bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supplemental Figure 6 from Infusion Product TNFα, Th2, and STAT3 Activities Are Associated with Clinical Responses to Transgenic T-cell Receptor Cell Therapy
Authors: Nowicki Theodore S. , Peters Cole W. , Quiros Crystal , Kidd Conner K. , Kawakami Moe , Klomhaus Alexandra M. , Baselga-Carretero Ignacio , Kaplan-Lefko Paula , Macabali Mignonette H. , Perez Garcilazo Ivan , Berent-Maoz Beata , Comin-Anduix Begoña , Ribas Antoni
Published: December 2023

Contribution of all assayed secreted cytokines to CD8 cytokine functional strength indices (FSI). Groups are divided by clinical response and tonic vs stimulated culture conditions. Error bars represent +/- standard error of the mean (SEM).
Supplemental Figure 3 from Infusion Product TNFα, Th2, and STAT3 Activities Are Associated with Clinical Responses to Transgenic T-cell Receptor Cell Therapy
Authors: Nowicki Theodore S. , Peters Cole W. , Quiros Crystal , Kidd Conner K. , Kawakami Moe , Klomhaus Alexandra M. , Baselga-Carretero Ignacio , Kaplan-Lefko Paula , Macabali Mignonette H. , Perez Garcilazo Ivan , Berent-Maoz Beata , Comin-Anduix Begoña , Ribas Antoni
Published: December 2023

Contribution of all assayed secreted cytokines to CD4 cytokine polyfunctionality strength indices (PSI). Groups are divided by clinical response and tonic vs stimulated culture conditions. Error bars represent +/- standard error of the mean (SEM).
Supplemental Figure 2 from Infusion Product TNFα, Th2, and STAT3 Activities Are Associated with Clinical Responses to Transgenic T-cell Receptor Cell Therapy
Authors: Nowicki Theodore S. , Peters Cole W. , Quiros Crystal , Kidd Conner K. , Kawakami Moe , Klomhaus Alexandra M. , Baselga-Carretero Ignacio , Kaplan-Lefko Paula , Macabali Mignonette H. , Perez Garcilazo Ivan , Berent-Maoz Beata , Comin-Anduix Begoña , Ribas Antoni
Published: December 2023

No association between aggregate CD4 and CD8 cytokine polyfunctionality strength indices and clinical response. Aggregate PSI scores (i.e. the percentage of polyfunctional cells multiplied by the degree of cytokine secretion, summed from all component cytokines’ PSI scores) showed no significant differences between clinical responders vs non-responders in the CD4 tonic (A), CD4 stimulated (B), CD8 tonic (C), or CD8 stimulated populations (D). p values represent results from unpaired t-test.
Supplemental Figure 18 from Infusion Product TNFα, Th2, and STAT3 Activities Are Associated with Clinical Responses to Transgenic T-cell Receptor Cell Therapy
Authors: Nowicki Theodore S. , Peters Cole W. , Quiros Crystal , Kidd Conner K. , Kawakami Moe , Klomhaus Alexandra M. , Baselga-Carretero Ignacio , Kaplan-Lefko Paula , Macabali Mignonette H. , Perez Garcilazo Ivan , Berent-Maoz Beata , Comin-Anduix Begoña , Ribas Antoni
Published: December 2023

Association of CD4 Th17 cytokine polyfunctionality with patient survival. CD4 Th17 PSI (i.e. proportion of single cells secreting Th17 cytokines IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-22 multiplied by the signal intensity of those cytokines) was significantly associated with patient overall survival.
Supplemental Figure 15 from Infusion Product TNFα, Th2, and STAT3 Activities Are Associated with Clinical Responses to Transgenic T-cell Receptor Cell Therapy
Authors: Nowicki Theodore S. , Peters Cole W. , Quiros Crystal , Kidd Conner K. , Kawakami Moe , Klomhaus Alexandra M. , Baselga-Carretero Ignacio , Kaplan-Lefko Paula , Macabali Mignonette H. , Perez Garcilazo Ivan , Berent-Maoz Beata , Comin-Anduix Begoña , Ribas Antoni
Published: December 2023

Association of CD4 p-IkBα activity with Th2 cytokinetic polyfunctionality and clinical response. (A) Tonic CD4 p-IkBα FSI is significantly associated with corresponding CD4 Th2 cytokinetic PSI, and is weakly associated with clinical response (B), unpaired t-test.
Supplemental Figure 13 from Infusion Product TNFα, Th2, and STAT3 Activities Are Associated with Clinical Responses to Transgenic T-cell Receptor Cell Therapy
Authors: Nowicki Theodore S. , Peters Cole W. , Quiros Crystal , Kidd Conner K. , Kawakami Moe , Klomhaus Alexandra M. , Baselga-Carretero Ignacio , Kaplan-Lefko Paula , Macabali Mignonette H. , Perez Garcilazo Ivan , Berent-Maoz Beata , Comin-Anduix Begoña , Ribas Antoni
Published: December 2023

Association of CD4 Th2 cytokine polyfunctionality with lower peak TCR+ T-cell proportion in peripheral circulation in vivo following adoptive cell transfer. CD4 Th2 PSI score is weakly associated with lower peak values of TCR+% T-cell populations following infusion of TCR-T cell products (Pearson’s r).
FIGURE 6 from Integrin-αvβ3 is a Therapeutically Targetable Fundamental Factor in Medulloblastoma Tumorigenicity and Radioresistance
Authors: Echavidre William , Durivault Jérôme , Gotorbe Célia , Blanchard Thays , Pagnuzzi Marina , Vial Valérie , Raes Florian , Broisat Alexis , Villeneuve Rémy , Amblard Régis , Garnier Nicolas , Ortholan Cécile , Faraggi Marc , Serrano Benjamin , Picco Vincent , Montemagno Christopher
Published: December 2023

Radioresistant medulloblastomas overexpress integrin-αvβ3 and are sensitive to cilengitide. A, A heat map showing integrin gene expression in naïve versus radioresistant DAOY and HD-MB03 cells. Integrin expression was quantified by qRT-PCR. Results are expressed compared with normal cerebellum (log10-fold change). The means of three independent experiments are presented. B, Representative western blots of β3-integrin protein expression in naïve versus radioresistant DAOY (top) and HD-MB03 (bottom) cells. Three independent experiments were performed. The proliferation of naïve versus radioresistant DAOY (C) and HD-MB03 (D) cells treated with cilengitide (2.5 µmol/L) for 96 hours. Proliferation rates are expressed as the percentage of day 0. Three independent experiments were performed, and data are presented as mean ± SEM. Key: **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.001. Invasion assays of naïve versus radioresistant DAOY (E) and HD-MB03 (F) cells treated with cilengitide for 12 and 24 hours, respectively. Serum-starved cells were treated with cilengitide (2.5 µmol/L) and allowed to invade for 12 (DAOY) or 24 hours (HD-MB03). Invasions were conducted using Boyden chambers coated with Matrigel, and the results are expressed as the percentage of control naïve cells. Three independent experiments were performed, and data are presented as mean ± SEM. Key: **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.001 versus untreated cells; #, P < 0.05; ##, P < 0.01 versus naïve cells. Effect of cilengitide on PARP cleavage. Naïve or radioresistant DAOY (G) and HD-MB03 (H) cells were treated with cilengitide (20 µmol/L) for 48 hours. Cell lysates were analyzed by Western blot analysis with an anti-PARP antibody. Three independent experiments were performed, with representative blots shown.
Data from Integrin-αvβ3 is a Therapeutically Targetable Fundamental Factor in Medulloblastoma Tumorigenicity and Radioresistance
Authors: Echavidre William , Durivault Jérôme , Gotorbe Célia , Blanchard Thays , Pagnuzzi Marina , Vial Valérie , Raes Florian , Broisat Alexis , Villeneuve Rémy , Amblard Régis , Garnier Nicolas , Ortholan Cécile , Faraggi Marc , Serrano Benjamin , Picco Vincent , Montemagno Christopher
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Medulloblastoma is one of the most prevalent solid tumors found in children, occurring in the brain's posterior fossa. The standard treatment protocol involves maximal resection surgery followed by craniospinal irradiation and chemotherapy. Despite a long-term survival rate of 70%, wide disparities among patients have been observed. The identification of pertinent targets for both initial and recurrent medulloblastoma cases is imperative. Both primary and recurrent medulloblastoma are marked by their aggressive infiltration into surrounding brain tissue, robust angiogenesis, and resistance to radiotherapy. While the significant role of integrin-αvβ3 in driving these characteristics has been extensively documented in glioblastoma, its impact in the context of medulloblastoma remains largely unexplored. Integrin-αvβ3 was found to be expressed in a subset of patients with medulloblastoma. We investigated the role of integrin-αvβ3 using medulloblastoma-derived cell lines with β3-subunit depletion or overexpression both in vitro and in vivo settings. By generating radioresistant medulloblastoma cell lines, we uncovered an increased integrin-αvβ3 expression, which correlated with increased susceptibility to pharmacologic integrin-αvβ3 inhibition with cilengitide, a competitive ligand mimetic. Finally, we conducted single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/MRI studies on orthotopic models using a radiolabeled integrin-αvβ3 ligand (99mTc-RAFT-RGD). This innovative approach presents the potential for a novel predictive imaging technique in the realm of medulloblastoma. Altogether, our findings lay the foundation for employing SPECT/MRI to identify a specific subset of patients with medulloblastoma eligible for integrin-αvβ3–directed therapies. This breakthrough offers a pathway toward more targeted and effective interventions in the treatment of medulloblastoma.
Significance:
This study demonstrates integrin-αvβ3’s fundamental role in medulloblastoma tumorigenicity and radioresistance and the effect of its expression on cilengitide functional activity.
Computed Tomography Renal Volumetry Better Predicts Postoperative Donor Renal Function in Live Kidney Donor Transplantation than Renal Scintigraphy: A Comparative Study
Authors: Shimbo Masaki , Nojyu Kyutaro , Yonekura Yuki , Nagahama Masahiko , Komatsu Kenji , Endo Fumiyasu , Ohyama Takehiro , Sakuma Yasunaru , Nakayama Masaaki , Iwami Daiki , Yagisawa Takashi , Hattori Kazunori
Published: December 2023

Introduction and Objectives: Both computed tomography (CT) and renal scintigraphy (RS) have been used to assess vascular anatomy, renal status, and split renal function (SRF). In this study, we used a recently developed software that facilitates renal volumetric evaluations to compare RS and automated CT volumetry for assessing residual renal function and, thus, estimating postoperative renal function after donor nephrectomy. Methods: Fifty-one cases of donor nephrectomy were analyzed. Residual renal function was estimated based on RS and CT volumetry. The correlation between the postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and expected SRF, measured using RS and three types of CT volumetry data (ellipsoid, thin-slice, and 5-mm slice data), was determined. Results: The correlation coefficient between actual eGFR and expected SRF was significantly associated at each time point and modality (p < 0.0001). At any time point, the difference in correlation coefficient between RS and 5-mm volumetry was significant (p value: 0.003–0.018), whereas the differences in correlation coefficients between RS and the triaxial volume calculation, and the triaxial volume calculation and 5-mm volumetry, were generally statistically insignificant. Conclusions: Expected SRF was estimated more accurately by CT volumetric calculations (especially 5-mm slice-based volumetry) than RS.
Expanding the Clinical and Molecular Spectrum of FOXG1- and ZBTB18-Associated Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors: Brea-Fernández Alejandro J. , Souto-Trinei Federica A. , Iglesias Elba , Caamaño Pilar , Rodríguez Sánchez Berta , Gómez Lado Carmen , Eiris Jesús , Fernández-Prieto Montse , Barros Francisco , Brea Roberto J. , Carracedo Ángel
Published: December 2023

Introduction: The zinc finger BTB domain-containing protein ZBTB18 binds to FOXG1 to form a transcriptional repressive complex involved in neuronal differentiation. Disruption of the components of this complex results in chromosome 1q43–q44 deletion syndrome/intellectual developmental disorder 22 or in FOXG1 syndrome. Case Presentation: This study reports on five patients with cognitive and behavioral impairment, seizures, microcephaly, and/or congenital brain abnormalities. Whole-exome sequencing identified deleterious ZBTB18 variants in three patients and deleterious FOXG1 variants in the remaining patients. We have detected a missense variant within the BTB domain of ZBTB18 in two affected monozygotic twins. In addition, we observed agenesis of the septum pellucidum in a missense FOXG1 carrier with a severe FOXG1 syndrome. Conclusion: Although the ZBTB18 zinc finger domains harbor the majority of known deleterious variants, we report a novel de novo rare missense variant within the BTB domain. The agenesis of the septum pellucidum observed in a missense FOXG1 carrier could be considered as a novel clinical feature associated with FOXG1 syndrome. The severe FOXG1 syndrome in this patient contrasts with the milder phenotype expected for a missense. Genetic or environmental factors may explain this phenotypic variability in FOXG1 syndrome.
Influence of lithium in neuron-glia interaction in primary hippocampal cell culturing
Authors: Rocha Nicole Kemberly Ribeiro , Rocha Nicole Kemberly Ribeiro , Paula Vanessa de Jesus Rodrigues de
Published: December 2023

Recently, special attention has been given to the possible neuroprotective effects of lithium, especially by the discovery of its regulatory effects on pro and anti-apoptotic proteins. Lithium substantially increases the cytoprotective proteins expression in the central nervous system, both in rat cortex and in human cells of neuronal origin. In addition to neuroprotective actions, it aids in the regeneration of axons in the central nervous system of mammals. Lithium negatively regulates the expression and activity of enzymes that exert important functions in cerebral homeostasis: synaptic plasticity, neurogenesis, andphosphorylation of tau protein. Microglia is known for its importance in neuropathologies. However, under physiological conditions, such immune cells interact actively with neurons, being able to modulate the fate and functions of the synapses. Such ability of microglial cells suggests the consequences of changes in microglial phenotype under pathological conditions, which makes it relevant to understand the interaction between microglial and other developing brain cells and their influence on the formation of neuronal and synaptic networks. The current work aims to identify the main pathway of neuronal-glia integration activated by chronic treatment with lithium (0.02mM; 0.2mM and 2mM) in hippocampal neurons, exploring the use of bioinformatics tools in microarray data. Treatment of primary hippocampal neurons with lithium changed the genes related to different neuroprotection pathwaysat the highest therapeutic dose (2mM). There was dissociation between the therapeutic and sub therapeutic dose of lithium in neuroprotection. Therefore, treatment at therapeutic doses (2mM) modified different signaling pathways when compared to the sub-therapeutic dose (0.02 and 0.2mM).
Influence of hypercaloric diet on mic: a reflection of human population
Authors: Liboni Túlio Esper , Lima Renato Pierre , Rocha Isabella Versiani Martins , Claro Junior Francisco , Schiozer Wandir Antonio
Published: December 2023

In recent decades, hypercaloric diets have been associated with obesity, being one of the main public health problems in developed and developing countries. This excessive consumption of hypercaloric foods, associated with sedentary lifestyle and genetic factors, leads to chronic obesity and the deposition of fat in the tissues, leading to metabolic disorders with systemic consequences for the individual. Objectives: To evaluate the influence of the cafeteria diet in the population through an experimental study in rats. Methods: Sprague- Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups: 2 controls (who received common rodent feed) and 2 fed with a cafeteria diet (equivalent to human). The cafeteria diet was introduced from 6 weeks of age, estimated human age (HA) of 7 years, and maintained for at least 11 weeks (sufficient period to analyze a chronic exposure). The variables analyzed were weight, naso- anal length (NAL), Lee index (equivalent to human BMI), fasting glycemia (FG), perigonadal fat (PF) and inguinal fat volume (IFV). Data were analyzed by the ANOVA statistical test and considered significant with p <0.05. Results: Ten rats (Control 1 - C1 and Diet 1 - D1) were analyzed at 17 week-old (HA = 20 year-old) and 8 rats (Control 2 - C2 and Diet 2 - D2) were analyzed at 26 week-old (HA = 32 years). The mean weight at C1 was 250.14g, D1 was 332.65g (p = 0.01), C2 was 263.089g and D2 was 426.76g (p <0.001). Regarding the Lee Index values, groups C1, D1, C2 and D2, respectively, mean values of 303.37; 313.43; 298.12; 332.63 (where p = 0.45 between C1 and D1 and p = 0.002 between C2 and D2). The mean FG score was 76.06 mg/dl (p = 0.26), the mean PGF was 8.21 g (p <0.001 in thecomparison between the control and intervention groups at 2 moments) and the mean IFV was 5.08 ml, with a significant relationship between C1 and D1 (p = 0.007) and C2 and D2 (p = 0.001). Discussion: Preclinical studies generally have as limitation the fact that they do not use a human-like organism. However, its great advantage over clinical studies is the possibility to minimize the biases related to the individual’s genetics and life-style. In this way, this study, mimic in controlled conditions, the hypercaloric feeding in which the human population is submitted. Conclusion: Significant correlations were observed regarding weight and mean fat, comparing the control and diet groups. The cafeteria diet alone was able to induce obesity in rats when exposed to a long period (groups 2).  Although there was no increase in glycemic levels among the 4 groups (adult rats still young), the increase in visceral and subcutaneous fat was significant even in very young rats (groups 1).
Realistic simulation as educational strategy on integral care to trauma victims
Authors: Sousa Clarissa Castrighini Macedo de , Soares Daiane de Oliveira , Rangel Júnior William Simões , Bruno Kiane Werneck Assumpção , Pinho Werther Halpern de , Brasil Paula Freire , Freire Marcos Alpoim
Published: December 2023

Objective: To report the experience of using realistic simulation as way of teaching and training medical students on the polytraumatized care. Methods: The simulation ambience consisted on a scenery with multiple victims in a collision of a car crash versus car versus obstacle. The students performed functions that are compatible with their knowledge (first aid, prehospital care or intrahospitalar care). The realistic scenery was assembled with clinical cases, makeup and appropriate material. For each victim there was a monitor who filled checklists containing the main points that should be addressed by the students.Afterwards a questionnaire was applied to evaluate the learning process. Result: Among the 55 students that participated, 32 answered the questionnaire. 97,75% of them are medical students and 6,25%, nursing students. Concerning the content of the simulation, 53,1% of the students reported they were exposed to new topics and 96,9% believe the simulation helped to fix the content learned during the course. Conclusion: The use of realistic simulation as a teaching methodology provides positive impact, once it is an early insertion on the clinic-surgical practices, diagnostic induction and development of trauma care.
Embolic shower following blunt aortic injury: a risky yet successful approach
Authors: Cincoto Alissom Vitti , Koyama Leonardo Kenji Sakaue , Silva Francisco de Sales Collet e , Pflug Adriano Ribeiro Meyer , Utiyama Edivaldo Massazo
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Blunt Aortic Injury (BAI) is a rare event in high-energy traumas. It has an estimated incidence of 20 to 30 per 1 million population per year. Its importance, however, rely in the outstanding mortality rates, in which 80 to 90% of the patients die at the scene of injury and 50% of the survivors die at the hospital (1). The majority of BAI occur in the thoracic aorta and there are less than 10 described cases of floating aortic thrombus (FAT) secondary a BAI, from which no thromboembolic complication was described (2). Objective: We report a case of a large thoraco-abdominal BAI following thrombotic dissemination with multiple ischemic foci, an extremely rare complication of high energy traumas, and its management.
TEP for incarcerated groin hernias
Authors: Carvalho Bárbara Justo , Martines Diego Ramos , Mesquita Gustavo Heluani Antunes de , Pipek Leonardo Zumerkorn , Iuamoto Leandro Ryuchi , Waisberg Daniel Reis , Meyer Alberto
Published: December 2023

Objective: To verify if endoscopic TEP surgery performed by an experienced surgeon is a feasible procedure to treat incarcerated groin hernia.Methods: This is a retrospective study in which we analyzed data from patients submitted to TEP endoscopic surgery for treatment of incarcerated and non-incarcerated groin hernias. The surgeries were all performed by a single surgeon. We obtained data on gender, age, ASA scores, BMI, hernia site and operating time. The two groups were descriptively analyzed and statistically compared in order to verify how similar the samples were. The operative times were also compared between the groups. The first 65 surgeries were excluded in order to evaluate the hability of an experienced surgeon.Results: 323 surgeries were performed. 32 (9.9%) were cases of incarcerated hernias. In 306 cases (96%), the surgical approach used was TEP, the other 13 cases (4%) were operated by TAPP. All incarcerated hernias were operated by the TEP method. No significant differences on gender, age, hernia site, BMI and ASA score were found between incarcerated and non-incarcerated hernia patients. The operative time was analyzed by site of hernias (left, right and bilateral) and no statistical differences were found between incarcerated and nonincarcerated hernias.Conclusions: 1) There was no significant differences on gender, age, ASA, BMI and site of hernias that could interfere in operative time in both groups. 2) The lack of significant statistical difference on operative time indicate that, for experienced surgeons, the technical difficulty is similar to operate incarcerated and non-incarcerated groin hernias by TEP.Keywords: Herniorraphy; Inguinal hernia; Endoscopy; Learning curve; Operative time.
Independência funcional de pacientes com síndrome de Guillain-Barré internados para reabilitação
Authors: Meira Laura Cristina de Souza , Magalhães Maria Eduarda Santos , Silva Francine Aguilera Rodrigues da , Prudente Cejane Oliveira Martins
Published: December 2023

Objetivo: Analisar a evolução da independência funcional de pacientes com Síndrome de Guillain-Barré (SGB) internados para reabilitação. Método: Estudo retrospectivo e longitudinal. Foram analisados prontuários de pacientes com diagnóstico de SGB internados para reabilitação, de janeiro de 2015 a março de 2020, que possuíam a Medida de Independência Funcional (MIF) na admissão e alta hospitalar devidamente preenchida, sem distinção de idade. A comparação da MIF antes e depois da internação para reabilitação foi feita por meio do teste t de Student e McNemar. Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 26 pacientes, com média de idade de 41,96 ± 19,67 anos. Os participantes tinham em média 66,07 ± 69,56 dias entre os primeiros sintomas e a admissão para internação para reabilitação. O tempo médio de internação foi de 38,96± 28,36 dias. Houve diferença significativa entre as médias das pontuações, na admissão e alta, nos domínios motor (37,58 - 59,62; p<0,001) e cognitivo (23,19 - 33,35; p<0,001) e escore total da MIF (60,77 - 92,96; p<0,001). Observou-se também aumento do número de pacientes com independência completa após internação para reabilitação (2 - 15; p<0,001). Conclusão: Pacientes com SGB internados para reabilitação apresentam melhora da independência funcional. É importante acesso a esta modalidade terapêutica multiprofissional aos pacientes com SGB.
Tradutores do orvalho: tradução e crioulização em Gouverneurs de la rosée, de Jacques Roumain
Authors: Mattos Thiago , Provinzano Amaral Henrique
Published: December 2023

Gouverneurs de la rosée (1944), de Jacques Roumain, é um romance central da literatura haitiana, o que se deve em grande parte ao projeto político-poético de criação de uma língua literária haitiana. Neste artigo, pretendemos analisar de que maneira Roumain elabora uma língua que, sem abrir mão do francês, consegue, no entanto, crioulizá-lo. Partindo de Glissant (1981, 1990, 1995), Laroche (1991) e Combe (1995, 2019), e por meio da análise de uma seleção de trechos, identificamos no romance um dispositivo de narração baseado na lógica tradutória, pela qual Roumain cria uma língua literária capaz de desterritorializar o leitor francófono e reterritorializar a língua francesa em presença do créole, subvertendo a hierarquia que caracteriza a diglossia, herdada da história colonial, entre francês e crioulo no Haiti.
NEXN Gene in Cardiomyopathies and Sudden Cardiac Deaths: Prevalence, Phenotypic Expression, and Prognosis
Authors: Hermida Alexis , Ader Flavie , Millat Gilles , Jedraszak Guillaume , Maury Phillipe , Cador Romain , Catalan Pierre-Antoine , Clerici Gaël , Combes Nicolas , De Groote Pascal , Dupin-Deguine Delphine , Eschalier Romain , Faivre Laurence , Garcia Patricia , Guillon Benoit , Janin Alexandre , Kugener Beatrice , Lackmy Marylin , Laredo Mikael , Le Guillou Xavier , Lesaffre François , Lucron Hugues , Milhem Antoine , Nadeau Gwenaël , Nguyen Karine , Palmyre Aurélien , Perdreau Elodie , Picard François , Rebotier Nicolas , Richard Pascale , Rooryck Caroline , Seitz Julien , Verloes Alain , Vernier Agathe , Winum Pierre , Yabeta Grace-A-Dieu , Bouchot Océane , Chevalier Philippe , Charron Philippe , Gandjbakhch Estelle
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND:

Few clinical data are available on
NEXN
mutation carriers, and the gene’s involvement in cardiomyopathies or sudden death has not been fully established. Our objectives were to assess the prevalence of putative pathogenic variants in
NEXN
and to describe the phenotype and prognosis of patients carrying the variants.

METHODS:

DNA samples from consecutive patients with cardiomyopathy or sudden cardiac death/sudden infant death syndrome/idiopathic ventricular fibrillation were sequenced with a custom panel of genes. Index cases carrying at least one putative pathogenic variant in the
NEXN
gene were selected.

RESULTS:

Of the 9516 index patients sequenced, 31 were carriers of a putative pathogenic variant in
NEXN
only, including 2 with double variants and 29 with a single variant. Of the 29 unrelated probands with a single variant (16 males; median age at diagnosis, 32.0 [26.0–49.0] years), 21 presented with dilated cardiomyopathy (prevalence, 0.33%), and 3 presented with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (prevalence, 0.14%). Three patients had idiopathic ventricular fibrillation, and there were 2 cases of sudden infant death syndrome (prevalence, 0.46%). For patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, the median left ventricle ejection fraction was 37.5% (26.25–50.0) at diagnosis and improved with treatment in 13 (61.9%). Over a median follow-up period of 6.0 years, we recorded 3 severe arrhythmic events and 2 severe hemodynamic events.

CONCLUSIONS:

Putative pathogenic
NEXN
variants were mainly associated with dilated cardiomyopathy; in these individuals, the prognosis appeared to be relatively good. However, severe and early onset phenotypes were also observed—especially in patients with double
NEXN
variants. We also detected
NEXN
variants in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and sudden infant death syndrome/idiopathic ventricular fibrillation, although a causal link could not be established.
Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex Does Not Play a Selective Role in Pattern Separation
Authors: Lauzon Claire , Chiasso Daniel , Rabin Jennifer S. , Ciaramelli Elisa , Rosenbaum R. Shayna
Published: December 2023

Humans have the capacity to form new memories of events that are, at times, highly similar to events experienced in the past, as well as the capacity to integrate and associate new information within existing knowledge structures. The former process relies on mnemonic discrimination and is believed to depend on hippocampal pattern separation, whereas the latter is believed to depend on generalization signals and conceptual categorization supported by the neocortex. Here, we examine whether and how the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vMPFC) supports discrimination and generalization on a widely used task that was primarily designed to tax hippocampal processes. Ten individuals with lesions to the vMPFC and 46 neurotypical control participants were administered an adapted version of the mnemonic similarity task [Stark, S. M., Yassa, M. A., Lacy, J. W., & Stark, C. E. L. A task to assess behavioral pattern separation (BPS) in humans: Data from healthy aging and mild cognitive impairment. Neuropsychologia, 51, 2442–2449, 2013], which assesses the ability to distinguish previously learned images of everyday objects (targets) from unstudied, highly similar images (lures) and dissimilar images (foils). Relative to controls, vMPFC-lesioned individuals showed intact discrimination of lures from targets but a propensity to mistake studied targets and similar lures for dissimilar foils. This pattern was accompanied by inflated confidence despite low accuracy when responding to similar lures. These findings demonstrate a more general role of the vMPFC in memory retrieval, rather than a specific role in supporting pattern separation.
Separable Representations for Duration and Distance in Virtual Movements
Authors: Gladhill Keri Anne , Robinson Eva Marie , Stanfield-Wiswell Candice , Bader Farah , Wiener Martin
Published: December 2023

To navigate through the environment, humans must be able to measure both the distance traveled in space, and the interval elapsed in time. Yet, how the brain holds both of these metrics simultaneously is less well known. One possibility is that participants measure how far and how long they have traveled relative to a known reference point. To measure this, we had human participants (n = 24) perform a distance estimation task in a virtual environment in which they were cued to attend to either the spatial or temporal interval traveled while responses were measured with multiband fMRI. We observed that both dimensions evoked similar frontoparietal networks, yet with a striking rostrocaudal dissociation between temporal and spatial estimation. Multivariate classifiers trained on each dimension were further able to predict the temporal or spatial interval traveled, with centers of activation within the SMA and retrosplenial cortex for time and space, respectively. Furthermore, a cross-classification approach revealed the right supramarginal gyrus and occipital place area as regions capable of decoding the general magnitude of the traveled distance. Altogether, our findings suggest the brain uses separate systems for tracking spatial and temporal distances, which are combined together along with dimension-nonspecific estimates.
The more, the merrier: a new colonial species of the orb weaving spider genus Leucauge White, 1841 (Araneae: Tetragnathidae) from the Amazon rainforest
Authors: FERREIRA-SOUSA LEONARDO , VENTICINQUE EDUARDO MARTINS , MOTTA PAULO CÉSAR , BRESCOVIT ANTONIO DOMINGOS
Published: December 2023

A new Leucauge species, widespread in the Amazon rainforest, is described and illustrated. Leucauge behemoth n. sp. lives in colonies, usually positioned above turbulent waters. Both males and females have a unique color pattern, especially on the abdomen, which makes this species easily identifiable. Males are distinguished from most congeners by the long hook of the cymbium and from their closest relatives by the lack of a cymbial dorsobasal process. Females of this species differ from their congeners by the presence of a rounded ventral process in the epigynum. Leucauge argyroaffins Soares & Camargo, 1948 is proposed as a junior synonym of Leucauge argyra (Walckenaer, 1841).
Diverging Behaviors of Simulated Tropical Cyclones in Moderate Vertical Wind Shear
Authors: Yu Chau-Lam , Tang Brian , Fovell Robert G.
Published: December 2023

As a follow-on to a previous study that examined the tilt and precession evolution of tropical cyclones (TCs) in a critical shear regime, this study examines the processes leading to the subsequent divergent evolutions in tilt and intensity. The control experiment fails to resume its precession and reintensify, while the perturbed experiments with enhanced upper-level inner-core vorticity resume the precession after a precession hiatus period. In the control experiment, a mesoscale negative absolute vorticity region forms at the upper levels due to tilting in strong downtilt convection. This upper-level, negative-vorticity region is inertially unstable, causing the inward acceleration of upper-level radial inflow. This upper-level inflow subsequently becomes negatively buoyant due to diabatic cooling and descends, bringing midlevel, low equivalent potential temperature (θE) air into the inner-core TC boundary layer, significantly disrupting the low-level TC circulation. Consequently, the disrupted TC vortex in the control is unable to recover. The upper-level negative vorticity region is absent in the perturbed experiments due to weaker downtilt convection, preventing the emergence of the disruptive inner-core downdraft. The weaker downtilt convection is caused by several factors. First, a stronger circulation aloft advects hydrometeors farther downwind, resulting in greater separation of the cooling-driven downdraft from the convective updraft region, and thus weaker dynamically forced lifting at low levels. Second, the mean θE of the low-level air feeding downtilt convection is smaller. Third, there is stronger and deeper adiabatic descent uptilt, causing more low-θE air diluting the downtilt updraft region. These results show how the full vortex structure is important to diverging TC evolutions in moderately sheared environments.
Eddy-Induced Subsurface Spiciness Anomalies in the Kuroshio Extension Region
Authors: Lv Mingkun , Wang Fan , Li Yuanlong
Published: December 2023

While mesoscale eddy-induced temperature and salinity (T and S) variations at depth levels were widely reported, those on isopycnal surfaces have been largely unexplored so far. This study investigates temperature and salinity anomalies (T′ and S′; dubbed “spiciness anomalies”) on isopycnal surfaces induced by mesoscale eddies in the Kuroshio Extension (KET) region, with a focus on the North Pacific Intermediate Water (NPIW) layer of 26.3–26.7σθ. Cyclonic eddies (CEs) and anticyclonic eddies (AEs) tend to cluster on the northern and southern flanks of the KET jet, respectively. These eddies are characterized by a large radius (CEs: 61.94 km; AEs: 68.05 km), limited zonal movement, and a tendency of meridional movement (CEs: 0.35 cm s−1 southward; AEs: 0.66 cm s−1 northward). The average eddy-induced T′ and S′ are −0.25°C (0.06°C) and −0.05 psu (0.01 psu) for CEs (AEs) in the 26.3–26.7σθ layer. We propose two mechanisms for the generation of subsurface spiciness anomalies, respectively, for moving eddies that travel over long distances with trapped waters and quasi-stationary meander eddies that are generated by the meanders of the KET front. The T′ and S′ induced by moving eddies cumulatively drive cross-front water exchanges. Meander eddies shift the position of the front and induce redistribution of properties. However, these anomalies do not contribute to heat and salt exchanges between water masses. This work provides a useful benchmark for model simulations of mesoscale isopycnal variability in subsurface waters.
Did Residents Stop Operating During COVID? Impact of COVID-19 Across VA Teaching Hospitals on Surgical Resident Education
Authors: Tsui Grace O. , Kunac Anastasia , Oliver Joseph B. , Mehra Shyamin , Anjaria Devashish J.
Published: December 2023

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, elective cases across the nation were suspended, leading to major decreases in operative volume for surgical trainees. Surgical resident operative autonomy has been declining over time, so we sought to explore the effect COVID-19 had on resident autonomy within VA teaching hospitals.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of surgical cases across specialties was performed using the VA Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from September 2019 to September 2021 at VA teaching hospitals. Supervision codes are recorded prospectively: attending surgeon performs the operation (AP), resident completes majority of the case with the attending scrubbed (AR), and resident is primary surgeon without attending scrubbed (RP).

Results

20,457 cases pre-COVID decreased to 11,035 during peak-COVID ( P < .001). Overall, RP cases increased from 6.5% to 7.6% during the peak ( P < .001) and trended back downwards during the recovery periods. AP decreased initially (29.9%-27.7%, P < .001), but regressed back to pre-pandemic numbers. In general surgery RP cases, urgent cases such as laparoscopic cholecystectomies increased from 18.8% to 27.5%, while elective repairs decreased during the peak. Similar changes were noted across specialties.

Discussion

Operative cases dropped by half from pre- to peak- COVID and remained 20% below pre-pandemic volume the following year. Interestingly, RP rates increased for several specialties during the peak of the pandemic, which may have resulted from a relative higher ratio of resident personnel:case volume and shift in case distribution from elective to urgent. The increase in RP rate has begun to regress to pre-COVID levels which need to be readdressed.
Azimuth Angle Dependence of Polarized Infrared Spectra of Injection-Molded Polyoxymethylene
Authors: Nagai Naoto
Published: December 2023

Injection-molded polyoxymethylene (POM) has molecular chains mainly oriented in the injection direction. We investigated the directional dependence of the polarized infrared reflection and attenuated total reflection spectra by rotating the anisotropic POM sample. Because of the strong absorption and large frequency dispersion of the C–O vibration in the main-chain direction, we found phenomena such as shoulder wing generation that resulted from the mixing of optical responses attributed to the vibration in the main chain and that in the direction perpendicular to the main chain. The spectra of the directional dependence can be explained qualitatively because of the anisotropy of the mode with large frequency dispersion.
Validation of the Risk Factor Screen for Reading (RiFS-Reading) Screening Tool for the Early Identification of Reading Problems
Authors: Kuttler Bennett , Levy Elliot G.
Published: December 2023

Early diagnosis of children with reading disorders is essential for intervention and academic success. Many children with reading difficulties have a deficit in phonemic awareness. A web-based, group-administered screening vehicle, the Risk Factor Screen for Reading (RiFS-Reading), was developed to quickly identify students who are “At Risk” for reading difficulties by assessing knowledge of phonemic awareness. The goal was to establish the validity of the RiFS-Reading measure. Results supported construct validity through factor analysis and criterion validity by comparisons with performance on well-established measures of phonemic awareness and reading. Phonemic awareness on the RiFS-Reading was independent of other language skills.
Home and Work: Struggles of Indian Women Legal Professionals Before and During Pandemic
Authors: Sinha Rupanjana , Bhattacharyya Asmita
Published: December 2023

Grappling with work–life challenges often hinder the growth of women lawyers within their profession. As women struggle with the dual problems of working long hours and managing the family they are bound in a precarious situation which marginalises them as revealed in literature. The Pandemic 2020 has made the ‘work from home’ the new normal phenomenon. The present study makes a comparative narrative analysis between pre and during pandemics work–life contexts of the women lawyers by interviewing fifty of them based in Kolkata (India). The already existing work–life challenges have been amplified exposing their vulnerabilities. The crisis is about their existence as professionals, due to prioritising home over work during the pandemic. As the women lawyers strive to create a space within the legal profession, the pandemic proved jeopardising pulling them towards their conventional roles. Their professional and private spaces are brought under the same roof, increasing the struggle of their multiple roles and sacrificing their ‘me time’.
Assessing the Link Between Bible Reading and Flourishing Among Military Families: Preliminary Findings
Authors: Bradshaw Matt , Jang Sung Joon , Johnson Byron R.
Published: December 2023

This study examines whether participating in a Bible reading program for military families (called “Hero Squad”) is positively related to overall human flourishing among children, family units, and parents/caregivers. Previous research shows salutary associations between multiple dimensions of religiosity (including reading sacred texts) and different aspects of flourishing (e.g., physical health, psychological well-being, character and virtue, social connections and support), so it was hypothesized that program participation would promote flourishing over time. Two waves of survey data were collected on a sample of 175 U.S. military families in 2021 and 2022, and differences between pretest and posttest surveys were analyzed. As hypothesized, improvements in indicators of flourishing were observed over time. These findings contribute to published work on religious participation by showing that Bible reading may promote overall mental, physical, and social well-being. Implications and limitations of these preliminary findings are discussed.
Fantasy Sports as Gaming or Gambling? Perception, Attitudes, and Engagement Behavior of College Students
Authors: Balhara Yatan Pal Singh , Gulati Daman Deep Kaur , Rajguru Akanksha Jayant
Published: December 2023

Background:

The current study was carried out owing to the projected increase in the fantasy sports market in India, the popularity of fantasy sports in the age group of 18–25 years, the gambling-related implications of engaging in fantasy sports, and the dearth of published data on the extent and pattern of engagement in fantasy sports among college students in India. We aimed to assess the attributes of engagement in fantasy sports among college students and explore their perceptions and attitudes toward fantasy sports.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional observational study among students enrolled in undergraduate courses in an autonomous college in central India. The study questionnaire included a semi-structured proforma that asked for information on the sociodemographic details, questions to assess the gaming (both online and offline) pattern and participation in fantasy sports by the study participants, and a modified Motives for Online Gaming Questionnaire (MOGQ). The participants were also asked to express, on a 10-point scale, their agreement that fantasy sports are similar to gambling.

Results:

Around one-fifth of the participants had engaged in a fantasy sport at least once. Around 18% had gambled at least once. The participants who reported losing money from fantasy sports also engaged in a significantly greater number of fantasy sports ( p = .002). Those who engaged in fantasy sports with the main goal of making money agreed more with the statement that fantasy sports are similar to online gambling compared to those who did not ( p = .01).

Conclusions:

Those who engaged in fantasy sports to make money agreed more with the statement that fantasy sports are similar to gambling. The study helps understand the associations between various psychosocial motives, monetary motivations, and involvement in fantasy sports.
A Journey of Business Analytics in Improving Supply Chain Performance: A Systematic Review of Literature
Authors: Chatterjee Ayan , Chatterjee Debmallya
Published: December 2023

The influence of business analytics on supply chain performance has become notable over the last decade. The purpose of this study is to identify and analyze the effect of endogenous variables of business analytics, if any, on supply chain performance. We have conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) in four sequential stages, that is, collecting existing literature from relevant databases, finding endogenous variable(s) in this context, classifying papers based on how the endogenous variable(s) under consideration affect the impact of business analytics on supply chain performance and, finally, segmenting the literature depending on different types of supply chain performance. The study considers research papers published during the period 2008–2023. Based on the analysis of the literature, it is found that ‘market competition’ is an important endogenous variable in this context. This variable can impact the relationship between business analytics and supply chain performance in different ways. It can serve as a moderating variable, mediating variable or main variable. In this study, we have shown how directional relationships among business analytics, market competition and supply chain performance have changed over time. The future scope of the proposed study could be to identify other endogenous variables at the time of verifying the influence of business analytics on supply chain performance.
‘The Girls are Alright’: Beauty work and neoliberal regimes of responsibility among young women in Urban India
Authors: Donner Henrike
Published: December 2023

This article addresses the complex ways in which poor urban women’s educational and training needs are embedded in official discourses of capacity creation and are constructed in opposition to their community and kinship networks, an aspect that is very often overlooked when such programmes are designed. It argues that this oversight is not a coincidence, as neoliberal policies and discourses of empowerment construct young women as ‘subjects of capacity’. Where they are addressed directly, young women are framed as the single, autonomous subjects of liberalism who, once enabled, overcome ‘traditional’ kin and community attachments. Based on the ethnographic study of vocational training for beauticians provided by an Indian NGO, the article argues that such interventions are geared towards ‘community development’ and therefore reference broader social landscapes, but that the participants in training see themselves and the process as part of, rather than as opposed to, kin and community obligations. While education and training are more often than not conceived as stand-alone projects offering young women a way into employment and the labour market, the article foregrounds the class-based limits of such workist approaches and the entanglements between body work, caste/class, and histories of feminized poverty. It demonstrates how young women from lower-caste and lower-class backgrounds see opportunities in the beauty industry mainly as supporting their roles as responsible daughters, future wives and daughters-in-law realized within the complex economies of marginal urban communities. They are also acutely aware that while the actual work of the beautician allows some access to the world of ‘professional’ modern and classed notions of femininity and, arguably, a more dignified workplace than in domestic service, the pitfalls of an industry built on gendered, racialized and classist inclusions and hierarchies are noted too. Critiquing the mainstream feminist focus on access to the labour market, the article argues that young women are fully aware of their own precarious relationship with ideals of neoliberal constructs of autonomous subjectivities promoted by the state and its agents.