bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Guidance on Which Calibrators in a Metrologically Traceable Calibration Hierarchy Must Be Commutable with Clinical Samples
Authors: Miller W Greg , Greenberg Neil , Panteghini Mauro , Budd Jeffrey R , Johansen Jesper V
Published: January 2023

Equivalent results for the same measurand in clinical samples (CSs), measured using different end-user in-vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVD-MDs), are essential for the application of clinical practice guidelines for diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, or risk assessment. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) document 17511:2020 specifies how to establish metrological traceability to the highest available reference system component to enable equivalent results among IVD-MDs. Commutability with CSs is an essential property of a reference material used as a calibrator in a calibration hierarchy. However, not all calibrators in a calibration hierarchy are required to be commutable; different calibration hierarchies have different requirements for which calibrators must be commutable with CSs. Because assessment of commutability is a substantial effort, it is therefore important to determine which calibrators need to be commutable when implementing a calibration hierarchy. We provide guidance on which calibrators must be commutable with CSs, when a correction for any noncommutability bias is appropriate, and when commutability of a calibrator with CSs is not required for various types of calibration hierarchies described in ISO 17511:2020.
The role of obesity-related cardiovascular remodelling in mediating incident cardiovascular outcomes: a population-based observational study
Authors: Szabo Liliana , McCracken Celeste , Cooper Jackie , Rider Oliver J , Vago Hajnalka , Merkely Bela , Harvey Nicholas C , Neubauer Stefan , Petersen Steffen E , Raisi-Estabragh Zahra
Published: January 2023

Aims

We examined associations of obesity with incident cardiovascular outcomes and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) phenotypes, integrating information from body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). Then, we used multiple mediation to define the role of obesity-related cardiac remodelling in driving obesity-outcome associations, independent of cardiometabolic diseases.

Methods and results

In 491 606 UK Biobank participants, using Cox proportional hazard models, greater obesity (higher WHR, higher BMI) was linked to significantly greater risk of incident ischaemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation (AF), heart failure (HF), all-cause mortality, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. In combined stratification by BMI and WHR thresholds, elevated WHR was associated with greater risk of adverse outcomes at any BMI level. Individuals with overweight BMI but normal WHR had weaker disease associations. In the subset of participants with CMR (n = 31 107), using linear regression, greater obesity was associated with higher left ventricular (LV) mass, greater LV concentricity, poorer LV systolic function, lower myocardial native T1, larger left atrial (LA) volumes, poorer LA function, and lower aortic distensibility. Of note, higher BMI was linked to higher, whilst greater WHR was linked to lower LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV). In Cox models, greater LVEDV and LV mass (LVM) were linked to increased risk of CVD, most importantly HF and an increased LA maximal volume was the key predictive measure of new-onset AF. In multiple mediation analyses, hypertension and adverse LV remodelling (higher LVM, greater concentricity) were major independent mediators of the obesity–outcome associations. Atrial remodelling and native T1 were additional mediators in the associations of obesity with AF and HF, respectively.

Conclusions

We demonstrate associations of obesity with adverse cardiovascular phenotypes and their significant independent role in mediating obesity–outcome relationships. In addition, our findings support the integrated use of BMI and WHR to evaluate obesity-related cardiovascular risk.
Both selection and drift drive the spatial pattern of adaptive genetic variation in a wild mammal
Authors: Lam Derek Kong , Frantz Alain C , Burke Terry , Geffen Eli , Sin Simon Yung Wa
Published: January 2023

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) has been intensively studied for the relative effects of different evolutionary forces in recent decades. Pathogen-mediated balancing selection is generally thought to explain the high polymorphism observed in MHC genes, but it is still unclear to what extent MHC diversity is shaped by selection relative to neutral drift. In this study, we genotyped MHC class II DRB genes and 15 neutral microsatellite loci across 26 geographic populations of European badgers (Meles meles) covering most of their geographic range. By comparing variation of microsatellite and diversity of MHC at different levels, we demonstrate that both balancing selection and drift have shaped the evolution of MHC genes. When only MHC allelic identity was investigated, the spatial pattern of MHC variation was similar to that of microsatellites. By contrast, when functional aspects of the MHC diversity (e.g., immunological supertypes) were considered, balancing selection appears to decrease genetic structuring across populations. Our comprehensive sampling and analytical approach enable us to conclude that the likely mechanisms of selection are heterozygote advantage and/or rare-allele advantage. This study is a clear demonstration of how both balancing selection and genetic drift simultaneously affect the evolution of MHC genes in a widely distributed wild mammal.
What (Who) Is Moderate Islam for? Malaysia's Ontological Security Seeking in the Post-September 11 Global Order
Authors: Chan Nicholas
Published: January 2023

The popular yet ambiguous idea of moderate Islam has been treated with either interest or indifference in international relations. The interest hinges on hopes of Islamic reformism, whereas the indifference originates from a cynical view that sees moderate Islam campaigns as driven by political opportunism. These viewpoints conceptualize the idea of “moderate Islam” as exegetically rooted and seek to measure state actions based on that. This article argues that “Islamic” signifiers in the foreign policy narratives of Muslim states are better understood from the postcolonial subjectivities of their producers, who are most aware of uneven global cultural hierarchies. It demonstrates that elite Muslim narratives of moderate Islam are less about religious reformation as they are about ontological security seeking. This need for ontological security seeking by Muslim state elites stems from the historical stigmatization of Islam that is exacerbated by the Global War on Terror. Using the case of Malaysia, I highlight how discourses about moderate Islam in foreign policy operate through two mutually reinforcing discursive strategies: image building and image differentiation. Through historical and discourse analysis, I argue that both strategies contain a stigma-correction motive as they worked to craft this image of Malaysia being an exemplary “moderate” Muslim state.
Creativity During COVID-19: Evaluating an Online TimeSlips Storytelling Program for People Living With Dementia During Quarantine in Colombia
Authors: Fay Stephen M , García-Toro Maritza , Henao Liliana Hincapié , Villegas Ángela Andrade , Lopera Francisco
Published: January 2023

Background and Objectives

Since its first implementation in 1998, evidence has been presented of the positive impact of the TimeSlips storytelling method for people with dementia in long-term care (LTC) settings. This article extends this evidence in important new directions: it is the longest TimeSlips study to date and the first to evaluate the feasibility of online delivery of the method (in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19] quarantine) and the impact of this on the personhood, quality of life, and psychological well-being of Spanish-speaking participants in non-LTC settings in the Global South.

Research Design and Methods

Trained facilitators provided weekly, 1-hr TimeSlips sessions via Zoom over 32 consecutive weeks to 8 participants with dementia. Semistructured interviews of participants and care partners were conducted within 1 week of the final intervention. Thematic analysis evaluated the resultant qualitative data.

Results

This online implementation of the TimeSlips creative expression (CE) method reinforced key facets of participants’ personhood (self-expression and self-perception, which led in turn to increased care partner appreciation), had a positive impact on key domains of quality of life (mood, energy levels, and cognitive function), and stimulated a key aspect of psychological well-being (the formation and maintenance of social ties).

Discussion and Implications

The online delivery of the TimeSlips method to participants who remain in their own homes is feasible and effective. Future research should compare the benefits of online versus face-to-face delivery of this CE method.
STING Promotes Intestinal IgA Production by Regulating Acetate-producing Bacteria to Maintain Host-microbiota Mutualism
Authors: Yu Tianming , Yang Wenjing , Yao Suxia , Yu Yanbo , Wakamiya Maki , Golovko George , Cong Yingzi
Published: January 2023

Background

Intestinal Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is crucial in maintaining host-microbiota mutualism and gut homeostasis. It has been shown that many species of gut bacteria produce cyclic dinucleotides, along with an abundance of microbiota-derived DNA present within the intestinal lumen, which triggers the tonic activation of the cytosolic cGAS-STING pathway. However, the role of STING in intestinal IgA remains poorly understood. We further investigated whether and how STING affects intestinal IgA response.

Methods

Intestinal IgA was determined between wild-type (WT) mice and Sting-/- mice in steady conditions and upon enteric Citrobacter rodentium infection. STING agonists were used to stimulating B cells or dendritic cells in vitro. Gut microbiota composition was examined by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. Bacteria metabolomics functional analyses was performed by PICRUSt2. Fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) was determined by Mass spectrometry and Cedex Bio Analyzer. Gut bacteria from WT mice and Sting-/- mice were transferred into germ-free mice and antibiotic-pretreated mice.

Results

Intestinal IgA response was impaired in Sting-/- mice. However, STING agonists did not directly stimulate B cells or dendritic cells to induce IgA. Interestingly, Sting-/- mice displayed altered gut microbiota composition with decreased SCFA-producing bacteria and downregulated SCFA fermentation pathways. Transfer of fecal bacteria from Sting-/- mice induced less IgA than that from WT mice in germ-free mice and antibiotic-pretreated mice, which is mediated by GPR43. Acetate, the dominant SCFA, was decreased in Sting-/- mice, and supplementation of acetate restored intestinal IgA production in Sting-/- mice.

Conclusions

STING promotes intestinal IgA by regulating acetate-producing gut bacteria.
Serum Lipidomic Screen Identifies Key Metabolites, Pathways, and Disease Classifiers in Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Ferru-Clément Romain , Boucher Gabrielle , Forest Anik , Bouchard Bertrand , Bitton Alain , Lesage Sylvie , Schumm Phil , Lazarev Mark , Brant Steve , Duerr Richard H , McGovern Dermot P B , Silverberg Mark , Cho Judy H ,   NIDDK IBD Genetics Consortium, iGenoMed Consortium, Ananthakrishnan Ashwin , Xavier Ramnik J , Rioux John D , Des Rosiers Christine
Published: January 2023

Background

There is an unmet medical need for biomarkers that capture host and environmental contributions in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). This study aimed at testing the potential of circulating lipids as disease classifiers given their major roles in inflammation.

Methods

We applied a previously validated comprehensive high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry–based untargeted lipidomic workflow covering 25 lipid subclasses to serum samples from 100 Crohn’s disease (CD) patients and 100 matched control subjects. Findings were replicated and expanded in another 200 CD patients and 200 control subjects. Key metabolites were tested for associations with disease behavior and location, and classification models were built and validated. Their association with disease activity was tested using an independent cohort of 42 CD patients.

Results

We identified >70 metabolites with strong association (P < 1 × 10-4, q < 5 × 10-4) to CD. Highly performing classification models (area under the curve > 0.84-0.97) could be built with as few as 5 to 9 different metabolites, representing 6 major correlated lipid clusters. These classifiers included a phosphatidylethanolamine ether (O-16:0/20:4), a sphingomyelin (d18:1/21:0) and a cholesterol ester (14:1), a very long-chain dicarboxylic acid [28:1(OH)] and sitosterol sulfate. These classifiers and correlated lipids indicate a dysregulated metabolism in host cells, notably in peroxisomes, as well as dysbiosis, oxidative stress, compromised inflammation resolution, or intestinal membrane integrity. A subset of these were associated with disease behavior or location.

Conclusions

Untargeted lipidomic analyses uncovered perturbations in the circulating human CD lipidome, likely resulting from multiple pathogenic mechanisms. Models using as few as 5 biomarkers had strong disease classifier characteristics, supporting their potential use in diagnosis or prognosis.
Improved Spin-Wave Estimate for Wilson Loops in U(1) Lattice Gauge Theory
Authors: Garban Christophe , Sepúlveda Avelio
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we obtain bounds on the Wilson loop expectations in 4D $U(1)$ lattice gauge theory, which quantify the effect of topological defects. In the case of a Villain interaction, by extending the non-perturbative technique introduced in [24], we obtain the following estimate for a large loop $\gamma $ at low temperatures: $ |\langle W_\gamma \rangle _{\beta }|\leq \exp \Big (-\frac {C_{GFF}} {2\beta }(1+C \beta e^{- 2\pi ^2 \beta } )(|\gamma |+o(|\gamma |)) \Big )\,.$ Our result is in line with recent works [4, 9, 13, 15] which analyze the case where the gauge group is discrete. In the present case where the gauge group is continuous and Abelian, the fluctuations of the gauge field decouple into a Gaussian part, related to the so-called free electromagnetic wave [11, 23], and a gas of topological defects. As such, our work gives new quantitative bounds on the fluctuations of the latter which complement the works by Guth and Frölich-Spencer [17, 27]. Finally, we improve, also in a non-perturbative way, the correction term from $e^{-2\pi ^2\beta }$ to $e^{-\pi ^2\beta }$ in the case of the free-energy of the system. This provides a matching lower-bound with the prediction of Guth [27] based on renormalization group techniques.
Validation of N-Light™ Salmonella Risk Test Kit for Detection of Salmonella spp. on Environmental Surfaces: AOAC Performance Tested MethodSM 072204
Authors: Desroche Nicolas , De Oliveira Déborah , Imhaus Anne-Flore , Hupfeld Mario , Fieseler Lars
Published: January 2023

Background

The NEMIS N-Light™ Salmonella Risk method uses chemiluminescence designed for the qualitative detection of Salmonella spp. from environmental surface samples.

Objective

To validate the N-Light Salmonella Risk assay using independent and method developer validation studies according to the AOAC Performance Tested MethodsSM (PTM) program for the detection of Salmonella spp. on stainless-steel, polystyrene, and ceramic environmental surfaces.

Method

The N-Light Salmonella Risk assay was evaluated in a matrix study in comparison to the ISO 6579-1:2017 method (“Microbiology of the Food Chain—Horizontal Method for the Detection, Enumeration, and Serotyping of Salmonella—Part 1: Detection of Salmonella spp.”) using an unpaired study design. Additional PTM studies performed were inclusivity/exclusivity, robustness, product consistency, and stability.

Results

The N-Light Salmonella Risk assay demonstrated a specific detection of all Salmonella strains tested. In the matrix study, the N-Light Salmonella Risk assay showed no significant differences between presumptive and confirmed results or between candidate and reference method results on the three surfaces evaluated. Data for additional PTM studies met acceptance criteria requirements.

Conclusions

The NEMIS Technologies N-Light Salmonella Risk assay is an effective method for the qualitative detection of Salmonella on stainless-steel, polystyrene, and ceramic environmental surfaces.

Highlights

The NEMIS Technologies N-Light Salmonella Risk assay, which is the first chemiluminescence-based detection system that uses a novel, patented dioxetane compound, allowing for easy and rapid detection of Salmonella.
Assessing the impact of open-label designs in patient-reported outcomes: investigation in oncology clinical trials
Authors: Lord-Bessen Jennifer , Signorovitch James , Yang Min , Georgieva Mihaela , Roydhouse Jessica
Published: January 2023

Background

Knowledge of treatment assignment may affect patient-reported outcomes (PROs), which is of concern in oncology, where open-label trials are common. This study measured the magnitude of open-label bias by comparing PROs for similar patient groups in oncology trials with different degrees of concealment.

Methods

Individual patient data from ipilimumab arms of 2 melanoma and docetaxel arms of 2 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) trials were adjusted for differences using propensity score weighting. Patients were aware of treatment assignment in CA184-022 and CheckMate 057 (open-label) but not in MDX010-20 and VITAL (blinded). Overall survival (OS) and mean changes from baseline to week 12 in the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (melanoma) and Lung Cancer Symptom Scale (NSCLC) scores were compared between open-label and blinded groups.

Results

After adjustment, baseline characteristics were balanced between blinded (melanoma, n = 125; NSCLC, n = 424) and open-label (melanoma, n = 69; NSCLC, n = 205) groups. Study discontinuation and PRO completion rates at week 12 and OS were similar. There was no clear direction in differences in change scores between groups. In the melanoma trials, role functioning (mean = -5.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −15.4 to 5.0), global health status (mean = -1.3, 95% CI = -8.7 to 6.1), and pain (mean = 6.2 , 95% CI = −1.8 to 14.2) favored the blinded, whereas emotional functioning (mean = 2.2, 95% CI = -5.8 to 10.2) and diarrhea (mean = -8.3, 95% CI = −17.3 to 0.7) favored the open-label group. In the NSCLC trials, changes in dyspnea (mean = 5.4, 95% CI = -0.7 to 11.5) favored the blinded and changes in appetite (mean = -1.2, 95% CI = -8.1 to 5.7) favored the open-label group. None were clinically or statistically significant.

Conclusions

This study adds to the growing evidence demonstrating that concerns regarding open-label bias should not prohibit the interpretation of large and meaningful treatment effects on PROs.
Mutual socialization during shared media moments: U.S. LGBTQ teens and their parents negotiate identity support
Authors: Mares Marie-Louise , Chen Yuchi Anthony , Bond Bradley J
Published: January 2023

Social relational theory proposes that children and parents socialize each other, particularly when knowledge, beliefs, and identities diverge. For families with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) teens, identity-relevant media depictions may spark moments of mutual socialization, including attempts to mediate each other’s viewing and discussions of the teen’s identity. U.S. data from 200 LGBTQ teens (aged 13–18) and one of their parents indicated that 83% of dyads reported that media content had elicited identity-related conversations. Both teens and parents perceived teens to mediate more often than parents, though latent profile analyses suggested distinct dyadic profiles. Although all teens were out to their parent, those with more identity certainty engaged in and received more frequent mediation. For parents, the frequency and positivity of “media moments” were associated with greater support for their teen’s identity. For teens, positivity (but not frequency) of such moments was associated with perceptions of more parental support for their identity.
Profiles of Resilience, Distress, and Posttraumatic Growth in Parents of Children with Cancer and the Relation to Subsequent Parenting and Family Functioning
Authors: Howard Sharp Katianne M , Tillery Webster Rachel , Cook Jessica , Okado Yuko , Long Alanna , Phipps Sean
Published: January 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify patterns of distress and growth in parents of children with cancer and examine associations with subsequent parenting, parent–child relationship, and family environment.

Methods

Participants included children with cancer history (8–17 years) stratified by time since diagnosis and their parent. At enrollment, parents (n = 254) reported depression and anxiety, and post-traumatic stress symptoms, posttraumatic growth (PTG), and benefit finding in relation to their child’s cancer. Three years later, children (n = 214) reported parenting behavior, parent reactions to their distress, and family environment. Parents reported their reaction to children’s distress and qualities of the parent–child relationship.

Results

Latent profile analysis empirically identified 3 cross-sectional profiles using baseline data: “Resilience, High Growth” (50%), characterized by the lowest distress and the highest PTG/benefit finding; “Moderate Distress with Growth” (33%), characterized by relatively high levels of all indicators; and “Resilience, Low Growth” (17%), characterized by relatively low distress with low PTG/benefit finding. Membership in profiles was associated with parent gender; parents’ stressful life events; socioeconomic status; and child diagnosis, on versus off treatment status, and treatment intensity. Parent membership in the Moderate Distress with Growth profile was generally linked with poorer parenting behavior, parent–child relationship quality, and family functioning.

Conclusion

The majority of parents exhibited resilience and growth. However, a subset of parents displaying moderate distress may be at risk for subsequent parenting and family functioning challenges. Findings further highlight the importance of screening for even moderate parent distress and the possible impact of parent psychosocial interventions indirectly on parenting and family functioning.
Comparison of Solute Nanoclusters in Fe–Cr–N Tempered Martensite Observed by Different Atom Probe Instruments
Authors: Zhang Yong-Jie , Young Shao-Wen , Rice Katherine P , Sato Mitsutaka , Miyamoto Goro , Furuhara Tadashi , Ohkubo Tadakatsu , Hono Kazuhiro
Published: January 2023

The solute clustering behaviors in Fe-1.0mass%Cr-0.3mass%N tempered martensite were comparatively studied by using three atom probe instruments, i.e. LEAP 4000 HR, 5000 XR, and 5000 XS. The microstructural features of nanoclusters were measured under the same conditions in voltage pulse mode, while statistical analysis including nearest neighbor distribution, radial distribution, frequency distribution, and cluster size distribution of Cr atoms were performed on the reconstructed datasets. The results revealed the superior capability of the LEAP 5000 XR to detect Cr nanoclusters in tempered martensite compared with the LEAP 4000 HR as a result of the improvement in detection efficiency and hit detection performance, whereas the high level of background in the mass-to-charge spectrum measured by the LEAP 5000 XS in voltage pulse mode limits its application in the detection of solute nanoclusters.
Observation of Focused Ion Beam-Induced Artifacts in Transmission Electron Microscopy Samples Leading to the Epitaxial Growth of AlGaSb Quantum Dots on the GaSb Substrate
Authors: Cummings Damion P , Perry Daniel L , Jauregui Luis Jose , Deitz Julia , Klem John F , Pan Wei , Lu Ping
Published: January 2023

We report an unusual artifact induced by Ga+ or Xe+ focused ion beam (FIB) preparation in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) samples with epitaxial layers on a GaSb substrate. The Ga+ FIB-ed TEM samples with a quantum structure made of Al/AlSb/GaSb/InAs/Al0.33Ga0.67Sb multilayers on a GaSb substrate are found to undergo phase modifications under certain conditions related to the beam energy. Dependent on the voltage used during thinning, the Al islands initially on top of the multilayer stack are gradually replaced by Ga, leading to the epitaxial formation of AlxGa1-xSb (AlGaSb) quantum dots (QDs) whose shapes are conformed to the initial Al islands. A similar effect is observed when the top Al islands are capped by an amorphous As layer. The artifacts can be avoided by extensive thinning at 5 kV followed by 2 kV polishing. Further experiments using Xe+ plasma FIB (PFIB) also produce similar artifacts, and those effects are eliminated by Xe+ PFIB under cryogenic conditions regardless of the beam conditions. The mechanism for forming the epitaxial AlGaSb QDs is investigated, and potential use of this phenomenon for QD fabrication is discussed.
Computer Vision Applied to In-Situ Specimen Orientation Adjustment for Quantitative SEM Analysis
Authors: Klein Clay , Li Chunfei
Published: January 2023

Quantitative analysis methods based on the usage of a scanning electron microscope (SEM), such as energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, often require specimens to have a flat surface oriented normal to the electron beam. In-situ procedures for putting microscopic flat surfaces into this orientation generally rely on stereoscopic methods that measure the change in surface vector projections when the surface is tilted by some known angle. Although these methods have been used in the past, there is no detailed statistical analysis of the uncertainties involved in such methods, which leaves an uncertainty in how precisely a specimen can be oriented. Here, we present a first principles derivation of a specimen orientation method and apply our method to a flat sample to demonstrate it. Unlike previous works, we develop a computer vision program using the scale-invariant feature transform to automate and expedite the process of making measurements on our SEM images, thus enabling a detailed statistical analysis of the method with a large sample size. We find that our specimen orientation method is able to orient flat surfaces with high precision and can further provide insight into errors involved in the standard SEM rotation and tilt operations.
The Impact of Energy Filtering on Fluctuation Electron Microscopy
Authors: Radić Dražen , Peterlechner Martin , Posselt Matthias , Bracht Hartmut
Published: January 2023

Fluctuation electron microscopy (FEM) analyzes intensity fluctuations within diffraction patterns in order to draw conclusions regarding the structure of amorphous materials by calculating the normalized variance V(k,R). Ideally, such experiments only evaluate elastically diffracted electrons. However, an undesired inelastic background intensity is always present and degrades the FEM data. Energy filtered FEM experiments were performed on amorphous germanium created by self-ion implantation. FEM data were acquired in a transmission electron microscope at 60 and 300 kV with different electron doses as well as varying energy filter slit widths at two sample thicknesses. Generally, the measurements reveal that energy filtering greatly improves FEM data at both beam energies and sample thicknesses by removing a certain amount of the inelastic background intensity in the diffraction patterns. The narrower the energy filter, the larger the normalized variance. This brings energy filtered FEM data closer to the normalized variance determined by simulations under idealized conditions. Furthermore, preliminary results indicate that the medium range order length scale extracted from the pair-persistence analysis used in FEM is strongly affected by energy filtering.
Ultrastructure of the Oropharyngeal Cavity Floor of the Red Porgy (Pagrus pagrus) by Light and Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: Alsafy Mohamed A M , Seif Manal A , El-Gendy Samir A A , El-Beskawy Mohamed , El Dakroury Mohamed
Published: January 2023

The current research aim is an ultrastructural examination of the floor of the oropharyngeal cavity of the red porgy fish. The study used gross morphology, light and scanning electron microscopy, and morphometric analysis. The teeth are arranged in anterior and posterior rows with differing heights along the entire length of the lower jaw. The labial teeth were long papilliform (canine like), medium, and short papilliform teeth. The teeth had a central pulp cavity and were surrounded by a thick dentine ridge covered in enamel. The pharyngeal teeth appeared in a V-shaped structure after the end of the interbranchial septum. There were three sizes of pharyngeal teeth: long, medium, and short. The apical pouch appeared on the lateral sides of the tongue. The tongue had a bulged mountaintop in the center and lateral sides with sea-wave-like longitudinal ridges with sloping grooves between them. The whole tongue surface had longitudinal ridges and sharp transverse ridges that appeared thorn like at the tongue root. Many sizes of pointed papillae were visible along the tongue surface. Ruffini corpuscles have been discovered in the tongue’s conical and dome-shaped papillae. The red porgy’s teeth and tongue papillae have distinct structural characteristics that are reflected in their carnivorous behavior.
The Effect of Dynamical Scattering on Single-plane Phase Retrieval in Electron Ptychography
Authors: Clark Laura , Martinez Gerardo T , O’Leary Colum M , Yang Hao , Ding Zhiyuan , Petersen Timothy C , Findlay Scott D , Nellist Peter D
Published: January 2023

Segmented and pixelated detectors on scanning transmission electron microscopes enable the complex specimen transmission function to be reconstructed. Imaging the transmission function is key to interpreting the electric and magnetic properties of the specimen, and as such four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D-STEM) imaging techniques are crucial for our understanding of functional materials. Many of the algorithms used in the reconstruction of the transmission function rely on the multiplicative approximation and the (weak) phase object approximation, which are not valid for many materials, particularly at high resolution. Herein, we study the breakdown of simple phase imaging in thicker samples. We demonstrate the behavior of integrated center of mass imaging, single-side band ptychography, and Wigner distribution deconvolution over a thickness series of simulated GaN 4D-STEM datasets. We further give guidance as to the optimal focal conditions for obtaining a more interpretable dataset using these algorithms.
Bullseye Analysis: A Fluorescence Microscopy Technique to Detect Local Changes in Intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Production
Authors: Hughes Joshua G , Chisholm David R , Whiting Andrew , Girkin John M , Ambler Carrie A
Published: January 2023

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are naturally produced compounds that play important roles in cell signaling, gene regulation, and biological defense, including involvement in the oxidative burst that is central to the anti-microbial actions of macrophages. However, these highly reactive, short-lived radical species also stimulate cells to undergo programmed cell death at high concentrations, as well as causing detrimental effects such as oxidation of macromolecules at more moderate levels. Imaging ROS is highly challenging, with many researchers working on the challenge over the past 10–15 years without producing a definitive method. We report a new fluorescence microscopy-based technique, Bullseye Analysis. This methodology is based on concepts provided by the FRAP (Fluorescence Recovery after Photobleaching) technique and refined to evidence the spatiotemporal production of ROS, and the subsequent consequences, on a subcellular scale. To exemplify the technique, we have used the ROS-reporter dye, CellROX, and the ROS-inducing photosensitizer, LightOx58, a potent source of ROS compared with UV irradiation alone. Further validation of the technique was carried out using differing co-stains, notably Mitotracker and JC-1.
Metathoracic Glands ofScaptocoris castaneaPerty, 1833 (Heteroptera: Cydnidae): Morphology and Volatilomic
Authors: Cossolin Jamile Fernanda Silva , Martínez Luis Carlos , Pereira Mônica Josene Barbosa , Vivan Lucia Madalena , dos Santos Marcelo Henrique , Fiaz Muhammad , Carvalho Paulo Eduardo Gomes Rodrigues , Souza Camila Patrícia Ribeiro , Serrão José Eduardo
Published: January 2023

The characteristic odor of Heteroptera is produced by metathoracic glands, which is poorly evaluated in the brown stink bug Scaptocoris castanea Perty, 1833 (Heteroptera: Cydnidae), an important agricultural pest. This study describes the anatomy, histology, and ultrastructure of the external scent efferent system, associated metathoracic gland, and volatile compounds produced. The external scent efferent system of S. castanea is ventrally located in the thorax, with an ovoid ostiole, a small and protruded peritreme, and an evaporatory area (evaporatorium) rich in mycoid microsculptures. The metathoracic glands have a secretory region with irregular tubules that open into a large reservoir. The secretory epithelium of the metathoracic gland has bicellular secretory units with globular and canaliculus cells. The globular cells are rich in rough endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and secretory vesicles. The reservoir has a single layered cubic epithelium with apical surface lined by a thin cuticular intima, and cytoplasm rich in mitochondria, lysosomes, and secretory vesicles. The secretion of the metathoracic glands of S. castanea has 11 components, including aldehydes, alcohols, and hydrocarbons, with abundant (E)-2-decenal, 2-octenal, 2-hexenal, and 1-octen-3-yl acetate. This study fills an important gap in understanding defensive strategy in this agricultural pest.
Distribution and Ultrastructural Features of Telocytes in the Pars Distalis of the Rat Pituitary Gland
Authors: Chunhua Liang , Xuebing Bai , Yonghong Shi , Min Yang , Haixiang Huang , Jianming Yue , Zhenwei Zhang , Qiusheng Chen
Published: January 2023

Telocytes (TCs), a novel type of interstitial cells, are characterized by their smaller cellular body and extremely long, thin processes which are called telopodes (Tps). They have been described in multiple organs from diverse animals. Currently, the existence of TCs in rat pars distalis (PD) has remained unexplored. This investigation was undertaken to visualize the distribution and structural features of TCs in the PD using immunofluorescence (IF) and further validated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). HE staining revealed the presence of interstitial cells in the peri-sinusoidal vessels spaces of the PD. Using IF, CD34/vimentin double-positive interstitial cells were identified as TCs in accordance with identification standards. TEM further verified the presence of TCs based on their unique ultrastructural features. TCs exhibited communication structures including cell connections and extracellular vesicles (EVs). Interestingly, TCs were in close proximity to the nerves. Most importantly, Tps extended toward the nerves, blood vessels, and glandular cells. TCs could be the structural foundation of a third regulatory system in rat PD according to the tight connections of TCs with sinusoid vessels, glandular cells, EVs and most crucially the nerves. Taken together, these morphological and structural findings demonstrate that TCs are vital components of the rat PD.
Faster SARS-CoV-2 sequence validation and annotation for GenBank using VADR
Authors: Nawrocki Eric P
Published: January 2023

In 2020 and 2021, >1.5 million SARS-CoV-2 sequences were submitted to GenBank. The initial version (v1.0) of the VADR (Viral Annotation DefineR) software package that GenBank uses to automatically validate and annotate incoming viral sequences is too slow and memory intensive to process many thousands of SARS-CoV-2 sequences in a reasonable amount of time. Additionally, long stretches of ambiguous N nucleotides, which are common in many SARS-CoV-2 sequences, prevent VADR from accurate validation and annotation. VADR has been updated to more accurately and rapidly annotate SARS-CoV-2 sequences. Stretches of consecutive Ns are now identified and temporarily replaced with expected nucleotides to facilitate processing, and the slowest steps have been overhauled using blastn and glsearch, increasing speed, reducing the memory requirement from 64Gb to 2Gb per thread, and allowing simple, coarse-grained parallelization on multiple processors per host. VADR is now nearly 1000 times faster than it was in early 2020 SARS-CoV-2 sequence processing. It has been used to screen and annotate more than 1.5 million SARS-CoV-2 sequences since June 2020, and it is now efficient enough to cope with the current rate of hundreds of thousands of submitted sequences per month.
Model-driven experimental design workflow expands understanding of regulatory role of Nac in Escherichia coli
Authors: Park Joon Young , Lee Sang-Mok , Ebrahim Ali , Scott-Nevros Zoe K , Kim Jaehyung , Yang Laurence , Sastry Anand , Seo Sang Woo , Palsson Bernhard O , Kim Donghyuk
Published: January 2023

The establishment of experimental conditions for transcriptional regulator network (TRN) reconstruction in bacteria continues to be impeded by the limited knowledge of activating conditions for transcription factors (TFs). Here, we present a novel genome-scale model-driven workflow for designing experimental conditions, which optimally activate specific TFs. Our model-driven workflow was applied to elucidate transcriptional regulation under nitrogen limitation by Nac and NtrC, in Escherichia coli. We comprehensively predict alternative nitrogen sources, including cytosine and cytidine, which trigger differential activation of Nac using a model-driven workflow. In accordance with the prediction, genome-wide measurements with ChIP-exo and RNA-seq were performed. Integrative data analysis reveals that the Nac and NtrC regulons consist of 97 and 43 genes under alternative nitrogen conditions, respectively. Functional analysis of Nac at the transcriptional level showed that Nac directly down-regulates amino acid biosynthesis and restores expression of tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle genes to alleviate nitrogen-limiting stress. We also demonstrate that both TFs coherently modulate α-ketoglutarate accumulation stress due to nitrogen limitation by co-activating amino acid and diamine degradation pathways. A systems-biology approach provided a detailed and quantitative understanding of both TF’s roles and how nitrogen and carbon metabolic networks respond complementarily to nitrogen-limiting stress.
Modeling-Based Response-Guided Hepatitis C Treatment During Pregnancy and Postpartum
Authors: Kushner Tatyana , Nyabanga Custon T , Cotler Scott J , Etzion Ohad , Dahari Harel
Published: January 2023

Treating hepatitis C virus (HCV) in pregnancy would address HCV during prenatal care and potentially reduce the risk of vertical transmission. Response-guided therapy could provide a means to individualize and the reduce duration of HCV treatment during pregnancy. Data from a 27-year-old woman indicated that, pretreatment, HCV was stable and that it dropped in a biphasic manner during sofosbuvir/velpatasvir therapy, reaching target not detected at time of delivery—16 days post–initiation of therapy. Mathematical modeling of measured HCV at days 0, 7, and 14 predicted that cure could have been achieved after 7 weeks of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, reducing the duration of therapy by 5 weeks.
Valuing Data as an Asset
Authors: Veldkamp Laura
Published: January 2023

In the twenty-first century, the most valuable firms in the world are valued primarily for their data. This article describes a set of tools to measure and value data and highlights unanswered questions, where more research is needed.
Predictors of Psychological Distress among Patients with Colorectal Cancer-Related Enterostomy: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Li Siqing , Zhong Liping , Zhou Danyan , Zhang Xiumin , Liu Yuxia , Zheng Baojia
Published: January 2023

OBJECTIVE

To identify variables that may predict psychological distress in patients with an enterostomy.

METHODS

Investigators recruited 77 patients with a stoma from a stoma clinic according to the inclusion criteria. Patients’ psychological distress was assessed with the Distress Thermometer (DT) tool, and their personality type was determined by the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire. Researchers also collected demographic and disease-related data. Predictive values were estimated using multiple regression analyses.

RESULTS

The mean DT score of all patients was 5.94 (SD, 1.81), and approximately 85.7% consistently suffered from psychological distress. Being unmarried and having peristomal complications were associated with higher psychological distress, whereas having a monthly income 5,000 ¥ or more was associated with lower levels of distress. Moreover, patients with a melancholic personality type tended to have higher DT scores, which could act as a strong independent predictor for psychological distress.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of patients with a stoma endured moderate to severe psychological distress during follow-up care. Exploring the related factors that predict the levels of psychological distress could enable clinicians to identify at-risk patients as early as possible and thus provide optimal care for improving patients’ quality of life.
Multimodal Analgesia and Intraoperative Neuromonitoring
Authors: Ma Kan , Bebawy John F. , Hemmer Laura B.
Published: January 2023

Intraoperative neuromonitoring has been a valuable tool for ensuring the functional integrity of vital neural structures by providing real-time feedback to the operative team during procedures where neurological structures are at risk. Commonly used intravenous and inhaled anesthetic drugs are known to affect waveform parameters measured with various intraoperative neuromonitoring modalities. While the concept of opioid-sparing multimodal analgesia has gained popularity in recent years, the impact of such a strategy on intraoperative neuromonitoring remains poorly characterized, in contrast to the more well-established concepts and literature regarding the effects of other hypnotic agents on neuromonitoring quality. The purpose of this focused review is to provide an overview of the clinical evidence pertaining to the pharmacological interaction of certain multimodal analgesics with routine intraoperative neuromonitoring modalities.
The Impact of the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s Flagship Journal: Critical Care Medicine: Reflections of Critical Care Pioneers
Authors: Bartlett Robert H. , Carlet Jean , Cook Deborah , Gattinoni Luciano , Harvey Maurene , Jacobi Judith , Parker Margaret M. , Sprung Charles L. , Suter Peter , Thompson Ann , Vincent Jean-Louis
Published: January 2023

On the 50th anniversary of the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s journal Critical Care Medicine, critical care pioneers reflect on the importance of the journal to their careers and to the development of the field of adult and pediatric critical care.
The Time Is Now: Leveraging the Affective Domain in PT Education and Clinical Practice
Authors: Berg-Carramusa Cara A. , Mucha Matthew D. , Somers Kimberly , Piemonte Nicole
Published: January 2023

Background and Purpose.

The traditional domains of learning are cognitive, psychomotor, and affective. These parallel the habits of head, hand, and heart as the foundations for knowing, doing, and being in health professions education. Physical therapy education is deeply rooted in a cognitive (head) and psychomotor (hand) taxonomy despite the mission, vision, and values of the profession that embody the knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSAs) requiring competence in the affective (heart) domain. Recently, the Model for Excellence and Innovation in Physical Therapy Education and the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy excellence framework in academic physical therapy identified pedagogical variables grounded in the affective domain (AD), including shared beliefs and values, partnerships and collaborations, leadership and innovation, social responsibility and inclusion, and a drive for excellence with high expectations.

Position and Rationale.

Fully integrating the AD into physical therapy education equips the future of the profession with the KSAs to achieve the mission and vision, meet stakeholder needs, and endure the demands of clinical practice.

Discussion and Conclusion.

Explicitly using the AD in physical therapy education is imperative to the success and sustainability of the profession and in meeting critical societal needs. Engaging all learners in the AD does not require monumental curricular change. Intentional activities and strategies can develop the humanistic values of the learner across a curriculum and can shift the culture of academia from primarily cognitive and psychomotor to one that is comprehensive across all domains. The AD informs the cognitive and psychomotor aspects of learning and has direct implications for clinical practice in meeting stakeholder needs.
A Targeted Discharge Planning for High-Risk Readmissions
Authors: Park-Clinton Eunice , Renda Susan , Wang Flint
Published: January 2023

Purpose of Study:

Racial and ethnic minorities with socioeconomic disadvantages are vulnerable to 30-day hospital readmissions. A 16-week quality improvement (QI) project aimed to decrease readmissions of the vulnerable patient populations through tailored discharge planning. The project evaluated the effectiveness of using a 25-item checklist to increase patients' and caregivers' health knowledge, skills, and willingness for self-care and decrease readmissions.

Primary Practice Setting:

The project took place in an inner-city teaching hospital in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Methodology and Participants:

A casual comparative design compared readmissions of the before-intervention group (May 1–July 31, 2021) and the after-intervention group (August 1–October 31, 2021). A pre- and postintervention design evaluated the effectiveness of a 25-item checklist by analyzing the differences of Patient Activation Measure (PAM) pre- and postintervention survey scores and levels in the after-intervention group. Participants were General Medicine Unit patients 18 years or older who had Medicare Fee-for-Service, resided in 10 zip codes near the hospital, and were discharged home.

Results:

Of 30 patients who received the intervention, one patient was readmitted compared with 11 readmissions from 58 patients who did not receive the intervention. The readmission rate was decreased from 19% to 4% during the 16-week project: 11 (19%) versus 1 (4%), p = .038. After receiving the intervention, patients' PAM scores were increased by 8.55, t(22) = 2.67, p < .014. Three patients had a lower postintervention survey level, whereas 12 patients obtained a higher postintervention survey level (p = .01). The increase in scores and levels supported that the intervention effectively improved patients' self-management knowledge, skill, and willingness for self-care.

Implications for Case Management Practice:

The QI project showed that the hospital could partner with patients at high risk for readmission and their caregivers. Accurate evaluation of patients' health knowledge, skills, and willingness for self-care was essential for sufficient discharge planning. Tailored use of the checklist improved patients' self-activation and functionally facilitated patients' and caregivers' care needs and capabilities. The checklist was statistically and clinically effective in decreasing 30-day hospital readmissions of vulnerable patient populations.