bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oscillatory cortico-cortical connectivity during tactile discrimination between dynamic and static stimulation
Authors: Wang Wenjie , Liu Yuan , Wang Guoyao , Cheng Qian , Ming Dong 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Fine sensory modalities play an essential role in perceiving the world. However, little is known about how the cortico-cortical distinguishes between dynamic and static tactile signals. This study investigated oscillatory connectivity during a tactile discrimination task of dynamic and static stimulation via electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings and the fast oscillatory networks across widespread cortical regions. While undergoing EEG recordings, the subject felt an electro-tactile presented by a 3-dot array. Each block consisted of 3 forms of stimulation: Spatio-temporal (dynamic), Spatial (static), and Control condition (lack of electrical stimulation). The average event-related potential for the Spatial and Spatio-temporal conditions exhibited statistically significant differences between 25 and 75, 81 and 121, 174 and 204 and 459 and 489 ms after stimulus onset. Based on those times, the sLORETA approach was used to reconstruct the inverse solutions of EEG. Source localization appeared superior parietal at around 25 to 75 ms, in the primary motor cortex at 81 to 121 ms, in the central prefrontal cortex at 174 to 204 and 459 to 489 ms. To better assess spectral brain functional connectivity, we selected frequency ranges with correspondingly significant differences: for static tactile stimulation, these are concentrated in the Theta, Alpha, and Gamma bands, whereas for dynamic stimulation, the relative energy change bands are focused on the Theta and Alpha bands. These nodes’ functional connectivity analysis (phase lag index) showed 3 distinct distributed networks. A tactile information discrimination network linked the Occipital lobe, Prefrontal lobe, and Postcentral gyrus. A tactile feedback network linked the Prefrontal lobe, Postcentral gyrus, and Temporal lobe. A dominant motor feedforward loop network linked the Parietal cortex, Prefrontal lobe, Frontal lobe, and Parietal cortex. Processing dynamic and static tactile signals involves discriminating tactile information, motion planning, and cognitive decision processing.
A U-turn wiring technique for reverse-angled branches adjacent to ectasia: a case series
Authors: Yamaguchi Masashi , Tanaka Yutaka , Sato Daisuke , Saito Shigeru 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
The reverse-wiring technique (RWT) using a hairpin-bend wire is useful for percutaneous coronary intervention of a bifurcation lesion with an extremely angulated side branch (SB); however, it is not necessarily effective in some anatomical situations. We report a novel SB wiring technique, the U-turn wiring technique (UWT), that is useful for wiring an extremely angled SB proximal to the ectasia.

Case summary
In the first case, the bare wire took a U-turn in the ectasia of the diagonal branch and crossed towards the angled left anterior descending artery, but a coronary dissection occurred in the diagonal branch due to the continuous wire-pushing force. Therefore, in the second case, we used a microcatheter with distal flexibility to prevent guidewire-induced vessel injury at the ectasia site and safely advanced the wire to the distal portion of the extremely angulated SB.

Discussion
The UWT takes advantage of the ectasia as a space to U-turn the guidewire. The UWT does not require a hairpin-bend guidewire or a dual-lumen catheter. The guidewire can be easily pushed forward through a reversed SB. After successful wire insertion, the guidewire can be easily advanced deep into the side branch. The UWT facilitates wire crossing to a reverse-angled branch utilizing the coronary ectasia anatomy through a simple manipulation.
Increased cardiovascular morbidity and reduced life expectancy in a large Italian cohort of patients with resistance to thyroid hormone β (RTHβ)
Authors: Campi Irene , Censi Simona , Prodam Flavia , Petrone Luisa , Brigante Giulia , Porcelli Tommaso , Ruggeri Rosaria Maddalena , Vigone Maria Cristina , Rurale Giuditta , Lio Serafino , Pelusi Carla , Persani Luca 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
Decreased survival and higher cardiovascular morbidity have been recently reported in a UK cohort of 61 RTHβ patients, but there is no evidence from other countries.

Design
Retrospective cohort study from an historical group of 284 Italian RTHβ patients, diagnosed between 1984 and 2023.

Methods
We collected data on diagnosis of 284 cases and longitudinal data of 249 RTHβ who carried heterozygous pathogenic variants in the THRB gene. We studied how thyroid function and recognized risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as hypertension and diabetes, affected overall mortality and major cardiovascular events.

Results
The cumulative prevalence of sinus/supraventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation was 40% and 18%, respectively. FT4 values 57% higher than the upper limit of normal were associated with premature cardiovascular manifestations. Major cardiovascular events (MACEs) occurred in RTHβ patients at a median age (IQR) of 59.4 years (50.4-66.4) and early mortality resulted in a mean of 11 years of life lost. While at univariable analysis hypertension, dyslipidemia, high fasting glucose/diabetes were also associated with MACEs, at multivariable analysis only age at diagnosis, increased fT4 levels, and male gender remained significantly associated with MACEs and age at diagnosis and higher fT4 levels with mortality. Previous thyroidectomy or radioiodine therapy had no statistically significant effect in the prevention of major cardiovascular events or all-cause mortality.

Conclusions
These data should raise the general awareness on the cardiovascular risk and prompt a proactive cardiovascular monitoring in RTHβ, especially in men and those with fT4 levels above 30 pmol/L.
Characterization of Aeromonas salmonicida mesophilic isolates from Alberta (Canada) allows the development of a more sensitive Dictyostelium discoideum predation test
Authors: St-Laurent Rébecca E , Vincent Antony T , Paquet Valérie E , Leduc Gabrielle R , Lorenc Natalia , Ronholm Jennifer , Liu Xiaoji , Charette Steve J 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Aeromonas salmonicida is studied using Dictyostelium discoideum as a model host, with predation resistance measured as a key parameter. Aeromonas salmonicida mesophilic isolates exhibit inconclusive results with the amoebic model. This study focuses on new mesophilic isolates (S24-S38, S26-S10, and S28-S20) from Alberta, Canada, and introduces an improved predation test method. Phylogenetic analysis reveals two subgroups, with S24-S38 and S26-S10 clustering with the subspecies pectinolytica from Argentina, and S28-S20 with strains from India (Y567) and Spain (AJ83), showcasing surprising mesophilic strain diversity across geographic locations. Predation tests were carried out with various mesophilic and psychrophilic strains of A. salmonicida, including Alberta isolates. The amoeba cell lines used were DH1-10 and AX2. Although the mesophilic isolates were very resistant to predation by the amoeba DH1-10, some lost this resistance to the AX2 strain, which appeared more voracious in the conditions tested. In addition, when diluting the culture medium used in a predation test with AX2, a loss of the capacity to predation resistance was observed for all the mesophilic isolates, including the highly resistant S28-S20 isolate. This study provides insights into the predation resistance of A. salmonicida isolates and offers avenues for better characterizing mesophilic isolates.
Understanding the Prevalence and Risk Factor Profile of Olfactory Impairment and Its Impact on Patient Health Indicators and Economic Outcomes in Community-Dwelling Older Asian Adults
Authors: Man Ryan E K , Wong Chiew Meng Johnny , Gupta Preeti , Fenwick Eva K , Aravindhan Amudha , Teo Neville Wei Yang , Charn Tze Choong , Forde Ciaran , Lamoureux Ecosse L 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives
There is a paucity of data on the prevalence, risk factors, and impact of olfactory impairment (OI) on key health indicators and economic outcomes in Asian populations. We aimed to address these gaps in a population of community-dwelling older adults.

Research Design and Methods
We included 2 101 participants (mean age ± standard deviation [SD]: 72.9 ± 8.1 years; 55.1% women) from the baseline assessment of the Population Health and Eye Disease Profile in Elderly Singaporeans (PIONEER) study (2017–2022). Any OI was based on a score of &lt;11 on the 16-item identification segment of the Sniffin’ Sticks test battery; subcategorized into hyposmia (score 9–10) and anosmia (score ≤8). Sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle risk determinants, health indicators (health-related quality of life, depressive symptoms, daily caloric intake, frailty, and cognitive impairment), and economic outcomes (healthcare expenditure, productivity loss) were assessed via standardized clinical testing and validated questionnaires. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were utilized to explore the risk factor profile of OI across its severity spectrum and its impact on health indicators and economic outcomes.

Results
The census-adjusted prevalence of any OI, hyposmia, and anosmia were 34.0%, 20.5%, and 13.5%, respectively. Older age and male gender were associated with increased likelihood of hyposmia and anosmia, while the presence of diabetes and &gt;4 days/week alcohol consumption were associated with increased odds of having anosmia only (all p &lt; .05). Both hyposmia and anosmia were also associated with more than twofold increased odds of having CI.

Discussion and Implications
Over a third of our community-dwelling older Singaporean population had OI, with 1-in-10 experiencing total olfaction loss. Those with OI had more than double the odds of having CI, regardless of its severity. Our results suggest the importance of community-based programs aimed at detecting and delaying the progression of OI in high-risk individuals.
ModelBark: a toy model to study bark formation in woody species
Authors: Gutiérrez-Climent Álvaro , Nuño Juan Carlos , López de Heredia Unai , Soto Álvaro 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The study of growth of woody species is a challenging issue, primarily due to the complexity of the involved processes, which span broad spatial and temporal scales. Very often, this latter aspect almost precludes complete experimentation, thereby hindering the comparison between theoretical predictions and real-world observations. Computer simulations offer an alternative approach, allowing for data collection based on theoretical assumptions, and has been applied to the analysis of different features in plant development, as the production of secondary vascular tissues, xylem and phloem, in woody plants. However, the simulation of bark development faces added difficulties, due to the scarcity of experimental observations to base the model on. In this article, we introduce a computer model designed to simulate bark formation based on mechanical stimuli acting on the various types of cells comprising this tissue. Our model can be conceptualized as a cellular automaton of variable size with non-local updating rules. By adjusting the parameters defining the model, we investigate the most influential factors in bark development, obtaining the most common bark types observed in trees. Furthermore, we provide an intuitive interface, making it suitable for educational purposes as well.
Amikacin treatment in patients with Enterobacterales bacteraemia: impact of MIC on mortality
Authors: Zohar Iris , Ben David Debby , Schwartz Orna , Pomerantz Adam , Caliari Gabriel , Hoffman Elinoar , Maor Yasmin 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Recently, breakpoints of Enterobacterales to amikacin were changed from MIC ≤ 16 mg/L to MIC ≤ 4 mg/L based mainly on laboratory data with little supporting clinical evidence. Our aim was to investigate the relation between MIC of Enterobacterales to amikacin and mortality among patients with Enterobacterales bacteraemia from a urinary tract source treated with amikacin.

Patients and methods
This retrospective, single-centre study included patients with Enterobacterales urinary source bacteraemia treated with amikacin, with Low (MIC ≤ 4 mg/L) and High (MIC 8 or 16 mg/L) MICs. A cohort of patients treated with ertapenem was used to assess if amikacin MIC is a marker of severity independent of antimicrobial treatment. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was done to assess risk factors for mortality.

Results
We included 85 patients, 46 (54.1%) were male, and mean age was 79.0 years (SD 11.7). Sixty-one patients (71.8%) had Low MIC and 24 (28.2%) had High MIC. Thirty-day mortality was 8.2% and 29.2% in the Low and High MIC groups, respectively (P = 0.031). Risk factors for 30-day mortality were age, infection by Enterobacterales other than Escherichia coli and high amikacin MIC. In a cohort of 88 patients treated with ertapenem, amikacin MIC was not associated with 30-day mortality.

Conclusions
We demonstrated a relation between higher amikacin MIC levels (8 and 16 mg/L) and increased 30-day mortality in patients treated with amikacin for bacteraemia secondary to a urinary source. These findings support the new CLSI breakpoint change of Enterobacterales to amikacin.
Adopting prospective antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) practice in high-risk immunosuppressed groups: an urgent call to action in the era of antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
Authors: Agrawal S , Bapat A , Amos J , Howes E , Ashfield T 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Life-saving immunosuppressive treatments including intensive chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation expose patients to a considerable risk of death from infection globally. With evolving AMR and transmission, this could spell disaster for patients across the world and society at large. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) and prompt appropriate management of potentially fatal, emergent infections are essential. It is now apparent that antibacterial prophylaxis in patients with haematological cancer may not provide survival benefit while simultaneously increasing risks for AMR carriage.
With evolving AMR and increasing immunosuppressed populations across the world, we must institute robust AMS practices. Significant resources are used to combat the impact of AMR on immunosuppressed patients. For lower-middle income countries (LMICs) these resources may not be available and as such the impact caused by AMR is greater. By considering the patient journey holistically we consider risk of infection presented to patients temporally and geographically. A short-term and easy to implement approach of multi-disciplinary team (MDT)-style advance care planning for infection is advocated.
Antimicrobials, when used appropriately, enable healthcare procedures to occur and exist. Indeed, the very future of clinical medicine will rely on this yet to be realized value of enablement. Proactive effort and change must occur across all sectors with holism; hence our impetus for convening a joint industry and clinical working group. With at-risk immunosuppressed groups being a sentinel for change, awareness and implementation of patient-centric actions for infection are essential and our recommendations serve as an urgent call to action.
Effects of different culture salinities on the growth and muscle quality of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus)
Authors: Jia Yongkang , Du Jia , Xi Rujuan , Zhang Qi , Li Li , Li Dapeng , Takagi Yasuaki , Zhang Xi 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) is an economically important farmed fish. This experiment was conducted to study the effects of different culture salinities on the growth and muscle quality of grass carp. We found that salinity of 0 to 5 had no significant effect on the growth of grass carp, but it significantly decreased at salinities above 5. Compared to salinity 0, the protein content of serum was significantly higher at salinities of 3 and 5. However, all serum biochemical compound measured, except glucose and total protein, decreased significantly at salinity 9. Muscle textural properties of grass carp were significantly higher at salinities of 3 and 5 than at 0, 7, and 9. Salinities of 0 to 3 had no significant effect on muscle nutrition of grass carp, but this parameter tended to decrease at salinities above 7. Salinities of 3 and 5 significantly favored muscle growth and expression of collagen-related genes, whereas the opposite was true for salinities of 7 and 9. These results indicated that grass carp grew normally at salinities of 3 and 5, with some improvement in muscle quality, whereas salinities of 7 and 9 had a negative effect on growth and quality. Therefore, appropriate salinity levels can help to improve the muscle quality of grass carp without affecting their growth.
Long-term outcomes in patients with advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma treated with hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy
Authors: Cowzer Darren , Soares Kevin , Walch Henry , Gönen Mithat , Boucher Taryn M , Do Richard K G , Harding James J , Varghese Anna M , Reidy-Lagunes Diane , Saltz Leonard , Connell Louise C , Abou-Alfa Ghassan K , Wei Alice C , Schultz Nikolaus , Kingham T Peter , D’Angelica Michael I , Drebin Jeffrey A , Balachandran Vinod , Sanchez-Vega Francisco , Kemeny Nancy E , Jarnagin William R , Cercek Andrea 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Hepatic artery infusion of chemotherapy has demonstrated disease control and suggested improvement in overall survival in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. We report herein the long-term results and role of molecular alterations of a phase II clinical trial of hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy plus systemic chemotherapy, with a retrospective cohort of patients treated with hepatic artery infusion at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Methods
This is a secondary analysis of a single-institution, phase II trial, and retrospective cohort of unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma treated with hepatic artery infusion floxuridine plus systemic gemcitabine and oxaliplatin. The primary aim was to assess long-term oncologic outcomes. A subset underwent tissue-based genomic sequencing, and molecular alterations were correlated with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival.

Results
A total of 38 patients were treated on trial with a median follow-up of 76.9 months. Median PFS was 11.8 months (95% confidence interval [CI] = 11 to 15.1 months). The median overall survival was 26.8 months (95% CI = 20.9 to 40.6 months). The 1-, 2-, and 5-year overall survival rate was 89.5%, 55%, and 21%, respectively. Nine (24%) patients received hepatic artery infusion with mitomycin C post-floxuridine progression with an objective response rate of 44% and a median PFS of 3.93 months (95% CI = 2.33 months to not reached). A total of 170 patients not treated on the clinical trial were included in a retrospective analysis. Median PFS and overall survival were 7.93 months (95% CI = 7.27 to 10.07 months) and 22.5 months (95% CI = 19.5 to 28.3 months), respectively. Alterations in the TP53 and cell-cycle pathway had a worse PFS to hepatic artery infusion–based therapy compared with wild-type disease.

Conclusion
In locally advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, hepatic artery infusion with floxuridine in combination with systemic therapy can offer long-term durable disease control. Molecular alterations may predict for response.
Synchronous cesarean delivery and revision of infected ventral hernia repair mesh in a complex abdominal wall
Authors: Bender Tiffany , Owen Parker , Johnson Kristopher , Sorrell Matthew , Rodel Rachel 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Ventral hernias are a common abdominal wall defect vulnerable to the gravid abdomen’s physiological changes. This case report describes a 38-year-old gravida 3 para 2002 female with a complex abdominal surgical history and a chronic infection of the abdominal wall at the site of prior hernia repair with mesh. She was managed conservatively with antibiotics until delivery. Abdominal wall debridement and repair was coordinated with her 39-week cesarean, which allowed for a successful delivery of her infant paralleled with surgical management of the infected mesh.
Multiple fractures after low-energy trauma in an immunosuppressed lung transplant patient with severe osteoporotic bone texture—a challenge for traumatology and osteology
Authors: Andresen Julian Ramin , Direder Martin , Widhalm Harald K 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Patients before and after lung transplantation often have osteoporosis with existing and recent symptomatic insufficiency fractures, which reduce the quality of life and increase general morbidity and mortality. Due to the reduced bone quality with a significantly increased fracture risk, even low-energy trauma results in the risk of acquiring multiple and complex fractures. The rarefied bone substance can be very challenging for subsequent osteosynthetic treatment. Antiosteoporotic medication is always necessary, and osteoanabolic therapy should be discussed in such cases. In the following, we report about the successful osteosynthetic treatment of an immunosuppressed patient with multiple fractures after a fall from low height. To support fracture healing with antiosteoporotic drug therapy, the patient was switched from antiresorptive to osteoanabolic medication, which resulted in complete fracture consolidation over the course of 6 months. There were also no new insufficiency fractures during this period; however, no improvement in bone density was achieved.
Hyperspectral imaging for chloroplast movement detection
Authors: Hermanowicz Paweł , Łabuz Justyna 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
We employed hyperspectral imaging to detect chloroplast positioning and assess its influence on common vegetation indices. In low blue light, chloroplasts move to cell walls perpendicular to the direction of the incident light. In high blue light, chloroplasts exhibit the avoidance response, moving to cell walls parallel to the light direction. Irradiation with high light resulted in significant changes in leaf reflectance and the shape of the reflectance spectrum. Using mutants with disrupted chloroplast movements, we found that blue light-induced changes in the reflectance spectrum are mostly due to chloroplast relocations. We trained machine learning methods in the classification of leaves according to the chloroplast positioning, based on the reflectance spectra. The convolutional network showed low levels of misclassification of leaves irradiated with high light even when different species were used for training and testing, suggesting that reflectance spectra may be used to detect chloroplast avoidance in heterogeneous vegetation. We also examined the correlation between chloroplast positioning and values of indices of normalized-difference type for various combinations of wavelengths and identified an index sensitive to chloroplast positioning. We found that values of some of the vegetation indices, including those sensitive to the carotenoid levels, may be altered due to chloroplast rearrangements.