bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Successful Treatment of SIADH after Removal of Ruptured Breast Implants
Authors: Thuerlimann Alice C. , Morel Jeremy , Martin Pierre-Yves , Kalbermatten Daniel F.
Published: February 2024

Local adverse reactions to breast implants and systemic reactions, mostly autoinflammatory, are numerously described in the literature. A patient presented at our institution with severe neurologic symptoms, including confusion and phasic troubles due to severe hyponatremia as part of syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). Common etiologies for SIADH, primarily malignancy and central nervous system disturbances, have been ruled out by imaging. On the computed tomography scan of the thorax and abdomen, several masses were found in the pectoral region, inferior to the sternum and in the left axilla that were biopsied and verified as silicone. While evaluating the patient’s medical history, the patient remembered having undergone breast augmentation with silicone implants several decades ago. The only explanation left for the persisting SIADH was her ruptured silicone implants, causing an inflammatory systemic reaction. Literature was searched, and one abstract was found, in which a woman presenting with SIADH was treated successfully after removal of her silicone breast implants. We offered the same treatment to our patient, and siliconomas were removed through a bilateral inframammary approach as well as axillary on the left. There were no complications encountered. Postoperatively, the patient’s hyponatremia improved and normalized 1 month later even without hydric restriction. This potential form of etiology and treatment of SIADH is a novelty in the medical literature. Surgical removal of dispersed silicone is presumed to be the cure for this syndrome. It represents a diagnosis of exclusion after more life-threatening causes, such as central nervous system disturbances and malignancies, have been ruled out.
ASK1/p38 axis inhibition blocks the release of mitochondrial “danger signals” from hepatocytes and suppresses progression to cirrhosis and liver cancer
Authors: Peng Zhenwei , Wei Guangyan , Huang Pinzhu , Matta Heansika , Gao Wen , An Ping , Zhao Shuangshuang , Lin Yi , Tan Li , Vaid Kahini , Skelton-Badlani Disha , Nasser Imad , Budas Grant , Lopez David , Li Li , Breckenridge David , Myers Rob , McHutchison John , Kuang Ming , Popov Yury V.
Published: February 2024

Background and Aims:

Apoptosis Signal–regulating Kinase 1 (ASK1) is activated by various pathological stimuli and induces cell apoptosis through downstream p38 activation. We studied the effect of pharmacological ASK1 inhibition on cirrhosis and its sequelae using comprehensive preclinical in vivo and in vitro systems.

Approach and Results:

Short-term (4–6 wk) and long-term (24–44 wk) ASK1 inhibition using small molecule GS-444217 was tested in thioacetamide-induced and BALB/c.Mdr2−/− murine models of cirrhosis and HCC, and in vitro using primary hepatocyte cell death assays. Short-term GS-444217 therapy in both models strongly reduced phosphorylated p38, hepatocyte death, and fibrosis by up to 50%. Profibrogenic release of mitochondrial DAMP mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid from dying hepatocytes was blocked by ASK1 or p38 inhibition. Long-term (24 wk) therapy in BALBc.Mdr2−/− model resulted in a moderate 25% reduction in bridging fibrosis, but not in net collagen deposition. Despite this, the development of cirrhosis was effectively prevented, with strongly reduced p21+ hepatocyte staining (by 72%), serum ammonia levels (by 46%), and portal pressure (average 6.07 vs. 8.53 mm Hg in controls). Extended ASK1 inhibition for 44 wk in aged BALB/c.Mdr2−/− mice resulted in markedly reduced tumor number and size by ~50% compared to the control group.

Conclusions:

ASK1 inhibition suppresses the profibrogenic release of mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid from dying hepatocytes in a p38-dependent manner and protects from liver fibrosis. Long-term ASK1 targeting resulted in diminished net antifibrotic effect, but the progression to liver cirrhosis and cancer in BALBc/Mdr2

−/−
mice was effectively inhibited. These data support the clinical evaluation of ASK1 inhibitors in fibrotic liver diseases.
Strategies and Application of Compression Sutures With a Modified Technique for Rapid Resolution of Large (Grade III) Hydrops: A Prospective Interventional Study
Authors: Daza Jessica , Ramappa Muralidhar , Murthy Somasheila , Chaurasia Sunita
Published: February 2024

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to describe the strategies and outcomes, with a modified technique, of compression sutures in large acute hydrops.

Methods:

This was a prospective interventional study in 29 eyes of 28 patients who underwent compression sutures using a modified technique. The degree of resolution after surgical intervention was quantified by 3 masked observers, using the slit-lamp photographic documentation and optical coherence tomography. The degree of resolution, best-corrected visual acuity, and complications were analyzed.

Results:

The mean age was 20.89 (7–46) years. Five patients had pellucid marginal degeneration (pellucid marginal corneal degeneration), 23 had keratoconus, and 1 had posttrauma hydrops. The preoperative visual acuity was hand motions in all eyes. The reduction in edema was 76% on day 1, 91.6% on 6 ± 2 days, 98.6% on 18 ± 3 days from surgical intervention. The baseline pachymetry assessed on optical coherence tomography was beyond measurement in 26 eyes. The mean pachymetry at day 1 was 704 μm (range 480–950) which reduced to 607 (range 422–850) microns at 6 ± 2 days and 518 (range 415–718) microns at 18 ± 3 days postintervention (P < 0.0001). The mean duration between the surgery and complete suture removal was 48 (35–68) days. No suture-related complications were noted. Twenty eyes could attain good visual rehabilitation with glasses/contact lenses (vision could not be assessed in 5 eyes). Penetrating keratoplasty was performed on 1 patient.

Conclusions:

Compression sutures using the modified technique was safe and effective in the rapid resolution of acute hydrops in keratoconus and pellucid marginal corneal degeneration. No complications were noted, and visual restoration with spectacles and contact lenses was satisfactory.
Disseminated Mycobacterial Infection With Reactive Polyarthritis (Poncet’s Disease) During Immune-suppressive Treatment Including Ustekinumab for Pediatric Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Minotti Chiara , Costenaro Paola , Donà Daniele , Zuliani Monica , Bosa Luca , Leon Alberta , Perilongo Giorgio , Gaio Paola , Martini Giorgia , Cananzi Mara
Published: February 2024

Background:

The incidence of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease is increasing. tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors medicines improved the prognosis of affected subjects. Nonetheless, a proportion of patients do not respond or lose response to treatment. Newer biologics, like ustekinumab, have been approved for adults. The pediatric off-label use of these drugs is increasing, despite limited safety evidence. We report a case of disseminated mycobacterial infection (MI) presenting with reactive polyarthritis (Poncet’s disease, PD) in a girl with Crohn’s disease receiving various immunosuppressants, including ustekinumab.

Case Report:

A 12-year-old girl with Crohn’s disease was admitted for acute-onset migratory polyarthritis of large and small joints and opioid-resistant pain. She had recently received adalimumab and methotrexate and was currently under treatment with ustekinumab. She was vaccinated with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin and screened for tuberculosis before starting immunosuppressants. Interferon-gamma release assay, Mantoux test and chest computed tomography scan were negative. Disseminated MI with PD was diagnosed following positive cultures for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in blood and intestinal biopsies (with negative in synovial fluid and gastric aspirate). Whole-exome sequencing did not identify any genetic susceptibility to MI. Antituberculosis treatment eradicated MI.

Conclusions:

Children with inflammatory bowel disease receiving combination immunosuppressive treatments including tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors and anti-IL-12/23 agents are at higher risk for MI. Disseminated MI should be considered and ruled out in these patients when presenting with pulmonary, extrapulmonary or unusual clinical manifestations, like PD. The collection of multiple specimens (including intestinal biopsies) for mycobacterial culture is recommended when mycobacterial disease is suspected.
Clinical outcomes and rotational stability after implantation of a monofocal toric intraocular lens with textured haptics in normal vs high axial lengths
Authors: Brar Sheetal , Ganesh Sri , Karegowda Manjushree
Published: February 2024

Purpose:

To compare the clinical outcomes and rotational stability after implantation of a toric intraocular lens (IOL) with textured haptics in eyes with normal vs high axial lengths (ALs).

Setting:

Nethradhama Superspeciality Eye Hospital, Bangalore, India.

Design:

2-arm, retrospective comparative study.

Methods:

This retrospective study included 114 eyes of 114 patients who underwent femtolaser cataract surgery followed by implantation of the HOYA Vivinex Toric monofocal IOL (Model XY1A-SP), of which 62 and 52 eyes belonged to normal (≤23.9 mm) and high (≥24 mm) AL groups, respectively. 1 week and 3 months postoperatively, clinical outcomes and rotational stability of the toric IOL was evaluated.

Results:

3 months postoperatively, % eyes achieving refractive astigmatism accuracy within ≤0.50 diopter, was 100% (n = 62) in the normal vs 94% (n = 49) in the high AL group. All eyes that is, 100% (n = 62) in the normal and 96.15% (n = 50) eyes in the high myopia group were <5 degrees of the intended axis. The mean change in postoperative rotation from 1 week to 3 months was 0.28 ± 0.09 degrees in the normal, and 0.30 ± 1.11 degrees in the high AL group (P = .80). No significant correlation was observed between AL and white-to-white diameter with 1-week postoperative rotation values. No eye required repositioning of toric IOL for significant misalignment.

Conclusions:

No significant differences were observed for clinical outcomes and postoperative rotational stability between eyes with normal and high ALs, suggesting excellent rotational stability of the Vivinex Toric IOL with textured haptics in all eyes, irrespective of the preoperative AL measurements.
The effect of slow-release vaginal dinoprostone on maternal and fetal oxidative stress in term pregnancies complicated by oligohydramnios: Prospective cohort study
Authors: Yilmaz Gamze , Neselioglu Salim , Aydogdu Fatma Ece , Erel Ozcan , Uzunlar Ozlem , Moraloglu Tekin Ozlem
Published: February 2024

Background:

To evaluate changes in oxidant status using thiol/disulfide homeostasis in mothers and fetuses after induction of labor with slow-release vaginal dinoprostone inserts.

Methods:

A total of 70 pregnant women were divided into two groups. Thirty-five women in whom labor was induced with slow-release vaginal dinoprostone inserts (10 mg of prostaglandin E2, group A) were compared before and after the administration. The other 35 women, who were followed up spontaneously during labor (group B), were included as a control group. Both groups were diagnosed with isolated oligohydramnios without signs of placental insufficiency. The thiol/disulfide homeostasis parameters were calculated before medical induction and after removal of the insert at the beginning of the active phase of labor. Maternal and cord blood values were measured in both groups.

Results:

Although the balance shifted to the antioxidant side after the slow-release vaginal dinoprostone insert was applied, there was no significant difference in maternal oxidative load compared to the pre-application status (5.32 ± 014/5.16 ± 0.15, p = 0.491). Despite the shift toward the antioxidant side, maternal antioxidants were still significantly lower in the group that received slow-release vaginal dinoprostone at the beginning of the active phase of labor than in the control group (295.98 ± 13.03/346.47 ± 12.04, respectively, p = 0.009). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of oxidative balance or newborn Apgar score (p > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Induction of labor with slow-release vaginal dinoprostone inserts in pregnancies with isolated oligohydramnios does not cause further oxidative stress and is safe for both mothers and neonates in terms of oxidant load by thiol/disulfide homeostasis.
Metastatic basal cell carcinoma on the neck of an elderly man
Authors: Baker Andrew , Young Peter , Heaphy Michael R. , Akers Matthew M. , Feasel Patrick
Published: February 2024

Skin cancer will affect 1 in 5 Americans by age 70 and is most common in White patients. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer, constituting roughly 80% of nonmelanoma cutaneous skin cancers with ~3.5 million cases annually. BCC is routinely treated with cutaneous excision and/or topical medications, with high cure rates for both. Despite its prevalence, BCC rarely metastasizes. In this report, we describe a case of metastatic BCC on the right neck of an elderly man. This highlights the importance of routine skin exams and rapid assessment of palpable lymphadenopathy in patients with a history of nonmelanoma skin cancer.
Work-Related Mental Health Problems in Switzerland
Authors: Scholz-Odermatt Stefan M. , Zyska Cherix Anja
Published: February 2024

Objective

The study identifies work-related risk factors that are relevant to mental health and quantifies their influence. This allows estimation of risk levels for individual workplaces and of the proportion of occupational causation in the emergence of mental health problems.

Methods

Swiss Health Survey data, containing information on several potential risk factors and health indicators that cover aspects of mental health, were used in multiple multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results

Stress was the predominant risk factor, followed by exposure to violence, unergonomic work processes, and work that conflicted with family life. Hotel and restaurant industries and health and social services had high exposure to risk factors. One of 20 workplaces was deemed high-risk based on an odds ratio >4.

Conclusions

Up to one-third of mental health problems within the active workforce may have highly predominant occupational causation.
Prevalence, Knowledge, and Perceived Impact of Urinary Incontinence in Female Collegiate Athletes
Authors: Stickley Lois , McDowell Debra
Published: February 2024

Background:

Urinary incontinence (UI) is prevalent among collegiate female athletes at much higher rates than in sedentary women. Athletes participating in high-impact sports have a greater risk of UI, which can negatively impact performance.

Objectives:

The objectives of this study were (1) to assess the prevalence of UI among female collegiate athletes, (2) to evaluate the impact of incontinence on individual function and perceived athletic performance, and (3) to determine athletes' awareness of physical therapist management of UI.

Study Design:

An observational, cross-sectional design with convenience sampling was used.

Methods:

Two hundred seventy-nine female collegiate student athletes were invited to participate in an online survey. The survey included informed consent, questions about age and athletic participation, and questions about participants' experience with UI and knowledge of pelvic floor physical therapy. Descriptive statistics were performed to identify frequencies for age and sports/athletic participation. Frequencies for all variables were used as an exploratory measure to assess sample characteristics. Pearson correlation analyses were used to examine relationships between demographic variables and survey responses.

Results:

Online surveys were received from 52 respondents. Twenty-one (40.4%) reported never experiencing UI. In those who did report UI, it was consistent with activities related to stress UI. Most respondents were not aware that physical therapists treat pelvic floor dysfunction including UI.

Conclusion:

Prevalence of UI among female college athletes was consistent with prior research. More education is needed in this population on the impact and treatment of UI, including the role of physical therapists.
My patient has a neurogenic bladder
Authors: Demarest Linda
Published: February 2024

Treatment of bladder dysfunction involves both your patient and their caregivers. The goal of treatment is to preserve renal function and to maintain continence.
Racism and Nursing Leadership in Massachusetts
Authors: Banister Gaurdia , Harris Allyssa , Masson Patricia , Dzurec Laura , Daniello Carmela , Raymond Nadia , Yactayo Jhoana , Horick Nora , Huang Weixing
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Nursing in the United States has evolved within the same historical context that has reproduced and spread racism worldwide. Nurse administrators are integral to the quality of nurses' practice and play a key role in eliminating racial injustice in places of work.

PURPOSE

Using a feminist and critical race feminist framework, this study examined Massachusetts nurses' experiences of racism in their places of work, focusing on nurse administrators' influence on the nonadministrator (staff nurse) experience of racism experiences before and after George Floyd's death.

METHODS

An investigator-developed, electronic survey was sent to Massachusetts professional nursing organizations for distribution to their members in 2021. Two hundred nineteen nurse respondents completed Likert-scale and open-ended branching logic survey questions to yield the quantitative and qualitative data analyzed for this mixed-methods study.

FINDINGS

Nurse administrators were: 1) more likely than staff nurses to state that policies and meetings to address racism and diversity, equity, and inclusion had taken place before and after George Floyd's murder; and 2) less likely than staff nurses to directly experience racism at the hands of a colleague or a superior. Nurse administrators influence staff nurses' experiences of racism.
The Impact of Moral Injury on Self-reported Work Performance in Hospital Nurses Following the Global Pandemic Surge
Authors: Callis Annette (Browning) , Saul Trisha , Bindler Ross J.
Published: February 2024

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine relationships between moral injury (MI) and self-reported nurse work performance (NWP) among hospital nurses after the COVID-19 pandemic surges.

BACKGROUND

Previously studied in the military, nurse MI became evident due to the pandemic. No previous studies have examined the impact of MI on NWP. Few studies have attended to how MI in nurses can be addressed by nursing leadership.

METHODS

A convenience sample of 191 nurses from 7 hospitals in Southern California participated in a multisite correlational survey-design study.

RESULTS

Significant levels of MI occurred in 57% (n = 114) of participants. Increased levels of MI were a significant predictor of decreased levels of self-reported NWP. Younger and less experienced nurses reported greater levels of MI.

CONCLUSIONS

This study relates MI in nurses to NWP. There is a need for further research to assist nursing administrators in ameliorating MI in nurses and in preparing for the impact of MI on the nursing workforce in future emergent situations.
Diminution of Primary Cilia in the Stromal Cells at the Tumor-stromal Interface Correlates With an Aggressive Tumor Biology in the Urothelial Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder
Authors: Kapaganti Vamsi K. , Purkait Suvendu , Nayak Prasant , Biswas Dipanwita , Mohamedali Rasheeda , Adhya Amit K. , Mitra Suvradeep
Published: February 2024

Background and Aims:

Primary cilia (PC) are cellular organelles that regulate the cellular homeostasis. They are the seats of many oncogenic pathways and indirectly regulate the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and extracellular matrix, both critical for the tumor microenvironment (TME). Though there are a few studies highlighting the alteration of PC in the tumor cells of various malignancies, none depict the PC in the stromal cells in the urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder (UC), the stromal cells being an essential component of TME. Therefore, we intend to evaluate the PC in the stromal cells at the tumor-stromal interface in UC.

Methods:

Immunohistochemistry for acetylated-α-tubulin (for PC), Ki67, E-cadherin, and SNAI1 was performed in 141 cases of UC and 5 normal controls, and primary cilium: nucleus (C:N) ratio was counted in the stromal cells at the tumor-stromal interface. The C:N ratio was correlated with various clinical and histopathological parameters.

Results:

The C:N ratio showed significant diminution from normal control (mean=0.75) to low-grade UC (mean=0.24) (P=0.001) to high-grade UC (mean value=0.17) (P=0.001). There was a significant diminution of the C:N ratio from the noninvasive to invasive UC (P=0.025). The C:N ratio did not show any correlation with EMT although negatively correlated with the Ki67 index (r=−0.32; P=0.001), and a higher ratio showed a trend with a higher recurrence-free survival (P=0.07).

Conclusions:

The diminution of the PC in the stromal cells at the tumor-stromal interface is an early event and correlates with an aggressive tumor biology of UC.
Decreased Bed Mobility Function Is Associated With Postdischarge Mortality for Cancer Patients in Inpatient Rehabilitation
Authors: Roy Ishan , Marks Julia , Fram Julia , Jayabalan Prakash , Spill Gayle
Published: February 2024

Objective

The establishment of rehabilitation goals for hospitalized cancer patients depends on accurate medical prognosis and matching goals to clinical timelines. Current tools for estimating prognosis are limited. We hypothesized that bed mobility is a predictor of mortality in cancer patients admitted to inpatient rehabilitation.

Design

In a retrospective cohort of 187 subjects with nonneurologic cancer admitted to inpatient rehabilitation, Functional Independence Measure scores and 6-mo mortality were analyzed.

Results

In the cohort, survival rate was 71% at 6 mos. In univariate analysis, discharge bed mobility score (odds ratio = 0.75, 95% confidence interval = 0.61–0.90, P = 0.003), bed mobility Functional Independence Measure gain (odds ratio = 0.66, 95% confidence interval = 0.51–0.85, P = 0.002), and bed mobility Functional Independence Measure efficiency (odds ratio = 0.011, 95% confidence interval = 0.00032–0.21, P = 0.006) were inversely associated with 6-mo mortality after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation facility. In multivariate analysis with additional motor Functional Independence Measure items, only bed mobility (odds ratio = 0.73, 95% confidence interval = 0.54–0.97, P = 0.029) and grooming (odds ratio = 0.79, 95% confidence interval = 0.63–0.99, P = 0.041) were independently associated with mortality.

Conclusions

Lower discharge and lower change in bed mobility Functional Independence Measure scores are associated with mortality in cancer patients in inpatient rehabilitation. Bed mobility could serve as a clinical tool for estimating medical prognosis in hospitalized cancer patients and should be validated in prospective studies.
Efficacy of Targeted Scapular Stabilization Exercise Versus Conventional Exercise for Patients With Shoulder Pain
Authors: Tang Lan , Chen Kang , Huang Lihua , Liang Juan , Wang Man , He Lanjuan , Liu Lintao , Li Lixing , Ma Yanhong
Published: February 2024

Objective

The aim of the study is to investigate the efficacy of targeted scapular stabilization exercise in shoulder pain.

Design

This is an evaluator-blinded, multicenter, randomized controlled trial. The scapular stabilization exercise group (n = 45) received scapular stabilization exercise based on the type of scapular dyskinesis for 6 wks; the conventional exercise group (n = 45) received pendulum, wall climbing and stick exercises for 6 wks. Constant-Murley score, numerical rating scale, range of motion, type of scapular dyskinesis, lateral scapular sliding test, pectoralis minor index, scapular index, and satisfaction were assessed at baseline, 2-, 4-, and 6-wk treatment as well as a 6-wk follow-up.

Results

After a 6-wk intervention, the improvement of Constant-Murley score was greater in the scapular stabilization exercise group than in the conventional exercise group, and improvement continued at the 6-wk follow-up (F = 15.39, P < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.17). The results were also significant for numerical rating scale during activity, lateral scapular sliding test, pectoralis minor index, type of scapular dyskinesis, and satisfaction in favor of the scapular stabilization exercise group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Targeted scapular stabilization exercise is an effective intervention program that might be applied to the rehabilitation of shoulder pain.
Postbariatric Panniculectomy: Postoperative Complications by Weight Loss Surgery Type
Authors: Fahmy Joseph N. , Kong Lingxuan , Benítez Trista M. , Sanders Hayley M. , Wang Lu , Chung Kevin C.
Published: February 2024

Background:

More than 250,000 patients undergo bariatric surgery each year in the United States. Approximately 21% will undergo subsequent body contouring after massive weight loss. Patients with prior bariatric surgery are at a greater risk for complications relative to the general population. However, it is unknown whether bariatric surgery type is associated with differential complication risk after panniculectomy.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review of postbariatric patients who underwent abdominal panniculectomy at a single large quaternary care center was performed. Postoperative complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Descriptive statistics, multivariable logistic regression, and power calculations were performed.

Results:

In total, 216 patients were included. Restrictive bariatric surgery accounted for 48.6%, whereas 51.3% had a history of malabsorptive bariatric surgery. The overall rate of complications was 34.3% (restrictive, 36.2%; malabsorptive, 32.8%; P = 0.66). Wound complications were observed in 25.5% (n = 55) of patients. Systemic complications occurred in 11.1% of patients overall, with statistically similar rates between restrictive and malabsorptive groups. After adjusting for both patient and operative factors, no significant difference in total complications (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.47 to 2.85; P = 0.76), systemic complications (OR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.05 to 1.28; P = 0.10), or wound complications (OR, 2.31; 95% CI, 0.83 to 6.41; P = 0.11) was observed.

Conclusions:

Complication rates following panniculectomy in bariatric surgery patients are high and predominantly related to wound healing. No significant difference between type of bariatric surgery and complication risk was found.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, III.
Reversibility of Bicalutamide PSMA PET-Positive Gynecomastia With Androgen Deprivation Therapy
Authors: Muniz Miguel , Childs Daniel S. , Orme Jacob J. , Johnson Geoffrey B. , Sartor Oliver
Published: February 2024

A 78-year-old man receiving bicalutamide for prostate cancer was referred for a PSMA PET/CT scan to evaluate his gradually rising prostate-specific antigen level. The PSMA PET/CT revealed gynecomastia with radiotracer uptake in bilateral breast parenchyma, a known but rarely reported effect of bicalutamide monotherapy. This scan also demonstrated metastatic progression of his disease in bone and lymph nodes, and he was started on leuprolide injections. Three months after a decrease in his testosterone level, the radiotracer uptake in his breast tissue had resolved, demonstrating that PSMA-avid bicalutamide-induced gynecomastia is reversible.
18F-FAPI for Imaging Metastatic Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Neoplasm
Authors: Zhang Jing , Ke Miao , Zhao Ruiyue , Hou Peng , Wang Xinlu
Published: February 2024

We compared 18F-FAPI and 18F-FDG PET/CT findings of metastatic perivacular epitheliod cell tumor in a 23-year-old woman. Apart from showing strong uptake of a left upper lung mass that showed moderate uptake on 18F-FDG, 18F-FAPI PET/CT additionally presented hypermetabolism in diffuse multifocal lesion throughout the body. This case suggests that 18F-FAPI PET/CT might play a more beneficial role than 18F-FDG PET/CT in identifying and assessing the extent of perivascular epithelioid cell tumors.
Eosinophilic Cystitis Mimicking Malignancy on FDG PET/CT
Authors: Guo Linlin , Deng Shuang , Shen Guohua
Published: February 2024

A 64-year-old man had progressive dysuria and nocturia for 1 month. Initial MRI and CT revealed localized thickening of the bladder wall with significant enhancement. Meanwhile, the lesion showed intense FDG accumulation on the delayed PET/CT. Taken together, a malignancy was suspected. However, the pathologic findings confirmed the diagnosis of eosinophilic cystitis.
Adult Presentation of Cutaneous Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis
Authors: Robinson Elizabeth , Nawwar Ayah , Searle Julie , Lyburn Iain
Published: February 2024

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare hematological disease, more common in pediatric populations. A 26-year-old man with biopsy-proven cutaneous LCH underwent18F-FDG PET/CT systemic staging.18F-FDG PET/CT highlighted multiple sites of avid cutaneous disease within the natal cleft. Additional characteristic cystic lung disease was seen on the CT component and focal uptake in the pituitary stalk/hypothalamic region noted, a common but occult site of disease in this patient. Because of the rarity of adult-onset cutaneous LCH, guidance on management and staging is lacking.18F-FDG PET/CT is critical to baseline evaluation of systemic disease, as illustrated here.
Assessment of Laparoscopic Indocyanine Green Tracer-Guided Lymphadenectomy After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer
Authors: Huang Ze-Ning , Tang Yi-Hui , Zhong Qing , Li Ping , Xie Jian-Wei , Wang Jia-Bin , Lin Jian-Xian , Lu Jun , Cao Long-Long , Lin Mi , Tu Ru-Hong , Zheng Chao-Hui , Chen Qi-Yue , Huang Chang-Ming
Published: February 2024

Objective:

To assess the effectiveness of indocyanine green (ICG)-guided lymph node (LN) dissection during laparoscopic radical gastrectomy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in patients with LAGC.

Summary Background Data:

Studies on ICG imaging use in patients with LAGC on NAC are rare.

Methods:

Patients with gastric adenocarcinoma (clinical T2-4NanyM0) who received NAC were randomly assigned to receive ICG-guided laparoscopic radical gastrectomy or laparoscopic radical gastrectomy alone. Here, we reported the secondary endpoints including the quality of lymphadenectomy (total retrieved LNs and LN noncompliance) and surgical outcomes.

Results:

Overall, 240 patients were randomized. Of whom, 236 patients were included in the primary analysis (118 in the ICG group and 118 in the non-ICG group). In the ICG group, the mean number of LNs retrieved was significantly higher than in the non-ICG group within the D2 dissection (48.2 vs. 38.3, P <0.001). The ICG fluorescence guidance significantly decreased the LN non-compliance rates (33.9% vs. 55.1%, P =0.001). In 165 patients without baseline measurable LNs, ICG significantly increased the number of retrieved LNs and decreased the LN non-compliance rate (P <0.05). For 71 patients with baseline measurable LNs, the quality of lymphadenectomy significantly improved in those who had a complete response (P <0.05) but not in those who did not (P >0.05). Surgical outcomes were comparable between the groups (P >0.05).

Conclusions:

ICG can effectively improve the quality of lymphadenectomy in patients with LAGC who underwent laparoscopic radical gastrectomy after NAC.
A novel optimized pre-embedding antibody-labelling correlative light electron microscopy technique
Authors: Doyle Nicole , Simpson Jennifer , Hawes Philippa C. , Maier Helena J.
Published: February 2024

In the intricate environment of a cell, many studies seek to discover the location of specific events or objects of interest. Advances in microscopy in recent years have allowed for high detail views of specific areas of cells of interest using correlative light electron microscopy (CLEM). While this powerful technique allows for the correlation of a specific area of fluorescence on a confocal microscope with that same area in an electron microscope, it is most often used to study tagged proteins of interest. This method adapts the correlative method for use with antibody labelling. We have shown that some cellular structures are more sensitive than others to this process and that this can be a useful technique for laboratories where tagged proteins or viruses, or dedicated CLEM instruments are not available.
Evolutionary analysis and biological characterization of a novel alphabaculovirus isolated from Mythimna separata
Authors: Dou Tao , Gao Futao , Zhu Junhua , Wang Zihao , Yang Xifa , Hao Youwu , Song Nan , An Shiheng , Yin Xinming , Liu Xiangyang
Published: February 2024

Baculoviruses are insect-specific pathogens. Novel baculovirus isolates provide new options for the biological control of pests. Therefore, research into the biological characteristics of newly isolated baculoviruses, including accurate classification and nomenclature, is important. In this study, a baculovirus was isolated from Mythimna separata and its complete genome sequence was determined by next-generation sequencing. The double-stranded DNA genome was 153 882 bp in length, encoding 163 open reading frames. The virus was identified as a variant of Mamestra brassicae multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (MbMNPV) and designated Mamestra brassicae multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus CHN1 (MbMNPV-CHN1) according to ultrastructural analysis, genome comparison and phylogenetic analysis. Phylogenetic inference placed MbMNPV-CHN1 in a clade containing isolates of MacoNPV-A, MacoNPV-B and MbMNPV, which we have designated the Mb-McNPV group. The genomes of isolates in the Mb-McNPV group exhibited a high degree of collinearity with relatively minor differences in the content of annotated open reading frames. The development of codon usage bias in the Mb-McNPV group was affected mainly by natural selection. MbMNPV-CHN1 shows high infectivity against seven species of Lepidoptera. The yield of MbMNPV-CHN1 in the fourth- and fifth-instar M. separata larvae was 6.25×109–1.23×1010 OBs/cadaver. Our data provide insights into the classification, host range and virulence differences among baculoviruses of the Mb-McNPV group, as well as a promising potential new baculoviral insecticide.
Newcastle disease virus regulates its replication by instigating oxidative stress-driven Sirtuin 7 production
Authors: Shokeen Kamal , Kumar Sachin
Published: February 2024

Graphical Abstract
Exploring the effects of antimicrobial treatment on the gut and oral microbiomes and resistomes from elderly long-term care facility residents via shotgun DNA sequencing
Authors: Kitamura Norikazu , Kajihara Toshiki , Volpiano Camila Gazolla , Naung Myo , Méric Guillaume , Hirabayashi Aki , Yano Hirokazu , Yamamoto Masaya , Yoshida Fumiaki , Kobayashi Tsunesaburo , Yamanashi Sari , Kawamura Tadao , Matsunaga Nobuaki , Okochi Jiro , Sugai Motoyuki , Yahara Koji
Published: February 2024

Monitoring antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and understanding the effects of antimicrobial drugs on the human microbiome and resistome are crucial for public health. However, no study has investigated the association between antimicrobial treatment and the microbiome–resistome relationship in long-term care facilities, where residents act as reservoirs of ARB but are not included in the national surveillance for ARB. We conducted shotgun metagenome sequencing of oral and stool samples from long-term care facility residents and explored the effects of antimicrobial treatment on the human microbiome and resistome using two types of comparisons: cross-sectional comparisons based on antimicrobial treatment history in the past 6 months and within-subject comparisons between stool samples before, during and 2–4 weeks after treatment using a single antimicrobial drug. Cross-sectional analysis revealed two characteristics in the group with a history of antimicrobial treatment: the archaeon Methanobrevibacter was the only taxon that significantly increased in abundance, and the total abundance of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) was also significantly higher. Within-subject comparisons showed that taxonomic diversity did not decrease during treatment, suggesting that the effect of the prescription of a single antimicrobial drug in usual clinical treatment on the gut microbiota is likely to be smaller than previously thought, even among very elderly people. Additional analysis of the detection limit of ARGs revealed that they could not be detected when contig coverage was <2.0. This study is the first to report the effects of usual antimicrobial treatments on the microbiome and resistome of long-term care facility residents.
Visualizing the M2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor activation regulated by aromatic ring dynamics
Authors: Gong Zhou , Zhang Xu , Liu Maili , Jin Changwen , Hu Yunfei
Published: February 2024

A detailed molecular understanding of the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) activation mechanism is crucial for rational drug design. Despite the growing number of GPCR structures being resolved in the inactive and activated states, the detailed molecular mechanism of how receptors transits from the inactive towards the active one upon agonist binding remains to be further understood. Herein, we performed comprehensive atomic-level simulations of the M2 muscarinic receptor (M2R) to determine how ligand binding modulates the receptor conformational dynamics. The results reveal that aromatic residue dynamics are closely associated with receptor activation. Binding of antagonists or agonists differentially alters the interacting patterns of critical aromatic residues, stabilizing them into distinct conformations. In addition, we found that the change of interaction and dynamics of the W4006.48-F3966.44pair at the transmembrane core plays an essential role in the structural transition of M2R from the inactive state into an active-like state induced by binding of the supra-physiological agonist iperoxo. Moreover, we found that the sidechain dynamics of Y2065.58is important in modulating the conformation of the intracellular cavity. Our work highlights the role of protein conformational dynamics in M2R activation, and provides new insights for future drug designs.
Discovering and exploring the hidden diversity of human gut viruses using highly enriched virome samples
Authors: Zolfo Moreno , Silverj Andrea , Blanco-Miguez Aitor , Manghi Paolo , Rota-Stabelli Omar , Heidrich Vitor , Jensen Joardan , Maharjan Sagun , Franzosa Eric , Menni Cristina , Visconti Alessia , Pinto Federica , Ciciani Matteo , Huttenhower Curtis , Cereseto Anna , Asnicar Francesco , Kitano Hiroaki , Yamada Takuji , Segata Nicola
Published: February 2024

Viruses are an abundant and crucial component of the human microbiome, but accurately discovering them via metagenomics is still challenging. Currently, the available viral reference genomes poorly represent the diversity in microbiome samples, and expanding such a set of viral references is difficult. As a result, many viruses are still undetectable through metagenomics even when considering the power of de novo metagenomic assembly and binning, as viruses lack universal markers. Here, we describe a novel approach to catalog new viral members of the human gut microbiome and show how the resulting resource improves metagenomic analyses. We retrieved >3,000 viral-like particles (VLP) enriched metagenomic samples (viromes), evaluated the efficiency of the enrichment in each sample to leverage the viromes of highest purity, and applied multiple analysis steps involving assembly and comparison with hundreds of thousands of metagenome-assembled genomes to discover new viral genomes. We reported over 162,000 viral sequences passing quality control from thousands of gut metagenomes and viromes. The great majority of the retrieved viral sequences (~94.4%) were of unknown origin, most had a CRISPR spacer matching host bacteria, and four of them could be detected in >50% of a set of 18,756 gut metagenomes we surveyed. We included the obtained collection of sequences in a new MetaPhlAn 4.1 release, which can quantify reads within a metagenome matching the known and newly uncovered viral diversity. Additionally, we released the viral database for further virome and metagenomic studies of the human microbiome.
Kinetic principles of chemical cross-link formation for protein-protein interactions
Authors: Kammer Kai-Michael , Pellarin Riccardo , Stengel Florian
Published: February 2024

Proteins play a central role in most biological processes within the cell and deciphering how they interact is key to understand their function. Cross-linking coupled to mass spectrometry is an essential tool for elucidating protein-protein interactions. Despite its importance, we still know surprisingly little about the principles that underlie the process of chemical cross-link formation itself and how it is influenced by different physico-chemical factors. To understand the molecular details of cross-link formation, we have set-up a comprehensive kinetic model and carried out simulations of protein cross-linking on large protein complexes. We dissect the contribution on the cross-link yield of parameters such as amino acid reactivity, cross-linker concentration, and hydrolysis rate. Our model can compute cross-link formation based solely on the structure of a protein complex, thereby enabling realistic predictions for a diverse set of systems. We quantitatively show how cross-links and mono-links are in direct competition and how the hydrolysis rate and abundance of cross-linker and proteins directly influence their relative formation. We show how cross-links and mono-links exist in a all-against-all competition due to their simultaneous formation, resulting in a non-intuitive network of inter-dependence. We show that this interdependence is locally confined and mainly limited to direct neighbors or residues in direct vicinity. These results enable us to identify the optimal cross-linker concentration at which the maximal number of cross-links are formed. Taken together, our study establishes a comprehensive kinetic model to quantitatively describe cross-link formation for protein-protein interactions.
A temperature-inducible protein module for control of mammalian cell fate
Authors: Benman William , Huang Zikang , Iyengar Pavan , Wilde Delaney , Mumford Thomas R. , Bugaj Lukasz J.
Published: February 2024

Inducible protein switches allow on-demand control of proteins in response to inputs including chemicals or light. However, these inputs either cannot be controlled with precision in space and time or cannot be applied in optically dense settings, limiting their application in tissues and organisms. Here we introduce a protein module whose active state can be reversibly toggled with a small change in temperature, a stimulus that is both penetrant and dynamic. This protein, called Melt (Membrane localization through temperature), exists as a monomer in the cytoplasm at elevated temperatures but both oligomerizes and translocates to the plasma membrane when temperature is lowered. The original Melt variant switched states between 28-32°C, and state changes could be observed within minutes of temperature change. Melt was highly modular, permitting thermal control over diverse processes including signaling, proteolysis, nuclear shuttling, cytoskeletal rearrangements, and cell death, all through straightforward end-to-end fusions. Melt was also highly tunable, giving rise to a library of variants with switch point temperatures ranging from 30-40°C. The variants with higher switch points allowed control of molecular circuits between 37°C-41°C, a well-tolerated range for mammalian cells. Finally, Melt permitted thermal control of cell death in a mouse model of human cancer, demonstrating its potential for use in animals. Thus Melt represents a versatile thermogenetic module for straightforward, non-invasive, spatiotemporally-defined control of mammalian cells with broad potential for biotechnology and biomedicine.
Heavy quark diffusion and radiation at intermediate momentum
Authors: Hong Juhee
Published: February 2024

Heavy quark diffusion and radiation are discussed in an intermediate-momentum regime where finite mass effects can be significant. Diffusion processes are described in the Fokker-Planck approximation for soft momentum transfer, while radiative ones are taken into account by nearly collinear gluon emission from a single scattering in the Boltzmann equation. There are also radiative corrections to the transverse momentum diffusion coefficient, which are O(g2) suppressed more than the leading-order diffusion coefficient but logarithmically enhanced. Numerical results show that the heavy quark distribution function depends on the energy loss mechanism so that the medium modifications by diffusion and radiation are distinguishable. The nuclear modification factor is estimated by employing the heavy quark diffusion coefficient which is constrained by lattice quantum chromodynamics data. The suppression factor exhibits a transition from diffusion at low momentum to radiation at high momentum. The significance of the radiative effects at intermediate momentum depends on the diffusion coefficient and the running coupling constant.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Hunting for
Xb
via hidden bottomonium decays
Xb→ππχbJ
Authors: Jia Zhao-Sai , Zhang Zhen-Hua , Qin Wen-Hua , Li Gang
Published: February 2024

In this work, we investigate the isospin breaking decay Xb→π0χbJ and the isospin conserved decay Xb→ππχbJ, where Xb is taken to be the heavy quark flavor symmetry counterpart of X(3872) in the bottomonium sector as a B*B¯ molecule candidate. Since the mass of this state may be far below the BB¯* threshold and the mass difference between the neutral and charged bottom meson is small compared to the binding energy of the Xb, the isospin-violating decay channel Xb→π0χbJ would be highly suppressed. The calculated partial width of Xb→ππχb1 is found to be about tens of keVs, 1–2 order(s) of magnitude larger than those of Xb→ππχb2 and Xb→ππχb0. Taking into account the fact that the total width of Xb may be smaller than a few MeV like X(3872), the calculated branching ratios Xb→ππχb1 may reach to orders of 10−2, which makes it a possible channel for the experimental searching of the Xb.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Determination of crossing-symmetric
ππ
scattering amplitudes and the quark mass evolution of the
σ
constrained by lattice QCD
Authors: Rodas Arkaitz , Dudek Jozef J. , Edwards Robert G. ,   for the Hadron Spectrum Collaboration
Published: February 2024

Lattice QCD spectra can be used to constrain partial-wave scattering amplitudes that, while satisfying unitarity, do not have to respect crossing symmetry and analyticity. This becomes a particular problem when extrapolated far from real energies, e.g. in the case of broad resonances like the σ, leading to large systematic uncertainties in the pole position. In this manuscript, we will show how dispersion relations can implement the additional constraints, using as input lattice-determined ππ partial-wave scattering amplitudes with isospin–0,1,2. We will show that only certain combinations of amplitude parametrizations satisfy all constraints, and that when we restrict to these, the σ pole position is determined with minimal systematic uncertainty. The evolution of the now well-constrained σ pole with varying light quark mass is presented, showing how it transitions from a bound-state to a broad resonance.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024