bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Associated with Psychological Distress, Fear, and Coping Strategies during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Thailand: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Bhatarasakoon Patraporn , Inthong Suwit , Nitayawan Sirirat , Thongyu Ratree , Sanlaung Chayapa , Rahman Muhammad Aziz
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Despite being initially perceived as a local infectious disease, COVID-19 has emerged as one of the most perilous global health threats, significantly impacting the psychological well-being of individuals worldwide.

Objective

This cross-sectional descriptive study investigates the psychological distress, fear, and coping mechanisms among Thai people residing in Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This online cross-sectional survey targeted Thai individuals during the first and third waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants aged 18 and above who provided consent self-reported their responses to the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, Fear of COVID-19 Scale, and Brief Resilient Coping Scale. Data collection occurred between November 2020 and January 2021 across four regions of Thailand. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses explored associations between contextual factors and the variables of interest.

Results

Out of 498 survey respondents, with an average age of 43.07 (SD = 13.69) years, 81.9% were female, and 61.6% self-identified as healthcare workers, with 47.59% identified as frontline healthcare workers. Findings revealed that 46% of participants experienced moderate-to-very high levels of psychological distress, 14.3% reported high levels of fear of COVID-19, and 35.1% exhibited low resilient coping. Factors such as changes in employment status or financial situations, comorbidities, contact with known or suspected COVID-19 cases, recent healthcare utilization for COVID-19-related stress, and elevated fear of COVID-19 were associated with higher levels of psychological distress. Conversely, being nurses and perceived better mental health status were linked to more effective coping strategies.

Conclusion

These results emphasize the critical importance of government interventions to safeguard the psychological well-being of healthcare workers and the broader Thai population. Urgent measures to bolster resilience among these groups during and after the pandemic are imperative.
African Objects Matter: Towards Salvaging, Collecting and Preserving More Cultural/ Historical Objects in South-East Nigeria, Africa
Authors: Onyejegbu Maureen Nwando
Published: September 2024

The article deals with a set of important questions about the ongoing dangers being faced by cultural and historical objects in some parts of Africa. Many priceless objects are facing the danger of theft, wilful destruction and accidental damage. This brings up some vital questions: what are communities doing to protect their cultural objects and monuments from possible attacks, accidents and erosion? What have the cultural enthusiasts and researchers done to salvage and collect more objects for tomorrow’s history? Primary data such as interviews and secondary data, journals, books and newspapers, are used in the work. The work is qualitative and expository. Data reveal that there are many priceless cultural objects linked to African history that are yet to be collected and preserved for effective heritage sustenance. The study concludes that there are many objects with basic information in remote villages, shrines and sacred places in the South-east part of Nigeria that require immediate attention. Second, the nonchalant attitude of most communities who fail to protect their objects and environment from external wilful attacks indirectly encourages future erosion of priceless objects.
Improvement in Cystoid Macular Edema Secondary to Systemic Bevacizumab in a Patient With Coats Plus Syndrome
Authors: Khan Saima , Martin Cole A. , Scarboro Shannon , Wood Edward , Harper Clio A.
Published: September 2024

Purpose: To report a pediatric case of Coats plus syndrome that initially presented resembling familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR). Methods: A single case was analyzed. Results: A pediatric patient was referred at 2 years of age to the retina clinic for exotropia and decreased visual acuity in the right eye and was found to have a dense vitreous hemorrhage. She later developed persistent gastrointestinal bleeding requiring regular blood transfusions and intravenous bevacizumab. Treatment with systemic bevacizumab resolved the patient’s cystoid macular edema (CME). Although her presentation and examination were initially suggestive of FEVR, genetic analysis revealed heterozygous biallelic mutations in the STN1 gene, mutations that are known to be associated with Coats plus syndrome. Conclusions: Coats plus syndrome is a rare and life-threatening microangiopathy that affects the retina, central nervous system, and gastrointestinal system. The patient’s resulting CME significantly improved with intravenous bevacizumab.
Isolated Recurrence of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Predominantly in the Iris and Ciliary Body
Authors: Mishra Amit V. , Jiang Shangjun , Tennant Matthew T.S. , Seamone Mark E.
Published: September 2024

Purpose: To describe a single case of systemic lymphoma recurring in the iris and ciliary body. Methods: A retrospective case review was performed. Results: A 75-year-old woman presented to the retina service with an iris mass in the left eye. Her medical history was significant for previous systemic diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with systemic chemotherapy. Aqueous sampling was significant for recurrence of the disease. Local therapy with intravitreal (IVT) methotrexate was initiated. Although there was initial improvement, an increased interval between injections led to disease recurrence. External beam radiation to the left eye was then applied, leading to a complete clinical remission. Conclusions: Systemic lymphoma presenting in the iris is a rare manifestation that should be considered on the differential for an amelanotic iris lesion. Although monotherapy with IVT methotrexate did not control the ocular disease in this patient, subsequent external beam radiation resulted in complete clinical remission.
Bilateral Endogenous Endophthalmitis As a First Presentation of Streptococcus pneumoniae Endocarditis
Authors: Jabbehdari Sayena , Sallam Ahmed
Published: September 2024

Purpose: To present a case of bilateral endogenous endophthalmitis as the first presentation of endocarditis. Methods: A single case was evaluated. Results: A 64-year-old Black woman presented with rapidly progressive bilateral vision loss. The visual acuity was no light perception (NLP) OD and LP OS. The initial diagnosis of infectious endophthalmitis was confirmed by a blood culture positive for Streptococcus pneumoniae and an echocardiogram that indicated endocarditis. Despite treatment with intravitreal antibiotics and vitrectomy, the patient’s visual prognosis remained poor. Conclusions: Although in general the visual prognosis for S pneumoniae–related endogenous endophthalmitis is poor, early detection and identification of the primary infection source are crucial and can significantly improve the chance of the patient’s survival.
Beyond the Turing Test: Exploring the implications of generative AI for category construction
Authors: Phillips Nelson , Kalvapalle Sai , Kennedy Mark
Published: September 2024

As generative AI systems move beyond Turing’s benchmark for whether a machine exhibits human-like intelligence, what implications does this technological milestone have for organization theory? We engage with this question by considering how the increasing creativity and social competence exhibited by generative AI impacts processes of social construction and cultural evolution that have, up to this point, been the exclusive domain of humans. More specifically, we consider what it means to have intelligent machines capable of category work, which we define here as both the culturally savvy use of categories and purposeful participation in the processes of construction that underpin systems of categories more generally. We go on to explore some of the implications for individuals, organizations and societies of the appearance of this new class of artificial participants in the processes that constitute category systems.
Criminal justice, representation and the lived experience scholar
Authors: Antojado Dwayne , Budd Jessica , Doyle Caroline , Bartels Lorana
Published: September 2024

This article examines the integration of lived experience narratives into criminal justice, highlighting a significant shift towards a more inclusive and experiential approach within the field. We explore the contributions of scholars with lived experiences of the criminal legal system (CLS) to the academic and advocacy landscape, emphasising the emergence of convict criminology and lived experience criminology. These subdisciplines centre on the insights of those directly impacted by the CLS, offering a critical view from within and a broader perspective on personal interactions with the system. We argue that incorporating lived experiences can enrich criminal justice research and practice, leading to more effective, empathetic policies and interventions. However, we also identify a gap in the literature concerning the representational dynamics within this emergent paradigm, specifically the sociodemographic constitution of lived experience contributors. Utilising Hanna Pitkin's seminal theories on political representation, we critically evaluate the extent to which lived experience narratives embody both symbolic and substantive representation. We suggest that while individuals with lived experiences may not fully encapsulate the demographic diversity of those impacted by the CLS, their narratives provide crucial insights that transcend mere demographic congruence. We conclude that more needs to be done to encourage and value diverse voices within this space, highlighting the need for criminal justice to address power dynamics, bridge the gap between academic and experiential knowledge, and promote public engagement and discourse. This engagement with lived experiences is posited as essential for driving meaningful policy and systemic reform, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and just CLS.
In Humans, Insulo-striate Structural Connectivity is Largely Biased Toward Either Striosome-like or Matrix-like Striatal Compartments
Authors: Funk Adrian T , Hassan Asim AO , Waugh Jeff L
Published: September 2024

The insula is an integral component of sensory, motor, limbic, and executive functions, and insular dysfunction is associated with numerous human neuropsychiatric disorders. Insular efferents project widely, but insulo-striate projections are especially numerous. The targets of these insulo-striate projections are organized into tissue compartments, the striosome and matrix. These striatal compartments have distinct embryologic origins, afferent and efferent connectivity, dopamine pharmacology, and susceptibility to injury. Striosome and matrix appear to occupy separate sets of cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical loops, so a bias in insulo-striate projections toward one compartment may also embed an insular subregion in distinct regulatory and functional networks. Compartment-specific mapping of insulo-striate structural connectivity is sparse; the insular subregions are largely unmapped for compartment-specific projections. In 100 healthy adults, diffusion tractography was utilized to map and quantify structural connectivity between 19 structurally-defined insular subregions and each striatal compartment. Insulo-striate streamlines that reached striosome-like and matrix-like voxels were concentrated in distinct insular zones (striosome: rostro- and caudoventral; matrix: caudodorsal) and followed different paths to reach the striatum. Though tractography was generated independently in each hemisphere, the spatial distribution and relative bias of striosome-like and matrix-like streamlines were highly similar in the left and right insula. 16 insular subregions were significantly biased toward 1 compartment: 7 toward striosome-like voxels and 9 toward matrix-like voxels. Striosome-favoring bundles had significantly higher streamline density, especially from rostroventral insular subregions. The biases in insulo-striate structural connectivity that were identified mirrored the compartment-specific biases identified in prior studies that utilized injected tract tracers, cytoarchitecture, or functional MRI. Segregating insulo-striate structural connectivity through either striosome or matrix may be an anatomic substrate for functional specialization among the insular subregions.
CRISPR/CasRx-Mediated Knockdown of Rab7B Restores Incomplete Cell Shape Induced by Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease-Associated PLP1 p.Ala243Val
Authors: Fukushima Nana , Miyamoto Yuki , Yamauchi Junji
Published: September 2024

Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease (PMD, currently known as hypomyelinating leukodystrophy type 1 [HLD1]) is a hereditary hypomyelinating and/or demyelinating disease associated with the proteolipid protein 1 (plp1) gene in the central nervous system (CNS). One of the major causes of this condition is incomplete or defective oligodendroglial cell myelin sheath formation triggered by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and subsequent unfolded protein response (UPR). The HLD1-associated Ala-243-to-Val mutation (p.Ala243Val) of PLP1 is widely recognized to trigger defective oligodendroglial cell morphological differentiation, primarily due to ER stress. We have previously reported that knockdown of Rab7B (also known as Rab42), a small GTP/GDP-binding protein involved in intracellular vesicle trafficking around the lysosome, can recover chemical ER stress-induced incomplete cell shapes in the FBD-102b cell line, a model of oligodendroglial cell morphological differentiation. Here, we present findings indicating that incomplete cell shapes induced by PLP1 p.Ala243Val can be restored by knockdown of Rab7B using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CasRx (also known as Cas13d) system. Also, the knockdown promoted the trafficking of PLP1 p.Ala243Val to lysosome-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1)-positive organelles. These results highlight the unique role of Rab7B knockdown in modulating oligodendroglial cell morphological changes and potentially facilitating the transport of mutated PLP1 to LAMP1-positive organelles, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for alleviating HLD1 phenotypes, at least in part, at the molecular and cellular levels.
Neurostructural Consequences of Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy in Childhood
Authors: Kadieva Dzerassa , Ulanov Maxim , Shestakova Anna , Agranovich Olga , Blank Isak B , Gallo Federico
Published: September 2024

Background:

Obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) is a condition impairing limb function caused by birth injury. In 20 to 30% of cases, severe OBPP can cause life constraints in feeding, grooming, and clothing tasks.

Objective:

The present study, using voxel- and surface-based morphometry (VBM and SBM), examined the brain structure of pediatric OBPP patients to better understand the effects of this peripheral motor deficit on early brain development.

Methods:

Thirty-six T1-weighted images of 18 patients (2-17 years old, mean age = 11.3, 8 females) and 18 healthy controls (2-17 years old, mean age = 10.1, 8 females) were collected for this study. MRI data were processed and analyzed using the Statistical Parametric Mapping 12 (SPM12) toolbox. The custom pediatric tissue probability map was created with the CerebroMatic (COM) toolbox. The results were considered significant if they survived whole-brain family-wise error correction ( P < .05).

Results:

We have found differences in grey matter volumes in the bilateral anterior hippocampus (left P < .001 and right P = .01) and left cerebellum exterior (Crus I) ( P < .001). We have also found differences in cortical thickness in the bilateral parahippocampal gyri (left P = .001 and right P = .005) and right orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) ( P < .001).

Conclusions:

These structural differences might be linked to the altered environmental adaptation that children with OBPP face due to their primary motor deficit. Our findings hint at a complex interplay between motor capabilities, brain structure development, and cognitive functions. However, more research combining neuroimaging, behavioral, cognitive, and clinical data is needed to support stronger conclusions on this subject.
The relationship between lifestyle/routine activities and worry about personal victimisation across months, days and moments
Authors: Engström Alexander , Kronkvist Karl
Published: September 2024

Drawing on a lifestyle-routine activity framework, this study explores associations between lifestyle/routine activities and worry about personal victimisation across months, days and moments. A bespoke smartphone application employing both traditional questionnaires and an Experience Sampling Method design was used by a convenience sample of students who responded to surveys regarding worry about victimisation. Lifestyle/routine activity measures showed varying associations with worry. The most consistent finding was that spending time with friends in the city-centre was significantly and negatively associated with worry across months and moments, but just failed to reach the level of significance for daily worry. Overall, the somewhat varying results indicate that worry cannot be assumed to be equally associated with lifestyle/routine activities across months, days and moments. These findings also imply more generally that research on worry about victimisation and other similar phenomena needs to consider how the outcome is measured in terms of reference periods and unit of analysis. Future research using more representative samples is needed to confirm the findings from this exploratory study.
The Pre-History of News-Industry Discourse Around Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Mari Will
Published: September 2024

This study examines how automation and then artificial intelligence (AI) was discussed by news workers in journalism trade publications in the 1980s and 1990s and through the 2000s and 2010s. This era saw the full computerization of the newsroom, as well as the introduction of the civilian, commercial internet and its adoption by the news and media industries. Limited use of automated and early AI tools in these fields dates back to the 1960s and 1970s, with the use of software such as spell- and grammar-checkers, as well as the first generation of word-processing tools. This included very early efforts at automated writing, such as for financial and sports news. With this complex origin story, the discourse around AI has a prehistory that deserves a deeper exploration and appreciation.
The Women and Children of India’s Red-Light Brothel Districts: An Exploratory Investigation of Vulnerability and Survival During a Global Pandemic
Authors: Karandikar Sharvari , Dalla Rochelle L. , Casassa Kaitlin
Published: September 2024

Globally, women and children were disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Vulnerable populations of women and children—including those who live in poverty, lack access to health care, have little informal support, and who face stigma and discrimination—were particularly susceptible to harm incurred by the pandemic. Using social determinants of health framework, this investigation sought to understand the lived experiences of women and children residing in an impoverished, resource-poor, urban brothel red-light brothel area district in India, at the outset of the pandemic and following the national lockdown(s). Four questions guided the investigation: (1) How did participants first hear about COVID-19 and what was learned regarding self-protective measures? (2) What daily life challenges were posed by the national lockdown? (3) To what extent were participants able to access or rely on informal supports support during the initial stages of the pandemic? and (4) What types of assistance, if any, did participants receive from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or other (e.g., governmental) sources? This is one of only a handful of empirical investigations elevating the voices of children residing in urban brothel-based red-light districts. Findings pose significant implications for practice, policy, and continued research.
Differences in Algebra I End-of-Course exam performance by the at-risk status of Hispanic high school girls: A Texas multiyear analysis
Authors: Craft Daniel , Slate John R.
Published: September 2024

Addressed in this investigation was a comparison of Algebra I End-of-Course exam performance between Hispanic girls who were at-risk and Hispanic girls who were not at-risk in the 2016–2017, 2017–2018, and 2018–2019 school years. The dependent variables investigated in this study were Hispanic girls performance in the Approaches Grade Level standard, the Meets Grade Level standard, the Masters Grade Level standard, and raw score on the Algebra I End-of-Course exam. Inferential statistical procedures yielded statistically significant differences in all three school years for Hispanic girls who were at-risk. In all three school years, Hispanic girls who were at-risk failed to meet each of the three grade level standards at statistically significantly lower rates than Hispanic girls who were not at-risk. In raw score comparison, Hispanic girls answered more than 11 items, on average, less correctly than Hispanic girls who were not at-risk. Implications and recommendations for future research were made.
Shooting for the STARS: Implementing an Evidence-Based Program to Meet the End of Treatment Needs of Childhood Cancer Survivors and Their Families
Authors: Keller Mary Conway , Ayr-Volta Lauren , Marconi Elizabeth , Needham Andrew , Foy Kelly , Hart Leigh , Holden Elizabeth , Anuar Amirul , Engelke Karina , Hinderer Katherine
Published: September 2024

Background: The end of treatment (EOT) is a significant time point along the childhood cancer treatment–survivorship continuum, and is recognized as a time when childhood cancer survivors (CCS) and their families experience significant vulnerability and stress. There is a call by families and healthcare professionals alike for standardized, comprehensive EOT services to successfully navigate through this transition period and better cope with posttreatment medical, physical, and social-emotional issues. Method: A multidisciplinary team of pediatric oncology health care professionals developed and implemented a two-session psychoeducational program to address these EOT needs. To evaluate the Shooting for the STARS (Survivors Tackling All Roadblocks Successfully) EOT Transition Program, a pretest–posttest repeated measures design was utilized. A convenience sample of 47 parents/caregivers and 29 CCS completed surveys before, during, and after the EOT services were received. Analysis of relationships and changes over time was conducted using Spearman-ranked correlations and Friedman tests, a nonparametric repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: All respondents reported program satisfaction, with 94.7% feeling somewhat or very prepared for ending treatment. Participants’ distress levels tended to decrease over time. Parent/caregiver-reported levels of CCS’ anxiety, fatigue, pain interference, and physical mobility significantly improved over the time period during which families participated in the Shooting for the STARS Program. Discussion: This nurse-led, evidence-based program was determined to be feasible and acceptable. It may contribute to improved health-related quality of life and decrease distress over time.
Influences of Animal-Assisted Intervention With Canine and Feline Pen Pals on Experiences of Living With Cancer and Blood Disorders in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Gillespie Anne Ingalls , Jones Jacqueline , Johnson-Koenke Rachel , Gilmer Mary Jo , Neu Madalynn
Published: September 2024

Background: Animal-assisted intervention (AAI) involving live visits with canines shows strong promise to improve quality of life (QOL) in hospitalized youth with cancer or blood disorders. The emerging field of virtual AAI allows access to AAI regardless of setting and extends to children at home. Youth and Pet Survivors™ (YAPS) is a novel form of virtual AAI with dog and cat pen pals who share a diagnosis of cancer or serious illness. Little is known about how exchanging letters with animals with a shared diagnosis influences perceived QOL, and how the human–animal bond (HAB) is expressed in letter narratives. Method: A thematic narrative analysis approach was used to analyze a secondary dataset consisting of letters and interviews from children in YAPS. The research team designed a conceptual framework to guide the analysis, integrating concepts of perceived QOL, the HAB, and emotional social support. Results: Collectively, the letter and interview texts illustrated cocreated stories of the HAB. Themes included the virtual HAB as a mirror, constructing identity in the context of the HAB, expressions of the mutuality of the HAB, happiness with having a pen pal, illness story, and connection to normalcy. Answers to research questions operationalize the influence of virtual AAI. Discussion: Having an animal pen pal improved perceived QOL and was a potent source of emotional social support across the illness trajectory, supporting YAPS as a nurse-led intervention for facilitating adjustment to illness. This study adds a conceptual framework and scientific evidence to the emerging field of virtual AAI.
Research biopsies in kidney transplantation: an evaluation of surgical techniques and optimal tissue mass allowing molecular and histological analyses
Authors: Shaheed Sadr ul , McGivern Hannah , Oliveira Marta , Snashall Corinna , Sutton Chris W. , Tam Ka Ho , Knight Simon , Abbas Syed Hussain , Kers Jesper , Cross Sarah , Ploeg Rutger , Hunter James
Published: September 2024

Background

Research biopsies have great potential to advance scientific knowledge by helping to establish predictors of favourable or unfavourable outcomes in kidney transplantation. We evaluated punch and core biopsies of different sizes to determine the optimal size for clinical use.

Methods

A total of 54 punch biopsies and 18 core needle biopsies were retrieved by three transplant surgeons. Each surgeon obtained three separate 2 mm, 3 mm and 4 mm punch biopsy samples and three 23 mm (length) core needle biopsies from two pig kidneys.

Results

4 mm punch biopsies yielded the greatest amount of protein (2.11 ± 0.41 mg) with good reproducibility between surgeons and biopsy types (Coefficient of Variation ∼ 22.13%). All surgeons found 2 mm biopsies technically challenging to obtain and sample processing was difficult due to the sample size. Shotgun proteomics identified 3853 gene products with no significant difference in the quantitative proteome of 2 mm and 3 mm punch biopsies. However, the expression of 158 Kidney enriched genes, was higher in bigger and deeper 4 mm punch and core needle biopsies compared to 2 mm biopsy. Only 80% of 2 mm biopsies demonstrated the presence of glomeruli, whereas glomeruli were present in 100% of all other biopsy sizes.

Conclusions

The 2 mm punch biopsy has been shown to be challenging to use and frequently provides inadequate tissue for histology and proteomics while 3 mm research biopsies were the smallest size that were technically obtainable with adequate tissue for molecular studies.
Novel Stanley Stent Symptom Status Score (s5 score) for predicting ureteral stent-related symptoms
Authors: Prakash Javangula Venkatasurya Rao , Thiruvarul Palanisamy Venkatachalam , Paranjothi Arun Kumar , Vetrichandar Sattanathan , Arasi Krishnan Vembu , Natarajan Vetrivel , Sharma Girish
Published: September 2024

Background

It is a known fact that endourological procedures frequently require placement of double J (DJ) ureteral stent. These patients can have stent-related symptoms (SRS) after DJ stent placement which can be distressing with increased morbidity. Though intraoperative and postoperative factors for SRS have been studied, research work is deficient in preoperative prediction of these symptoms which is the need of the hour. Thus, we aim to find out the factors which can lead to SRS after ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URSL) surgeries. Further, we aim to establish a scoring system which will help us predict the possibility of SRS and take necessary actions to minimise them.

Materials and methods

Our study includes 150 URSL cases with DJ stenting where we correlated various factors with the presence of SRS. Information regarding preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative factors which may lead to SRS were noted down. All patients completed Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ) to evaluate the symptoms at 1 and 3 weeks after stent placement and 1 week after removal of the stent. The statistical data were evaluated using SPSS 24 Statistics.

Results

In our study, we found that SRS correlated statistically with factors namely body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m2, loin pain, stone size > 1 cm, haematuria, bilateral stone disease, incomplete distal curl, distal end crossing midline and these could predict the occurrence of SRS. Based on the significant preoperative factors, we constructed the Stanley Stent Symptom Status Score (S5 Score) which predicts the possibility of developing SRS.

Conclusion

Thorough understanding of factors which can lead to SRS can help us take steps to reduce the morbidity related with this frequent procedure. Stanley Stent Symptom Status Score (S5 Score) predicts the occurrence of these symptoms preoperatively. This score is first of its kind which will pave the way for deeper understanding and prediction of these symptoms preoperatively.
The adult shell matrix protein repertoire of the marine snail Crepidula is dominated by conserved genes that are also expressed in larvae
Authors: Lopez-Anido Rebecca N. , Batzel Grant O. , Ramirez Gabriela , Wang Yiqun , Neal Stephanie , Lesoway Maryna P. , Goodheart Jessica A. , Lyons Deirdre C.
Published: September 2024

Mollusca is a morphologically diverse phylum, exhibiting an immense variety of calcium carbonate structures. Proteomic studies of adult shells often report high levels of rapidly-evolving, ‘novel’ shell matrix proteins (SMPs), which are hypothesized to drive shell diversification. However, relatively little is known about the phylogenetic distribution of SMPs, or about the function of individual SMPs in shell construction. To understand how SMPs contribute to shell diversification a thorough characterization of SMPs is required. Here, we build tools and a foundational understanding of SMPs in the marine gastropod species Crepidula fornicata and Crepidula atrasolea because they are genetically-enabled mollusc model organisms. First, we established a staging system of shell development in C. atrasolea for the first time. Next, we leveraged previous findings in C. fornicata combined with phylogenomic analyses of 95 metazoan species to determine the evolutionary lineage of its adult SMP repertoire. We found that 55% of C. fornicata’s SMPs belong to molluscan orthogroups, with 27% restricted to Gastropoda, and only 5% restricted at the species level. The low percentage of species-restricted SMPs underscores the importance of broad-taxon sampling and orthology inference approaches when determining homology of SMPs. From our transcriptome analysis, we found that the majority of C. fornicata SMPs that were found conserved in C. atrasolea were expressed in both larval and adult stages. We then selected a subset of SMPs of varying evolutionary ages for spatial-temporal analysis using in situ hybridization chain reaction (HCR) during larval shell development in C. atrasolea. Out of the 18 SMPs analyzed, 12 were detected in the larval shell field. These results suggest overlapping larval vs. adult SMP repertoires. Using multiplexed HCR, we observed five SMP expression patterns and three distinct cell populations within the shell field. These patterns support the idea that modular expression of SMPs could facilitate divergence of shell morphological characteristics. Collectively, these data establish an evolutionary and developmental framework in Crepidula that enables future comparisons of molluscan biomineralization to reveal mechanisms of shell diversification.
The evolution of tenascins
Authors: Adams Josephine C. , Tucker Richard P.
Published: September 2024

Background

The evolution of extracellular matrix is tightly linked to the evolution of organogenesis in metazoans. Tenascins are extracellular matrix glycoproteins of chordates that participate in integrin-signaling and morphogenetic events. Single tenascins are encoded by invertebrate chordates, and multiple tenascin paralogs are found in vertebrates (designated tenascin-C, tenascin-R, tenascin-W and tenascin-X) yet, overall, the evolution of this family has remained unclear.

Results

This study examines the genomes of hemichordates, cephalochordates, tunicates, agnathans, cartilaginous fishes, lobe-finned fishes, ray-finned fishes and representative tetrapods to identify predicted tenascin proteins. We comprehensively assess their evolutionary relationships by sequence conservation, molecular phylogeny and examination of conservation of synteny of the encoding genes. The resulting new evolutionary model posits the origin of tenascin in an ancestral chordate, with tenascin-C-like and tenascin-R-like paralogs emerging after a whole genome duplication event in an ancestral vertebrate. Tenascin-X appeared following a second round of whole genome duplication in an ancestral gnathostome, most likely from duplication of the gene encoding the tenascin-R homolog. The fourth gene, encoding tenascin-W (also known as tenascin-N), apparently arose from a local duplication of tenascin-R.

Conclusions

The diversity of tenascin paralogs observed in agnathans and gnathostomes has evolved through selective retention of novel genes that arose from a combination of whole genome and local duplication events. The evolutionary appearance of specific tenascin paralogs coincides with the appearance of vertebrate-specific cell and tissue types where the paralogs are abundantly expressed, such as the endocranium and facial skeleton (tenascin-C), an expanded central nervous system (tenascin-R), and bone (tenascin-W).
Evaluation of 1021Bp, a close relative of Pseudomonas eucalypticola, for potential of plant growth promotion, fungal pathogen suppression and boxwood blight control
Authors: Kong Ping , Hong Chuanxue
Published: September 2024

Background

Pseudomonas eucalypticola, a new species of the P. fluorescens group that generates most Pseudomonas-based biocontrol agents, has not been found in any plants other than Eucalyptus dunnii leaves. Except for antagonism to the growth of a few fungi, its features in plant growth promotion and disease control have not been evaluated. Here, we identified a similar species of P. eucalypticola, 1021Bp, from endophyte cultures of healthy leaves of English boxwood (Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’) and investigated its antifungal activity, plant growth promotion traits, and potential for boxwood blight control.

Results

Colorimetric or plate assays showed the properties of 1021Bp in nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, and production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and siderophores, as well as the growth suppression of all five plant fungal pathogens, including causal agents of widespread plant diseases, gray mold, and anthracnose. Boxwood plant leaves received 87.4% and 65.8% protection from infection when sprayed with cell-free cultural supernatant (CFS) but not the resuspended bacterial cells at 108–9/mL of 1021Bp at one and seven days before inoculation (dbi) with boxwood blight pathogen, Calonectria pseudonaviculata, at 5 × 104 spores/mL. They also received similarly high protection with the 1021Bp cell culture without separation of cells and CFS at 14 dbi (67.5%), suggesting a key role of 1021Bp metabolites in disease control.

Conclusions

Given the features of plant growth and health and its similarity to P. eucalypticola with the P. fluorescens lineage, 1021Bp has great potential to be developed as a safe and environmentally friendly biofungicide and biofertilizer. However, its metabolites are the major contributors to 1021Bp activity for plant growth and health. Application with the bacterial cells alone, especially with nonionic surfactants, may result in poor performance unless survival conditions are present.
A novel injectable boron doped-mesoporous nano bioactive glass loaded-alginate composite hydrogel as a pulpotomy filling biomaterial for dentin regeneration
Authors: Naga Marwa S. , Helal Hala M. , Kamoun Elbadawy A. , Moaty Maha Abdel , Omar Samia S. Abdel Rehim , Ghareeb Ahmed Z. , El-Fakharany Esmail M. , El Din Mona Mohy
Published: September 2024

Background

Different materials have been used as wound dressings after vital pulp therapies. Some of them have limitations such as delayed setting, difficult administration, slight degree of cytotoxicity, crown discoloration and high cost. Therefore, to overcome these disadvantages, composite scaffolds have been used in regenerative dentistry. This study aims to construct and characterize the physicochemical behavior of a novel injectable alginate hydrogel loaded with different bioactive glass nanoparticles in various concentrations as a regenerative pulpotomy filling material.

Methods

Alginate hydrogels were prepared by dissolving alginate powder in alcoholic distilled water containing mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (MBG NPs) or boron-doped MBG NPs (BMBG NPs) at 10 and 20 wt% concentrations. The mixture was stirred and incubated overnight in a water bath at 50 0 C to ensure complete solubility. A sterile dual-syringe system was used to mix the alginate solution with 20 wt% calcium chloride solution, forming the hydrogel upon extrusion. Then, constructed hydrogel specimens from all groups were characterized by FTIR, SEM, water uptake percentage (WA%), bioactivity and ion release, and cytotoxicity. Statistical analysis was done using One-Way ANOVA test for comparisons between groups, followed by multiple pairwise comparisons using Bonferroni adjusted significance level (p < 0.05).

Results

Alginate/BMBG loaded groups exhibited remarkable increase in porosity and pore size diameter [IIB1 (168), IIB2 (183) (µm)]. Similarly, WA% increased (~ 800%) which was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Alginate/BMBG loaded groups exhibited the strongest bioactive capability displaying prominent clusters of hydroxyapatite precipitates on hydrogel surfaces. Ca/P ratio of precipitates in IIA2 and IIB1 (1.6) were like Ca/P ratio for stoichiometric pure hydroxyapatite (1.67). MTT assay data revealed that the cell viability % of human gingival fibroblast cells have declined with increasing the concentration of both powders and hydrogel extracts in all groups after 24 and 48 h but still higher than the accepted cell viability % of (˃70%).

Conclusions

The outstanding laboratory performance of the injectable alginate/BMBGNPs (20 wt%) composite hydrogel suggested it as promising candidate for pulpotomy filling material potentially enhancing dentin regeneration in clinical applications.
Characterization of giant endocrine cells in the fundic stomach of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) demonstrated by histochemical, immunohistochemical and ultrastructure microscopy methods suggesting their role in immunity
Authors: Abd-El-Hafeez Hanan H. , Alnasser Sulaiman Mohammed , Baker Zyad M. , Aref Mohamed , Alsafy Mohamed A.M. , El-Gendy Samir A.A. , Zahran Eman , A. Hams Mohamed M. , Alghamdi Ali H. , Khalifa Mahmoud Osman , Kamal Basma M. , Alghamdi Fawzyah A. , Soliman Soha A. , Massoud Diaa
Published: September 2024

Endocrine cells in the fundic stomach of Clarias gariepinus were characterized in this work using transmission electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and histochemistry. Performic acid mixed with alcian blue pH2.5 and silver stain were among the histochemical stains used for endocrine cells. Endocrine cells can be found in the epithelium, lamina propria, submucosa, muscular layer, serosa, and the area between the stomach glands. Endocrine cells with one or more nuclei were found. Endocrine cells were studied using CD3, CD21, and CD68 in an immunohistochemistry analysis. The expression of the lymphocyte marker CD3 by endocrine cells is remarkable. In addition, they had a strong immunological response to CD21 and CD68, which are characteristics of phagocytic cells. Granules of varied sizes and electron densities are packed densely into the cytoplasm of the cells, as seen by transmission electron microscopy. We propose that endocrine cells play a crucial role in immune defense. The role of endocrine cells in the gut’s immune system is an area that needs further investigation.
Cell therapy using ex vivo reprogrammed macrophages enhances antitumor immune responses in melanoma
Authors: Noonepalle Satish kumar Reddy , Gracia-Hernandez Maria , Aghdam Nima , Berrigan Michael , Coulibaly Hawa , Li Xintang , Zevallos-Delgado Christian , Pletcher Andrew , Weselman Bryan , Palmer Erica , Knox Tessa , Sotomayor Eduardo , Chiappinelli Katherine B. , Wardrop Duncan , Horvath Anelia , Shook Brett A. , Lee Norman , Dritschilo Anatoly , Fernandes Rohan , Musunuri Karthik , Shibata Maho , Villagra Alejandro
Published: September 2024

Background

Macrophage-based cell therapies have shown modest success in clinical trials, which can be attributed to their phenotypic plasticity, where transplanted macrophages get reprogrammed towards a pro-tumor phenotype. In most tumor types, including melanoma, the balance between antitumor M1-like and tumor-promoting M2-like macrophages is critical in defining the local immune response with a higher M1/M2 ratio favoring antitumor immunity. Therefore, designing novel strategies to increase the M1/M2 ratio in the TME has high clinical significance and benefits macrophage-based cell therapies.

Methods

In this study, we reprogrammed antitumor and proinflammatory macrophages ex-vivo with HDAC6 inhibitors (HDAC6i). We administered the reprogrammed macrophages intratumorally as an adoptive cell therapy (ACT) in the syngeneic SM1 murine melanoma model and patient-derived xenograft bearing NSG-SGM3 humanized mouse models. We phenotyped the tumor-infiltrated immune cells by flow cytometry and histological analysis of tumor sections for macrophage markers. We performed bulk RNA-seq profiling of murine bone marrow-derived macrophages treated with vehicle or HDAC6i and single-cell RNA-seq profiling of SM1 tumor-infiltrated immune cells to determine the effect of intratumor macrophage ACT on the tumor microenvironment (TME). We further analyzed the single-cell data to identify key cell-cell interactions and trajectory analysis to determine the fate of tumor-associated macrophages post-ACT.

Results

Macrophage ACT resulted in diminished tumor growth in both mouse models. We also demonstrated that HDAC6 inhibition in macrophages suppressed the polarization toward tumor-promoting phenotype by attenuating STAT3-mediated M2 reprogramming. Two weeks post-transplantation, ACT macrophages were viable, and inhibition of HDAC6 rendered intratumor transplanted M1 macrophages resistant to repolarization towards protumor M2 phenotype in-vivo. Further characterization of tumors by flow cytometry, single-cell transcriptomics, and single-cell secretome analyses revealed a significant enrichment of antitumor M1-like macrophages, resulting in increased M1/M2 ratio and infiltration of CD8 effector T-cells. Computational analysis of single-cell RNA-seq data for cell-cell interactions and trajectory analyses indicated activation of monocytes and T-cells in the TME.

Conclusions

In summary, for the first time, we demonstrated the potential of reprogramming macrophages ex-vivo with HDAC6 inhibitors as a viable macrophage cell therapy to treat solid tumors.
Survival of the fastest? A descriptive analysis of severely injured trauma patients primarily admitted or secondarily transferred to major trauma centers in a Danish inclusive trauma system
Authors: Møller Thea Palsgaard , Jensen Josefine Tangen , Medici Roar Borregaard , Rudolph Søren Steemann , Andersen Lars Bredevang , Roed Jakob , Blomberg Stig Nikolaj Fasmer , Christensen Helle Collatz , Edwards Mark
Published: September 2024

Background

Trauma systems are crucial for enhancing survival and quality of life for trauma patients. Understanding trauma triage and patient outcomes is essential for optimizing resource allocation and trauma care.

Aims

The aim was to explore prehospital trauma triage in Region Zealand, Denmark. Specifically, characteristics for patients who were either primarily admitted or secondarily transferred to major trauma centers were described.

Methods

A retrospective descriptive study of severely injured trauma patients was conducted from January 2017 to December 2021.

Results

The study comprised 744 patients including 55.6% primary and 44.4% secondary patients. Overall, men accounted for 70.2% of patients, and 66.1% were aged 18–65 years. The secondary patients included more women—34.2% versus 26.3% and a higher proportion of Injury Severity Score of ≥ 15—59.6% versus 47.8%, compared to primary patients. 30-day survival was higher for secondary patients—92.7% versus 87%. Medical dispatchers assessed urgency as Emergency level A for 98.1% of primary patients and 86.3% for secondary patients. Physician-staffed prehospital units attended primary patients first more frequently—17.1% versus 3.5%. Response times were similar, but time at scene was longer for primary patients whereas time from injury to arrival at a major trauma center was longer for secondary patients.

Conclusions

Secondary trauma patients had higher Injury Severity Scores and better survival rates. They were considered less urgent by medical dispatchers and less frequently assessed by physician-staffed units. Prospective quality data are needed for further investigation of optimal triage and continuous quality improvement in trauma care.