bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of dynamic interaction of estrous cycle and stress on synaptic transmission and neuronal excitability in the lateral habenula
Authors: Kim Woonhee , Chung ChiHye 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe prevalence of depressive disorders in women has been reported in many countries. However, the cellular mechanisms mediating such sex differences in stress susceptibility remain largely unknown. Previously, we showed that lateral habenula (LHb) neurons are more activated in female mice than in male mice by restraint stress. Given the important role of LHb in depressive disorders, we aimed to investigate the synaptic differences between male and female LHb and to examine the possible impact of the estrous cycle on neurotransmission in LHb. We found that the passive and active properties of LHb neurons differed according to the estrous cycle. Spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents exhibited higher amplitudes during the diestrus stage and lower frequencies in females than in males, whereas inhibitory postsynaptic currents showed no significant differences. Acute stress‐induced hyperpolarization of resting membrane potentials (RMP) was observed in both sexes, with notable changes in female silent and tonic neurons. Stress exposure eliminated estrous cycle‐dependent RMP differences and introduced cycle‐specific excitability changes, especially in the metestrus and diestrus stages, suggesting that the hormonal cycle may set the synaptic tone of the LHb, thus modulating stress responses in females. Our study provides invaluable groundwork for understanding the detailed interaction between the estrous cycle and stress exposure in female LHb.
Not Only Caseload but Also Patient Selection Is Predictive of Mortality After Pancreatic Resection
Authors: Mantke Rene , Seliger Barbara , Ogino Shuji , Büchler Markus W , Hunger Richard 
Published: December 2024

Background:
Centralization of pancreatic surgery in high-volume centers is regarded as a key strategy in improving the outcome quality. However, the specific factors, in addition to higher case volumes, that influence inhospital mortality remain unclear.

Methods:
In this retrospective observational study, the German nationwide diagnostic-related groups statistics were analyzed for 86,073 patients with pancreatic resections. Hospitals performing at least 50 resections per year were identified as high-volume pancreatic centers (HVPCs). Statistical analyses compared crude and adjusted estimates of inhospital mortality for patients treated in HVPCs and non-HVPCs. A generalized mixed model was used for risk adjustment, considering various factors such as age group, sex, diagnosis, and comorbidities (ClinicalTrail.gov, NCT06390891).

Results:
A total of 24.2% (n = 20,798) of all pancreatic resections were performed in 23 HVPCs. The crude inhospital mortality for all patients undergoing resection was 9.0%. Crude inhospital mortality in HVPCs was 5.5% compared with 10.1% in non-HVPCs (P < 0.001). HVPCs performed more complex resections including more concomitant procedures. On the other hand, HVPCs treated younger patients and patients with less complicated comorbidities. Statistical adjustment of comorbidities and patient characteristics resulted in a significant increase of inhospital mortality from 5.5% to 8.7% in HVPCs.

Conclusions:
HVPCs have significantly lower inhospital mortality than the other hospitals. Nevertheless, the superior quality of outcome can be attributed not only to the enhanced expertise of the centers but also, at least in part, to a healthier patient population on average. However, the extent to which this patient selection is due to active selection by the practitioners or other causes remains unclear.
The Risk of Intravenous Cement Leakage and Short-term Outcomes of Selective Cement-augmented Pedicle Screws
Authors: Takahashi Shinji , Sakai Daisuke , Ogasawara Shota , Sasaki Ryo , Uematsu Masato , Hyakumachi Takahiko , Hiyama Akihiko , Katoh Hiroyuki , Terai Hidetomi , Suzuki Akinobu , Tamai Koji , Nakamura Hiroaki , Yagi Mitsuru 
Published: December 2024

Study Design:
Multicenter retrospective cohort study.

Objective:
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of using cement-augmented pedicle screw (CAPS) fixation only for the cephalad and caudal vertebral bodies.

Summary of Background Data:
Pedicle screw fixation is less effective in patients with low-quality bone. Although CAPS fixation has shown promise in improving stability and reducing screw loosening in such cases, cement leakage can have serious consequences.

Methods:
This study included 65 patients who underwent spinal surgery using CAPS and were followed up for >3 months. Four CAPSs were used in each patient, and 254 CAPSs were included in the analysis.

Results:
Of the 65 patients, 36.9% showed intravenous cement leakage, and a low bone mineral density (BMD) was associated with a higher risk of cement leakage. The use of a CAPS on the right side was also potentially associated with a higher risk of leakage. However, the shape and location of the leaked cement remained stable over time. Screw loosening occurred in 3.5% of the CAPSs and was associated with a lower cement volume.

Conclusion:
Cement leakage was related to lower BMD. Using CAPS exclusively at the lower or upper instrumentation levels might minimize the risk of cement leakage in osteoporotic patients.
Evaluation of the effects of different mydriatic drops used on choroidal vascularity in healthy children
Authors: Soysal Gizem Gürbostan , Seyyar Sevim Ayca , Mercanlı Murat , Chiekhismailzadeh Yara , Balyemez Burçak , Çetinkaya Kübra , Kimyon Sabit 
Published: December 2024

Purpose:
To evaluate the effects of mydriatics drops used primarily in routine eye examinations on the choroid tissue, which has a dense vascular network in the eye.

Methods:
This prospective observational study included 90 eyes of 90 healthy children. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) images were obtained for all children before dilation. They were randomly divided into two groups (46/44). The tropicamide group received 0.5% tropicamide and the phenylephrine group received 2.5% phenylephrine. After dilation, a second OCT image was obtained for all children.

Results:
Subfoveal choroidal thickness (SCFT) values ​​decreased significantly after dilation in the phenylephrine and tropicamide drop groups compared to pre-dilation measurements (p=0.001 for both). No significant difference was observed in the choroidal vascularity index (CVI) values ​​measured before and after dilation in either group (p=0.059, p=0.245).

Conclusion:
While 2.5% phenylephrine and 0.5% tropicamide caused a decrease in SCFT values ​​after dilatation, there was no significant difference in CVI values. These results emphasize that when examining choroidal thickness and vascularity in individuals with chorioretinal disease, the selection of mydriatic agent should be taken into consideration, especially in choroidal thickness.
Selection of the apposite vacuum extractor during operative delivery: A biomechanical study
Authors: Hsieh Ping-Lin , Wang Peng-Hui , Ke Jyun-Cheng , Chiang Kai-Jo , Lin Chi-Kang , Chang Fung-Wei , Su Kuo-Min , Su Kuo-Chih 
Published: December 2024

Background:
Operative delivery is a technique used during vaginal or cesarean birth to facilitate the patient’s labor course through the assistance of a vacuum extractor. This method is increasingly used compared with forceps. This study aimed to investigate the forced effects of vacuum extractors comprising vacuum cups with different thicknesses on the fetal head and the vacuum extractor during vacuum-assisted delivery and to determine the optimal thickness for reducing the failure rate and minimizing neonatal and maternal morbidity.

Methods:
A biomechanical model was developed to examine the impact of vacuum cups with varying thicknesses. This simulation three-dimensional (3D) geometry model was used to evaluate hemispherical-shaped vacuum extractors made of silicone rubber having a similar cup diameter of 70 mm with varying thicknesses (1 mm to 5 mm), which were applied to the three models (flat surfaces, hemispherical balls, and fetal head). Under one boundary condition and two different loading conditions, finite element analysis was utilized to simulate the force of vacuum extractors on the fetal head during the process of operative delivery. The main observation indicators were the reaction forces of the constructed model, and von Mises stress on both the vacuum extractors and fetal head.

Results:
For the reaction forces on each axis, we found that the sum of the reaction force values on each axis was increased as the thickness of the vacuum extractor was increased, regardless of the surface type. Additionally, the reaction force of the fixed-support end was increased with the increased thickness of the vacuum extractor. The von Mises stress distributions of vacuum extractors comprising vacuum cups with different thicknesses, revealed that the thinner the cup, the greater the von Mises stress exerted on the extractor itself regardless of the surface type. The distribution of von Mises stress on the skull structure of the fetal head, showed that the thinner the cup, the greater the von Mises stress exerted on the skull structure regardless of the surface type.

Conclusion:
A thinner vacuum extractor cup may result in greater injury to the fetus; hence, a thicker vacuum extractor cup is preferably utilized during vacuum-assisted operative delivery. Using a thicker vacuum extractor should yield a higher successful delivery rate and reduce fetal injury.
Transcriptome of capsular contracture around breast implants mimics allograft rejection: a matched case-control study
Authors: Larsen Andreas , Fritz Blaine G , Weltz Tim K , Tran John V Q , Bak Erik E F , Hemmingsen Mathilde N , Ørholt Mathias , Vester-Glowinski Peter , Woetmann Anders , Litman Thomas , Bjarnsholt Thomas , Herly Mikkel 
Published: December 2024

Background:
Capsular contracture is a frequent and severe complication following breast implant surgery. Although several theories on the pathophysiology exist, the exact molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to identify the specific genes, signaling pathways, and immune cells associated with capsular contracture.

Methods:
Breast implant capsule biopsies were collected from women undergoing implant replacement after breast augmentation. Patients with capsular contracture (Baker III/IV) and healthy controls (Baker I) were included in equal numbers and matched based on implant brand, surface, plane, and rupture status. Whole transcriptome RNA-sequencing was used for gene expression profiling.

Results:
We analyzed biopsies from 51 breasts of 50 women, revealing 1,500 differentially expressed genes based on capsular contracture status. Our findings revealed that capsular contracture signaling pathways mimic allograft rejection with activation of both the innate immune system (e.g., IL1A/B, CXCl9, TREML4, CR1) and the adaptive immune system (e.g., CD80 and IFN-γ). Capsular contracture was associated with increased expression of macrophages, CD4+ T cells, B cells, and plasma cells with upregulation of several immunoglobulin genes (e.g., IGHD/IGHE). Moreover, several fibrosis-related genes were significantly upregulated (e.g., MMP1, MMP1, MMP12) and downregulated (TIMP4) in breasts with capsular contracture.

Conclusions:
The results indicate that B cells play a more crucial role in the development of capsular contracture than previously assumed. The disease mechanism resembles allograft rejection, indicating that capsular contracture is a form of immunological rejection of the breast implant.

Clinical Relevance Statement
This study identified key genes associated with capsular contracture, suggesting new drug candidates e.g., MMP1 inhibitors to improve breast implant surgery outcomes. Synergizing research on allograft rejection and capsular contracture could also lead to new treatment strategies.
Patient Perceptions of Pessaries for Treatment of Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Authors: Roberts Brittany L. , Marici Lauren , Villafuerte Ellen , Jacobs Bradley E. , Wolff Gillian F. , Rogers Rebecca G. , Dahl Jeanne Ann , Deverdis Erin C. 
Published: December 2024

Importance
A vaginal pessary is a highly effective treatment for patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Patient views of pessaries and how their beliefs affect whether they choose pessary treatment is unknown.

Objective
Our objective of this study was to describe the knowledge, understanding, and patient concerns regarding pessary use for POP management.

Study Design
We performed a qualitative study of women presenting with POP who were counseled about pessary use at their initial urogynecology visit. Participants completed interviews, which were recorded, de-identified, and transcribed. Transcriptions were coded for major themes by 2 independent researchers.

Results
Twenty patients with an average age of 63 ± 8.5 years participated. Most identified as sexually active (60%) and the majority had a high school education or less (80%). Thematic saturation was reached with themes of "Failure", "Convenience," "Self-Image," "Sexual Relations," "Cleanliness/Hygiene," "Physical Barriers," "Knowledge Deficits," and "Discomfort." Many patients not only viewed a pessary as a less invasive alternative to surgery but also considered it a temporary treatment. Many patients disliked the idea of having a “foreign body” in place and felt it may affect their hygiene. Although most patients believed it would alleviate their POP symptoms, many had concerns about sexual intercourse, discomfort, and fear that it may fall out. Most participants who were not sexually active thought a pessary would increase their sexual confidence.

Conclusions
Patient opinions about pessaries are often negative with preconceived notions surrounding utilization. Focused counseling addressing concerns and fears may improve a patient's comfort with a pessary as their choice of treatment modality.
Exploring Psychedelics Pharmacology: A Scoping Review Charting the Course of Psilocybin Pharmacokinetics
Authors: Manzano-Nunez Ramiro , Gomez Diego A. , Toledo-Mendoza Catalina , Perez-Otero Marta , Matilla Iris L. , Prats Claudia , Perez-Lopez Elena , Pardo Helmuth , Díaz-Pellicer Patricia , De La Torre-Fornell Rafael , Aldea Ana M. 
Published: December 2024

Objectives
This scoping review aimed to synthesize the existing data about psilocybin pharmacokinetics to learn what has been described regarding body disposition and safety when psilocybin was used in controlled research settings.

Methods
We performed a scoping literature review following the framework proposed by the JBI manual for evidence synthesis. Controlled clinical trials reporting pharmacokinetic data of psilocybin were considered appropriate for inclusion. We extracted the data on psilocybin pharmacokinetics and summarized it from the available literature on this topic. We also performed an exploratory-descriptive analysis using study level data to examine the relationship between dose of psilocybin and maximum serum concentrations (Cmax).

Results
We initially identified 850 articles, of which 5 were included. These trials included 112 healthy volunteers who received psilocybin in a controlled clinical setting. The peak concentration of psilocin in plasma (Cmax) ranged from 8.2 ng/mL to 37.2 ng/mL (median = 17, IQR = 11.9 to 23.5). The maximal concentrations (Cmax) of psilocin were reached (Tmax) around 2 hours, ranging from 1.7 hours to 2.2 hours (median = 2, IQR = 1.9 to 2.1) after psilocybin oral administration. Elimination half-life was between 1.2 hours and 3.3 hours (median = 2.0, IQR = 1.6 to 2.8). A strong positive relationship between dose and Cmax (R
2 = 0.95) was found. No serious adverse events were observed. We did not find studies reporting pharmacokinetic data from patients with depression or cancer patients transitioning to palliative care.

Conclusions
In summary, this review unveils oral psilocybin pharmacokinetics in healthy adults, revealing gaps in its application to target populations like those with depression or in palliative care.
Comparison of EEG Signal Characteristics of Subdural and Depth Electrodes
Authors: Alkawadri Cigdem Isitan , Yan Qi , Kocuglu Kinal Ayse Gul , Spencer Dennis D. , Alkawadri Rafeed 
Published: December 2024

Objectives:
Our study aimed to compare signal characteristics of subdural electrodes (SDE) and depth stereo EEG placed within a 5-mm vicinity in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. We report how electrode design and placement collectively affect signal content from a shared source between these electrode types.

Methods:
In subjects undergoing invasive intracranial EEG evaluation at a surgical epilepsy center from 2012 to 2018, stereo EEG and SDE electrode contacts placed within a 5-mm vicinity were identified. Of these, 24 contacts (12 pairs) met our criteria for signal-to-noise ratio and data availability for final analysis. We used Welch method to analyze the correlation of power spectral densities of EEG segments, root mean square of 1-second windows, and fast-Fourier transform to calculate coherence across conventional frequency bands.

Results:
We observed a median distance of 3.7 mm between the electrode contact pairs. Time-aware analysis highlighted the coherence's strength primarily in the high-gamma band, where the median (r) was 0.889. In addition, the median power ratios between the SDE and stereo EEG signal was 1.99. This ratio decreased from high-gamma to infra-low frequencies, with medians of 2.07 and 0.97, respectively. The power spectral densities for the stereo EEG and SDE electrodes demonstrated a strong correlation, with a median correlation coefficient (r) of 0.99 and an interquartile range from 0.915 to 0.996.

Conclusions:
Signals captured by standard subdural and depth (intracranial EEG) electrodes within a 5-mm radius exhibit band-specific coherence and are not identical. The association was most pronounced in the high-gamma band, with coherence decreasing with lower frequencies. Our findings underscore the combined effects of electrode size, design, placement, preferred bandwidth, and the nature of the activity source on signal recording. Particularly, SDE employed herein may offer advantages for high-frequency signals, but the impact of electrode size on recordings necessitates careful consideration in context-specific situations.

Significance:
The findings relate to surgical epilepsy care and may inform the design of brain–computer interface.
Red blood cell distribution width-derived indces predicts long-term prognosis in acute heart failure
Authors: Zhang Miao , Zhu Jing , Mo Degang , Yuan Shanshan , Lin Fanhui , Dai Hongyan 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundRed blood cell distribution width (RDW), a routine indicator of erythrocyte volume variability, has shown potential in recent years in the prognostic assessment of a variety of diseases, including acute heart failure (AHF). The predictive ability of RDW-derived indices, namely the hemoglobin-to-RDW ratio (HRR), the RDW-to-lymphocyte ratio (RLR), the RDW-to-platelet ratio (RPR), the RDW-to-albumin ratio (RAR), and the product of RDW and mean corpuscular volume (RDW×MCV), for the prognosis of AHF remains unclear.MethodsThe study included 4090 eligible patients in the MIMIC 3.0 database, screened variables using Lasso regression, assessed whether these derivatives independently predicted 1-year mortality from AHF by Cox proportional hazards model, and plotted survival curves and time-related ROC curves. Finally, the relationship between each indicator and outcome was analyzed by restricted cubic spline.ResultsPositive events occurred in 2085 (51%) patients with decreased HRR and increased RLR, RPR, RAR, and RDW×MCV (P<0.001).After Cox model adjustment, HRR, RPR, RAR, and RDW×MCV remained independent predictors of 1-year prognosis for AHF (RLR was not) and the relationship may be more linear. Of these, RPR had the greatest impact on survival time (HR = 1.89, 95%CI: 1.33-2.67) and RDW×MCV had the highest predictive efficacy (AUC=0.612).ConclusionRDW-derived indices HRR, RPR, RAR and RDW×MCV independently predicted 1-year mortality in AHF, and RLR had no independent predictive value.
Glycan analysis probes inspired by human lectins for investigating host-microbe crosstalk
Authors: Ghosh Soumi , Chorghade Rajeev , Diehl Roger C. , Dodge Greg J. , Bae Sunhee , Dugan Amanda E. , Halim Melanie , Wuo Michael G , Bartlett Helen , Herndon Liam , Kiessling Laura L. , Imperiali Barbara 
Published: December 2024

AbstractHuman lectins are critical carbohydrate-binding proteins that recognize diverse glycoconjugates from microorganisms and can play a key role in host-microbe interactions. Despite their importance in immune recognition and pathogen binding, the specific glycan ligands and functions of many human lectins remain poorly understood. Using previous proof-of-concept studies on selected lectins as the foundation for this work, we present ten additional glycan analysis probes (GAPs) from a diverse set of human soluble lectins, offering robust tools to investigate glycan-mediated interactions. We describe a protein engineering platform that enables scalable production of GAPs that maintain native-like conformations and oligomerization states, equipped with functional reporter tags for targeted glycan profiling. We demonstrate that the soluble GAP reagents can be used in various applications, including glycan array analysis, mucin- binding assays, tissue staining, and microbe binding in complex populations. These capabilities make GAPs valuable for dissecting interactions relevant to understanding host responses to microbes. The tools can be used to distinguish microbial from mammalian glycans, which is crucial for understanding the cross-target interactions of lectins in a physiological environment where both glycan types exist. GAPs have potential as diagnostic and prognostic tools for detecting glycan alterations in chronic diseases, microbial dysbiosis, and immune-related conditions.
MUTE drives asymmetric divisions to form stomatal subsidiary cells in Crassulaceae succulents
Authors: Cheng Xin , Lindner Heike , Hoffmann Lidia , Gomes Filho Antonio Aristides Pereira , Ruiz Duarte Paola , Boxall Susanna F , Gündogmus Yigit Berkay , Pritchard Jessica H , Haldenby Sam , Gemmell Matthew , Darby Alistair , Läderach Miro , Hartwell James , Raissig Michael T 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAmongst the evolutionary innovations of many succulents is a photosynthetic lifestyle, where stomatal gas exchange is decoupled from light-dependent carbon fixation. Stomatal complexes in the emerging succulent modelKalanchoë laxifloraconsist of two guard cells surrounded by three anisocytic subsidiary cells (SCs). Here, we show that these SCs shuttle ions and thus likely support stomatal movements. Furthermore, gene editing, reporter lines and protein overexpression implicate the stomatal transcription factor MUTE in facilitating additional rounds of asymmetric divisions that form SCs in succulents. This is opposite to the role of MUTE inArabidopsis thaliana, where it stops rather than induces asymmetric divisions, but reminiscent of MUTE’s SC-related function in grasses. Together, our work deciphers an intricate genetic mechanism that generates innovative stomatal morphology in Crassulaceae succulents.