bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Viral load and its relationship with the inflammatory response and clinical outcomes in hospitalization of patients with COVID-19
Authors: Kuri-Ayache Mauricio , Rivera-Cavazos Andrea , Pérez-Castillo María Fátima , Santos-Macías Juan Enrique , González-Cantú Arnulfo , Luviano-García José Antonio , Jaime-Villalón Diego , Gutierrez-González Dalia , Romero-Ibarguengoitia Maria Elena
Published: January 2023

Background

The values of viral load in COVID-19 disease have gained relevance, seeking to understand its prognostic value and its behavior in the course of the disease, although there have been no conclusive results. In this study we sought to analyze serum viral load as a predictor of clinical outcome of the disease, as well as its association with inflammatory markers.

Methods

An observational and retrospective study in a private hospital in North Mexico, patients with SARS-COV-2 infection confirmed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were followed through clinical outcome, viral load measurement, quantification of inflammatory markers and lymphocyte subpopulations. For the analysis, multiple regression models were performed. Results: We studied 105 patients [47 (SD 1.46) years old, 68.6% men]. After analysis with multiple regression models, there was an association between viral load at admission and vaccination schedule (β-value=-0.279, p= 0.007), age (β-value= 0.010, p = 0.050), mechanical ventilation (β-value= 0.872, p = 0.007), lactate dehydrogenase (β-value= 1.712, p= 0.004), D-dimer values at admission (β-value= 0.847, p= 0.013) and subpopulation of B lymphocytes at admission (β-value= -0.527, p= 0.042). There was no association with days of hospitalization, use of nasal prongs or high flux mask. Peak viral load (10 days after symptoms onset) was associated with peak IL-6 (β-value= 0.470, p= 0.011). Peak viral load matched with peak procalcitonin and minimal lymphocyte values. C-reactive protein peak was before the peak of viral load. The minimum value viral load was documented on day 12 after symptom onset; it matched with the minimum values of IL-6 and ferritin, and the peak of D-dimer.

Conclusions

SARS-COV-2 admission viral load is associated with vaccination status, mechanical ventilation, and different inflammatory markers.
Host-parasite interactions during Plasmodium infection: Implications for immunotherapies
Authors: Chandley Pankaj , Ranjan Ravikant , Kumar Sudhir , Rohatgi Soma
Published: January 2023

Malaria is a global infectious disease that remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the developing world. Multiple environmental and host and parasite factors govern the clinical outcomes of malaria. The host immune response against the Plasmodium parasite is heterogenous and stage-specific both in the human host and mosquito vector. The Plasmodium parasite virulence is predominantly associated with its ability to evade the host’s immune response. Despite the availability of drug-based therapies, Plasmodium parasites can acquire drug resistance due to high antigenic variations and allelic polymorphisms. The lack of licensed vaccines against Plasmodium infection necessitates the development of effective, safe and successful therapeutics. To design an effective vaccine, it is important to study the immune evasion strategies and stage-specific Plasmodium proteins, which are targets of the host immune response. This review provides an overview of the host immune defense mechanisms and parasite immune evasion strategies during Plasmodium infection. Furthermore, we also summarize and discuss the current progress in various anti-malarial vaccine approaches, along with antibody-based therapy involving monoclonal antibodies, and research advancements in host-directed therapy, which can together open new avenues for developing novel immunotherapies against malaria infection and transmission.
Spatial genomics reveals a high number and specific location of B cells in the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma microenvironment of long-term survivors
Authors: Aziz Hosein M. , Saida Lawlaw , de Koning Willem , Stubbs Andrew P. , Li Yunlei , Sideras Kostandinos , Palacios Elena , Feliu Jaime , Mendiola Marta , van Eijck Casper H. J. , Mustafa Dana A. M.
Published: January 2023

Background and aim

Only 10% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients survive longer than five years. Factors underlining long-term survivorship in PDAC are not well understood. Therefore, we aimed to identify the key players in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) associated with long-term survivorship in PDAC patients.

Methods

The immune-related gene expression profiles of resected PDAC tumors of patients who survived and remained recurrence-free of disease for ≥36 months (long-term survivors, n=10) were compared to patients who had survived ≤6 months (short-term survivors, n=10) due to tumor recurrence. Validation was performed by the spatial protein expression profile of immune cells using the GeoMx™ Digital Spatial Profiler. An independent cohort of samples consisting of 12 long-term survivors and 10 short-term survivors, was used for additional validation. The independent validation was performed by combining qualitative immunohistochemistry and quantitative protein expression profiling.

Results

B cells were found to be significantly increased in the TIME of long-term survivors by gene expression profiling (p=0.018). The high tumor infiltration of B cells was confirmed by spatial protein profiling in the discovery and the validation cohorts (p=0.002 and p=0.01, respectively). The higher number of infiltrated B cells was found mainly in the stromal compartments of PDAC samples and was exclusively found within tumor cells in long-term survivors.

Conclusion

This is the first comprehensive study that connects the immune landscape of gene expression profiles and protein spatial infiltration with the survivorship of PDAC patients. We found a higher number and a specific location of B cells in TIME of long-term survivors which emphasizes the importance of B cells and B cell-based therapy for future personalized immunotherapy in PDAC patients.
Serum organic acid metabolites can be used as potential biomarkers to identify prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and prostate cancer
Authors: He Jinhua , Han Zeping , Luo Wenfeng , Shen Jian , Xie Fangmei , Liao Liyin , Zou Ge , Luo Xin , Guo Zhonghui , Li Yuguang , Li Jianhao , Chen Hanwei
Published: January 2023

Background

Noninvasive methods for the early identify diagnosis of prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostate cancer (PCa) are current clinical challenges.

Methods

The serum metabolites of 20 healthy individuals and patients with prostatitis, BPH, or PCa were identified using untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). In addition, targeted LC-MS was used to verify the organic acid metabolites in the serum of a validation cohort.

Results

Organic acid metabolites had good sensitivity and specificity in differentiating prostatitis, BPH, and PCa. Three diagnostic models identified patients with PROSTATITIS: phenyllactic acid (area under the curve [AUC]=0.773), pyroglutamic acid (AUC=0.725), and pantothenic acid (AUC=0.721). Three diagnostic models identified BPH: citric acid (AUC=0.859), malic acid (AUC=0.820), and D-glucuronic acid (AUC=0.810). Four diagnostic models identified PCa: 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaric acid (AUC=0.804), citric acid (AUC=0.918), malic acid (AUC=0.862), and phenyllactic acid (AUC=0.713). Two diagnostic models distinguished BPH from PCa: phenyllactic acid (AUC=0.769) and pyroglutamic acid (AUC=0.761). Three diagnostic models distinguished benign BPH from PROSTATITIS: citric acid (AUC=0.842), ethylmalonic acid (AUC=0.814), and hippuric acid (AUC=0.733). Six diagnostic models distinguished BPH from prostatitis: citric acid (AUC=0.926), pyroglutamic acid (AUC=0.864), phenyllactic acid (AUC=0.850), ethylmalonic acid (AUC=0.843), 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaric acid (AUC=0.817), and hippuric acid (AUC=0.791). Three diagnostic models distinguished PCa patients with PROSTATITISA < 4.0 ng/mL from those with PSA > 4.0 ng/mL: 5-hydromethyl-2-furoic acid (AUC=0.749), ethylmalonic acid (AUC=0.750), and pyroglutamic acid (AUC=0.929). Conclusions: These results suggest that serum organic acid metabolites can be used as biomarkers to differentiate prostatitis, BPH, and PCa.
Resilience of bumblebee foraging behavior despite colony size reduction
Authors: Gérard Maxence , Marchand Justine , Zanutto Jade , Baird Emily
Published: January 2023

Foraging behavior is driven by diverse factors, notably life history traits. Foraging strategies are particularly complex among eusocial species such as bumblebees, because they depend primarily on the needs of the colony, rather than on individual’s needs. Colony size, i.e. the number of workers in a colony vary a lot among eusocial insects. While a large colony can be adaptive, several drivers can strongly decrease colony size, like pesticides or high temperatures. In this study, we used the bumblebee Bombus terrestris to assess if workers adapted their foraging behavior to such rapid decreases in colony size. We conducted the foraging experiments with two plant species commonly used by bumblebees: Borago officinalis and Echium plantagineum. Several foraging parameters were measured: foraging time, number of foraging trips, number of workers foraging, handling time and visiting rate. Despite a drastic reduction in colony size, nearly all the foraging behavior parameters were unaffected by the colony size reduction. Colonies that were subject to a large decrease in workers instead displayed high resilience and behavioral plasticity by quickly increasing the proportion of foragers. Ultimately, further research should assess if this consistency in foraging behavior also allows bumblebee colonies to maintain both the efficiency of the resources collection and pollination.
Towards the development of reliable and economical mHealth solutions: A methodology for accurate detection of Buruli ulcer for hard-to-reach communities
Authors: Queen Courtney M. , Hu Rui , Zouridakis George
Published: January 2023

mHealth interventions have the potential to increase access to healthcare for the most hard-to-reach communities. For rural communities suffering disproportionately from skin-related NTDs, and Buruli ulcer, there is a need for low-cost, non-invasive and mobile tools for the early detection and management of disease. Dermoscopy is a noninvasive in-vivo technique that has been useful in improving the diagnostic accuracy of pigmented skin lesions based on anatomical features and morphological structures of lesions.

Objectives

Using dermoscopy, this study develops the automated tools necessary for developing an effective mHealth intervention towards identifying BU lesions in the early stages. Methods: This imaging methodology relies on an external attachment, a dermoscope, which uses polarized light to cancel out skin surface reflections. In our initial studies we used a dermoscope with only crosspolarized white-light (DL100, 3Gen) but later we adopted a more advanced multispectral dermoscope (DLIIm, 3Gen). The latter employed additional monochromatic light at different wavelengths of the visible spectral range, specifically blue (470 nm), yellow (580 nm), and red (660 nm) color, to visualize pigmented structures of skin layers at different depths.

Results

Results obtained using a subset of 58 white-light images with confirmed diagnosis (16 lesions BU and 42 lesions non-BU) resulting in sensitivity of 100 and specificity of 88.10, with an overall accuracy of 94.05 at 95% CI. Performance obtained using a second dataset of 197 dermoscopic multispectral images (16 lesions BU and 181 lesions non-BU) resulted in sensitivity of 90.00% and specificity of 93.39% with a balanced accuracy of 91.69% (86.95% to 95.12% at 95% CI).

Conclusions

This system will continue to perform even as the technology evolves and newer dermoscopes are available. Subsequent studies involve the DL4 which provides more uniform and brighter illumination, higher lesion magnification, and wider field of view which, combined with the superb resolution of modern smartphones, can result in faster and more accurate lesion assessment. This is an important step for the development of mHealth tools for use by non-specialists in community settings for the early detection of Buruli ulcer, skin-NTDs, and other dermatologic conditions associated with disease, including wound healing and management of disease progression.
Integrated management improves emerging coastal industries and ecological restoration with the participation of social capital
Authors: Shusheng Xu , Jingqian Xie , Mianrun Chen
Published: January 2023

In this study, we aimed to provide policy advice that supports continuous ecological restoration and coastal economic development. Our analysis indicated that insufficient funds and space are the main problems in mangrove restoration projects in China and Southeast Asian countries. The average cost of mangrove restoration projects in China has been RMB 999,000/ha, leaving a mangrove restoration funding gap of RMB 1,500,000,000/year. Another common problem of emerging industries is insufficient space, another is a lack of subsidies. Learning from the positive experiences of inland areas and Southeast Asian countries, we propose a plan for integrated management that improves emerging marine industries and ecological restoration with the participation of social capital. We also designed a time road map to achieve the plan based on a target area. A SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis showed that the plan is a win-win model plan, which may generally meet the needs of the local government, such as ecological restoration, pollution control, industrial upgrades, and income improvement. Finally, we suggest that governments should strengthen cross-department coordination, improve current sea area use policies, and strengthen associated publicity attempts.
Macrofauna abundance and diversity patterns of deep sea southwestern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Quintanar-Retama Octavio , Vázquez-Bader Ana Rosa , Gracia Adolfo
Published: January 2023

The diversity and distribution of macrofaunal communities in the deep-sea bottoms of Gulf of Mexico (GoM) Mexican waters are poorly known compared to the northern GoM. This study was designed to contribute to the knowledge of macrofauna communities through (i) evaluate the taxonomic composition of macrofauna communities at major taxa level, and (ii) analyze the spatial distribution patterns in the deep sea of the southwestern GoM. Benthic macrofauna composition was analyzed in a large geographical area (92.67°–96.70° W 18.74°–23.04° N) and bathymetric gradient (185-3740 m depth). Samples were collected on board the R/V Justo Sierra (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México) with a Reineck-type box corer during the oceanographic cruises SOGOM-3 and SOGOM-4 carried out on April 21–May 15, 2017, and on August 29–September 20, 2018, respectively. Thirteen environmental parameters were measured (among them, depth, salinity, temperature, O2, sediment grain size, hydrocarbons, and organic matter). Twenty-five taxa were registered in SOGOM 3 (2315 individuals) all of which were observed in SOGOM 4 (1721 individuals) with exception of the mollusk Class Solenogastres. The average abundance (ind. m-2) registered was 517 (range: 150-1388 ind. m-2), and 347 (range: 38-1088 ind. m-2) for SOGOM 3, and SOGOM 4, respectively. In SOGOM 3 Polychaeta, Nematoda, Amphipoda, Tanaidacea, and Bivalvia contributed with 75% of the total abundance, which were also the most abundant in SOGOM 4 representing 82% of total macrofauna abundance. Highest abundance was registered to the south of the study area near the coast, and the lowest one was found in deeper areas. Macrofauna abundance decreased with depth in both cruises. High diversity values were registered at intermediate depths in the south and west zones of the study area. Both cruises separated in a nMDS analysis. During SOGOM 3 dissolved oxygen, aromatic hydrocarbons, and organic matter (%) were the environmental variables related to macrofauna whereas, in SOGOM 4, depth was the most important one. This study fills a gap in the knowledge of diversity and distribution of macrofaunal communities of the deep-sea bottoms of a large area covering the whole bathymetric range of southern Gulf of Mexico and provides a baseline useful to compare with polluted areas and for assessing the impact of chronic pollution and/or potential oil spill accidents.
Design and optimization of buoy mooring with single-point cable for seafloor observatories
Authors: Zhang Shaowei , Tian Chuan , Zhou Fenghua
Published: January 2023

For long-term mooring buoy observatories in the deep sea far from the coasts, we design the hybrid system, named Mooring Buoys Observation System with Benthic Electro-optical-mechanical Cable (MBOSBC). The Electro Optical Mechanical (EOM) cable connects the sea surface buoy, and benthic observation node, as the transmission link of information and power. Different from the traditional buoy mooring, Mooring Buoys Observation System needs to accomplish the energy and data transmission between the seabed and the sea surface. The EOM cable is utilized for mooring, and it is the crucial link to ensure the long-term and effective work of the system and energy / data transmission. EOM cable plays the role of mooring tether of MBOSBC. Since the EOM cable has to experience higher loads under most environmental conditions for long terms. It is often happened that, the EOM cable is not broken, but the power supply core wire and signal wire have broken or failed, while the buoy is subjected to wind, wave and current load. This puts forward the requirements for the design of bearing load and mooring style for the mooring EOM cable. This paper gives the idea of mooring design of buoy, and this paper provide the design criteria of the single point mooring buoy with EOM cable. We compare the dynamics properties and mooring line type under different external environmental load, and the mooring style is optimized. Finally, the dynamic properties and mooring line type during the system deployment process is discussed.
Numerical analysis of non-Newtonian nanofluids under double-diffusive regimes
Authors: Sher Akbar Noreen , Mallawi Fouad Othman
Published: January 2023

In the present study, the slip velocity of a non-Newtonian fluid flowing above a continuously stretching surface with double-diffusive nanofluid is examined at prespecified values of surface temperature, while also accounting for salt concentration. An initial set of partial differential equations, along with the boundary conditions, are first cast into a dimensionless form; subsequently, the comparation variables are invoked to reduce the partial differential equations to ordinary differential equations; and finally, the reduced ordinary differential equations are solved numerically via the shooting method. Values for dimensionless velocity, temperature, salt concentration distribution, local Nusselt number, and Sherwood number are calculated numerically and presented visually in a set of graphs. A extensive parametric study is conducted to probe the effects of adjusting various parameters in the cases of both assisting and opposing flow.
Interfacial intermetallic compound modification to extend the electromigration lifetime of copper pillar joints
Authors: Yang Dongsheng , Huang Yilong
Published: January 2023

Electromigration is the massive metal atom transport due to electron flow, which could induce a disconnect in electronics. Due to the size of copper pillar bump reduction, the portion of interfacial intermetallic compound in solder joints is increasing obviously. However, there is lack of systematical research on the effects of intermetallic compound on the EM lifetime of solder joints. In this paper, the interfacial intermetallic compound of copper pillar joints is modified to extend the electromigration lifetime. The growth rate of intermetallic compound in solder joints sample is calculated firstly. From 230°C to 250°C, the growth rate of intermetallic compound increases from 0.09 μm/min to 0.19 μm/min. With a longer reaction time, the intermetallic compound layers continuously grow. Then electromigration tests were conducted under thermo-electric coupling loading of 100°C and 1.0 × 104 A/cm2. Compared with lifetime of thin and thick intermetallic compound samples, the lifetime of all intermetallic compound sample improved significantly. The lifetime of thin, thick, and all intermetallic compound samples is 400 min, 300 min, and 1,200 min, respectively. The failure mechanism for the thin intermetallic compound sample is massive voids generation and aggregation at the interface between solder joints and pads. For the thick intermetallic compound sample, the intermetallic compound distance is short between cathode and anode in solder joints, leading to lots of crack create in the middle of solder joints. As the all intermetallic compound sample can greatly reduce the number of voids generated by crystal structure transforming, the lifetime extend obviously.
The development of immunosorbents for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus via hemoperfusion
Authors: Yu Yameng , Ou Lailiang
Published: January 2023

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease (AID) that involves multiple organ systems and is characterized by elevated levels of autoantibodies (ANA) and immune complexes. The immunoadsorption technique uses an extracorporeal clearance process to remove pathogenic toxins from patients' blood and alleviate disease symptoms. An immunosorbent is a key component of the immunoadsorption system that determines therapeutic efficacy and safety. Immunosorbents are prepared by immobilizing antibodies, antigens, or ligands with specific physicochemical affinities on a supporting matrix. Immunosorbents and pathogenic toxins bind via affinity adsorption, which involves electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and van der Waals forces. Immunosorbents are classified on the basis of their interaction mechanism with toxins into three categories: non-selective, semi-selective, and highly selective. This review aimed to summarize the current status of various commercial immunosorbents that are used to treat SLE. Moreover, recent developments in immunosorbents have heightened the need for a brief discussion about specific ligands and a supporting matrix.
Peripheral vascular catheter use in Latin America (the vascular study): A multinational cross-sectional study
Authors: Walker Rachel M. , Pires Maria Paula Oliveira , Ray-Barruel Gillian , Cooke Marie , Mihala Gabor , Azevedo Silvia Schoenau , Peterlini Maria Angelica Sorgini , Felipe Marcelle Di Angelis Ambar , Álvarez Cirlia Petrona , Quintanilla Marcela , Corzo Martha Claudia , Villareal Gabriela Cortez , Cigarroa Eliazib Nataren , Pedreira Mavilde L. G. , Rickard Claire M.
Published: January 2023

Background

Peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) insertion is one of the most common clinical procedures worldwide, yet little data are available from Latin America. Our aim was to describe processes and practices regarding PIVC use in hospitalized patients related to hospital guidelines, characteristics of PIVC inserters, prevalence of PIVC complications, and idle PIVCs.

Methods

In 2019 we conducted a multinational, cross-sectional study of adult and pediatric patients with a PIVC in hospitals from five Latin American countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico. We used two data collection tools to collect hospital guidelines and patient-specific data on the day of the study. The vessel health and preservation (VHP) model guided synthesis of the study aims/questions and suggested opportunities for improvement.

Results

A total of 9,620 PIVCs in adult (86%) and pediatric inpatients in 132 hospitals were assessed. Routine replacement 8–72 hourly was recommended for adults in 22% of hospitals, rather than evidence-based clinical assessment-based durations, and 69% of hospitals allowed the use of non-sterile tape rather than the international standard of a sterile dressing. The majority (52%) of PIVCs were inserted by registered nurses (RNs), followed by nursing assistants/technicians (41%). Eight percent of PIVCs had pain, hyperemia, or edema, 6% had blood in the extension tubing/connector, and 3% had dried blood around the device. Most PIVCs had been inserted for intravenous medications (81%) or fluids (59%) in the previous 24 h, but 9% were redundant.

Conclusion

Given the variation in policies, processes and practices across countries and participating hospitals, clinical guidelines should be available in languages other than English to support clinician skills and knowledge to improve PIVC safety and quality. Existing and successful vascular access societies should be encouraged to expand their reach and encourage other countries to join in multinational communities of practice.
Modified tarsorrhaphy versus gold weight implant technique for paralytic lagophthalmos treatment in patients with leprosy: One-year observation of a randomized controlled trial study
Authors: Irawati Yunia , Natalia Michelle Eva Rebeca , Gondhowiardjo Tjahjono D. , Dachlan Ishandono , Soebono Hardyanto
Published: January 2023

Trial design

This study was a multicenter, Prospective Randomized Open-label Blinded-Endpoint (PROBE) clinical trial, parallel-group study conducted in Indonesia (three sites).

Methods

The aim of this study was to compare the effectivity and efficiency of modified tarsorrhaphy (MT) and gold weight implant (GWI) techniques in the surgical treatment of paralytic lagophthalmos in patients with leprosy. The study sample consisted of 23 eyes, with 11 eyes in the MT group and the remaining 12 eyes in the GWI group—the control group.

Results

The central eyelid margin distance (lagophthalmos distance) decreased when gentle pressure was applied in the MT (3.09 mm to 0.43 mm) and GWI groups (3.21 mm to 0.83 mm) at postoperative year 1. The Ocular Surface Disease Index score, the tear break-up time, and the Schirmer test without and with anesthesia in the MT and GWI groups showed a p-value of > 0.05. Epitheliopathy improvement occurred in 54.55% of the MT group and 58.33% of the GWI group. Corneal sensitivity change in the inferior quadrant of the MT group (50.00 to 51.30 mm) and in the GWI group (49.61 to 52.93 mm) resulted in a p > 0.05. Postoperative complications occurred in 15% of patients in the GWI group. In addition, the surgery duration of both techniques was similar. Furthermore, the surgery cost in the MT and GWI groups yielded a p < 0.05.

Conclusion

The MT technique is as effective as the GWI technique but more efficient than the GWI technique as a surgical treatment for paralytic lagophthalmos in patients with leprosy.

Clinical trial registration

[www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT0494 4498].
AI-RADS: Successes and challenges of a novel artificial intelligence curriculum for radiologists across different delivery formats
Authors: Lindqwister Alexander L. , Hassanpour Saeed , Levy Joshua , Sin Jessica M.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Artificial intelligence and data-driven predictive modeling have become increasingly common tools integrated in clinical practice, heralding a new chapter of medicine in the digital era. While these techniques are poised to affect nearly all aspects of medicine, medical education as an institution has languished behind; this has raised concerns that the current training infrastructure is not adequately preparing future physicians for this changing clinical landscape. Our institution attempted to ameliorate this by implementing a novel artificial intelligence in radiology curriculum, “AI-RADS,” in two different educational formats: a 7-month lecture series and a one-day workshop intensive.

Methods

The curriculum was structured around foundational algorithms within artificial intelligence. As most residents have little computer science training, algorithms were initially presented as a series of simple observations around a relatable problem (e.g., fraud detection, movie recommendations, etc.). These observations were later re-framed to illustrate how a machine could apply the underlying concepts to perform clinically relevant tasks in the practice of radiology. Secondary lessons in basic computing, such as data representation/abstraction, were integrated as well. The lessons were ordered such that these algorithms were logical extensions of each other. The 7-month curriculum consisted of seven lectures paired with seven journal clubs, resulting in an AI-focused session every two weeks. The workshop consisted of six hours of content modified for the condensed format, with a final integrative activity.

Results

Both formats of the AI-RADS curriculum were well received by learners, with the 7-month version and workshop garnering 9.8/10 and 4.3/5 ratings, respectively, for overall satisfaction. In both, there were increases in perceived understanding of artificial intelligence. In the 7-lecture course, 6/7 lectures achieved statistically significant (P < 0.02) differences, with the final lecture approaching significance (P = 0.07). In the one-day workshop, there was a significant increase in perceived understanding (P = 0.03).

Conclusion

As artificial intelligence becomes further enmeshed in clinical practice, it will become critical for physicians to have a basic understanding of how these tools work. Our AI-RADS curriculum demonstrates that it is successful in increasing learner perceived understanding in both an extended and condensed format.
A deep continental aquifer downhole sampler for microbiological studies
Authors: Ranchou-Peyruse Magali , Guignard Marion , Haddad Perla G. , Robin Sylvain , Boesch Fabrice , Lanot Maud , Carrier Hervé , Dequidt David , Chiquet Pierre , Caumette Guilhem , Cézac Pierre , Ranchou-Peyruse Anthony
Published: January 2023

To be effective, microbiological studies of deep aquifers must be free from surface microbial contaminants and from infrastructures allowing access to formation water (wellheads, well completions). Many microbiological studies are based on water samples obtained after rinsing a well without guaranteeing the absence of contaminants from the biofilm development in the pipes. The protocol described in this paper presents the adaptation, preparation, sterilization and deployment of a commercial downhole sampler (PDSshort, Leutert, Germany) for the microbiological studying of deep aquifers. The ATEX sampler (i.e., explosive atmospheres) can be deployed for geological gas storage (methane, hydrogen). To validate our procedure and confirm the need to use such a device, cell counting and bacterial taxonomic diversity based on high-throughput sequencing for different water samples taken at the wellhead or at depth using the downhole sampler were compared and discussed. The results show that even after extensive rinsing (7 bore volumes), the water collected at the wellhead was not free of microbial contaminants, as shown by beta-diversity analysis. The downhole sampler procedure was the only way to ensure the purity of the formation water samples from the microbiological point of view. In addition, the downhole sampler allowed the formation water and the autochthonous microbial community to be maintained at in situ pressure for laboratory analysis. The prevention of the contamination of the sample and the preservation of its representativeness are key to guaranteeing the best interpretations and understanding of the functioning of the deep biosphere.
Exploring the combined effects of sleep apnea and APOE-e4 on biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Turner Arlener D. , Locklear Clarence E. , Oruru Daisha , Briggs Anthony Q. , Bubu Omonigho M. , Seixas Azizi
Published: January 2023

Objective

We determined the interactive associations of apolipoprotein e4 (APOE-e4), and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease and examined for racial/ethnic differences of this association.

Methods

We used data from the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center Uniform Dataset (NACC UDS). All participants undergo annual observations, including demographic survey, battery of neuropsychological tests, blood draw (with genotyping), and a clinical evaluation with medical and cognitive/dementia status assessment, while a subset of participants have cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers and neuroimaging data. Biomarkers of AD were characterized as the presence of abnormally low amyloid in CSF, via validated Aβ42 cut off protocols, and total segmented hippocampal volume, and volume of white matter hyper intensities (WMH). While clinical markers (to preview cognitive relationships) were characterized via the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA).

Results

Biomarker and clinical marker data were derived from 1,387 participants at baseline (mean age = 69.73 ± 8.32; 58.6% female; 13.7% Black/African American), 18.4% of the sample had sleep apnea, and 37.9% were APOE-e4 carriers. Our results confirmed previous reports that OSA and APOE-e4 were independently associated with AD through abnormal levels of amyloid (F(1,306) = 4.27; p = 0.040; F(1,285) = 60.88; p < 0.000, respectively), WMH volume (F(1,306) = 4.27; p = 0.040; F(1,285) = 60.88; p < 0.000, respectively), and MOCA scores (F(1,306) = 4.27; p = 0.040; F(1,285) = 60.88; p < 0.000, respectively). No significant interaction between OSA and APOE-e4 relative to amyloid emerged, however, race stratified analyses indicated the interaction of OSA and APOE-e4 and was significantly associated with WMH and hippocampal volume in Black/African American, but not white participants.

Conclusion

OSA and APOE-e4 are interactively associated with WHM in Black/African Americans. This interaction may partially explicate increased levels of risk in this population.
The role of altered protein acetylation in neurodegenerative disease
Authors: Kabir Fariha , Atkinson Rachel , Cook Anthony L. , Phipps Andrew James , King Anna Elizabeth
Published: January 2023

Acetylation is a key post-translational modification (PTM) involved in the regulation of both histone and non-histone proteins. It controls cellular processes such as DNA transcription, RNA modifications, proteostasis, aging, autophagy, regulation of cytoskeletal structures, and metabolism. Acetylation is essential to maintain neuronal plasticity and therefore essential for memory and learning. Homeostasis of acetylation is maintained through the activities of histone acetyltransferases (HAT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) enzymes, with alterations to these tightly regulated processes reported in several neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Both hyperacetylation and hypoacetylation can impair neuronal physiological homeostasis and increase the accumulation of pathophysiological proteins such as tau, α-synuclein, and Huntingtin protein implicated in AD, PD, and HD, respectively. Additionally, dysregulation of acetylation is linked to impaired axonal transport, a key pathological mechanism in ALS. This review article will discuss the physiological roles of protein acetylation and examine the current literature that describes altered protein acetylation in neurodegenerative disorders.
Mild behavioral impairment linked to progression to Alzheimer’s disease and cortical thinning in amnestic mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Yoon Eun Jin , Lee Jun-Young , Kwak Seyul , Kim Yu Kyeong
Published: January 2023

Background

Mild behavioral impairment (MBI) is a neurobehavioral syndrome characterized by later life emergence of sustained neuropsychiatric symptoms, as an at-risk state for dementia. However, the associations between MBI and a risk of progression to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and its neuroanatomical correlates in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are still unclear.

Method

A total 1,184 older adults with amnestic MCI was followed for a mean of 3.1 ± 2.0 years. MBI was approximated using a transformation algorithm for the Neuropsychiatric Inventory at baseline. A two-step cluster analysis was used to identify subgroups of individuals with amnestic MCI based on profiles of 5 MBI domain symptoms (decreased motivation, affective dysregulation, impulse dyscontrol, social inappropriateness, abnormal perception/thought content). A Cox regression analysis was applied to investigate differences in the risk of progression to AD between subgroups. A subset of participants (n = 202) underwent 3D T1-weighted MRI scans at baseline and cortical thickness was compared between the subgroups of amnestic MCI patients.

Result

The cluster analysis classified the patients into 3 groups: (1) patients without any MBI domain symptoms (47.4%, asymptomatic group); (2) those with only affective dysregulation (29.4%, affective dysregulation group); (3) those with multiple MBI domain symptoms, particularly affective dysregulation, decreased motivation and impulse dyscontrol (23.2%, complex group). Compared to the asymptomatic group, the complex group was associated with a higher risk of progression to AD (hazard ratio = 2.541 [1.904–3.392], p < 0.001), but the affective dysregulation group was not (1.214 [0.883–1.670], p = 0.232). In cortical thickness analysis, the complex group revealed cortical thinning bilaterally in the inferior parietal, lateral occipital, lateral superior temporal, and frontopolar regions compared with the affective dysregulation group.

Conclusion

The multiple co-occuring MBI domains in individuals with amnestic MCI are associated with a higher risk of progression to AD and cortical thinning in temporal, parietal and frontal areas. These results suggest that evaluation of MBI could be useful for risk stratification for AD and appropriate intervention in MCI individuals.
The NLRP3 inflammasome is a potential mechanism and therapeutic target for perioperative neurocognitive disorders
Authors: Li Jiayue , Li Li , He Jiannan , Xu Jianhong , Bao Fangping
Published: January 2023

Perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PNDs) are frequent complications associated with cognitive impairment during the perioperative period, including acute postoperative delirium and long-lasting postoperative cognitive dysfunction. There are some risk factors for PNDs, such as age, surgical trauma, anesthetics, and the health of the patient, but the underlying mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Pyroptosis is a form of programmed cell death that is mediated by the gasdermin protein and is involved in cognitive dysfunction disorders. The canonical pathway induced by nucleotide oligomerization domain (NOD)-, leucine-rich repeat (LRR)- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes contributes to PNDs, which suggests that targeting NLRP3 inflammasomes may be an effective strategy for the treatment of PNDs. Therefore, inhibiting upstream activators and blocking the assembly of the NLRP3 inflammasome may attenuate PNDs. The present review summarizes recent studies and systematically describes the pathogenesis of NLRP3 activation and regulation and potential therapeutics targeting NLRP3 inflammasomes in PNDs patients.
Anomaly detection in images with shared autoencoders
Authors: Jia Haoyang , Liu Wenfen
Published: January 2023

Anomaly detection is a classical problem in computer vision, namely the determination of the normal from the abnormal when datasets are highly biased toward one class (normal) due to the insufficient sample size of the other class (abnormal). We introduce a novel model that utilizes two decoders to share two encoders, respectively, forming two sets of network structures of encoder-decoder-encoder called EDE, which are used to map image distributions to predefined latent distributions and vice versa. In addition, we propose an innovative two-stage training mode. The first stage is roughly the same as the traditional autoencoder (AE) training, using the reconstruction loss of images and latent vectors for training. The second stage uses the idea of generative confrontation to send one of the two groups of reconstructed vectors into another EDE structure to generate fake images and latent vectors. This EDE structure needs to achieve two goals to distinguish the source of the data: the first is to maximize the difference between the fake image and the real image; the second is to maximize the difference between the fake latent vector and the reconstructed vector. Another EDE structure has the opposite goal. This network structure combined with special training methods not only well avoids the shortcomings of generative adversarial networks (GANs) and AEs, but also achieves state-of-the-art performance evaluated on several publicly available image datasets.
Comprehensive expression analysis with cell-type-specific transcriptome in ALS-linked mutant SOD1 mice: Revisiting the active role of glial cells in disease
Authors: Yamashita Hirofumi , Komine Okiru , Fujimori-Tonou Noriko , Yamanaka Koji
Published: January 2023

Non-cell autonomous mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), an adult neurodegenerative disease characterized by selective motor neuron loss. While the emerging role of glial cells in ALS has been noted, the detailed cell-type-specific role of glial cells has not been clarified. Here, we examined mRNA expression changes using microarrays of the spinal cords of three distinct lines of mutant superoxide dismutase (SOD) 1 transgenic mice, an established ALS model. Our analysis used a transcriptome database of component cell types in the central nervous system (CNS), as well as SOD1G93Acell-type transcriptomes. More than half of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were highly expressed in microglia, and enrichment analysis of DEGs revealed that immunological reactions were profoundly involved and some transcription factors were upregulated. Our analysis focused on DEGs that are highly expressed in each cell type, as well as chemokines, caspases, and heat shock proteins. Disease-associated microglial genes were upregulated, while homeostatic microglial genes were not, and galectin-3 (Mac2), a known activated microglial marker, was predicted to be ectopically expressed in astrocytes in mutant SOD1 mice. In mutant SOD1 mice, we developed a prediction model for the pathophysiology of different cell types related to TREM2, apolipoprotein E, and lipoproteins. Our analysis offers a viable resource to understand not only the molecular pathologies of each CNS constituent cell type, but also the cellular crosstalk between different cell types under both physiological and pathological conditions in model mice for various neurodegenerative diseases.
Laser interstitial thermal therapy for the treatment of insular lesions: A systematic review
Authors: Vetkas Artur , Germann Jürgen , Boutet Alexandre , Samuel Nardin , Sarica Can , Yamamoto Kazuaki , Santyr Brendan , Cheyuo Cletus , Conner Christopher R. , Lang Stefan M. , Lozano Andres M. , Ibrahim George M. , Valiante Taufik , Kongkham Paul N. , Kalia Suneil K.
Published: January 2023

Background

The surgical treatment of insular lesions has been historically associated with high morbidity. Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) has been increasingly used in the treatment of insular lesions, commonly neoplastic or epileptogenic. Stereotaxis is used to guide laser probes to the insula where real-time magnetic resonance thermometry defines lesion creation. There is an absence of previously published reviews on insular LITT, despite a rapid uptake in use, making further study imperative.

Methods

Here we present a systematic review of the PubMed and Scopus databases, examining the reported clinical indications, outcomes, and adverse effects of insular LITT.

Results

A review of the literature revealed 10 retrospective studies reporting on 53 patients (43 pediatric and 10 adults) that were treated with insular LITT. 87% of cases were for the treatment of epilepsy, with 89% of patients achieving seizure outcomes of Engle I-III following treatment. The other 13% of cases reported on insular tumors and radiological improvement was seen in all cases following treatment. All but one study reported adverse events following LITT with a rate of 37%. The most common adverse events were transient hemiparesis (29%) and transient aphasia (6%). One patient experienced an intracerebral hemorrhage, which required a decompressive hemicraniectomy, with subsequent full recovery.

Conclusion

This systematic review highlights the suitability of LITT for the treatment of both insular seizure foci and insular tumors. Despite the growing use of this technique, prospective studies remain absent in the literature. Future work should directly evaluate the efficacy of LITT with randomized and controlled trials.
Quality of life: Seasonal fluctuation in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Wu Lei , Li Shiyu , Tang Yilin , Liang Xiaoniu , Xu Zhiheng , Hu Tianyu , Liu Xiaoli , Cai Miao , Liu Xuedong
Published: January 2023

Objective

Although the seasonal variation of motor and non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD) has been reported, the association between seasonal change and quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease remains to be explored.

Methods

We recruited 1,036 patients with PD in this cross-sectional retrospective study. The patients were divided into four groups based on their date of assessment, according to the classical four seasons: group 1: March to May (n = 241); group 2: June to August (n = 259); group 3: September to November(n = 273); group 4: December to February (n = 263). The 39-item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) and other clinical evaluation scales for motor and non-motor symptoms were administered. The determinants of the quality of life (QoL) were analyzed by multiple stepwise regression analyses.

Results

A significant difference in PDQ-39 was found between group 1 (spring months) and group 3 (autumn months) after correction (p = 0.002). The Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III (UPDRS-III) score was higher in group 1 (spring months) than in group 3 (the autumn months) (p = 0.033). The most severe determinant of QoL was the UPDRS-III score in group 1 and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) score in groups 2, 3, and 4.

Interpretation

The current study reported seasonal fluctuation of QoL in patients with PD, with higher scores during the spring months and lower scores in the autumn months. Since the determinants for QoL also vary by season, clinicians might need to focus on specific factors across seasons before initiating therapy.