bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional evolution of facial bristle feathers in Old World passerines
Authors: Minias Piotr , Barczyk Julia , Davaasuren Batmunkh , Erdenechimeg Tuvshinjargal , Remisiewicz Magdalena 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Many bird species have vaneless hair-like feathers in the frontal area of the head (facial bristles). Several alternative hypotheses on the functional significance of avian facial bristles have been proposed, including aid in insect capture, eye protection, and mechanosensory sensitivity. Here, we used a phylogenetically-informed comparative approach to examine functional evolution of facial bristle feathers in Old World passerines (Passeriformes). For this purpose, we quantified the number and length of facial bristles located at the base of the upper beak (upper rictal bristles) in over 1300 birds representing 73 species and 21 families, and tested for evolutionary associations of these traits with species ecology, biogeography, life history, and morphology. We found that more numerous and longer rictal bristles have evolved in association with invertivory and omnivory. The number or length of rictal bristles was also linked to aerial foraging, foraging in low vegetation, occupancy of shrubland habitats, and migration. All these evolutionary correlations suggest that avian rictal bristles may serve multiple non-exclusive functions related to insect capture and tactile sensing. Comparisons with previous research provide support for scale dependence in avian rictal bristle evolution and decoupling of evolutionary processes at different levels of phylogenetic organization.
Biodemography of Human Aging (Gompertz–Makeham Law) Applied to Surgical Mortality Modeling: A Retrospective National Cohort Study
Authors: Campbell Doug , Boyle Luke , Webb Mike , Mistry Manisha , Short Timothy G. 
Published: September 2024

Background:
The Gompertz–Makeham law describes a characteristic pattern of mortality in human populations where the death rate is near constant between ages 18 and 30 yr (Makeham law) and rises exponentially thereafter (Gompertz law). This pattern has not been described in surgical populations, but if true, it would have important implications for understanding surgical risk and design and interpretation of surgical risk models. The aim of this study was to determine whether the Gompertz–Makeham law applies to perioperative mortality risk and the conditions under which it may apply.

Methods:
This study examined the relationship between age and 1-month postoperative all-cause mortality risk in a 10-yr New Zealand administrative dataset comprising 5,615,100 surgical procedures from 2007 to 2016. The dataset includes patient and surgical factors including procedures, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA; Schaumburg, Illinois) Physical Status score, diagnoses, and other relevant details. Semilogarithmic graphs of mortality risk and age were plotted. Linear regression models were fitted, with regression line slope and Pearson correlation coefficient calculated.

Results:
The primary outcome occurred in 114,782 (2.0%) of 5,615,100 included participants. The Gompertz–Makeham law seems to apply to the national surgical population as a whole (slope = 0.0241; R
2 = 0.971). The law applies in all subgroups studied including sex, ASA Physical Status, surgical acuity, surgical severity category, cancer status, and ethnicity (slopes, 0.0066 to 0.0307; R
2, 0.771 to 0.990). Important interactions were found between age, mortality risk, and three high-risk groups (cancer diagnosis, ASA Physical Status IV to V, and high surgical severity).

Conclusions:
The Gompertz–Makeham law seems to apply in a national cohort of surgical patients. The inflection point for increased 1-month risk is apparent at age 30 yr. A strict exponential rise in mortality risk occurs thereafter. This finding improves the understanding of surgical risk and suggests a concept-driven approach to improve modeling of age and important interactions in future surgical risk models.
Pediatric Monteggia Fracture-dislocations and Their Variants: An Analysis of Outcomes and Complications Over a 10-year Period
Authors: Haft Mark , Codd Casey M. , May Catherine C. , Conroy Julia L. , Abzug Joshua M. 
Published: September 2024

Objective:
Monteggia fracture-dislocation variants have been well documented in adults, but most of the literature in the pediatric population is in the form of case reports. These injuries present differently in children due to the presence of immature radiocapitellar epiphyses and the flexibility of the joint that is more prone to subluxation, contributing to occult presentations and/or misdiagnoses. The purpose of this study is to investigate the outcomes and complications of true Monteggia fracture-dislocations compared with their variants in the pediatric population.

Methods:
A retrospective review was performed of all patients 17 years of age and younger who sustained a true Monteggia fracture-dislocation or a Monteggia fracture-dislocation variant over a 10-year period. Patient demographics, mechanisms of injury, fracture pattern, Bado and Letts classification, treatment (operative or conservative), and complications were recorded.

Results:
Of the 89 patients identified, 17 (19.1%) had true Monteggia fracture dislocations, and 72 (80.9%) had a Monteggia fracture-dislocation variant. The most common Monteggia fracture-dislocation variant was an olecranon fracture and concomitant radial neck fracture (65.3%, n = 47). Of the Monteggia fracture-dislocation variants, 83.3% (n = 60) were treated nonoperatively with closed reduction and immobilization or immobilization alone, whereas only 23.5% (n = 4) of the true Monteggia fracture-dislocation injuries were treated nonoperatively with closed reduction and immobilization. Overall, 14 (15.7%) patients had complications during the course of treatment, including 12 (16.7%) Monteggia fracture-dislocation variants and 2 (11.8%) true Monteggia fracture-dislocations. The most common complications were loss of range of motion (n = 6, 42.9%, all of which were nondisplaced variants), loss of reduction (n = 4, 28.6%, including 2 nondisplaced variants, 1 displaced variant, and 1 true Monteggia fracture dislocation), and malunion or nonunion (n = 2, 14.3%, both nondisplaced variants).

Conclusion:
Pediatric Monteggia fracture-dislocation variants are much more common than true pediatric Monteggia fracture-dislocations. Monteggia fracture-dislocation variants have similar complication rates to true Monteggia fracture-dislocations overall, however, nondisplaced variants exhibited a higher complication rate when treated operatively. Further studies are warranted to assess specific fracture patterns and their associated treatments that result in varying complication rates.

Level of Evidence:
Level III—retrospective comparison study.
Updated Canadian Clinical Practice Guideline for the Rehabilitation of Adults With Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: Behavioral Recommendations
Authors: MacKenzie Heather M. , Velikonja Diana , Devito Julia , Devito Lauren , Patsakos Eleni M. , Bayley Mark , Teasell Robert , Mehta Swati 
Published: September 2024

Objective:
Behavioral changes following moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (MSTBI) are common and can include agitation or aggression, reduced arousal or apathy, and inappropriate sexual behavior. These changes can negatively affect recovery, function, and quality of life. Pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions are often used to address these challenges; however, there is limited evidence regarding the effectiveness of these treatments. This article will summarize the updated recommendations for the assessment and management of behavioral changes in adults after MSTBI.

Design:
A systematic search was conducted by the evidence-based review of moderate to severe acquired brain injury to identify new and relevant articles. Expert panels reviewed and discussed the new and existing evidence, evaluated its quality, and added, removed, or modified recommendations and tools as needed. A consensus process was followed to achieve agreement on recommendations.

Results:
The 2023 Canadian Clinical Practice Guideline for the Rehabilitation of Adults with Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury (CAN-TBI 2023) includes 21 recommendations regarding best practices for the assessment and management of behavioral disorders post-MSTBI. Fifteen recommendations remained unchanged, and 6 recommendations were updated. Eight recommendations are based on level B evidence and 13 on level C evidence. There are no recommendations based on level A evidence. The guideline also includes a step-by-step algorithm for clinicians to follow outlining an approach to the assessment and management of agitation and aggression.

Conclusion:
CAN-TBI 2023 will assist clinicians in the assessment and safe and effective management of behavioral changes post-MSTBI. The guideline is informed by a growing scientific database although there is a need for additional high-quality research to better guide the assessment and management of this complex patient population.
Evidence-Based Review of Randomized Controlled Trials of Interventions for Mental Health Management Post-Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Flores-Sandoval Cecilia , Teasell Robert , MacKenzie Heather M. , McIntyre Amanda , Barua Ujjoyinee , Mehta Swati , Bayley Mark , Bateman Emma A. 
Published: September 2024

Objective:
To present an evidence-based review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating interventions for mental health post-moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (post-MSTBI), as part of an extensive database that has been conceptualized as a living systematic review.

Methods:
Systematic searches were conducted for RCTs published in the English language in MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, and PsycINFO, up to and including December 2022, in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The methodological quality of RCTs was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale, and the level of evidence was assigned using a modified Sackett scale.

Results:
Eighty-seven RCTs examining mental health interventions and outcome measures post-MSTBI were included. These studies collectively enrolled 6471 participants. A total of 41 RCTs (47.1%) were conducted in the United States and 56 studies (64.4%) were published after 2010. A total of 62 RCTs (71.3%) examined nonpharmacological interventions and 25 RCTs (28.7%) examined pharmacological interventions. Effective pharmacological treatments included desipramine and cerebrolysin; methylphenidate and rivastigmine showed conflicting evidence. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was found to be effective for hopelessness, stress, and anxiety, compared to usual care; however, it may be as effective as supportive psychotherapy for depression. CBT combined with motivational interviewing may be as effective as CBT combined with nondirective counseling for depression, stress, and anxiety. Acceptance and commitment therapy was effective for anxiety, stress, and depression. Tai Chi, dance, and walking appeared to be effective for depression and stress, while other nonpharmacological treatments such as peer mentoring showed limited effectiveness.

Conclusion:
This evidence-based review provides a comprehensive overview of the research landscape of RCTs addressing mental health post-MSTBI. The findings from these RCTs may be valuable for health care professionals, researchers, and policymakers involved in the field of mental health and neurorehabilitation.
DIABETIC RETINOPATHY LESION TYPES AND DISTRIBUTION ON ULTRAWIDE FIELD IMAGING AND THE RISK OF DISEASE WORSENING OVER TIME
Authors: Silva Paolo S. , Liu Danni , Aiello Lloyd P. , Melia Michele , Sun Jennifer K. ,   for the DRCR Retina Network
Published: September 2024

Purpose:
To evaluate the effect of diabetic retinopathy (DR) lesion type (hemorrhages and/or microaneurysms, intraretinal microvascular abnormalities, new vessels elsewhere, and venous beading), severity, and distribution on disease worsening based on the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Scale.

Methods:
Post hoc analysis of a multicenter observational study of 544 eyes with nonproliferative DR and an Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Scale score of Level 35 to 53. Disease worsening was defined as Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Scale worsening by ≥2 steps from baseline or receipt of DR treatment over 4 years. DR lesions were evaluated based on the entire visible area in the ultrawide field color (UWF-color) and UWF-fluorescein angiography images.

Results:
A significantly greater risk of disease worsening was associated with the presence of more severe lesion grades outside the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study fields for hemorrhages and/or microaneurysms (hazard ratio: 1.74 [95% confidence interval, 1.28–2.36]) on UWF-color and for hemorrhages and/or microaneurysms (1.90 [1.38–2.61]), intraretinal microvascular abnormalities (1.68 [1.13–2.49]), and new vessels elsewhere (1.99 [1.36–2.93]) on UWF-fluorescein angiography.

Conclusion:
These results suggest that features on UWF-color and UWF-fluorescein angiography may provide additional prognostic value in determining the risk of disease worsening. The use of UWF-fluorescein angiography improves identification of DR lesions and disease progression. However, the optimal method of disease risk assessment on UWF imaging still needs to be determined.
Outcomes After Exoscopic Versus Microscopic Ossicular Chain Reconstruction
Authors: Fan Caleb J. , Lucas Jacob C. , Conway Robert M. , Kato Masanari G. , Babu Seilesh C. 
Published: September 2024

Objective
To analyze the outcomes of exoscopic versus microscopic ossicular chain reconstruction (OCR).

Study Design
Retrospective chart review.

Setting
Tertiary care otology-neurotology practice.

Patients
Adult subjects with a diagnosis of ossicular discontinuity from 2018 to 2022.

Interventions
Exoscopic or microscopic primary OCR (without mastoidectomy) with a partial ossicular replacement prosthesis (PORP) or total ossicular replacement prosthesis (TORP).

Main Outcome Measures
Audiometric outcomes at 3 months and 1 year postoperatively including bone and air pure tone averages (PTA), air-bone gap (ABG), change in ABG, speech reception threshold (SRT), and word recognition score (WRS). Secondary outcomes included operative time and complication rates of primary and delayed graft failure, tympanic membrane lateralization, prosthesis extrusion, cerebrospinal fluid leak, facial nerve injury, profound hearing loss, persistent tinnitus, and persistent vertigo.

Results
Sixty ears underwent primary OCR and were subdivided based on prosthesis type (PORP and TORP) and surgical approach (exoscope vs microscope). Exoscopic OCR was performed on 30 ears (21 PORP, 9 TORP), and microscopic OCR was performed on 30 ears (19 PORP, 11 TORP). In the overall group (PORP + TORP) and in the PORP and TORP subgroups, there were no significant differences in 1) demographics, 2) intraoperative findings, and 3) audiometric outcomes of bone and air PTA, ABG, change in ABG, SRT, and WRS at 1 year postoperatively. Operative time was 64.7 and 59.6 minutes for the exoscopic and microscopic group, respectively (p = 0.4, 95% CI [−16.4, 6.1], Cohen's D = 0.2).

Conclusions
Audiometric and surgical outcomes after exoscopic and microscopic OCR are comparable.
Gaps in knowledge and recurrent urinary tract infections in women
Authors: Zimmern Philippe 
Published: September 2024

Purpose of review
The focus of this review is to present recent literature and gaps in knowledge (GIKs) surrounding the current and future treatment and prevention of uncomplicated recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs) in women.

Recent findings
Recurrent urinary tract infections are common, significantly reduce quality of life, and create a substantial economic burden to the healthcare system. They are disproportionately affecting the postmenopausal women. Antibiotics, which are used for the treatment and prophylaxis of uncomplicated rUTI, have become problematic, as there is a global rise in allergy and resistance to these agents and their use is associated with further antimicrobial resistance. Thus, in recent decades, several alternative, nonantibiotic approaches have been evaluated.

Summary
There is a critical need for a concerted and standardized methodology for diagnosing, treating, and monitoring women with rUTIs. Additionally, novel nonantibiotic alternative treatment and preventive measures for UTIs are desperately required to address the global issue of antibiotic recalcitrance in all age groups, and specifically older women. Research efforts have sought to develop alternative and more effective techniques; many of which appear to be promising, but require additional evaluation and validation through clinical trials.
Bridging the care gap: radiation therapy in elderly and frail cancer patients
Authors: Hircock Caroline , Lee Shing Fung , Raman Srinivas , Chuk Elizabeth , Chan Adrian W. , Chow Edward , Wong Henry C.Y. 
Published: September 2024

Purpose of review
This review aims to address the gap in radiation therapy (RT) care for elderly cancer patients. It will discuss the barriers to implementing effective RT in elderly and frail patients with a focus on breast cancer and metastatic settings.

Recent findings
Recent studies indicate that SBRT provides better pain control for bone metastases compared to cEBRT, but elderly patients are underrepresented in these trials. Evidence on the effectiveness of geriatric assessment tools in predicting RT tolerance and toxicity is mixed, with some studies showing a correlation while others do not. Comprehensive geriatric assessments, though promising, are often impractical due to time and resource constraints.

Summary
There is a critical need for more inclusive research to better understand the risks and benefits of RT in elderly patients. Developing streamlined geriatric assessment tools and integrating them into clinical practice can enhance treatment personalization. Future studies should prioritize elderly populations to generate robust data, thereby improving RT outcomes and quality of life for this growing patient group.
A near-tight lower bound on the density of forward sampling schemes
Authors: Kille Bryce , Koerkamp Ragnar Groot , McAdams Drake , Liu Alan , Treangen Todd J. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractMotivationSamplingk-mers is a ubiquitous task in sequence analysis algorithms. Sampling schemes such as the often-used random minimizer scheme are particularly appealing as they guarantee at least onek-mer is selected out of everywconsecutivek-mers. Sampling fewerk-mers often leads to an increase in efficiency of downstream methods. Thus, developing schemes that have low density, i.e., have a small proportion of sampledk-mers, is an active area of research. After over a decade of consistent efforts in both decreasing the density of practical schemes and increasing the lower bound on the best possible density, there is still a large gap between the two.ResultsWe prove a near-tight lower bound on the density of forward sampling schemes, a class of schemes that generalizes minimizer schemes. For smallwandk, we observe that our bound is tight whenk≡ 1 (modw). For largewandk, the bound can be approximated by. Importantly, our lower bound implies that existing schemes are much closer to achieving optimal density than previously known. For example, with the current default minimap2 HiFi settingsw= 19 andk= 19, we show that the best known scheme for these parameters, the double decycling-set-based minimizer of Pellow et al., is at most 3% denser than optimal, compared to the previous gap of at most 50%. Furthermore, whenk≡ 1 (modw) and the alphabet sizeσgoes to ∞, we show that mod-minimizers introduced by Groot Koerkamp and Pibiri achieve optimal density matching our lower bound.Availability and implementationMinimizer implementations:github.com/RagnarGrootKoerkamp/minimizersILP and analysis:github.com/treangenlab/sampling-scheme-analysis
Mechanisms of peptide agonist dissociation and deactivation of adhesion G-protein-coupled receptors
Authors: Joshi Keya , Miao Yinglong 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTAdhesion G protein–coupled receptors (ADGRs) belong to Class B2 of GPCRs and are involved in a wide array of important physiological processes. ADGRs contain a GPCR autoproteolysis-inducing (GAIN) domain that is proximal to the receptor N-terminus and undergoes autoproteolysis during biosynthesis to generate two fragments: the N-terminal fragment (NTF) and C-terminal fragment (CTF). Dissociation of NTF reveals a tethered agonist to activate CTF of ADGRs for G protein signaling. Synthetic peptides that mimic the tethered agonist can also activate the ADGRs. However, mechanisms of peptide agonist dissociation and deactivation of ADGRs remain poorly understood. In this study, we have performed all-atom enhanced sampling simulations using a novel Protein-Protein Interaction-Gaussian accelerated Molecular Dynamics (PPI-GaMD) method on the ADGRG2-IP15 and ADGRG1-P7 complexes. The PPI-GaMD simulations captured dissociation of the IP15 and P7 peptide agonists from their target receptors. We were able to identify important low-energy conformations of ADGRG2 and ADGRG1 in the active, intermediate, and inactive states, as well as exploring different states of the peptide agonists IP15 and P7 during dissociation. Therefore, our PPI-GaMD simulations have revealed dynamic mechanisms of peptide agonist dissociation and deactivation of ADGRG1 and ADGRG2, which will facilitate rational design of peptide regulators of the two receptors and other ADGRs.
Hepatic GCGR is required for the superior weight loss effects of a structurally related analogue of the dual GCGR/GLP1R agonist survodutide
Authors: Long Fen , Klug Manuel , Challa Tenagne D. , Efthymiou Vissarion , Wolfrum Christian , Horvath Carla 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe dual glucagon/glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GCGR/GLP1R) agonists have superior efficacy in promoting weight loss and metabolic improvements in obesity and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) than current available mono-agonists. However, the mechanisms underlying these benefits are not fully understood. While the effects on appetite regulation and glucose control through GLP1R agonism are well established, the role of GCGR agonism in promoting weight loss and metabolic changes is less defined. Using a dual GCGR/GLP1R agonist BI 456908 and a selective GLP1R agonist semaglutide, we could show that the dual agonist achieved superior weight loss efficacy by engaging hepatic GCGR without adversely affecting glucose control. Furthermore, we could demonstrate that hepatic GCGR is critical for facilitating plasma and liver lipid clearance stimulated by the dual agonist. Overall, these findings highlight the crucial metabolic contributions of hepatic GCGR to the efficacy of combined GCGR/GL1R activation.