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Chemosphere Jul 2024Elevated ozone (eO) concentrations pose a threat to insect populations by potentially altering their behaviour and physiology. This study investigates the effects of eO...
Elevated ozone (eO) concentrations pose a threat to insect populations by potentially altering their behaviour and physiology. This study investigates the effects of eO concentrations on the mountain pine beetle which is a major tree-killing species of conifers in northwestern North America. We are particularly interested in understanding the effects of eO concentrations on beetle behaviour and physiology and possible transgenerational impacts on bark beetle broods. We conducted O-enrichment experiments in a controlled laboratory setting using different O concentrations (100-200 ppb; projected for 2050-2100) and assessed various beetle responses, including CO respiration, mating behaviour, survival probability, locomotion, and attraction behaviour. Transgenerational impacts on the first and second generations were also analyzed by studying brood morphology, mating behaviour, survival, and pheromone production. We found that beetles exposed to eO concentrations had shorter oviposition galleries and reduced brood production. Beetle pheromones were also degraded by eO exposure. However, exposure to eO also prompted various adaptive responses in beetles. Despite reduced respiration, eO improved locomotor activity and the olfactory response of beetles. Surprisingly, beetle survival probability was also improved both in the parents and their broods. We also observed transgenerational plasticity in the broods of eO-exposed parents, suggesting potential stress resistance mechanisms. This was evident by similar mating success, oviposition gallery length, and brood numbers produced in both control and eO concentration treatments. This study demonstrates the sensitivity of mountain pine beetles to increased O concentrations, contributing crucial insights into the ecological implications of eO concentrations on their populations. Overall, the outcome of this study contributes to informed climate change mitigation strategies and adaptive management practices for the development of resilient forests in response to emerging forest insect pests worldwide.
PubMed: 38960047
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142751 -
The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery :... Jul 2024The 5-factor modified Frailty Index (mFI-5) is a risk-stratification tool utilized to predict complications and mortality following major lower extremity (LE)...
The 5-factor modified Frailty Index (mFI-5) is a risk-stratification tool utilized to predict complications and mortality following major lower extremity (LE) amputation. However, its prognostic value for long-term mortality is unknown. The study aim was to assess whether a high mFI-5 score relates to long-term mortality following major LE amputation for chronic wounds. Patients ≥60 years who underwent major LE amputation from 2017 to 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Data regarding demographics, comorbidities, perioperative factors, amputation type, and postoperative complications was collected and mFI-5 was calculated. Survival analysis was performed with Kaplan-Meier curves and differences were assessed with Log-Rank test. A total of 172 patients were identified. Mean age was 70.7 ± 8.0 years. Median time to ambulation was 3.7 months (IQR 4.0). By final follow-up of 17.5 ± 15.9 months, ambulatory rate was 51.7% (n=89), overall mortality 36.0% (n=62), one-year mortality 14.0% (n=24), and three-year mortality 27.9% (n=48). Patients with an mFI-5 of ≥4 (26.7%, n=46) compared with patients with mFI-5 <4 (73.3%, n=126) had a higher rate of prolonged postoperative LOS (34.8% vs. 19.8%, p=0.042), overall mortality (52.2% vs. 30.2%, p=0.008), one-year mortality (23.9% vs. 10.3%, p=0.023), and three-year mortality (45.7% vs. 21.4%, p=0.002). Multivariate analysis demonstrated mFI-5 was an independent predictor of three-year mortality (OR 2.35, p=0.043). At a threshold ≥4, the mFI-5 demonstrated utility in predicting long-term mortality. The value of this prognostic indicator is in its preoperative application of assessing risk of mortality, which should be utilized in conjunction with other measures.
PubMed: 38960032
DOI: 10.1053/j.jfas.2024.06.012 -
Southern Medical Journal Jul 2024This study aimed to report geographic and demographic patterns of patients with craniosynostosis (CS) treated at Children's of Mississippi, the state's only American...
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to report geographic and demographic patterns of patients with craniosynostosis (CS) treated at Children's of Mississippi, the state's only American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association-approved craniofacial team.
METHODS
Patients with CS were treated at a tertiary pediatric hospital cared for by craniofacial surgeons and neurosurgeons from 2015 to 2020. Demographic, geographic, and CS diagnosis details, including sex, gestational age, race, ethnicity, insurance status, and affected cranial suture type(s), number, and associated syndromic diagnosis were collected, including birth county and total live births from state data. Significant differences between prevalence of CS in four regions of Mississippi were examined using two-tailed tests ( < 0.05).
RESULTS
Among 222,819 live births in Mississippi between 2015 and 2020, 79 pediatric patients presented to Children's of Mississippi with CS, with an overall incidence of 0.355/1000 live births. Most cases were nonsyndromic CS (82%, n = 65) affecting a single major cranial suture (81%, n = 64). The overall incidence of CS was higher in the coastal and central regions compared with northeast Mississippi, at 0.333 and 0.527 vs 0.132/1000 live births ( 0.012 and = 0.004), respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
Results from this study suggest regional patterns of CS in Mississippi, which may reflect actual incidence patterns or proximity to Children's of Mississippi. Further study could reveal regional differences in risk factors underlying CS incidence or access to specialized CS care for different regions in the state. This will lead to opportunities for institutional outreach to decrease the burden of CS care in Mississippi.
Topics: Humans; Mississippi; Craniosynostoses; Female; Male; Infant; Prevalence; Incidence; Infant, Newborn; Child, Preschool
PubMed: 38959968
DOI: 10.14423/SMJ.0000000000001706 -
Neuron Jun 2024The lateral septum (LS) is composed of heterogeneous cell types that are important for various motivated behaviors. However, the transcriptional profiles, spatial...
The lateral septum (LS) is composed of heterogeneous cell types that are important for various motivated behaviors. However, the transcriptional profiles, spatial arrangement, function, and connectivity of these cell types have not been systematically studied. Using single-nucleus RNA sequencing, we delineated diverse genetically defined cell types in the LS that play distinct roles in reward processing. Notably, we found that estrogen receptor 1 (Esr1)-expressing neurons in the ventral LS (LS) are key drivers of reward seeking via projections to the ventral tegmental area, and these neurons play an essential role in methamphetamine (METH) reward and METH-seeking behavior. Extended exposure to METH increases the excitability of LS neurons by upregulating hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels, thereby contributing to METH-induced locomotor sensitization. These insights not only elucidate the intricate molecular, circuit, and functional architecture of the septal region in reward processing but also reveal a neural pathway critical for METH reward and behavioral sensitization.
PubMed: 38959892
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.06.004 -
Theriogenology Jun 2024Integrating in vitro embryo production with embryonic microsurgery facilitates the generation of monozygotic twins. However, despite their potential benefits, these...
Integrating in vitro embryo production with embryonic microsurgery facilitates the generation of monozygotic twins. However, despite their potential benefits, these methods have not been widely adopted in commercial settings because of their substantial costs. Hence, there is a need to streamline the bisection procedure while ensuring efficient production of viable demi-embryos. In this study, we investigated the impact of different orientations of microsurgical incisions in relation to inner cell mass on embryonic development, morphology, viability, and expression of cell fate protein markers using a simplified microsurgery approach. Ovaries were transported from the slaughterhouse to the laboratory and aspirated to obtain oocytes that were selected and subjected to in vitro embryo production. The selected expanded blastocysts (n = 204) underwent microsurgery. The blastocysts were immobilized to facilitate incision using an adapted microblade, yielding demi-embryos (vertical incision) and viable embryonic fragments (transverse incision). The structures were then re-cultured for 12 h. Viability was assessed by measuring the re-expansion rate after re-culture, followed by immunofluorescence analysis of proteins (CDX2 and NANOG) and apoptosis analysis using terminal deoxynucleotyl transferase dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL). Microsurgically derived embryos exhibited remarkable plasticity, as evidenced by a slight reduction (P < 0.05) in the re-expansion rate (transverse 64.2 % and vertical 57.2 %) compared to that of the control group (blastocysts without microsurgery) (86.7 %). They also demonstrated the ability of morphological reconstitution after culturing. Despite the anticipated decrease (P < 0.05) in the total number of cells and embryo volume, microsurgery did not result in a significant increase (P > 0.05) in the number of apoptotic cells. Furthermore, microsurgery led to higher (P < 0.05) expression of markers associated with pluripotency, indicating its efficiency in preserving regenerative capacity. Moreover, microsurgery, whether followed by immunosurgery or not, made the isolation of embryonic cells easier. In conclusion, both transverse and vertical microsurgery incisions enabled the production of identical demi-embryos and served as tools for isolating embryonic cells without compromising the resumption of development and the apoptotic index.
PubMed: 38959839
DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.06.029 -
Journal of Hazardous Materials Jun 2024Co-combustion of industrial and municipal solid wastes has emerged as the most promising disposal technology, yet its effect on unknown contaminants generation remains...
Co-combustion of industrial and municipal solid wastes has emerged as the most promising disposal technology, yet its effect on unknown contaminants generation remains rarely revealed due to waste complexity. Hence, six batches of large-scale engineering experiments were designed in an incinerator of 650 t/d, which overcame the inauthenticity and deviation of laboratory tests. 953-1772 non-targeted compounds were screened in fly ash. Targeting the impact of co-combustion, a pseudo-component matrix model was innovatively integrated to quantitatively extract nine components from complex wastes grouped into biomass and plastic. Thus, the influence was evaluated across eight dimensions, covering molecular characteristics and toxicity. The effect of co-combustion with biomass pseudo-components was insignificant. However, co-combustion with high ratios of plastic pseudo-components induced higher potential risks, significantly promoting the formation of unsaturated hydrocarbons, highly unsaturated compounds (DBE≥15), and cyclic compounds by 19 %- 49 %, 17 %- 31 %, and 7 %- 27 %, respectively. Especially, blending with high ratios of PET plastic pseudo-components produced more species of contaminants. Unique 2 Level I toxicants, bromomethyl benzene and benzofuran-2-carbaldehyde, as well as 4 Level II toxicants, were locked, receiving no concern in previous combustion. The results highlighted risks during high proportion plastics co-combustion, which can help pollution reduction by tuning source wastes to enable healthy co-combustion.
PubMed: 38959830
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135029 -
Journal of Hazardous Materials Jul 2024The surge in face mask use due to COVID-19 has raised concerns about micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) from masks. Herein, focusing on fabric structure and polymer composition,...
The surge in face mask use due to COVID-19 has raised concerns about micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) from masks. Herein, focusing on fabric structure and polymer composition, we investigated MNP generation characteristics, mechanisms, and potential risks of surgical polypropylene (PP) and fashionable polyurethane (PU) masks during their wearing and photoaging based on stereomicroscope, μ-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (μ-FTIR), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques. Compared with new PP and PU masks (66 ± 16 MPs/PP-mask, 163 ± 83 MPs/PU-mask), single- and multiple-used masks exhibited remarkably increased MP type and abundance (600-1867 MPs/PP-mask, 607-2167 MPs/PU-mask). Disinfection exacerbated endogenous MP generation in masks, with washing (416 MPs/PP-mask, 30,708 MPs/PU-mask) being the most prominent compared to autoclaving (219 MPs/PP-mask, 553 MPs/PU-mask) and alcohol spray (162 MPs/PP-mask, 18,333 MPs/PU-mask). Photoaging led to massive generation of MPs (8.8 × 10-3.7 × 10 MPs/PP-layer, 1.0 × 10 MPs/PU-layer) and NPs (5.2 × 10-3.6 × 10 NPs/PP-layer, 3.5 × 10 NPs/PU-layer) from masks, presenting highly fabric structure-dependent aging modes as "fragmentation" for fine fiber-structure PP mask and "erosion" for 3D mesh-structure PU mask. The MNPs derived from PP/PU mask caused significant deformities of Zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae. These findings underscore the potential adverse effects of masks on humans and aquatic organisms, advocating to enhance proper use and rational disposal for masks.
PubMed: 38959827
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135089 -
Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive &... Jun 2024This study analyzed the etiologies and treatment of iatrogenic occipital nerve injuries.
INTRODUCTION
This study analyzed the etiologies and treatment of iatrogenic occipital nerve injuries.
METHODS
Patients with occipital neuralgia (ON) who were screened for occipital nerve decompression surgery were prospectively enrolled. Patients with iatrogenic occipital nerve injuries who underwent nerve decompression surgery were identified. Data included surgical history, pain characteristics, and surgical technique. Outcomes included pain frequency (days/month), duration (h/day), intensity (0-10), migraine headache index (MHI), and patient-reported percent-resolution of pain.
RESULTS
Among the 416 patients with ON, who were screened for occipital nerve decompression surgery, 12 (2.9%) cases of iatrogenic occipital nerve injury were identified and underwent surgical treatment. Preoperative headache frequency was 30 (±0.0) days/month, duration was 19.4 (±6.9) h, and intensity was 9.2 (±0.9). Neuroma excision was performed in 5 cases followed by targeted muscle reinnervation in 3, nerve cap in 1, and muscle burial in 1. In patients without neuromas, greater occipital nerve decompression and/or lesser occipital nerve neurectomy were performed. At the median follow-up of 12 months (IQR 12-12 months), mean pain frequency was 4.0 (±6.6) pain days/month (p < 0.0001), duration was 6.3 (±8.9) h (p < 0.01), and intensity was 4.4 (±2.8) (p < 0.001). Median patient-reported resolution of pain was 85% (56.3%-97.5%) and success rate was (≥50% MHI improvement) 91.7%.
CONCLUSIONS
Iatrogenic occipital nerve injuries can be caused by various surgical interventions, including craniotomies, cervical spine interventions, and scalp tumor resections. The associated pain can be severe and chronic. Iatrogenic ON should be considered in the differential diagnosis of post-operative headaches and can be treated with nerve decompression surgery or neuroma excision with reconstruction of the free nerve end.
PubMed: 38959621
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2024.06.012 -
Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive &... Jun 2024Amyloidosis is characterized by extracellular amyloid protein deposition. When amyloidosis intersects with basal cell carcinoma (BCC), it introduces complex diagnostic... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Amyloidosis is characterized by extracellular amyloid protein deposition. When amyloidosis intersects with basal cell carcinoma (BCC), it introduces complex diagnostic challenges. This study explored the overlap between primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis (PLCA) and BCC, examining amyloid deposits in BCC, systemic amyloidosis risk in PLCA, and various treatment methods.
METHODS
Two case studies were discussed, followed by a literature review, in which PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases were utilized. The search, covering studies from infinity up to January 2024, focused on "cutaneous amyloidosis," "basal cell carcinoma," and related terms. Articles in English detailing the clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, treatment, and outcomes of cutaneous amyloidosis mimicking BCC were included. Data extraction and synthesis were performed by two independent reviewers.
CASE SERIES
This study highlighted two cases exemplifying the complexity of diagnosing BCC and PLCA. The first case (a 64-year-old with a nodule on the cheek) and the second (a 67-year-old with a nodular lesion on the upper lip cheek) were initially suspected as BCC and were later identified as PLCA upon histopathological examination.
DISCUSSION
The diagnosis of amyloidosis within BCC nodules remains a diagnostic challenge. Although their coexistence is relatively prevalent, their local recurrence rates remain debatable. Various diagnostic and therapeutic approaches have been suggested, such as topical creams and phototherapy. However, none have garnered conclusive and consistent evidence to establish reliable clinical application.
CONCLUSION
The findings emphasized the importance of considering alternative pathologies in differential diagnoses. Future research should focus on understanding systemic amyloidosis risks and optimizing care for both conditions.
PubMed: 38959620
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2024.06.010 -
Wound Management & Prevention Jun 2024In the United States, craniofacial injuries are the most frequently observed traumas in the pediatric population. Human birth tissue products contain growth factors,...
BACKGROUND
In the United States, craniofacial injuries are the most frequently observed traumas in the pediatric population. Human birth tissue products contain growth factors, cytokines, and signaling molecules that can be potentially harnessed for tissue regeneration and wound healing.
PURPOSE
A cryopreserved ultra-thick amniotic membrane (AM) allograft wound dressing was used in a patient with significant facial soft tissue loss due to a dog bite injury.
METHODS
This is a single case report of a pediatric patient. After obtaining IRB exemption, operative and postoperative clinic notes were reviewed.
RESULTS
A 10-year-old female presented to the emergency department after suffering a dog bite to her left cheek and upper lip, resulting in tissue loss. A cryopreserved ultra-thick AM allograft was used to cover the area of tissue loss as part of surgical reconstruction. The patient was followed up at 1 week, 3 weeks, 4 months, and 1 year after the graft was placed, and rapid healing and full epithelialization were achieved in addition to scar contracture due to wound location.
CONCLUSION
In the setting of acute trauma and tissue loss, human birth tissue was found to promote epithelialization and regenerative healing of facial tissues.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Female; Cryopreservation; Dogs; Bites and Stings; Wound Healing; Child; Facial Injuries; Umbilical Cord; Allografts; Plastic Surgery Procedures
PubMed: 38959348
DOI: 10.25270/wmp.23017