bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myocardial infarction induced by caseous mitral annular calcification: a case report
Authors: Cosma Joseph , Wain-Hobson Julien , Gobbi Cecilia , Zuffi Andrea , Joret Cédric
Published: July 2023

Background

Caseous mitral annular calcification (CMAC) is a rare variant of mitral annular calcification. Symptoms can be related to mitral valvular dysfunction, arterial embolization, and transient aortic outflow tract obstruction. CMAC usually affects the posterior fibrous mitral annulus and is commonly diagnosed in elderly patients with a history of hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and renal failure.

Case summary

A 68-year-old patient was transferred to our department for late presenting acute myocardial infarction and acute heart failure. Coronary angiography revealed a significant extrinsic compression of the circumflex artery. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed an ovoid calcified mass of 3.6 cm × 2 cm originating from the posterior mitral annulus causing moderate mitral stenosis as well as akinesia of the inferolateral wall, reduced left ventricle ejection fraction (35%), and a low-flow low-gradient severe aortic stenosis. Cardiac computed tomography scan confirmed the presence of a large calcified mass, inserted to the posterior mitral annulus evocating caseous necrosis. The patient underwent a double valve replacement with implantation of both aortic and mitral bioprostheses. Histopathology of the excised mass revealed a chronic mitral valve fibrocalcification with aseptic necrosis, consistent with a caseous calcification of the posterior mitral annulus.

Discussion

Extrinsic coronary artery compression is a rare disease entity. We report a rather peculiar cause of extrinsic artery compression: CMAC inducing significant mitral stenosis and compressing the circumflex artery leading to myocardial infarction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of extrinsic artery compression caused by CMAC.
Sutureless repair for vena cava bleeding using an elastomeric sealant in a porcine model
Authors: Nakahara Yoshinori , Tateishi Retsu , Ono Shunya , Kanemura Takeyuki
Published: July 2023

To address the issue of bleeding from the vena cava, a common complication of cardiac and aortic surgeries, we developed a sutureless repair technique using Hydrofit, an elastomeric sealant. In a porcine model, we surgically incised the inferior vena cava and applied the elastomeric sealant with a pericardial patch, achieving complete haemostasis through manual compression. This simple and rapid technique demonstrates effective sutureless haemostasis for the vena cava.
Heterogeneity in the gene regulatory landscape of leiomyosarcoma
Authors: Belova Tatiana , Biondi Nicola , Hsieh Ping-Han , Lutsik Pavlo , Chudasama Priya , Kuijjer Marieke L
Published: July 2023

Characterizing inter-tumor heterogeneity is crucial for selecting suitable cancer therapy, as the presence of diverse molecular subgroups of patients can be associated with disease outcome or response to treatment. While cancer subtypes are often characterized by differences in gene expression, the mechanisms driving these differences are generally unknown. We set out to model the regulatory mechanisms driving sarcoma heterogeneity based on patient-specific, genome-wide gene regulatory networks. We developed a new computational framework, PORCUPINE, which combines knowledge on biological pathways with permutation-based network analysis to identify pathways that exhibit significant regulatory heterogeneity across a patient population. We applied PORCUPINE to patient-specific leiomyosarcoma networks modeled on data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and validated our results in an independent dataset from the German Cancer Research Center. PORCUPINE identified 37 heterogeneously regulated pathways, including pathways representing potential targets for treatment of subgroups of leiomyosarcoma patients, such as FGFR and CTLA4 inhibitory signaling. We validated the detected regulatory heterogeneity through analysis of networks and chromatin states in leiomyosarcoma cell lines. We showed that the heterogeneity identified with PORCUPINE is not associated with methylation profiles or clinical features, thereby suggesting an independent mechanism of patient heterogeneity driven by the complex landscape of gene regulatory interactions.
Engineering confined fluids to autonomously assemble hierarchical 3D structures
Authors: Shklyaev Oleg E , Laskar Abhrajit , Balazs Anna C
Published: July 2023

The inherent coupling of chemical and mechanical behavior in fluid-filled microchambers enables the fluid to autonomously perform work, which in turn can direct the self-organization of objects immersed in the solution. Using theory and simulations, we show that the combination of diffusioosmotic and buoyancy mechanisms produce independently controlled, respective fluid flows: one generated by confining surfaces and the other in the bulk of the solution. With both flows present, the fluid can autonomously join 2D, disconnected pieces to a chemically active, “sticky” base and then fold the resulting layer into regular 3D shapes (e.g. pyramids, tetrahedrons, and cubes). Here, the fluid itself performs the work of construction and thus, this process does not require extensive external machinery. If several sticky bases are localized on the bottom surface, the process can be parallelized, with the fluid simultaneously forming multiple structures of the same or different geometries. Hence, this approach can facilitate the relatively low-cost, mass production of 3D micron to millimeter-sized structures. Formed in an aqueous solution, the assembled structures could be compatible with biological environments, and thus, potentially useful in medical and biochemical applications.
Orchestration of Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells and Inflammation During Wound Healing
Authors: Zhu Mengting , Cao Lijuan , Melino Sonia , Candi Eleonora , Wang Ying , Shao Changshun , Melino Gerry , Shi Yufang , Chen Xiaodong
Published: July 2023

Wound healing is a complex process and encompasses a number of overlapping phases, during which coordinated inflammatory responses following tissue injury play dominant roles in triggering evolutionarily highly conserved principals governing tissue repair and regeneration. Among all nonimmune cells involved in the process, mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are most intensely investigated and have been shown to play fundamental roles in orchestrating wound healing and regeneration through interaction with the ordered inflammatory processes. Despite recent progress and encouraging results, an informed view of the scope of this evolutionarily conserved biological process requires a clear understanding of the dynamic interplay between MSCs and the immune systems in the process of wound healing. In this review, we outline current insights into the ways in which MSCs sense and modulate inflammation undergoing the process of wound healing, highlighting the central role of neutrophils, macrophages, and T cells during the interaction. We also draw attention to the specific effects of MSC-based therapy on different pathological wound healing. Finally, we discuss how ongoing scientific advances in MSCs could be efficiently translated into clinical strategies, focusing on the current limitations and gaps that remain to be overcome for achieving preferred functional tissue regeneration.
A collection of Trichoderma isolates from natural environments in Sardinia reveals a complex virome that includes negative-sense fungal viruses with unprecedented genome organizations
Authors: Pagnoni Saul , Oufensou Safa , Balmas Virgilio , Bulgari Daniela , Gobbi Emanuela , Forgia Marco , Migheli Quirico , Turina Massimo
Published: July 2023

Trichoderma genus includes soil-inhabiting fungi that provide important ecosystem services in their interaction with plants and other fungi, as well as biocontrol of fungal plant diseases. A collection of Trichoderma isolates from Sardinia has been previously characterized, but here we selected 113 isolates, representatives of the collection, and characterized their viral components. We carried out high-throughput sequencing of ribosome-depleted total RNA following a bioinformatics pipeline that detects virus-derived RNA-directed RNA polymerases (RdRps) and other conserved viral protein sequences. This pipeline detected seventeen viral RdRps with two of them corresponding to viruses already detected in other regions of the world and the remaining fifteen representing isolates of new putative virus species. Surprisingly, eight of them are from new negative-sense RNA viruses, a first in the genus Trichoderma. Among them is a cogu-like virus, closely related to plant-infecting viruses. Regarding the positive-sense viruses, we report the presence of an ‘ormycovirus’ belonging to a recently characterized group of bisegmented single-stranded RNA viruses with uncertain phylogenetic assignment. Finally, for the first time, we report a bisegmented member of Mononegavirales which infects fungi. The proteins encoded by the second genomic RNA of this virus were used to re-evaluate several viruses in the Penicillimonavirus and Plasmopamonavirus genera, here shown to be bisegmented and encoding a conserved polypeptide that has structural conservation with the nucleocapsid domain of rhabdoviruses.
The Association of Lumbar Plexus Lengthening With Neurological Deficit After Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery
Authors: Nakarai Hiroyuki , Lovecchio Francis C. , Kim David N. , Zhang Bo , Clohisy John C. , Merrill Robert K. , Pajak Anthony , Du Jerry , Kazarian Gregory S. , Kaidi Austin C. , Samuel Justin T. , Knopp Rachel L. , Kim Han Jo
Published: July 2023

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the association between nerve lengthening after adult deformity correction and motor deficits dervied from the upper lumbar plexus or femoral nerve.

Summary of Background Data:

Adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery is associated with high rates of neurological deficits. Certain postoperative deficits may be related to lengthening of the upper lumbar plexus (ULP) and/or femoral nerve (FN) after correction of lumbar deformity.

Methods:

Patients with ASD who underwent posterior-only corrective surgery from the sacrum to L3 or above were included. The length of each lumbar nerve root was calculated geometrically using the distance from the foramen to the midpoint between the anterosuperior iliac crest and pubic symphysis on AP and lateral radiographs. The mean lengths of the L1 to 3 and L2 to 4 nerve roots were used to define the lengths of the ULP and FN, respectively. Preoperative to postoperative changes in nerve length were calculated. Neurological examination was performed at discharge. Proximal weakness (PW) was defined as the presence of weakness compared with baseline in either hip flexors or knee extensors. Multiple linear regression analysis was used for estimating the postoperative lengthening according to the magnitude of preoperative curvature and postoperative correction angles.

Results:

A total of 202 sides were analyzed in 101 patients, and PW was present on 15 (7.4%) sides in 10 patients. Excluding the 10 cases with three-column osteotomies, those with PW had a significantly higher rate of pure sagittal deformity (P<.001) and greater nerve lengthening than those without PW (ULP 24 vs. 15 mm, P=0.02; FN 18 vs. 11 mm, P=0.05). No patient had advanced imaging showing neural compression, and complete recovery of PW occurred in eight patients at one-year follow-up.

Conclusions:

After ASD surgery, lengthening of the ULP was associated with PW. In preoperative planning, surgeons must consider how the type of correction may influence the risk for nerve lengthening, which may contribute to postoperative neurological deficit.
Using Machine Learning (ML) Models to Predict Risk of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) Following Spine Surgery
Authors: Katiyar Prerana , Chase Herbert , Lenke Lawrence G. , Weidenbaum Mark , Sardar Zeeshan M.
Published: July 2023

Study Design:

A retrospective cohort study.

Objectives:

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a potentially high-risk complication for patients undergoing spine surgery. Although guidelines for assessing VTE risk in this population have been established, development of new techniques that target different aspects of the medical history may prove to be of further utility. The goal of this study was to develop a predictive machine learning (ML) model to identify nontraditional risk factors for predicting VTE in spine surgery patients.

Summary of Background Data:

A cohort of 63 patients was identified who had undergone spine surgery at a single center from 2015 to 2021. Thirty-one patients had a confirmed VTE, while 32 had no VTE. A total of 113 attributes were defined and collected via chart review. Attribute categories included demographics, medications, labs, past medical history, operative history, and VTE diagnosis.

Methods:

The Waikato Environment for Knowledge Analysis (WEKA) software was used in creating and evaluating the ML models. Six classifier models were tested with 10-fold cross-validation and statistically evaluated using t tests.

Results:

Comparing the predictive ML models to the control model (ZeroR), all predictive models were significantly better than the control model at predicting VTE risk, based on the 113 attributes (P<0.001). The Random Forest model had the highest accuracy of 88.89% with a positive predictive value of 93.75%. The Simple Logistic algorithm had an accuracy of 84.13% and defined risk attributes to include calcium and phosphate laboratory values, history of cardiac comorbidity, history of previous VTE, anesthesia time, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor use, antibiotic use, and antihistamine use. The J48 model had an accuracy of 80.95% and it defined hemoglobin laboratory values, anesthesia time, beta-blocker use, dopamine agonist use, history of cancer, and Medicare use as potential VTE risk factors.

Conclusion:

Further development of these tools may provide high diagnostic value and may guide chemoprophylaxis treatment in this setting of high-risk patients.
Correlates of Sexual Lifestyles Among Older Adults Living With HIV in China: Findings From the Sexual Well-being (SWELL) Study
Authors: Wang Bingyi , Peng Xin , Fu Leiwen , Li Xinyi , Shi Tongxin , Liang Bowen , Tian Tian , Fitzpatrick Thomas , Lu Zhen , Zhang Weijie , Bian Junye , Xiao Xin , Wang Ying , Ao Yunlong , Ouyang Lin , Cai Yong , Yu Maohe , Wu Guohui , Li Linghua , Meng Xiaojun , Zou Huachun
Published: July 2023

Sexual lifestyles are closely related to overall human health and well-being. Few studies have focused on sexual lifestyles among older adults living with HIV (OALHIV), especially in low- and middle-income countries. This study is a part of the sexual well-being among older adults in China (SWELL) study, which is a multi-centre cross-sectional study focused on sexual health among older adults aged 50 years and older. Participants were 680 OALHIV (≥ 50 years old) from the SWELL study conducted from June 2020 to December 2022. Data were collected through one-on-one interviews. We used logistic regression to assess the correlates of sexual activity and sexual satisfaction. Among all participants, 37.1% were sexually active. Being older, male, in a steady relationship, and employed were associated with being sexually active. The prevalence of sexual satisfaction was 69.8% among sexually active OALHIV. Being homosexual and reporting a better general health status were associated with sexual satisfaction. OALHIV who have depressive symptoms were less likely to report sexual satisfaction. To support holistic healthy ageing among OALHIV, it is important for healthcare providers to be educated about the importance of enquiring about sexual activity, satisfaction and problems, and addressing concerns whilst conveying sex-positive attitudes during clinical reviews, as these are still critical aspects of their health and well-being.
Immunometabolic control by Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Prince Alice , Wong Fok Lung Tania
Published: July 2023

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a common Gram-negative pathogen associated with community-acquired and healthcare-associated infections. Its ability to acquire genetic elements resulted in its rapid development of resistance to virtually all antimicrobial agents. Once infection is established, K. pneumoniae is able to evade the host immune response and perhaps more importantly, undergo metabolic rewiring to optimize its ability to maintain infection. K. pneumoniae lipopolysaccharide and capsular polysaccharide are central factors in the induction and evasion of immune clearance. Less well understood is the importance of immunometabolism, the intersection between cellular metabolism and immune function, in the host response to K. pneumoniae infection. Bacterial metabolism itself is perceived as a metabolic stress to the host, altering the microenvironment at the site of infection. In this review, we will discuss the metabolic responses induced by K. pneumoniae, particularly in response to stimulation with the metabolically active bacteria versus pathogen-associated molecular patterns alone, and their implications in shaping the nature of the immune response and the infection outcome. A better understanding of the immunometabolic response to K. pneumoniae may help identify new targets for therapeutic intervention in the treatment of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.
The History of Habits: A Critical Unknown in the History of Chinese Medicine
Authors: Kuriyama Shigehisa
Published: July 2023

This essay articulates a new conceptual distinction – that between repertories and habits – and urges that the history of habits is the most critical unknown in the study of Chinese medical history.
Grasping Heaven and Earth (Qian Kun Zai Wo): The Body-as-Technology in Classical Chinese Medicine
Authors: Hanson Marta
Published: July 2023

Shifting focus from the patient’s body to the healer’s body, this essay focuses on how Chinese physicians instrumentalized their bodies to heal (ie, body-as-technology) and their hands to think with (ie, hand-memory techniques or simply, hand mnemonics). When physicians used their hands to memorize concepts related to clinical practice, calculate with time variables, and carry out ritual gestures intended to reduce risk, improve fortune, and even cure, their hands became extensions of their minds. This essay has three parts that follow the discovery process of the author’s research on hand-memory techniques found in Chinese medical texts. The first part “Divination and Revelation” explains the significance of how the author first learned about Chinese divination practices that used hand mnemonics. The second part “Original Frame” introduces the scholarship on arts of memory in Europe that informed interpretations of the earliest hand mnemonics found in Chinese medical texts. The third part “Expanded Frame” deploys some concepts from cognitive science to help situate Chinese medical hand mnemonics more broadly as an example of extended cognition. The essay concludes with an important distinction: sometimes Chinese healers’ hands were used separately from their bodies to think through things and sometimes hand and body had to be integrated in order for the healer’s body-as-technology to act as a therapeutically effective instrument.
PSMA Uptake in a Subdural Hematoma
Authors: Lawson Tristan R. , O’Brien Sophia R. , Pantel Austin R.
Published: July 2023

An 81-year-old man with known metastatic prostate cancer with recent biochemical progression underwent a PSMA PET/CT (18F-piflufolastat) for restaging. Review of the images demonstrated an acute or chronic left cerebral convexity subdural hematoma on CT with corresponding radiotracer activity throughout the collection on PET. Analysis of the patient’s prior imaging showed that this subdural hematoma had significantly increased in size when compared with a head CT obtained 2 months prior. The patient was referred to a nearby emergency department and underwent repeat imaging and subdural drain placement. Unfortunately, the patient died secondary to rapid reaccumulation of subdural blood products after intervention.
Primary Pancreatic Lymphoma Masquerading as Carcinoma on 18F-FDG PET/CT
Authors: Chen Yun , Zheng Shan , Wu Zenan , Lin Yanmin , Miao Weibing
Published: July 2023

A 76-year-old man with yellowish discoloration of sclera and skin for 2 months was referred to 18F-FDG PET/CT for metabolic characterization of the mass in the pancreas. The images showed intense FDG uptake in the head of the pancreas, as well as a lymph nodal mass in the hepatic hilar region, which was consistent with pancreatic malignancy. Histopathologic findings showed characteristic findings of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with no evidence of adenocarcinoma.
Extracellular Vesicles in Transplantation: Friend or Foe
Authors: Bansal Sandhya , Rahman Mohammad , Ravichandran Ranjithkumar , Canez Jesse , Fleming Timothy , Mohanakumar Thalachallour
Published: July 2023

The long-term function of transplanted organs, even under immunosuppression, is hindered by rejection, especially chronic rejection. Chronic rejection occurs more frequently after lung transplantation, termed chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD), than after transplantation of other solid organs. Pulmonary infection is a known risk factor for CLAD, as transplanted lungs are constantly exposed to the external environment; however, the mechanisms by which respiratory infections lead to CLAD are poorly understood. The role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in transplantation remains largely unknown. Current evidence suggests that EVs released from transplanted organs can serve as friend and foe. EVs carry not only major histocompatibility complex antigens but also tissue-restricted self-antigens and various transcription factors, costimulatory molecules, and microRNAs capable of regulating alloimmune responses. EVs play an important role in antigen presentation by direct, indirect, and semidirect pathways in which CD8 and CD4 cells can be activated. During viral infections, exosomes (small EVs <200 nm in diameter) can express viral antigens and regulate immune responses. Circulating exosomes may also be a viable biomarker for other diseases and rejection after organ transplantation. Bioengineering the surface of exosomes has been proposed as a tool for targeted delivery of drugs and personalized medicine. This review focuses on recent studies demonstrating the role of EVs with a focus on exosomes and their dual role (immune activation or tolerance induction) after organ transplantation, more specifically, lung transplantation.
Genetic Modulation: Future Trends Toward Graft Optimization During Machine Perfusion
Authors: Stimmeder Sabrina , Leber Bettina , Sucher Robert , Stiegler Philipp
Published: July 2023

Dynamic preservation methods such as normothermic, subnormothermic, and hypothermic machine perfusion circuits have emerged as viable alternatives to conventional static cold storage. These organ perfusion technologies serve as preservation methods and enable organ assessment, reconditioning, and repair before transplantation. Gene therapy is a novel strategy with the potential to transform the field of graft optimization and treatment. Thereby specific pathways involved in the transplantation process can be targeted and modified. This review aims to provide an overview of gene delivery methods during ex vivo machine perfusion of kidney and liver grafts. Recent literature on state-of-the-art gene therapy approaches during ex situ organ preservation, especially with respect to ischemia–reperfusion injury, as well as acute and chronic graft rejection have been analyzed. Additionally, potential challenges that could affect further refinement of this therapeutic modality are outlined.
Mariluticola halotolerans gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel member of the family Devosiaceae isolated from South China Sea sediment
Authors: Ishaq Sidra Erum , Ahmad Tariq , Liang Lewen , Hou Jialin , Dong Yijing , Yu Tiantian , Wang Fengping
Published: July 2023

A novel member of class

Alphaproteobacteria

was isolated from marine sediment of the South China Sea. Cells of strain LMO-2T were Gram-stain negative, greyish in colour, motile, with a single lateral flagellum and short rod in shape with a slight curve. Strain LMO-2T was positive for oxidase and negative for catalase. The bacterium grew aerobically at 10–40 °C (optimum, 25–30 °C), pH 5.5–10.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and 0–9 % NaCl (w/v; optimum, 2–3 %). Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence and phylogenomic analysis of the whole genome sequence indicated that strain LMO-2T represents a new genus and a new species within the family

Devosiaceae

, class

Alphaproteobacteria

, phylum

Pseudomonadota

. Comparisons of the 16S rRNA gene sequences of strain LMO-2T showed 94.8 % similarity to its closest relative. The genome size is ~3.45 Mbp with a DNA G+C content of 58.17 mol%. The strain possesses potential capability for the degradation of complex organic matter, i.e. fatty acid and benzoate. The predominant cellular fatty acids (>10 %) were C16 : 0 and C18 : 1 ω7c 11-methyl. The sole respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-10. The major identified polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phospholipid. Based on the polyphasic taxonomic data, strain LMO-2T represents a novel genus and a novel species for which the name Mariluticola halotolerans gen. nov., sp. nov., was proposed in the family

Devosiaceae

. The type strain is LMO-2T (=CGMCC 1.19273T=JCM 34934T).
Temperature acclimation of photosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism are related to the geographical origin ofArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Hernandez Jakob Sebastian , Dziubek Dejan , Schröder Laura , Seydel Charlotte , Kitashova Anastasia , Brodsky Vladimir , Nägele Thomas
Published: July 2023

Acclimation is a multigenic trait by which plants adjust photosynthesis and metabolism to cope with a changing environment. Here, natural variation of photosynthetic and metabolic acclimation was analyzed in response to low and elevated temperature. For this, 18 natural accessions ofArabidopsis thaliana,originating from Africa and Europe, were grown at 22°C before being exposed to 4°C and 34°C for cold and heat acclimation, respectively. Amounts of carbohydrates were quantified together with their subcellular distribution across plastids, cytosol and vacuole. Linear electron transport rates (ETRs) were determined together with maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) for all growth conditions and under temperature fluctuation. Under elevated temperature, residuals of ETR under increasing photosynthetic photon flux densities were found to significantly correlate with the longitudinal gradient of the geographic origin of accessions indicating a naturally occurring east-west gradient of photosynthetic acclimation capacities. Further, in heat acclimated plants, vacuolar fructose amount was found to positively correlate with longitude while plastidial and cytosolic amounts were found to be negatively correlated. Plastidial sucrose concentrations were found to positively correlate with maximal ETRs under fluctuating temperature indicating a stabilizing role within the chloroplast. In summary, our findings revealed specific subcellular carbohydrate distributions which contribute differentially to photosynthetic efficiencies of naturalArabidopsis thalianaaccessions across a longitudinal gradient. This sheds light on the relevance of subcellular metabolic regulation for photosynthetic performance in a fluctuating environment and supports the physiological interpretation of naturally occurring genetic variation of temperature tolerance and acclimation.
Distinct forms of structural plasticity of adult-born interneuron spines induced by different odor learning paradigms
Authors: Ferreira Aymeric , Constantinescu Vlad-Stefan , Malvaut Sarah , Saghatelyan Armen , Hardy Simon V.
Published: July 2023

During development and in adulthood the morpho-functional properties of neural networks constantly adapt in response to environmental stimuli and learned experiences. One of the processes that allows neuronal networks to be constantly reshaped is synaptic plasticity, which is induced in response to sensory experience and learning. Synaptic plasticity allows for the formation/elimination of synaptic connections as well as the strengthening of pre-existing ones. The olfactory system is particularly prone to constant morpho-functional reshaping of neural networks and synaptic rewiring throughout the lifespan of an animal, mainly because of the presence of continuous neurogenesis in the olfactory bulb (OB). This constant synaptic rewiring brought by adult-born neurons is modulated by the level of odor-induced activity and olfactory learning. It remains, however, unclear whether the complexity of distinct odor-induced learning paradigms and sensory stimulation induces different forms of structural plasticity. In the present study, we developed an analytical pipeline to perform 3D reconstructions of spines from confocal images followed by clustering of reconstructed spines based on different morphometric features and in relationship with different sensory stimuli and learning paradigms. We show that while sensory deprivation decreased the overall density of adult-born neurons in the OB without any noticeable changes in the morphometric properties of these spines, simple and complex odor learning paradigms triggered distinct forms of structural plasticity. A simple odor learning task affected the morphometric properties of the spines without any changes in spine density, whereas a complex odor learning task induced changes in spine density, without substantial changes in the morphology of the spines. Our work reveals the vast panoply of distinct forms of synaptic plasticity of adult-born neurons in the OB tailored to the complexity of odor-learning paradigms and sensory inputs.
Contribution of the delta-class glutathione S-transferase to agrochemical adaptation inApis mellifera
Authors: Moural Timothy W. , Koirala B K Sonu , Bhattarai Gaurab , He Ziming , Guo Haoyang , Phan Ngoc T. , Rajotte Edwin G. , Biddinger David J. , Hoover Kelli , Zhu Fang
Published: July 2023

The European honey bee,Apis mellifera, serves as the principle managed pollinator species globally. In recent decades, honey bee populations have been facing serious health threats from combined biotic and abiotic stressors, including diseases, limited nutrition, and agrochemical exposure. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying xenobiotic adaptation ofA. melliferais critical, considering its extensive exposure to phytochemicals and agrochemicals present in flowers, propolis, hives, and the environment. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive structural and functional characterization of AmGSTD1, a delta class glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzyme, to unravel its roles in agrochemical detoxification and antioxidative stress responses. Significantly, we determined the 3D structure of a honey bee GST using protein crystallography for the first time, providing new insights into its molecular structure. Our investigations revealed that AmGSTD1 efficiently metabolizes model substrates, including 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB), p-nitrophenyl acetate (PNA), phenylethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), propyl isothiocyanate (PITC), and the oxidation byproduct 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE). Moreover, we discovered that AmGSTD1 exhibits binding affinity with the fluorophore 8-Anilinonaphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (ANS), which can be inhibited with various herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and their metabolites. These findings highlight the potential contribution of AmGSTD1 in safeguarding honey bee health against various agrochemicals and their metabolites, while also mitigating oxidative stress resulting from exposure to these substances.
Glial-derived mitochondrial signals impact neuronal proteostasis and aging
Authors: Bar-Ziv Raz , Dutta Naibedya , Hruby Adam , Sukarto Edward , Averbukh Maxim , Alcala Athena , Henderson Hope R. , Durieux Jenni , Tronnes Sarah U. , Ahmad Qazi , Bolas Theodore , Perez Joel , Dishart Julian G. , Vega Matthew , Garcia Gilberto , Higuchi-Sanabria Ryo , Dillin Andrew
Published: July 2023

The nervous system plays a critical role in maintaining whole-organism homeostasis; neurons experiencing mitochondrial stress can coordinate the induction of protective cellular pathways, such as the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRMT), between tissues. However, these studies largely ignored non-neuronal cells of the nervous system. Here, we found that UPRMTactivation in four, astrocyte-like glial cells in the nematode,C. elegans, can promote protein homeostasis by alleviating protein aggregation in neurons. Surprisingly, we find that glial cells utilize small clear vesicles (SCVs) to signal to neurons, which then relay the signal to the periphery using dense-core vesicles (DCVs). This work underlines the importance of glia in establishing and regulating protein homeostasis within the nervous system, which can then impact neuron-mediated effects in organismal homeostasis and longevity.

One-Sentence Summary

Glial cells sense mitochondrial stress and signal a beneficial stress signal to promote neuronal health and longevity.
Phospholamban Inhibits the Cardiac Calcium Pump Through Reversing the Allosteric Enhancement of Calcium Affinity by ATP
Authors: Cleary Sean R. , Seflova Jaroslava , Cho Ellen E. , Bisht Konark , Khandelia Himanshu , Espinoza-Fonseca L. Michel , Robia Seth L.
Published: July 2023

Phospholamban (PLB) is a transmembrane micropeptide that regulates the Ca2+ pump SERCA in cardiac muscle, but the physical mechanism of this regulation remains poorly understood. PLB reduces the Ca2+ sensitivity of active SERCA, increasing the Ca2+ concentration required for pump cycling. However, PLB does not decrease Ca2+ binding to SERCA when ATP is absent, suggesting PLB does not inhibit SERCA Ca2+ affinity. The prevailing explanation for these seemingly conflicting results is that PLB slows the Ca2+-binding step in the SERCA enzymatic cycle, altering the Ca2+ dependence of cycling without affecting the true affinity of the Ca2+ binding sites. Here, we consider another hypothesis, that measurements of Ca2+ binding in the absence of ATP overlook important allosteric effects of nucleotide binding that increase SERCA Ca2+ binding affinity. We speculated that PLB inhibits SERCA by reversing this allostery. To test this, we used a fluorescent SERCA biosensor to quantify the Ca2+ affinity of non-cycling SERCA in the presence and absence of a non-hydrolyzable ATP-analog, AMPPCP. Nucleotide activation increased SERCA Ca2+ affinity, and this effect was reversed by co-expression of PLB. Interestingly, PLB had no effect on Ca2+ affinity in the absence of nucleotide. These results reconcile the previous conflicting observations from ATPase assays versus Ca2+ binding assays. Moreover, structural analysis of SERCA revealed a novel allosteric pathway connecting the ATP- and Ca2+-binding sites. We propose this pathway is interrupted by PLB binding. Thus, PLB reduces the true Ca2+ affinity of SERCA by reversing allosteric activation of the pump by ATP.
Anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties of grapefruit IntegroPectin on human microglial HMC3 cell line
Authors: Scordino Miriana , Urone Giulia , Frinchi Monica , Valenza Chiara , Bonura Angela , Cipollina Chiara , Ciriminna Rosaria , Meneguzzo Francesco , Pagliaro Mario , Mudò Giuseppa , Di Liberto Valentina
Published: July 2023

Background and aim

Despite the intense research, most therapeutic strategies failed in preventing or treating neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by a combination of chronic neurodegeneration, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. The broad protective activity of IntegroPectin derived from industrial waste grapefruit peel via hydrodynamic cavitation has been recently characterized. In this study, we investigated the beneficial effects of grapefruit IntegroPectin treatment in microglia cells exposed to oxidative stress conditions.

Experimental procedure

Human microglial HMC3 cells were challenged with tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBH), a powerful hydroperoxide, in the presence of grapefruit IntegroPectin. The apoptotic process, the oxidative stress and the neuroinflammatory responses with the relative intracellular cascades were evaluated.

Key results

Grapefruit IntegroPectin fully counteracted the apoptotic process induced by cell exposure to TBH. The protective effects of grapefruit IntegroPectin were accompanied with a decrease in the amount of ROS, and were strictly dependent on the activation of the PI3K/Akt cascade. Finally, IntegroPectin treatment inhibited basal microglia activation and the neuroinflammatory response by down-regulating the PI3K-NF-kB-iNOS cascade.

Conclusions and implications

These findings reveal that the innovative IntegroPectin exerts a potent protective activity on microglia cells and strongly support further investigations aimed at exploring its therapeutic role inin vivomodels of neurodegenerative disorders.
Osteoporosis and its associated factors among patients attending Manakamana hospital, Chitwan
Authors: Dhakal Shankar , Sharma Kalpana , Adhikari Kishor , Joshi Alisha , Poudyal Sunita
Published: July 2023

Background

Osteoporosis is most common skeletal disorders that weaken bones and increase their susceptibility to fractures. It is becoming an urgent and serious global epidemic.Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with it. This study aimed to find out the prevalence of osteoporosis among patients attending at Manakamana Hospital, Bharatpur, Chitwan.

Methods

A descriptive, cross-sectional study was adopted and 623 patients attending at orthopaedic outpatients department (OPD) of Manakamana Hospital were selected using consecutive sampling technique. Data were collected from 15thOctober 2021 to 15thApril, 2022, by using interview schedule, chart review and BMD measurement through calcaneal ultrasonography. Ethical approval was obtained from NHRC-IRC prior to study procedures. Obtained data were analysed using descriptive statistics and association between the variables were measured using chi-square test.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 43.5 (±14.26) years. Nearly half (44%, n=274) were middle aged adults, 59.7% were female and 56.0% were involved in agriculture and household chores. Nearly half of the patients (45.7%) were overweight/ obese, 7.9% were smokers and 13.5% had habit of alcohol use. Osteopenia or low bone density was detected in 58.9% patients and 19.4% had osteoporosis. The prevalence of osteoporosis was significantly associated with age group (p=<0.001) and educational status (p=0.013) of the patients.

Conclusions

Osteoporosis and osteopenia are prevalent in patients attending in the hospital. Hence, awareness, early screening, treatment is necessary for the hospital attended patients to minimize the risk of fracture and the consequences associated with it.
AmpliDiff: An Optimized Amplicon Sequencing Approach to Estimating Lineage Abundances in Viral Metagenomes
Authors: van Bemmelen Jasper , Smyth Davida S. , Baaijens Jasmijn A.
Published: July 2023

Metagenomic profiling algorithms commonly rely on genomic differences between lineages, strains, or species to infer the relative abundances of sequences present in a sample. This observation plays an important role in the analysis of diverse microbial communities, where targeted sequencing of 16S and 18Sribosomal RNA(rRNA), both well-known hypervariable genomic regions, have led to insights into microbial diversity and the discovery of novel organisms. However, the variable nature of discriminatory regions can also act as a double-edged sword, as the sought-after variability can make it difficult to design primers for their amplification throughPolymerase Chain Reaction(PCR). Moreover, the most variable regions are not necessarily the most informative regions for the purpose of differentiation; one should focus on regions that maximize the number of lineages that can be distinguished. Here we present AmpliDiff, a computational tool that simultaneously finds such highly discriminatory genomic regions, as well as primers allowing for the amplification of these regions. We show that regions and primers found by AmpliDiff can be used to accurately estimate relative abundances of SARS-CoV-2 lineages, for example in wastewater sequencing data. We obtain mean absolute prediction errors that are comparable with using whole genome information to estimate relative abundances. Furthermore, our results show that AmpliDiff is robust against incomplete input data and that primers designed by AmpliDiff continue to bind to genomes originating from months after the primers were selected. With AmpliDiff we provide an effective and efficient alternative to whole genome sequencing for estimating lineage abundances in viral metagenomes.
Pre-University engagement and education for sustainable development in Aruba: The Academic Foundation Year
Authors: Chapman Mollie , Eppinga Maarten B. , de Scisciolo Tobia , Mijts Eric N.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Universities of Small Island States (SIS) have the potential to fulfill a crucial role in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) but also face barriers to local capacity building. The University of Aruba partly addresses these challenges through the development of The Academic Foundation Year (AFY), a one-year pre-university program aiming to optimally equip students for higher education. This study aims to assess to what extent the program can foster the local embeddedness of the students in ecology, culture and history and an understanding of opportunities and challenges for sustainable development in SIS.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors provide examples of how the program incorporates education for sustainable development and how it emphasizes experiential learning. In addition, quantitative survey data and qualitative analysis of focus group meetings are used to reflect on the program’s achievements and its potential for further development.

Findings

The survey results suggest that AFY courses not only increase knowledge but also change students’ perceptions regarding sustainability. Indeed, key impacts emerging from the student focus group related to both academic preparation and engagement with sustainability. Reflections by teachers emphasized the importance of experiential learning, an expansive view of the SDGs and preparing students as citizens.

Originality/value

This study highlights that the program could provide a starting point for the development of similar initiatives in other SIS, the common basis being the fostering of sustainability literacy and social adoption of the SDGs.
Speed of price adjustment toward market efficiency of Indian agricultural commodity market: a market microstructure analysis of market quality
Authors: Pullaykkodi Sreekha , Acharya Rajesh H.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study examines the semi-strong market efficiency of the Indian agricultural commodity market in light of market reforms and policies. This study investigates whether the market reforms have boosted the speed of price adjustment and influenced the market quality.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used the daily data of nine agricultural commodities. To precisely capture the effects of market microstructure changes, this study split the whole data into pre- and post-ban and pre- and post-reform eras. To ascertain the velocity of price adjustment, the authors used the ARMA (1,1) model, and the ADD VRatio was employed to identify the price movement on a specific day.

Findings

This study found that full incorporation of information happens sometimes. The authors noticed no gradual progress in the quickness of price adjustment. Since both methods suggested the same result for the period, the authors confirm that market microstructure changes do not enhance market quality.

Research limitations/implications

This research has implications for academicians, policymakers and market players.

Originality/value

The paper has twofold novelty. First, this is a contemporary topic, and very few studies have been done in the Indian agriculture context. Second, the study has implications for policymakers and government because it highlights the effects of structural changes on market quality and market efficiency.
Employee ownership in Spain: worker cooperatives and sociedades laborales
Authors: Marcuello Carmen
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to describe the main characteristics of het two most recognised models in Spain: worker cooperatives and worker-owned companies (Sociedades Laborales).

Design/methodology/approach

To this end, a review will be carried out of the main factors from the regulatory and financial framework and the support structures of these organisations model.

Findings

The main findings are the constant decrease in the number of SSLL over the past ten years and a certain decrease in the number of worker cooperatives. Some of the reasons put forward for this decline are the lack of effective favourable tax treatment; the establishment of more favourable measures for capitalist companies; the change of the single payment of unemployment benefits; the lack of knowledge and training professionals and politicians.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this paper is to provide a recent analysis of the regulatory changes and developments in the field of worker cooperatives and worker-owned companies in Spain.
Social sustainability for whom? Developing an analytical approach through a tripartite collaboration
Authors: Sunnemark Fredrik , Gahnström Emil , Rudström Hedvig , Karlsson Erika , Assmo Per
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Social sustainability is a concept frequently referred to in public debates concerning how to construct the governance of future societies. The interpretations of its meaning, however, are ambiguous, and practices often dubious. Confronting top-down technocratic governance structures, this paper aims to argue for for tripartite collaborations between residents, higher education institutions (HEIs) and local government, as an approach toward social sustainability that involves residents’ interests in local governance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study argues that a specific time-spatial method of analysis can benefit the co-creation of knowledge as it passes through the spectrum of resident–HEI–local government. It provides a way for resident perceptions to become structured knowledge that originates from the residents, effectively engendering a bottom-up governance structure.

Findings

This study shows how to include residents in policymaking and implementation processes as co-creators of knowledge, and thereby displays the possibility of examining knowledge and competence within municipal projects for social sustainability.

Originality/value

The model developed in this study can be used as a methodological instrument to analyze and expand resident participation in local social sustainability work. It thereby provides a toolbox for inclusive policymaking and strategies.