bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
0850 Exploding Head syndrome and Hypersomnia
Authors: Murray Robert , Stager Lindsay , Maddox Mary
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Exploding head syndrome (EHS) is a hypnagogic parasomnia where the patient experiences a loud noise or flash of light and often reports distress secondary to the stimulus. EHS is relatively uncommon, and to our knowledge, there has been only one published report of comorbid EHS and narcolepsy, describing a 38-year-old male. This report focuses on a pediatric case of EHS, evaluating possible comorbid narcolepsy and sleep apnea.

Report of Cases: Eight-year-old male was referred for excessive daytime sleepiness. He endorsed trouble staying awake in school, both in the morning and after lunch time. His Epworth in clinic was a 16, despite nightly sleep duration ≥8 hours. He also endorsed weakness secondary to strong emotions and was observed to have difficulty grasping and holding a pencil while tickled. Patient and his caregiver denied snoring, witnessed apnea, dream enactment, and symptoms of restless leg syndrome. However, the patient did admit to auditory hallucinations, occurring about twice per week during the transition from wakefulness to sleep. He described the hallucination as a banging sound and the sound of clinging bracelets, noting he has searched for the source of the stimulus, but has never been able to find a cause. Patient’s mother denied hearing similar noises. No visual hallucinations or sleep paralysis noted. Polysomnography revealed 0 Central Sleep Apneas, 0 Mixed Apneas, 10 Obstructive Apneas, and 12 hypopneas.

The mean duration of these events was 0 seconds. The patient’s Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) was 2.5 and had a REM AHI of 8.3. Patient was supine 75% of the night.

Conclusion

This case illustrates a unique hypnagogic parasomnia in a pediatric patient. At this point, the patient’s symptoms would suggest EHS characterized by auditory hallucinations that involve hearing the banging sound, upon transition from sleep to wake. The patient also exhibits some narcolepsy type symptoms - hypersomnia, Epworth of 16, and subtle symptoms of cataplexy. In lab PSG – showed overall AHI of 2.5, REM AHI of 8.3- oxygen nadir 90%. Patient referred to ENT for tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. With follow up NPSG and MSLT if still sleepy. He was referred to behavioral sleep medicine clinic to address anxiety secondary to EHS, but did not attend.

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0854 A case of complete heart block in a patient with severe obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Jamnadas Jeeten , Acho Megan , Farrehi Peter
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been associated with bradycardic arrythmias and cases of transient heart block. Heart block occurring during sleep has been described in up to 10% of patients with obstructive sleep apnea, most commonly during stage R sleep and through a mechanism known as vagal activation. Stage R sleep is associated with desynchronization of respiratory and cardiovascular functions, and the excessive autonomic response (vagal activation) occurs due to the stronger stimulation of chemoreceptors and baroreceptors induced by hypoxemia, intrathoracic pressure swings, and hemodynamic alterations. Treatment of the underlying sleep-disordered breathing will typically treat the bradycardic arrythmia as well.

Report of Cases: A 49-year-old male with a BMI of 30 kg/m , neck circumference of 16 inches, and obstructive sleep apnea presented to the sleep center to establish care for management of his preexisting OSA. He was previously diagnosed with moderate OSA in 2007 but had discontinued therapy shortly after due to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) intolerance. The patient complained of snoring, nocturia, and excessive daytime sleepiness (18/24 on Epworth Sleepiness Scale). During the split night study, the patient was noted to have 2:1 second degree heart block followed by a transient episode of complete heart block, manifested by 4 non-conducted p-waves. The patient remained asymptomatic throughout the night. Upon study completion, the patient denied any prior chest pain, presyncope, syncope, or medications that might cause heart block.

Conclusion

Bradyarrythmias can be seen in severe obstructive sleep apnea in the setting of excessive vagal stimulation through increased stimulation of chemoreceptors and baroreceptors. Treatment with PAP therapy can lead to prevention of heart block in 80-90% of these patients.

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0855 A challenging case of nocturnal visual hallucinations in an elderly woman
Authors: Van den Bulcke Laura , Van Den Bossche Maarten
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Nocturnal hallucinations can be part of a wide array of different disorders, like sleep disorders (e.g. narcolepsy), visual impairment (e.g. Charles-Bonnet syndrome), neurodegenerative disorders (e.g. Lewy Body Dementia) and psychiatric disorders (e.g. schizophrenia). We explore the differential diagnosis, the challenging diagnostic workup and the limited therapeutic options in this patient with complex visual nocturnal hallucinations.

Report of Cases: A 64 year old woman was referred with detailed and vivid visual nocturnal hallucinations (seeing her dog smoking a cigar, seeing someone in the room moving her bed, etc.). The hallucinations started 1-2 months ago, were mainly present at night (both when falling asleep and during the night) but occasionally also during the day. She had also been suffering from worsening daytime sleepiness for 3-4 months, and from memory problems for 1 year.

Cataplexy and sleep paralysis were absent. Clinical neurological examination was normal. The

patient had been diagnosed in the past with OSAS. She had been treated with CPAP for 3 years

and recent polysomnography showed good control of her apnea. She had also been diagnosed

with Crohn’s disease, COPD and cardiomyopathy. Because of her age, the vivid hallucinations, and the memory problems, we first wanted to rule out Lewy Body Dementia. Neuropsychological testing ruled out dementia. MRI of the brain showed some white matter lesions, without substantial atrophy. At a subsequent multidisciplinary consultation, her cardiologist considered her cardiomyopathy as a contraindication for stimulants. Therefore, and because we believed the a priori probability for narcolepsy to be low, an additional MSLT was not considered useful. Based on further pulmonary tests, we hypothesized that hypoxia could play a role in the hallucinations and hypersomnolence. The hallucinations improved over time, the hypersomnolence remained, but we found there were no good treatment options available, considering the cardiac contraindications for stimulants.

Conclusion

There is a wide-ranging differential diagnosis for nocturnal visual hallucinations. The specific patient characteristics are important both for further diagnosis and treatment options.

Support (If Any)

Supported by the Funds Malou Malou, Perano, Georgette Paulus, JMJS Breugelmans and Gabrielle, François and Christian De Mesmaeker, Managed by the King Baudouin Foundation of Belgium, No. 2021-J1990130-222081.
0857 How To Fix Mask Leak For Those With No Teeth
Authors: Kozlowski Conrad , Shamim-Uzzaman Afifa
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Mask fit is a crucial factor for patient adherence and effective use of PAP therapy. However, patients using dentures may face significant challenges to achieving a good mask seal, resulting in mask leak and inefficacy of therapy.

Report of Cases

A 67-year-old male with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) previously adherent to Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BPAP) therapy presented to clinic for complaints of mask leak. Due to a suspected dental infection, he had had all his teeth removed three years prior to this visit and had been instructed by his dentist to remove the dentures each night when he slept. However, removal of the dentures affected the fit of his full-face mask, and he experienced significant mask leak with return of pre-PAP symptoms. He was a habitual mouth-venter and preferred full-face masks. Despite trialing different masks, he was no longer able to tolerate his BPAP secondary to the leak and discontinued PAP therapy altogether. During his visit to the sleep center, a mask refit was performed with and without his dentures in place. While no masks sealed effectively with his dentures out, a satisfactory alternative was found if he wore his dentures. He was counseled to wear his dentures while using PAP, remove his dentures for the recommended minimum amount of time during the day instead of removing them for sleep, and to follow up with his denturist/prosthodontist for further instructions.

Conclusion

Edentulous patients may pose difficulties with mask fit, and a multi-modal approach may be necessary to effectively treat their sleep apnea. Luckily, our patient was able to find a mask that he found comfortable while wearing his dentures and had minimal leak. Alternatives may include consideration of positional therapy with lower pressures for a potential nasal mask, weight loss, hypoglossal nerve stimulator, or referral to an oral surgeon, denturist, or prosthodontist for guidelines on sleeping with dentures. Close monitoring of symptoms and download data is recommended following oral surgery and switch of mask interface.

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0860 Burst Suppression due to Diffuse Encephalopathy
Authors: Pandey Shilpa , Coorg Rohini , Mohan Sherrill , Kaplan Kevin
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Burst suppression is a finding on electroencephalography (EEG) associated with a severe encephalopathy associated with coma, severe infantile-onset epilepsy syndromes, hypothermia, or may be medically induced by general anesthesia. It presents as a pattern of alternating high-voltage, 75-250µV, activity separated by periods of amplitude dampening, less than 5µV, of electrical brain activity1. The duration of the burst’s activity is 1-20 seconds while the suppression lasts longer than 10 seconds1. When not medically induced, burst suppression is a known marker of poor prognosis.

Report of Cases: An 18-year-old male with cerebral palsy, spastic quadriplegia, and static encephalopathy secondary to hypoxemia ischemic injury in the perinatal period presents with excessive sleepiness during therapy sessions. He was empirically placed on non-invasive ventilatory support with BPAP ST 8/4 cm H2O with a rate of 10 breaths per minute for chronic respiratory failure during sleep. While awake he shows no evidence of hypoxemia or hypercapnia on room air. A polysomnogram was ordered showing moderate obstructive sleep apnea (oAHI 9.73) and central sleep apnea (5.84 events per hour) without hypoxemia (SpO2 nadir 90%), or hypercapnia (TcCO2 max 48 mmHg). The study was scored as REM/NREM as specific sleep architecture was not identified. Diffuse burst suppression was observed. No epileptiform abnormalities were recorded. A MRI of the brain shows diffuse encephalomalacia involving the supratentorial brain parenchyma with volume loss of the cerebellum, the pons, and brain stem.

Conclusion

The abnormal brain activity noted in our patient is due to underlying encephalomalacia and diffuse brain injury secondary to his perinatal hypoxemic ischemic injury. Despite his significant underlying neurological abnormality, he can maintain adequate ventilation and oxygenation while awake. While asleep, he has moderate obstructive and central sleep apnea without hypoxemia or hypercapnia. This is likely due to the activity of control centers of respiration being spared despite the volume loss noted on the brain MRI.

Support (If Any)

References:1) Bhattacharyya, Sourya; Biswas, Arunava; Mukherjee, Jayanta; Majumdar, Arun Kumar; Majumdar, Bandana; Mukherjee, Suchandra; Singh, Arun Kumar (1 November 2013). "Detection of artifacts from high energy bursts in neonatal EEG". Computers in Biology and Medicine. 43 (11): 1804–1814.2) Lee, Jaeyun; Song, Woo-Jin; Lee, Hyang-Woon; Shin, Hyun-Chool (2016). "Novel Burst Suppression Segmentation in the Joint Time-Frequency Domain for EEG in Treatment of Status Epilepticus". Computational and Mathematical Methods in Medicine. 2016.
0863 A Unique case of sleep state misperception in an elderly patient
Authors: Aryal Shubekchha , Azzouz Mouhannad , Stansbury Robert , R Subapriya
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Insomnia is a widespread condition, especially in the elderly population. While the International Classification of Sleep Disorders (ICSD) third edition appropriately removed primary insomnia subtypes from the classification, our case illustrates the importance of these factors in considering a chronic insomnia disorder diagnosis. We present a case of severe subjective insomnia with no apparent objective findings, instead with evidence of excellent sleep efficiency on the contrary.

Report of Cases: A 76-year-old male with a past medical history of anxiety and a recent diagnosis of early Parkinson's disease presented to the Sleep medicine clinic with two years of insomnia which started after his retirement. The patient felt difficulty with falling asleep every night. He underwent a sleep study and was found to have sleep-disordered breathing, which responded well to Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) therapy. However, insomnia symptoms persisted and were resistant to multiple medications, including Mirtazapine, Melatonin, and Suvorexant. He was referred for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with minimal to no improvement in his symptoms. Conversely, a one-week Actigraphy recording on Bipap therapy surprisingly revealed an excellent sleep efficiency with near-continuous seven to eight hours of sleep every night.

The etiology of chronic insomnia is poorly understood but is typically multifactorial, as

described in the second edition of ICSD. In this case, paradoxical insomnia played a significant

role in the patient's clinical presentation. Paradoxical insomnia is defined as thoughts or

perceptions of time asleep as wakefulness, with objective measures documenting normative

amounts of sleep. Previous work suggests that alterations in the sleep/arousal system may

contribute to this apparent mismatch between conventional objective sleep measures and

subjective reports.

Conclusion

This case demonstrates the challenge of effectively diagnosing and managing chronic insomnia. While the new classification guidelines from the ICSD appropriately remove insomnia subtypes from the diagnostic paradigm, familiarity with these previously described subtypes may aid clinical decisions. Crucial to this discussion is that previously described "secondary" or "subtypes" of primary insomnia may develop an independent clinical course that may require further attention.

Support (If Any)

ICSD 2nd,3rd editions.
PtoMYB142, a poplar R2R3-MYB transcription factor, contributes to drought tolerance by regulating wax biosynthesis
Authors: Song Qin , Kong Lingfei , Yang Xuerui , Jiao Bo , Hu Jian , Zhang Zhichao , Xu Changzheng , Luo Keming
Published: May 2022

Drought is one of the main environmental factors that limit plant development and growth. Accordingly, plants have evolved strategies to prevent water loss under drought stress, such as stomatal closure, maintenance of root water uptake, enhancement of stem water transport, and synthesis and deposition of cuticular wax. However, the molecular evidence of cuticular wax biosynthesis regulation in response to drought is limited in woody plants. Here, we identified an MYB transcription factor, Populus tomentosa Carr. MYB transcription factor (PtoMYB142), in response to drought stress from P. tomentosa. Over-expression of PtoMYB142 (PtoMYB142-OE) resulted in increased wax accumulation in poplar leaves, and significantly enhanced drought resistance. We found that the expression of wax biosynthesis genes CER4 and 3-ketoacyl CoA synthase (KCS) were markedly induced under drought stress, and significantly up-regulated in PtoMYB142-OE lines. Biochemical analysis confirmed that PtoMYB142 could directly bind to the promoter of CER4 and KCS6, and regulate their expression in P. tomentosa. Taken together, this study reveals that PtoMYB142 regulates cuticular wax biosynthesis to adapt to water-deficient conditions.
Multimorbidity Confers Greater Risk for Older Patients in Emergency General Surgery Than the Presence of Multiple Comorbidities
Authors: Rosen Claire B. , Wirtalla Chris , Keele Luke J. , Roberts Sanford E. , Kaufman Elinore J. , Holena Daniel N. , Halpern Scott D. , Kelz Rachel R.
Published: May 2022

Background:

Little is known about the impact of multimorbidity on outcomes for older emergency general surgery patients.

Objective:

The aim was to understand whether having multiple comorbidities confers the same amount of risk as specific combinations of comorbidities (multimorbidity) for a patient undergoing emergency general surgery.

Research Design:

Retrospective observational study using state discharge data.

Subjects:

Medicare beneficiaries who underwent an operation for an emergency general surgery condition in New York, Florida, or Pennsylvania (2012–2013).

Measures:

Patients were classified as multimorbid using Qualifying Comorbidity Sets (QCSs). Outcomes included in-hospital mortality, hospital length of stay and discharge status.

Results:

Of 312,160 patients, a large minority (37.4%) were multimorbid. Non-QCS patients did not have a specific combination of comorbidities to satisfy a QCS, but 64.1% of these patients had 3+ comorbid conditions. Multimorbidity was associated with increased in-hospital mortality (10.5% vs. 3.9%, P<0.001), decreased rates of discharge to home (16.2% vs. 37.1%, P<0.001), and longer length of stay (10.4 d±13.5 vs. 6.7 d±9.3, P<0.001) when compared with non-QCS patients. Risks varied between individual QCSs.

Conclusions:

Multimorbidity, defined by satisfying a specific QCS, is strongly associated with poor outcomes for older patients requiring emergency general surgery in the United States. Variation in risk of in-hospital mortality, discharge status, and length of stay between individual QCSs suggests that multimorbidity does not carry the same prognostic weight as having multiple comorbidities—the specifics of which are important in setting expectations for individual, complex patients.
Implementation of an Evidence-Based Onboarding Program to Optimize Efficiency and Care Delivery in an Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Pena Heather , Kester Kelly , Cadavero Allen , O’Brien Stacey
Published: May 2022

Nationally, nurse turnover is 18.7%, and 24.1% of nurses leave their organization within a year of hire. Onboarding is a key component of a nurse’s intent to stay and job satisfaction. This article describes the implementation and results of an onboarding program in a large intensive care unit.
Consumer-Based STI Screening among Young Adult Women: The Negative Influence of the Social System
Authors: Griner Stacey B. , Reeves Jaquetta M. , Webb Nathaniel J. , Johnson Kaeli C. , Kline Nolan , Thompson Erika L.
Published: May 2022

Background

Young adults (ages 18-24) are disproportionately burdened by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but STI screening rates are low among this age group. Negative social factors, such as stigma, influence STI screening behavior, but it is unknown if alternative methods such as consumer-based screening can reduce these barriers. This study examined how stigma impacts consumer-based STI testing among young adult women.

Methods

Qualitative data were collected via in-depth interviews with sexually active women, age 18-24, enrolled at a large public university in the South (n = 24). Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically with a priori and emergent codes by two coders (Kappa = .83).

Results

Participants from this study perceived sexual activity was viewed positively for men, but negatively stigmatized for women. Further, lack of sexuality education in schools was another contributor to stigma since abstinence-only education is commonly provided in this region. Participants felt offering information on consumer-based STI screening methods may be beneficial to address these barriers.

Conclusions

Stigma and social influences must be accounted for in future research and interventions to meet the STI screening needs of young adult women. Findings from this research can inform the development of targeted interventions for women who may perceive heightened stigma to STI screening.
Intralymphatic Histiocytosis Associated With Tubo-ovarian High-grade Serous Carcinoma: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Bonometti Arturo , Carbone Riccardo , Cassani Chiara , Dioli Claudia , Lucato Elena , Spinillo Arsenio , Paulli Marco , Cesari Stefania
Published: May 2022

Intralymphatic histiocytosis is a condition characterized by the accumulation of mononuclear phagocytes within lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes that may be isolated or secondary to autoimmune or neoplastic diseases. Secondary intralymphatic histiocytosis frequently involves the skin and is associated with malignancies in up to a tenth of cases. We describe a case of intralymphatic histiocytosis associated with high-grade serous carcinoma and reviewed the literature on neoplasia associated with the broader category of histiocytoses with raisinoid nuclei. Moreover, we try to elucidate the pathogenesis of these rare and intriguing disorders.
Yolk Sac Tumor Originating From Cervical Adenocarcinoma: A Case Predominated by Enteroblastic Differentiation
Authors: Liu Xiang-Lan , Ding Li , Lu Xiao , Hu Yan-Jiao , Zhou Xiao-Li , Lin Dong-Liang
Published: May 2022

The fetal gut-like phenotype can be found in yolk sac tumors and adenocarcinomas with enteroblastic differentiation (AEBDs). We report a cervical yolk sac tumor in a 44-yr-old woman. The tumor has similar morphology, immunophenotype, and molecular features to the AEBD of the digestive system. The tumor showed a glandular-predominant growth pattern, composed of columnar cells with clear glycogen-rich cytoplasm. The microcystic/reticular architecture or Schiller-Duval bodies were not found in the tumor. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for p16, glypican-3 (GPC3), spalt-like transcription factor 4 (SALL4), CDX-2, and p53. TP53 mutation was identified by next-generation sequencing, and human papillomavirus (HPV) 35 was detected by HPV DNA polymerase chain reaction. In the present case, the adenocarcinoma cells in the superficial cervical glandular epithelium and the nonclear glandular components proved the existence of somatic components. The positivity of p16 and HPV also supports that the present case originates from an HPV-associated adenocarcinoma. The yolk sac tumor should be thought of as “germ cell differentiation” from a somatic carcinoma. This kind of yolk sac tumor arising from somatic-type adenocarcinoma in the female genital tract may be the counterpart of AEBD in the digestive tracts and adenocarcinomas with fetal gut-like morphology in other organs. The tumor might be more aggressive than conventional adenocarcinoma, pathologists should highlight the existence of the enteroblastic component in the pathologic report.
Sexual dysfunction among adolescent and young adult cancer patients: diagnostic and therapeutic approach
Authors: Peleg Nesher Sharon , Luria Mijal , Shachar Eliya , Percik Ruth , Shoshany Ohad , Wolf Ido
Published: May 2022

Purpose of review

We present a review for healthcare professionals, formulated by a multidisciplinary team, for screening and interventions, describing common sexual impairments encountered by adolescent and young adult cancer patients (AYACP), and suggest a comprehensive evidence-based assessment approach and interventions for treatment of sexual dysfunction (SD).

Recent findings

We discuss the various aspects of SD in AYACP, including causes, challenges and etiologies, and then go on to recommend increased awareness and guidance in healthcare workers, in order to optimize diagnosis and treatment of SD.

Although the extent of SD among AYACP is widely recognized, oncological clinicians rarely address SD in their routine practice, lacking a clear approach of interdisciplinary diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Here, we suggest guiding clinical management to optimize treatment quality.
Potent and pan-neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern by DARPins
Authors: Chonira Vikas , Kwon Young Do , Gorman Jason , Case James Brett , Ku Zhiqiang , Simeon Rudo , Casner Ryan G. , Harris Darcy R. , Olia Adam S. , Stephens Tyler , Shapiro Lawrence , Boyd Hannah , Tsybovsky Yaroslav , Krammer Florian , Diamond Michael S. , Kwong Peter D. , An Zhiqiang , Chen Zhilei
Published: May 2022

We report the engineering and selection of two synthetic proteins – FSR16m and FSR22 – for possible treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. FSR16m and FSR22 are trimeric proteins composed of DARPin SR16m or SR22 fused with a T4 foldon and exhibit broad spectrum neutralization of SARS-Cov-2 strains. The IC50 values of FSR16m against authentic B.1.351, B.1.617.2 and BA.1.1 variants are 3.4 ng/mL, 2.2 ng/mL and 7.4 ng/mL, respectively, comparable to currently used therapeutic antibodies. Despite the use of the spike protein from a now historical wild-type virus for design, FSR16m and FSR22 both exhibit increased neutralization against newly-emerged variants of concern (39- to 296-fold) in pseudovirus assays. Cryo-EM structures revealed that these DARPins recognize a region of the receptor binding domain (RBD, residues 455-456, 486-489) overlapping a critical portion of the ACE2-binding surface. K18-hACE2 transgenic mice inoculated with a B.1.617.2 variant and receiving intranasally-administered FSR16m were protected as judged by less weight loss and 10-100-fold reductions in viral burden in the upper and lower respiratory tracts. The strong and broad neutralization potency make FSR16m and FSR22 promising candidates for prevention and treatment of infection by current and potential future strains of SARS-CoV-2.
G protein βγ subunits bind to and inhibit the function of multiple Qa- and Qb,c-SNARE isoforms
Authors: Zurawski Zack , Huynh Spencer , Kaya Ali , Hyde Karren , Hamm Heidi E. , Alford Simon
Published: May 2022

While the ability of G protein βγ subunits (Gβγ) to bind to and functionally inhibit the neuronal SNARE proteins Stx1A, SNAP25, and synaptobrevin in the presence of the calcium sensor synaptotagmin I is well documented, these three SNARE proteins, which form the core SNARE complex for synchronous evoked release in neurons, are but a subset of the larger family of SNARE proteins, which participate in many other exocytic processes within the cell and in other populations of secretory cells throughout the body, from which the release of neurotransmitters, hormones, and other factors is regulated by Gi/o-coupled GPCRs. The ability of Gβγ to regulate these processes is unknown. To investigate the feasibility of this mechanism to inhibit SNARE function more broadly, we utilized a series of biochemical assays of binding and function with four Qa-SNAREs (Stx1A, Stx2, Stx3, and Stx4) and four Qb,c-SNAREs (SNAP25, SNAP23, SNAP29, and SNAP47) in tandem with the R-SNARE synaptobrevin, synaptotagmin I, and Gβγ. Gβγ was found to bind to multiple Qa-SNARE isoforms as well as SNAP23, and inhibit the lipid mixing function of these SNAREs, as well as SNAP29. Together, this data suggests a more broad role for the Gβγ-SNARE pathway in the regulation of exocytosis beyond cells that express Stx1A or SNAP25.
Resource competition predicts assembly of in vitro gut bacterial communities
Authors: Ho Po-Yi , Nguyen Taylor H. , Sanchez Juan M. , DeFelice Brian C. , Huang Kerwyn Casey
Published: May 2022

Members of microbial communities interact via a plethora of mechanisms, including resource competition, cross-feeding, and pH modulation. However, the relative contributions of these mechanisms to community dynamics remain uncharacterized. Here, we develop a framework to distinguish the effects of resource competition from other interaction mechanisms by integrating data from growth measurements in spent media, synthetic community assembly, and metabolomics with consumer-resource models. When applied to human gut commensals, our framework revealed that resource competition alone could explain most pairwise interactions. The resource-competition landscape inferred from metabolomic profiles of individual species predicted assembly compositions, demonstrating that resource competition is a dominant driver of in vitro community assembly. Moreover, the identification and incorporation of interactions other than resource competition, including pH-mediated effects and cross-feeding, improved model predictions. Our work provides an experimental and modeling framework to characterize and quantify interspecies interactions in vitro that should advance mechanistically principled engineering of microbial communities.
The co-crystal 4,6-diacetylresorcinol–1-aminopyrene (2/1)
Authors: Magrashi Maryam Ali , Aazam Elham Shafik
Published: May 2022

The structure of the title molecular complex, C16H11N·2C10H10O4, at 150 K has been determined. The molecules form stacks consisting of aggregates with disordered 1-aminopyrene molecule surrounded by two 4,6-diacetylresorcinol molecules. Neighbouring stacks are linked by hydrogen bonds between the amine H atoms of the 1-aminopyrene molecule with the adjacent carbonyl oxygen atom of the 4,6-diacetylresorcinol molecule.
Rooftop rainwater harvesting for sustainable water usage in residential buildings for climate resilient city building: case study of Rajshahi, Bangladesh
Authors: Nipun Muhammad Waresul Hassan , Ashik-Ur-Rahman Md , Rikta Sharmin Yousuf , Parven Afshana , Pal Indrajit
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The effects of population growth in the developing world and climate change have increased the stress on available water resources. The majority of Rajshahi city, Bangladesh, is facilitated with groundwater withdrawal. As Bangladesh is a country of monsoon climate, reserved rainwater can be contributed as an alternative to extracted groundwater. This study aims to develop a framework for rooftop rainwater harvesting (RRWH) for domestic purposes and estimate the appropriate size of the storage tanks and their costs required to fulfill the annual drinking and cooking water demands through RRWH in Rajshahi city of Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 100 single-story residential dwellings with varying rooftop areas were surveyed for the projection of RRWH potential. The relationship between the size and cost of a water tank and the rooftop areas of different houses is expressed using a general mathematical equation. Cost estimates for the proposed RRWH system for all houses have been completed, and a cost model illustrating the relationship between rooftop or catchment area and associated cost of RRWH system has been developed.

Findings

This study reveals that a maximum of 110.75 m3/year rainwater can be collected from a 100 m2 rooftop area of Rajshahi city. Moreover, this study finds that such harvesting of rainwater can reduce municipal water supply to the extent of almost 75%. Water samples collected from rooftops also revealed that if germs were removed through bacteria treatment, the collected rainwater potentially can be used for drinking and cooking purposes.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study is that it focused mainly on how significant RRWH can be to meet people’s daily required amount of water for household purpose and ascertain the cost reduction using the RWH method. This paper also is unique as it assessed the volume of the storage tank that is sufficient to distribute the necessary amount of water for drinking and cooking purpose as a sustainable alternative source in the dry season.
Hedonic housing values in a transition economy: the case of Tashkent
Authors: Ozsoy Onur , Ahunov Muzaffarjon
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to scrutinize the value of houses explained by their location in Central Asia’s largest city – Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. The city was completely rebuilt after a devastating earthquake of 1961 and since the country was under the centrally planned regime, houses followed a common standard and style. This allows minimizing the error from omitting possible intrinsic characteristics in a hedonic model, while measuring the impact of location on housing values.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses unique data on housing values and characteristics harvested from classified adverts. This study deliberately focused on data between 2013 and 2016, when Uzbekistan was characterized as hesitant in economic reforms. Therefore, residential buildings constructed during the Former Soviet Union dominated all parts of the city in the analysis period. The results are based on the hedonic pricing model.

Findings

The results suggest that locational characteristics are relatively more important than intrinsic characteristics. This study finds that proximity to the city center and access to subway stations significantly increase housing values. The opposite is true for the case of proximity to a wastewater treatment plant. Surprisingly, on the contrary to the authors’ expectations access to a park has no economically significant impact on housing values. The results, therefore, call for an integrated approach for city planning.

Originality/value

The first and most important contribution of this study to the field of housing economics is that it is the first study done for Uzbekistan, the most populated Central Asian country, and it is a case study for other Central Asian countries. The second contribution of the study is that, after a long and meticulous study, the determinants of housing prices were analyzed by taking into account all possible intrinsic and extrinsic properties of houses with the similar characteristics, over a unique data set created from approximately 18,000 observations from classified pages of a major newspaper published every Thursday in Tashkent City. The final contribution of the study is that it offers new perspectives and policy recommendations to the housing market actors in Uzbekistan.
We “like” to value the brand: a mixed-method study
Authors: Thai Trung Dam-Huy , Wang Tien , Nguyen Tin Trung
Published: May 2022

Purpose

From the perspectives of service-dominant logic and social identity theory, this study aims to assess social networking site (SNS) users’ likes as a form of social endorsement as well as its effects on like-clicking behavior, perceived brand value, customer-brand identification and purchase intention. Furthermore, the different effects of social endorsement on the perceived functional, hedonic, social and monetary brand value were investigated so as to support SNS users’ role as value cocreators.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was administered as a pretest of customer perceptions regarding brands that are liked on SNSs. Next, an experiment was conducted to verify the effects of social endorsement. A mixed-method approach including partial least squares (PLS) and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) was adopted for the data analysis.

Findings

The results revealed that like-clicking behavior could be contagious because SNS users exposed to others’ likes were more likely to click the like button themselves. Like-clicking behavior positively influenced the perceived functional, hedonic, social and monetary value of the liked brand. Perceived brand value strengthened customer-brand identification, thereby increasing purchase intention.

Originality/value

Like-based social endorsements were confirmed as a type of value cocreation behavior that benefits the endorsed brand by spreading brand awareness, and increasing customer acquisition and retention. An fsQCA approach was developed to measure the moderating effect of users’ propensity to click the like button on perceived brand value, thus contributing to the advancement of fsQCA.
Mathematical modeling of MHD flow and radiative heat transfer past a moving porous rotating disk with Hall effect
Authors: Kumar Sanjay , Sharma Kushal
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The present study aims to investigate the effect of radiation on the unsteady magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow of a viscous, electrically conducting Newtonian fluid over rotating disk moving upward/downward immersed in a porous medium, considering the Hall effect. The study is motivated by the various applications in the context of solar power technology, electric power generation, Hall accelerators, MHDs generators and other industrial areas when the fluid flow is subjected to the previously mentioned effects such as MHD, Hall effect and thermal radiation.

Design/methodology/approach

Suitable similarity transformations are employed to reduce the governing nonlinear partial differential equations into the nonlinear ordinary ones. The solutions of the reduced system are numerically obtained using the boundary value problem (BVP) Midrich scheme in Maple. The results are presented graphically for vertical disk movement, magnetic parameter, Hall current, Darcy parameter, thermal radiation and Schmidt number. Skin frictions, mass and heat transfer rates are numerically tabulated.

Findings

It is revealed that the vertical motion of the disk significantly boosts the radial and annular flows. Moreover, the Hall parameter has contrasting effects on velocity profiles for the range of magnetic field but temperature field is oblivious of this behavior. It is observed that heat and mass transfer considerably enhance along vertical disk movement. Also magnetic field, temperature ratio and radiation parameter significantly enhance the temperature field, while reaction rate parameter and Schmidt number decrease the concentration profile. The current model is calibrated in its reduced form to an already published literature with good correlation to ensure the numerical scheme's validity.

Originality/value

This work is original within the best efforts of the authors.
Rovatirelin ameliorates motor dysfunction in the cytosine arabinoside‐induced rat model of spinocerebellar degeneration via acetylcholine and dopamine neurotransmission
Authors: Ijiro Tomoyuki , Yaguchi Atsushi , Yokoyama Ayaka , Kiguchi Sumiyoshi
Published: May 2022

Thyrotropin‐releasing hormone (TRH) and the TRH mimetic taltirelin have been used in Japan for the treatment of spinocerebellar degeneration (SCD), a type of progressive ataxia. A TRH mimetic, rovatirelin, ameliorates ataxia symptoms in the rolling mouse Nagoya, a hereditary SCD model. The aim of this study was to verify the effects of oral administration of rovatirelin on a cytosine arabinoside (Ara‐C)‐induced ataxia rat model, a sporadic SCD model characterized by gait abnormalities and falls because of cerebellar atrophy and investigate the central nervous system mechanism associated with rovatirelin‐mediated amelioration of motor dysfunction in these rats. Rovatirelin at ≥3 mg/kg significantly decreased the fall index, which is a primary endpoint of improved motor function calculated by dividing the number of falls by the locomotor activity, in both male and female rats with Ara‐C‐induced ataxia. Furthermore, rovatirelin caused a significant increase in locomotor activity in a dose‐dependent manner. Taltirelin at ≥30 mg/kg ameliorated motor dysfunction in ataxic rats. Moreover, rovatirelin significantly increased acetylcholine (ACh) levels in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and dopamine (DA) levels in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) at ≥3 mg/kg and significantly increased DA levels in the dorsal striatum at ≥10 mg/kg in normal rats. In conclusion, oral administration of rovatirelin ameliorates motor dysfunction in rats with Ara‐C‐induced ataxia, owing to its ACh‐increasing effects in the mPFC and DA‐increasing effects in the dorsal striatum and NAc. Furthermore, the effects of rovatirelin were more potent than those of taltirelin.
Characteristics, clinical findings and outcomes of acute aortic dissection: A comparison between an Australian emergency department and the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection
Authors: Slaven John , Evans Mark , Partyka Christopher , Aneman Anders , Middleton Paul M
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a rare, life‐threatening condition for which the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD) remains the most detailed clinical resource. The present study compared the characteristics, clinical findings and outcomes of patients presenting to Liverpool Hospital, NSW, Australia (LPOOL) with AAD to those in IRAD. Secondary aims were to identify LPOOL patient variables associated with 30‐day mortality and to assess the impact of transfer times in the ED on 30‐day mortality.

Methods

Retrospective observational study of patients presenting to LPOOL with AAD between 2011 and 2019. Clinical records were examined and compared with IRAD data. Variables in LPOOL associated (P < 0.10) with 30‐day mortality by univariable analysis were subsequently entered in a multivariable logistic regression to identify independent predictors. Mediation analysis was performed to assess the impact of ED transfer times on 30‐day mortality.

Results

The characteristics, clinical findings and outcomes of 156 LPOOL patients were overall similar to those in IRAD. Syncope, weakness or paralysis, raised lactate and chest X‐ray abnormalities were identified as independent predictors of 30‐day mortality. Time from ED to ICU explained 28% of the variance in survival at 30 days.

Conclusions

The characteristics, clinical features and outcomes of patients with AAD presenting to LPOOL appeared similar to those reported by IRAD. The identification of independent mortality predictors serves to improve the understanding of local AAD presentations. Reducing ED to ICU transfer times may increase 30‐day survival and further interdisciplinary research should be considered.
Outcome and prognosis of secondary lung cancer surgery with interstitial lung disease
Authors: Ichinokawa Hideomi , Takamochi Kazuya , Fukui Mariko , Hattori Aritoshi , Matsunaga Takeshi , Suzuki Kenji
Published: May 2022

Background

The initial surgery for lung cancer with interstitial lung disease (ILD) is often followed by passive treatment due to the surgery‐induced deterioration in respiratory function, and only a few studies have summarized the findings associated with a second surgery for lung cancer patients with ILD.

Methods

Of the 3932 lung cancer patients who underwent surgery at our hospital from August 2008 to July 2019, 404 (10%) patients (1) underwent preoperative computed tomography for imaging of interstitial pneumonia and (2) underwent initial surgery. We analyzed 45 cases (11%) suspected of showing metachronous lung cancer during the postoperative course.

Results

Thirty‐four patients (76%) underwent a second surgery. The group that underwent a second surgery showed a significantly better prognosis than the group that did not (p = 0.0009). The surgical procedure was wide‐wedge resection/segmentectomy/lobectomy and above in 15/7/12 cases, respectively. Postoperative complications were observed in nine cases (26%) (prolonged pulmonary fistula in five cases, ILD acute exacerbation in two cases, and wound dissection in two cases). Mortality within 30 days occurred in one case (ILD acute exacerbation at postoperative day 15). Twelve patients (35%) experienced recurrence. In the wide‐wedge resection group, 2/15 (13%) patients showed stump recurrence. The 1‐, 2‐, 3‐, and 5‐year survival rates after surgery for secondary lung cancer were 80.4, 72.5, 68.2, and 39.4%, respectively.

Conclusion

Surgery can be considered an effective treatment method for secondary lung cancer with ILD if the cases are carefully selected.
Exchange networks of the Early Bronze Age Gulf: The imported ceramics from Kalba 4 (United Arab Emirates)
Authors: Eddisford Daniel
Published: May 2022

Imported ceramics from Early Bronze Age contexts in southeast Arabia illustrate a complex multidirectional network of material and social interactions at this time. Significant socioeconomic changes that occurred in the Hafit (3200–2800 B.C.) and Umm an‐Nar (2800–2000 B.C.) periods have been linked to external demand for copper, which is argued to have stimulated a change in subsistence patterns. Similarly, disruption to long‐distance exchange networks by external factors has been cited as driving change at the end of the Umm an‐Nar period. Archaeological evidence from the region suggests a shift in the direction of exchange from Mesopotamia to the Indus occurred around the middle of the third millennium B.C. However, a recent analysis of Mesopotamian historical sources has highlighted the scale of state‐organised textile production for export to the lower Gulf in the later third millennium B.C. The site of Kalba 4 has a stratified sequence of occupation deposits dating from the Umm an‐Nar and Iron Age (1300–300 B.C.). In this study, a typological analysis of imported ceramics is used to locate the Kalba in the chronological framework of the region and discuss the changing networks of long‐distance exchange that were operating. The imported pottery at Kalba 4 indicates that the inhabitants of the site were exchanging goods with a range of polities, including southern Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley (Meluhha), southeast Iran (Marhashi) and Bahrain (Dilmun). A significant quantity of Late Akkadian ceramics at the site suggests it became an important location for Mesopotamian trade at this time.
Diversity patterns of epiphytic bryophytes across spatial scales: Species‐rich crowns and beta‐diverse trunks
Authors: Berdugo Monica B. , Gradstein S. Robbert , Guérot Louise , León‐Yánez Susana , Bendix Jörg , Bader Maaike Y.
Published: May 2022

Tropical forests are highly diverse at many spatial scales. In these forests, small‐sized canopy organisms can form species‐rich communities already within a few cm2. Understanding how species numbers increase when expanding the sampling along the tree and the forest is critical for evaluating the processes maintaining biodiversity. We therefore studied epiphytic bryophyte diversity in tree crowns and along trunks across spatial scales in a tropical lowland forest in Amazonian Ecuador, sampling bryophytes in 100‐cm2 quadrats on 24 trees (15–22 quadrats each) using a spatially hierarchical design, analyzing alpha and beta diversity at different spatial grains and extents. At the smallest grain, tree crowns held more bryophyte species than trunks, but at the largest grain the trunks held most species (93 vs. 77), as beta diversity was higher among trunks than among crowns. However, except for trunks at the largest extent (all 24 trees), the highest beta diversity among quadrats was always found between crowns and trunks. Species turnover strongly dominated beta diversity at all spatial scales. This and the high species richness resulted in highly unpredictable species compositions, especially in trunk communities. These patterns suggest different controls of diversity in crowns than on trunks and an important role for chance processes in shaping these communities. The high beta diversity within trees, in combination with the large effort involved in climbing trees, implies that diversity sampling of small canopy organisms is most efficient using an intensive (many plots on few trees) rather than extensive (many trees across a large area) sampling.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.