bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementation of the Institute of Medicine Treatment Plan in Oncology Practice
Authors: Sivendran Shanthi , Wilfong Lalan , Horenkamp Elizabeth , Rocque Gabrielle B.
Published: May 2021

Participation in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) value-based payment reform, the Oncology Care Model (OCM), requires that every beneficiary has a documented 13-point Institute of Medicine treatment plan (TP) when commencing antineoplastic therapy. The intent is to enhance shared decision-making between the patient and care team by providing transparent treatment recommendations and engaging patients and caregivers in meaningful discussion. There is limited discussion in the literature about how to adapt the CMS recommendations to diverse practice settings while maintaining fidelity to the intent of the TP. Here, the authors compare how 3 clinically and geographically unique OCM participating institutions implemented the TP in their respective institutions within the domains of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Similar themes in implementation are identified, including engaging stakeholders, leveraging information technology, and considering scalability. Adaptations that are unique to the culture and setting of each site are also described.
The role of emodin on cisplatin resistance reversal of lung adenocarcinoma A549/DDP cell
Authors: Teng Xue , Wang Shu Ya , Shi Yuan Qi , Fan Xiao Fan , Liu Shuang , Xing Yue , Guo Yuan Yuan , Dong Mei
Published: May 2021

Exploring drugs that reverse drug resistance and increase the sensitivity of chemotherapy drugs could significantly improve treatment effect of cancer. Our study explored the reversal effect and possible molecular mechanisms of emodin on cisplatin resistance in A549/DDP cells. The IC50 and resistance index of cells were determined by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. The ability of cell proliferation was evaluated by wound healing assay. Transwell assay was used to detect cell invasion and migration. Apoptosis induction rate was determined by flow cytometry assay and 4′,6- diamidino- 2-phenylindole staining. Intracellular concentration was determined by HPLC. Western blot analysis was applied to determine expressions of nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB) and its downstream proteins. In this study, we found that the growth inhibitory effect of cisplatin was significantly enhanced by emodin in A549/DDP cells. The combined use of emodin with DDP can effectively promote lung cancer cells apoptosis and inhibit cell migration and invasion. Further investigation indicated that reinforcement effect of emodin and DDP may be associated with inhibition of NF-κB pathway and drug efflux-related proteins such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp), multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP) and Glutathione S-transferase (GST). The key role of NF-κB was further confirmed by the application of NF-κB inhibitor Ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate. The intervention of both can significantly increase A549/DDP cell apoptosis and inhibit DDP-induced upregulation of P-gp, MRP and GST. Emodin reverses the cisplatin resistance of tumor cells by down-regulating expression of P-gp, MRP and GST, increasing the intracellular accumulation in A549/DDP cells, and the effect may be associated with the NF-κB pathways.
Data Science Methods for Nursing-Relevant Patient Outcomes and Clinical Processes
Authors: Schultz Mary Anne , Walden Rachel Lane , Cato Kenrick , Coviak Cynthia Peltier , Cruz Christopher , D'Agostino Fabio , Douthit Brian J. , Forbes Thompson , Gao Grace , Lee Mikyoung Angela , Lekan Deborah , Wieben Ann , Jeffery Alvin D.
Published: May 2021

Data science continues to be recognized and used within healthcare due to the increased availability of large data sets and advanced analytics. It can be challenging for nurse leaders to remain apprised of this rapidly changing landscape. In this article, we describe our findings from a scoping literature review of papers published in 2019 that use data science to explore, explain, and/or predict 15 phenomena of interest to nurses. Fourteen of the 15 phenomena were associated with at least one paper published in 2019. We identified the use of many contemporary data science methods (eg, natural language processing, neural networks) for many of the outcomes. We found many studies exploring Readmissions and Pressure Injuries. The topics of Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Acceptance, Burnout, Patient Safety, and Unit Culture were poorly represented. We hope that the studies described in this article help readers: (1) understand the breadth and depth of data science's ability to improve clinical processes and patient outcomes that are relevant to nurses and (2) identify gaps in the literature that are in need of exploration.
Discrete Heart Rate Values or Continuous Streams? Representation, Variability, and Meaningful Use of Vital Sign Data
Authors: Feldman Keith , Rohan Annie J. , Chawla Nitesh V.
Published: May 2021

Documentation and review of patient heart rate are a fundamental process across a myriad of clinical settings. While historically recorded manually, bedside monitors now provide for the automated collection of such data. Despite the availability of continuous streaming data, patients' charts continue to reflect only a subset of this information as snapshots recorded throughout a hospitalization. Over the past decade, prominent works have explored the implications of such practices and established fundamental differences in the alignment of discrete charted vitals and steaming data captured by monitoring systems. Limited work has examined the temporal properties of these differences, how they manifest, and their relation to clinical applications. The work presented in this article addresses this disparity, providing evidence that differences between charting techniques extend to measures of variability. Our results demonstrate how variability manifests with respect to temporal elements of charting timing and how it can facilitate personalized care by contextualizing deviations in magnitude. This work also highlights the utility of variability metrics with relation to clinical measures including associations to severity scores and a case study utilizing complex variability metrics derived from the complete set of monitor data.
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery in Older Adults Undergoing Colorectal Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Thillainadesan Janani , Yumol Minna F. , Suen Michael , Hilmer Sarah , Naganathan Vasi
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND:

Enhanced recovery after surgery is increasingly applied in older adults undergoing colorectal surgery.

OBJECTIVE:

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the impact of enhanced recovery protocols on clinical outcomes including hospital-acquired geriatric syndromes in older adults undergoing colorectal surgery.

DATA SOURCES:

This review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, and trial registry databases were searched (January 1980 to April 2020).

STUDY SELECTION:

Two researchers independently screened all articles for eligibility. Randomized controlled trials evaluating enhanced recovery protocols in older adults undergoing colorectal surgery were included.

INTERVENTION:

The enhanced recovery protocol was utilized.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Primary outcomes of interest were functional decline and delirium. Other outcomes studied were length of stay, complications, readmission, mortality, gut function, mobilization, pain, reoperation, quality of life, and psychological status.

RESULTS:

Seven randomized trials (n = 1277 participants) were included. In terms of hospital-acquired geriatric syndromes, functional decline was reported in 1 study with benefits reported in enhanced recovery after surgery participants, and meta-analyses showed reduced incidence of delirium (risk ratio, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.21–0.98). Meta-analyses also showed reduction in urinary tract infections (risk ratio, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.31–0.90), time to first flatus (standardized mean differences, –1.00; 95% CI, –1.98 to –0.02), time to first stool (standardized mean differences, –0.59; 95% CI, –0.76 to –0.42), time to mobilize postoperatively (standardized mean differences, –0.92; 95% CI, –1.27 to –0.58), time to achieve pain control (standardized mean differences, –0.59; 95% CI, –0.90 to –0.28), and hospital stay (mean differences, –2.20; 95% CI, –3.46 to –0.94).

LIMITATIONS:

The small number of randomized trials in older adults is a limitation of this study.

CONCLUSIONS:

Enhanced recovery protocols in older adults undergoing colorectal surgery appear to reduce the incidence of delirium and functional decline, 2 important hospital-acquired geriatric syndromes, as well as to improve other clinical outcomes. Future research should measure these geriatric syndromes and focus on high-risk older adults including those with frailty.
Temporary mechanical circulatory support devices: updates from recent studies
Authors: Marbach Jeffrey A. , Chweich Haval , Miyashita Satoshi , Kapur Navin K.
Published: May 2021

Purpose of review

Over the past several years, the role of short-term mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices has become the dominant focus in efforts to improve outcomes in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS). Alongside these efforts, temporary MCS devices have been increasingly used to support patients prior to cardiac surgery, during high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention, awaiting cardiac transplantation, and in the setting of refractory cardiac arrest. The present review aims to provide an update on the recent literature evaluating the evolving role of temporary MCS devices, and to provide insights into the current challenges and future directions of MCS research.

Recent findings

Recent observational data have demonstrated potential roles for intra-aortic balloon pump preoperatively in high-risk patients awaiting coronary artery bypass grafting, and advanced heart failure patients awaiting transplantation. Impella continues to demonstrate promising results as part of an early MCS strategy in CS, as a temporary bridge to transplantation, and as a mechanism for left ventricular unloading in patients on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Finally, the first randomized trial of ECMO facilitated resuscitation in the United States demonstrated improved survival in patients with refractory out of hospital cardiac arrest.

Though randomized data remains limited, observational data continue to support the role of temporary MCS devices in a variety of clinical settings.
In-kind donations to healthcare facilities during COVID-19: Experiences from a large medical center in northern Taiwan
Authors: Lin Ching-Wei , Hsu Ya-Chuan , Wu Chien-Cheng , Chen Tzeng-Ji , Hwang Shinn-Jang
Published: May 2021

Background:

In early 2020, a global outbreak of 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused high mortality rates and public panic. Worldwide demand for personal protective equipment has risen, with diminishing supplies and shortages reported. During the pandemic, charitable donations have been made by the public, aimed at helping medical staff. Based on the open data, we investigate the charitable in-kind donations received by a large medical center in northern Taiwan (Taipei Veterans General Hospital [TPEVGH]) in Taiwan during the pandemic.

Methods:

The period of investigation was the first half of the year 2020. TPEVGH has received various public donations. The list of donations published on the hospital’s official website was analyzed. The variables in the analysis were donation category, donation percentage, number of donations, and total donation amount.

Results:

Most in-kind donations were food and beverages (55.1%), with a monetary value of 3 124 510 New Taiwan Dollars (NTD) (24.3%). Medical equipment accounted for the second-highest number of items (34.8%) but was the highest monetary value (70.6%; 9 275 945 of 12 875 855 NTD). Daily necessities accounted for the lowest number of items (10.1%) and had a total monetary value of 475 400 NTD (3.7%). Over two-thirds were beverages (68.4%), all of which were bottles or cans for easy storage. Despite only five items (13.2%) being juice, the donation size was the largest, accounting for nearly half (47.1%) of the total monetary value. Only one item was fruit, which was high-class organic apples. The monetary value of this item was the highest (7.8%) among all donated food. Most donated snacks were biscuits.

Conclusion:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, most public donations to TPEVGH were food and daily necessities. While every donation should be appreciated, accepting high volumes of donations might incur donation management problems. Further research could be focused on managerial aspects, for example, quality and safety checking, storage, and distribution.
Workplace Discrimination and Short Sleep Among Healthcare Workers
Authors: Maglalang Dale Dagar , Katigbak Carina , Gómez María Andrée López , Sorensen Glorian , Hopcia Karen , Hashimoto Dean M. , Pandey Shanta , Takeuchi David T. , Sabbath Erika L.
Published: May 2021

Objective:

Examine the association of discrimination and short sleep and the buffering effect of people-oriented culture in the workplace among nurses and patient care associates.

Methods:

Used a mixed-methods design from the 2018 Boston Hospital Workers Health Study (N = 845) and semi-structured interviews among nurse directors (N = 16).

Results:

We found that people-oriented culture reduced the odds of short sleep and slightly attenuated the association of discrimination and short sleep. People-oriented culture did not buffer the effects of discrimination on short sleep. Qualitative findings showed that discrimination occurred between co-workers in relation to their job titles and existing support in the workplace does not address discrimination.

Conclusions:

Healthcare industries need to implement specific programs and services aimed at addressing discrimination which can potentially improve health outcomes among workers.
A Challenging Diagnosis: PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome Presenting as Isolated Soft-tissue Vascular Anomalies
Authors: Hill Lauren R. S. , Duis Jessica , Kulungowski Ann M. , Annam Aparna , Siegele Bradford , Nakano Taizo A.
Published: May 2021

Objective:

Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) hamartoma tumor syndrome (PHTS) has been known to present with a constellation of congenital anomalies including macrocephaly, vascular malformations, and hamartomas. Identifying a pathogenic germline PTEN mutation early is vital as all patients share a markedly increased risk for malignancy. Diagnosing children, however, is challenging as age-related penetrance makes it difficult to meet established diagnostic criteria.

Methods:

We present 4 patients with isolated soft-tissue masses of the extremity who lacked the classic constellation of systemic features of PHTS but were found to carry germline PTEN mutations on sequencing performed on involved tissue and subsequently confirmed in peripheral blood specimens.

Results:

Although none of the patients met published diagnostic criteria to indicate genetic PTEN screening, the growing differential diagnosis of soft-tissue vascular anomalies of the extremity increasingly requires sequencing of involved tissue to accurately characterize a lesion. Diagnosing these patients with a cancer predisposition syndrome radically changed their surveillance regimens which have resulted in the identification of concerning lesions of the thyroid and cervix.

Conclusion:

PTHS can present as an isolated PTEN hamartomas of soft tissue lesion with minimal systemic findings.
Comparison of morning versus evening aerobic-exercise training on heart rate recovery in treated hypertensive men: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Brito Leandro C. , Peçanha Tiago , Fecchio Rafael Y. , Pio-Abreu Andrea , Silva Giovânio , Mion-Junior Décio , Halliwill John R. , Forjaz Cláudia L. M.
Published: May 2021

Heart rate recovery (HRR) is a marker of cardiac autonomic regulation and an independent predictor of mortality. Aerobic-exercise training conducted in the evening (evening training) produces greater improvement in resting cardiac autonomic control in hypertensives than morning training, suggesting it may also result in a faster autonomic restoration postexercise. This study compared the effects of morning training and evening training on HRR in treated hypertensive men. Forty-nine treated hypertensive men were randomly allocated into three groups: morning training, evening training and control. Training was conducted three times/week for 10 weeks. Training groups cycled (45 min, moderate intensity) while control group stretched (30 min). In the initial and final assessments of the study, HRR60s and HRR300s were evaluated during the active recovery (30 W) from cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPET) conducted in the morning and evening. Between–within ANOVAs were applied (P ≤ 0.05). Only evening training increased HRR60s and HRR300 differently from control after morning CPET (+4 ± 5 and +7 ± 8 bpm, respectively, P < 0.05) and only evening training increased HRR300s differently from morning training and control after evening CPET (+8 ± 6 bpm, P < 0.05). Evening training improves HRR in treated hypertensive men, suggesting that this time of day is better for eliciting cardiac autonomic improvements via aerobic training in hypertensives.
Coronavirus disease 2019, vitamin D and kidney function
Authors: Szeto Betsy , Fan Lena , Nickolas Thomas L.
Published: May 2021

Purpose of review

The purpose of this review is to summarize the emerging studies analyzing the association between vitamin D and risk of COVID-19 infection and severity, as well as the early interventional studies investigating the protective effect of vitamin D supplementation against COVID-19.

Recent findings

Studies investigating the association between vitamin D levels and risk of COVID-19 infection and risk of severe disease and mortality among those infected have yielded mixed results. Thus far, the majority of studies investigating the association between vitamin D and COVID-19 have been observational and rely on vitamin D levels obtained at the time of admission, limiting causal inference. Currently, clinical trials assessing the effects of vitamin D supplementation in individuals with COVID-19 infection are extremely limited. Randomized, interventional trials may offer more clarity on the protective effects of vitamin D against COVID-19 infection and outcomes.

Decreased levels of vitamin D may amplify the inflammatory effects of COVID-19 infection, yet, data regarding the mortality benefits of vitamin D supplementation in COVID-19-infected individuals are still limited. Current observational data provides the impetus for future studies to including randomized controlled trials to determine whether vitamin D supplementation in COVID-19-infected individuals with kidney disease can improve mortality outcomes.
Assessment of LV diastolic dysfunction in myocardial perfusion imaging: a correlative study with transthoracic echocardiography
Authors: Malek Hadi , Samiei Niloufar , Yaghoobi Nahid , Bavaghar Nafiseh , Firoozabadi Hasan , Rastgou Fereidoon , Bakhshande Hooman , Rajabi Ahmad Bitarafan , Hedayati Raheleh
Published: May 2021

Objective

Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) by gated single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is a feasible method in the evaluation of left ventricular perfusion and function. The purpose of this study was to determine the threshold and grading of left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) using gated SPECT MPI.

Methods

A total of 149 patients were recruited in the study. All of the patients underwent a standard 2-day stress/rest gated MPI study and transthoracic echocardiography within 2 weeks. The reconstructed rest-only images were analyzed by Cedar-Sinai’s quantitative gated SPECT and the LV diastolic parameters, including peak filling rate (PFR), time to PFR (TTPF) and secondary PFR (PFR2) to PFR ratio were provided and compared to echocardiographic data.

Results

68 (45.6%) and 81 (54.4%) of patients were categorized in LVDD-absent and LVDD-present groups on the basis of LVDD evidence in echocardiography, respectively. receiver-operating-characteristic analysis for PFR and TTPF was performed, resulting in diagnostic sensitivities of 70 and 57% and specificities of 60 and 75% for PFR <2.6 end-diastolic volumes (EDV)/s and TTPF>160.5 ms, respectively. Applying our previously used thresholds of <1.70 EDV/s for PFR, >208 ms for TTPF and >1 for PFR2/PFR, sensitivities and specificities of 9.9 and 96.6%, 9.9 and 95.6% and 13.8 and 88% were resulted, respectively. Grading of LVDD on the basis of MPI-obtained diastolic parameters showed considerable overlapping data by interquartile range.

Conclusion

Gated SPECT MPI can be used as a highly specific means for detection of LV diastolic dysfunction when compared to echocardiography. However, grading of severity of diastolic heart failure appears to be impracticable.
Resurgence of regional flaps for head and neck reconstruction
Authors: Gray Mingyang L. , Drake Virginia E. , Desai Shaun C.
Published: May 2021

Purpose of review

The strain on healthcare resources in light of the COVID-19 pandemic has forced many head and neck surgeons to explore reconstructive options that may decrease length of stay. Here, we review three common and versatile regional flaps used in head and neck reconstruction that are comparable alternatives to free tissue transfer.

Recent findings

Initial anatomic descriptions of the facial artery musculocutaneous (FAMM) flap, the supraclavicular artery island flap and the submental artery island flap were published decades ago. Since then, many have proposed modifications to these descriptions to improve technical ease and patient outcomes. Benefits of regional flaps include ease of harvest, comparable outcomes to free tissue microvascular flaps, shorter operative time and hospital length of stay. Drawbacks to regional flaps include limitations to size and reach, partial necrosis, wound dehiscence and surgeon experience. The integrity of the vascular pedicle is also contingent upon vessel preservation during the cancer ablation.

Although a resurgence of regional flaps began well before the COVID-19 pandemic, many institutions began looking for alternatives to free flap reconstruction to conserve healthcare resources and minimize patient hospitalization time in the past year. There has been a revival of regional flaps such as the FAMM, supraclavicular and submental flaps that are valuable reconstructive options for many defects of the head and neck.
Facial paralysis: timing of repair and management of the nonflaccidly paralyzed face
Authors: Sanchez Anthony , Pannu Jaibir , Fuller Jennifer C.
Published: May 2021

Purpose of review

To explore recent advances in therapeutic interventions for nonflaccid facial paralysis (NFFP), including new evidence for surgical and nonsurgical treatments. Timing of treatment is also discussed, along with possible future treatments.

Recent findings

NFFP remains a difficult disease to treat. Chemodenervation with botulinum toxin remains a first-line treatment to suppress aberrant and antagonistic movements during voluntary use of muscles. More permanent treatments such as selective neurectomy, myectomy, and nerve and muscle transfers have been shown to offer promising results for the nonflaccidly paralyzed face.

NFFP is commonly seen in patients who have incomplete recovery from facial paralysis, and carries high psychosocial morbidity. A large array of treatments have been described in the literature, both procedural and nonprocedural. Both treatment type and timing are important in optimal patient recovery.
Recent updates in the management of infants and children with hyperinsulinism
Authors: Thornton Paul S.
Published: May 2021

Purpose of review

To highlight recent advances in early diagnosis and the changing treatment paradigm for hyperinsulinism (HI) which can result in shorter hospitalizations, higher rates of cure and improved neurological outcome.

Recent findings

Recent literature has shown that following publication of the pediatric endocrinology society guidelines for diagnosing hypoglycemia there have been higher rates of diagnosis of acquired and genetic HI. Studies of neurological outcome have found that poor outcomes are associated with delay between initial hypoglycemia and instigation of treatment for HI, hypoglycemic seizures and frequency of glucose <20 mg/dL. Rapid genetic testing can decrease the time from the discovery of diazoxide unresponsiveness to referral to multidisciplinary centers with the availability of 18-F-L 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylalanine positron emission tomography (18F-DOPA PET). Proper selection of patients for 18F-DOPA PET and careful interpretation of the images can result in greater than 90% cure for patients with focal HI.

Recent advances in the early diagnosis of HI and rapid turnaround genetic testing can lead to prompt transfer to centers with multidisciplinary care teams where proper selection of patients for 18F-DOPA PET scan gives the best opportunity for cure for patients with focal disease. Minimizing severe hypoglycemia maximizes the opportunity for improved neurological outcome.
The Impact of Coagulopathy on Clinical Outcomes following Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Liu Farrah C. , Miller Travis J. , Wan Derrick C. , Momeni Arash
Published: May 2021

Autologous breast reconstruction has evolved considerably from pedicled muscle-based approaches to microsurgical perforator-based techniques. Patients with documented coagulopathy, however, remain a particularly challenging population. The authors present their experience in microsurgical breast reconstruction in patients with coagulopathy and discuss their treatment protocol. A prospectively maintained database was queried for patients with coagulopathy who underwent microsurgical breast reconstruction between 2016 and 2019. Information regarding patient demographics, type of coagulopathy, and anticoagulation regimen were retrieved, and clinical outcomes were investigated. Nineteen patients who underwent 34 microsurgical breast reconstructions with free abdominal flaps were included in the study. The most common coagulopathy was factor V Leiden [n = 7 (38.6 percent)]. Nine patients (47.4 percent) developed thrombotic complications (the majority occurring intraoperatively); notably, arterial and venous thrombosis in four (21.1 percent) and two patients (10.5 percent), respectively. Postoperative thrombotic complications included pulmonary embolism [n = 2 (10.5 percent)] and flap congestion secondary to venous thrombosis [two flaps (5.9 percent)]. Only one flap loss was observed secondary to delayed venous thrombosis on postoperative day 6 (2.9 percent). The anticoagulation regimen in the majority of patients consisted of intraoperative intravenous administration of heparin (2000 U [bolus]) followed by a 5-day heparin infusion at 500 U/hour [n = 10 (52.6 percent)]. The high rate of thrombotic complications in patients with coagulopathy who underwent microsurgical breast reconstruction is contrasted by a low flap loss rate. Although coagulopathy is a risk factor for thrombotic complications, successful microsurgical breast reconstruction is still possible in the majority of patients.
Evaluating kin and group selection as tools for quantitative analysis of microbial data
Authors: Smith Jeff , Inglis R. Fredrik
Published: May 2021

Kin selection and multilevel selection theory are often used to interpret experiments about the evolution of cooperation and social behaviour among microbes. But while these experiments provide rich, detailed fitness data, theory is mostly used as a conceptual heuristic. Here, we evaluate how kin and multilevel selection theory perform as quantitative analysis tools. We reanalyse published microbial datasets and show that the canonical fitness models of both theories are almost always poor fits because they use statistical regressions misspecified for the strong selection and non-additive effects we show are widespread in microbial systems. We identify analytical practices in empirical research that suggest how theory might be improved, and show that analysing both individual and group fitness outcomes helps clarify the biology of selection. A data-driven approach to theory thus shows how kin and multilevel selection both have untapped potential as tools for quantitative understanding of social evolution in all branches of life.
Food discovery is associated with different reliance on social learning and lower cognitive flexibility across environments in a food-caching bird
Authors: Heinen Virginia K. , Pitera Angela M. , Sonnenberg Benjamin R. , Benedict Lauren M. , Bridge Eli S. , Farine Damien R. , Pravosudov Vladimir V.
Published: May 2021

Social learning is a primary mechanism for information acquisition in social species. Despite many benefits, social learning may be disadvantageous when independent learning is more efficient. For example, searching independently may be more advantageous when food sources are ephemeral and unpredictable. Individual differences in cognitive abilities can also be expected to influence social information use. Specifically, better spatial memory can make a given environment more predictable for an individual by allowing it to better track food sources. We investigated how resident food-caching chickadees discovered multiple novel food sources in both harsher, less predictable high elevation and milder, more predictable low elevation winter environments. Chickadees at high elevation were faster at discovering multiple novel food sources and discovered more food sources than birds at low elevation. While birds at both elevations used social information, the contribution of social learning to food discovery was significantly lower at high elevation. At both elevations, chickadees with better spatial cognitive flexibility were slower at discovering food sources, likely because birds with lower spatial cognitive flexibility are worse at tracking natural resources and therefore spend more time exploring. Overall, our study supported the prediction that harsh environments should favour less reliance on social learning.
Transgenerational plasticity and the capacity to adapt to low salinity in the eastern oyster,Crassostrea virginica
Authors: Griffiths Joanna S. , Johnson Kevin M. , Sirovy Kyle A. , Yeats Mark S. , Pan Francis T. C. , La Peyre Jerome F. , Kelly Morgan W.
Published: May 2021

Salinity conditions in oyster breeding grounds in the Gulf of Mexico are expected to drastically change due to increased precipitation from climate change and anthropogenic changes to local hydrology. We determined the capacity of the eastern oyster,Crassostrea virginica, to adapt via standing genetic variation or acclimate through transgenerational plasticity (TGP). We outplanted oysters to either a low- or medium-salinity site in Louisiana for 2 years. We then crossed adult parents using a North Carolina II breeding design, and measured body size and survival of larvae 5 dpf raised under low or ambient salinity. We found that TGP is unlikely to significantly contribute to low-salinity tolerance since we did not observe increased growth or survival in offspring reared in low salinity when their parents were also acclimated at a low-salinity site. However, we detected genetic variation for body size, with an estimated heritability of 0.68 ± 0.25 (95% CI). This suggests there is ample genetic variation for this trait to evolve, and that evolutionary adaptation is a possible mechanism through which oysters will persist with future declines in salinity. The results of this experiment provide valuable insights into successfully breeding low-salinity tolerance in this commercially important species.
Artificial shorelines lack natural structural complexity across scales
Authors: Lawrence Peter J. , Evans Ally J. , Jackson-Bué Tim , Brooks Paul R. , Crowe Tasman P. , Dozier Amy E. , Jenkins Stuart R. , Moore Pippa J. , Williams Gareth J. , Davies Andrew J.
Published: May 2021

From microbes to humans, habitat structural complexity plays a direct role in the provision of physical living space, and increased complexity supports higher biodiversity and ecosystem functioning across biomes. Coastal development and the construction of artificial shorelines are altering natural landscapes as humans seek socio-economic benefits and protection from coastal storms, flooding and erosion. In this study, we evaluate how much structural complexity is missing on artificial coastal structures compared to natural rocky shorelines, across a range of spatial scales from 1 mm to 10 s of m, using three remote sensing platforms (handheld camera, terrestrial laser scanner and uncrewed aerial vehicles). Natural shorelines were typically more structurally complex than artificial ones and offered greater variation between locations. However, our results varied depending on the type of artificial structure and the scale at which complexity was measured. Seawalls were deficient at all scales (approx. 20–40% less complex than natural shores), whereas rock armour was deficient at the smallest and largest scales (approx. 20–50%). Our findings reinforce concerns that hardening shorelines with artificial structures simplifies coastlines at organism-relevant scales. Furthermore, we offer much-needed insight into how structures might be modified to more closely capture the complexity of natural rocky shores that support biodiversity.
Restricted dispersal in a sea of gene flow
Authors: Benestan L. , Fietz K. , Loiseau N. , Guerin P. E. , Trofimenko E. , Rühs S. , Schmidt C. , Rath W. , Biastoch A. , Pérez-Ruzafa A. , Baixauli P. , Forcada A. , Arcas E. , Lenfant P. , Mallol S. , Goñi R. , Velez L. , Höppner M. , Kininmonth S. , Mouillot D. , Puebla O. , Manel S.
Published: May 2021

How far do marine larvae disperse in the ocean? Decades of population genetic studies have revealed generally low levels of genetic structure at large spatial scales (hundreds of kilometres). Yet this result, typically based on discrete sampling designs, does not necessarily imply extensive dispersal. Here, we adopt a continuous sampling strategy along 950 km of coast in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea to address this question in four species. In line with expectations, we observe weak genetic structure at a large spatial scale. Nevertheless, our continuous sampling strategy uncovers a pattern of isolation by distance at small spatial scales (few tens of kilometres) in two species. Individual-based simulations indicate that this signal is an expected signature of restricted dispersal. At the other extreme of the connectivity spectrum, two pairs of individuals that are closely related genetically were found more than 290 km apart, indicating long-distance dispersal. Such a combination of restricted dispersal with rare long-distance dispersal events is supported by a high-resolution biophysical model of larval dispersal in the study area, and we posit that it may be common in marine species. Our results bridge population genetic studies with direct dispersal studies and have implications for the design of marine reserve networks.
The concomitant effects of self-limiting insect releases and behavioural interference on patterns of coexistence and exclusion of competing mosquitoes
Authors: Vollans Maisie , Bonsall Michael B.
Published: May 2021

Aedes aegyptiis the dominant vector of dengue, a potentially fatal virus whose incidence has increased eightfold in the last two decades. As dengue has no widely available vaccine, vector control is key to reducing the global public health burden. A promising method is the release of self-limitingAe. aegypti, which mate with wildAe. aegyptiand produce non-viable offspring. The resultant decrease inAe. aegyptipopulation size may impact coexistence withAe. albopictus, another vector of dengue. A behavioural mechanism influencing coexistence between these species is reproductive interference, where incomplete species recognition results in heterospecifics engaging in mating activities. We develop a theoretical framework to investigate the interaction between self-limitingAe. aegyptireleases and reproductive interference betweenAe. aegyptiandAe. albopictuson patterns of coexistence. In the absence of self-limitingAe. aegyptirelease, coexistence can occur when the strength of reproductive interference experienced by both species is low. Results show that substantial overflooding with self-limitingAe. aegyptiprevents coexistence. For lower release ratios, as the release ratio increases, coexistence can occur when the strength of reproductive interference is increasingly high forAe. albopictusand increasingly low forAe. aegypti. This emphasizes the importance of including behavioural ecological processes into population models to evaluate the efficacy of vector control.
Seropositivity of HBV & HCV among the Family Members of Chronic Viral Hepatitis Patients
Authors: Siddique Abu Bakar , Uddin Mohammad Nezam , Das Kajal Kanti , Biswas Rajat Sanker Roy
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are the global public health challenge. Family members of the HBV and HCV infected patients have a higher risk of exposure to many blood-borne diseases including Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C viral infections as well. So the objectives of the present study was to evaluate seropositivity of HBV and HCV among family members of. chronic viral hepatitis patients.

Methods

This study was conducted 80 family members of 50 patients with chronic HBV and HCV infection. After ethical clearance and written consent, 1st degree family members of those chronically infected hepatitis patients were explained about the objectives of the study and a standard questionnaire were introduced and recorded. Venous blood samples was taken from every participant with universal precautions and was tested by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for Hepatitis B surface antigen, anti HCV. Data analysis was done later by SPSS.

Results

Eighty family members of 50 HBV and HCV positive cases where screened where HBV infection(45;90%) was more then HCV infection(5;90%). Male were 45(56.3%) and female were 35 (43.8%) male to male ratio 1.28:1. Total 23 (28.8%) subjects were vaccinated against HBV. One subject had history of blood transfusion and dental procedure each, extramarital sex activity was found in 2 (2.5%), and sleeping in the same room was found in 31(38.6%) subjects. History analysis revealed, 3(3.8%) were positive for HBV, 29 (36.3%) were found negative and 48(60%) were unaware of their status; again 77 (96.3%) are unaware of their anti HCV status. HBsAg and Anti HCV screening status of the relatives revealed HBsAg and anti HCV was found positive in 4 (5%) and 1 (1.3%) cases respectively.

Conclusion

Relatives of the HBV and HCV infected patients are also at risk. So they should take proper preventive measures and should be vaccinated.
Anti-microbiota vaccines modulate the tick microbiome in a taxon-specific manner
Authors: Mateos-Hernández Lourdes , Obregon Dasiel , Wu-Chuang Alejandra , Maye Jennifer , Bornères Jeremie , Versillé Nicolas , de la Fuente José , Díaz-Sánchez Sandra , Bermúdez-Humarán Luis G. , Torres-Maravilla Edgar , Estrada-Peña Agustín , Hodžić Adnan , Šimo Ladislav , Cabezas-Cruz Alejandro
Published: May 2021

Anti-tick microbiota vaccines have been shown to impact tick feeding but its specificity has not been demonstrated. In this study we aimed to investigate the impact of immune targeting of keystone microbiota bacteria on tick performance, and tick microbiota structure and function. Vaccination againstEscherichia coli, the selected keystone taxon, increased tick engorgement weight and reduced bacterial diversity inIxodes ricinusticks compared to those that fed on mice immunized againstLeuconostoc mesenteroides, a non-keystone taxon or mock-immunized group. The abundance ofEscherichia-Shigella, but notLeuconostocwas significantly reduced in ticks fed onE. coli-immunized mice and this reduction was correlated with a significant increase in host antibodies (Abs) of the isotype IgM and IgG specific toE. coliproteins. This negative correlation was not observed between the abundance ofLeuconostocin ticks and anti-L. mesenteroidesAbs in mice. We also demonstrated by co-occurrence network analysis, that immunization against the keystone bacterium restructure the hierarchy of the microbial community in ticks and that anti-tick microbiota vaccines reduced the resistance of networks to directed removal of taxa. Functional pathways analysis showed that immunization with a live bacterial vaccine can also induce taxon-specific changes in the abundance of pathways. Our results demonstrated that anti-tick microbiota vaccines can modulate the tick microbiome and that the modification is specific to the taxon chosen for host immunization. These results guide interventions for the control of tick infestations and pathogen infection/transmission.
How spatial attention affects the decision process: looking through the lens of Bayesian hierarchical diffusion model & EEG analysis
Authors: Ghaderi-Kangavari Amin , Parand Kourosh , Ebrahimpour Reza , Nunez Michael D. , Rad Jamal Amani
Published: May 2021

Model-based cognitive neuroscience elucidates the cognitive processes and neurophysiological oscillations that lead to behavioral performance in cognitive tasks (e.g., response times and accuracy). In this paper we explore the underlying latent process of spatial prioritization in perceptual decision processes, based on one well-known sequential sampling model (SSM), the drift-diffusion model (DDM), and subsequent nested model comparison. Neural components of spatial attention which contributed to the latent process and behavioral performance in a visual face-car perceptual decision were detected based on both time-frequency decomposition and event-related potential (ERP) analysis. For estimating DDM parameters (i.e. the drift rate, the boundary separation, and the non-decision time), a Bayesian hierarchical approach is considered, which allows inferences to be performed simultaneously on the group and individual level. Our cognitive modeling analysis revealed that spatial attention changed the non-decision time parameter across experimental conditions, such that a model with a changing non-decision time parameter provides a better fit to the data than other model parameters, quantified using the deviance information criterion (DIC) score and R-squared. Using multiple regression analysis on the contralateral minus neutral N2 sub-component (N2nc) at central electrodes, it can be concluded that poststimulus N2nc can predict mean response times (RTs) and non-decision time parameters related to spatial prioritization. However the contralateral minus neutral alpha power (Anc) at parieto-occipital electrodes can only predict the mean RTs and not the non-decision time relating to spatial prioritization. It was also found that the difference of contralateral minus neutral neural oscillations were more reflective of the modulation of the top-down spatial attention in comparison to the difference of ipsilateral minus neutral neural oscillations. These results suggest that individual differences in spatial attention are encoded by contralateral (and not ipsilateral) N2 oscillations and non-decision times. This work highlights how model-based Cognitive Neuroscience can further reveal the role of EEG in spatial attention during perceptual decision making.
Role of Nrp1 in controlling cortical interhemispheric circuits
Authors: Martín-Fernández F , Briz C. G. , Nieto M.
Published: May 2021

Callosal projections establish topographically organized maps between cortical areas. Neuropilin-1 (Nrp1) cortical gradient induces an early segregation of developing callosal axons. We investigated later roles of Nrp1 on the development of callosal projections from layer (L) 2/3 of the primary (S1) and secondary (S2) somatosensory (SS) areas, which express higher and lower levels of Nrp1, respectively. We used in utero electroporation to knock down or overexpress Nrp1 combined with retrograde tracers, to map connections at postnatal day 16 and 30. High levels of Nrp1 blocked contralateral S2 innervation while promoted the late postnatal growth of homotopic S1L2/3 and heterotopic S2L2/3 branches into S1. Conversely, knocking down Nrp1 increased the growth of heterotopic S1L2/3 projections into S2, and the overall refinement of S2L2/3 branches, thereby diminishing the number of P30 S2L2/3 callosally projecting neurons. Thus, the Nrp1 gradient determines homotopic SSL2/3 callosal connectivity by regulating late postnatal branching and refinement in a topographic manner.
Vitrifying multiple embryos in different arrangements does not alter the cooling rate⋆
Authors: Ostler Timothy , Woolley Thomas E. , Swann Karl , Thomson Andrew , Priddle Helen , Palmer Giles , Kaouri Katerina
Published: May 2021

Vitrification is the most common method of cryopreservation of gametes in fertility clinics due to its improved survival rates compared to slow freezing techniques. For the Open Cryotop® vitrification device, the number of oocytes, or embryos, mounted onto a single device can vary.

In this work, a mathematical model is developed for the cooling of oocytes and embryos (samples). The model is solved computationally, to investigate whether varying the number of samples mounted onto the Open Cryotop® affects the cooling rates, and consequently the survival rates, of vitrified samples. Several realistic spatial arrangements of samples are examined, determining their temperature over time. In this way we quantify the effect of spatial arrangement on the cooling rate.

Our results indicate that neither the spatial arrangement nor the number of mounted samples has a large effect on cooling rates, so long as the volume of the cryoprotectant remains minimal. The time taken for cooling is found to be on the order of half a second, or less, regardless of the spatial arrangement or number of mounted samples. Hence, rapid cooling can be achieved for any number or arrangement of samples, as long as device manufacturer guidelines are adhered to.
Residue-specific insights into (2x)72 kDa tryptophan synthase obtained from fast-MAS 1H-detected solid-state NMR
Authors: Klein Alexander , Rovó Petra , Sakhrani Varun V. , Wang Yangyang , Holmes Jacob , Liu Viktoriia , Skowronek Patricia , Kukuk Laura , Vasa Suresh K. , Güntert Peter , Mueller Leonard J. , Linser Rasmus
Published: May 2021

Solid-state NMR has emerged as a potent technique in structural biology, suitable for the study of fibrillar, micro-crystalline, and membrane proteins. Recent developments in fast-magic-angle-spinning and proton-detected methods have enabled detailed insights into structure and dynamics, but molecular-weight limitations for the asymmetric part of target proteins have remained at ~30-40 kDa. Here we employ solid-state NMR for atom-specific characterization of the 72 kDa (asymmetric unit) microcrystalline protein tryptophan synthase, an important target in pharmacology and biotechnology, chemical-shift assignments of which we obtain via higher-dimensionality, 4D and 5D solid-state NMR experiments. The assignments for the first time provide comprehensive data for assessment of side chain chemical properties involved in the catalytic turnover, and, in conjunction with first-principles calculations, precise determination of thermodynamic and kinetic parameters is demonstrated for the essential acid-base catalytic residue βK87. The insights provided by this study expand by nearly a factor of two the size limitations widely accepted for NMR today, demonstrating the applicability of solid-state NMR to systems that have been thought to be out of reach due to their complexity.