bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Procedural safety of transcatheter aortic valve replacement with Portico valve: a systematic review
Authors: Jaiswal Vikash , Wajid Zarghoona , Suresh Vinay , Hanif Muhammed , Rajak Kripa , Halder Anupam , Endurance Evbayekha , Aiwuyo Henry , Choudhari Jinal , Naz Sidra , Ang Song Peng , Srestha Abhigan Babu
Published: August 2023

Background:

The Portico transcatheter aortic heart valve is a self-expandable, fully resheathable bioprosthetic valve with a nitinol frame and porcine pericardial sealing cuff. It has been used among symptomatic severe aortic stenosis who are at high or extreme surgical risk. However, till date very few studies has been reported with inconclusive evidence for its post-procedure safety outcomes.

Objective:

We aim to evaluate the safety of the Portico transcatheter aortic valve replacement system among patients with aortic stenosis.

Methodology:

We conducted a systematic literature search on PubMed, Embase, and Scopus from inception till 10th April 2023 by using predefined MESH terms using “AND” and “OR.” The following search terms were used: “Aortic Stenosis” AND “Transcatheter aortic valve replacement” OR “Portico valve.” Finally, descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data in this paper. The mean and standard deviation were adopted to describe continuous variables, whereas frequencies and percentages were used for dichotomous data.

Results:

A total of 7 studies with 2782 patients were included in the analysis. The mean age of patients was 82.3 years, and 54.63% were female. The most common comorbidity was hypertension (65.21%) and diabetes mellitus (26.45%). Among patients of AS with Portico valve implants, 6.47% reported all-cause mortality at a follow-up. Post-procedural outcomes including 30-day mortality (2.32%), cardiovascular mortality (2.37%), stroke (2.23%), myocardial infarction (0.94%), major bleeding (3.97%), major vascular complications (4.91%), acute kidney injury (AKI) (1.37%), and permanent pacemaker implantations (PPI) in 15.73% patients were reported. Overall, device success was observed in 95.82% of patients.

Conclusion:

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement with the repositionable Portico valve, a new bioprosthesis, appears to have a low post-procedural mortality rate and other clinical outcomes in high-risk patients with severe AS.
Antenatal Neuroprotective Magnesium Sulfate in Very Preterm Infants and Its Association With Feeding Intolerance
Authors: Ozer Bekmez Buse , Kanmaz Kutman Hayriye Gozde , Oguz Yuksel , Uygur Dilek , Elbayiyev Sarkhan , Canpolat Fuat Emre , Oguz Serife Suna , Tayman Cuneyt
Published: August 2023

Introduction/Objective:

Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) treatment is widely used for fetal neuroprotection despite the controversy concerning the side effects. There is limited data regarding the impact of various cumulative maternal doses and neonatal serum magnesium (Mg) levels on short-term neonatal morbidity and mortality. We opted to carry out a study to determine the impact of neonatal serum Mg levels on neonatal outcomes.

Method:

We conducted this prospective observational study between 2017 and 2021. Antenatal MgSO4 was used for neuroprotective purpose only during the study period. Inborn preterm infants delivered between 23 and 316/7 weeks of gestation were enrolled consecutively. Babies who underwent advanced resuscitation in the delivery room, inotropic treatment due to hemodynamic instability in the first 7 days of life, >12 hours since the discontinuation of maternal MgSO4 treatment, severe anemia, and major congenital/chromosomal anomalies were excluded from the study. The subgroup of babies with serum Mg level at the 6th hour of life underwent an analysis. A neonatal Mg concentration of 2.5 mg/dL was used to classify MgSO4-exposed patients into 2 groups (<2.5 mg/dL and ≥2.5 mg/dL). Another analysis was performed between babies whose mothers were exposed to MgSO4 and those not exposed. Finally, the groups’ neonatal outcomes were compared.

Results:

Of the 584 babies, 310 received antenatal MgSO4. The birth weights were significantly lower in the MgSO4 exposed group (1113 ± 361 g vs 1202 ± 388 g, P = 0.005). Antenatal corticosteroid usage and intrauterine growth restriction were also noted to be higher. The MgSO4 group was more likely to have bronchopulmonary dysplasia, prolonged invasive ventilation, necrotizing enterocolitis, delayed enteral nutrition, and feeding intolerance (P < 0.05). MgSO4 treatment was shown as an independent risk factor for feeding intolerance when corrected for confounders (odds ratio 2.13, 95% confidence interval: 1.4–3.1, P = 0.001). Furthermore, serum Mg level significantly correlated with feeding intolerance (r = 0.21, P = 0.002).

Conclusion:

This study highlighted the effect of MgSO4 treatment and the potential superiority of serum Mg level as a predictor of immediate neonatal outcomes, particularly delayed enteral nutrition and feeding intolerance. Further studies are warranted to ascertain the optimal serum Mg concentration of preterm infants in early life to provide maximum benefit with minimal side effects.
Adherence to ECCO Guidelines for Management of Iron Deficiency and Anemia in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Among Israeli Adult and Pediatric Gastroenterologists
Authors: Elimeleh Yotam , Zittan Eran , Levy Matthew , Rinawi Firas
Published: August 2023

Objectives:

The consensus guidelines of the European Crohn’s and Colitis Organization (ECCO) for the diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) were published in 2015. We examined the management practices of both adult gastroenterologists (AGs) and pediatric gastroenterologists (PGs) in Israel in treating ID among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods:

An 18-question multiple-choice anonymous questionnaire was electronically delivered to AGs and PGs. Questions explored 3 areas of interest: physician demographics, adherence to ECCO guidelines, and management practices of IDA in patients with IBD.

Results:

Completed questionnaires were returned by 72 AGs and 89 PGs. Practice setting and years of practice were similar. A large majority of AGs and PGs (89% and 92%, respectively) measure complete blood count (CBC) and serum ferritin (S-Fr) at least every 3 months in outpatients with active IBD, as recommended by the ECCO guidelines. In contrast, in IBD patients in remission, only 53% and 26% of AGs and PGs, respectively (P < 0.001), reported adherence to ECCO guidelines, measuring CBC and S-Fr every 6 months. The ECCO treatment guidelines recommend that intravenous (IV) iron should be considered the first-line treatment in patients with clinically active IBD, with previous oral iron intolerance and those with a hemoglobin level <10 g/dL. Study results indicate that only 43% of AGs recommend IV iron for these indications, compared to 54% of PGs (P > 0.1).

Conclusions:

In this study we have demonstrated a relatively low level of adherence to ECCO guideline recommendations among both AGs and PGs, regarding the management of IDA in patients with IBD.
Comparison of Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy Outcomes With or Without Bicanalicular Silicone Tube Intubation in Acquired Lacrimal Sac Mucocele
Authors: Lan Shan , Yu Jinqiang , Ke Feng , Li Dekun , Liu Zhenkai
Published: August 2023

Purpose:

This paper was established to validate the necessity of bicanalicular silicone tube intubation (BSTI) in patients with acquired lacrimal sac mucocele (ALSM) receiving endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR).

Methods:

In total, 92 patients (92 eyes) diagnosed with ALSM undergone endoscopic DCR from November 2016 to December 2021 were recruited for our research. Patients were allocated into 2 equal treatment groups: group A (patients undergoing BSTI) and group B (patients not receiving this procedure). The tubes were removed 2 months postoperation in group A. Surgical outcomes and related complications were evaluated 12 months postoperation.

Results:

Ultimately, this study included 83 patients with ALSM, consisting of 43 patients in group A and 40 patients in group B. All patients exhibited notable mass shrinkage with the opening of the lacrimal sac during the surgery and the swelling in the lacrimal sac area was completely relieved within 5 days postoperation. At the 12-month follow-up, no distinct difference was observed in the anatomic success rate between the 2 groups (group A: 93.0%; group B: 90.0%) (t = 0.010, P > 0.05). However, patients in group A presented higher functional success rates (90.7%) in contrast to those patients in group B (72.5%) (t = 4.635, P < 0.05). In both groups, the failure of the lacrimal passage reconstruction was attributed to granulation tissue formation or scar formation at the ostium. No sac mucocele recurrence occurred during the follow-up.

Conclusion:

Endoscopic DCR treatment for ALSM achieves satisfactory postoperative effects without recurrence, and BSTI may improve the functional success rate.
Sources of Facial Injury Across Age Groups: A Nationwide Overview Using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System Database
Authors: Kim Erin J. , Bustos Valeria P. , Lee Bernard T.
Published: August 2023

Background:

Facial trauma comprises a significant portion of injuries that occur each year in the United States, with injuries ranging from lacerations to complex facial fractures. This study aims to provide a broad epidemiologic overview of facial trauma in the United States to direct preventative safety measures.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted utilizing the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database to identify the weighted national incidence of facial injuries from 2017 to 2021. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was used to compare the demographics of patients, the settings where the injury occurred, and the products resulting in the injury.

Results:

A total of 8,465,538 out of 64,312,132 weighted encounters involved facial injuries. Less than 10 years was the highest-represented age group (36.8%). The most frequent disposition was treated and released (91.1%), with increasing age associated with higher rates of hospitalization (odds ratio: 1.04, P < 0.001). Cases predominantly occurred at home (49.0%), and the most common type of injury was laceration (36.5%). At-home injuries increased with age, comprising 39.2% of facial injuries for 21 to 40 years, 52.0% for 41 to 64 years, and 58.0% for older than 65 years. Building structures (21.4%) were the most prevalent source of injury, composed predominantly of floors (58.3%) and ceilings and walls (10.4%).

Conclusions:

There is an understated burden of at-home facial injuries across all age groups, beyond the pediatric and geriatric population. Fall prevention and home environmental hazards education could benefit all ages, reducing the incidence of facial trauma.
National Trends in Microtia Repair Cost and Hospital Length of Stay
Authors: Hauc Sacha C. , Boroumand Sam , Hosseini Helia , Ihnat Jacqueline M. , Rivera Jean C. , Almeida Mariana N. , Stögner Viola A. , Huelsboemer Lioba , Alperovich Michael
Published: August 2023

Microtia can have deleterious impacts on the functional, psychological, and aesthetic outcomes of affected young children. Reconstructive procedures can alleviate these negative outcomes and significantly improve the quality of life for patients; however, the cost and length of hospital stay (LOS) for such procedures and the factors that impact them have not been well-characterized. This study seeks to understand the hospital-level (institution type, size, and geographic region) and patient-level factors (race, age, and insurance status) that impact cost and LOS in patients who undergo microtia reconstructive surgery. A retrospective data analysis was conducted utilizing the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database for the years 2008 to 2015. Inclusion criteria included patients who had an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) diagnostic code for microtia (744.23) as well as a procedure for microtia correction (186×/187×). A total of 714 microtia repair cases met the inclusion criteria and were sampled from the NIS database. Microtia repair cost was significantly increased on the West Coast compared with the Northeast ($34,947 versus $29,222, P=0.020), increased with patient age ($614/y, P=0.012), and gradually increased from 2008 to 2015 ($25,897–$48,985, P<0.001). Microtia LOS was significantly increased with government-controlled hospitals compared with private hospitals (1.93 versus 1.39 d, P=0.005), increased with patients on Medicaid compared with private insurance (2.33 versus 2.00 d, P=0.036), and overall decreased with patient age (−0.07 d/y, P=0.001). The results not only identify the multifactorial impacts that drive cost and LOS in microtia repair but provide insights into the financial and medical considerations patients and their families must navigate.
The Implementation of International Electives for Plastic Surgery Residents: Current State and Future Directions
Authors: Bouhadana Gabriel , Zammit Dino , Oiknine Noah , Cugno Sabrina
Published: August 2023

Introduction:

Interest in international surgical missions has been rising exponentially, with the plastic surgery community being a leader in this endeavor. The role of residents in such missions remains a topic of debate. This systematic review aims to consolidate the literature relevant to the inclusion of plastic surgery residents on international surgical missions to devise an algorithm to facilitate resident participation.

Materials and Methods:

A comprehensive search of PubMed, Medline, and EMBASE was performed to identify studies relevant to plastic surgery resident involvement in the context of surgical missions. Relevant conclusions were retrieved from each study and compiled according to category.

Results:

Of 418 initial studies, 26 were retained for the qualitative synthesis. These were grouped into 3 categories: surveys (n=12), reflections (n=7), and reviews (n=7). The survey studies addressed the perceived value, educational impact, and long-term effect on participating residents. Three reflection studies were from the perspective of residents and 4 from staff, while all recounted the many benefits gained for participating residents. Review studies addressed the issue of accreditation and the ethics surrounding resident involvement.

Conclusion:

This systematic review highlights the overwhelming support from residents and staff, the highly regarded educational value, and the positive global health effects associated with plastic surgery resident participation in international surgical missions. The authors hope this will encourage and facilitate the implementation of formal opportunities for residents within residency training programs.
Impact of Portable Normothermic Machine Perfusion for Liver Transplantation From Adult Deceased Donors
Authors: Yamamoto Takayuki , Atthota Srilakshmi , Agarwal Divinash , Crisalli Kerry , MacConmara Malcolm , Nakamura Tsukasa , Teo Richard , Dageforde Leigh Anne , Kimura Shoko , Elias Nahel , Yeh Heidi , Bozorgzadeh Adel , Kawai Tatsuo , Markmann James F
Published: August 2023

Objective:

In this study, we sought to assess how liver allografts preserved using portable normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) compare against those that underwent ischemic cold storage (ICS) in the setting of donation after brain death (DBD) and donation after circulatory death (DCD) liver transplantation.

Background:

Compared to conventional ICS, NMP may offer a more homeostatic preservation, permit physiologic assessment of organ function, and provide opportunities for graft improvement/modification. We report a single center US experience of liver NMP.

Methods:

A single center, retrospective analysis of collected data on 541 adult whole liver transplants from 469 DBD donors (NMP[n=58] vs ICS[n=411]) and 72 DCD donors (NMP[n=52] vs ICS[n=20]) between January 2016 and December 2022.

Results:

In DBD LT, male gender (OR [95% CI]: 1.83 [1.08-3.09]) and greater than 10% macrosteatosis of the donor liver (1.85 [1.10-3.10]) were statistically significant independent risk factors of early allograft dysfunction (EAD). Donor age >40yo and cold ischemia time (CIT) >7h were independent risk factors of reperfusion syndrome (RPS). 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year incidences of ischemic cholangiopathy (IC) did not differ significantly in DBD cases between the NMP and ICS cohorts. In DCD LT, NMP was an independent protective factor against EAD (0.11 [0.03-0.46]) and RPS (0.04 [0.01-0.25]). Incidence of IC in the DCD cases at 1-year and 3-year timepoints was significantly lower in the NMP cohort (1.9% compared to 20% in the ICS group).

Conclusions:

Compared to conventional ICS, NMP can significantly reduce the incidence of EAD, RPS, and IC after DCD liver transplantation.
Evaluating the Incidence and Neuro-Ophthalmic Manifestations of Carotid-Cavernous Fistulas
Authors: Cohen Devon A. , Sanchez Moreno Francisco R. , Bhatti M. Tariq , Lanzino Giuseppe , Chen John J.
Published: August 2023

Background:

To determine the incidence of carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF) and describe the neuro-ophthalmic manifestations and eventual clinical outcomes.

Methods:

This was a population-based, retrospective cohort study using the Rochester Epidemiology Project to identify patients aged 18 years or older residing in Olmsted County, MN, diagnosed with CCF from 1997 to 2019. The medical records were reviewed for ophthalmic signs and symptoms, including conjunctival chemosis, proptosis, orbital bruit, diplopia, ophthalmoplegia, orbital pain, ocular hypertension, and blurred vision. Also determined was the number of patients with CCF found incidentally on neuroimaging, without clinical manifestations.

Results:

Ten patients were diagnosed with a CCF between 1997 and 2019 with an overall incidence rate of 0.37 per 100,000 per year (95% CI 0.20–0.68). The median age was 50.5 years (range 23–74 years), 6 (60%) were female, and 9 were White and 1 patient was Korean. Three patients (30%) were asymptomatic and found incidentally on imaging that was obtained for unrelated reasons, and one patient's ocular details were unavailable because she passed away from severe head trauma. The following neuro-ophthalmologic or ocular manifestations were identified in the remaining 6 patients: chemosis/conjunctival injection (n = 6), cranial nerve (CN) VI palsy (n = 6), CN III palsy (n = 2), proptosis (n = 4), ocular/orbital pain (n = 3), audible orbital bruit (n = 2), ocular hypertension (n = 1), and blurred vision (n = 1). Of those patients with symptomatic CCFs, all underwent treatment except for one that spontaneously resolved. None of the patients suffered a stroke or cerebral hemorrhage. The 3 patients with incidentally discovered CCFs were asymptomatic and did not require treatment.

Conclusions:

This is the first population-based study to show a low incidence rate of CCFs, supporting the notion that it is an uncommon condition. Neuro-ophthalmic manifestations are common, especially chemosis/conjunctival injection and CN VI palsy. Up to a third of patients with CCF can be asymptomatic and may be found incidentally on neuroimaging during the evaluation for unrelated symptoms.
Increased Variation in Esophageal Cancer Treatment and Geographic Healthcare Disparity in Michigan
Authors: Lee John H , Arora Akul , Bergman Rachel , Gomez-Rexrode Amalia , Sidhom David , Reddy Rishindra M
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND:

Regional variation in complex healthcare is shown to negatively impact health outcomes. We sought to characterize geographic variance in esophageal cancer operation in Michigan.

STUDY DESIGN:

Data for patients with locoregional esophageal cancer from the Michigan Cancer Surveillance Program from 2000 to 2013 was analyzed. We reviewed the incidence of esophageal cancer by county and region, and those with locoregional disease receiving an esophagectomy. Counties were aggregated into existing state-level “urban vs rural” designations, regions were aggregated using the Michigan Economic Recovery Council designations, and data was analyzed with ANOVA, F-test, and chi-square test.

RESULTS:

Of the 8,664 patients with locoregional disease, 2,370 (27.4%) were treated with operation. Men were significantly more likely to receive esophagectomy than women (p < 0.001). Likewise, White, insured, and rural patients were more likely than non-White (p < 0.001), non-insured (p = 0.004), and urban patients (p < 0.001), respectively. There were 8 regions and 83 counties, with 61 considered rural and 22 urban. Region 1 (Detroit metro area, southeast) comprises the largest urban and suburban populations; with 4 major hospital systems it was considered the baseline standard for access to care. Regions 2 (west; p = 0.011), 3 (southwest; p = 0.024), 4 (east central; p = 0.012), 6 (northern Lower Peninsula; p = 0.008), and 8 (Upper Peninsula; p < 0.001) all had statistically significant greater variance in annual rates of operation compared with region 1. Region 8 had the largest variance and was the most rural and furthest from region 1. The variance in operation rate between urban and rural differed significantly (p = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS:

A significant increase in variation of care was found in rural vs urban counties, as well as in regions distant to larger hospital systems. Those of male sex, White race, rural residence, and those with health insurance were significantly more likely to receive operation.
Quantum mechanics on time-varying space domains
Authors: Van Gorder Robert A.
Published: August 2023

The extension of quantum theory to time-varying space domains is often challenging, since domain evolution frequently results in non-autonomous and non-adiabatic evolution of corresponding wave function for a given quantum mechanical system. For generic domain evolution, we show that the evolution of the wave function is determined by the mixing of spatial modes or bound states, and this is the instigator for non-adiabatic wave function evolution. For some applications, it is desirable to retain adiabaticity of the wave function and with knowledge of how domain evolution causes loss of adiabaticity, we construct a control potential—comprising a harmonic term and a volume expansion/contraction term—which may be used to counteract this feature of domain evolution, thereby preserving wave function adiabaticity throughout the time evolution of the space domain. Examples of quantum mechanical systems on time-varying space domains are used to illustrate the theory, including analogues of classical examples such as the hydrogen atom and quantum harmonic oscillator on unbounded stretched space and a particle in a stretched and translated box. We also discuss how to combine our approach with numerical simulations, using the compressed hydrogen atom confined within an evolving sphere to demonstrate the method.
Biological efficiency in processing information in green plants
Authors: Brody Dorje C. , Trewavas Anthony J.
Published: August 2023

The detection and processing of environmental information is a fundamental attribute of all living systems. This article approaches the question of how efficiently plants process that information, considering it likely that differential efficiency among different species may help explain differential survival. The primary routes of information transfer, that is, signal transduction, are relatively well understood. It is pointed out, based on current understanding, that erasure of such information may be of equal importance to its acquisition. This in turn could provide a simple means of quantifying the acquisition of information by a plant and the efficiency in doing so. However, wild plants live in an environment that is noisy. A useful analogy to deal with such situations can be found in quantum theory of open systems, wherein processes are both well-characterized and well understood, unlike those in plants. This paper develops this theme from quantum information processing and provides a mean of transferring such quantum characterization to biological dynamical situations. The article concludes with discussion on communication theory, indicating that there is a dearth of experimental results that can currently be used to investigate information processing but suggesting how progress can be made in this important programme.
Primary aberrations theory in optical systems composed of Cartesian refracting surfaces
Authors: Silva-Lora Alberto , Torres Rafael
Published: August 2023

Among the main defects present in optical systems are geometric aberrations, which are well characterized for spherical and aspherical surfaces. Special cases of aspherical surfaces are the Cartesian surfaces since they exhibit rigorous stigmatism and also, for a subfamily of these surfaces, aplanatism. However, for objects outside the stigmatic points, these surfaces also present geometric aberrations, so to evaluate their performance, it is necessary to characterize them. Therefore, in this work, the geometrical aberrations presented in Cartesian surfaces are studied, where the formulation of the coefficients for primary aberrations includes the corresponding expressions for the conic sections of revolution refractive surfaces as particular cases, and likewise the spherical refractive surface.
A semi-analytic method for the computation of the effective properties of composites of two isotropic constituent materials
Authors: Valéry Roy R.
Published: August 2023

We develop a computational framework for the semi-analytic representation of the effective transport properties of two-component composite materials, in the spirit of Bergman’s spectral representation. The components of the effective permittivity (or conductivity) tensor are expanded as power series in a contrast parameter between the two phases. The coefficients (the moments of a spectral measure) of these expansions are determined recursively through the numerical evaluations of integrals defined solely on the boundary between the constituent phases, and discretized by high-order (possibly exponentially converging) quadrature schemes. The high precision reached by these coefficients allows the series representation to be recast into Padé approximants (or continued fractions) to provide analytical expressions valid over large (possibly infinite) regions of the parameter complex plane. Examples, thus far limited to two-dimensional rhombic unit cells, demonstrate that the method is reliable for microgeometries and material parameters for which other methods are far less dependable. The analytical representations are particularly useful to study the optical or electrostatic resonant behaviour of some composite materials.
Tensor spherical harmonics analysis of electro-elastostatic fields in a spherically isotropic multiphase functionally graded piezoelectric medium
Authors: Shodja Hossein M. , Farsiani Mohsen , Behzadan Ali
Published: August 2023

This paper is devoted to the study of the electro-elastostatic fields of a multiphase concentric spherical piezoelectric ensemble under general electromechanical loading in the presence or absence of body forces and body electric charges. Each phase is assumed to be spherically isotropic and at each point the poling direction is radially oriented. Thanks to the robustness of spherical harmonics, in this work we will obtain the exact solutions for the three-dimensional displacement and electric potential when the elastic, piezoelectric and dielectric constants of each phase vary as power-law functions of the radial distance.
On the association of kinematics, spanwise instability and growth of secondary vortex structures in the wake of oscillating foils
Authors: Verma Suyash , Khalid Muhammad Saif Ullah , Hemmati Arman
Published: August 2023

Three-dimensional wake of an oscillating foil with combined heaving and pitching motion is numerically evaluated at a range of chord-based Strouhal number (0.32≤Stc≤0.56) and phase offset (90∘≤ϕ≤270∘) atRe=8000. The changes inϕandStcreflect a unique route of transition in mechanisms that govern the origin of spanwise instabilities and growth of secondary wake structures. At lowerStc, heave-dominated kinematics demonstrates a strong secondary leading edge vortex (LEV) as the source of growing spanwise instability on the primary LEV, followed by an outflux of streamwise vorticity filaments from the secondary LEV. With increasing heave domination, the origin of stronger spanwise instability is governed by a counter-rotating trailing edge vortex and LEV that leads to growth of streamwise secondary structures. A decreasing heave domination ultimately coincides with an absence of strong LEV undulations and secondary structures. The consistent transition routes are represented on a phase-space map, where a progression of spanwise instability and growth of secondary structures becomes evident within regimes of decreased heave domination. The increasing strength of circulation for the primary LEV, with increasingStc, provides a crucial reasoning for this newly identified progression.
Photolipid excitation triggers depolarizing optocapacitive currents and action potentials
Authors: Bassetto Carlos A. Z. , Pfeffermann Juergen , Yadav Rohit , Strassgschwandtner Simon , Glasnov Toma , Bezanilla Francisco , Pohl Peter
Published: August 2023

Optically-induced changes in membrane capacitance may regulate neuronal activity without requiring genetic modifications. Previously, they mainly relied on sudden temperature jumps due to light absorption by membrane-associated nanomaterials or water. Yet, nanomaterial targeting or the required high infrared light intensities obstruct broad applicability. Now, we propose a very versatile approach: photolipids (azobenzene-containing diacylglycerols) mediate light-triggered cellular de- or hyperpolarization. As planar bilayer experiments show, the respective currents emerge from millisecond-timescale changes in bilayer capacitance. UV light changes photolipid conformation, which awards embedding plasma membranes with increased capacitance and evokes depolarizing currents. They open voltage-gated sodium channels in cells, generating action potentials. Blue light reduces the area per photolipid, decreasing membrane capacitance and eliciting hyperpolarization. If present, mechanosensitive channels respond to the increased mechanical membrane tension, generating large depolarizing currents that elicit action potentials. Membrane self-insertion of administered photolipids and focused illumination allows cell excitation with high spatiotemporal control.

Highlights

Rapid photolipid photoisomerization generates optocapacitive currents in planar lipid bilayers and HEK293 cells.

These currents originate from photo-induced changes in membrane capacitance

UV light-triggered membrane depolarization opens NaV1.3, evoking action potentials.

Blue light-induced mechanosensitive channel opening gives rise to depolarizing currents, which may evoke NaV1.3-mediated action potentials.
Fawn bedsite selection by a large ungulate living in a peri-urban area
Authors: Conteddu Kimberly , Wilson Katie , Amin Bawan , Chari Srivats , Haigh Amy , Griffin Laura L. , Quinn Matthew , Ryan Andrew , Smith Adam F. , Ciuti Simone
Published: August 2023

Human-wildlife conflict in expanding peri-urban and urban areas is of increasing concern, as a result of growing human populations along with the associated anthropogenic footprint on wildlife habitats. Empirical data from wildlife research carried out within human dominated landscapes are key to understanding the effects of human pressures on wildlife ecology and behaviour, exploring wildlife behavioural flexibility (or phenotypic plasticity), and informing wildlife management decisions. Here, we explored how female fallow deer (Dama dama) responded to human and dog presence during the birthing period in the largest walled urban park in Europe. We collected data on 477 bedsites utilised by 283 neonate fawns across three consecutive fawning seasons, gathered fine-scale data on humans and dogs space use, and built Resource Selection Functions at multiple spatial scales. We found that, when choosing bedsites to give birth and leave fawns unattended, fallow deer mothers significantly avoided hotspots of park visitors on foot (and their dogs) along the hiking trail routes. Bedsites were also unlikely to be in close proximity of paved roads used by vehicle traffic. Additionally, fallow deer mothers were found to select for dense understory vegetation for bedsites, providing low visibility to conceal their offspring. Our results provide detailed insights into bedsite spatial and habitat selection by a large herbivore in response to human activities, and we provide clear indications to wildlife managers to preserve established fawning sites and alleviate human-wildlife conflict during a critical period of the deer annual biological cycle.
Impact of age and sex on neuroinflammation following SARS-CoV-2 infection in a murine model
Authors: Krishna Venkatramana D. , Chang Allison , Korthas Holly , Var Susanna R. , Low Walter C. , Li Ling , Cheeran Maxim C-J.
Published: August 2023

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiological agent for the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, is known to infect people of all ages and both sexes. Senior populations have the greatest risk of severe disease, and sexual dimorphism in clinical outcomes has been reported in COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans can cause damage to multiple organ systems, including the brain. Neurological symptoms are widely observed in patients with COVID-19, with many survivors suffering from persistent neurological and cognitive impairment, potentially accelerating Alzheimer’s disease. The present study aims to investigate the impact of age and sex on the neuroinflammatory response to SARS-CoV-2 infection using a mouse model. Wild-type C57BL/6 mice were inoculated, by intranasal route, with SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.351 variant known to infect mice. Older animals and in particular males exhibited a significantly greater weight loss starting at 4 dpi. In addition, male animals exhibited higher viral RNA loads and higher titers of infectious virus in the lung, which was particularly evident in males at 16 months of age. Notably, no viral RNA was detected in the brains of infected mice, regardless of age or sex. Nevertheless, expression of IL-6, TNF-α, and CCL-2 in the lung and brain was increased with viral infection. An unbiased brain RNA-seq/transcriptomic analysis showed that SARS-CoV-2 infection caused significant changes in gene expression profiles in the brain, with innate immunity, defense response to virus, cerebravascular and neuronal functions, as the major molecular networks affected. The data presented in this study show that SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers a neuroinflammatory response despite the lack of detectable virus in the brain. Age and sex have a modifying effect on this pathogenic process. Aberrant activation of innate immune response, disruption of blood-brain barrier and endothelial cell integrity, and supression of neuronal activity and axonogenesis underlie the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the brain. Understanding the role of these affected pathways in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis helps identify appropriate points of therapeutic interventions to alleviate neurological dysfunction observed during COVID-19.
Glucose stockpile in the intestinal apical brush border inC. elegans
Authors: Saito Takumi , Kikuchi Kenji , Ishikawa Takuji
Published: August 2023

Since understanding the mechanisms of glucose transport is a crucial approach for pathological diseases induced by glucose toxicities such as diabetes, numerous studies have unveiled molecular functions involved in glucose transport in the nematodeCaenorhabditis elegans, a commonly used model organism. However, physicochemical behaviors of glucose in intestinal lumen-to-cell are still elusive. To address that, we here evaluated a diffusion coefficient of glucose in the intestinal apical brush border inC. elegansby fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) with fluorescent glucose. Our results indicate that the fluorescent glucose is accumulated in the intestinal brush border, where the diffusion coefficient of glucose is ∼10−8cm2/s, two orders of magnitude slower than that in bulk. Namely, the intestinal brush border is considered to be a highly viscous layer composed of intestinal microvilli and more dominantly glycocalyx. These findings imply that this high concentration of glucose in the viscous layer acts as a stockpile.
WOX11-mediated adventitious lateral root formation modulates tolerance of Arabidopsis to cyst nematode infections
Authors: Willig Jaap-Jan , Guarneri Nina , van Loon Thomas , Wahyuni Sri , Astudillo-Estévez Ivan E. , Xu Lin , Willemsen Viola , Goverse Aska , Sterken Mark G. , Lozano-Torres José L. , Bakker Jaap , Smant Geert
Published: August 2023

The transcription factorWUSCHEL-RELATED HOMEOBOX 11(WOX11) in Arabidopsis initiates the formation of adventitious lateral roots upon mechanical injury in primary roots. Root-invading nematodes also inducede novoroot organogenesis leading to excessive root branching, but it is not known if this symptom of disease involves mediation by WOX11 and if it benefits the plant. Here, we show with targeted transcriptional repression and reporter gene analyses in Arabidopsis that the beet cyst nematodeHeterodera schachtiiactivates WOX11-adventitious lateral rooting from primary roots close to infection sites. The activation of WOX11 in nematode-infected roots occurs downstream of jasmonic acid-dependent damage signaling viaETHYLENE RESPONSIVE FACTOR109, linking adventitious lateral root formation to nematode damage to host tissues. By measuring different root system components, we found that WOX11-mediated formation of adventitious lateral roots compensates for nematode-induced inhibition of primary root growth. Our observations further demonstrate that WOX11-mediated rooting reduces the impact of nematode infections on aboveground plant development and growth. Altogether, we conclude that the transcriptional regulation by WOX11 modulates root system plasticity under biotic stress, which is one of the key mechanisms underlying tolerance of Arabidopsis to cyst nematode infections.
Maternal allergic sensitization affects the T cell modulatory capacity and molecular cargo of milk derived extracellular vesicles
Authors: van Herwijnen Martijn J.C. , Giovanazzi Alberta , Zonneveld Marijke I. , Maqueda Joaquín J. , Kleinjan Marije , Goerdayal Soenita , Völlmy Franziska , van Bruggen - de Haan Arianne , Driedonks Tom A.P. , Arkesteijn Ger J.A. , van Elburg Ruurd M. , van der Meulen Gerbrich N. , Garssen Johan , Oliveira Carla , Altelaar A.F. Maarten , ’t Hoen Peter A.C. , Redegeld Frank A. , Nolte – ’t Hoen Esther N.M. , Wauben Marca H.M.
Published: August 2023

Background

Human milk extracellular vesicles (EVs) affect various cell types in the gastrointestinal tract, including T cells, and play a role in the development of the newborn’s immune system by delivering specific molecular cargo to target cells. Although maternal allergic sensitization alters the composition of milk, it is unknown whether this impacts the function of milk EVs. Therefore, we analyzed the T cell modulatory capacity and compared the protein and miRNA cargoes of EVs from milk of allergic and non-allergic mothers.

Methods

EVs were isolated from human milk from allergic and non-allergic donors by differential centrifugation, density gradient floatation and size exclusion chromatography. Functional modulation of primary human CD4+ T cells by EVs was assessedin vitro. Proteomic analysis and small RNA sequencing was performed on milk EVs to evaluate protein and miRNA abundance and to identify cellular targets of this EV cargo in relevant T cell signaling pathways.

Results

T cell proliferation, activation and cytokine production were suppressed in the presence of milk EVs. Remarkably, milk EVs from allergic mothers inhibited T cell activation to a lesser extent than EVs from non-allergic mothers. Integrative multi-omics analysis identified EV cargo of which the cellular targets could be linked to differential modulation of T cell activation-associated processes .

Conclusions

Milk EVs from non-allergic mothers are stronger inhibitors of T cell activation compared to milk EVs from allergic mothers. This altered functionality might be linked to changes in miRNA and protein cargo that modulate T cell signaling pathways in an integrative manner.
DeGenPrime provides robust primer design and optimization unlocking the biosphere
Authors: Fulghum Bryan , Tanker Sophie , White Richard Allen
Published: August 2023

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the world’s most important molecular diagnostic with applications ranging from medicine to ecology. PCR can fail because of poor primer design. The nearest-neighbor thermodynamic properties, picking conserved regions, and filtration via penalty of oligonucleotides form the basis for good primer design.

DeGenPrime is a console-based high quality PCR primer design tool that can utilize MSA formats and degenerate bases expanding target range for a single primer set. Our software utilizes thermodynamic properties, filtration metrics, penalty scoring, and conserved region finding of any proposed primer. It has degeneracy, repeated k-mers, relative GC content, and temperature range filters. Minimal penalty scoring is included according to secondary structure self-dimerization metrics, GC clamping, tri- and tetra-loop hairpins and internal repetition.

We compared PrimerDesign-M, DegePrime, ConsensusPrimer, and DeGenPrime on acceptable primer yield. PrimerDesign-M, DegePrime, and ConsensusPrimer provided 0%, 11%, and 17% yield respectively for alternative iron nitrogenase (anfD) gene target. DeGenPrime successfully identified quality primers within the conserved regions of the T4-like phage major capsid protein (g23), conserved regions of molybdenum-based nitrogenase (nif), and its alternatives vanadium (vnf) and iron (anf) nitrogenase. DeGenPrime provides a universal and scalable primer design tool for the entire tree of life.
Pandemic preparedness through genomic surveillance: Overview of mutations in SARS-CoV-2 over the course of COVID-19 outbreak
Authors: Najar Fares Z. , Murphy Chelsea L. , Linde Evan , Borin Veniamin A. , Wang Huan , Haider Shozeb , Agarwal Pratul K.
Published: August 2023

Genomic surveillance is a vital strategy for preparedness against the spread of infectious diseases and to aid in development of new treatments. In an unprecedented effort, millions of samples from COVID-19 patients have been sequenced worldwide for SARS-CoV-2. Using more than 8 million sequences that are currently available in GenBank’s SARS-CoV-2 database, we report a comprehensive overview of mutations in all 26 proteins and open reading frames (ORFs) from the virus. The results indicate that the spike protein, NSP6, nucleocapsid protein, envelope protein and ORF7b have shown the highest mutational propensities so far (in that order). In particular, the spike protein has shown rapid acceleration in mutations in the post-vaccination period. Monitoring the rate of non-synonymous mutations (Ka) provides a fairly reliable signal for genomic surveillance, successfully predicting surges in 2022. Further, the external proteins (spike, membrane, envelope, and nucleocapsid proteins) show a significant number of mutations compared to the NSPs. Interestingly, these four proteins showed significant changes in Katypically 2 to 4 weeks before the increase in number of human infections (“surges”). Therefore, our analysis provides real time surveillance of mutations of SARS-CoV-2, accessible through the project websitehttp://pandemics.okstate.edu/covid19/. Based on ongoing mutation trends of the virus, predictions of what proteins are likely to mutate next are also made possible by our approach. The proposed framework is general and is thus applicable to other pathogens. The approach is fully automated and provides the needed genomic surveillance to address a fast-moving pandemic such as COVID-19.
The creation-mutation-selection model: simulation and the advantage of sex
Authors: Irlam Gordon
Published: August 2023

The creation-mutation-selection model makes predictions regarding the fitness of asexual and sexual populations in an environment that includes both positive and negative selection. However, for the asexual case, the model predictions depend upon the variance or skewness of the population log fitness distribution, something which the model does not provide. This makes the analytical comparison of the fitness of asexual and sexual populations appear to be intractable. Instead, simulation is required. The fitness of asexual and sexual populations is simulated over a range of plausible parameter values. The fitness is found to agree with the predictions of the creation-mutation-selection model. The cost of asexuality is found to exceed the cost of sex by a very large margin for eukaryotic species today, and probably for the first eukaryotes. Prokaryotes and the mitochondrion are viewed as asexual species for which asexuality incurs little cost.
WITHDRAWN: Reversible phosphorylation of WOX5 protein controls the homeostasis of QC
Authors: Chen Ling
Published: August 2023

Withdrawal Statement

The author has withdrawn this manuscript owing to it having been posted without securing the appropriate approvals. Therefore, the author does not wish this work to be cited as reference for the project. If you have any questions, please contact the corresponding author.
Optimization of Shoot Regeneration and Application of CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing to Cultivated Strawberry (Fragaria×ananassa)
Authors: Kim Jin-Hee , Yoo Cheol-Min , Nguyen Chi D , Huo Heqiang , Lee Seonghee
Published: August 2023

Efficient methods of plant transformation and tissue culture are essential to CRISPR/Cas-based gene editing of crops, but neither is well established in cultivated octoploid strawberry (F×ananassa). In the present study, a method for shoot regeneration was established and optimized for two strawberry cultivars commercially grown in Florida, Sweet Sensation® ‘Florida 127’ FL127) and ‘Florida Brilliance’ (FB). Runner segments at the tip, node, and petiole obtained from greenhouse-grown plants were used as explants for comparisons of shoot regeneration rate. FL127 showed the highest frequency of shoot regeneration to a basal Murashige and Skoog media (MS) containing 1 mg·L-1 of TDZ, 0.05 mg·L-1 of BA, and 0.05 mg·L-1 of 2,4-D, while FB showed the best response to a lower concentration of BA (0.01 mg·L-1) in the same media type. The average conversion frequencies of somatic embryos into shoot regenerations from the runner tips (RT) were 42.8% in FL127 and 56.9% in FB, respectively, with RT being the most prolific in shoot generation for both cultivars. Using these optimized tissue conditions,Agrobacterium-mediated CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of transformation and knockout mutations in thephytoene desaturase(FaPDS) gene of FL127. A total of 234 explants treated withAgrobacteriumresulted in an 80.3% regeneration efficiency, with 13.3% of regenerated plants exhibiting partial or complete albino phenotypes. Amplicon sequencing of edited progeny revealed substitutions, insertions, and deletions at the gRNA target sites or flanking regions of allFaPDShomoeologous copies. Our results provide effective methods of tissue culture and transformation for the efficient application of CRISPR-mediated gene editing in cultivated strawberry.