bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eicosanoid regulation of debris-stimulated metastasis
Authors: Deng Jianjun , Yang Haixia , Haak Victoria M. , Yang Jun , Kipper Franciele C. , Barksdale Chantal , Hwang Sung Hee , Gartung Allison , Bielenberg Diane R. , Subbian Selvakumar , Ho Koc-Kan , Ye Xiang , Fan Daidi , Sun Yongkui , Hammock Bruce D. , Panigrahy Dipak
Published: October 2021

Significance

Cancer therapy, such as chemotherapy, induces tumor cell death (“debris”), which can stimulate metastasis. Chemotherapy-generated debris upregulates soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) and the prostaglandin E
2
receptor 4 (EP4), which triggers a macrophage-derived storm of proinflammatory and proangiogenic lipid autacoid and cytokine mediators. Although sEH inhibitors and EP4 antagonists are in clinical development for multiple inflammatory diseases, their combined role in cancer is unknown. Here, we show that the synergistic antitumor activity of sEH and EP4 inhibition suppresses hepato-pancreatic tumor growth, without overt toxicity, via macrophage phagocytosis of debris and counterregulation of a debris-stimulated cytokine storm. Thus, stimulating the resolution of inflammation via combined inhibition of sEH and EP4 may be an approach for preventing metastatic progression driven by cancer therapy.
Climate change facilitated the early colonization of the Azores Archipelago during medieval times
Authors: Raposeiro Pedro M. , Hernández Armand , Pla-Rabes Sergi , Gonçalves Vítor , Bao Roberto , Sáez Alberto , Shanahan Timothy , Benavente Mario , de Boer Erik J. , Richter Nora , Gordon Verónica , Marques Helena , Sousa Pedro M. , Souto Martín , Matias Miguel G. , Aguiar Nicole , Pereira Cátia , Ritter Catarina , Rubio María Jesús , Salcedo Marina , Vázquez-Loureiro David , Margalef Olga , Amaral-Zettler Linda A. , Costa Ana Cristina , Huang Yongsong , van Leeuwen Jacqueline F. N. , Masqué Pere , Prego Ricardo , Ruiz-Fernández Ana Carolina , Sanchez-Cabeza Joan-Albert , Trigo Ricardo , Giralt Santiago
Published: October 2021

Significance

We use a diverse set of lake and landscape proxy indicators to characterize initial human occupation and its impacts on the Azores Archipelago. The occupation of these islands began between 700 and 850 CE, 700 years earlier than suggested by documentary sources. These early occupations caused widespread ecological and landscape disturbance and raise doubts about the islands' presumed pristine nature during Portuguese arrival. The earliest explorers arrived at the end of the early Middle Ages, when temperatures were higher than average, and the westerly winds were weaker, facilitating arrivals to the archipelago from northeastern Europe and inhibiting exploration from southern Europe. This is consistent with archaeological and genetic research suggesting the Norse were the first to colonize the Azores Archipelago.
Cis
-acting lnc-Cxcl2 restrains neutrophil-mediated lung inflammation by inhibiting epithelial cell CXCL2 expression in virus infection
Authors: Liu Shuo , Liu Jiaqi , Yang Xue , Jiang Minghong , Wang Qingqing , Zhang Lianfeng , Ma Yuanwu , Shen Zhongyang , Tian Zhigang , Cao Xuetao
Published: October 2021

Significance

Epithelial cell–mediated chemokine production and subsequent neutrophil recruitment are important for pathogen clearance, which, however, are also closely related to severe inflammatory tissue damage during lung infection, especially influenza virus infection and the current pandemic coronavirus infection. Certain regulation and underlying mechanisms of chemokine expression in epithelial cells remain largely unknown. Here, by identifying the mouse long noncoding RNA lnc-Cxcl2 and human lnc-CXCL2-4-1 in virus-infected lung epithelial cells, we demonstrated a self-protecting mechanism in host lung epithelial cells for restraining viral infection–induced lung inflammation through feedback-suppressing chemokine expression. These findings provide better understandings of chemokine regulation and epithelial cell function during lung viral infection and will benefit the treatment of related lung infectious diseases.
Cis
-acting mutation affecting
GJA5
transcription is underlying the
Melanotic
within-feather pigmentation pattern in chickens
Authors: Li Jingyi , Lee Mi-Ok , Chen Junfeng , Davis Brian W. , Dorshorst Benjamin J. , Siegel Paul B. , Inaba Masafumi , Jiang Ting-Xin , Chuong Cheng-Ming , Andersson Leif
Published: October 2021

Significance

The molecular mechanisms underlying pigmentation patterns in animals is to a large extent an unresolved mystery in biology. For example, compared with mammals, birds show a stunning diversity in pigmentation patterns. This study advances the knowledge concerning the mechanisms creating periodic pigmentation patterns in individual feathers. We show that a mutation upstream of
GJA5
encoding a gap-junction protein is causing the Melanotic phenotype in domestic chickens.
Melanotic
affects within-feather pigmentation patterns by enhancing the contrast between dark- and light-colored regions in the feather. The result implies that cell–cell communications between melanocytes and other cells in the feather follicle play a critical role for pattern formation.
Robust and prototypical immune responses toward influenza vaccines in the high-risk group of Indigenous Australians
Authors: Hensen Luca , Nguyen Thi H. O. , Rowntree Louise C. , Damelang Timon , Koutsakos Marios , Aban Malet , Hurt Aeron , Harland Kim L. , Auladell Maria , van de Sandt Carolien E. , Everitt Anngie , Blacker Cath , Oyong Damian A. , Loughland Jessica R. , Webb Jessica R. , Wines Bruce D. , Hogarth P. Mark , Flanagan Katie L. , Plebanski Magdalena , Wheatley Adam , Chung Amy W. , Kent Stephen J. , Miller Adrian , Clemens E. Bridie , Doherty Peter C. , Nelson Jane , Davies Jane , Tong Steven Y. C. , Kedzierska Katherine
Published: October 2021

Significance

Indigenous populations worldwide are highly susceptible to influenza virus infections. Vaccination with inactivated virus is highly recommended to protect Indigenous populations, including Indigenous Australians. There is no study to date that assessed immune responses induced by the inactivated seasonal influenza vaccine in the Indigenous population. Vaccine recommendations are thus based on data generated for non-Indigenous populations and might not be representative for Indigenous people. We found robust antibody responses to influenza vaccination induced in Indigenous Australians, with activation profiles of cTFH1 cells at the acute response strongly correlating with total change of antibody vaccine titers induced by vaccination. Our work strongly supports the recommendation of influenza vaccination to protect Indigenous populations from severe seasonal influenza virus infections and subsequent complications.
Tubular lysosomes harbor active ion gradients and poise macrophages for phagocytosis
Authors: Suresh Bhavyashree , Saminathan Anand , Chakraborty Kasturi , Zajac Matthew , Cui Chang , Becker Lev , Krishnan Yamuna
Published: October 2021

Significance

Lysosomes are organelles that also act as cell-signaling hubs. They regulate functions ranging from antigen presentation to autophagy. Spherical lysosomes can spontaneously elongate into tubules in starving or inflamed immune cells. We describe a DNA-based reagent, denoted
Tudor
, that tubulates lysosomes in macrophages without triggering either an immune response or autophagy. Chemical imaging revealed that tubular lysosomes differ from vesicular ones in terms of their pH, calcium, and proteolytic activity.
Tudor
revealed a role for tubular lysosomes in that they enhance MMP9 secretion and phagocytosis in resting macrophages. The ability to tubulate lysosomes in resting immune cells without starving or inflaming them may help reveal new insights into how tubular lysosomes function.
El compromiso social de Jean-Claude Izzo en Le Soleil des mourants
Authors: Díaz Alarcón Soledad
Published: October 2021

Jean-Claude Izzo, an author committed to reality, recreates in his work Le Soleil des mourants
the life of an indigent condemned to exclusion and loneliness. His critique also extends to contemporary society, both urban and
dehumanized, and to the institutions and organisms that govern it, incapable of coping with social stigmas. This paper aims to
disentangle, through a semantic-stylistic analysis, the homeless figure who stands as the cornerstone around which the story
revolves. This paper also tries to identify the textual, linguistic, and cultural singularities that, from a translation studies
approach, are regarded as specific translation challenges in this novel. This study puts forth a proposal for the Spanish
translation of a selection of passages that support our arguments. The translation decisions are made according to the concept of
communicative equivalence (Wotjak 2015) and to the taxonomy of techniques compiled by
Hurtado Albir (2008, 269–271). The paper concludes that the concept of communicative
equivalence has become a relevant methodology for the translation of Le Soleil des mourants, as it enables the
translator to render the denotative elements of the message, the connotative and expressive use of the language, and the author’s
communicative intention.
A methodology of translatological and sociological cooperation in data collection, analysis, and interpretation
Authors: Zehnalová Jitka , Kubátová Helena
Published: October 2021

The aim of this study is to present a methodology of joint translatological–sociological cooperation in data collection, analysis, and interpretation to study translation strategies and norms. In order to identify norms, research cannot be restricted to translations: it is imperative to include translators and their practice as well. Thus, key research methods drawn on in this study are textual analyses and semi-structured interviews. The use of these two methods allows for the merging of the observable results of translation practice with translators’ social contextualisation and their reflection on practice (doxa). This method aims to answer the following questions: How do translators translate? Why do they translate the way they do? What do they really do when translating?
Synchrony of sarcomeric movement regulates left ventricular pump function in the in vivo beating mouse heart
Authors: Kobirumaki-Shimozawa Fuyu , Shimozawa Togo , Oyama Kotaro , Baba Shunsuke , Li Jia , Nakanishi Tomohiro , Terui Takako , Louch William E. , Ishiwata Shin’ichi , Fukuda Norio
Published: October 2021

Sarcomeric contraction in cardiomyocytes serves as the basis for the heart’s pump functions. It has generally been considered that in cardiac muscle as well as in skeletal muscle, sarcomeres equally contribute to myofibrillar dynamics in myocytes at varying loads by producing similar levels of active and passive force. In the present study, we expressed α-actinin–AcGFP in Z-disks to analyze dynamic behaviors of sequentially connected individual sarcomeres along a myofibril in a left ventricular (LV) myocyte of the in vivo beating mouse heart. To quantify the magnitude of the contribution of individual sarcomeres to myofibrillar dynamics, we introduced the novel parameter “contribution index” (CI) to measure the synchrony in movements between a sarcomere and a myofibril (from −1 [complete asynchrony] to 1 [complete synchrony]). First, CI varied markedly between sarcomeres, with an average value of ∼0.3 during normal systole. Second, when the movements between adjacent sarcomeres were asynchronous (CI < 0), a sarcomere and the ones next to the adjacent sarcomeres and farther away moved in synchrony (CI > 0) along a myofibril. Third, when difference in LV pressure in diastole and systole (ΔLVP) was lowered to <10 mm Hg, diastolic sarcomere length increased. Under depressed conditions, the movements between adjacent sarcomeres were in marked asynchrony (CI, −0.3 to −0.4), and, as a result, average CI was linearly decreased in association with a decrease in ΔLVP. These findings suggest that in the left ventricle of the in vivo beating mouse heart, (1) sarcomeres heterogeneously contribute to myofibrillar dynamics due to an imbalance of active and passive force between neighboring sarcomeres, (2) the force imbalance is pronounced under depressed conditions coupled with a marked increase in passive force and the ensuing tug-of-war between sarcomeres, and (3) sarcomere synchrony via the distal intersarcomere interaction regulates the heart's pump function in coordination with myofibrillar contractility.
Workforce planning and safe workload in sterile compounding hospital pharmacy services
Authors: Chaker Ahmed , Omair Israa , Mohamed Weam Hazem , Mahomed Shuaib Haroon , Siddiqui Mohammad Aslam
Published: October 2021

Purpose

A prospective observational study was conducted to assess sterile compounding time and workforce requirements in a hospital pharmacy, resulting in development of staff benchmarking metrics.

Methods

The study was conducted in the IV room of a quaternary hospital over 2 periods totalling 7 weeks. Compounding was directly observed and timing data collected for each compounded sterile preparation (CSP). The primary objective was to assess CSP workload, compounding time requirements, and workforce requirements to enable development of a data-driven staffing benchmark.

Results

A total of 320 sterile product preparations were directly observed during the study. Overall, the average time to compound 1 CSP (including small- and large-volume parenteral solutions, chemotherapy CSPs, batched CSPs, and syringes) was 3.25 minutes. Chemotherapy CSPs had the longest average preparation time (17.74 minutes); batched CSPs had the shortest preparation time, at 1.90 minutes per unit. A safe workload analysis indicated that in an 8-hour shift, 1 pharmacy technician can safely prepare 253 batched CSPs; 148 preparations of SVP solutions, LVP solutions, and syringes combined; 31 parenteral nutrition solutions prepared using an automated device; or 29 chemotherapy preparations. Through extrapolation of these results, it was calculated that a hospital with a capacity of 100 beds would require 1.4 pharmacist full-time equivalents (FTEs) and 2.7 technician FTEs to meet its sterile compounding needs, with proportionate increases in those estimates for a 300-bed hospital.

Conclusion

Organizations wishing to use external benchmarking information need to understand data characterization, pharmacy services offered, automation, workflows, and workload before utilizing that information for workforce planning.
The effectiveness of eyespots and masquerade in protecting artificial prey across ontogenetic and seasonal shifts
Authors: Postema Elizabeth G
Published: October 2021

When constraints on antipredator coloration shift over the course of development, it can be advantageous for animals to adopt different color strategies for each life stage. Many caterpillars in the genus Papilio exhibit unique ontogenetic color sequences: for example, early instars that masquerade as bird feces, with later instars possessing eyespots. I hypothesize that larvae abandon feces masquerade in favor of eyespots due to ontogenetic changes in signaler size. This ontogenetic pattern also occurs within broader seasonal shifts in background color and predator activity. I conducted predation experiments with artificial prey to determine how potential signaling constraints (specifically size and season) shape predation risk, and consequently the expression of ontogenetic color change in Papilio larvae. Seasonally, both predation and background greenness declined significantly from July to September, though there was little evidence that these patterns impacted the effectiveness of either color strategy. Caterpillar size and color strongly affected the attack rate of avian predators: attacks increased with prey size regardless of color, and eyespotted prey were attacked more than masquerading prey overall. These results may reflect a key size-mediated tradeoff between conspicuousness and intimidation in eyespotted prey, and raise questions about how interwoven aspects of behavior and signal environment might maintain the prevalence of large, eyespotted larvae in nature.
On the delayed worse-than-minimal repair model and its application to preventive replacement
Authors: Cha Ji Hwan , Finkelstein Maxim , Levitin Gregory
Published: October 2021

Minimal repair and other imperfect repair models have been intensively studied in the literature. Much less attention has been payed to the ‘worse than minimal’ repair problem, although it often occurs in practice due to the adverse effects of previous repairs, environmental and internal shocks, etc. To model this type of repair, we define a new point process that behaves as the non-homogeneous Poisson process up to a certain event or time (minimal repairs) and then it becomes the generalized Polya process of repairs (worse than minimal repairs). The corresponding replacement policy is defined and the optimal solutions that minimize the long run expected cost rate are analyzed. The replacement can be executed univariately either after the given time T or the given number of repairs (on the k-th failure). Moreover, the system can be also replaced by implementing the bivariate strategy, that is, after the time T or on the k-th failure, whichever comes first. The detailed numerical examples illustrate our findings. It is shown that the k-strategy outperforms the T -strategy (lower cost rates), whereas the bivariate strategy is not worse than the best univariate strategy.
CST does not evict elongating telomerase but prevents initiation by ssDNA binding
Authors: Zaug Arthur J , Lim Ci Ji , Olson Conner L , Carilli Maria T , Goodrich Karen J , Wuttke Deborah S , Cech Thomas R
Published: October 2021

The CST complex (CTC1-STN1-TEN1) has been shown to inhibit telomerase extension of the G-strand of telomeres and facilitate the switch to C-strand synthesis by DNA polymerase alpha-primase (pol α-primase). Recently the structure of human CST was solved by cryo-EM, allowing the design of mutant proteins defective in telomeric ssDNA binding and prompting the reexamination of CST inhibition of telomerase. The previous proposal that human CST inhibits telomerase by sequestration of the DNA primer was tested with a series of DNA-binding mutants of CST and modeled by a competitive binding simulation. The DNA-binding mutants had substantially reduced ability to inhibit telomerase, as predicted from their reduced affinity for telomeric DNA. These results provide strong support for the previous primer sequestration model. We then tested whether addition of CST to an ongoing processive telomerase reaction would terminate DNA extension. Pulse-chase telomerase reactions with addition of either wild-type CST or DNA-binding mutants showed that CST has no detectable ability to terminate ongoing telomerase extension in vitro. The same lack of inhibition was observed with or without pol α-primase bound to CST. These results suggest how the switch from telomerase extension to C-strand synthesis may occur.
Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for restless legs syndrome in end-stage kidney disease: a systematic review and component network meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Jia-Jin , Lee Tao Han , Tu Yu-Kang , Kuo George , Yang Huang-Yu , Yen Chieh-Li , Fan Pei-Chun , Chang Chih-Hsiang
Published: October 2021

Background

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is common among patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and is associated with poor outcomes. Several recently published studies had focused on pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments of RLS, but an updated meta-analysis has not been conducted.

Methods

The study population was adult ESKD patients on dialysis with RLS. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected. The primary outcome was reduction in RLS severity. The secondary outcomes were improvement in sleep quality and treatment-related adverse events. Frequentist standard network meta-analysis (NMA) and additive component NMA were performed. The evidence certainty was assessed using the Confidence in NMA (CINeMA) framework.

Results

A total of 24 RCTs with 1252 participants were enrolled and 14 interventions were compared. Cool dialysate produced the largest RLS severity score reduction {mean difference [MD] 16.82 [95% confidence interval (CI) 10.635–23.02]} and a high level of confidence. Other potential non-pharmacological interventions include intradialytic stretching exercise [MD 12.00 (95% CI 7.04–16.97)] and aromatherapy massage [MD 10.91 (95% CI 6.96–14.85)], but all with limited confidence of evidence. Among the pharmacological interventions, gabapentin was the most effective [MD 8.95 (95% CI 1.95–15.85)], which also improved sleep quality [standardized MD 2.00 (95% CI 0.47–3.53)]. No statically significant adverse events were detected.

Conclusions

The NMA supports that cool dialysate is appropriate to treat patients with ESKD and RLS. Gabapentin is the most effective pharmacological intervention and also might improve sleep quality. Further parallel RCTs with sufficient sample sizes are required to evaluate these potential interventions and long-term effects.
Cultural conformity and persistence in Dickcissel song are higher in locations in which males show high site fidelity
Authors: Parker Timothy H , Sousa Bridget , Leu Stephan T , Edmondson Stacy , Foo Cecily , Strauss Amy , Kahl Hanna , Ballinger Kristen , Ross Eric , Große Ruse Mareile , Sandsten Maria , Verheijen Bram H F , Jensen William
Published: October 2021

Dickcissel (Spiza americana) males occupying territories in cropland sites produced songs that were less similar on average to other Dickcissel songs in their neighborhood than did Dickcissels living in grasslands, where conformity to the local vocal culture was higher. Further, Dickcissel vocal culture changed more quickly over time in cropland sites relative to grassland sites. These differences may have resulted from the lower site fidelity we observed in Dickcissel males in cropland sites relative to grassland sites. We expected this link with site fidelity because we hypothesized that conformity to local culture in Oscine songbirds and the persistence of culture over time and space are promoted by habitats that facilitate stable populations. In contrast, sites in which habitat features cause rapid population turnover provide more territory vacancies and so more opportunities for colonization. Colonization should drive cultural change, either through adult colonists importing foreign cultural variants or young colonists making errors as they learn the local song. This potential link between population turnover and cultural stability may apply to animal cultures more broadly and so may be a fruitful area for further research. Besides the link between site fidelity and cultural change over time, we also investigated the possibility that habitats with different levels of site fidelity might show differences in the spatial scale of song similarity. However, we found no evidence of such a difference. Finally, although our conclusions regarding conformity and change in vocal culture were based on many recorded songs, automated assessments of song similarity imprecisely estimated the overall degree of song similarity. Thus, we may have underestimated the strength of the effects of time and distance on song similarity.
Hyperdynamic Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in ICU Patients With Sepsis
Authors: Chotalia Minesh , Ali Muzzammil , Hebballi Ravi , Singh Harjot , Parekh Dhruv , Bangash Mansoor N. , Patel Jaimin M.
Published: October 2021

OBJECTIVES:

To evaluate the cause and prognosis of hyperdynamic left ventricular ejection fraction in critically ill patients with sepsis.

DESIGN:

Retrospective, single-center cohort study.

SETTING:

University Hospital ICU, Birmingham, United Kingdom.

PATIENTS:

ICU patients who received a transthoracic echocardiogram within 7 days of sepsis between April 2016 and December 2019.

INTERVENTION:

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

The 90-day mortality rates of normal (55–70%), depressed (< 55%), and hyperdynamic left ventricular ejection fraction (> 70%) were compared. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association of left ventricular ejection fraction phenotypes with mortality and the association of clinical variables with left ventricular ejection fraction phenotypes. One thousand fourteen patients met inclusion criteria and were 62 years old (interquartile range, 47–72), with mostly respiratory infections (n = 557; 54.9%). Ninety-day mortality was 32.1% (n = 325). Patients with hyperdynamic left ventricular ejection fraction had a higher mortality than depressed and normal left ventricular ejection fraction cohorts (58.9% [n = 103] vs 34.0% [n = 55] vs 24.7% [n = 167]; p < 0.0001, respectively). After multivariate logistic regression, hyperdynamic left ventricular ejection fraction was independently associated with mortality (odds ratio, 3.90 [2.09–7.40]), whereas depressed left ventricular ejection fraction did not (odds ratio, 0.62 [0.28–1.37]). Systemic vascular resistance was inversely associated with hyperdynamic left ventricular ejection fraction (odds ratio, 0.79 [0.58–0.95]), and age, frailty, and ischemic heart disease were associated with depressed left ventricular ejection fraction.

CONCLUSIONS:

Hyperdynamic left ventricular ejection fraction was associated with mortality in septic ICU patients and may reflect unmitigated vasoplegia from sepsis. Depressed left ventricular ejection fraction was not associated with mortality but was associated with cardiovascular disease.
Reconstructive Surgery for High-voltage Injury of Genitoperineal Area and Upper Extremities: The Uromanual Trauma Concept
Authors: Adamyan Ruben T. , Aleshina Olga N. , Abdeeva Elina I. , Sinelnikov Mikhail Y.
Published: October 2021

Reconstruction of tissue defects resulting from high-voltage injuries remains a serious issue in plastic surgery. For many years it has been solved by applying autologous reconstruction with rotated and revascularized flaps. We present a series outlining reconstructive practices in treatment of patients with high-voltage “uromanual” injuries. These types of injuries include a group of upper extremities and genitoperineal high-voltage trauma due to urination on an electrical source, which are rarely discussed in the literature. This study aimed to describe the algorithm of perioperative care and surgical treatment in patients with high-voltage uromanual trauma. Three male patients (mean age 26.3 years, range: 20–35 years) with traumatic injury of the genital area and the upper extremities due to high-voltage injury underwent reconstruction with a one-stage repair of defects. In one patient, the defect of the left upper extremity was eliminated by microsurgical autotransplantation of musculocutaneous thoracodorsal artery perforator flap. The genitoperineal region was repaired using rotated scrotal flaps. In two other cases, phalloplasty with a revascularized myocutaneous thoracodorsal artery perforator flap was followed by urethroplasty with a prefabricated radial forearm free flap. Hand deformities were eliminated using split-thickness skin autografts. All flaps survived. No complications were observed in the autograft harvesting areas. All cases showed good aesthetic and functional postoperative outcomes. Management of uromanual injuries should include one-stage reconstruction of upper extremities and genitoperineal defects for restoration of satisfying functional and aesthetic components crucial for patient’s quality of life and socialization.
Clinical Nurse Specialist as Nurse Researcher
Authors: Mason Tina M.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to present how metrics and dashboards, using the SMART model, are used to articulate the clinical nurse specialist (CNS) nurse researcher role.

Description of the Project

Following the SMART model, a dashboard was created highlighting measurable metrics for each of the 3 spheres of impact to align with the center's nursing strategic plan and initiatives, including Magnet redesignation.

Outcome

Metrics reflecting the 3 spheres of impact and corresponding dashboard with successfully met outcomes are presented for the CNS nurse researcher.

Conclusion

Metrics and dashboards are important tools that CNSs can use to capture their activities, set goals, and articulate their unique roles to both internal and external stakeholders. Dashboards, such as the one presented, are easily adaptable and can be updated on a regular basis.
Photobacterium arenosum sp. nov., isolated from marine sediment sand
Authors: Weerawongwiwat Veeraya , Yoon Seokmin , Kim Jong-Hwa , Yoon Jung-Hoon , Lee Jung Sook , Sukhoom Ampaitip , Kim Wonyong
Published: October 2021

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, motile, short rod-shaped, catalase-negative and oxidase-positive bacterium, strain CAU 1568T, was isolated from marine sediment sand sampled at Sido Island in the Republic of Korea. The optimum conditions for growth were at 25–30 °C, at pH 6.5–8.5 and with 0–4.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain CAU 1568T was a member of the genus

Photobacterium

with high similarity to

Photobacterium salinisoli

JCM 30852T (97.7 %),

Photobacterium halotolerans

KACC 17089T (97.3 %) and

Photobacterium galatheae

LMG F28894T (97.3 %). The predominant cellular fatty acids were C16 : 0, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1
 ω6c and/or C16 : 1
 ω7c) and summed feature 8 (C18 : 1
 ω7c and/or C18 : 1
 ω6c), with Q-8 as the major of isoprenoid quinone. The polar lipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerols, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phospholipid, two aminophospholipids and three unidentified lipids. The whole genome size of strain CAU 1568T was 4.8 Mb with 50.1 mol% G+C content; including 38 contigs and 4233 protein-coding genes. These taxonomic data support CAU 1568T as representing a novel

Photobacterium

species, for which the name Photobacterium arenosum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of this novel species is CAU 1568T (=KCTC 82404T=MCCC 1K05668T).
Sphingosinicella flava sp. nov., indole acetic acid producing bacteria isolated from maize field soil
Authors: Chhetri Geeta , Kang Minchung , Kim Jiyoun , Kim Inhyup , So Yoonseop , Seo Taegun
Published: October 2021

A novel isolated yellow-pigmented bacterial designated strain UDD2T was isolated from a maize field soil sample collected in Ilsan, Republic of Korea. Cells of strain UDD2T were Gram-stain-negative, non-sporulating, long rod-shaped and exhibited flagellar motility. Cells could grow at 15–42 °C and pH 5.5–11.0. Strain UDD2T was sensitive to NaCl and barely tolerated up to 1 % NaCl (w/v). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain UDD2T formed a separate clade with the members of genus

Sphingosinicella

within the family

Sphingomonadaceae

. Strain UDD2T showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to

Sphingosinicella vermicomposti

KCTC 224446T (98.5 %) and

Sphingosinicella humi

KCTC 62519T (96.7 %), followed by members of the genus

Sphingomonas

(96.4–94.5 %) and

Sphingobium

(96.1–94.9 %), but they were located in other phylogenetic clusters. Average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain UDD2T and

S. vermicomposti

KCTC 224446T and

S. humi

KCTC 62519T were 80.2/24.2 and 75.6/20.4 %, respectively. The total size of the genome was 2 421 697 bp and composed of one circular chromosome, with a G+C content of 63.7 mol%. Strain UDD2T produced indole acetic acid (IAA) in the presence of l-tryptophan. Bacterial IAA is a crucial phytohormone in plant growth and development. Gene clusters for indole-3-glycerol phosphate synthase and tryptophan synthase were found in the genome of strain UDD2T. To the best of our knowledge, no member of the genus

Sphingosinicella

has been reported to produce IAA to date. The major cellular fatty acids (>10 %) were found to be C16 : 0, C14 : 0 2OH and summed feature 3 (comprising C16  : 1
ω7c and/or iso-C15  :  0 2-OH). Strain UDD2T had ubiquinone Q-10 as the major respiratory quinone and homospermidine as the major polyamine. The polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, sphingoglycolipid, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, three unidentified phosphoglycolipids, one unidentified phospholipid, one unidentified aminoglycophospholipid, one unidentified glycolipid and one unidentified polar lipid. Based on the phylogenetic, phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic data, strain UDD2T represents a novel species of the genus

Sphingosinicella

, for which the name Sphingosinicella flava is proposed. The type strain is UDD2T (=KCTC 82357T=NBRC 114507T).
Tilted 3D visual scenes – A new therapy approach for pusher syndrome
Authors: Nestmann Sophia , Röhrig Lisa , Müller Björn , Ilg Winfried , Karnath Hans-Otto
Published: October 2021

Hemiparetic stroke patients with ‘pusher syndrome’ use their non-paretic extremities to push towards their paralyzed side and actively resist external posture correction. The disorder is associated with a distorted perception of postural vertical combined with a maintained, or little deviating perception of visual upright. With the aim of reducing this mismatch, and thus reducing pushing behavior, we manipulated the orientation of visual input in a virtual reality setup. We presented healthy subjects and an acute stroke patient with severe pusher syndrome a 3D visual scene that was either upright or tilted in roll plane by 20°. By moving the sitting participants in roll plane to the left and right, we assessed the occurrence of active pushing behavior, namely the active resistance to external posture manipulation. With the 3D visual scene oriented upright, the patient with pusher syndrome showed the typical active resistance against tilts towards the ipsilesional side. He used his non-paretic arm to block the examiner’s attempt to move the body axis towards that side. With the visual scene tilted to the ipsiversive left, his pathological resistance was significantly reduced. Statistically, the tolerated body tilt angles no longer differed from those of healthy controls. We conclude that even short presentations of tilted 3D visual input can reduce pusher symptoms. The technique provides potential for a new treatment method of pusher syndrome and offers a simple, straightforward approach that can be effortlessly integrated in clinical practice.
CSF and PET biomarkers for noradrenergic dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lancini E. , Haag L. , Bartl F. , Rühling M. , Ashton NJ. , Zetterberg H. , Düzel E. , Hämmerer D. , Betts MJ.
Published: October 2021

The noradrenergic system shows pathological modifications in aging and neurodegenerative diseases and is thought to be affected in the early stages of both Alzheimer and Parkinson’
ss diseases. We conducted a meta-analysis of noradrenergic differences in Alzheimer’s disease type dementia (ADD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) using CSF and PET biomarkers. CSF noradrenaline (NA) and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) as well as NA transporter availability (PET MeNER) levels in controls, ADD and PD patients was summarized from 26 articles (1025 patients and 839 controls in total) using a random-effects model meta-analysis. Compared with controls, PD patients showed significant reductions in CSF NA and MHPG, and PET MeNER binding in the hypothalamus. In ADD, MHPG levels were increased compared with controls. Age correlated with CSF MHPG levels in ADD, but not in PD. Noradrenergic dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases can be detected using CSF or PET measures and may be more pronounced in PD compared to ADD.
Adaptive, Unlabeled and Real-time Approximate-Learning Platform (AURA) for Personalized Epileptic Seizure Forecasting
Authors: Yang Yikai , Truong Nhan Duy , Eshraghian Jason K. , Nikpour Armin , Kavehei Omid
Published: October 2021

A high performance event detection system is all you need for some predictive studies. Here, we present AURA: anAdaptive forecasting model trained withUnlabeled,Real-time data using internally generatedApproximate labels on-the-fly. By harnessing the correlated nature of time-series data, a pair of detection and prediction models are coupled together such that the detection model generates labels automatically, which are then used to train the prediction model. AURA relies on several simple principles and assumptions: (i) the performance of an event prediction/forecasting model in the target application remains below the performance of an event detection model, (ii) detected events are treated as weak labels and deemed reliable enough for online training of a predictive model, and (iii) system performance and/or system responsive feedback characteristics can be tuned for a subject-under-test. For example, in medical patient monitoring, this enables personalizing forecasting models. Seizure prediction is identified as an ideal test case of AURA, as pre-ictal brainwaves are patient-specific and tailoring models to individual patients can significantly improve forecasting performance. AURA is used to generate an individual forecasting model for 10 patients, showing an average relative improvement in sensitivity by 14.30% and reduction in false alarms by 19.61%. This paper presents a proof-of-concept for the feasibility of online transfer-learning on a stream of time-series neurophysiological data that pave the way towards a low-power neuromorphic neuromodulation system.
Development and validation of a questionnaire to measure attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination and pandemic
Authors: Galanis Petros , Vraka Irene , Siskou Olga , Konstantakopoulou Olympia , Katsiroumpa Aglaia , Moisoglou Ioannis , Kaitelidou Daphne
Published: October 2021

Background

Accurate measurement of individuals’ attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination and pandemic is critical to understand the way that people respond during a major crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective

To develop and validate a questionnaire to assess attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination and pandemic.

Methods

We performed a reliability and validity study in a sample of the general population in Greece. Data were collected online through social media between 15 August and 7 September 2021. Thus, a convenience sample was obtained. Reliability and validity of the questionnaire were assessed with a Delphi study, an exploratory factor analysis, and a test-retest study. Also, we calculated Cronbach’s coefficient alpha for the factors that emerged from the exploratory factor analysis.

Results

The final study included 1959 adults from the general population in Greece. Our four-factor model explained 73% of the variance and confirmed out initial hypothesis regarding the factors of the questionnaire. In particular, we found the following four factors: (a) fear against the COVID-19 (five items), (b) information regarding the COVID-19 (two items), (c) compliance with hygiene measures (two items), and (d) trust in COVID-19 vaccination (seven items). Cronbach’s coefficients alpha for the four factors that emerged from the exploratory factor analysis were greater than 0.82. Pearson’s correlation coefficients for the 16 items and the four factors were greater than 0.67 (p-value<0.001 in all cases).

Conclusions

We developed a reliable and valid questionnaire to measure attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination and pandemic. Further studies should be conducted to expand our knowledge and infer more valid results.
Drug-Target Binding Affinity Prediction Using Transformers
Authors: Saadat Mahsa , Behjati Armin , Zare-Mirakabad Fatemeh , Gharaghani Sajjad
Published: October 2021

Drug discovery is generally difficult, expensive, and low success rate. One of the essential steps in the early stages of drug discovery and drug repurposing is identifying drug-target interactions. Binding affinity indicates the strength of drug-target pair interactions. In this regard, several computational methods have been developed to predict the drug-target binding affinity, and the input representation of these models has been shown to be very effective in improving accuracy. Although the recent models predict binding affinity more accurate than the first ones, they need the structure of target proteins. Despite the strong interest in protein structure, there is a massive gap between known sequences and experimentally determined structures. Therefore, finding an appropriate presentation for drug and protein sequences is vital for drug-target binding affinity prediction. In this paper, our primary goal is to assess the drug and protein sequence representation for improving drug-target binding affinity prediction.
Pharyngeal timing and particle transport defects in Caenorhabditis elegans feeding mutants
Authors: Brenner Isaac Ravi , Raizen David M. , Fang-Yen Christopher
Published: October 2021

The nematode C. elegans uses rhythmic muscle contractions (pumps) of the pharynx, a tubular feeding organ, to filter, transport, and crush food particles. A number of feeding mutants have been identified, including those with slow pharyngeal pumping rate, weak muscle contraction, defective muscle relaxation, and defective grinding of bacteria. Many aspects of these pharyngeal behavioral defects and how they affect pharyngeal function are not well understood. For example, the behavioral deficits underlying inefficient particle transport in ‘slippery’ mutants have been unclear. Here we use high speed video microscopy to describe pharyngeal pumping behaviors and particle transport in wild-type animals and in feeding mutants. Different ‘slippery’ mutants exhibit distinct defects including weak isthmus contraction, failure to trap particles in the anterior isthmus, and abnormal timing of contraction and relaxation in pharyngeal compartments. Our results show that multiple deficits in pharyngeal timing or contraction can cause defects in particle transport.
Transfer learning for non-image data in clinical research: a scoping review
Authors: Ebbehoj Andreas , Thunbo Mette , Andersen Ole Emil , Glindtvad Michala Vilstrup , Hulman Adam
Published: October 2021

Background

Transfer learning is a form of machine learning where a pre-trained model trained on a specific task is reused as a starting point and tailored to another task in a different dataset. While transfer learning has garnered considerable attention in medical image analysis, its use for clinical non-image data is not well studied. Therefore, the objective of this scoping review was to explore the use of transfer learning for non-image data in the clinical literature.

Methods and Findings

We systematically searched medical databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL) for peer-reviewed clinical studies that used transfer learning on human non-image data. We included 83 studies in the review. More than half of the studies (63%) were published within 12 months of the search. Transfer learning was most often applied to time series data (61%), followed by tabular data (18%), audio (12%) and text (8%). Thirty-three (40%) studies applied an image-based model to non-image data after transforming data into images (e.g. spectrograms). Twenty-nine (35%) studies did not have any authors with a health-related affiliation. Many studies used publicly available datasets (66%) and models (49%), but fewer shared their code (27%).

Conclusions

In this scoping review, we have described current trends in the use of transfer learning for non-image data in the clinical literature. We found that the use of transfer learning has grown rapidly within the last few years. We have identified studies and demonstrated the potential of transfer learning in clinical research in a wide range of medical specialties. More interdisciplinary collaborations and the wider adaption of reproducible research principles are needed to increase the impact of transfer learning in clinical research.
Risk factors for infection, predictors of severe disease and antibody response to COVID-19 in patients with rheumatic diseases in Portugal – a multicentre, nationwide study
Authors: Cruz-Machado Ana Rita , Barreira Sofia C , Bandeira Matilde , Veldhoen Marc , Gomes Andreia , Serrano Marta , Duarte Catarina , Rato Maria , Fernandes Bruno Miguel , Garcia Salomé , Pinheiro Filipe , Bernardes Miguel , Madeira Nathalie , Miguel Cláudia , Torres Rita , Bento Silva Ana , Pestana Jorge , Almeida Diogo , Mazeda Carolina , Cunha Santos Filipe , Pinto Patrícia , Sousa Marlene , Parente Hugo , Sequeira Graça , Santos Maria José , Fonseca João Eurico , Romão Vasco C
Published: October 2021

In order to identify risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as for severe/critical COVID-19 in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) patients, we conducted a multicentre observational nationwide study of adult patients prospectively-followed in the Rheumatic Diseases Portuguese Register – Reuma.pt – during the first 6 months of the pandemic. We further evaluated the development of IgG antibodies against the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 in patients with RMDs. We used multivariate logistic regression to compare patients with COVID-19 (COVID-19+) with those who did not develop the disease (COVID-19-) and patients with mild/moderate disease with those exhibiting severe/critical COVID-19. COVID-19+ patients were asked to collect a blood sample for IgG testing ≥ 3 months after infection and results were compared with age-, sex- and sampling date-matched controls. Overall, 179 cases of COVID-19 were registered in Reuma.pt in the period of interest (median age 55 (IQR 20); 76.5% females) in a total of 6404 registered appointments. We found that patients treated with TNF inhibitors had reduced odds of infection (OR=0.16, 95%CI 0.10-0.26, p<0.001), severe disease (OR 0.11, 95%CI 0.01-0.84, p=0.010) and seroconversion rates (OR 0.13, 95%CI 0.02-0.91, p=0.040). Tocilizumab was also associated with a reduced risk of COVID-19 (OR 0.15, 95%CI 0.05-0.41, p<0.001). Older age, major comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension, obesity, cardiovascular disease, chronic pulmonary and kidney disease) and rituximab were associated with an increased risk of infection and worse prognosis, in line with previous reports. Importantly, most patients with inflammatory RMDs (86.2%) were able to develop a robust antibody response after SARS-CoV-2 infection, which was linked with disease severity.