bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Humoral response after BNT162b2 vaccine in Japanese hemodialysis patients
Authors: Miyazaki Ryoichi , Miyagi Kyoko , Yoshida Misaki , Suzuki Yasunori
Published: February 2023

Background

Hemodialysis patients are more likely to be severely affected if infected by COVID-19. Contributing factors include chronic kidney disease, old age, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cerebrovascular disease. Therefore, action against COVID-19 for hemodialysis patients is an urgent issue. Vaccines are effective in preventing COVID 19 infection. In hemodialysis patients, however, responses to hepatitis B and influenza vaccines are reportedly weak. The BNT162b2 vaccine has shown an efficacy rate of about 95% in the general population, but as far as we know there are only several reports of efficacy data in hemodialysis patients in Japan.

Methods

We assessed serum anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody (Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG II Quan) in 185 hemodialysis patients and 109 health care workers. The exclusion criterion was positivity for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody before vaccination. Adverse reactions to BNT162b2 vaccine were evaluated through interviews.

Results

Following vaccination, 97.6% of the hemodialysis group and 100% of the control group were positive for the anti-spike antibody. The median level of anti-spike antibody was 2,728.7 AU/mL (IQR, 1,024.2–7,688.2 AU/mL) in the hemodialysis group and 10,500 AU/ml (IQR, 9,346.1–2,4500 AU/mL) in the health care workers group. The factors involved in the low response to the BNT152b2 vaccine included old age, low BMI, low Cr index, low nPCR, low GNRI, low lymphocyte count, steroid administration, and complications related to blood disorders.

Conclusions

Humoral responses to BNT162b2 vaccine in hemodialysis patients are weaker than in a healthy control sample. Booster vaccination is necessary for hemodialysis patients, especially those showing a weak or non-response to the two-dose BNT162b2 vaccine.

Trial registration UMIN, UMIN000047032. Registered 28 February 2022, https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-bin/ctr/ctr_reg_rec.cgi.
Quantitative Iodine-123 single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography for Iodine-131 therapy of an autonomously functioning thyroid nodule
Authors: Lee Won Woo , Song Yoo Sung , So Young
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Autonomously functioning thyroid nodules (AFTNs) are treated with iodine-131 (I-131) therapy, which increases the risk of permanent hypothyroidism; however, the risk can be reduced by separately estimating the accumulated activity for the AFTN and extranodular thyroid tissue (ETT).

Methods

A quantitative I-123 single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT (5 mCi) was performed in one patient with unilateral AFTN and T3 thyrotoxicosis. The I-123 concentrations measured at 24 h were 12.26 µCi/mL and 0.11 µCi/mL in the AFTN and contralateral ETT, respectively. Thus, the I-131 concentrations and radioactive iodine uptake expected at 24 h by 5 mCi of I-131 were 38.59 µCi/mL and 0.31 for the AFTN and 0.34 µCi/mL and 0.007 for the contralateral ETT. The weight was calculated as CT-measured volume multiplied by 1.03.

Results

In the AFTN patient with thyrotoxicosis, we administered 30 mCi of I-131, which would maximize the 24-h I-131 concentration in the AFTN (226.86 µCi/g) and maintain a tolerable concentration in the ETT (1.97 µCi/g). The percentage of I-131 uptake at 48 h post I-131 administration was 62.6%. The patient achieved a euthyroid state at 14 weeks and maintained the state until 2 years post I-131 administration with an AFTN volume reduction of 61.38%.

Conclusion

The pre-therapeutic planning of quantitative I-123 SPECT/CT may enable a therapeutic window for I-131 therapy, which directs optimal I-131 activity to effectively treat AFTN while preserving the normal thyroid tissue.
Beneficial effect of honeybee-specific lactic acid bacteria on health and activity of Apis mellifera L. colonies
Authors: Elenany Yasser Essam , Hassan Ashwak Abdel-Moneim
Published: February 2023

Background

Objective of this work was to investigate the impact of isolated honeybee-specific-lactic acid bacteria (Hbs-LAB) that isolated from worker's bee intestinal tracts on bee health as well as bee colony activity parameters. Independent assays were conducted from February to July, 2021 in apiary yard of Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt. Colonies were allocated to 2 experimental groups each of 10 colonies, Control colonies were fed with sugar syrup, while the treated colonies were fed with sugar syrup supplemented with mixture of Hbs-LAB (Lactobacillus brevis-HBE2, Lactobacillus casei-HBE5, and Enterococcus Faecalis-HBE1, 3 gm bacterial belts (1:1:1) mixed with 1.5 L of sugar syrup.

Results

The treated colonies recorded high significant differences in all activity parameters (worker's and drone's brood areas, amount of honey and pollen stored, and no. of combs covered with bees) than controlled colonies. In addition, total protein in workers hemolymph samples of treated colonies showed more number of protein bands and the hemolymph molecular low weight protein bands was 99.24 ± 0.3, whereas the high weight protein bands reached 183.87 ± 0.3 KDa, while for untreated colonies the hemolymph molecular low weight protein bands (KDa) were 70.99 ± 0.3 and the high weight protein bands reached 171.57 ± 0.2 KDa.

Conclusions

The Hbs-LAB proved to be a natural protocol that will positively impact the beekeepers’ economy by providing a higher yield of bee products as well as improve the protein values in worker’s hemolymph which is a superior tool for colonies resistance against several diseases that attack their hives.
Spectrophotometric, chromatographic and bioanalysis of selected recently approved drugs from 2015–2020 to treat cardiovascular diseases: an analytical review
Authors: Gharge Shankar , Koli Rahul , Gudasi Sachin , Hiremath Sushmita I.
Published: February 2023

Background

Heart Study has been operating for more than 40 years, and throughout that time it has found a number of risk variables that interact negatively to have an overall negative effect on cardiovascular disease (CVD) with an estimated 17.9 million deaths per year, CVD is the world's leading cause of death.

Main body

In the current study, we present spectrophotometric, chromatographic analysis and bioanalysis methods for qualitative and quantitative evaluation of 15 drugs, including small and large molecules, that the U.S. FDA approved between 2015 and June 2020 to treat CVD’s and in the current review work, they were presented.

Short conclusion

The review's conclusion is that spectroscopic, chromatographic and bioanalysis methods play important role in quality control and standardization of recently approved drugs from 2015 to 2020 for treating CVD’s in its bulk, pharmaceutical dosage form, synthetic mixture or human/rat plasma.
Fuel treatment effectiveness at the landscape scale: a systematic review of simulation studies comparing treatment scenarios in North America
Authors: Ott Jeffrey E. , Kilkenny Francis F. , Jain Theresa B.
Published: February 2023

Background

The risk of destructive wildfire on fire-prone landscapes with excessive fuel buildup has prompted the use of fuel reduction treatments to protect valued resources from wildfire damage. The question of how to maximize the effectiveness of fuel reduction treatments at landscape scales is important because treating an entire landscape may be undesirable or unfeasible. We reviewed 86 simulation studies that examined landscape-scale fuel reduction treatment effectiveness for landscapes of the USA or Canada. Each of these studies tested effects of fuel reduction treatments on wildfire through comparisons of landscape scenarios differing by treatment design or other attributes. Results from these studies were summarized to assess what they reveal about factors determining fuel treatment effectiveness at landscape scales.

Results

Qualifying studies focused primarily but not exclusively on forested landscapes of the western USA and ranged in size from 200 to 3,400,000 ha. Most studies showed that scenarios with fuel reduction treatments had lower levels of wildfire compared to untreated scenarios. Damaging wildfire types decreased while beneficial wildfire increased as a result of treatments in most cases where these were differentiated. Wildfire outcomes were influenced by five dimensions of treatment design (extent, placement, size, prescription, and timing) and other factors beyond the treatments (weather, climate, fire/fuel attributes, and other management inputs). Studies testing factorial combinations showed that the relative importance of these factors varied across landscapes and contexts.

Conclusions

Simulation studies have highlighted general principles of effective fuel treatment design at landscape scales, including the desirability of treating extensive areas with appropriate prescriptions at sufficient frequency to reduce wildfire impacts even under extreme conditions that may be more prevalent in the future. More specific, context-dependent strategies have also been provided, such as a variety of placement schemes prioritizing the protection of different resources. Optimization algorithms were shown to be helpful for determining treatment placement and timing to achieve desired objectives under given constraints. Additional work is needed to expand the geographical scope of these studies, further examine the importance and interactions of driving factors, and assess longer-term effects of fuel reduction treatments under projected climate change.
Frequency and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders among kitchen workers
Authors: Abdelsalam Abeer , Wassif Ghada O. , Eldin Waleed Salah , Abdel-Hamid Mona A. , Damaty Samia I.
Published: February 2023

Background

Kitchen work is associated with exposure to heavy workload which has been linked to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) and many other occupational hazards. This study aimed to measure the frequency of WRMSDs related to working in kitchens of two major Egyptian students’ hostels, to determine the associated risk factors, and determine the distribution of musculoskeletal problems in various joints in different job categories.

Methods

A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out among 128 kitchen workers of two major students’ hostels in Cairo, Egypt. A structured interview questionnaire was used to collect information on personal and occupational data and the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in the past 12 months based on the valid Nordic musculoskeletal disorders questionnaire (NMQ).

Results

The study revealed that the majority of kitchen workers (90.6%) at the students’ hostel reported WRMSDs within the past 12 months. The lower back (64.8%), knee (46.9%), foot (46.1%), neck (29.7%), and shoulders (23.4%) were the most affected sites. Age, educational status, job category, job duration, and body mass index (BMI) were significantly associated with WRMSDs among kitchen workers.

Conclusion

kitchen workers are at a high risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) due to the poor work environment, the massive workload, and great time pressure to perform their duties. Interventions such as hiring more workers of younger age, providing rest breaks, and health education about occupational hazards to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal problems should be reinforced.
Enabling urban systems transformations: co-developing national and local strategies
Authors: Webb Robert , O’Donnell Tayanah , Auty Kate , Bai Xuemei , Barnett Guy , Costanza Robert , Dodson Jago , Newman Peter , Newton Peter , Robson Eleanor , Ryan Chris , Stafford Smith Mark
Published: February 2023

Transformative urban development is urgent to achieve future sustainable development and wellbeing. Transformation can benefit from shared and cumulative learning on strategies to guide urban development across local to national scales, while also reflecting the complex emergent nature of urban systems, and the need for context-specific and place-based solutions. The article addresses this challenge, drawing on extensive transdisciplinary engagement and National Strategy co-development processes for Australia. This includes generation of two frameworks as boundary objects to assist such transdisciplinary strategy development. An ‘enabling urban systems transformation’ framework comprises four generic overarching transformation enablers and a set of necessary underpinning urban capacities. This also built cumulatively on other sustainability and urban transformation studies. A complementary ‘knowledge for urban systems transformation’ framework comprises key knowledge themes that can support an integrated systems approach to mission-focused urban transformations, such as decarbonising cities. The article provides insights on the transdisciplinary processes, urban systems frameworks, and scoping of key strategies that may help those developing transformation strategies from local to national scales.

Science highlights

• Transdisciplinary national urban strategy development is used to distil generic frameworks and strategy scopes with potential international application.

• The frameworks also build on other published framings to support convergent, cumulative and transdisciplinary urban science.

• The ‘enabling transformations’ and ‘urban knowledge’ frameworks include the perspective of those developing sustainable urban systems strategies.

• The enabling framework also informs ‘National Urban Policy’ and ‘Knowledge and Innovation Hub’ strategies, and prevailing power imbalances.

• The knowledge framework can help frame urban challenges, missions and knowledge programs.

Policy and practice recommendations

• An urban ‘transformation imperative’ and ‘strategic response’ can be co-developed from local to national scales.

• Local initiative is crucial to drive urban strategies, but sustained national leadership with coherent policy across sectors and scales is also key.

• Diversity in engagement participation and processes generates whole-of-urban-systems and local-to-national perspectives.

• Urban solutions are context-specific but generic frameworks can help collaborative issue framing and responses.

• Collaborative issue framing informed by generic frameworks can bring broader perspectives to context-specific and contested policy and practice issues.
The effect of Parkinson’s disease on total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yoon Jung-Ro , Yoon Tae-Hyuck , Lee Seung Hoon
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the effect of Parkinson’s disease (PD) on clinical outcomes and complications after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Our systematic review was conducted to answer the following questions: (1) does TKA negatively affect clinical outcomes in patients with PD? and (2) does TKA cause more complications in patients with PD?

Methods

A rigorous and systematic approach was used, and each selected study was evaluated for methodological quality. Data on study design, total number of cases enrolled, follow-up duration, PD severity, clinical outcome, and complications after TKA were analyzed.

Results

Fourteen studies were included. Nine studies reported clinical scores. TKA significantly increased knee and functional scores in the PD group. However, compared with knee and functional scores in the non-PD group, the increase in scores in the PD group was not statistically significant, but tended to be less than that in the non-PD group. Eleven studies reported complications. In six studies, there was no difference in the complication rate between the PD and non-PD group or did not include a control group. In five studies, the PD group had higher medical complication rates and similar or higher surgical complication rates than the non-PD group.

Conclusions

Patients with PD who underwent TKA showed satisfactory functional improvement and pain reduction. However, these outcomes were not as good as those in the non-PD group. The PD group had a higher probability of occurrence of medical complications than the non-PD group. Further, the PD group had a similar or higher surgical complication rate than the non-PD group.
Fault tree analysis for subway fire evacuation with agent-based modeling
Authors: Qiao Yaning , Weng Yikai , Shi Xiaobo , Zhu Zongyou , Li Changyun , Zhang Xumiao , Liu Jiankun
Published: February 2023

In the process of the continuous development of subway construction, the safe evacuation of subway passengers has been paid much attention to. As the subway itself has the characteristics of limited space and high passenger density, once a fire emergency occurs, it can cause huge losses only by passive rescue. Therefore, it is important to actively plan for evacuation to reduce life and property losses due to fires in subways. This study aims to develop a fault tree analysis method for identifying scenarios that lead to evacuation failure in subways due to impassability incurred by fires. First, a virtual evacuation model is established using an agent modeling technique, with collected passenger characteristics to calibrate local evacuation behaviors. Then, fire impassability scenarios (e.g. fire(s) in the escalator(s), in emergency stairs, or the combination) are evaluated using the established agent model. Eventually, a fault tree analysis is constructed to identify scenarios that lead to evacuation failures. The research results show that the passability of escalator(s) is critical for subway fire resilience. It is important to use stationary escalator(s) as evacuation pathways for more evacuation capacity. Fire risk management around escalator(s) should be stricter. Passengers and staff are advised to learn how to stop a running escalator to avoid evacuation failures.
Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD): a distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) study
Authors: Gabr Takwa , Elakkad Mona A.
Published: February 2023

Background

Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) is characterized by normal OHCs function as shown by intact cochlear microphonics (CMs) and/or otoacoustic emissions (OAEs); absent or grossly abnormal auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) and absent middle ear muscle reflexes. This study is designed to address whether the input/output function of distortion product OAEs (DPOAEs I/O) in ANSD patients is similar or different from normal hearing subjects. This work included 2 groups: control group (GI) composed of 20 normal hearing subjects and study group (GII) consisted of 20 patients with ANSD. All cases were subjected to basic audiological evaluation, DPOAEs I/O function recorded at four frequencies of 2f1-f2 and 5 intensity levels of L1 and L2.

Results

DPOAEs amplitudes were significantly higher in ANSD group when compared with control. The pattern of DPOAEs I/O function was different in ANSD and it was dependent on the frequency and intensity of the stimulus.

Conclusions

Despite normal DPOAEs recordings in ANSD patients, their amplitudes and DP I/O function are different from that of normal hearing subjects. This finding suggested different OHC pattern of activity in ANSD patients.
Impacts of vitamin C and D supplement on COVID-19 treatment: possible patho-mechanisms and evidence from different countries
Authors: Ahmed Sohel , Hossain Mehrin , Chakrabortty Deepita , Arafat Kazi Ifthi , Hosen Mohammad Jakir , Khan Mohammad Mizanur Rahman
Published: February 2023

Background

A balanced diet and nutrition greatly influence our immune system’s ability and regulate the risk and severity of infections. This review presented the possible patho-mechanisms of vitamins C and D in COVID-19 immunity.

Main body

Deregulation of the immune system including the decreased level of immune boosters is invariably reported in COVID-19. Vitamin C and vitamin D are among the immune boosters; homeostasis of those was found essential for fighting against the viruses, and COVID-19 is no exception. Statistical data strengthens the statements put forth on the effects of these vitamins regarding the complications, symptoms, and mortality.

Short conclusion

A comprehensive literature review revealed that vitamin C helps to reduce and in some cases eradicate the particular symptoms that pose major risks of COVID-19 while balanced vitamin D content in COVID-19 patients has been proved to possess a negative correlation with mortality.
Multiplier waveform inversion: A reduced-space full-waveform inversion by the method of multipliers
Authors: Gholami Ali , Aghamiry Hossein S. , Operto Stéphane
Published: February 2023

Full-waveform inversion (FWI) is a nonlinear optimization problem that addresses the estimation of subsurface model parameters by matching the predicted to the observed seismograms. We formulate FWI as a constrained optimization problem in which the regularization term is minimized subject to the nonlinear data matching constraints. Unlike standard FWI, which solves this regularized problem with a penalty method, we use an augmented Lagrangian formulation in the framework of the method of multipliers (MM). This leads to a two-step recursive algorithm, which is called multiplier waveform inversion (MWI). First, the primal step solves an unconstrained minimization problem, which is similar to the standard FWI but with a modified data term. These modified data are obtained by adding the Lagrange multipliers to the data residuals of the classical FWI. Then, the dual step updates the Lagrange multipliers with basic gradient ascent steps. In this framework, they reduce to the running sum of the data residuals of the previous iterations. The performance of the overall algorithm is improved by considering that the MM does not require the exact solution of the primal step at each iteration. In fact, convergence is attained when the primal subproblem is solved with one (without an inner loop) iteration of a gradient-based method at each iteration of the MWI. The new algorithm can be easily implemented in existing FWI codes without computational overhead by adding the Lagrange multipliers to the data residuals at each iteration. We find with numerical examples that MWI has a faster convergence speed and much improved stability compared with FWI and can converge to an accurate solution of the inverse problem in the absence of low-frequency data, even with a constant step size.
Liaison psychiatry practitioners’ views on accessing aftercare and psychological therapies for patients who present to hospital following self-harm: multi-site interview study
Authors: Quinlivan Leah , Gorman Louise , Marks Stephen , Monaghan Elizabeth , Asmal Sadika , Webb Roger T. , Kapur Nav
Published: February 2023

Background

Timely provision of aftercare following self-harm may reduce risks of repetition and premature death, but existing services are frequently reported as being inadequate.

Aims

To explore barriers and facilitators to accessing aftercare and psychological therapies for patients presenting to hospital following self-harm, from the perspective of liaison psychiatry practitioners.

Method

Between March 2019 and December 2020, we interviewed 51 staff members across 32 liaison psychiatry services in England. We used thematic analyses to interpret the interview data.

Results

Barriers to accessing services may heighten risk of further self-harm for patients and burnout for staff. Barriers included: perceived risk, exclusionary thresholds, long waiting times, siloed working and bureaucracy. Strategies to increase access to aftercare included: (a) improving assessments and care plans via input from skilled staff working in multidisciplinary teams (e.g. including social workers and clinical psychologists); (b) supporting staff to focus on assessments as therapeutic intervention; (c) probing boundaries and involving senior staff to negotiate risk and advocate for patients; and (d) building relationships and integration across services.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight practitioners’ views on barriers to accessing aftercare and strategies to circumvent some of these impediments. Provision of aftercare and psychological therapies as part of the liaison psychiatry service were deemed as an essential mechanism for optimising patient safety and experience and staff well-being. To close treatment gaps and reduce inequalities, it is important to work closely with staff and patients, learn from experiences of good practice and implement change more widely across services.
Ocular Drug Delivery: a Comprehensive Review
Authors: Ahmed Sadek , Amin Maha M. , Sayed Sinar
Published: February 2023

The human eye is a sophisticated organ with distinctive anatomy and physiology that hinders the passage of drugs into targeted ophthalmic sites. Effective topical administration is an interest of scientists for many decades. Their difficult mission is to prolong drug residence time and guarantee an appropriate ocular permeation. Several ocular obstacles oppose effective drug delivery such as precorneal, corneal, and blood-corneal barriers. Routes for ocular delivery include topical, intravitreal, intraocular, juxtascleral, subconjunctival, intracameral, and retrobulbar. More than 95% of marketed products exists in liquid state. However, other products could be in semi-solid (ointments and gels), solid state (powder, insert and lens), or mixed (in situ gel). Nowadays, attractiveness to nanotechnology-based carries is resulted from their capabilities to entrap both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs, enhance ocular permeability, sustain residence time, improve drug stability, and augment bioavailability. Different in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo characterization approaches help to predict the outcomes of the constructed nanocarriers. This review aims to clarify anatomy of the eye, various ocular diseases, and obstacles to ocular delivery. Moreover, it studies the advantages and drawbacks of different ocular routes of administration and dosage forms. This review also discusses different nanostructured platforms and their characterization approaches. Strategies to enhance ocular bioavailability are also explained. Finally, recent advances in ocular delivery are described.

Graphical Abstract
Preinjury Social Determinants of Health Disparities Predict Postinjury Psychosocial Conditions in Adult Traumatic Brachial Plexus Injuries
Authors: Maasarani Samantha , DeLeonibus Anthony , Wee Corinne , Leavitt Tripp , Lee Christina D. , Khalid Syed I. , Layon Sarah , Gharb Bahar Bassiri , Rampazzo Antonio , Noland Shelley S.
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND:

Adult traumatic brachial plexus injuries (TBPIs) are life-altering events that can have detrimental effects on a patient's quality of life.

OBJECTIVE:

To examine how social determinants of health (SDOH) disparities influence the risk of developing new psychosocial conditions after TBPIs in previously psychiatric-naïve patients.

METHODS:

Between January 2010 and June 2019, a retrospective analysis was performed using PearlDiver's Mariner, an all-payer claims database, to create 3 cohorts: TBPI disparity cohort: patients with TBPI and presence of at least 1 SDOH disparity before injury, TBPI without disparity cohort: patients with TBPI and the absence of any SDOH disparity, and control cohort: patients without TBPIs.

RESULTS:

The matched population analyzed in this study consisted of 1176 patients who were equally represented in the TBPI disparity cohort (n = 392, 33.33%), TBPI without disparity cohort (n = 392, 33.33%), and control cohort (n = 392, 33.33%). A total of 301 patients developed any psychosocial condition with 4 years of their injury. Patients in the TBPI disparity cohort had significantly higher rates of developing any psychosocial condition (31.12%, P < .0005), depression (22.70%, P = .0032), anxiety (18.62%, P = .0203), drug abuse (7.91%, P = .0060), and alcohol abuse (4.85%, P = .03499) when compared with the other cohorts. Furthermore, the disparity cohort carried a significantly increased risk of developing any psychosocial condition (hazard ratio 1.42, 95% CI 1.09-1.86). The rates of suicide attempt, post-traumatic stress disorder, and divorce did not significantly differ between groups.

CONCLUSION:

TBPI patients with SDOH disparities are at increased risk of developing new-onset psychosocial conditions, such as depression, anxiety, drug abuse, and alcohol abuse. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level III.
Drosophila Tropomodulin is required for multiple actin-dependent processes within developing myofibers
Authors: Zapater Carolina , Carman Peter J. , Soffar David B. , Windner Stefanie E. , Dominguez Roberto , Baylies Mary K.
Published: February 2023

Proper muscle contraction requires the assembly and maintenance of sarcomeres and myofibrils. Although the protein components of myofibrils are generally known, less is known about the mechanisms by which they individually function and together synergize for myofibril assembly and maintenance. For example, it is unclear how the disruption of actin filament (F-actin) regulatory proteins leads to the muscle weakness observed in myopathies. Here, we show that knockdown of Drosophila Tropomodulin (Tmod), results in several myopathy-related phenotypes, including reduction of muscle cell (myofiber) size, increased sarcomere length, disorganization and misorientation of myofibrils, ectopic F-actin accumulation, loss of tension-mediating proteins at the myotendinous junction, and misshaped and internalized nuclei. Our findings support and extend the tension-driven self-organizing myofibrillogenesis model. We show that, like its mammalian counterpart, Drosophila Tmod caps F-actin pointed-ends, and we propose that this activity is crucial for cellular processes in different locations within the myofiber that directly and indirectly contribute to the maintenance of muscle function. Our findings provide significant insights to the role of Tmod in muscle development, maintenance and disease.
Tellu – an object-detector algorithm for automatic classification of intestinal organoids
Authors: Domènech-Moreno Eva , Brandt Anders , Lemmetyinen Toni T. , Wartiovaara Linnea , Mäkelä Tomi P. , Ollila Saara
Published: February 2023

Intestinal epithelial organoids recapitulate many of the in vivo features of the intestinal epithelium, thus representing excellent research models. Morphology of the organoids based on light-microscopy images is used as a proxy to assess the biological state of the intestinal epithelium. Currently, organoid classification is manual and, therefore, subjective and time consuming, hampering large-scale quantitative analyses. Here, we describe Tellu, an object–detector algorithm trained to classify cultured intestinal organoids. Tellu was trained by manual annotation of >20,000 intestinal organoids to identify cystic non-budding organoids, early organoids, late organoids and spheroids. Tellu can also be used to quantify the relative organoid size, and can classify intestinal organoids into these four subclasses with accuracy comparable to that of trained scientists but is significantly faster and without bias. Tellu is provided as an open, user-friendly online tool to benefit the increasing number of investigations using organoids through fast and unbiased organoid morphology and size analysis.
Activated PI3K delta syndrome 1 mutations cause neutrophilia in zebrafish larvae
Authors: Elworthy Stone , Rutherford Holly A. , Prajsnar Tomasz K. , Hamilton Noémie M. , Vogt Katja , Renshaw Stephen A. , Condliffe Alison M.
Published: February 2023

People with activated PI3 kinase delta syndrome 1 (APDS1) suffer from immune deficiency and severe bronchiectasis. APDS1 is caused by dominant activating mutations of the PIK3CD gene that encodes the PI3 kinase delta (PI3Kδ) catalytic subunit. Despite the importance of innate immunity defects in bronchiectasis, there has been limited investigation of neutrophils or macrophages in APDS1 patients or mouse models. Zebrafish embryos provide an ideal system to study neutrophils and macrophages. We used CRISPR-Cas9 and CRISPR-Cpf1, with oligonucleotide-directed homologous repair, to engineer zebrafish equivalents of the two most prevalent human APDS1 disease mutations. These zebrafish pik3cd alleles dominantly caused excessive neutrophilic inflammation in a tail-fin injury model. They also resulted in total body neutrophilia in the absence of any inflammatory stimulus but normal numbers of macrophages. Exposure of zebrafish to the PI3Kδ inhibitor CAL-101 reversed the total body neutrophilia. There was no apparent defect in neutrophil maturation or migration, and tail-fin regeneration was unimpaired. Overall, the finding is of enhanced granulopoeisis, in the absence of notable phenotypic change in neutrophils and macrophages.
Thermoregulatory trade-offs underlie the effects of warming summer temperatures on deer mice
Authors: Flewwelling Luke D. , Wearing Oliver H. , Garrett Emily J. , Scott Graham R.
Published: February 2023

Climate warming could challenge the ability of endotherms to thermoregulate and maintain normal body temperature (Tb), but the effects of warming summer temperatures on activity and thermoregulatory physiology in many small mammals remain poorly understood. We examined this issue in deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus), an active nocturnal species. Mice were exposed in the lab to simulated seasonal warming, in which an environmentally realistic diel cycle of ambient temperature (Ta) was gradually warmed from spring conditions to summer conditions (controls were maintained in spring conditions). Activity (voluntary wheel running) and Tb (implanted bio-loggers) were measured throughout, and indices of thermoregulatory physiology (thermoneutral zone, thermogenic capacity) were assessed after exposure. In control mice, activity was almost entirely restricted to the night-time, and Tb fluctuated ∼1.7°C between daytime lows and night-time highs. Activity, body mass and food consumption were reduced and water consumption was increased in later stages of summer warming. This was accompanied by strong Tb dysregulation that culminated in a complete reversal of the diel pattern of Tb variation, with Tb reaching extreme highs (∼40°C) during daytime heat but extreme lows (∼34°C) at cooler night-time temperatures. Summer warming was also associated with reduced ability to generate body heat, as reflected by decreased thermogenic capacity and decreased mass and uncoupling protein (UCP1) content of brown adipose tissue. Our findings suggest that thermoregulatory trade-offs associated with daytime heat exposure can affect Tb and activity at cooler night-time temperatures, impacting the ability of nocturnal mammals to perform behaviours important for fitness in the wild.
Drink safely: common swifts (Apus apus) dissipate mechanical energy to decrease flight speed before touch-and-go drinking
Authors: Ruaux Geoffrey , Monmasson Kyra , Hedrick Tyson L. , Lumineau Sophie , de Margerie Emmanuel
Published: February 2023

Flight is an efficient way of transport over a unit of distance, but it can be very costly over each unit of time, and reducing flight energy expenditure is a major selective pressure in birds. The common swift (Apus apus) is one of the most aerial bird species, performing most behaviours in flight: foraging, sleeping and also drinking by regularly descending to various waterbodies and skimming over the surface. An energy-saving way to perform such touch-and-go drinking would be to strive to conserve mechanical energy, by transforming potential energy to kinetic energy during the gliding descent, touching water at high speed, and regaining height with minimal muscular work. Using 3D optical tracking, we recorded 163 swift drinking trajectories, over three waterbodies near Rennes, France. Contrary to the energy conservation hypothesis, we show that swifts approaching a waterbody with a higher mechanical energy (higher height and/or speed 5 s before contact) do not reach the water at higher speeds, but do brake, i.e. dissipate mechanical energy to lose both height and speed. Braking seems to be linked with sharp turns and the use of headwind to some extent, but finer turns and postural adjustments, beyond the resolving power of our tracking data, could also be involved. We hypothesize that this surprisingly costly behaviour results from a trade-off between energy expenditure and safety, because approaching a water surface requires fine motor control, and high speed increases the risk of falling into the water, which would have serious energetic and survival costs for a swift.
Applying machine learning classifiers to automate quality assessment of paediatric dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC-) MRI data
Authors: Powell Stephen J. , Withey Stephanie B. , Sun Yu , Grist James T. , Novak Jan , MacPherson Lesley , Abernethy Laurence , Pizer Barry , Grundy Richard , Morgan Paul S. , Jaspan Tim , Bailey Simon , Mitra Dipayan , Auer Dorothee P. , Avula Shivaram , Arvanitis Theodoros N. , Peet Andrew
Published: February 2023

Objective:

Investigate the performance of qualitative review (QR) for assessing dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC-) MRI data quality in paediatric normal brain and develop an automated alternative to QR.

Methods:

1027 signal–time courses were assessed by Reviewer 1 using QR. 243 were additionally assessed by Reviewer 2 and % disagreements and Cohen’s κ (κ) were calculated. The signal drop-to-noise ratio (SDNR), root mean square error (RMSE), full width half maximum (FWHM) and percentage signal recovery (PSR) were calculated for the 1027 signal–time courses. Data quality thresholds for each measure were determined using QR results. The measures and QR results trained machine learning classifiers. Sensitivity, specificity, precision, classification error and area under the curve from a receiver operating characteristic curve were calculated for each threshold and classifier.

Results:

Comparing reviewers gave 7% disagreements and κ = 0.83. Data quality thresholds of: 7.6 for SDNR; 0.019 for RMSE; 3 s and 19 s for FWHM; and 42.9 and 130.4% for PSR were produced. SDNR gave the best sensitivity, specificity, precision, classification error and area under the curve values of 0.86, 0.86, 0.93, 14.2% and 0.83. Random forest was the best machine learning classifier, giving sensitivity, specificity, precision, classification error and area under the curve of 0.94, 0.83, 0.93, 9.3% and 0.89.

Conclusion:

The reviewers showed good agreement. Machine learning classifiers trained on signal–time course measures and QR can assess quality. Combining multiple measures reduces misclassification.

Advances in knowledge:

A new automated quality control method was developed, which trained machine learning classifiers using QR results.
Deep learning-based prediction of rib fracture presence in frontal radiographs of children under two years of age: a proof-of-concept study
Authors: Ghosh Adarsh , Bose Saurav , Patton Daniella , Kumar Ishaan , Khalkhali Vahid , Henry M. Katherine , Ouyang Minhui , Huang Hao , Vossough Arastoo , Sze Raymond W , Sotardi Susan , Francavilla Michael
Published: February 2023

Objective:

In this proof-of-concept study, we aimed to develop deep-learning-based classifiers to identify rib fractures on frontal chest radiographs in children under 2 years of age.

Methods:

This retrospective study included 1311 frontal chest radiographs (radiographs with rib fractures, n = 653) from 1231 unique patients (median age: 4 m). Patients with more than one radiograph were included only in the training set. A binary classification was performed to identify the presence or absence of rib fractures using transfer learning and Resnet-50 and DenseNet-121 architectures. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) was reported. Gradient-weighted class activation mapping was used to highlight the region most relevant to the deep learning models’ predictions.

Results:

On the validation set, the ResNet-50 and DenseNet-121 models obtained an AUC-ROC of 0.89 and 0.88, respectively. On the test set, the ResNet-50 model demonstrated an AUC-ROC of 0.84 with a sensitivity of 81% and specificity of 70%. The DenseNet-50 model obtained an AUC of 0.82 with 72% sensitivity and 79% specificity.

Conclusion:

In this proof-of-concept study, a deep learning-based approach enabled the automatic detection of rib fractures in chest radiographs of young children with performances comparable to pediatric radiologists. Further evaluation of this approach on large multi-institutional data sets is needed to assess the generalizability of our results.

Advances in knowledge:

In this proof-of-concept study, a deep learning-based approach performed well in identifying chest radiographs with rib fractures. These findings provide further impetus to develop deep learning algorithms for identifying rib fractures in children, especially those with suspected physical abuse or non-accidental trauma.
Radiomic analysis in contrast-enhanced mammography using a multivendor data set: accuracy of models according to segmentation techniques
Authors: Savaridas Sarah L , Agrawal Utkarsh , Fagbamigbe Adeniyi Francis , Tennant Sarah L , McCowan Colin
Published: February 2023

Objective:

Radiomic analysis of contrast-enhanced mammographic (CEM) images is an emerging field. The aims of this study were to build classification models to distinguish benign and malignant lesions using a multivendor data set and compare segmentation techniques.

Methods:

CEM images were acquired using Hologic and GE equipment. Textural features were extracted using MaZda analysis software. Lesions were segmented with freehand region of interest (ROI) and ellipsoid_ROI. Benign/Malignant classification models were built using extracted textural features. Subset analysis according to ROI and mammographic view was performed.

Results:

269 enhancing mass lesions (238 patients) were included. Oversampling mitigated benign/malignant imbalance. Diagnostic accuracy of all models was high (>0.9). Segmentation with ellipsoid_ROI produced a more accurate model than with FH_ROI, accuracy:0.947 vs 0.914, AUC:0.974 vs 0.86, p < 0.05. Regarding mammographic view all models were highly accurate (0.947–0.955) with no difference in AUC (0.985–0.987). The CC-view model had the greatest specificity:0.962, the MLO-view and CC + MLO view models had higher sensitivity:0.954, p < 0.05.

Conclusions:

Accurate radiomics models can be built using a real-life multivendor data set segmentation with ellipsoid-ROI produces the highest level of accuracy. The marginal increase in accuracy using both mammographic views, may not justify the increased workload.

Advances in knowledge:

Radiomic modelling can be successfully applied to a multivendor CEM data set, ellipsoid_ROI is an accurate segmentation technique and it may be unnecessary to segment both CEM views. These results will help further developments aimed at producing a widely accessible radiomics model for clinical use.
Effect of ACTH4-10Pro8-Gly9-Pro10 on anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-4, IL-10, IL-13) expression in acute spinal cord injury models (male Sprague Dawley rats)
Authors: Asadullah Asadullah , Bajamal Abdul Hafid , Parenrengi Muhammad Arifin , Turchan Agus , Utomo Budi , Sudiana I Ketut , Subagio Eko Agus
Published: February 2023

Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a damage to the spinal cord caused mainly by trauma resulting in major motor, sensory and autonomic dysfunctions. Its final neurological outcome is determined by both primary and secondary injury processes. A key component of secondary injury mechanisms after initial trauma is neuroinflammation. A neuroprotective compound, ACTH4-10Pro8-Gly9-Pro10 (ACTH4-10) also known as semax, has shown neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. ACTH4-10 has also been actively used in the treatment of brain ischemia without serious complication reported. Here, we analyzed the effects of ACTH4-10 at regulating the inflammatory cascade in SCI by looking at anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-4, IL-10 and IL-13) levels after acute SCI.

Method: We carried out laminectomies in male Sprague Dawley rats at the second thoracic vertebrae. After laminectomy, we exposed the myelum and created mild SCI models with 20-g, and severe SCI with 35-g aneurysm clips. ACTH4-10 was administered intranasally to the treatment group and 0.9% NaCl to the control group (placebo). Both groups were kept alive and terminated at 3 and 6 hours. The tissue sample preparations were fixed in formalin and examined for immunohistochemistry. Quantitative measurement of the cytokines was done in the posterior horn area with specific associated anti-monoclonal antibodies.

Results: Rats with mild SCI that were given ACTH4-10 showed greater anti-inflammatory levels at 3 hours post-compression but only IL-10 and IL-13 were elevated significantly at 6 hours. Rats with severe compression in ACTH4-10 group showed greater levels of IL-10, IL-13 at 3 hours and IL-4, IL-10 at 6 hours compared with the placebo group.

Conclusions: Administration of ACTH4-10Pro8-Gly9-Pro10 intranasal can increase anti-inflammatory cytokine expression in Sprague Dawley rat models with mild and severe SCI. Expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines was greater in mild compression and 3-hour termination. Further research is needed to determine the optimal dose and clinical outcome in vivo.
Development and implementation of self-supportive intervention on post-traumatic stress symptoms and quality of life among battered wives of Madhya Pradesh, India: A pilot study
Authors: Joseph Joji , Canlas Rodel P.
Published: February 2023

Background: In India, intimate partner violence against women is a major problem that leads to terrible physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and economic consequences. In 55-92% of women who have a history of being abused wives, high levels of symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder have been discovered. Therefore, the quality of life is significantly low among them regardless of regions and countries. The purpose of the current study was to create and evaluate the effectiveness of a self-supportive intervention on the quality of life and post-traumatic stress symptoms among abused wives in Madhya Pradesh, India.

Methods:  The post-traumatic Symptoms Scale Interview version for DSM-5 (PSS-I-5) and WHO Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL) were used in this study as assessment tools. The Need assessment results showed that 51% of battered wives met the criteria of PTSD symptoms from moderate to severe and 83% experienced low quality of life. This study utilized a mixed research method and was executed in three phases, based on the main three elements of Conklin’s (1997) program development model, namely (1) planning; (2) design and implementation; and (3) evaluation of the newly created Self-Supportive Intervention program (SSI). The SSI program consisted of six modules, focused on addressing the issues that emerged through qualitative data and need assessments.

Results: Excellent inter-rater reliability (.845) was found in the expert evaluation's findings, which supported the recommendation to use the SSI as it is with minor modification. The SSI was further pilot-tested for its feasibility with 10 battered wives and validated through the paired sample t-test, which showed a substantial decrease in post-traumatic stress symptoms and enhanced quality of life at 0.05 level of significance.

Conclusion: This is an indication that the SSI program can be recommended as a psychological intervention in eliminating the PTSD symptoms and improving the quality of life.
The complete mitochondrial genome of the hybrid snow crab Chionoecetes opilio (♀) × C. japonicus (♂) (Crustacea: Decapoda: Majoidea) and its phylogenetic analysis
Authors: Yun Bong Han , Kim Yong Hwi , Han Ho-Seop , Kim Hye Jin , Park Jong Yeon , Bang In-Chul
Published: February 2023

We report the complete mitochondrial genome of a hybrid snow crab between a femaleChionoecetes opilioand maleC.japonicus. The circular genome was 16,065 bp in length, and consisted of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and a control region. The composition and arrangement of its complete mitochondrial genome were very similar to that reported for the maternal species,C.opilio. The close genetic relationship is reflected in the phylogenetic tree and supports maternal inheritance patterns.