bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Benign and Intermediate-grade Melanocytic Tumors With BRAF Mutations and Spitzoid Morphology
Authors: Zhao Jeffrey , Benton Sarah , Zhang Bin , Olivares Shantel , Asadbeigi Sepideh , Busam Klaus , Gerami Pedram
Published: November 2021

The current classification of Spitz neoplasms in the World Health Organization (WHO), Fourth Edition defines Spitz neoplasms as melanocytic proliferations with characteristic Spitz morphology and a Spitz-associated genomic fusion or HRAS mutation. In contrast, melanocytic neoplasms with BRAF mutations are considered typical of common acquired nevi, dysplastic nevi, and melanomas from intermittent sun-damaged skin. However, increased utilization of ancillary testing methods such as BRAF

V600E
immunohistochemistry and sequencing studies have made apparent a subgroup of benign-grade and intermediate-grade melanocytic neoplasms with Spitzoid morphology that harbor BRAF

V600E
mutations. We refer to these cases as BRAF mutated and morphologically Spitzoid (BAMS) nevi and tumors. Two experienced dermatopathologists reviewed a series of 36 BAMS nevi/tumors. Cases in which a diagnosis of melanoma was favored were excluded. The histomorphologic, clinical, and molecular findings were assessed by immunohistochemistry, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and next-generation sequencing using validated gene panels. Characteristics of BAMS nevi/tumors were compared with a control set of Spitz tumors with previously reported fusion proteins. BAMS nevi/tumors had a decreased proportion of Kamino bodies (P=0.03) and a higher proportion of cytoplasmic pigmentation (P<0.00001). There were no differences in other morphologic features such as the silhouette, epidermal hyperplasia, pagetosis, and cytologic atypia compared with fusion-induced Spitz tumors. In 6/17 cases where next-generation sequencing studies were available, recurrent mutations in the KMT gene family were seen. This was higher than the proportion of such mutations seen in fusion Spitz tumors and lower than the frequency in cutaneous melanoma.
Addressing Health Disparities in HIV: Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Lightfoot Marguerita , Milburn Norweeta , Loeb Stanga Lisa
Published: November 2021

Racial and ethnic minority, sexual and gender minority, and low-income people have historically experienced poorer health outcomes and poorer social conditions that lead to poorer health outcomes (social determinants of health) than nonminority people in the United States. To eliminate these health disparities, intentional and targeted interventions that address the needs and preferences of diverse populations are needed. To address disparities, the California HIV/AIDS Research Program focused their funding resources tightly on communities facing elevated HIV incidence or prevalence. This special issue describes interventions that aimed to increase linkage to and engagement in HIV-specific prevention or medical care, each uniquely tailored to the needs of an identified California population with disparate HIV-related health outcomes and each for implementation at a specific stage of the HIV prevention and care continuum.
We are Family: A Feasibility and Acceptability Study of an HIV Prevention Intervention With the House Ball and Gay Family Communities
Authors: Arnold Emily A. , Saberi Parya , Wong Jeffrey O. , Pollack Lance M. , Neilands Torsten B. , Benjamin Michael , Lockett Gloria , Kegeles Susan M.
Published: November 2021

Background:

Black and Latinx sexual minority youth are disproportionately affected by HIV. The House Ball and gay family communities encompass sexual and ethnic minority youth who form chosen families that promote protective HIV-related health behaviors. We conducted a small-scale trial of the We Are Family intervention, leveraging these existing social dynamics to address HIV.

Methods:

From September 2018 to September 2019, we enrolled N = 118 for baseline and 6-month follow-up assessments. Eligible participants were 18 years or older, San Francisco Bay Area residents, members of a house or gay family or ball attendees in the past year, smartphone users, and sexually active. The intervention included one 2-hour in-person group session, community-level events, a mobile health app, and a dedicated service provider.

Results:

Ninety-seven percent of our participants were people of color, 94% were retained through follow-up. 73% attended at least 1 group session, 100% used the mobile health app, and 56% attended a community-level event. Modest changes were observed baseline to follow-up: among all participants, any condomless anal intercourse past 3 months (74.6%–66.7%, P = 0.064); among HIV-negative participants (N = 82) HIV testing past 6 months (80.7%–87.2%, P = 0.166); among HIV-positive participants (N = 34) receiving HIV primary care past 6 months (64.5%–78.8%, P = 0.139), and adherent to ART past 30 days (22.6%–28.1%, P = 0.712). 86% would be willing to refer a friend to the app, and 65% found the app to be personally relevant.

Conclusions:

We Are Family reaches and retains its target population, is feasible, acceptable, and shows promise for improving HIV-related health behavior.
Noninferiority of Monoparametric MRI Versus Multiparametric MRI for the Detection of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Raczeck Paul , Frenzel Felix , Woerner Tobias , Graeber Stefan , Bohle Rainer M. , Ziegler Gesa , Buecker Arno , Schneider Guenther K.
Published: November 2021

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) ratios as a monoparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol for the detection of prostate cancer (PCa) with the established multiparametric (mp) MRI at 3.0 T.

Materials and Methods

According to power analysis, 52 male patients were included in this monocenter study with prospective data collection and retrospective, blinded multireader image analysis. The study was approved by the local ethics committee. Patients were recruited from January to December 2020. Based on mpMRI findings, patients underwent in-bore MR biopsy or prostatectomy for histopathologic correlation of suspicious lesions. Three readers, blinded to the histopathologic results and images of mpMRI, independently evaluated ADC maps for the detection of PCa. The ADC ratio was defined as the lowest signal intensity (SI) of lesions divided by the SI of normal tissue in the zone of origin. Predictive accuracy of multiparametric and monoparametric MRI were compared using logistic regression analysis. Moreover, both protocols were compared applying goodness-of-fit analysis with the Hosmer-Lemeshow test for continuous ADC ratios and Pearson χ2 test for binary decision calls, correlation analysis with Spearman ρ and intraclass correlation coefficients, as well as noninferiority assessment with a TOST (“two one-sided test”).

Results

Eighty-one histopathologically proven, unique PCa lesions (Gleason score [GS] ≥ 3 + 3) in 52 patients could be unequivocally correlated, with 57 clinically significant (cs) PCa lesions (GS ≥ 3 + 4). Multiparametric MRI detected 95%, and monoparametric ADC detected ratios 91% to 93% of csPCa. Noninferiority of monoparametric MRI was confirmed by TOST (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). Logistic regression analysis revealed comparable predictive diagnostic accuracy of ADC ratios (73.7%–87.8%) versus mpMRI (72.2%–84.7%). Spearman rank correlation coefficient for PCa aggressiveness revealed satisfactory correlation of ADC ratios (P < 0.013 for all correlations). The Hosmer-Lemeshow test for the logistic regression analysis for continuous ADC ratios indicated adequate predictive accuracy (P = 0.55–0.87), and the Pearson χ2 test showed satisfactory goodness of fit (P = 0.35–0.69, χ2 = 0.16–0.87).

Conclusions

Normalized ADC ratios based on advanced DWI are noninferior to mpMRI at 3.0 T for the detection of csPCa in a preselected patient cohort and proved a fast and accurate assessment tool, thus showing a potential prospect of easing the development of future screening methods for PCa.
Association of Cerebral Blood Flow and Brain Tissue Relaxation Time With Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Preterm Neonates
Authors: Kim Hyun Gi , Choi Jin Wook , Lee Jang Hoon , Jung Da Eun , Gho Sung-Min
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Both cerebral blood flow (CBF) and brain tissue relaxation times are known to reflect maturation in the neonatal brain. However, we do not yet know if these factors are associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes. The objective of this study was to acquire CBF and relaxation time in preterm neonates, using multidelay arterial spin labeling and synthetic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and show their association with later neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Materials and Methods

In this prospective study, preterm neonates were recruited, and multidelay arterial spin labeling and synthetic MRI were performed between September 2017 and December 2018. These neonates underwent the Bayley Scales of Infant Development test at 18 months of age, and both cognitive and motor outcome scores were measured. Transit time–corrected CBF and T1 and T2 relaxation time values were measured for different brain regions. The measured values were correlated with gestational age (GA) at birth and corrected GA at the MRI scan. Simple and multiple linear regression analyses were performed for the measured values and neurodevelopmental outcome scores.

Results

Forty-nine neonates (median [interquartile range] GA, 30 [2] weeks, 209 [17] days; 28 boys) underwent MRI scans at or near term-equivalent age (median [interquartile range] corrected GA, 37 [2] weeks, 258 [14] days). Transit time–corrected CBF (coefficient, 0.31–0.59) and relaxation time (coefficient, −0.39 to −0.86) values showed significant correlation with corrected GA but not with GA. After controlling for GA, the frontal white matter CBF in preterm neonates showed a negative relationship with cognitive outcome scores (β = −0.97; P = 0.029). Frontal white matter T1 relaxation times showed a positive relationship with cognitive outcome scores (β = 0.03; P = 0.025) after controlling for GA.

Conclusions

Higher CBF values and lower T1 relaxation times in frontal white matter were associated with poorer cognitive outcomes. As quantitative neuroimaging markers, CBF and relaxation times may help predict neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm neonates.
Repeatability and Reproducibility of Computed Tomography Radiomics for Pulmonary Nodules
Authors: Peng Xueqing , Yang Shuyi , Zhou Lingxiao , Mei Yu , Shi Lili , Zhang Rengyin , Shan Fei , Liu Lei
Published: November 2021

Background

Radiomics can yield minable information from medical images, which can facilitate computer-aided diagnosis. However, the lack of repeatability and reproducibility of radiomic features (RFs) may hinder their generalizability in clinical applications.

Objectives

The aims of this study were to explore 3 main sources of variability in RFs, investigate their influencing magnitudes and patterns, and identify a subset of robust RFs for further studies.

Materials and Methods

A chest phantom with nodules was scanned with different computed tomography (CT) scanners repeatedly with varying acquisition and reconstruction parameters (April-May 2019) to evaluate 3 sources of variability: test-retest, inter-CT, and intra-CT protocol variability. The robustness of the RFs was measured using the concordance correlation coefficient, dynamic range, and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The influencing magnitudes and patterns were analyzed using the Friedman test and Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Stable and informative RFs were selected, and their redundancy was eliminated using hierarchical clustering. Clinical validation was also performed to verify the clinical effectiveness and potential enhancement of the generalizability of radiomics research.

Results

A total of 1295 RFs that showed all 3 sources of variability were included. The reconstruction kernel and the iteration level showed the greatest (ICC, 0.35 ± 0.31) and the least (ICC, 0.63 ± 0.27) influence on magnitudes. The different sources of variability showed relatively consistent patterns of influence (false discovery rate <0.001). Finally, we obtained a subset of 19 stable, informative, and nonredundant RFs under all 3 sources of variability. These RFs exhibited clinical effectiveness and showed better prediction performance than unstable RFs in the validation dataset (P = 0.017, Delong test).

Conclusions

The stability of RFs was affected to different degrees by test-retest and differences in CT manufacturers and models and CT acquisition and reconstruction parameters, but the influences of these factors showed relatively consistent patterns. We also obtained a subset of 19 stable, informative, and nonredundant RFs that should be preferably used to enhance the generalizability of further radiomics research.
Comparative Blink Analysis in Patients With Established Facial Paralysis Using High-Speed Video Analysis
Authors: Ogawa Kazuya , Okazaki Mutsumi , Mori Hiroki , Hidaka Takeaki , Tomioka Yoko , Tanaka Kentaro , Uemura Noriko , Akiyama Masako
Published: November 2021

This study analyzed the blink characteristics of patients with incomplete and complete facial paralysis. The authors measured and compared the palpebral distance, eyelid movement distance, and the eye-closing ratio of blinks in 55 patients with Bell's palsy or Ramsay Hunt syndrome (Bell & Hunt group) and 14 with complete paralysis (Complete Paralysis group). in the Bell & Hunt group, the palpebral distance (7.94 mm) was smaller on the paralyzed side than on the non-paralyzed side (9.61 mm). The eyeclosing ratio and the upper eyelid movement were reduced on the paralyzed side (65.3% versus 93.7%, 4.61 versus 7.97 mm) and in the Complete Paralysis group (25.3% versus 94.7%, 2.10 versus 8.49 mm). In the Bell & Hunt group, movement of the upper eyelid on the paralyzed side was weakened despite palpebral contracture. The Complete Paralysis group exhibited highly reduced movement in both the upper and lower eyelids.
Correlations Between Mandible Condylar Structures and External Ear Deformities in Hemifacial Microsomia With Three-Dimensional Analysis
Authors: Zhang Ziwei , Li Xingzhou , Chen Xiaojun , Sun Mengzhe , Kim Byeong Seop , Aung Zin Mar , Chai Gang
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to explore correlations between mandible and ear deformities and quantitative volumetric relations between condylar structures and external ear in hemifacial microsomia. The authors reconstructed three-dimensional craniofacial models from 212 patients with unilateral hemifacial microsomia (the unaffected side as the controls). Patients were evaluated by Pruzansky-Kaban and Marx classification, and divided into 3 age groups (0–6, 7–12, and >12 years of age). The mandible condylar structures, including condyle and the condylar skeletal unit, were selected (except the classification of the mandibular or ear deformities (M3)). Along with the external ear (except the classification of the mandibular or ear deformities (E4)), their volumes were measured and analyzed. Spearman correlation coefficient analysis was applied. There was a positive correlation between the mandible and ear deformities (r = 0.301, P 
< 0.001). Either between the condyle and external ear (P = 0.071–0.493) or between the condylar unit and external ear (P = 0.080 – 0.488), there were no volumetric relations on the affected side, whereas on the unaffected side were (r = 0.492–0.929 for condyle, r = 0.443–0.929 for the condylar unit, P < 0.05). In most cases, the condylar structures of the classification of the mandibular or ear deformities (M2b) were significantly smaller than the classification of the mandibular or ear deformities (M2a). Results suggested deformities of mandibular condylar structures and ear did not correlate, although deformities of mandible and ear did. The condylar deformity might develop independently from microtia and be more severe within relatively more abnormal temporomandibular joints.
Sclerostin Immunohistochemical Staining in Aggressive Maxillofacial Giant Cell Lesions: Initial Results and Potential Therapeutic Target
Authors: Kelly Sean P. , Ramkumar Dipak B. , Lozano-Calderon Santiago A. , Newman Erik T. , Raskin Kevin A. , Chebib Ivan , Schwab Joseph H. , Peacock Zachary S.
Published: November 2021

Introduction:

Maxillofacial (MF) giant cell lesions (GCLs) are benign, often locally aggressive lesions with potential for recurrence. Systemic treatments have included interferon alpha, calcitonin, bisphosphonates, and denosumab. Sclerostin (SOST) is typically thought to be a negative regulator of bone metabolism and anti-SOST agents have been used to treat osteoporosis; however, its role in central giant cell granuloma is unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression of SOST in MF GCLs.

Materials and Methods:

This was a retrospective study of patients with MF GCLs treated at a single institution between 1993 and 2008 with a minimum follow-up of 6 months. Representative tissue was used to create a tissue microarray and SOST immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and grading was performed. The primary outcomes were IHC staining of the stromal cells and giant cells. The secondary outcomes included correlation of IHC staining and patient predictor variables including clinically benign and aggressive lesions. All analyses were completed using univariate statistical tests.

Results:

A total of 37 subjects were included (29 clinically aggressive and 8 clinically benign). Sclerostin staining was present in 30 of 37 subjects (81%). Of these, 22 (60%) had stromal cell staining and 28 (76%) had giant cell staining. The presence or absence of staining, of either cell type, was not associated with aggressiveness, presence of clinical symptoms, tumor size, previous interferon therapy, previous surgery, or the race or age of the patient.

Discussion:

Maxillofacial GCLs have an overall high level of SOST staining; however, the role of SOST in treatment and prognosis is unknown and warrants further study.
Surgical Treatment of Recurrent Spheno- Orbital Meningioma
Authors: Peng Shijun , Cheng Zhihua , Guo Zhilin
Published: November 2021

Objective:

The extensive bone infiltration and carpet-like growth characteristics of spheno-orbital meningioma (SOM) make it hard to remove entirely, and recurrence and proptosis are the main reasons for reoperation. The authors report 20 cases of surgical treatment for recurrence of SOM, including surgical technique and symptom improvement.

Methods:

The clinical data and follow-up results of 20 cases of recurrent SOM at our institution from 2000 to 2017 were retrospectively analyzed.

Results:

All of the 20 patients with recurrence had received at least one operation before admission, with a mean age of 56 years and 70% female. The mean follow-up time was 36 months (172 months). All patients mainly showed symptoms such as proptosis and headache, and were found to be affected by supraorbital fissure during the operation. in 17 patients with recurrence, the affected sphenoid wing became tumor-like hyperplasia. Patients with extraocular muscle involvement have obvious protrusion and are often accompanied by diplopia. After surgical removal of the tumor, the symptoms of proptosis in 19 patients were significantly improved. During the follow-up, only 3 cases of proptosis recurred. After 15 patients underwent Simpson grade IV resection, 4 patients (27%) relapsed again. Five patients underwent Simpson III resection, and only 1 patient (20%) had tumor recurrence 18th months after surgery, and no proptosis recurred.

Conclusions:

The complete surgical removal of recurrent SOM is practically impossible. The main direction of surgical treatment should be to improve the symptoms of proptosis.
Intra-Lesional Injection of Triamcinolone to Palatoplasty Scar to Aid Reversal of Transverse Maxillary Relapse after Orthognathic Surgery
Authors: Figueroa Alvaro A. , Murphy James , Tragos Christina
Published: November 2021

A 32–year-old female with a repaired right unilateral cleft lip and palate underwent several surgical and orthodontic procedures during the rehabilitation process of her condition. Nine years after this extensive treatment she underwent transverse relapse of her maxilla and requested a consultation for its correction as she felt her speech and chewing were negatively affected. She presented with a transverse maxillary arch collapse on the cleft side with significant palatal scarring secondary to multiple palate procedures. A course of maxillary expansion and dental alignment with fixed orthodontic appliances was carried out. in addition, she had 2 triamcinolone injections 7 months apart while undergoing orthodontic treatment and one 10 months after completion to soften the scarred palatal tissues. The maxillary arch was successfully expanded and aligned. She was retained with a removable chrome cobalt palatal frame to be used full-time and assure stability of the correction. She has been followed for 4 years with no clinical evidence of relapse. Triamcinolone injection into significant palatal scarring in cleft palate patients with a decreased transverse maxillary dimension can be considered an adjunct procedure in conjunction with orthodontic treatment.
Transoral Vestibular Robotic Surgery for Anterior Central Neck Mass
Authors: Yang Tsung-Han , Weng Jen-Kai , Fang Tuan-Jen , Lee Yi-Chan
Published: November 2021

A 44-year-old female without any systemic diseases had a slowly enlarging anterior neck mass for 1 year. She had received transcervical surgery for a left thyroid cyst 3 years ago. An enhanced computed tomography scan showed a hyper-dense, markedly enhancing, and homogenous mass at the level of the thyrohyoid membrane. under the impression of an ectopic thyroid gland, operation was scheduled. However, she worried about cosmesis pitfalls besides the existing scar from her previous thyroid surgery. Transoral vestibular robotic surgery was arranged to prevent an additional neck incision wound. The mass was removed and confirmed as an ectopic thyroid nodule by pathological examination. No recurrence was found at the 1-year follow-up, and the surgical and aesthetic outcomes were satisfied. The surgery can provide adequate surgical exploration with excellent cosmesis, whereas managing cervical masses. For the cosmetic concerns, this procedure is the potential alternative in other neck surgeries.
Fat-Free Spindle Cell Lipoma of the Scalp: Lipoma Without a Lipogenic Component
Authors: Biagiotti Jessica , Khan Kamran , Ayrapetyan Mesrop , Wood Jeyhan , Bhatt Nishant
Published: November 2021

Spindle cell lipoma (SCL) is a rare, benign subcutaneous neoplasm that typically occurs on the upper trunk or neck of middle-aged men. The diagnosis of SCL is often straightforward due to its characteristic clinical presentation and classic histologic features of admixed mature adipocytes and CD-34 positive bland spindle cells. However, the diagnosis can be elusive when low-fat and free-fat patterns occur. Due to the lack of lipogenic content and morphologic overlap, this rare tumor is often mistaken for other benign and malignant soft tissue tumors. The authors present the case of a middle-aged man with a fat-free SCL of the temporal scalp. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case in the literature ofa fat-free SCL involving the temporal scalp. With careful attention to the clinical context, histologic features, immunohistochemical profile, and cytogenetic abnormalities, the proper diagnosis of SCL without a lipogenic component can be achieved.
Our Septoplasty Results: Evaluation with the Nose Scale
Authors: Karamese Ozgur , Bercin Ali Sami , Muderris Togay , Kiris Muzaffer
Published: November 2021

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of septoplasty and septoplasty + bilateral radio frequency ablation of inferior turbinate (b-RFAIT) according to the type of operation, age groups, gender of patients, and the duration of control period by using Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) Scale.

Materials and Methods:

Prospective observational study was undertaken in the otolaryngology department of a training hospital. Using the NOSE scale, the study prospectively compared the results of septoplasty only and septoplasty with b-RFAIT in the treatment of nasal obstruction caused by the combination of septal deviation and turbinate hypertrophy. Patients were divided into 2 groups. The first group had only septoplasty and the second group had septoplasty with b-RFAIT. General and local anesthesia were applied in both groups. To review clinical success, all patients were controlled at the 1st week, 1st month, and 3rd month.

Results:

One hundred seventy-eight adult patients (male/female: 127/51) with chronic nasal obstruction complaint were enrolled in this prospective study. Our data demonstrated significant improvement from baseline after 24 months for the NOSE scores in both the septoplasty and septoplasty + b-RFAIT groups. No statistical difference was noted in the amount of postoperative improvement between the 2 treatment groups (P = 0.306). No significant difference was observed between general and local anesthesia with respect to patients' preop and postop mean scores (P > 0.05). There was a significant difference between the age of patients' postoperative mean (P < 0.001). There were 4 postoperative means with respect to control time. There was an 82.29% decrease in the complaints of patients at 0 to 6 months, 80.51% decrease at 7 to 12 months, 76.1% decrease at 13 to 18 months, and 59.67% decrease at 19 to 24 months. Only the last group had a significant difference regarding mean change in scores (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

This study shows that septoplasty + bilateral turbinate radiofrequency should be applied to patients who suffer from septum deviation with concha hypertrophy. Postoperative NOSE scale shows that the success of operation does not depend on the gender of patients and operation types (general or local anesthesia). We conclude that younger patients (18–40 age) who have obstruction with septal deviation and septum deviation with concha hypertrophy benefit more from operation than older patients do.
Intraoperative Significance of Lower Eyelid Positions in Levator Advancement to Prevent Overcorrection
Authors: Kim Joohyun , Yoon Sumin , Lee Hyunkyu , Lee Hwa , Baek Sehyun
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in the position of the upper and lower eyelids before and immediately after surgery in patients that underwent ptosis surgery.

Methods:

The authors retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of patients diagnosed with congenital or aponeurotic ptosis and that were treated with levator advancement with local anesthesia. The marginal reflex distance 1 (MRD1), marginal reflex distance 2 (MRD2), and palpebral fissure height (PFH) were measured using clinical photographs.

Result:

The preoperative mean MRD1, MRD2, and PFH were 0.27 ± 1.34 mm, 5.73 ± 1.13 mm, and 5.99 ± 1.94 mm, respectively. The postoperative mean MRD1, MRD2, and PFH were 1.76 ± 1.03 mm, 4.22 ± 1.01 mm, and 5.98 ± 1.60 mm, respectively. The postoperative MRD1 was significantly increased and postoperative MRD2 was decreased significantly compared to preoperative values (both, P < 0.001). The preoperative and postoperative PFH values were not significantly different (P = 0.941).

Conclusions:

It is important to assess the degree of reverse ptosis before surgery in patients that undergo ptosis surgery, and to remember that MRD2 and PFH may be reduced during surgery. Therefore, the position of the upper eyelid should be intraoperatively adjusted based on MRD1, not the PFH, to prevent overcorrection after surgery.
The Effect of Ellagic Acid on Intra-abdominal Adhesions Caused by Gallstones
Authors: Peker Evren , Elpek Gülsüm Ö.
Published: November 2021

Background:

Adhesion formation after peritoneal surgery is the main cause of postoperative bowel obstruction, infertility, and chronic pelvic pain. In this study, we evaluated the effect of oral ellagic acid on intra-abdominal adhesions caused by gallstones in rats.

Materials and Methods:

Forty-one Wistar-albino rats were used. Gallstones were dropped to the right lower quadrant of the abdomen to create adhesions. They were divided into 4 groups; sham-operated, intraperitoneal gallstone, oral ellagic acid (control), and intraperitoneal gallstone+oral ellagic acid. On the postoperative 10th day, relaparotomy was performed, adhesions were evaluated according to four different macroscopic adhesion score systems and adhesion-bearing tissues were examined histopathologically. Samples were graded for inflammation, vascularization, and fibrosis.

Results:

We found that oral administration of ellagic acid lowered all macroscopic adhesion scores. There were significant differences between groups of sham and gallstone; control and gallstone; control and gallstone+oral ellagic acid (P<0.05).

Conclusion:

The ellagic acid administered orally at a dose of 100 mg/kg/d significantly inhibited intra-abdominal adhesion formation and no adverse effects were seen between treatments.
Altered spontaneous brain activity in patients with asthma: a resting-state functional MRI study using regional homogeneity analysis
Authors: Huang Hui , Li Si-Yu , Shi Ling , Huang Xin , Wang Jun
Published: November 2021

Objective

Studies have shown that patients with asthma have changes in brain function activities, but the specific relationship is still unknown. This study aims to investigate the potential regional homogeneity (ReHo) brain activity changes in patients with asthma and healthy controls.

Methods

Thirty-one patients with asthma and 31 healthy controls closely matched in age, sex, and weight underwent resting-state functional MRI scans, respectively. The ReHo method was applied to evaluate synchronous neural activity changes. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to show high test–retest stability and a high degree of sensitivity and specificity.

Results

Compared with the healthy controls, asthma patients had significantly increased ReHo values in left cerebellum posterior lobe and left superior frontal gyrus, and decreased ReHo values of right middle temporal gyrus, right Putamen, right inferior temporal gyrus, right inferior middle frontal gyrus, left middle occipital gyrus, and right precentral/middle frontal gyrus.

Conclusion

Patients with asthma have different functional changes in different brain regions, mainly including the cerebellum, frontal lobe, temporal lobe, and occipital lobe, which provides important pieces of evidence to support the role of brain networks in the pathophysiology of asthma and offers an entirely new target for potential therapeutic intervention in asthma.
Deactivation of the attention-shifting ventromedial prefrontal cortex during the encoding and hold phases predicts working memory performance
Authors: Mukahirwa Josiane , Eun Seulgi , Kang Minsung , Yoon Taek , Park Kyungmo
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Recent neuroimaging studies have suggested that the deactivation of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC) works with the attention shifting area to facilitate the encoding of behaviorally relevant inputs. These findings have led to the notion that the deactivation of VMPFC substantially contributes to the cognitive control of emotions. Although VMPFC deactivation during working memory tasks is established, whether it contributes to performance in emotionally distracted working memory tasks remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether the magnitude of VMPFC deactivation predicts better performance in emotionally distracted working memory tasks.

Methods

Twenty-nine female participants performed delayed-response working memory tasks with emotional distracters presented during the hold phase of working memory while undergoing functional MRI. A GLM and a paired t-test were used to observe brain responses to emotional distracters. The correlation between brain response and working memory performance was also computed to investigate brain areas that predict working memory performance in emotionally distracted tasks.

Results

Three trends in brain activity were strongly correlated with high working memory performance: (1) increased activity in cognitive control areas (dorsolateral prefrontal cortex), (2) lower activity in emotional reactivity areas (fusiform gyrus), and (3) deactivation of the attention shifting area, mainly VMPFC. In addition, all three trends correlated with high working memory performance during the hold phase of working memory, whereas only (2) and (3) correlated with high working memory performance during the encoding phase.

Conclusions

These results provide further evidence of the functional importance of VMPFC and demonstrate that VMPFC deactivation is particularly important during the encoding and hold phases of working memory.
Shaped by the Sun: the effect of exposure to sunlight on the evolution of spider bodies
Authors: Ferreira-Sousa Leonardo , Rocha Pedro N. , Motta Paulo C. , Gawryszewski Felipe M.
Published: November 2021

Body temperature can strongly influence fitness. Some Sun-exposed ectotherms thermoregulate by adjusting body posture according to the Sun's position. In these species, body elongation should reduce the risk of heat stress by allowing the exposure of a smaller body area to sunlight. Therefore, selection should favour more elongated bodies in Sun-exposed than in Sun-protected species. Diurnal orb-web spider species that sit on their webs are more likely to be Sun-exposed, on average, than nocturnal or diurnal shelter-building species. We measured the body elongation of orb-web spiders (Araneae, Araneidae) across 1024 species and classified them as Sun-protected or exposed based on the literature. We found that Sun-exposed species evolved more elongate bodies than Sun-protected ones. Further, we built a model combining traditional heat transfer models with models of thermoregulatory postures in orb-web spiders and meteorological data. The model indicates that body elongation in large orb-web spiders decreases the risk of high body temperatures. Overall, our results suggest that Sun exposure influenced the evolution of body shapes of orb-web spiders.
The antimicrobial resistance landscape of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in New Zealand from November 2018 to March 2019 and the role of sexual orientation in transmission
Authors: Straub Christina , Thirkell Callum , Tiong Audrey , Woodhouse Rosemary , Szeto Jenny , Dyet Kristin H.
Published: November 2021

The increasing use of culture independent diagnostic testing for the diagnosis of

Neisseria gonorrhoeae

infection has led to gaps in surveillance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) rates due to limited availability of cultures. Our study reports the findings of a second national survey of

N. gonorrhoeae

in New Zealand, utilizing whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to study the population structure, prevalence of AMR, epidemiology and transmission of gonorrhoea isolates. We analysed 314 isolates and found a strong correlation between carriage of acquired resistance genes or chromosomal point mutations and phenotypic susceptibility testing results. Overall, the New Zealand rates of azithromycin resistance and decreased susceptibility to ceftriaxone remain lower than in most countries, which are part of the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Programme (GASP). The phylogeny provides evidence of a diverse population significantly associated with sexual behaviour groups. Transmission clustering with a ten single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) cut-off identified 49 clusters, of which ten were solely associated with men who have sex with men (MSM), whereas remaining clusters included heterosexual patients, as well as MSM, suggesting that bridging of sexual networks is occurring. Utilizing pairwise SNP differences between isolates of the same sequence types we determined genetic variation for the three typing schemes used in this study [Multi locus sequence typing (MLST), multi-antigen sequence typing (NG-MAST), and sequence typing for antimicrobial resistance (NG-STAR)]. A median of 0.0 to 52.5 pairwise SNP differences within a single NG-STAR sequence type underlines previous findings of the superiority of the NG-STAR typing scheme in terms of genomic inherency. With our analysis incorporating epidemiological and genomic data, we were able to show a comprehensive overview of the

N. gonorrhoeae

population circulating in New Zealand, focussing on AMR and transmission within sexual networks. Regular surveillance studies to understand the origin, evolution and spread of AMR for gonorrhoea remain necessary to make informed decisions about public health guidelines, as the internationally rising rates of ceftriaxone and azithromycin resistance have already led to adaptation of current treatment guidelines in the UK and the USA, highlighting the importance of regular surveillance in individual countries.
Protection of nascent DNA at stalled replication forks is mediated by phosphorylation of RIF1 intrinsically disordered region
Authors: Balasubramanian S. , Andreani M. , Andrade J.G. , Saha T. , Garzón J. , Zhang W. , Rahjouei A. , Rosen D.B. , Chait B.T. , Donaldson A.D. , Di Virgilio M.
Published: November 2021

RIF1 is a multifunctional protein that plays key roles in the regulation of DNA processing. During repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), RIF1 functions in the 53BP1-Shieldin pathway that inhibits resection of DNA ends to modulate the cellular decision on which repair pathway to engage. Under conditions of replication stress, RIF1 protects nascent DNA at stalled replication forks from degradation by the DNA2 nuclease. How these RIF1 activities are regulated at the post-translational level has not yet been elucidated. Here, we identified a cluster of conserved ATM/ATR consensus SQ motifs within the intrinsically disordered region (IDR) of mouse RIF1 that are phosphorylated in proliferating B lymphocytes. We found that phosphorylation of the conserved IDR SQ cluster is dispensable for the inhibition of DSB resection by RIF1, but is essential to counteract DNA2-dependent degradation of nascent DNA at stalled replication forks. Therefore, our study identifies a key molecular switch that enables the genome-protective function of RIF1 during DNA replication stress.
Functional characterization of mutants deficient in N-terminal phosphorylation of the chloroplast ATP synthase subunit β
Authors: Strand Deserah D. , Karcher Daniel , Ruf Stephanie , Schadach Anne , Schöttler Mark A. , Sandoval Ibanez Omar A. , Bock Ralph
Published: November 2021

Understanding the regulation of photosynthetic light harvesting and electron transfer is of great importance to efforts to improve the ability of the electron transport chain to supply downstream metabolism. The central regulator of the electron transport chain is the ATP synthase, the molecular motor that harnesses the chemiosmotic potential generated from proton coupled electron transport to synthesize ATP. The ATP synthase is regulated both thermodynamically and post-translationally, with proposed phosphorylation sites on multiple subunits. In this study we focused on two N-terminal serines on the catalytic subunit β, previously proposed to be important for dark inactivation of the complex to avoid ATP hydrolysis at night. Here we show that there is no clear role for phosphorylation in the dark inactivation of ATP synthase. Instead, mutation of one of the two phosphorylated serine residues to aspartate strongly decreased ATP synthase abundance. We propose that the loss of N-terminal phosphorylation of ATPβ may be involved in proper ATP synthase accumulation during complex assembly.
Reconstructing the Origins of a Neuropeptide Signaling System Using the Accelerated Evolution of Biodiverse Cone Snail Venoms
Authors: Koch Thomas Lund , Ramiro Iris Bea L. , Flórez-Salcedo Paula , Engholm Ebbe , Jensen Knud Jørgen , Chase Kevin , Olivera Baldomero M. , Bjørn-Yoshimoto Walden Emil , Safavi-Hemami Helena
Published: November 2021

Somatostatin and its related peptides (SSRPs) form an important family of hormones with diverse physiological roles. The ubiquitous presence of SSRPs in vertebrates and several invertebrate deuterostomes suggests an ancient origin of the SSRP signaling system. However, the existence of SSRP genes outside of deuterostomes has not been established and the evolutionary history of this signaling system remains poorly understood. Our recent discovery of SSRP-like toxins (consomatins) in venomous marine cone snails (Conus) suggested the presence of a homologous signaling system in mollusks and potentially other protostomes. Here we identify the molluscan SSRP-like signaling gene that gave rise to the consomatin family. Following recruitment into venom, consomatin genes experience strong positive selection and repeated gene duplications resulting in the formation of a hyper-diverse family of venom peptides. Intriguingly, the largest number of consomatins was found in worm-hunting species (> 400 sequences), indicating a homologous system in annelids, another large protostome phylum. Comprehensive sequence mining enabled the identification of orthologous SSRP-like sequences (and their corresponding orphan receptor) in annelids and several other protostome phyla. These results establish the existence of SSRP-like sequences in many major branches of bilaterians, including xenacoelomorphs, a phylum believed to have emerged before the divergence of protostomes and deuterostomes, ~ 600 My ago. Finally, having a large set of predator-prey SSRP sequences available, we show that while the cone snail’s signaling SSRP-like genes are under purifying selection, in striking contrast, the consomatin genes experience rapid directional selection to target receptors in a changing mix of prey.
Delineating the genetic regulation of cannabinoid biosynthesis during female flower development in Cannabis sativa
Authors: Apicella Peter V. , Sands Lauren B. , Ma Yi , Berkowitz Gerald A.
Published: November 2021

Cannabinoids are predominantly produced in the glandular trichomes on cannabis female flowers. There is little known on how cannabinoid biosynthesis is regulated during female flower development. We aim to understand the rate-limiting step(s) in the cannabinoid biosynthetic pathway.

We investigated the transcript levels of cannabinoid biosynthetic genes as well as cannabinoid contents during 7 weeks of female flower development. We demonstrated that the enzymatic steps for producing CBG, which involve genes GPPS, PT and OAC, could be rate limit cannabinoid biosynthesis. Our findings further suggest that cannabinoid synthases, CBDAS and THCAS in a hemp and medical marijuana variety respectively, are not critical for cannabinoid biosynthesis. The cannabinoid biosynthetic genes are generally upregulated during flower maturation, which indicate glandular trichome development.

MeJA can potentially increase cannabinoid production. We propose that biweekly application of 100 μM MeJA staring from flower initiation would be efficacious for promoting cannabinoid biosynthesis.

Our findings suggest that the step of CBG production could rate limit the terminal cannabinoid biosynthesis. In addition, different cannabis varieties demonstrated discrete transcriptional regulation of cannabinoid biosynthetic genes.
A paradox of parasite resistance: Disease-driven trophic cascades increase the cost of resistance, selecting for lower resistance with parasites than without them
Authors: Walsman Jason C. , Strauss Alexander T. , Hite Jessica L. , Shocket Marta S. , Hall Spencer R.
Published: November 2021

Most evolutionary theory predicts that, during epidemics, hosts will evolve higher resistance to parasites that kill them. Here, we provide an alternative to that typical expectation, with an explanation centered on resource feedbacks. When resistance is costly, hosts evolve decreasing resistance without parasites, as expected. But with parasites, hosts can evolve lower resistance than they would in the absence of parasites. This outcome arises in an eco-evolutionary model when four conditions are met: first, resistance has a fecundity cost (here, via decreased foraging/exposure rate); second, resources increase during epidemics via trophic cascades; third, increased resources magnify the benefit of maintaining a fast foraging rate, thereby magnifying the cost of evolving a slower foraging/exposure rate (i.e., resistance); fourth, that amplification of the cost outweighs the benefit of resistance. When these conditions are met, hosts evolve lower resistance than without parasites. This phenomenon was previously observed in a mesocosm experiment with fungal parasites, zooplankton hosts, and algal resources. Re-analyzing this experiment produced evidence for our model’s mechanism. Thus, both model and experiment indicate that, via resource feedbacks, parasites can counterintuitively select against resistance.
A large-scale genome-based survey of acidophilic Bacteria suggests that genome streamlining is an adaption for life at low pH
Authors: Cortez Diego , Neira Gonzalo , González Carolina , Vergara Eva , Holmes David S.
Published: November 2021

Genome streamlining theory suggests that reduction of microbial genome size optimizes energy utilization in stressful environments. Although this hypothesis has been explored in several cases of low nutrient (oligotrophic) and high temperature environments, little work has been carried out on microorganisms from low pH environments and what has been reported is inconclusive. In this study, we performed a large-scale comparative genomics investigation of more than 260 bacterial high-quality genome sequences of acidophiles, together with genomes of their closest phylogenetic relatives that live at circum-neutral pH. A statistically supported correlation is reported between reduction of genome size and decreasing pH that we demonstrate is due to gene loss and reduced gene sizes. This trend is independent from other genome size constraints such as temperature and G+C content. Genome streamlining in the evolution of acidophilic Bacteria is thus supported by our results. Analyses of predicted COG categories and subcellular location predictions indicate that acidophiles have a lower representation of genes encoding extra-cellular proteins, signal transduction mechanisms and proteins with unknown function, but are enriched in inner membrane proteins, chaperones, basic metabolism, and core cellular functions. Contrary to other reports for genome streamlining, there was no significant change in paralog frequencies across pH. However, a detailed analysis of COG categories revealed a higher proportion of genes in acidophiles in the following categories: “Replication and repair”, “Amino acid transport” and “Intracellular trafficking”. This study brings increasing clarity regarding genomic adaptations of acidophiles to life at low pH while putting elements such as the reduction of average gene size under the spotlight of streamlining theory.
PHOSPHATE STARVATION RESPONSE enables arbuscular mycorrhiza symbiosis
Authors: Das Debatosh , Paries Michael , Hobecker Karen , Gigl Michael , Dawid Corinna , Lam Hon-Ming , Zhang Jianhua , Chen Moxian , Gutjahr Caroline
Published: November 2021

Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) is a widespread symbiosis between roots of the majority of land plants and Glomeromycotina fungi. AM is important for ecosystem health and functioning as the fungi critically support plant performance by providing essential mineral nutrients, particularly the poorly accessible phosphate, in exchange for organic carbon. AM fungi colonize the inside of roots and this is promoted at low but inhibited at high plant phosphate status, while the mechanistic basis for this phosphate-dependence remained obscure. Here we demonstrate that a major transcriptional regulator of phosphate starvation responses in rice PHOSPHATE STARVATION RESPONSE 2 (PHR2) regulates AM. Root colonization of phr2 mutants is drastically reduced, and PHR2 is required for root colonization, mycorrhizal phosphate uptake, and yield increase in field soil. PHR2 promotes AM by targeting genes required for pre-contact signaling, root colonization, and AM function. Thus, this important symbiosis is directly wired to the PHR2-controlled plant phosphate starvation response.