bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
m6A RNA methylation counteracts dark-induced leaf senescence in Arabidopsis
Authors: Sheikh Arsheed H , Tabassum Naheed , Rawat Anamika , Almeida Trapp Marilia , Nawaz Kashif , Hirt Heribert 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Senescence is an important physiological process which directly affects many agronomic traits in plants. Senescence induces chlorophyll degradation, phytohormone changes, cellular structure damage, and altered gene regulation. Although these physiological outputs are well defined, the molecular mechanisms employed are not known. Using dark-induced leaf senescence (DILS) as the experimental system, we investigated the role of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) mRNA methylation during senescence in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Plants compromised in m6A machinery components like METHYLTRANSFERASE A (mta mutant) and VIRILIZER1 (vir-1 mutant) showed an enhanced DILS phenotype. This was accompanied by compromised chloroplast and photosynthesis performance in mta as well as accumulation of senescence-promoting camalexin and phytohormone jasmonic acid after dark treatment. m6A levels increased during DILS and destabilized senescence-related transcripts thereby preventing premature aging. Due to inefficient decay, senescence-related transcripts like ORESARA1 (ORE1), SENESCENCE-ASSOCIATED GENE 21 (SAG21), NAC-like, activated by AP3/PI (NAP), and NONYELLOWING 1 (NYE1) over-accumulated in mta thereby causing accelerated senescence during DILS. Overall, our data propose that m6A modification is involved in regulating the biological response to senescence in plants, providing targets for engineering stress tolerance of crops.
Cardiac computed tomography angiography with and without bolus tracking methods in infants with congenital heart disease
Authors: Yoshiura Takayuki , Masuda Takanori , Tahara Masahiro , Kobayashi Yukie , Kikuhara Yukari , Ishibashi Toru , Nonaka Haruki , Oku Takayuki , Sato Tomoyasu , Funama Yoshinori 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The study investigated radiation dose, vascular computed tomography (CT) enhancement and image quality of cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) with and without bolus tracking (BT) methods in infants with congenital heart disease (CHD). The volume CT dose index (CTDIvol) and dose length product (DLP) were recorded for all CT scans, and the effective dose was obtained using a conversion factors. The CT number for the ascending aorta (AO) and pulmonary artery (PA), image noise of muscle tissue and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were measured and calculated. The median values in the groups with and without BT were 2.20 mGy versus 0.44 mGy for CTDIvol, 8.10 mGy·cm versus 6.20 mGy·cm for DLP, and 0.66 mSv versus 0.51 mSv for effective dose (p &lt; 0.001). There were no statistical differences in vascular CT enhancement, image noise, and CNR. CCTA without BT methods can reduce the radiation dose while maintaining vascular CT enhancement and image quality compared to CCTA with BT methods.
Unlocking the Therapeutic Potential of Exosomes Derived From Nasal Olfactory Mucosal Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Restoring Synaptic Plasticity, Neurogenesis, and Neuroinflammation in Schizophrenia
Authors: Zhong Xiao-Lin , Huang Yan , Du Yang , He Li-Zheng , Chen Yue-wen , Cheng Yong , Liu Hua 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background and Hypothesis
Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a multifaceted mental disorder marked by a spectrum of symptoms, including hallucinations, delusions, cognitive deficits, and negative symptoms. Its etiology involves intricate interactions between genetic and environmental factors, posing significant challenges for effective treatment. We hypothesized that intranasal administration of exosomes derived from nasal olfactory mucosal mesenchymal stem cells (OM-MSCs-exos) could alleviate SCZ-like behaviors in a murine model induced by methylazoxymethanol (MAM).

Study Design
We conducted a comprehensive investigation to assess the impact of intranasally delivered OM-MSC-exos on SCZ-like behaviors in MAM-induced mice. This study encompassed behavioral assessments, neuroinflammatory markers, glial activation, synaptic protein expression, and neurogenesis within the hippocampus.

Study Results
Our findings demonstrated that intranasal administration of OM-MSC-exos effectively ameliorated SCZ-like behaviors, specifically addressing social withdrawal and sensory gating deficits in the MAM-induced murine model. Furthermore, OM-MSC-exos intervention yielded a reduction in neuroinflammatory markers and a suppression of microglial activation within the hippocampus. Simultaneously, we observed an upregulation of key synaptic protein expression, including PSD95 and TH, the rate-limiting enzyme for dopamine biosynthesis.

Conclusions
Our study underscores the therapeutic potential of OM-MSC-exos in mitigating SCZ-like behavior. The OM-MSC-exos have the capacity to modulate glial cell activation, diminish neuroinflammation, and promote BDNF-associated synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis, thus ameliorating SCZ-like behaviors. In summary, intranasal administration of OM-MSC-exos offers a multifaceted approach to address SCZ mechanisms, promising innovative treatments for this intricate disorder.
Boundary work to what end? Analysing the acid mine drainage case in Gauteng, South Africa
Authors: Funke Nikki , Huitema Dave , Petersen Arthur 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This article contributes a boundary work analysis of the case of acid mine drainage (AMD) in South Africa to the existing boundary work literature. We conduct our analysis by applying a synthesized multi-level boundary work framework to examine whether the knowledge that was produced during the boundary work conducted was usable and influential in decision-making and resulted in successful policy implementation. We conclude that contrary to expectations, a closed, technocratic boundary work process resulted in the relatively successful implementation of a short-term intervention in the AMD problem, whereas a subsequent open and deliberative process did not result in the successful implementation of the long-term policy solution. We ascribe this finding to the influence of critical enabling and constraining factors characterizing the South African socio-political context within which the AMD issue is situated, and therefore, we recommend adding a meta-analytical layer to boundary work analyses, especially in developing country contexts.
A new booid snake from the Eocene (Lutetian) Konservat-Lagerstätte of Geiseltal, Germany, and a new phylogenetic analysis of Booidea
Authors: Palci Alessandro , Onary Silvio , Lee Michael S Y , Smith Krister T , Wings Oliver , Rabi Márton , Georgalis Georgios L 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
We describe two exceptionally preserved fossil snakes from the Eocene Konservat-Lagerstätte of Geiseltal, located in the state of Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. The two snake specimens, GMH LIX-3-1992 and GMH XXXVIII-20-1964, can be confidently identified as booids based on general morphology and were thus compared to other geographically and/or temporally close fossil booids. We found that GMH LIX-3-1992 is morphologically very similar to Eoconstrictor spinifer, also from Geiseltal, and to Eoconstrictor fischeri, from the middle Eocene of Messel, but differs from both in a number of cranial and vertebral features. Based on these differences we erect the new species Eoconstrictor barnesi sp. nov.; GMH XXXVIII-20-1964 is very similar to GMH LIX-3-1992 and the two differ only in features that are likely ontogenetic. Phylogenetic analyses of snakes using maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference on datasets inclusive of both morphological and molecular data consistently support a close affinity of E. barnesi to E. fischeri and E. spinifer. Our preferred phylogenetic hypothesis places the three species of Eoconstrictor in a clade that is sister to Neotropical Boidae, a result consistent with previous studies. The genus Eoconstrictor could provide an important calibration point for molecular clock studies of booids and snakes in general.
Single cell RNA sequencing reveals emergent notochord‐derived cell subpopulations in the postnatal nucleus pulposus
Authors: Zhang Chenghao , Zhong Leilei , Lau Yian Khai , Wu Meilun , Yao Lutian , Schaer Thomas P. , Mauck Robert L. , Malhotra Neil R. , Qin Ling , Smith Lachlan J. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIntervertebral disc degeneration is a leading cause of chronic low back pain. Cell‐based strategies that seek to treat disc degeneration by regenerating the central nucleus pulposus (NP) hold significant promise, but key challenges remain. One of these is the inability of therapeutic cells to effectively mimic the performance of native NP cells, which are unique amongst skeletal cell types in that they arise from the embryonic notochord. In this study, we use single cell RNA sequencing to demonstrate emergent heterogeneity amongst notochord‐derived NP cells in the postnatal mouse disc. Specifically, we established the existence of progenitor and mature NP cells, corresponding to notochordal and chondrocyte‐like cells, respectively. Mature NP cells exhibited significantly higher expression levels of extracellular matrix (ECM) genes including aggrecan, and collagens II and VI, along with elevated transforming growth factor‐beta and phosphoinositide 3 kinase‐protein kinase B signaling. Additionally, we identified Cd9 as a novel surface marker of mature NP cells, and demonstrated that these cells were localized to the NP periphery, increased in numbers with increasing postnatal age, and co‐localized with emerging glycosaminoglycan‐rich matrix. Finally, we used a goat model to show that Cd9+ NP cell numbers decrease with moderate severity disc degeneration, suggesting that these cells are associated with maintenance of the healthy NP ECM. Improved understanding of the developmental mechanisms underlying regulation of ECM deposition in the postnatal NP may inform improved regenerative strategies for disc degeneration and associated low back pain.
Get your 7-point golden medal for pain management in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery
Authors: Hoogma Danny Feike , Brullot Liesbeth , Coppens Steve 
Published: December 2023

Purpose of review
Thoracic surgery is evolving, necessitating an adaptation for perioperative anesthesia and analgesia. This review highlights the recent advancements in perioperative (multimodal) analgesia for minimally invasive thoracic surgery.

Recent findings
Continuous advancements in surgical techniques have led to a reduction in surgical trauma. However, managing perioperative pain remains a major challenge, impeding postoperative recovery. The traditional neuraxial technique is now deemed outdated for minimally invasive thoracic surgery. Instead, newer regional techniques have emerged, and traditional approaches have undergone (re-)evaluation by experts and professional societies to establish guidelines and practices. Assessing the quality of recovery, even
after discharge, has become a crucial factor in evaluating the effectiveness of these strategies, aiding clinicians in making informed decisions to improve perioperative care.

Summary
In the realm of minimally invasive thoracic surgery, perioperative analgesia is typically administered through systemic and regional techniques. Nevertheless, collaboration between anesthesiologists and surgeons, utilizing surgically placed nerve blocks and an active chest drain management, has the potential to significantly improve overall patient care.
Perioperative hemodynamic monitoring in cardiac surgery
Authors: Grant Michael C. , Salenger Rawn , Lobdell Kevin W. 
Published: December 2023

Purpose of review
Cardiac surgery has traditionally relied upon invasive hemodynamic monitoring, including regular use of pulmonary artery catheters. More recently, there has been advancement in our understanding as well as broader adoption of less invasive alternatives. This review serves as an outline of the key perioperative hemodynamic monitoring options for cardiac surgery.

Recent findings
Recent study has revealed that the use of invasive monitoring such as pulmonary artery catheters or transesophageal echocardiography in low-risk patients undergoing low-risk cardiac surgery is of questionable benefit. Lesser invasive approaches such a pulse contour analysis or ultrasound may provide a useful alternative to assess patient hemodynamics and guide resuscitation therapy. A number of recent studies have been published to support broader indication for these evolving technologies.

Summary
More selective use of indwelling catheters for cardiac surgery has coincided with greater application of less invasive alternatives. Understanding the advantages and limitations of each tool allows the bedside clinician to identify which hemodynamic monitoring modality is most suitable for which patient.
Temporary mechanical circulatory support & enhancing recovery after cardiac surgery
Authors: Lobdell Kevin W. , Grant Michael C. , Salenger Rawn 
Published: December 2023

Purpose of review
This review highlights the integration of enhanced recovery principles with temporary mechanical circulatory support associated with adult cardiac surgery.

Recent findings
Enhanced recovery elements and efforts have been associated with improvements in quality and value. Temporary mechanical circulatory support technologies have been successfully employed, improved, and the value of their proactive use to maintain hemodynamic goals and preserve long-term myocardial function is accruing.

Summary
Temporary mechanical circulatory support devices promise to enhance recovery by mitigating the risk of complications, such as postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock, organ dysfunction, and death, associated with adult cardiac surgery.
Mortality in Treatment-seeking Older Adults Receiving Medications for Opioid Use Disorder
Authors: Weber Andrea N. , Arndt Stephan , Miskle Benjamin , Bormann Nicholas L. 
Published: December 2023

Objectives
Older adults (OAs; age 55+ years) are increasingly seeking specialty treatment of opioid use disorder. Previous analyses of the Treatment Episode Data Set—Discharges (TEDS-D) database have reported higher rates of in-treatment mortality for those receiving medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). We evaluate current trends in mortality for treatment-seeking OAs.

Methods
Using the 2020 TEDS-D, logistic regression predicted in-treatment mortality for OAs from planned MOUD, service level, and interaction terms.

Results
Of the 26,993 OA treatment discharges, 679 people were discharged due to death (2.52%). OAs with MOUD (3.65%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.37%–3.95%) were significantly more likely to discharge due to death than those without MOUD (0.82%; 95% CI, 0.66%–1.01%). Most records were for nonintensive outpatient (83.7%; n = 22,588), which had the highest mortality (2.89%; 95% CI, 2.68%–3.11%); intensive services (n = 4405) had a mortality rate of 0.61% (95% CI, 0.42%–0.89%). Among OAs, planned MOUD with nonintensive outpatient services had a mortality rate of 4.17% (95% CI, 3.56%–4.9%).

Conclusions
This TEDS-D analysis extends previous literature highlighting a significant interaction between planned MOUD and service intensity on in-treatment mortality for OAs. Additional research is needed to address the causal mechanisms behind these interactions and inform the delivery of safe effective care in the growing OA population.
Hospital Volume and Quality of Care for Emergency Gynecologic Care
Authors: Kalinowska Vanessa , Huang Yongmei , Buckley Alexander , St Clair Caryn M. , Pua Tarah , Khoury-Collado Fady , Hou June Y. , Hershman Dawn L. , Wright Jason D. 
Published: December 2023

OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the association between hospital volume and the quality of gynecologic emergency care for tubal ectopic pregnancies, ovarian torsion, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

METHODS:
In this cross-sectional analysis, we analyzed patients who presented for emergency care for tubal ectopic pregnancies, ovarian torsion, and PID using the Premier Healthcare Database from 2006 to 2020. We measured the following outcomes: methotrexate use for ectopic pregnancy, ovarian cystectomy for torsion, and guideline-based antibiotic use for PID. For each condition, we measured outlier hospitals that performed the above interventions at below the 10th percentile. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyze associations between outlier care and hospital factors such as annualized mean case volume, urban or rural location, teaching status, bed capacity, and geographic region, as well as hospital-level patient population factors, including age, insurance status, and race.

RESULTS:
A total of 602 hospitals treated patients with tubal ectopic pregnancies, of which 21.9% were outliers, with no cases managed with methotrexate. Of 512 hospitals treating patients with ovarian torsion, 17.4% were outliers, with no cases managed with cystectomy. Of 929 hospitals that treated patients with PID, 9.9% were deemed outliers with low rates of guideline-adherent antibiotic administration. Low-volume hospitals were more likely to be outliers with low rates of use of methotrexate for ectopic pregnancy (6.7% of high-volume hospitals vs 49.7% of low-volume hospitals were outliers; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.13, 95% CI, 0.05–0.31 for high-volume hospitals) and cystectomy for torsion (34.9% of low-volume vs 2.4% of high-volume hospitals were outliers; aOR 0.05, 95% CI, 0.01–0.18 for high-volume hospitals). There was no association between hospital volume and lower rates of guideline-based antibiotic use for PID.

CONCLUSION:
Higher hospital volume is associated with use of conservative, fertility-preserving treatment of emergency gynecologic conditions, including ectopic pregnancy and ovarian torsion.
Prophylactic Intramedullary Rodding After Femoral Lengthening in Patients With Achondroplasia and Hypochondroplasia
Authors: Rovira Martí Pilar , Ginebreda Martí Ignacio , García Fontecha César 
Published: December 2023

Background:
Femoral fracture after femoral lengthening in patients with achondroplasia and hypochondroplasia is a frequent complication, occurring in up to 30%. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the effectiveness of prophylactic intramedullary rodding in preventing this complication.

Methods:
Multicenter retrospective study involving 86 femoral lengthening procedures in 43 patients with achondroplasia or hypochondroplasia. Forty-two femora (21 patients) were prophylactically managed with intramedullary Rush rodding after external fixation removal (11 females and 10 males, mean age 14.6 years) compared with 44 femora (22 patients) without prophylactic intramedullary rodding (13 females and 9 males, mean age 15.2 years). The mean amount of lengthening in the rodding group was 13.3 cm (52.6%) with an External Fixation Index of 25.8 days/cm; in patients without rodding was 14.3 cm (61.5%) and 24.5 days/cm, respectively.

Results:
Seven cases (15.9%) without rodding developed fractures. Four of them required surgical correction due to displacement or shortening. Only 1 patient (2.4%) had fracture of the femur after prophylactic rodding, and surgery was not required. The incidence of femur fracture was significantly lower in the prophylactic rodding group compared with the nonrodding group (2.4% vs. 15.9%, respectively; P=0.034). There were no cases of infection or avascular necrosis.

Conclusions:
Prophylactic intramedullary rodding is a safe and effective method for preventing femoral fractures after femoral lengthening in patients with achondroplasia or hypochondroplasia.

Level of Evidence:
Level III—a retrospective comparative study.
Long-Term Outcomes after Abdominal Radiation for Wilms Tumor
Authors: Conte Brianna , Shen Colette , Thompson Patrick , Davis Ian , Casey Dana L. 
Published: December 2023

Background:
As radiation therapy (RT) for Wilms tumor (WT) evolves with more conformal techniques, it is necessary to evaluate patterns of failure and toxicity. We sought to determine the rate of local failure (LF) after abdominal RT in WT, specifically focusing on those with contained rupture treated with whole abdominal and pelvic RT (WAPRT) vs flank RT. Secondary objectives were to determine overall survival (OS), distant failure (DF), and late toxicities.

Methods:
A single institution retrospective study of 54 pediatric patients with WT treated with abdominal RT between May 2000 and October 2022. LF and DF were calculated through cumulative incidence function and OS by Kaplan-Meier method.

Results:
The median age was 4.5 years and the median follow-up was 6 years. Most patients (91%) had favorable histology. Only 1 patient experienced LF, 15 months from completion of RT (cumulative incidence 2% at 5 y). All patients who received unilateral flank radiation for contained rupture/spillage (n=13) experienced long-lasting intra-abdominal tumor control. A total of 5 patients experienced a DF at a median of 7 months, all in the lung. No patient relapsed in the lungs after upfront whole lung irradiation (n=16). OS was 96% at 5 years. Among 28 patients who followed through puberty, 4 female patients with prior WAPRT experienced hormonal irregularities/infertility.

Conclusion:
Unilateral flank radiation may be a viable alternative to WAPRT for contained rupture/spillage and should be further explored prospectively. Our results may also be utilized in the future for outcome and toxicity comparison as conformal radiation techniques evolve.
Sacral Neuromodulation in Patients With Low Anterior Resection Syndrome: The SANLARS Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Marinello Franco G. , Fraccalvieri Domenico , Planellas Pere , Adell Montse , Gil Julia , Kreisler Esther , Pellino Gianluca , Espín-Basany Eloy 
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND:
Sacral neuromodulation might be effective to palliate low anterior resection syndrome after rectal cancer surgery, but robust evidence is not available.

OBJECTIVE:
To assess the impact of sacral neuromodulation on low anterior resection syndrome symptoms, measured by validated scores and bowel diaries.

DESIGN:
Randomized, double-blind, two-phased, controlled, multicentric crossover trial (NCT02517853).

SETTINGS:
Three tertiary hospitals.

PATIENTS:
Patients with major low anterior resection score 12 months after transit reconstruction following rectal resection who had failed conservative treatment.

INTERVENTIONS:
Patients underwent advanced test phase by stimulation for 3 weeks and were implanted the pulse generator if 50% reduction in low anterior resection syndrome score was achieved, entering the randomized phase in which the generator was left active or inactive for 4 weeks. After a 2-week wash-out, the sequence was changed. After the crossover, all generators were left activated.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
The primary outcome was low anterior resection syndrome score reduction. Secondary outcomes included continence and bowel symptoms.

RESULTS:
After testing, 35 of 46 patients (78%) had ≥50% low anterior resection syndrome score reduction. during the crossover, all patients showed a reduction in scores and improved symptoms, with better performance if the generator was active. At 6- and 12-month follow-up, the mean reduction in low anterior resection syndrome score was -6.2 (-8.97; -3.43; p < 0.001) and -6.97 (-9.74; -4.2; p < 0.001), with St. Mark’s continence score -7.57 (-9.19; -5.95, p < 0.001) and -8.29 (-9.91; -6.66; p < 0.001). Urgency, bowel emptiness sensation, and clustering episodes decreased in association to quality of life improvement at 6- and 12-month follow-up.

LIMITATIONS:
The decrease in low anterior resection syndrome score with neuromodulation was underestimated due to unspecific measuring instrument. Possible carryover effect in sham stimulation sequence.

CONCLUSIONS:
Neuromodulation provides symptoms and quality of life amelioration, supporting its use in low anterior resection syndrome.