bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Degenerative Lumbar Spondylolisthesis Patients With Movement-related Low Back Pain Have Less Postoperative Satisfaction After Decompression Alone
Authors: Hirota Ryosuke , Teramoto Atsushi , Kimura Ryota , Kobayashi Takashi , Yoshimoto Mitsunori , Iesato Noriyuki , Okuyama Koichiro , Ogon Izaya , Hongo Michio , Kasukawa Yuji , Tsukamoto Arihiko , Kudo Daisuke , Emori Makoto , Iba Kousuke , Shimada Yoichi , Miyakoshi Naohisa , Yamashita Toshihiko
Published: July 2022

Study Design.

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected multicenter observational data.

Objective.

The aim was to examine the preoperative factors affecting postoperative satisfaction following posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and microendoscopic muscle-preserving interlaminar decompression (ME-MILD) in patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS).

Summary of Background Data.

The technique involved in DLS surgery may either be decompression alone or decompression-fixation. Poor performance may occur after either of these surgical treatments. The author hypothesized that evaluating the correlation between preoperative quality of life and postoperative performance would aid in determining the optimal procedure.

Materials and Methods.

This study included 138 patients who underwent surgery for 1-level mild DLS. The authors performed PLIF for 79 patients and ME-MILD for 59 patients. When the satisfaction subscale of the Zurich Claudication Questionnaire exceeded 2 points, postoperative satisfaction was considered poor. The clinical characteristics were investigated. Responses to preoperative health-related quality of life questionnaires, such as the Japanese Orthopedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ), short form-36 health survey (SF-36), and visual analog scale, were compared between the satisfied and unsatisfied groups.

Results.

In the PLIF group, no endogenous factors influenced postoperative satisfaction. The ME-MILD cohort’s satisfied and unsatisfied patients differed significantly in terms of preoperative lumbar spine dysfunction (P<0.001) items of the JOABPEQ, role physical (P=0.03), and role emotional (P=0.03) items of the SF-36. A strong correlation (r=−0.609 P=0.015) was found between preoperative lumbar spine dysfunction and postoperative satisfaction.

Conclusions.

In the ME-MILD group, preoperative lumbar spine function was correlated with postoperative satisfaction. Decompression alone may be ineffective in cases with decreased lumbar spine function prior to surgery. The degree of low back pain on movement should be considered before selecting the surgical method.

Level of Evidence.

3
Long-Term Reliability and Validity of the AO Spine PROST (Patient-Reported Outcome Spine Trauma)
Authors: Buijs George S. , de Gendt Erin E.A. , Sadiqi Said , Post Marcel W. , Muijs Sander P.J. , Oner F. Cumhur
Published: July 2022

Study Design.

Cross-sectional validation study.

Objective.

The aim was to validate the AO Spine Patient-Reported Outcome Spine Trauma (PROST) at a minimum of 12 months posttrauma and to evaluate patient characteristics, types of spine fractures, and treatment strategies as determinants of AO Spine PROST scores.

Summary of Background Data.

The reliability and validity of the AO Spine PROST as a measure of health-related quality of life for more than 12 months after onset of spine trauma is unclear.

Materials and Methods.

Patients with a traumatic spine injury were recruited from a level-1 trauma center. They were asked to complete the AO Spine PROST, EuroQoL 5D-5L (EQ-5D-5L), and either Oswestry disability index (ODI) or neck disability index (NDI) for concurrent validity. Internal consistency was assessed by calculating the Cronbach α and item-total correlation coefficients. Test-retest reliability was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients. Spearman correlation tests were performed for the AO Spine PROST in correlation with the EQ-5D-5L, and either ODI or NDI. Determinants for AO Spine PROST score were analyzed using multivariate regression models.

Results.

A total of 175 patients participated in the cross-sectional arm and 49 in the test-retest arm of the study. Median duration of follow-up was 94.5 months. No floor or ceiling effects were seen. Internal consistency was excellent (α=0.98, item-total correlation coefficient: 0.73–0.91) as well as test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.81). Satisfactory correlations were seen for the EQ-5D-5L (0.76; P<0.001), ODI (0.69; P<0.001), and NDI (0.68; P<0.001) with the AO Spine PROST. Multivariate linear regression models showed that having ≥1 comorbidities, duration of return to work within the range of 7 to 43 months and no return to work were significant independent determinants for a worse AO Spine PROST score.

Conclusions.

Very good long-term reliability and validity results were found for the AO Spine PROST.
Association of anti-TNF-α treatment with gut microbiota of patients with ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Dai Qinghong , Xia Xuyang , He Chenjia , Huang Yupeng , Chen Yidan , Wu Yang , Chen Yuehong , Hou Qianqian , Shu Yang , Zhang Wei , Xu Heng , Yin Geng , Xie Qibing
Published: July 2022

Objective

Gut dysbiosis contributes to multiple autoimmune diseases, including ankylosing spondylitis, which is commonly treated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitors (TNFis). Because host TNF-α levels are considered to interact with gut microbiota, we aimed to systematically investigate the microbiota profile of ankylosing spondylitis patients with anti-TNF-α-based treatment and identify potential key bacteria.

Methods

Fecal samples were collected from 11 healthy controls and 24 ankylosing spondylitis patients before/after anti-TNF-α treatment, the microbiota profiles of which were evaluated by 16S ribosomal DNA amplicon sequencing and subsequent bioinformatic analysis.

Results

Significantly different microbial compositions were observed in samples from ankylosing spondylitis patients compared with healthy controls, characterized by a lower abundance of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria. All patients exhibited a positive response after anti-TNF-α treatment, accompanied by a trend of restoration in the microbiota compositions and functional profile of ankylosing spondylitis patients to healthy controls. In particular, the abundance of SCFA-producing bacteria (e.g. Megamonsa and Lachnoclostridium) was not only significantly lower in ankylosing spondylitis patients than in healthy controls and restored after anti-TNF-α treatment but also negatively correlated with disease severity (e.g. cor = -0.52, P = 8 × 10−5 for Megamonsa). In contrast, Bacilli and Haemophilus may contribute to ankylosing spondylitis onset and severity.

Conclusions

Microbiota dysbiosis in ankylosing spondylitis patients can be restored after anti-TNF-α treatment, possibly by impacting SCFA-producing bacteria.
Pharmacogenetic analysis of canonical versus noncanonical pathway of NF-kB in Crohn’s disease patients under anti-tumor necrosis factor-α treatment
Authors: Stavrou Eleana F. , Chatzopoulou Fani , Antonatos Charalabos , Pappa Panagiota , Makridou Eutychia , Oikonomou Konstantinos , Kapsoritakis Andreas , Potamianos Petros S. , Karmiris Konstantinos , Tzathas Charalambos , Chatzidimitriou Dimitris , Vizirianakis Ioannis S. , Vasilopoulos Yiannis
Published: July 2022

Objectives

This study explores the potential of gene polymorphisms in the canonical and noncanonical NF-kB signaling pathway as a prediction biomarker of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α response in Crohn’s patients.

Materials and methods

A total of 109 Greek patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) were recruited, and the genotype of TLR2 rs3804099, LTA rs909253, TLR4 rs5030728, and MAP3K14/NIK rs7222094 single nucleotide polymorphisms was investigated for association with response to anti-TNFα therapy. Patient’s response to therapy was based on the Crohn’s Disease Activity Index, depicting the maximum response within 24 months after initiation of treatment.

Results

Seventy-three patients (66.7%) were classified as responders while 36 as nonresponders (33.3%). Comparing allelic frequencies between responders and nonresponders, the presence of TLR2 rs3804099 T allele was associated with nonresponse (P = 0.003), even after stratification by anti-TNFα drugs (infliximab: P = 0.032, adalimumab: P = 0.026). No other association was identified for the rest of the polymorphisms under study. Haplotype analysis further enhanced the association of rs3804099 T allele with loss of response, even though the results were NS (P = 0.073).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that polymorphisms in the canonical NF-kB pathway genes could potentially act as a predictive biomarker of anti-TNFα response in CD.
Evaluation of the relationship between plasma viscosity and selected menopausal symptoms using the Menopause Rating Scale
Authors: Korkmaz Hilal , Arslanca Tufan , Tekin Esra , Kayabaşı Burak , Akbulut Kazime Gonca
Published: July 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate whether whole blood viscosity and plasma viscosity are associated with the severity of postmenopausal symptoms using the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS).

Methods

This study included 108 postmenopausal women admitted to menopause clinics. Participants were divided into two groups according to their MRS scores. Groups 1 (n = 52) and 2 (n = 56) were composed of healthy postmenopausal women with MRS scores of <14 and ≥14 points, respectively. The clinical findings and hemorheological parameters were compared between the two groups.

Results

Comparing plasma viscosity levels between the two groups showed that group 1 had 1.25 ± 0.08 centipoise, whereas group 2 had 1.30 ± 0.10 centipoise (P = 0.03). The difference in plasma viscosity between the two groups persisted after adjustment for age (1.24 ± 0.08 vs 1.31 ± 0.10; P < 0.001). Plasma viscosity was also significantly correlated with age (r = 0.384, P < 0.001), menopausal duration (r = 0.362, P < 0.001), and urogenital symptoms (r = 410, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Increased plasma viscosity levels were significantly associated with selected postmenopausal symptoms, independent of age.
Hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase enzyme inhibitors: ready for primetime?
Authors: Macdougall Iain C.
Published: July 2022

Purpose of review

Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors have recently been developed as a new treatment for anemia associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Several of these have been approved in Europe (roxadustat), China, and Japan, but none approved in the United States to date, although daprodustat has been submitted as a new drug application to the Food and Drug Administration. The aim of this review is to critically appraise the available data, particularly the most recent publications, and offer a personal viewpoint on whether or not these drugs are ready for primetime.

Recent findings

The efficacy of HIF prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors in improving CKD anemia and maintaining a higher hemoglobin is undisputed, but there remain some concerns about safety, particularly in the long term. Some of the safety concerns may result from an exaggerated pharmacological response, while other potential adverse effects could be due to transcriptional effects of these agents beyond genes involved in erythropoiesis.

HIF prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors are already being used in clinical practice in several countries of the world, and ongoing research is being conducted to define the role of these drugs not only in the management of anemia but also beyond into other clinical settings.
Fluid administration strategies for the prevention of contrast-associated acute kidney injury
Authors: Rudnick Michael R. , Fay Kevin , Wahba Ihab M.
Published: July 2022

Purpose of review

The known timing of contrast media exposure in patients identified as high-risk for contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) enables the use of strategies to prevent this complication of intravascular contrast media exposure. Although multiple preventive strategies have been proposed, periprocedural fluid administration remains as the primary preventive strategy. This is a critical review of the current evidence evaluating a variety of fluid administration strategies in CA-AKI.

Recent findings

Fluid administration strategies to prevent CA-AKI include comparisons of intravenous (i.v.) to no fluid administration, different fluid solutions, duration of fluid administration, oral hydration, left ventricular end diastolic-pressure guided fluid administration and forced diuresis techniques.

Despite an abundance of fluid administration trials, it is difficult to make definitive recommendations about preventive fluid administration strategies due to low scientific quality of published studies. The literature supports use of i.v. compared with no fluid administration, especially in high-risk patients undergoing intra-arterial contrast media exposure. Use of isotonic saline is recommended over 0.45% saline or isotonic sodium bicarbonate. Logistical considerations support shortened over longer i.v. fluid administration strategies, despite an absence of evidence of equivalent efficacy. Current literature does not support oral hydration for high-risk patients. The use of tailored fluid administration in heart failure patients and forced diuresis with matching fluid administration are promising new fluid administration strategies.
Pruritus in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Uppal Nupur N. , Corona Antonio , Fishbane Steven
Published: July 2022

Purpose of review

Among the many difficult symptoms that patients with kidney disease experience, pruritus is one of the most frequent and troubling. Because a substantial amount of new information has accumulated, we seek here to review the subject.

Recent findings

Pruritus is not only a common problematic symptom among patients with kidney disease, but its considerably more frequent than nephrologists recognize. The result for patients is not just uncomfortable itch but degraded quality of life as well. The pathogenesis is increasingly understood, but many aspects remain to be fully resolved. Importantly, research is progressing on treatment, leading to the first approved medication in the United States, difelikefalin, in August, 2021.

As nephrology is progressing to a greater focus on patient symptoms, recognition of the importance of pruritus has led to increased interest and improved diagnosis and treatment options.
Role of microRNAs in aquaporin 2 regulation
Authors: Petrillo Federica , Trepiccione Francesco
Published: July 2022

Purpose of review

The current review aims to present the most recent achievements on the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) on the kidney function to stimulate research in the field and to expand new emerging concepts.

Recent findings

The focus is on the role of miRNAs in intercellular communication along the segments of the nephron and on the epi-miRNAs, namely the possibility of some miRNAs to modulate the epigenetic machinery and so gene expression. Indeed, recent evidence showed that miRNAs included in exosomes and released by proximal tubule cells can modulate ENaC activity on cells of collecting duct. These data, although, from in-vitro models open to a novel role for miRNAs to participate in paracrine signaling pathways. In addition, the role of miRNAs as epigenetic modulators is expanding not only in the cancer field, but also in the other kidney diseases. Recent evidence identified three miRNAs able to modulate the AQP2 promoter metilation and showing an additional level of regulation for the AQP2.

These evidence can inspire novel area of research both for renal physiology and drug discovery. The diseases involving the collecting duct are still missing disease modifying agents and the expanding miRNAs field could represent an opportunity.
Complement contributions to COVID-19
Authors: Conway Edward M. , Pryzdial Edward L.G.
Published: July 2022

Purpose of review

COVID-19 remains a major source of concern, particularly as new variants emerge and with recognition that patients may suffer long-term effects. Mechanisms underlying SARS-CoV-2 mediated organ damage and the associated vascular endotheliopathy remain poorly understood, hindering new drug development. Here, we highlight selected key concepts of how the complement system, a major component of innate immunity that is dysregulated in COVID-19, participates in the thromboinflammatory response and drives the vascular endotheliopathy.

Recent findings

Recent studies have revealed mechanisms by which complement is activated directly by SARS-CoV-2, and how the system interfaces with other innate thromboinflammatory cellular and proteolytic pathways involving platelets, neutrophils, neutrophil extracellular traps and the coagulation and kallikrein-kinin systems. With this new information, multiple potential sites for therapeutic intervention are being uncovered and evaluated in the clinic.

Infections with SARS-CoV-2 cause damage to the lung alveoli and microvascular endothelium via a process referred to as thromboinflammation. Although not alone in being dysregulated, complement is an early player, prominent in promoting the endotheliopathy and consequential organ damage, either directly and/or via the system's complex interplay with other cellular, molecular and biochemical pathways. Delineating these critical interactions is revealing novel and promising strategies for therapeutic intervention.
Implementation of a Standardized National HIV Curriculum in a Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Program
Authors: Hays Deana , Kridli Suha , Kruse Julie A.
Published: July 2022

Background:

Although efforts have been made to improve and integrate an HIV curriculum in schools of nursing, little has been done to standardize the integration of competencies related to HIV care in primary care nurse practitioner (NP) programs.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to understand the effect of integrating the 6 core competencies from the National HIV Curriculum (NHC) on NP students' perceived knowledge about HIV care.

Method:

This was a quasi-experimental study with a pre/posttest design that measured NP students' self-perceived knowledge of the 6 core competencies from the NHC.

Results:

A total of 375 student NHC training sessions were implemented across 5 semesters (fall 2019 through fall 2021 academic years). In each of the 3 courses that integrated the NHC, there were statistically significant increases in student knowledge from pre- to posttest for each of the 6 competencies.

Conclusion:

This project supports using a standardized HIV curriculum as part of primary care NP curricula.
Ankle tibiotalocalcaneal nailing in elderly ankle fractures as an alternative to open reduction internal fixation: technique and literature review
Authors: Dimitroulias Apostolos
Published: July 2022

The use of tibiotalocalcaneal nails for unstable ankle fractures in low demand elderly patients has been introduced as an alternative to open reduction internal fixation to allow early weight-bearing and to decrease soft tissue complications and mechanical failures. This paper describes the technique of hindfoot nailing and reviews the current literature. Overall, it is a minimally invasive and expeditious procedure that provides stable fixation to withstand immediate ambulation of the frail elderly patient. Future high-quality randomized controlled trials will determine if complications and outcomes compare favorably to open reduction and internal fixation.
How to manage central venous catheter-related bloodstream infections due to Gram-negative bacilli?
Authors: San-Juan Rafael , Ruiz-Ruigómez María , Aguado José María
Published: July 2022

Purpose of review

The aim of this study was to review recent data evaluating the management of central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection due to Gram-negative bacilli (GNB).

Recent findings

The incidence of GNB catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) has been increasing considerably in the last years, and this has raised a concern due to the high reported rate of multidrug-resistant in these infections what poses a considerable challenge for effective treatment. However, there are no specific guidelines for the management of GNB-CRBSI and optimal treatment duration has not been clearly defined. Recent studies have shown that the risk for complications is clearly different to what is stablished for Staphylococcus aureus. Therefore, a short course of antibiotic therapy might be effective once the central venous catheter (CVC) has been removed and the monitoring complications through control blood cultures or echocardiography seem to be less helpful in GNB CRBSI.

The incidence of GNB CRBSI has been increasing considerably in the last years; this has raised a concern due to the high reported rate of MDR in these infections what poses a considerable challenge for effective treatment. However, there are no specific guidelines for the management of GNB-CRBSI and optimal treatment duration has not been clearly defined. Recent studies have shown that the risk for complications is clearly different to what is stablished for S. aureus. Therefore, a short course of antibiotic therapy might be effective once the CVC has been removed and the monitoring complications through control blood cultures or echocardiography seem to be less helpful in GNB-CRBSI.
Defining effective durations of antibiotic therapy for community-acquired pneumonia and urinary tract infections in hospitalized children
Authors: Wingler Mary Joyce B. , Tamma Pranita D.
Published: July 2022

Purpose of review

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and urinary tract infections (UTI) are two common childhood infections often leading to hospital admission. National guidelines for CAP and UTI in children recommend durations of antibiotic therapy of 10 days and 7–14 days, respectively. Due to concerns of rising antimicrobial resistance and an increased awareness of harms associated with prolonged courses of antibiotics, there is a renewed emphasis on reevaluating commonly prescribed durations of antibiotic therapy across bacterial infections. We describe recent clinical trials and observational studies evaluating durations of therapy for CAP and UTI in adults and children and translate the findings to our suggested approach for selecting durations of antibiotic therapy in hospitalized children.

Recent findings

There is a growing body of evidence, primarily in adults, that shorter durations of therapy than are commonly prescribed are just as effective as longer durations for CAP and UTIs.

Combining clinical trial data from adults with available data in children, we believe it is reasonable to consider 5 days of therapy for CAP, 3–5 days of therapy for cystitis, and 7 days of therapy for pyelonephritis for most hospitalized children with uncomplicated infections.
Arsukibacterium indicum sp. nov., isolated from deep-sea sediment, and transfer of Rheinheimera tuosuensis and Rheinheimera perlucida to the genus Arsukibacterium as Arsukibacterium tuosuense comb. nov. and Arsukibacterium perlucidum comb. nov.
Authors: Wang Zhen , Cheng Jun-Hui , Zhang Xiao-Yu , Xu Fei , Fu Hui-Hui , Li Chun-Yang , Zhang Yu-Zhong , Chen Xiu-Lan , Song Xiao-Yan , Zhang Xi-Ying
Published: July 2022

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, flagellated and rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain SM2107T, was isolated from a deep-sea sediment sample collected from the Southwest Indian Ocean. Strain SM2107T grew at 4–40 °C and with 0–10.0 % (w/v) NaCl. It reduced nitrate to nitrite and hydrolysed casein, gelatin, chitin and DNA. The phylogenetic trees based on the 16S rRNA genes and single-copy orthologous clusters showed that strain SM2107T, together with

Rheinheimera tuosuensis

,

Rheinheimera perlucida

and

Arsukibacterium ikkense

, formed a separate clade, having the highest similarity to the type strain of

Rheinheimera tuosuensis

(98.3%). The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol and the major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1
 ω7c and/or C18 : 1
 ω6c), C16 : 0, C17 : 1
ω8с and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1
 ω7c and/or C16 : 1
 ω6c). The only respiratory quinone was Q-8. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain SM2107T was 48.8 %. The digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain SM2107T and type strains of

Rheinheimera tuosuensis

,

Rheinheimera perlucida

and

Arsukibacterium ikkense

were 41.16, 37.70 and 31.80 %, while the average amino acid identity values between them were 87.59, 86.76 and 83.64 %, respectively. Based on the polyphasic evidence presented in this study, strain SM2107T was considered to represent a novel species within the genus

Arsukibacterium

, for which the name Arsukibacterium indicum was proposed. The type strain is SM2107T (=MCCC M24986T=KCTC 82921T). Moreover, the transfer of

Rheinheimera tuosuensis

and

Rheinheimera perlucida

to the genus

Arsukibacterium

as Arsukibacterium tuosuense comb. nov. (type strain TS-T4T=CGMCC 1.12461T=JCM 19264T) and Arsukibacterium perlucidum comb. nov. (type strain BA131T=LMG 23581T=CIP 109200T) is also proposed.
Examining the Influence of the Budget Formulation Structures and Processes on the Efficiency of County Health Systems in Kenya
Authors: Musiega Anita , Tsofa Benjamin , Nyawira Lizah , Njuguna Rebecca G , Munywoki Joshua , Hanson Kara , Mulwa Andrew , Molyneux Sassy , Maina Isabel , Normand Charles , Jemutai Julie , Barasa Edwine
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Public Finance Management (PFM) processes guide the translation of government resources to services and determine health system efficiency. PFM processes are implemented within the budget cycle which entails the formulation, execution, and evaluation of government budgets. We examined how the budget formulation structure and processes influence health system efficiency at the county level in Kenya.

Methods

We conducted a mixed methods case study using counties classified as relatively efficient (n=2) and relatively inefficient (n=2) as our cases. We collected qualitative data through document reviews, and in-depth interviews (n=70). We collected quantitative data from secondary sources, including budgets and budget reports. We analyzed qualitative data using the thematic approach and carried out descriptive analyses on quantitative data.

Results

Budget ceilings were historically allocated, insufficient, late, or not availed at all. This led to development of budgets that were unresponsive to health system needs. Counties developed both programme-based and line budgets with line budgets as the functional budgets. Line budgets limited accountability and flexibility to reallocate resources. County health funds were fragmented resulting in duplications and wastage. Limited stakeholder participation compromised priority setting and social accountability. Priority setting that was not evidence-informed limited efficiency. Finally, budget changes at the budget approval process compromised alignment of plans to budgets.

Conclusion

This study has highlighted six aspects of the budget formulation process in Kenyan counties that ought to be strengthened to enhance health system efficiency: budget ceilings, budget structure, participatory budget formulation, pooling of health funds, priority setting processes and the budget approval process.

Highlights

Late and Insufficient budget ceilings lead to development of poorly formulated budgets

Poorly developed and unused programme-based budgets limit health system performance

Fragmented health system funding results in duplication and wastage

Limited stakeholder involvement compromised priority setting and accountability
Shingles vaccination reduces risk of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Lehrer Steven , Rheinstein Peter H.
Published: July 2022

Background

Shingles vaccination protects against Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which is related to herpes virus infection. In the current analysis we attempted to determine if herpes zoster vaccination might reduce the risk of PD.

Methods

Data on PD prevalence by US state is from Mantri et al, Table 1. They identified 27,538,023 Medicare beneficiaries that met inclusion criteria, of whom 392,214 had a PD diagnosis in 2014. Data on Shingles vaccination among adults aged 60 and over, United States, 2018 is from Terlizzi and Black, Figure 4. The NHIS data from 2008 to 2018 were used for this investigation. The NHIS is a household survey of the civilian, non-institutionalized U.S. population that is conducted nationally. It is continually carried out by the National Center for Health Statistics during the entire year (NCHS). Although follow-ups to completed interviews may be made over the phone, interviews are conducted in respondents’ homes.

Results

States with the most PD (lowest age adjusted prevalence ranks) had the lowest proportion of adults aged 60 and over who had ever received a shingles vaccine. Increased vaccination proportion led to significantly reduced female PD prevalence. Increased proportion of Medicare-Medicaid dual eligibility and increased health care spending were associated with diminished proportion of adults who had ever received a shingles vaccine.

Conclusion

Shingles vaccination is a wise, cost-effective public health measure that may reduce PD and AD prevalence.
Detection of maternal serum unmetabolized folic acid following multivitamin and mineral supplementation with or without folic acid after 12 weeks’ gestation: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sulistyoningrum Dian C , Sullivan Thomas R , Skubisz Monika , Palmer Debra J , Wood Simon , Snel Marten F , Trim Paul J , Makrides Maria , Green Timothy J , Best Karen P
Published: July 2022

Background

Pregnant women are advised to take folic acid supplements before conception and during the first three months of pregnancy. Many women continue folic acid supplementation throughout pregnancy, and concerns have been raised about associations between excess folic acid intake and adverse child health outcomes. Unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA) is found in serum at higher folic acid intakes and has been proposed as a biomarker for excess folic acid intake.

Objective

To determine if removing folic acid from prenatal multivitamin and mineral supplements after 12 weeks of pregnancy reduces concentrations of serum UMFA at 36 weeks’ gestation.

Design

A double-blind, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial. Women with a singleton pregnancy 12-16-weeks’ gestation were randomly assigned to a multi-micronutrient supplement containing no folic acid (intervention) or 800 µg folic acid/day (control) from enrolment until 36 weeks’ gestation. Maternal serum was analyzed for UMFA and secondary outcomes of red blood cell and serum folate at 36 weeks’ gestation.

Results

UMFA was detected in most of the 103 randomized women (86% >limit of detection). However, only 12% (n=11/90) of serum samples were above the limit of quantification (0.55 nmol/L), preventing analysis of UMFA concentrations. Fewer women had detectable UMFA in the no folic acid group compared to the 800 µg folic acid group (72% [n=33/46] vs. 98% [n=43/44]; p = 0.001). Maternal serum and red blood cell folate concentrations were lower in the no folic acid intervention group compared to the control group (median 23.2 vs. 49.3 nmol/L, 1335 vs. 1914 nmol/L, respectively; p< 0.,001) and no woman was classified as folate deficient.

Conclusions

Removing folic acid from prenatal multivitamin and mineral supplements reduced the number of women with detectable UMFA at 36 weeks’ gestation, however, differences in UMFA concentration between treatment groups were not quantifiable.
Eye movement based information system indicates human behavior in virtual driving
Authors: Peng Zhe , Xu Qing , Zhang Runlin , Schoeffmann Klaus , Parkinson Simon
Published: July 2022

Humans modulate the behavior flexibly after timely receiving and processing information from the environment. To better understand and measure human behavior in the driving process, we integrate humans and the environment as a system. The eye-movement methodologies are used to provide a bridge between humans and environment. Thus, we conduct a goal-directed task in virtual driving to investigate the law of eye-movement that could characterize the humans (internal) and environmental (external) state measured by fixation distribution and optical flows distribution. The analysis of eye-movement data combined with the information-theoretic tool, transfer entropy, active information storage, quantify the humans’ cognitive effort and receiving information, and in fact, there is a balance (optimal) range between two, because of the mutual synergy and inhibition, whose quantified value is named balance of information processing. Subsequently, we update a system-level model, finding that those information measurements, transfer entropy, active information storage, and balance of information processing, all are included. This information set is information flow, which is quantified by the square root of Jensen-Shannon divergence (SRJSD), named information flow gain. What’s more, results also demonstrate that the influence of system-level information flow correlated with behavioral performance stronger than the separate measurements. In conclusion, we research humans’ eye-movement based on information theory to analyze behavioral performance. Besides driving, these measurements may be a predictor for other behaviors such as walking, running, etc. Still, the limitation is that the information flow may be a proxy of determinants of behavior.
NRN-EZ: an application to streamline biophysical modeling of synaptic integration using NEURON
Authors: Cobb Evan A. , Petroccione Maurice A. , Scimemi Annalisa
Published: July 2022

One of the fundamental goals in neuroscience is to determine how the brain processes information and ultimately controls the execution of complex behaviors. Over the past four decades, there has been a steady growth in our knowledge of the morphological and functional diversity of neurons, the building blocks of the brain. These cells clearly differ not only for their anatomy and ion channel distribution, but also for the type, strength, location and temporal pattern of activity of the many synaptic inputs they receive. Compartmental modeling programs like NEURON have become widely used in the neuroscience community to address a broad range of research questions, including how neurons integrate synaptic inputs and propagate information through complex neural networks. One of the main strengths of NEURON is its ability to incorporate user-defined information about the realistic morphology and biophysical properties of different cell types. Although the graphical user interface of the program can be used to run initial exploratory simulations, introducing a stochastic representation of synaptic weights, locations and activation times typically requires users to develop their own codes, a task that can be overwhelming for some beginner users. Here we describe NRN-EZ, an interactive application that allows users to specify complex patterns of synaptic input activity that can be integrated as part of NEURON simulations. Through its graphical user interface, NRN-EZ leverages the learning curve to run computational models in NEURON, for users that do not necessarily have a computer science background.
Multi-environmental population phenotyping suggests the higher risk of wheatRht-B1bandRht-D1bcultivars in global warming scenarios
Authors: Liu Zihui , Hu Zunkai , Zhu Zhiwei , Cao Junmei , Zhang Jialiang , Ma Xiangyu , Zhang Xinzhong , Wang Xiaoming , Ji Wanquan , Xu Shengbao
Published: July 2022

After six decades practice, the semi-dwarf allelesRht-B1bandRht-D1b(also calledRht-1andRht-2) had been applied into around 70% current wheat cultivars, laid the foundation for the worldwide wheat production supply, then the agronomic traits controlled by the two alleles still keep unclear except dwarfing wheat. Here 13 agronomic traits were investigated in 400 wheat accessions with seven environments, uncovered the genetic effects ofRht-B1bandRht-D1bon wheat structure and yield traits in different genetic backgrounds and environments, and the distinct genetic effects betweenRht-B1bandRht-D1b, suggesting that the introduction of green revolution alleles profoundly shaped the agronomy traits of modern wheat cultivars. The late-sowing assays and regression analysis based on the phenotypic and their meteorological data showed the accessions containingRht-B1bandRht-D1bare more sensitive to the temperature increase, and theRht-D1bmay lost additional 8% yield compared the cultivars without the green revolution alleles if the average temperature increases 1 °C. These results suggest the application of green revolution are facing more challenges to maintain the futural wheat production supply in global warming scenarios.
ATF5 is a regulator of exercise-induced mitochondrial quality control in skeletal muscle
Authors: Slavin Mikhaela B. , Kumari Rita , Hood David A.
Published: July 2022

Objectives

The Mitochondrial Unfolded Protein Response (UPRmt) is a compartment-specific mitochondrial quality control (MQC) mechanism that uses the transcription factor ATF5 to induce the expression of protective enzymes to restore mitochondrial function. Acute exercise is a stressor that has the potential to temporarily disrupt organellar protein homeostasis, however, the roles of ATF5 and the UPRmt in maintaining basal mitochondrial content, function and exercise-induced MQC mechanisms in skeletal muscle are not known.

Methods

ATF5 KO and WT mice were examined at rest or after a bout of acute endurance exercise. We measured protein content in whole muscle, nuclear, cytosolic and mitochondrial fractions, in addition to mRNA transcript levels in whole muscle. Using isolated mitochondria, we quantified rates of oxygen consumption and ROS emission to observe the effects of the absence of ATF5 on organelle function.

Results

ATF5 KO mice exhibited a larger and less functional muscle mitochondrial pool, most likely a culmination of enhanced biogenesis via increased PGC-1α expression, and attenuated mitophagy. The absence of ATF5 resulted in a reduction in antioxidant proteins and increases in mitochondrial ROS emission, cytosolic cytochrome c, and the expression of mitochondrial chaperones. KO muscle also displayed enhanced exercise-induced stress kinase signaling, but a blunted mitophagic and UPRmt gene expression response, complemented by significant increases in the basal mRNA abundance and nuclear localization of ATF4. Instead of promoting its nuclear translocation, acute exercise caused the enrichment of ATF5 in mitochondrial fractions. We also identified PGC-1α as an additional regulator of the basal expression of UPRmt genes.

Conclusion

The transcription factor ATF5 retains a critical role in the maintenance of mitochondrial homeostasis and the appropriate response of muscle to acute exercise for the optimization of mitochondrial quality control.

Graphical abstract

A modified version of the schematic shown in Fig. 8 will be supplied at a later time.
Engineered Adhesion Molecules Drive Synapse Organization
Authors: Hale W. Dylan , Südhof T. C. , Huganir R. L.
Published: July 2022

In multicellular organisms, cell-adhesion molecules connect cells into tissues and mediate intercellular signaling between these cells. In vertebrate brains, synaptic cell-adhesion molecules (SAMs) guide the formation, specification, and plasticity of synapses. Some SAMs, when overexpressed in cultured neurons or in heterologous cells co-cultured with neurons, drive formation of synaptic specializations onto the overexpressing cells. However, genetic deletion of the same SAMs from neurons often has no effect on synapse numbers, but frequently severely impairs synaptic transmission, suggesting that most SAMs control the function and plasticity of synapses (i.e., organize synapses) instead of driving their initial establishment (i.e., make synapses). Since few SAMs were identified that mediate initial synapse formation, it is difficult to develop methods that enable experimental control of synaptic connections by targeted expression of these SAMs. To overcome this difficulty, we engineered novel SAMs from bacterial proteins with no eukaryotic homologues that drive synapse formation. We named these engineered adhesion proteins ‘Barnoligin’ and ‘Starexin’ because they were assembled from parts of Barnase and Neuroligin-1 or of Barstar and Neurexins, respectively. Barnoligin and Starexin robustly induce the formation of synaptic specializations in a specific and directional manner in cultured neurons. Synapse formation by Barnoligin and Starexin requires both their extracellular Barnase- and Bastar-derived interaction domains and their Neuroligin- and Neurexin-derived intracellular signaling domains. Our findings support a model of synapse formation whereby trans-synaptic interactions by SAMs drive synapse organization via adhesive interactions that activate signaling cascades.
Spatial host-microbiome sequencing
Authors: Lötstedt Britta , Stražar Martin , Xavier Ramnik , Regev Aviv , Vickovic Sanja
Published: July 2022

Mucosal and barrier tissues such as the gut, lung or skin, are composed of a complex network of cells and microbes forming a tight niche that prevents pathogen colonization and supports host-microbiome symbiosis. Characterizing these networks at high molecular and cellular resolution is crucial for our understanding of homeostasis and disease. Spatial transcriptomics has emerged as a key technology to positionally profile RNAs at high resolution in tissues. Here, we present spatial host-microbiome sequencing, an all-sequencing based approach that captures tissue histology, polyadenylated RNAs and bacterial 16S sequences directly from tissues on spatially barcoded glass surfaces. We apply our approach to the mouse gut as a model system, use a novel deep learning approach for data mapping and detect spatial niches impacted by microbial biogeography. Spatial host-microbiome sequencing should enhance study of native host-microbe interactions in health and disease.
Varidnaviruses in the human gut: a major expansion of the order Vinavirales
Authors: Yutin Natalya , Rayko Mike , Antipov Dmitry , Mutz Pascal , Wolf Yuri I , Krupovic Mart , Koonin Eugene V
Published: July 2022

Background

Bacteriophages play key roles in the dynamics of the human microbiome. By far the most abundant components of the human gut virome are tailed bacteriophages of the realm Duplodnaviria, in particular, crAss-like phages. However, apart from duplodnaviruses, the gut virome has not been dissected in detail.

Results

Here we report a comprehensive census of a minor component of the gut virome, the tailless bacteriophages of the realm Varidnaviria. Tailless phages are primarily represented in the gut by prophages of the families Corticoviridae and Autolykiviridae that jointly comprise the order Vinavirales and are mostly integrated as prophages in genomes of Alphaproteobacteria and Verrucomicrobia. Phylogenetic analysis of the major capsid proteins (MCP) and packaging ATPases suggests that at least three new families within Vinavirales should be established to accommodate the diversity of prophages from the human gut virome. Previously, only the MCP and ATPase genes were reported to be conserved in all members of Vinavirales. Here we identify a core set of 12 proteins that are shared by most of these viruses including previously undetected lysis enzymes. We further demonstrate that replication system components are frequently replaced in the genomes of Vinavirales, suggestive of selective pressure for escape from yet unknown host defenses or avoidance of incompatibility with coinfecting related viruses.

Conclusions

The results of this analysis show that, in a sharp contrast to marine viromes, varidnaviruses are a minor component of the human gut virome. Moreover, they are primarily represented by proviruses, suggesting that there are few if any active varidnavirus infections in the gut at any given time. These findings complement the existing knowledge of the human gut virome by exploring a group of viruses that was virtually overlooked in previous work.
Impaired Function in Diabetic Patient iPSCs-derived Blood Vessel Organoids Stem from a Subpopulation of Vascular Cells
Authors: Naderi-Meshkin Hojjat , Eleftheriadou Magdalini , Carney Garrett , Cornelius Victoria A , Nelson Clare-Ann , Kelaini Sophia , Yacoub Andrew , Donaghy Clare , Dunne Philip D , Amirkhah Raheleh , Zampetaki Anna , Zeng Lingfang , Stitt Alan W , Grieve David J , Margariti Andriana
Published: July 2022

The presence of both endothelial cells (ECs) and mural cells are central to the proper function of blood vessels in health and pathological changes in diseases including diabetes. Although iPSCs-derived vascular organoids (VOs) provide an appealing in vitro disease model and platform for drug screening, whether these organoids recapitulate human disease remains debatable. Here, we show human diabetic (DB)-VOs represent impaired vascular function including enhanced ROS activity, with higher mitochondrial content and activity, increased pro-inflammatory cytokines, and less regenerative potential in vivo. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we identify all specialized types of vascular cells (artery, capillary, vein, lymphatic and tip cells, as well as pericytes and vSMCs) within vascular organoids, while demonstrating the dichotomy landscape of ECs and mural cells. Furthermore, we reveal basal heterogeneity within vascular organoids and demonstrate differences between diabetic and non-diabetic VOs. Of note, a subpopulation of ECs significantly enrich for ROS and oxidative phosphorylation hallmarks in DB-VOs, may represent early signs of aberrant angiogenesis in diabetes. This study helps to identify key biomarkers for diabetic disease progression and find signalling molecules amenable to drug intervention.
RMeDPower for Biology: guiding design, experimental structure and analyses of repeated measures data for biological studies
Authors: Shin Min-Gyoung , Kaye Julia A. , Amirani Naufa , Lam Stephanie , Thomas Reuben , Finkbeiner Steven
Published: July 2022

Reproducibility is science has plagued efforts to understand biology at both basic and biomedical and preclinical research levels. Poor experimental design and execution can result in datasets that are improperly powered to produce rigorous and reproducible results. In order to help biologists better model their data, here we present a statistical package called RMeDPower in R, which is a complete package of statistical tools that allow a scientist to understand the effect size and variance contribution of a set of variables one has within a dataset to a given response. RMeDPower can estimate the effect size of variables within an experiment based on an initial pilot dataset. In this way, RMeDPower can inform the user how to predict the scope, dimension and size of biological data needed for a particular experimental design. RMeDPower employs a generalized linear mixed model (LMM) -based power analysis, specifically targeting cell culture-based biological experimental designs. This package simulates experiments based on user-provided experimental design related variables, such as experiments, plates, and cell lines as random effects variables. This package not only allows us to use pilot data to estimate variance components for power simulation, it also accepts a set of variance components, which is an estimation of variance of the random effects linked to experimental variables and transformed into Intra-class Correlation Coefficients (ICC), as input which is precalculated from different data sets. The latter case is suitable when pilot data has an insufficient number of replications of experimental variables to directly estimate associated variance components. RMeDPower is a powerful package that any scientist or cell biologist can use to determine if a dataset is adequately powered for each experiment and then model accordingly.