bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of circulating molecules and activities in plasma of patients after allogeneic and autologous intraoral bone grafting procedures: a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial in humans
Authors: Solakoglu Önder , Steinbach Bettina , Götz Werner , Heydecke Guido , Schwarzenbach Heidi
Published: January 2022

Background

The objective was to assess whether intraoral bone augmentation procedures have an impact on the patient’s plasma levels of circulating nucleic acids, exosomes, miRNA levels and caspase activities. The null hypothesis was tested, that no significant differences between the two groups will be found.

Methods

In this prospective randomized controlled clinical trial 35 systemically healthy non-smoking participants were randomly allocated using sealed envelopes by a blinded clinician not involved in the clinical setting. Plasma samples were collected preoperatively and 3 times postoperatively (immediately, 5 weeks and 4 months postoperatively). The test group consisted of twenty-five patients who received allogeneic bone grafting material and the control group of ten patients who received autologous bone grafts. Levels of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and microRNAs (miR-21, miR-27a, miR-218) were quantified by real-time PCR, caspase activities and exosome concentrations were determined by ELISA.

Results

Statistical evaluation reveled a significantly higher exosome level before surgery (p = 0.013) and the first postsurgical sample (p = 0.017) in the control group compared to the test group. The levels of miR-27a and miR-218 significantly differed between the plasma samples before surgery and after surgery in both groups. The levels of miR-21 only significantly differed between the pre- and postsurgical plasma samples in the test group, but not in the control group. All patients completed the study, no adverse events were recorded.

Conclusions

Our data show the diagnostic potential of the plasma levels of miR-27a, miR-218 and miR-21 in detecting changes in bone metabolism after alveolar bone augmentation. Our very promising results indicate that there might be a high diagnostic potential in evaluating the plasma levels of the before mentioned miRNAs in order to detect bone resorption activities before they become clinically relevant.

Trial registration Ethical commission of the Ärztekammer Hamburg, Germany (PV5211) on 11/03/2016 as well as by the German Registry of Clinical Studies (DRKS 00,013,010) on 30/07/2018 (http://apps.who.int/trialsearch/).
Insights on my future job: implementing near-peer shadowing program for operating room freshmen
Authors: Mafinejad Mahboobeh Khabaz , Sarani Hamed , Sayarifard Azadeh , Rostami Daryoush , Shahbazi Fatemeh , Gruppen Larry
Published: January 2022

Background

As a main challenge in paramedical faculties of medical sciences, freshmen lose interest in their academic field of study and then job motivation. Lack of developed knowledge about their academic field and unfamiliarity with their future job’s tasks and roles contribute to freshmen’s job motivation loss. Various interventional programs have been implemented to improve students’ job motivation by familiarizing them with their future job’s duties and responsibilities.

Methods

This was one-group pretest-posttest design study in 2019–2020. Students grouped into pairs of a freshman (shadowee) with a senior (shadower) in a clinical setting during shadowing program. This program helps freshmen to comprehend and discover realities of their academic field and can help them change their perspectives regarding their future job’s duties and responsibilities. The shadowees’ main task was reflective observation on operating room events and interactions and to be active in the program, several tasks e.g., how to wear gloves, guns, and disinfect equipment were assigned to them exclusively under the supervision of senior students. The Hackman and Oldham’s Job Diagnostic Survey (JDS) questionnaire and a novel Job Motivation Survey (JMS) questionnaire were distributed among participants.

Results

Fifty freshmen majoring in operating room participated in the shadowing program from November 2019 to January 2020. Before and after the program, they completed Hackman and Oldham’s job diagnostic survey and researcher-made job motivation survey questionnaires. Results were indicative of a significant difference in job diagnostic survey questionnaire score, where overall pre-test and post-test scores before and after the intervention were 57.78 (±9.78) and 68.58 (±5.02), respectively; the score difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Moreover, the overall pre-test and post-test scores of the job motivation survey questionnaire were 25.16 (± 9.75) and 39.80 (±5.18), respectively; this score difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Shadowing program improved freshmen’s realistic perception of their future job’s duties and responsibility, and hence enhancing their job motivation and job recognition. As future work, in various disciplines, further studies need to evaluate the impact of such interventional programs in providing early insights for freshmen as well as in providing guidance on their plans for education, and future job.
The development of a decision aid to support Hodgkin lymphoma survivors considering lung cancer screening
Authors: Broadbent Rachel , Seale Tania , Armitage Christopher J. , Linton Kim
Published: February 2022

Background

Decisions aids (DA) can support patients to make informed decisions about screening tests. This study describes the development and initial evaluation of a lung cancer screening (LCS) DA targeted towards survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL).

Methods

A prototype decision aid booklet was developed and subsequently reviewed by a steering group who provided feedback. Revisions were made to produce the DA tested in this study. HL survivors were recruited to an online survey and/or focus groups. Lymphoma practitioners were invited to an interview study. In the online survey, decisional conflict scales and knowledge scales were completed before and after accessing the DA. The focus groups and interviews explored acceptability and comprehensibility and the decisional needs of stakeholders. Focus groups and interviews were audio recorded. The framework method was used to analyse qualitative data.

Results

38 HL survivors completed the online survey. Following exposure to the DA, knowledge of LCS and risk factors and decisional conflict scores (total score and subscale scores) improved significantly. 11 HL survivors took part in two focus groups (n = 5 and n = 6) and 11 practitioners were interviewed. Focus group and interview results: The language, format and length were considered acceptable. Both groups felt the DA was balanced and presented a choice. Icon arrays were felt to aid comprehension of absolute risk values and for some survivors, they reduced affective risk perceptions. Among survivors, the impact of radiation risk on decision making varied according to gender and screening interval, whilst practitioners did not anticipate it to be a major concern for patients. Both groups expressed that a screening offer could mitigate anxiety about lung cancer risk. As anticipated by practitioners, survivors expressed a desire to seek advice from their clinical team. Practitioners thought the DA would meet their informational needs regarding LCS  when supporting survivors.

Conclusions

The DA is considered acceptable by HL survivors and practitioners. The DA reduces decisional conflict and improves knowledge in HL survivors, suggesting that it would support HL survivors to make informed decisions when considering LCS in a future clinical trial.
Translation and validation of Chinese version of sense of competence in dementia care staff scale in healthcare providers: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhao Yayi , Liu Li , Ding Yaping , Shan Ye , Chan Helen Y. L.
Published: January 2022

Background

Healthcare providers’ dementia-care competence is crucial for quality dementia care. A reliable and valid instrument is needed to assess the gaps in their dementia-care competence, and thereby identifying their educational needs. Therefore, this study aims to translate the 17-item Sense of Competence in Dementia Care Staff (SCIDS) scale into Chinese (SCIDS-C) and to validate the SCIDS-C among Chinese healthcare providers.

Methods

The translation procedure followed the modified Brislin’s translation model. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using the translated version. The validity, including content validity, confirmatory factor analysis, concurrent validity and known-groups validity, was tested. Reliability in terms of internal consistency and test-retest reliability with a 2-week interval was evaluated.

Results

A total of 290 healthcare providers in 12 nursing homes and a hospital completed the survey. The scale-level content validity index was .99. The confirmatory factor analysis model marginally supported the original 4-factor structure. Positive but weak correlations were noted between the total score of the SCIDS-C and that of the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale (r = .17, p = .005) and Approaches to Dementia Questionnaire (r = .22, p < .001), suggesting acceptable concurrent validity. Differences between health professionals and care assistants were significant in two subscales scores. The internal consistency of the scale was high, with Cronbach’s α of .87. Test-retest reliability was demonstrated with intra-class correlation coefficient of 0.88.

Conclusions

The SCIDS-C demonstrated acceptable reliability and validity although the known-groups validity between health professionals and care assistants was not fully established. It can be used to measure the level of sense of competence and as an outcome measure in educational intervention aiming at improving dementia care among Chinese healthcare providers.
Nursing practicum equity for a changing nurse student demographic: a qualitative study
Authors: Andrew L. , Dare J. , Robinson K. , Costello L.
Published: January 2022

Background

The nursing practicum (clinical practice) is an essential but often highly stressful aspect of the nursing degree. A review of the published literature reveals a strong focus on the stressors that originate within the practicum environment, rather than the student’s life outside the university and practice setting. This article reports on an Australian study, completed before the COVID-19 pandemic, of the university experiences of undergraduate women nurse students with family responsibilities. The findings reveal the importance of factors outside the university on the women students’ practicum experience and their ability to engage and achieve.

Methods

The study was qualitative, guided by Gadamer’s hermeneutic philosophy. Twenty-nine women students with family responsibilities (partners and children) were interviewed at two stages of their degree journey. Over 50 h of data were thematically analysed.

Findings

The themes ‘family pressure’ and ‘practicum poverty’ describe the impact of domestic work, family finances and practicum organisation on student stress, wellbeing, achievement, thoughts of attrition, and family tension. These findings are particularly pertinent to Australia and other developed nations where the nurse student demographic continues to age. An interpretation of these findings against the recent impact of COVID-19 on nurse education and women’s life choices reveals the likelihood that these difficulties have intensified for women students with family responsibilities since the pandemic began.

Conclusions and Recommendations

Many developed nations, including Australia, are increasingly reliant on older women nurse students to maintain the future graduate nursing workforce. This change in nurse student demographic to the mature-age student requires a revision of the organisation of the nursing practicum. Recommendations to nurse education to improve practicum accessibility for women students who have family responsibilities include the application of a flexible and collaborative approach to practicum organisation and communication. Wider recommendations to Government include a revision of the way the nursing student is financially supported during the practicum. Further research that explores the practicum experience for women nurse students during and following the COVID-19 pandemic is also recommended.
Identification of LMO2 as a new marker for acinic cell carcinoma of salivary gland
Authors: Sheng Dong , Zhang Yan , Xue Tian , Zhou Xiao-Yan , Li Xiao-Qiu
Published: January 2022

Background

The distinction between acinic cell carcinoma (ACC) and secretory carcinoma (SC) of the salivary gland is hampered by the lack of specific diagnostic markers. It is known the cytoplasm of glandular cells in the salivary gland immunohistochemically expresses LIM Domain Only 2 (LMO2). Herein, we aim to evaluate the expression status of LMO2 in a large cohort of tumors of the salivary gland, with an emphasis on its significance in the distinction of ACC and SC.

Methods

Immunohistochemical stains were performed to evaluate the expression of LMO2 in normal tissues and tumors of salivary gland.

Results

LMO2 was expressed in normal serous acinar cells of the salivary gland. We also found the cytoplasmic immunostaining of LMO2 was specific and sensitive for the recognition of ACCs including those with morphological overlaps with SCs, whereas the cytoplasmic expression of LMO2 was not detected in SCs.

Conclusions

LMO2 is useful for the recognition of ACC and is of potential value in distinguishing ACC from SC.
Immunohistochemical diagnosis of human infectious diseases: a review
Authors: Oumarou Hama Hamadou , Aboudharam Gérard , Barbieri Rémi , Lepidi Hubert , Drancourt Michel
Published: January 2022

Background

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) using monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies is a useful diagnostic method for detecting pathogen antigens in fixed tissues, complementing the direct diagnosis of infectious diseases by PCR and culture on fresh tissues. It was first implemented in a seminal publication by Albert Coons in 1941.

Main body

Of 14,198 publications retrieved from the PubMed, Google, Google Scholar and Science Direct databases up to December 2021, 230 were selected for a review of IHC techniques, protocols and results. The methodological evolutions of IHC and its application to the diagnosis of infectious diseases, more specifically lice-borne diseases, sexually transmitted diseases and skin infections, were critically examined. A total of 59 different pathogens have been detected once in 22 different tissues and organs; and yet non-cultured, fastidious and intracellular pathogens accounted for the vast majority of pathogens detected by IHC. Auto-IHC, incorporating patient serum as the primary antibody, applied to diseased heart valves surgically collected from blood culture-negative endocarditis patients, detected unidentified Gram-positive cocci and microorganisms which were subsequently identified as Coxiella burnetii, Bartonella quintana, Bartonella henselae and Tropheryma whipplei. The application of IHC to ancient tissues dated between the ends of the Ptolemaic period to over 70 years ago, have also contributed to paleomicrobiology diagnoses.

Conclusion

IHC plays an important role in diagnostic of infectious diseases in tissue samples. Paleo-auto-IHC derived from auto-IHC, is under development for detecting non-identified pathogens from ancient specimens.
Clinicopathological and molecular study of 10 salivary gland clear cell carcinomas, with emphasis on rare cases with high grade transformation and occurring in uncommon sites
Authors: Xuan Lanlan , Wang Suxia , Wei Jianguo , Yuan Jianwei , Liu Honggang
Published: January 2022

Background

As a rare salivary gland malignancy, clear cell carcinoma (CCC) is easily misdiagnosed. This study identified the features that allow better recognition of the clinicopathological and molecular characteristics and the prognosis of CCC, focusing on high-grade transformation (HGT) in this tumor and cases arising in uncommon sites.

Methods

Clinicopathological and follow-up data for 10 CCC samples were retrieved. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to detect EWSR1 gene rearrangements, EWSR1–ATF1 gene fusions, and MAML2 gene rearrangements.

Results

Histologically, typical CCCs comprised bland polygonal or round cells with clear cytoplasm. In contrast with typical CCCs, HGT tumor cells exhibited nuclear pleomorphism, high nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratios, high mitotic activity, and necrosis. Rare morphologic features such as pseudopapillae, gland-like spaces, and entrapped ducts were also observed. Occasionally, tumors involving the oral cavity might arise from the overlying epithelium of the mucosal surface. Immunohistochemically, all the cases expressed p63, p40, and CK5/6, while myoepithelial-related markers were uniformly negative in all cases. HGT exhibited a wild type p53 expression pattern. FISH demonstrated EWSR1 rearrangement (10/10) and EWSR1–ATF1 fusion (4/5); however, MAML2 remained intact (0/3).

Conclusions

CCCs with HGT or occurring in uncommon sites are extremely rare. Combining morphology based IHC and molecular detection provided reliable evidence that the HGT component represented a transformation of CCC rather than the coexistence of another tumor and helped differentiating CCCs in uncommon sites from their mimics, avoiding potential misdiagnosis and inappropriate therapy. The overall prognosis for CCCs is good, except for the HGT cases, which needed continued treatment.
Endotheliopathy is associated with slower liberation from mechanical ventilation: a cohort study
Authors: Schønemann-Lund Martin , Itenov Theis S. , Larsson Johan E. , Lindegaard Birgitte , Johansson Pär I. , Bestle Morten H.
Published: January 2022

Background

Endotheliopathy is suggested as pivotal pathophysiology of sepsis and trauma-associated organ failure, but its role in acute respiratory failure is not yet determined. We investigated if endotheliopathy biomarkers at ICU admission are associated with illness severity and clinical outcomes in patients with acute respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation.

Methods

We conducted a prospective single-center cohort study including 459 mechanically ventilated adults at ICU admission. Plasma levels of three endotheliopathy biomarkers were measured at ICU admission: Syndecan-1, soluble Thrombomodulin (sTM), and Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (PECAM-1). The primary outcome was the rate of liberation from mechanical ventilation, which is presented together with the rate of the competing risk of death while still on mechanical ventilation. Secondary outcomes were PaO2/FiO2-ratios on admission and on last measurement in patients dying within five days, and 30-day all-cause mortality. The primary outcome and 30-day all-cause mortality were analyzed using Cox regression, controlled for gender, age, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, septic shock, heart failure, PaO2/FiO2-ratio at admission, respiratory infection, acute kidney injury, and bilirubin. PaO2/FiO2-ratios were analyzed using linear regression, controlled for age, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, respiratory infection, and shock.

Results

Patients with high sTM were liberated from mechanical ventilation at a lower rate (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.71, for an increase from the 25th to the 75th percentile, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.54–0.93, p = 0.01). Patients with high PECAM-1 were liberated from mechanical ventilation at a lower rate, but only during the first 5 days (adjusted HR 0.72, for an increase from the 25th to the 75th percentile, 95% CI 0.58–0.9, p < 0.01). High levels of Syndecan-1 and PECAM-1 were associated with a higher rate of death while still on mechanical ventilation. sTM and PECAM-1 were negatively associated with PaO2/FiO2-ratio at ICU admission and no biomarker was associated with last measured PaO2/FiO2-ratio. High levels of all biomarkers were associated with higher 30-day all-cause mortality.

Conclusion

In acute respiratory failure, endotheliopathy biomarkers are associated with lower rates of liberation from mechanical ventilation, hypoxemia at ICU admission, and 30-day all-cause mortality.

Graphic Abstract
Diagnostic Evidence GAuge of Single cells (DEGAS): a flexible deep transfer learning framework for prioritizing cells in relation to disease
Authors: Johnson Travis S. , Yu Christina Y. , Huang Zhi , Xu Siwen , Wang Tongxin , Dong Chuanpeng , Shao Wei , Zaid Mohammad Abu , Huang Xiaoqing , Wang Yijie , Bartlett Christopher , Zhang Yan , Walker Brian A. , Liu Yunlong , Huang Kun , Zhang Jie
Published: February 2022

We propose DEGAS (Diagnostic Evidence GAuge of Single cells), a novel deep transfer learning framework, to transfer disease information from patients to cells. We call such transferrable information “impressions,” which allow individual cells to be associated with disease attributes like diagnosis, prognosis, and response to therapy. Using simulated data and ten diverse single-cell and patient bulk tissue transcriptomic datasets from glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and multiple myeloma (MM), we demonstrate the feasibility, flexibility, and broad applications of the DEGAS framework. DEGAS analysis on myeloma single-cell transcriptomics identified PHF19high myeloma cells associated with progression. Availability: https://github.com/tsteelejohnson91/DEGAS.
Inflammatory myopathy occurring shortly after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 vaccination: two case reports
Authors: Vutipongsatorn Kritchai , Isaacs Anthony , Farah Ziad
Published: January 2022

Background

Vaccination remains the cornerstone approach to exiting the current global coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The novel messenger ribonucleic acid vaccines offer a high level of protection and are widely used throughout the world. With more people receiving the vaccines, better understanding of their relative safety can be reached. In this report, we describe two patients who developed inflammatory myopathy within 48 hours of receiving the Pfizer BNT162b2 vaccine.

Case presentation

Patient A, a 55-year-old South East Asian woman, presented with a 6-week history of pruritic facial and torso rash and a 1-week history of worsening proximal myopathy. Her rash first developed 2 days after receiving the first dose of BNT162b2 vaccine. Patient B, a 72-year-old Caucasian woman, presented with a 2-week history of proximal myopathy a day after receiving the second dose of BNT162b2 vaccine. Both patients had elevated creatine kinase on admission. Patient A tested positive for anti-Mi-2a antibody and anti-Ro-52 antibody, while Patient B was positive for anti-fibrillarin antibody. Magnetic resonance imaging subsequently confirmed generalized acute muscle inflammation and subcutaneous inflammation consistent with inflammatory myositis. Both patients did not have a previous history or family history of autoimmune disease. Patients A and B were diagnosed with dermatomyositis and inflammatory myositis, respectively. They were initially treated with pulsed intravenous methylprednisolone followed by oral prednisolone. However, as their conditions were resistant to corticosteroids, both eventually received and responded well to intravenous immunoglobulin therapy.

Conclusion

There are previously reported cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2-induced and other vaccine-related inflammatory myopathies. However, the precise mechanisms are not elucidated. Without more evidence and convincing pathophysiology, it is not possible to conclude that our patients developed inflammatory myopathy because of the vaccine. However, the timing of the disease onset and the lack of previous history raise an important question of this novel messenger ribonucleic acid therapy.
Penile self-amputation due to cannabis-induced psychosis: a case report
Authors: Jengsuebsant Nantanan , Benjachaya Sirapat , Vuthiwong Jaraspong , Tangsuwanaruk Theerapon
Published: January 2022

Background

In recent decades, cannabis has been widely used around the world for medical and recreational purposes, both legally and illegally. Aside from its therapeutic benefits, cannabis exhibits many adverse effects. Psychosis is one of the potentially harmful effects of cannabis.

Case presentation

A 23-year-old Thai man, who reported cannabis use for 2 years and discontinued for 3 months, restarted smoking two bongs (2 g equivalence) of cannabis. Two hours later, he had a penile erection, felt a severe persistent sharp pain in his penis, and reported that his glans looked distorted. Intending to eradicate the pain, he decided to trim the penile skin several times and completely amputated his penis himself using scissors. Cannabis-induced psychosis was diagnosed because symptoms began after cannabis use, without evidence of other substance abuse. To confirm the cannabis exposure, his urine immunoassay was positive for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC). The distal penis was deemed too dirty and fragile for reconstruction. Bleeding was controlled, penile stump irrigated and debrided, and scrotal urethrostomy was performed by a urologist. After admission and cannabis discontinuation, his delusion and hallucination subsided.

Conclusions

Cannabis-induced psychosis is an adverse effect of cannabis, which may lead to impaired judgement unexpected self-harm. A multidisciplinary team approach, including a primary care physician, an emergency physician, a urologist, and a psychiatrist, is essential when dealing with a patient with cannabis-induced psychosis and a urogenital injury.
Skeletal muscle transcriptomics identifies common pathways in nerve crush injury and ageing
Authors: Staunton C. A. , Owen E. D. , Hemmings K. , Vasilaki A. , McArdle A. , Barrett-Jolley R. , Jackson M. J.
Published: February 2022

Motor unit remodelling involving repeated denervation and re-innervation occurs throughout life. The efficiency of this process declines with age contributing to neuromuscular deficits. This study investigated differentially expressed genes (DEG) in muscle following peroneal nerve crush to model motor unit remodelling in C57BL/6 J mice. Muscle RNA was isolated at 3 days post-crush, RNA libraries were generated using poly-A selection, sequenced and analysed using gene ontology and pathway tools. Three hundred thirty-four DEG were found in quiescent muscle from (26mnth) old compared with (4-6mnth) adult mice and these same DEG were present in muscle from adult mice following nerve crush. Peroneal crush induced 7133 DEG in muscles of adult and 699 DEG in muscles from old mice, although only one DEG (ZCCHC17) was found when directly comparing nerve-crushed muscles from old and adult mice. This analysis revealed key differences in muscle responses which may underlie the diminished ability of old mice to repair following nerve injury.
Limonoids from the barks of Chukrasia tabularis and their anti-inflammatory activity
Authors: Shen Jinhuang , Zhang Yifan , Yang Nana , Ma Xinhua , Zhong Tianhua , Zhang Yonghong
Published: January 2022

Two novel phragmalin type limonoids, Tabularisin Q (1) and Chuktabularin Y (18), together with 22 known limonoids have been separated from bark of Chukrasia tabularis. The structures of 1–24 were identified with spectroscopic method (NMR, IR and mass spectrometry) and comparison with literature. The anti-inflammatory activity of all limonoids was assayed in RAW264.7 cells in vitro by evaluating the production of nitric oxide induced by lipopolysaccharide. Limonoids 8, 9, 1, and 18 showed significant anti-inflammatory activity with the inhibitory rates of 4.32, 11.28, 13.13, and 10.40 μm, respectively, and likely to be useful for the development as therapeutic agents for inflammatory diseases.
A multi-omics approach unravels metagenomic and metabolic alterations of a probiotic and synbiotic additive in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Rasmussen Jacob Agerbo , Villumsen Kasper Rømer , Ernst Madeleine , Hansen Martin , Forberg Torunn , Gopalakrishnan Shyam , Gilbert M. Thomas P. , Bojesen Anders Miki , Kristiansen Karsten , Limborg Morten Tønsberg
Published: January 2022

Background

Animal protein production is increasingly looking towards microbiome-associated services such as the design of new and better probiotic solutions to further improve gut health and production sustainability. Here, we investigate the functional effects of bacteria-based pro- and synbiotic feed additives on microbiome-associated functions in relation to growth performance in the commercially important rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). We combine complementary insights from multiple omics datasets from gut content samples, including 16S bacterial profiling, whole metagenomes, and untargeted metabolomics, to investigate bacterial metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) and their molecular interactions with host metabolism.

Results

Our findings reveal that (I) feed additives changed the microbiome and that rainbow trout reared with feed additives had a significantly reduced relative abundance of the salmonid relatedCandidatusMycoplasma salmoninae in both the mid and distal gut content, (II) genome resolved metagenomics revealed that alterations of microbial arginine biosynthesis and terpenoid backbone synthesis pathways were directly associated with the presence ofCandidatusMycoplasma salmoninae, and (III) differences in the composition of intestinal microbiota among feed types were directly associated with significant changes of the metabolomic landscape, including lipids and lipid-like metabolites, amino acids, bile acids, and steroid-related metabolites.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate how the use of multi-omics to investigate complex host-microbiome interactions enable us to better evaluate the functional potential of probiotics compared to studies that only measure overall growth performance or that only characterise the microbial composition in intestinal environments.
Pleasant touch perception in borderline personality disorder and its relationship with disturbed body representation
Authors: Löffler Annette , Kleindienst Nikolaus , Neukel Corinne , Bekrater-Bodmann Robin , Flor Herta
Published: February 2022

Background

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by altered perception of affective stimuli, including abnormal evaluation of nociceptive input. However, whether or not perceptual alterations are present for its positive counterpart, i.e. pleasant touch (PT), has not yet been examined.

Methods

In the present study, we applied standardized PT stimuli to the hands of 25 patients with BPD and 25 healthy controls (HC) and compared their perception. We used the affect-modulated acoustic startle response as a physiological correlate of affective processing. We further explored the effect of PT stimulation on dissociative experiences in BPD.

Results

Compared to HC, BPD perceived PT as less pleasant and less intense. The effect on perceived valence of touch was large even after controlling for the effect of reduced perceived intensity of touch (ƞ2 = .29). We further found qualitative alterations in touch perception in BPD, who rated the touch as significantly rougher and firmer compared to HC. There was a positive correlation between perceived valence of touch and changes in dissociative experiences in terms of body ownership of the stimulated body part from pre to post stimulation, suggesting that a more negative evaluation of touch is associated with an increase in body-related dissociative experiences, while a positive perception of touch might be related to a reduction of these dissociative experiences.

Conclusions

Our results confirm BPD-associated disturbances in the processing of affective somatosensory stimuli and indicate that not only pain perception but also pleasant touch perception is diminished in BPD. We discuss the role of altered touch perception for BPD psychopathology and its potential role for new treatment approaches.
SUV39H1 regulates corneal epithelial wound healing via H3K9me3-mediated repression of p27
Authors: Yang Shuai , Chen Weiwei , Jin Shanshan , Luo Guangying , Jing Xia , Liu Qi , Reinach Peter S. , Qu Jia , Yan Dongsheng
Published: February 2022

Background

Corneal epithelial wound healing (CEWH) is vital for maintaining the integrity and barrier function of the cornea. Although histone modifications mediating gene expression patterns is fundamental in some other tissues, it remains unclear whether these gene regulation patterns underlie CEWH. Suppressor of variegation 3-9 homolog 1 (SUV39H1) plays a vital role in mediating gene silencing via histone H3 trimethylation of lysine 9 (H3K9me3). This study aims to characterize the comprehensive signature of epigenetic modifiers and determine the role of SUV39H1 in CEWH.

Methods

NanoString nCounter technology was used to detect the differentially expressed epigenetic modifiers during CEWH. Bioinformatic analyses were performed to reveal their involvement in this process. After knockdown of SUV39H1 with siRNA transfection, we determined the function of SUV39H1 on cell proliferation and migration in human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) via MTS, EdU, and wound-healing assay, respectively. Flow cytometry analysis further confirmed the effect of SUV39H1 on the cell cycle of HCECs. Loss-of-function assays for SUV39H1 with siRNA injection or chaetocin assessed the role of SUV39H1 on CEWH in vivo. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting characterized the expression of SUV39H1 and its target genes. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay was used to evaluate the distributions of H3K9me3 marks at the promoters of SUV39H1 target genes.

Results

We first identified 92 differentially expressed epigenetic modifiers and revealed their involvement during CEWH. SUV39H1 was confirmed to be upregulated in response to corneal injury. Its downregulation significantly inhibited HCEC proliferation and retarded in vivo CEWH. Furthermore, knockdown of SUV39H1 upregulated the p27 expression level and reduced H3K9me3 marks at p27 promoter in HCECs. In addition, p27 was remarkably downregulated with elevated H3K9me3 marks at its promoter during in vivo CEWH.

Conclusions

SUV39H1 plays a critical role in regulating corneal epithelial cell proliferation via H3K9me3-mediated suppression of p27 during CEWH. Our findings suggest that epigenetic modifiers such as SUV39H1 can be potential therapeutic approaches to accelerate corneal repair.
Heterozygous POLG variant Ser1181Asn co-segregating in a family with autosomal dominant axonal neuropathy, proximal muscle fatigability, ptosis, and ragged red fibers
Authors: Dohrn Maike F. , Heller Corina , Zengeler Diana , Obermaier Carolin D. , Biskup Saskia , Weis Joachim , Nikolin Stefan , Claeys Kristl G. , Schöne Ulrike , Beijer Danique , Winter Natalie , Achenbach Pascal , Gess Burkhard , Schulz Jörg B. , Mulahasanovic Lejla
Published: February 2022

By whole-exome sequencing, we found the heterozygous POLG variant c.3542G>A; p.Ser1181Asn in a family of four affected individuals, presenting with a mixed neuro-myopathic phenotype. The variant is located within the active site of polymerase gamma, in a cluster region associated with an autosomal dominant inheritance. In adolescence, the index developed distal atrophies and weakness, sensory loss, afferent ataxia, double vision, and bilateral ptosis. One older sister presented with Charcot-Marie-Tooth-like symptoms, while the youngest sister and father reported exercise-induced muscle pain and proximal weakness. In none of the individuals, we observed any involvement of the central nervous system. Muscle biopsies obtained from the father and the older sister showed ragged-red fibers, and electron microscopy confirmed mitochondrial damage. We conclude that this novel POLG variant explains this family’s phenotype.
Criteria of tracking vortex surfaces in turbulent-like flows
Authors: Han Zishuo , Yang Yue
Published: February 2022

We propose criteria of tracking vortex surfaces in complex flows based on the vortex-surface field (VSF). The criteria characterize the accuracy and Lagrangian tracking performance of the numerical VSF solution, and determine the time period when the vortex surface tracking is satisfactory. Moreover, we develop a turbulent-like flow combining large-scale coherent structures in the Taylor–Green flow and small-scale turbulent structures in homogeneous isotropic turbulence (HIT). From tracking of vortex surfaces during the effective tracking period, we find that the imposed HIT disturbance significantly wrinkles vortex surfaces. Subsequently, the wrinkled vortex tube with large vorticity magnitude tends to be further twisted, contributing to energy cascade, while the wrinkling is mitigated in the region with small vorticity magnitude.
Can magnetic resonance imaging predict preoperative consistency and vascularity of intracranial meningioma?
Authors: ElBeheiry Ahmed A. , Fayed Ahmed A. , Alkassas Ahmed H. , Emara Doaa M.
Published: February 2022

Background

Meningiomas are considered the most common primary intracranial neoplasms. The surgical resection is the main curative therapy. Evaluation of meningioma consistency and vascularity is important before surgery to be aware about the difficulties that neurosurgeon will face during resection, the possibility of total resection and to determine which equipment will be suitable for surgery. The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between the MRI predictors of meningioma consistency [utilizing tumor/cerebellar peduncle T2-weighted imaging intensity (TCTI) ratios] as well as tumor vascularity (utilizing arterial spin labeling perfusion) in correlation with intraoperative findings. The study was carried out on 40 patients with MRI features of intracranial meningiomas. Non-contrast conventional MRI followed by arterial spin labeling MR perfusion and post contrast sequences were done for all cases. Final diagnosis of the cases was established by histopathological data while consistency and vascularity was confirmed by operative findings.

Results

According to surgical data, the studied cases of intracranial meningiomas were classified according to tumor consistency into 19 cases (47.5%) showing soft consistency, 14 cases (35%) showing intermediate consistency and 7 cases (17.5%) showing firm/hard consistency. TCTI ratio was the most significant MRI parameter in correlation with operative consistency of meningiomas, with soft lesions showing TCTI ranging from 1.75 to 2.87, intermediate consistency lesions TCTI ranging from 1.3 to 1.6, and firm lesions TCTI ranging from 0.9 to 1.2. According to intraoperative vascularity, cases were classified into 27 cases (67.5%) showing hypervascularity, 6 cases (15%) showing intermediate vascularity and 7 cases (17.5%) showing hypovascularity. Arterial spin labeling (ASL) was the most significant MRI parameter in correlation with operative vascularity of meningiomas, with hypervascular lesions showing normalized cerebral blood flow (n-CBF) ranging from 2.10 to 14.20, intermediately vascular lesions ranging from 1.50 to 1.60, and hypovascular lesions ranging from 0.70 to 0.90.

Conclusions

TCTI ratio showed good correlation with intraoperative meningioma consistency. ASL MR perfusion as a noninvasive technique is a reliable method to predict vascularity of meningioma in cases where IV contrast is contraindicated.
Can we reduce CT scan and hospital costs in children with blunt trauma using four parameters?
Authors: Öztaş Tülin , Araç Songül , Bilici Salim
Published: February 2022

Background

Blunt trauma is one of the most common causes of admission to the emergency service in childhood. Children with trauma are generally evaluated in emergency services where pediatric and adult patients are together, and difficulties are experienced in managing children exposed to trauma. CT is preferred for quick detection and grading of toracoabdominal, skeleton, and neurological injury in high energy trauma. The present study aims to determine the severity of trauma and whether CT exposure can be reduced and patient cost using four parameters.

This study was conducted with 586 pediatric patients exposed to blunt abdominal trauma. The clinical prediction rule consisted of four parameters, including abdominal pain, physical examination findings, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and chest x-ray (CXR, which was used to predict intraabdominal injury in patients with blunt trauma. Patients with no parameters of the clinical decision rule were considered very low risk, and those with one or more parameters were considered at risk. The hospital cost of the patients with and without clinical decision rule was calculated and compared.

Results

In our study, according to the four-variable clinical prediction rule, 88.1% of the patients had a very low risk of intraabdominal injury and 11.9% of them were at risk. The sensitivity was 97.3%, specificity 98.2%, and accuracy was 97.4% in very low-risk patients with four variables clinical prediction rule. In the very low-risk patients, the abnormal CT rate was 0.3% and conservative treatment was performed. With the use of four variables, 0.17% of solid organ injuries may be overlooked. In the risk of patients, 2.9% of these patients were abnormal CT findings, while tube thoracostomy was performed in four patients with pneumothorax, conservative treatment was performed in other patients.

It was determined that routine computed tomography scan increased the patient cost by 5.5 times.

Conclusion

Patients exposed to blunt trauma with a very low risk of intra-abdominal injury can be identified with a four-variable clinical prediction rule. According to the four-variable clinical prediction rule, very low-risk patients do not require immediate CT. The hospital costs can be reduced by reducing the CT scan. However, it should be kept in mind that a small proportion of intra-abdominal injuries may be overlooked.
Design and development of Spaiser remotely operated vehicle
Authors: ELAFF Ihab
Published: January 2022

Design of new unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) is a continuous process since decades, where finding an optimal design for a specific application is still a challenging subject. New inspection class category remotely operated vehicle (ROV) is developed to overcome some disadvantages of existing ROVs of the same category. It has been taken into consideration in the new design to be small, capable of maneuvering freely in 6 DOF, closed-hull body of minimum water resistive forces, low-cost components which work with high integration, one-duct tether (at low cost) and software program to be used with any PC instead of special control station. Detailed design of the internal network that combines sensors, thrusters’ controllers, and camera of the ROV is shown and smart communication architecture between the ROV and the control station is also introduced. Finally, in the computer layer, many aspects are discussed including communication protocol between the control station and the ROV, high-precision orientation angles calculation using inertial measurement unit (IMU), heading calculation of the ROV, and GUI of the control station.
Near-Surface Views & News: A wrap on the 2021 Summit on Drone Geophysics and launch of the 2022 event
Authors: Quigley Laura , Walter Callum , Whitesell Laurie
Published: February 2022

The 2021 edition of the annual Summit on Drone Geophysics was conducted virtually from 2 to 5 November. The event expanded on the first Summit on Drone Geophysics and all previous efforts related to drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and unmanned aerial systems (UASs) that have been conducted as SEG Annual Meeting postconvention workshops since 2017.
A Pilot Study of Cognition Among Hypoparathyroid Adults
Authors: Rubin Mishaela R , Tabacco Gaia , Omeragic Beatriz , Majeed Rukshana , Hale Christiane , Brickman Adam M
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Hypoparathyroid patients describe cognitive deficits, yet data regarding objective assessment of cognitive function are limited. We assessed cognition in a pilot study of hypoparathyroid patients using the National Institutes of Health Toolbox® Adult Cognitive Battery (NIHTB-CB). We also sought to determine whether cognition relates to emotion, quality of life, and hypoparathyroidism-related biochemistries.

Methods

Nineteen hypoparathyroid patients were studied. Objective cognition was assessed with NIHTB-CB. Impairment was defined as fully demographically adjusted T-score < 1.5 SD in at least 1 cognitive domain or < 1 SD in 2 or more domains.

Results

Of the 19 participants (17 women; median age 49; 18 postsurgical), impaired demographically adjusted NIHTB-CB cognition scores were observed in 13 subjects (68%). Cognition scores correlated with self-reported perception of general health. Processing speed was the most commonly impaired cognitive domain, with T-scores that were ≤2 SD in 6 subjects (32%). Processing speed correlated with serum calcium (r = 0.53, P = 0.023) and inversely with serum phosphate (r = −0.48, P = 0.042) levels.

Conclusions

Impaired cognition using the NIHTB-CB was common in this small pilot cohort of hypoparathyroid patients. Slower processing speed was present and associated with lower serum calcium and higher serum phosphate levels. Larger controlled studies with additional neuropsychological testing are needed to investigate cognitive function in hypoparathyroidism.
Polysomal mRNA Association and Gene Expression in Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Tinti Michele , Kelner-Mirôn Anna , Marriott Lizzie J. , Ferguson Michael A.J.
Published: February 2022

Background: The contrasting physiological environments of Trypanosoma brucei procyclic (insect vector) and bloodstream (mammalian host) forms necessitates deployment of different molecular processes and, therefore, changes in protein expression. Transcriptional regulation is unusual in T. brucei because the arrangement of genes is polycistronic; however, genes which are transcribed together are subsequently cleaved into separate mRNAs by trans-splicing. Following pre-mRNA processing, the regulation of mature mRNA stability is a tightly controlled cellular process. While many stage-specific transcripts have been identified, previous studies using RNA-seq suggest that changes in overall transcript level do not necessarily reflect the abundance of the corresponding protein.

Methods: To better understand the regulation of gene expression in T. brucei, we performed a bioinformatic analysis of RNA-seq on total, sub-polysomal, and polysomal mRNA samples. We further cross-referenced our dataset with a previously published proteomics dataset to identify new protein coding sequences.

Results: Our analyses showed that several long non-coding RNAs are more abundant in the sub-polysome samples, which possibly implicates them in regulating cellular differentiation in T. brucei. We also improved the annotation of the T.brucei genome by identifying new putative protein coding transcripts that were confirmed by mass spectrometry data.

Conclusions: Several long non-coding RNAs are more abundant in the sub-polysome cellular fractions and might pay a role in the regulation of gene expression. We hope that these data will be of wide general interest, as well as being of specific value to researchers studying gene regulation expression and life stage transitions in T. brucei.