adults with clinically low-risk TC enrolled in a prospective, multi-institutional, longitudinal cohort study from 11/2019-6/2021. Participants rated treatment outcomes at the time of their surgical decision and again 9 months later by allocating 100 points amongst 10 outcomes. T-tests and Hotelling’s T2 statistic compared outcome valuation within and between subjects based on chosen extent of surgery (TT vs. lobectomy).

Results:

Of 177 eligible patients, 125 participated (70.6% response) and 114 completed the 9-month follow-up (91.2% retention). At the time of the treatment decision, patients choosing TT valued the risk of recurrence more than those choosing lobectomy and the need to take thyroid hormone less (P<0.05). At repeat valuation, all patients assigned fewer points to cancer being removed and the impact of treatment on their voice, and more points to energy levels (P<0.05). The importance of the risk of recurrence increased for those who chose lobectomy and decreased for those choosing TT (P<0.05).

Conclusion:

The relative importance of treatment outcomes changes for patients with low-risk TC once the outcome has been experienced to favor quality of life over emotion-related outcomes. Surgeons can use this information to discuss the potential for asthenia or changes in energy levels associated with total thyroidectomy.
Not your private tête-à-tête: leveraging the power of higher-order networks to study animal communication
Authors: Iacopini Iacopo , Foote Jennifer R. , Fefferman Nina H. , Derryberry Elizabeth P. , Silk Matthew J.
Published: May 2024

Animal communication is frequently studied with conventional network representations that link pairs of individuals who interact, for example, through vocalization. However, acoustic signals often have multiple simultaneous receivers, or receivers integrate information from multiple signallers, meaning these interactions are not dyadic. Additionally, non-dyadic social structures often shape an individual’s behavioural response to vocal communication. Recently, major advances have been made in the study of these non-dyadic, higher-order networks (e.g. hypergraphs and simplicial complexes). Here, we show how these approaches can provide new insights into vocal communication through three case studies that illustrate how higher-order network models can: (i) alter predictions made about the outcome of vocally coordinated group departures; (ii) generate different patterns of song synchronization from models that only include dyadic interactions; and (iii) inform models of cultural evolution of vocal communication. Together, our examples highlight the potential power of higher-order networks to study animal vocal communication. We then build on our case studies to identify key challenges in applying higher-order network approaches in this context and outline important research questions that these techniques could help answer.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘The power of sound: unravelling how acoustic communication shapes group dynamics’.
Genomic epidemiology of mecC-carrying Staphylococcus aureus isolates from human clinical cases in New Zealand.
Authors: Miller Hilary , Howard Julia , Elvy Juliet , Campbell Patrick , Anderson Trevor , Bakker Sarah , Eustace Alexandra , Perez Hermes , Winter David , Dyet Kristin
Published: May 2024

In 2011 a novel methicillin resistance gene, mecC, was described in human and bovine Staphylococcus aureus isolates. mecC-positive S. aureus is most commonly associated with livestock and wildlife populations across Europe and is particularly prevalent in hedgehogs, but only occasionally causes human infections. In this study we characterize and investigate the origin of two human S. aureus isolates containing mecC genes from New Zealand. The two isolates were identified from patients with severe invasion infection as part of a S. aureus bacteraemia study. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was used to characterize staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) elements and perform phylogenetic comparisons with publicly available strains from mecC-associated clonal complexes, including isolates from hedgehogs from New Zealand and Europe/UK, and livestock, wildlife and human isolates from Europe/UK. The two isolates from our study have almost identical SCCmec type XI elements containing a mecC gene. However this gene contains a premature stop codon, consistent with the methicillin susceptible phenotype observed for these isolates. Core genome SNP analyses showed that the two isolates are 234 SNPs apart and are most closely related to an isolate obtained from a New Zealand hedgehog. However, there are considerable differences in the mecC mobile element between the human and hedgehog isolates, indicating the presence of an as yet unknown reservoir of mecC S. aureus in the New Zealand environment.
Bacterial co-infections in mucormycosis in severely ill populations. An overlooked and complex challenge.
Authors: Corzo Leon Dora , Ahumada-Topete Victor Hugo , Ostrosky-Zeichner Luis
Published: May 2024

Mucormycosis is found in co-infection with bacteria in >50% of the cases. Most of these cases were reported among people with haematological diseases. The two most frequent bacteria found were Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Almost 40% of the identified bacteria were reported as multidrug resistant (MDR).
Adaptation of redox metabolism in drug-tolerant persister cells is a vulnerability to prevent relapse in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Hadi Nadine Abdel , Reyes-Castellanos Gabriela , Gicquel Tristan , Gallardo-Arriaga Scarlett , Boet Emeline , Sarry Jean-Emmanuel , Masoud Rawand , Iovanna Juan , Carrier Alice
Published: May 2024

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a major unresolved disease because of its remarkable therapeutic resistance. Even patients who respond to initial therapy experience relapse in most cases. The mechanisms underlying therapy-acquired resistance supporting relapse are poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to determine the metabolic features of PDAC during relapse, specifically adaptations of mitochondrial and redox metabolism. We used preclinical PDAC mouse models (patient-derived xenografts and murine syngeneic allografts) that present complete regression under initial chemotherapeutic treatment but relapse after a certain time. Relapsed tumors were analyzedex vivoby flow cytometry to measure mitochondrial and redox characteristics. Molecular mechanisms were investigated by quantification of ATP and antioxidants levels, RT-qPCR and bulk RNA-sequencing. Our findings show that mitochondrial metabolism is reprogrammed during relapse, with increased mitochondrial mass, ATP levels, mitochondrial superoxide anions, and total ROS levels, in relapsed compared to control tumors in both models; mitochondrial membrane potential is increased in the xenografts model only. This mitochondrial metabolic reprogramming occurs during treatment-induced regression and at relapse onset. At the molecular level, antioxidant defenses are increased in relapsed tumors and during treatment. These data suggest that treatment-induced oxidative stress may cause the appearance of treatment-adapted cells, known as drug-tolerant persister (DTP) cells. Finally, the combined treatment of arsenic trioxide (ROS inducer) and buthionine sulfoximine (glutathione synthesis inhibitor) is able to completely prevent relapse in PDAC xenografts. In conclusion, targeting redox metabolism via ROS production and antioxidant inhibition is a very promising approach to prevent relapse in PDAC patients.

Significance

Mitochondrial and redox metabolisms are reprogrammed during treatment-acquired resistance in pancreatic cancer promoting the survival of drug-tolerant persister cancer cells, opening up new avenues for better therapeutic management of patients.
Theautophagy-related genes AtATG5andAtATG7influence reserve mobilisation and responses to ABA during seed germination inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Contreras Estefanía , Pastor-Mora Elena , Aylón-Rodríguez Mar , González-Ceballos Mar , Delgado-Gutiérrez Miguel Ángel , Sánchez-Vicente Inmaculada , Lorenzo Óscar , Vicente-Carbajosa Jesús , Iglesias-Fernández Raquel
Published: May 2024

Autophagy is a cell recycling mechanism that degrades cytoplasmic components. Although classically considered a non-selective bulk degradation mechanism, autophagy also functions selectively. Here, we investigate the impact of autophagy on seed development by studying the autophagy-related (ATG) genesAtATG5andAtATG7in Arabidopsis, focusing on their role in ABA responses. Seeds ofatg5andatg7mutants germinate significantly slower than Col-0, especially in the presence of ABA. Transcriptomic analyses comparing imbibedatg7and Col-0 seeds reveal differences in gene expression associated with lipid storage and seed maturation ontology categories. Germinating seeds ofatgmutants show histochemical alterations in the organisation of lipid droplets and protein storage vacuoles (PSV) in the emerging radicle. Notably, immunolocalization of ATG8 is observed in PSV in Col-0, but not inatgmutants. In the presence of ABA, approximately 10% of the transcriptome induced inatg7and repressed in Col-0 has been reported to be under control of the transcription factors ABI3 and ABI5, master regulators of ABA signaling in the seed. Yeast-two hybrid assays confirmed their direct interaction with the autophagy machinery through ATG8. Interestingly, the decrease in ABI5 observed in Col-0 seeds after imbibition is delayed inatgmutants, which also show altered accumulation in developing seeds of the ABI5 homolog bZIP67 that regulates reserve biosynthesis. Taken together, our data highlight the relevance of autophagy in controlling seed reserve mobilisation, its impact on seed germination, and the perception of environmental signals through ABA responses that include a transcription factor decay mechanism.
Reduced glucose supply during neonatal infection attenuates neurological and renal pathology via modulation of innate and Th1 immunity
Authors: Zhong Jingren , Bæk Ole , Doughty Richard , Jørgensen Benjamin Meyer , Jensen Henrik Elvang , Thymann Thomas , Sangild Per Torp , Brunse Anders , Nguyen Duc Ninh
Published: May 2024

Background

Premature infants are highly susceptible to infections that can lead to sepsis with life-threatening organ dysfunctions. The clinical practice of high parenteral glucose supply in preterm infants can exacerbate infection outcomes through excessive glycolysis-induced inflammatory response. This in turn can affect the health of vital preterm organs, including the brain and kidneys. We hypothesized that reducing glucose supply in infected preterm newborns may help protect against pathology in these two key organs.

Methods

Caesarean-delivered preterm pigs were nourished with high or low parenteral glucose levels, infected withStaphylococcus epidermidisor saline, and cared for until 22h. Blood, brain, and kidney samples were collected at the end of the study for analyses.

Results

Infection led to multiple pathological changes, increased inflammation and tissue injury and dysfunction in both brain and kidneys of preterm piglets. Reduced glucose supply in infected animals alleviated neurological degradation, hyperemia and enhanced M2 microglial phenotype in the brain. This intervention also reduced plasma creatinine, renal edema, tubular vacuolization and dilatation. Multiple genes related to innate and Th1 immunity in both organs were highly correlated and dampened by reduced glucose supply, but there were clear signs that renal inflammation was closely connected to systemic inflammation while neuroinflammation was likely driven by immune response to the bacteria translocated into the brain.

Conclusion

Reduced glucose supply can protect brain and kidney health in infected preterm neonates.
CMAPLE: efficient phylogenetic inference in the pandemic era
Authors: Ly-Trong Nhan , Bielow Chris , De Maio Nicola , Minh Bui Quang
Published: May 2024

We have recently introduced MAPLE (MAximum Parsimonious Likelihood Estimation), a new pandemic-scale phylogenetic inference method exclusively designed for genomic epidemiology. In response to the need for enhancing MAPLE's performance and scalability, here we present two key components: (1) CMAPLE software, a highly optimized C++ reimplementation of MAPLE with many new features and advancements; and (2) CMAPLE library, a suite of Application Programming Interfaces to facilitate the integration of the CMAPLE algorithm into existing phylogenetic inference packages. Notably, we have successfully integrated CMAPLE into the widely used IQ-TREE 2 software, enabling its rapid adoption in the scientific community. These advancements serve as a vital step towards better preparedness for future pandemics, offering researchers powerful tools for large-scale pathogen genomic analysis.
Extracellular Matrix-Induced Genes May Reduce Response to Rapamycin in LAM
Authors: Clements D , Babaei-Jadidi R , Johnson J , Miller S , Shah N , Sand JMB , Leeming DJ , Borthwick LA , Fisher AJ , Dufour A , Johnson SR
Published: May 2024

Rationale

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare cystic lung disease driven by nodules containing TSC2-/-‘LAM cells’ and recruited LAM associated fibroblasts (LAFs). Although rapamycin reduces lung function loss, some patients continue to decline meaning additional therapies are needed.

Objectives

To investigate how the LAM nodule environment affects LAM cell proliferation and the response to rapamycin.

Methods

Changes in advanced LAM were identified using shotgun proteomics and immunohistochemistry in tissue from carefully phenotyped patients. Genes potentially associated with rapamycin insensitivity of cells grown on LAF-derived extracellular matrix were identified by RNA sequencing and validated using repurposed pharmacologic inhibitors.

Main Results

More advanced disease was associated with increasing nodules adjacent to lung cysts and greater decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) when treated with rapamycin (p=0.005). In late-stage LAM, proteomics identified upregulation of pathways associated with accumulation of activated fibroblasts, including extracellular matrix deposition, glucose metabolism and the actin cytoskeleton. Picrosirius red staining and immunohistochemistry confirmed deposition of extracellular matrix within LAM nodules. The growth of TSC2-/-model LAM cells was increased on LAF-derived extracellular matrix (LAF ECM), and incompletely supressed by rapamycin (p<0.0001). RNA sequencing of cells grown on LAF ECM identified upregulation of pathways driving cell cycle control, transcription and metabolism in cells. Tractable, pro-proliferative, rapamycin insensitive genes includedCDK7,GAS6andPLAU.Repurposed inhibitors of these pathways inhibited LAM cell proliferation and enhanced the anti-proliferative effect of rapamycin.

Conclusions

Extracellular matrix deposited by LAM associated fibroblasts upregulates expression of genes which potentially blunt the response to rapamycin, but offer additional therapeutic opportunities for patients with established LAM.
High-throughput phenotyping of soybean transpiration response curves to rising atmospheric drying in a mapping population
Authors: Monnens Daniel , McCoy Erik , Tamang Bishal G. , Lorenz Aaron J. , Sadok Walid
Published: May 2024

In soybean, limiting whole-plant transpiration rate (TR) response to increasing vapor pressure deficit (VPD) has been associated with the ‘slow-wilting’ phenotype and with water- conservation enabling higher yields under terminal drought. Despite the promise of this trait, it is still unknown whether it has a genetic basis in soybean, a challenge limiting the prospects of breeding climate-resilient varieties. Here we present the results of a first attempt at a high- throughput phenotyping of TR and stomatal conductance response curves to increasing VPD conducted on a soybean mapping population consisting of 140 recombinant inbred lines (RIL). This effort was conducted over two consecutive years, using a controlled-environment, gravimetric phenotyping platform which enabled characterizing 900 plants for these responses, yielding regression parameters (R2from 0.92 to 0.99) that were used for genetic mapping. Several quantitative trait loci (QTL) were identified for these parameters on chromosomes (Ch) 4, 6 and 10, including a VPD-conditional QTL on Ch 4 and a ‘constitutive’ QTL controlling all parameters on Ch 6. This study demonstrated for the first time that canopy water use in response to rising VPD has a genetic basis in soybean, opening novel avenues for identifying alleles enabling water conservation under current and future climate scenarios.