bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adverse events of a third dose of BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine among Korean healthcare workers
Authors: Lee Dong Yeop , Kang Dong Yoon , Kim Eunjung , Lee Se-joo , Baek Ji Hyeon , Lee Jin-Soo , Park Mi Youn , Im Jae Hyoung
Published: March 2023

Due to the urgency of controlling the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, coronavirus disease 2019 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines have been expeditiously approved and introduced in several countries without sufficient evaluation for adverse events. We analyzed adverse events among Korean healthcare workers who received all 3 doses of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine. This survey was conducted among hospital workers of Inha University Hospital who had received the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine for their first, second, third rounds, and using a diary card. The surveyed adverse events included local (redness, edema, and injection site pain) and systemic (fever, fatigue, headache, chill, myalgia, arthralgia, vomiting, diarrhea, pruritis, and urticaria) side effects and were divided into 5 grades (Grade 0 = none – Grade 4 = critical). Based on adverse events reported at least once after any of the 3 doses, the most common systemic adverse reactions were chills and headache (respectively, 62.6%, 62.4%), followed by myalgia (55.3%), arthralgia (53.4%), fatigue (51.6%), pruritus (38.1%), and fever (36.5%). The frequency and duration of adverse events were significantly greater in women (P < .05) than men. Except for redness, pruritus, urticaria, and most adverse reactions had a higher rate of occurrence after the third dose in subjects who also had reactions with the second dose. However, grade 4 adverse events did occur with the third dose in some patients, even if there were no side effects with the first and second doses. Adverse events experienced with the first and second doses of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine in Korean healthcare workers increased the incidence of adverse events at the time of the third dose. On the other hand, grade 4 adverse events could still occur with the third dose even though there were no side effects with the first and second doses.
Using dashboards to verify coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations can reduce fatality rates in countries/regions: Development and usability study
Authors: Jen Tung-Hui , Wu Jian-Wei , Chien Tsair-Wei , Chou Willy
Published: March 2023

Background:

The new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is raging worldwide. The administered vaccination has become a significant vehicle against the virus. Three hypotheses were made and required for validation: the number of vaccines administered is related to the country gross domestic product (GDP), vaccines can reduce the fatality rate (FR), and dashboards can present more meaningful information than traditionally static visualizations. Research data were downloaded from the GitHub website. The aims of this study are to verify that the number of vaccination uptakes is related to the country GDP, that vaccines can reduce FR, and that dashboards can provide more meaningful information than traditionally static visualizations.

Methods:

The COVID-19 cumulative number of confirmed cases (CNCCs) and deaths were downloaded from the GitHub website for countries/regions on November 6, 2021. Four variables between January 1, 2021, and November 6, 2021, were collected, including CNCCs and deaths, GDP per capita, and vaccine doses administered per 100 people (VD100) in countries/regions. We applied the Kano model, forest plot, and choropleth map to demonstrate and verify the 3 hypotheses using correlation coefficients (CC) between vaccination and FRs. Dashboards used to display the vaccination effects were on Google Maps.

Results:

We observed that the higher the GDP, the more vaccines are administered (Association = 0.68, t = 13.14, P < .001) in countries, the FR can be reduced by administering vaccinations that are proven except for the 4 groups of Asia, Low income, Lower middle income, and South America, as well as the application (app) with dashboard-type choropleth map can be used to show the comparison of vaccination rates for countries/regions using line charts.

Conclusion:

This research uses the Kano map, forest plot, and choropleth map to verify the 3 hypotheses and provides insights into the vaccination effect against the FR for relevant epidemic studies in the future.
Prognostic factors and nomogram for the overall survival of bladder cancer bone metastasis: A SEER-based study
Authors: Huang Yu , Xie Chengxin , Li Qinglong , Huang Xiao , Huang Wenwen , Yin Dong
Published: March 2023

Bone metastasis has a poor prognosis in patients with bladder cancer (BC). This study aimed to construct a prognostic nomogram for predicting the overall survival of patients with bone-metastatic BC (BMBC). The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was used to recruit patients with BMBC between 2010 and 2018. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to screen for prognostic factors and construct a nomogram. Harrell concordance index, receiver operating characteristic curve, and calibration curve were used to verify the prognostic nomograms. All statistical analyses and chart formation were performed using SPSS 23.0 and R software 4.1.2. A total of 1361 patients diagnosed with BMBC were identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Six independent prognostic factors, including marital status, histological type, T stage, other metastases, surgery, and chemotherapy, were identified and included in the nomogram construction. Among them, chemotherapy contributed the most to the prognosis in the nomogram. The concordance index of the nomogram was 0.745 and 0.753 in the training and validation groups, respectively, and all values of the area under the curve were >0.77. The calibration curves showed perfect consistency between the observed and predicted survival rates. The prognostic nomogram developed in this study is expected to become an accurate and individualized tool for predicting overall survival in patients with BMBC and providing guidance for appropriate treatment or care.
A nomogram based on hematological markers to predict radiosensitivity in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Sun Lijun , Wei Peng , Ge Shuang , Zheng Jie , Ye Shucheng , Zhang Yanhui
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to determine the predictive value of pretreatment levels of hematological markers on the radiosensitivity of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The specific hematological markers assessed included total lymphocyte count (TLC), neutrophil count, platelet count, monocyte count, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR). A total of 353 ESCC patients who received radiotherapy (RT) alone or concurrent RT between 2015 and 2019 were reviewed. Pretreatment levels of hematological markers (NLR, PLR, LMR, and TLC) were used to assess the radiosensitivity of individual patients. Receiver operating characteristics curves were used to determine optimal cutoff values. Multivariate logistic models with radiosensitivity were established with meaningful results used for univariate analyses. Finally, a nomogram was developed and validated from the calibration curve and concordance index. One month after RT, 121 (34.3%) cases were shown to have low levels of radiosensitivity based on hematological markers. Univariate analyses showed that NLR, PLR, LMR, and TLC were associated with high levels of radiosensitivity (all markers, P < .05). Due to the collinearity between NLR, PLR, and LMR, these markers were separately evaluated by multivariate analysis. Multivariate analysis showed that high pretreatment NLP and PLR were independently associated with high radiosensitivity. In contrast, high pretreatment LMR and TLC were independent biomarkers associated with lower radiosensitivity. The concordance index of the nomogram was 0.737, and the calibration curves predicted by the nomogram were highly consistent with the observed experimental findings. Pretreatment hematologic markers (NLR, PLR, LMR, and TLC) can be used to predict the radiosensitivity of patients with ESCC accurately.
Screening of potential hub genes and key pathways associated with breast cancer by bioinformatics tools
Authors: Oumeddour Abdelkader
Published: March 2023

Breast cancer (BC) remains the leading cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide. The development of new targeted therapies that may improve patient survival remains an area of growing interest. This study aimed to identify new biomarkers involved in BC progression that could be used as potential targeted therapies. DEGs were selected from three gene expression profiles, GSE55715, GSE124646, and GSE87049, using the GEO2R tool and Venn diagram software. Gene Ontology and KEGG pathways were then performed using DAVID software. Next, the PPI network was constructed using STRING and visualized using Cytoscape software, and hub genes were extracted using the cytoHubba plug-in. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan–Meier Plotter, while the expression of hub genes in BC was verified using the GEPIA2 tool. Finally, transcription the factors of hub genes were determined using the NetworkAnalyst database, and the TIMER tool was employed to explore the infiltration levels of tumor immune cells with related genes. A total of 146 DEGs were identified in the three datasets, including 60 upregulated genes that were enriched in the cell cycle, and 86 downregulated genes that were mainly enriched in the TNF signaling pathway and pathways in cancer. Ten genes were identified: BUB1, CDK1, HMMR, MAD2L1, CEP55, AURKA, CCNB2, TPX2, MELK, and KIF20A. The overexpression of hub genes, except CDK1, was associated with poor survival in BC and was regulated by several transcription factors involved in DNA binding activity and transcription regulation. The infiltration levels of immune cells were positively correlated with hub genes, particularly macrophages and CD4+ T cells. This study identified new reliable molecular biomarkers that can serve as potential therapeutic targets for BC treatment.
Acute coronary syndrome management in hemophiliacs: How to maintain balance?: A review
Authors: Chen Hao , Yang Shaning
Published: March 2023

To analyze existing literature and understand how to balance the minimization of bleeding risk and ensuring adequate anticoagulation during coronary intervention treatment and long-term postoperative anticoagulation in hemophilia patients during the perioperative period, in order to provide guidance for healthcare professionals in developing effective treatment plans. This narrative review will analyze existing studies, case reports, and clinical guidelines to determine the most effective strategies for managing acute coronary syndrome in hemophilia patients. When evaluating the literature, factors such as patient age, medical history, and severity of the condition will be considered. The current management guidelines for acute coronary syndrome in hemophilia patients are not based on systematic evaluation and mainly rely on expert opinions. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of existing literature and recommends coagulation factor replacement therapy before anticoagulation and intervention treatment, as well as personalized anticoagulation treatment during the postoperative period for better management of hemophilia patients with acute coronary syndrome. These recommendations can help healthcare professionals develop more effective treatment plans for hemophilia patients.
Effects of Otago Exercise Program on postural control ability in elders living in the nursing home: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kong Lingyu , Zhang Xinwen , Zhu Xinrui , Meng Lingyue , Zhang Qiuxia
Published: March 2023

Background:

Losing postural control ability and related injuries are of particular concern for elders living in the nursing home (NH). The Otago Exercise Program (OEP) is a multimodal exercise training program initially designed as an individually tailored home exercise for community-dwelling elders, but whether its movement characteristics and exercise intensity meet NH elders’ needs still needs to be clarified. This study aimed to determine the effects of the OEP in enhancing postural control ability among elders in the NH.

Methods:

A systematic literature search of English language databases (Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Web of Science) and Chinese language databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and Chongqing VIP) until 15 April 2022 were performed by 2 reviewers on searching randomized controlled trial (RCT) and non-RCT. A meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3 software. Continuous data were expressed as mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Dichotomous data were presented as risk ratios (RRs) with 95% CI. Study methodological quality was assessed according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions for RCTs and Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies-of Interventions for non-RCTs by 3 reviewers.

Results:

Nine studies with 546 participants were included in this review. Two hundred and sixty-nine participants received OEP, and 277 only had conventional exercise training. Compared to the conventional exercise training group, the NH elders in the OEP group have considerably decreased in fall risk (MD = −0.84; 95% CI = −1.17, −0.51; P < .00001) and positively increased in postural balance (MD = 5.55; 95% CI = 3.60, 7.50; P < .00001), functional mobility in short-distance (MD = −6.39; 95% CI = −8.07, −4.70; P < .00001), lower-limb muscle strength (MD = 4.32; 95% CI = 3.71, 4.93; P < .00001), and health status (risk ratio = 0.35; 95% CI = 0.18, 0.66; P = .001).

Conclusions:

Current evidence suggests that OEP is practical and feasible in NH. The nursing personnel can receive sufficient support for maintaining and enhancing these elders’ postural control ability, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Association between thyroid dysfunction and venous thromboembolism: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Yunmeng , Ding Chaowei , Guo Chang , Wang Jingru , Liu Suyun
Published: March 2023

Background:

Thyroid dysfunction plays an important role in the development of cardiovascular disease. However, its relationship with venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains unclear. We performed a meta-analysis of published cohort and case-control studies to investigate the association between thyroid dysfunction and VTE comprehensively.

Methods:

Three reviewers independently searched EMbase, PubMed, China national knowledge infrastructure, and Cochrane Library databases for relevant articles from the time of database establishment to 01 October 2022 and identified all studies on thyroid dysfunction and VTE as studies of interest. Of the 2418 publications retrieved, we identified 10 articles with 15 studies that met our selection criteria. Pooled ORs and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using fixed- or random-effect models.

Results:

We pooled 8 studies by a fixed-effect model, which suggested an increased risk of VTE in patients with (subclinical) hyperthyroidism (OR 1.33, 95% CI: 1.29–1.38). In the other 7 studies on patients with (subclinical) hypothyroidism, the risk was similarly increased when pooled by a random-effect model (OR 1.52, 95% CI: 1.23–1.89). After sensitivity analysis and risk of bias analysis, the risk of VTE was still increased in both (subclinical) hyperthyroidism (OR 1.322, 95% CI: 1.278–1.368) and (subclinical) hypothyroidism (OR 1.74, 95% CI: 1.41–2.16).

Conclusion:

Patients with thyroid dysfunction have an increased risk of VTE. Therefore, it is recommended to perform thyroid function screening routinely in patients at high risk of VTE.
Shear wave elastography of the diaphragm in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A prospective observational study
Authors: Zhang Jingfeng , Zhang Chunfeng , Yan Lijuan , Zhang Lei , Wan Yanping , Wang Qi , Wang Peng , Xu Jinzhi
Published: March 2023

Patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) are prone to diaphragmatic dysfunction. However, dynamic assessment of diaphragmatic function is complex and difficult, and whether the assessment of diaphragmatic function can reflect clinical indicators such as lung function in AECOPD patients remains unclear. We studied diaphragm stiffness and diaphragm stiffening rate (DSR) in AECOPD patients with acute exacerbations ≥ 2 times within 1 year and their correlation with clinical data, the diaphragmatic thickening fraction (DTF), lung function, and blood gas values.

In total, 112 AECOPD patients in group C and Group D who had acute exacerbations ≥ 2 times within 1 year in the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease Guideline A (low risk, few symptoms), B (low risk, many symptoms), C (High risk, few symptoms), D (High risk, many symptoms) grouping system were included in the study. Their general clinical data, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease assessment test (CAT), modified medical research council (mMRC), number of acute exacerbations in 1 year, DTF, lung function, and blood gas analysis were collected. The diaphragm shear wave elasticity at functional residual capacity (DsweFRC) and DSR were measured by ultrasound.

The DsweFRC and DSR of Group D were higher than those of Group C (P < .05). DsweFRC, DSR were negatively correlated with DTF, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1/FVC (r ranged from −0.293 to −0.697, all P < .05), and positively correlated with CAT score, mMRC score, and arterial carbon dioxide pressure (r ranged from 0.274 to 0.462, all P < .05) in both groups; the correlation coefficients of DsweFRC, DSR and DTF, FEV1/FVC in group D were greater than those in group C. There was no correlation between DsweFRC, DSR and arterial oxygen partial pressure in both groups (P > .05). The DsweFRC, DSR increased with the number of acute exacerbations per year in both groups.

We found that diaphragmatic stiffness in AECOPD patients increased with the number of acute exacerbations within 1 year, correlated with DTF, CAT, mMRC, lung function, and arterial carbon dioxide pressure and provides a simple and practical method for dynamically assessing diaphragmatic function and disease severity in AECOPD patients.
Why Did New York State Hospitals Rank So Poorly?
Authors: McLaughlin Colleen C.
Published: March 2023

Background:

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services star ratings, New York State (NYS) hospitals are relatively poor performers, with 33% achieving 1 star compared with 5% of hospitals across the United States.

Objectives:

We compared NYS hospitals to all United States hospitals using Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Hospital Value-Based Purchasing (HVBP) and star ratings component measures. We perform risk adjustment for hospital and market characteristics associated poor performance.

Research Design:

This was a cross-sectional observational study.

Subjects:

All acute care hospitals in the United States which had HVBP scores for 2019 in April 21, 2021, Hospital Care Compare database.

Measures:

Analysis of variance was used to compare NYS hospitals to all United States hospitals. Multivariable-based risk adjustment was applied to NYS hospitals with adjustment for hospital characteristics (eg, occupancy, size), hospital fiscal ratios (eg, operating margin), and market characteristics (eg, percent of hospital market that has a high school diploma).

Results:

NYS hospitals averaged lower patient satisfaction and higher readmissions. These domains were statistically significantly associated with lower socioeconomic status in the hospital market area. Risk adjustment reduced but did not eliminate these differences. NYS also performed poorly on pressure ulcers and deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism prevention. NYS hospitals were similar to the United States in mortality and hospital-acquired infections.

Conclusions:

Differences in the demographic makeup of hospital markets account for some of the poor performance of NYS hospitals. Some aspects, such as long length of stay, may be associated with wider regional trends.
Risk Factors for Post-ERCP Pancreatitis in Pediatric and Young Adult Patients
Authors: Hassan Ahmad M. , Lin Tom K. , Smith Milton T. , Hornung Lindsey , Abu-El-Haija Maisam , Nathan Jaimie D. , Vitale David S.
Published: March 2023

Objectives:

Post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) is the most common complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Limited existing data suggest that prophylactic pancreatic duct (PD) stenting in pediatric patients may increase the risk of PEP. The aim of this study is to identify factors associated with PEP in pediatric patients.

Methods:

Patients at a single institution who underwent ERCP between 2012 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient and procedure-related factors were collected. Data were analyzed using Chi-square or Fisher exact tests as appropriate and Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon tests.

Results:

Seven hundred thirty-six ERCPs were performed for 402 unique patients. Ninety-four cases were complicated by PEP (12.8%), of which 91 were mild and 3 were moderately severe. Pancreatic indication, native major papilla, PD cannulation and injection, and higher American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) complexity were associated with PEP. A higher proportion of patients who received rectal indomethacin (65% vs 47%, P = 0.002), or who had placement of a prophylactic (31% vs 20%, P = 0.01) or therapeutic PD stent (37% vs 27%, P = 0.04) developed PEP; however, in a subgroup analysis of high-risk patients, this association was not persistent. A smaller proportion of PEP patients had PRSS1 mutation compared to non-PEP patients (22% vs 40%, P = 0.04).

Conclusions:

This study evaluates factors associated with developing PEP in a large pediatric cohort. A high rate of PEP was observed, likely secondary to higher rates of pancreatic indication and higher ASGE complexity scores compared to previously reported literature. Randomized prospective trials are needed to better define the utility of various interventions.
Outcomes for Standardized Home and Hospital-Based Infusions of Infliximab for Children With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Gupta Shivani R. , Bricker Josh , Boyle Brendan M. , Maltz Ross M. , Michel Hilary K. , Dotson Jennifer L.
Published: March 2023

Background:

Pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is commonly treated with infliximab in a hospital setting. Utilization of home infusions (HI) is increasing due to insurance mandates, travel time savings, and convenience. We evaluated adverse outcomes (AOs) of infliximab infusions in children with IBD receiving HI compared to hospital-based infusions.

Methods:

Children receiving HI between September 2016 and September 2018 were retrospectively matched based on age, race, ethnicity, sex, and disease type to a cohort receiving infliximab at a hospital-based center. A survival analysis evaluated the hazard ratio for AOs in HI relative to hospital-infused children over 2 years. AOs were defined as discontinuation of therapy for clinically relevant reasons, IBD-related hospitalizations, and emergency department visits.

Results:

We included 102 children (51 pairs) (63% male, 91% White, 92% Crohn disease). Disease location, behavior, growth status, and disease severity were similar between the 2 cohorts. Quiescent disease increased from 3% to 93% after 2 years without cohort differences. At baseline, 94% of HI patients and 88% of controls were on 5 mg/kg every 8 weeks as standard maintenance therapy. Within 2 years, only 19% remained on 5 mg/kg and the remainder required increased dosing or decreased interval. The HI cohort had fewer labs obtained (P < 0.001), though laboratory values, number of clinic visits, and frequency of AOs were similar.

Conclusion:

Drug durability, AOs, and laboratory values were similar between HI and hospital-based infusions. These findings suggest HI may be as effective as hospital-based infusions, provided a standardized care approach is utilized.
Etiology and Outcome of Adult and Pediatric Acute Liver Failure in Europe
Authors: Lenz Dominic , Hørby Jørgensen Marianne , Kelly Deirdre , Cardinale Vincenzo , Geerts Anja , Gonçalves Costa Isabel , Fichtner Alexander , Garbade Sven F. , Hegen Bianca , Hilberath Johannes , de Kleine Ruben , Kupčinskas Limas , McLin Valérie , Niesert Moritz , Prado Gonzalez Veronica , Sturm Ekkehard , Staufner Christian , Tjwa Eric , Willemse José , Zecher Britta F. , Larsen Fin Stolze , Sebode Marcial , Ytting Henriette
Published: March 2023

Acute liver failure (ALF) is rare but life-threatening. Common causes include intoxications, infections, and metabolic disorders. Indeterminate etiology is still frequent. No systematic data on incidence, causes, and outcome of ALF across Europe are available. Via an online survey we reached out to European Reference Network Centers on rare liver diseases. Numbers and etiology of ALF cases during 2020 were retrieved and diagnostic and treatment availabilities assessed. In total, 455 cases (306 adult, 149 pediatric) were reported from 36 centers from 20 countries. Intoxication was the most common cause in adult and pediatric care. The number of cases with indeterminate etiology is low. Diagnostic tools and specific treatment options are broadly available within this network. This is the first approach to report on etiology and outcome of ALF in the pediatric and adult population in Europe. High diagnostic yield and standard of care reflects the expert status of involved centers.
The Epidemiology of Pediatric Basketball Injuries Presenting to US Emergency Departments
Authors: Houlihan Nathan , England Patrick , Kiani Sara N. , Ganley Theodore
Published: March 2023

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to describe the national epidemiology of basketball-related injuries in children and adolescents presenting to US emergency departments (EDs) from 2011 to 2020 and to quantify the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database was queried for cases of injury in persons aged 0 to 19 years related to product code 1205 (basketball and related equipment) presenting from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2020. National injury estimates were calculated using National Electronic Injury Surveillance System-recommended weights and strata. The US Census data were used to determine the incidence of injury by age group and by sex. To quantify the effect of COVID-19, an interrupted time series analysis was performed using March 1, 2020 as the interrupting time point. The pre-COVID-19 trend was used to estimate the difference in injuries attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

From 2011 to 2020, an estimated 3,210,953 (95% confidence interval = 2,655,812–3,788,094) visits were made to US EDs for basketball-related injuries in those aged younger than 20 years, corresponding to a mean annual incidence of 391 injuries per 100,000 population. The mean age of injury was 14.4 years (95% confidence interval = 14.3–14.5). Boys were more often injured than girls (76% vs 24% of all injuries, respectively). The foot was the most injured body part, accounting for 24% of injuries. Strains or sprains were the most common injury type (38% of injuries). During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were 155,638 fewer injuries than were expected based on pre-COVID-19 trends. During COVID-19, there were no significant differences in the proportions of injury types, body parts involved, sex, or age.

Conclusions

Basketball remains a frequent cause of injury, especially in adolescents. The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly reduced the frequency of basketball-related injuries, but did not affect the type and body location of injuries presenting to the ED.
Posterior Cingulate Epilepsy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pepin Catherine , Brochu Karine , Lessard-Bonaventure Paule , Nguyen Dang Khoa , Martineau Laurence
Published: March 2023

In this review, authors discuss epilepsy originating from posterior cingulate regions, a challenging entity to diagnose and most likely underrecognized. A systematic review of posterior middle and posterior cingulate epilepsy cases was conducted to present a summary of current knowledge about this localization-based type of epilepsy. The literature search identified 32 articles, for a total of 69 patients (34 with posterior middle cingulate epilepsy [pMCE] and 35 with posterior cingulate epilepsy [PCE]). Most patients were children and young adults with drug-resistant lesional epilepsy with high seizure burden. In both groups, most patients reported auras, mainly sensory, but various types were reported, including autonomic, behavioral, and cognitive manifestations. Most pMCE and PCE showed motor manifestations (mainly respectively asymmetric tonic posturing and automotor features). Impaired awareness during seizures was more frequently reported in PCE than in pMCE. As for ictal scalp EEG, epileptogenic abnormalities were poorly lateralized and did not localize the seizure onset zone. An ictal temporal involvement was only observed in PCE. Interictal EEG findings were nonspecific. As for other presurgical noninvasive investigations, data are limited, and no studies have adequately assessed their value. Partly explained by our inclusion criteria, most patients underwent a surgical procedure (either lesionectomy or resection of epileptogenic zone as defined by intracranial EEG study results), which overall yielded good outcomes.
Left Temporal Pole Encephalocele With Independent Hippocampal Seizures: Surgical Strategy and Relevance of Epileptic Biomarkers
Authors: Dahal Riju , Tamura Kentaro , Sasaki Ryota , Takeshima Yasuhiro , Matsuda Ryosuke , Yamada Shuichi , Nishimura Fumihiko , Nakagawa Ichiro , Park Young-Soo , Nakase Hiroyuki
Published: March 2023

Temporal pole encephalocele (TE) is an increasingly recognized surgically treatable subtype of refractory temporal lobe epilepsy that rarely shows hippocampal involvement. A 27-year-old patient presented with medically intractable epilepsy because of a left temporal pole encephalocele with a normal hippocampus on MRI. Extraoperative electrocorticography showed independent seizure onset with distinct morphology of seizure onset pattern from the temporal pole encephalocele and hippocampus. Additional analysis of ictal and interictal fast ripples revealed different electrophysiological fast ripple profiles in the two seizure onset zones. The patient underwent temporopolar disconnection, eliminating the need for large dural repair and multiple hippocampal transections that helped preserve the intrahippocampal and extrahippocampal memory pathways. Herein, the authors report that independent hippocampal seizures can be observed in patients with temporal pole encephalocele. Features of the ictal and interictal fast ripples can differ depending on the morphology of the seizure onset pattern. The authors suggest that, the interpretation of fast ripples in clinical practice should take seizure onset patterns into consideration.
Noise induced effects in the axisymmetric spherical Couette flow
Authors: Krivonosova O. , Gritsevich M. , Zhilenko D. , Read P.
Published: March 2023

We study the axisymmetric, wide gap, spherical Couette flow in the presence of noise in numerical simulations and experiments. Such studies are important because most of the flows in nature are subjected to random fluctuations. Noise is introduced into the flow by adding fluctuations to the inner sphere rotation which are random in time with zero mean. Flows of a viscous incompressible fluid are induced either by rotation of the inner sphere only or by the co-rotation of the spheres. Mean flow generation was found to occur under the action of additive noise. A higher relative amplification of meridional kinetic energy compared to the azimuthal component was also observed under certain conditions. Calculated flow velocities were validated by laser Doppler anemometer measurements. A model is proposed to elucidate the rapid growth of meridional kinetic energy for flows induced by varying the co-rotation of the spheres. Our linear stability analysis for flows induced by the rotation of the inner sphere revealed a decrease in the critical Reynolds number, corresponding to the onset of the first instability. Also, in this case, a local minimum of the mean flow generation on approaching the critical Reynolds number was observed, which is consistent with the available theoretical predictions.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Taylor–Couette and related flows on the centennial of Taylor’s seminal
Philosophical Transactions
paper (part 2)’.
Friction dynamics of elasto-inertial turbulence in Taylor–Couette flow of viscoelastic fluids
Authors: Moazzen Masoud , Lacassagne Tom , Thomy Vincent , Bahrani S. Amir
Published: March 2023

Dynamic properties of elasto-inertial turbulence (EIT) are studied in a Taylor–Couette geometry. EIT is a chaotic flow state that develops upon both non-negligible inertia and viscoelasticity. A combination of direct flow visualization and torque measurement allows to verify the earlier onset of EIT compared with purely inertial instabilities (and inertial turbulence). The scaling of the pseudo-Nusselt number with inertia and elasticity is discussed here for the first time. Variations in the friction coefficient, temporal frequency spectra and spatial power density spectra highlight that EIT undergoes an intermediate behaviour before transitioning to its fully developed chaotic state that requires both high inertia and elasticity. During this transition, the contribution of secondary flows to the overall friction dynamics is limited. This is expected to be of great interest in the aim of achieving efficiency mixing at low drag and low but finite Reynolds number.

This article is part of the theme issue “Taylor–Couette and related flows on the centennial of Taylor’s seminal
Philosophical transactions
paper (Part 2)”.
Taylor–Couette and related flows on the centennial of Taylor’s seminalPhilosophical Transactionspaper: part 2
Authors: Hollerbach Rainer , Lueptow Richard M. , Serre Eric
Published: March 2023

In 1923, thePhilosophical Transactionspublished G. I. Taylor’s seminal paper on the stability of what we now call Taylor–Couette flow. In the century since the paper was published, Taylor’s ground-breaking linear stability analysis of fluid flow between two rotating cylinders has had an enormous impact on the field of fluid mechanics. The paper’s influence has extended to general rotating flows, geophysical flows and astrophysical flows, not to mention its significance in firmly establishing several foundational concepts in fluid mechanics that are now broadly accepted. This two-part issue includes review articles and research articles spanning a broad range of contemporary research areas, all rooted in Taylor’s landmark paper.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Taylor–Couette and related flows on the centennial of Taylor’s seminalPhilosophical Transactionspaper (part 2)’.
Lineage-informative microhaplotypes for spatio-temporal surveillance ofPlasmodium vivaxmalaria parasites
Authors: Siegel Sasha V. , Amato Roberto , Trimarsanto Hidayat , Sutanto Edwin , Kleinecke Mariana , Murie Kathryn , Whitton Georgia , Taylor Aimee R. , Watson James A. , Imwong Mallika , Assefa Ashenafi , Rahim Awab Ghulam , Chau Nguyen Hoang , Hien Tran Tinh , Green Justin A , Koh Gavin , White Nicholas J. , Day Nicholas , Kwiatkowski Dominic P. , Rayner Julian C. , Price Ric N. , Auburn Sarah
Published: March 2023

Challenges in understanding the origin of recurrentPlasmodium vivaxinfections constrains the surveillance of antimalarial efficacy and transmission of this neglected parasite. Recurrent infections within an individual may arise from activation of dormant liver stages (relapse), blood-stage treatment failure (recrudescence) or new inoculations (reinfection). Molecular inference of familial relatedness (identity-by-descent or IBD) based on whole genome sequence data, together with analysis of the intervals between parasitaemic episodes (“time-to-event” analysis), can help resolve the probable origin of recurrences. Whole genome sequencing of predominantly low-densityP. vivaxinfections is challenging, so an accurate and scalable genotyping method to determine the origins of recurrent parasitaemia would be of significant benefit. We have developed aP. vivaxgenome-wide informatics pipeline to select specific microhaplotype panels that can capture IBD within small, amplifiable segments of the genome. Using a global set of 615P. vivaxgenomes, we derived a panel of 100 microhaplotypes, each comprising 3-10 high frequency SNPs within <200 bp sequence windows. This panel exhibits high diversity in regions of the Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the horn of Africa (medianHE= 0.70-0.81) and it captured 89% (273/307) of the polyclonal infections detected with genome-wide datasets. Using data simulations, we demonstrate lower error in estimating pairwise IBD using microhaplotypes, relative to traditional biallelic SNP barcodes. Our panel exhibited high accuracy in predicting the country of origin (median Matthew’s correlation coefficient >0.9 in 90% countries tested) and it also captured local infection outbreak and bottlenecking events. The informatics pipeline is available open-source and yields microhaplotypes that can be readily transferred to high-throughput amplicon sequencing assays for surveillance in malaria-endemic regions.
An EOMES induced epigenetic deflection initiates lineage commitment at mammalian gastrulation
Authors: Schröder Chiara M. , Zissel Lea , Mersiowsky Sophie-Luise , Tekman Mehmet , Probst Simone , Schüle Katrin M. , Preissl Sebastian , Schilling Oliver , Timmers H. Th. Marc , Arnold Sebastian J.
Published: March 2023

Summary paragraph

Different cell types are determined by cell lineage-specific transcriptional programmes and by epigenetic regulation of chromatin1, 2. Yet, the functional relationships between dynamically expressed transcription factors (TFs) and chromatin changes guiding lineage specification often remain elusive3. First mammalian embryonic lineages segregate when pluripotent cells become committed to either Mesoderm and Endoderm (ME) or Neuroectoderm (NE). NE forms by default in the absence of signalling-induced ME specification4, 5, resulting from global asymmetries in chromatin state favouring NE gene programme activation as recently demonstrated6–8. In this study, we unravel the initiation of ME lineage specification by the genome-wide,de novoformation of chromatin accessibility at ME enhancers that epigenetically deflects pluripotent cells from default NE differentiation. The Tbx TFEomes, previously considered a transcriptional regulator, acts as global chromatin organizer that establishes ME lineage competence. EOMES recruits the canonical ATP-dependent chromatin remodelling complex SWI/SNF to broadly generate the chromatin- accessible ME enhancer landscape. This lineage competence is generated independently of ME gene transcription that fully depends on ME-inducing signalling pathways including Wnts and TGFβ/NODAL9. This study thus resolves the successive steps of ME lineage differentiation by globally establishing chromatin accessibility for lineage competence, followed by signal-encoded transcriptional regulation of different ME lineage-defining gene programmes.
An evolutionary epigenetic clock in plants
Authors: Yao N , Zhang Z , Yu L , Hazarika R , Yu C , Jang H , Smith LM , Ton J , Liu L , Stachowicz J , Reusch TBH , Schmitz RJ , Johannes F
Published: March 2023

Molecular clocks are the basis for dating the divergence between lineages over macro-evolutionary timescales (~105-108years). However, classical DNA-based clocks tick too slowly to inform us about the recent past. Here, we demonstrate that stochastic DNA methylation changes at a subset of cytosines in plant genomes possess a clock-like behavior. This ‘epimutation-clock’ is orders of magnitude faster than DNA-based clocks and enables phylogenetic explorations on a scale of years to centuries. We show experimentally that epimutation-clocks recapitulate known topologies and branching times of intra-species phylogenetic trees in the selfing plantA. thalianaand the clonal seagrassZ. marina, which represent two major modes of plant reproduction. This discovery will open new possibilities for high-resolution temporal studies of plant biodiversity.
Tetravalent SARS-CoV-2 S1 Subunit Protein Vaccination Elicits Robust Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses in SIV-Infected Rhesus Macaque Controllers
Authors: Khan Muhammad S. , Kim Eun , Hingrat Quentin Le , Kleinman Adam , Ferrari Alessandro , Sammartino Jose C , Percivalle Elena , Xu Cuiling , Huang Shaohua , Kenniston Thomas W. , Cassaniti Irene , Baldanti Fausto , Pandrea Ivona , Gambotto Andrea , Apetrei Cristian
Published: March 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for safe and effective vaccines to be rapidly developed and distributed worldwide, especially considering the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants. Protein subunit vaccines have emerged as a promising approach due to their proven safety record and ability to elicit robust immune responses. In this study, we evaluated the immunogenicity and efficacy of an adjuvanted tetravalent S1 subunit protein COVID-19 vaccine candidate composed of the Wuhan, B.1.1.7 variant, B.1.351 variant, and P.1 variant spike proteins in a nonhuman primate model with controlled SIVsab infection. The vaccine candidate induced both humoral and cellular immune responses, with T- and B cell responses mainly peaking post-boost immunization. The vaccine also elicited neutralizing and cross-reactive antibodies, ACE2 blocking antibodies, and T-cell responses, including spike specific CD4+T cells. Importantly, the vaccine candidate was able to generate Omicron variant spike binding and ACE2 blocking antibodies without specifically vaccinating with Omicron, suggesting potential broad protection against emerging variants. The tetravalent composition of the vaccine candidate has significant implications for COVID-19 vaccine development and implementation, providing broad antibody responses against numerous SARS-CoV-2 variants.
The nature and origin of synaptic inputs to vestibulospinal neurons in the larval zebrafish
Authors: Hamling Kyla R. , Harmon Katherine , Schoppik David
Published: March 2023

Vestibulospinal neurons integrate sensed imbalance to regulate postural reflexes. As an evolutionarily-conserved neural population, understanding their synaptic and circuit-level properties can offer insight into vertebrate antigravity reflexes. Motivated by recent work, we set out to verify and extend the characterization of vestibulospinal neurons in the larval zebrafish. Using current clamp recordings together with stimulation, we observed that larval zebrafish vestibulospinal neurons are silent at rest, yet capable of sustained spiking following depolarization. Neurons responded systematically to a vestibular stimulus (translation in the dark); responses were abolished after chronic or acute loss of the utricular otolith. Voltage clamp recordings at rest revealed strong excitatory inputs with a characteristic multimodal distribution of amplitudes, as well as strong inhibitory inputs. Excitatory inputs within a particular mode (amplitude range) routinely violated refractory period criteria and exhibited complex sensory tuning, suggesting a non-unitary origin. Next, using a unilateral loss-of-function approach, we characterized the source of vestibular inputs to vestibulospinal neurons from each ear. We observed systematic loss of high-amplitude excitatory inputs after utricular lesions ipsilateral, but not contralateral to the recorded vestibulospinal neuron. In contrast, while some neurons had decreased inhibitory inputs after either ipsilateral or contralateral lesions, there were no systematic changes across the population of recorded neurons. We conclude that imbalance sensed by the utricular otolith shapes the responses of larval zebrafish vestibulospinal neurons through both excitatory and inhibitory inputs. Our findings expand our understanding of how a vertebrate model, the larval zebrafish, might use vestibulospinal input to stabilize posture. More broadly, when compared to recordings in other vertebrates, our data speak to conserved origins of vestibulospinal synaptic input.
The balance between intrinsic and ecological fitness defines new regimes in eco-evolutionary population dynamics
Authors: Barker-Clarke Rowan J , Gray Jason M , Strobl Maximilian A. R. , Tadele Dagim Shiferaw , Maltas Jeff , Hinczewski Michael , Scott Jacob G
Published: March 2023

Selection upon intrinsic fitness differences is one of the most basic mechanisms of evolution, fundamental to all biology. Equally, within macroscopic populations and microscopic environments, ecological interactions influence evolution. Direct experimental evidence of ecological selection between microscopic agents continues to grow. Whilst eco-evolutionary dynamics describes how interactions influence population fitness and composition, we build a model that allows ecological aspects of these interactions to fall on a spectrum independent of the intrinsic fitness of the population. With our mathematical framework, we show how ecological interactions between mutating populations modify the estimated evolutionary trajectories expected from monoculture fitnesses alone. We derive and validate analytical stationary solutions to our partial differential equations that depend on intrinsic and ecological terms, and mutation rates. We determine cases in which these interactions modify evolution in such ways as to, for example, maintain or invert existing monoculture fitness differences. This work discusses the importance of understanding ecological and intrinsic selection effects to avoid misleading conclusions from experiments and defines new ways to assess this balance from experimental results. Using published experimental data, we also show evidence that real microbiological systems can span intrinsic fitness dominant and ecological-effect dominant regimes and that ecological contributions can change with an environment to exaggerate or counteract the composite populations' intrinsic fitness differences.
Transforming vertical leadership into shared leadership in infrastructure project teams: a dual-pathway perspective
Authors: Gan Xueqing , Jia Jianyao , Le Yun , Hu Yi
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Infrastructure projects are pivotal for regional economic development, but also face low project effectiveness. Leadership is always regarded as a key enabler for project team effectiveness, including vertical leadership and team-level leadership. The purpose of this paper is to examine how vertical leadership facilitates shared leadership in infrastructure project teams.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops the conceptual model based on the literature review. Then the questionnaire survey was conducted. The empirical data obtained from 117 infrastructure project teams in China were analyzed by partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) for validating the proposed model. Finally, the results were comparatively discussed to explain the dual-pathway between vertical leadership and shared leadership. And the practical implications were presented for the project managers in infrastructure project teams.

Findings

Drawing on social learning theory and social cognitive theory, the results show that both participative leadership and task-oriented leadership can facilitate shared leadership. Further, team atmosphere fully mediates the link between participative leadership and shared leadership. Team efficacy fully mediates the relation between task-oriented leadership and shared leadership. Also, role clarity has a negative moderating effect on the former path.

Originality/value

The study extends the knowledge of leadership theory in the construction field. Based on the proposed conceptual model and PLS-SEM results, this study unveils the black box between vertical leadership and shared leadership and contributes to the theory of leadership on how the impact of different vertical leadership on team process promotes shared leadership.