bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WISDOM Project – X. The morphology of the molecular ISM in galaxy centres and its dependence on galaxy structure
Authors: Davis Timothy A , Gensior Jindra , Bureau Martin , Cappellari Michele , Choi Woorak , Elford Jacob S , Kruijssen J M Diederik , Lelli Federico , Liang Fu-Heng , Liu Lijie , Ruffa Ilaria , Saito Toshiki , Sarzi Marc , Schruba Andreas , Williams Thomas G
Published: March 2022

We use high-resolution maps of the molecular interstellar medium (ISM) in the centres of 86 nearby galaxies from the millimetre-Wave Interferometric Survey of Dark Object Masses (WISDOM) and Physics at High Angular Resolution in Nearby GalaxieS (PHANGS) surveys to investigate the physical mechanisms setting the morphology of the ISM at molecular cloud scales. We show that early-type galaxies tend to have smooth, regular molecular gas morphologies, while the ISM in spiral galaxy bulges is much more asymmetric and clumpy when observed at the same spatial scales. We quantify these differences using non-parametric morphology measures (Asymmetry, Smoothness, and Gini), and compare these measurements with those extracted from idealized galaxy simulations. We show that the morphology of the molecular ISM changes systematically as a function of various large-scale galaxy parameters, including galaxy morphological type, stellar mass, stellar velocity dispersion, effective stellar mass surface density, molecular gas surface density, star formation efficiency, and the presence of a bar. We perform a statistical analysis to determine which of these correlated parameters best predicts the morphology of the ISM. We find the effective stellar mass surface (or volume) density to be the strongest predictor of the morphology of the molecular gas, while star formation and bars maybe be important secondary drivers. We find that gas self-gravity is not the dominant process shaping the morphology of the molecular gas in galaxy centres. Instead effects caused by the depth of the potential well, such as shear, suppression of stellar spiral density waves, and/or inflow, affect the ability of the gas to fragment.
Is fear of COVID-19 higher in individuals residing in more deprived areas? A nationwide study
Authors: Kim Woorim , Lee Soon Young , Ju Yeong Jun
Published: March 2022

Background

This study investigated the association between various types of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related fear and the level of area deprivation in Korea.

Methods

Different types of COVID-19-related fear were examined, namely fear of infection, fear of dying from infection, fear of public criticism, fear of a family member getting infected and fear of economic loss. The level of area deprivation was measured based on the Area Deprivation Index, which was calculated based on population census data. The association between various types of COVID-19-related fear and the level of area deprivation was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

This study included 199 859 individuals from the 253 administrative divisions in South Korea. Findings indicated that fear was most common in individuals residing in the most deprived areas, followed by those in the mediocre and least deprived areas (fear of infection: odds ratio (OR) 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–1.09; fear of dying from infection: OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.19–1.28; fear of public criticism: OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.15–1.24; fear of a family member getting infected: OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.07–1.18).

Conclusions

The findings suggest the need to monitor and account for area deprivation in managing the psychological health effects of the COVID-19 crisis.
Institutionalizing public engagement in research and innovation: Toward the construction of institutional entrepreneurial collectives
Authors: Cohen Joshua B
Published: March 2022

In the past decades we have seen increased policy discourse around public engagement with research and innovation. Despite this attention, the institutionalization of public engagement practices still appears rather limited, leading to a recent systemic turn in public engagement with science studies. Still missing in this systemic turn is a pragmatist and new institutionalist framework that can support research into how public engagement practices may enact or transform the research and innovation system. This article presents such a framework to help untangle how existing (in)formal institutions and materialities influence public engagement with research and innovation. To illustrate its utility, the framework is tentatively applied to engagement in the British research funding context. This application informs further development of the framework, including recommendations for (action) research into the construction of collectives of institutional entrepreneurs (institutional entrepreneurial collectives) that may support further institutionalization of public engagement in the research and innovation system.
Clinical polysomnographic methods for estimating pharyngeal collapsibility in obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Vena Daniel , Taranto-Montemurro Luigi , Azarbarzin Ali , Op de Beeck Sara , Marques Melania , Vanderveken Olivier M , Edwards Bradley A , Gell Laura , Calianese Nicole , Hess Lauren B , Radmand Reza , Hamilton Garun S , Joosten Simon A , Verbraecken Johan , Braem Marc , White David P , Redline Susan , Sands Scott A , Wellman Andrew
Published: March 2022

Study Objectives

Obstructive sleep apnea has major health consequences but is challenging to treat. For many therapies, efficacy is determined by the severity of underlying pharyngeal collapsibility, yet there is no accepted clinical means to measure it. Here, we provide insight into which polysomnographic surrogate measures of collapsibility are valid, applicable across the population, and predictive of therapeutic outcomes.

Methods

Seven promising polysomnography-derived surrogate collapsibility candidates were evaluated: Vpassive (flow at eupneic ventilatory drive), Vmin (ventilation at nadir drive), event depth (depth of the average respiratory event), oxygen desaturation slope and mean oxygen desaturation (events-related averages), Fhypopneas (fraction of events scored as hypopneas), and apnea index. Evaluation included (1) validation by comparison to physiological gold-standard collapsibility values (critical closing pressure, Pcrit), (2) capacity to detect increased collapsibility with older age, male sex, and obesity in a large community-based cohort (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, MESA), and (3) prediction of treatment efficacy (oral appliances and pharmacological pharyngeal muscle stimulation using atomoxetine-plus-oxybutynin).

Results

Pcrit was significantly correlated with Vmin (r = −0.54), event depth (r = 0.49), Vpassive (r = −0.38), Fhypopneas (r = −0.46), and apnea index (r = −0.46; all p < .01) but not others. All measures detected greater collapsibility with male sex, age, and obesity, except Fhypopneas and apnea index which were not associated with obesity. Fhypopneas and apnea index were associated with oral appliance and atomoxetine-plus-oxybutynin efficacy (both p < .05).

Conclusions

Among several candidates, event depth, Fhypopneas, and apnea index were identified as preferred pharyngeal collapsibility surrogates for use in the clinical arena.
Unraveling the Host-Selective Toxic Interaction of Cassiicolin with Lipid Membranes and Its Cytotoxicity
Authors: Ngo Kien Xuan , Nguyen Phuong Doan N. , Furusho Hirotoshi , Miyata Makoto , Shimonaka Tomomi , Chau Nguyen Ngoc Bao , Vinh Nguyen Phuong , Nghia Nguyen Anh , Mohammed Tareg Omer , Ichikawa Takehiko , Kodera Noriyuki , Konno Hiroki , Fukuma Takeshi , Quoc Nguyen Bao
Published: March 2022

Cassiicolin (Cas), a toxin produced by Corynespora cassiicola, is responsible for Corynespora leaf fall disease in susceptible rubber trees. Currently, the molecular mechanisms of the cytotoxicity of Cas and its host selectivity have not been fully elucidated. Here, we analyzed the binding of Cas1 and Cas2 to membranes consisting of different plant lipids and their membrane disruption activities. Using high-speed atomic force microscopy and confocal microscopy, we reveal that the binding and disruption activities of Cas1 and Cas2 on lipid membranes are strongly dependent on the specific plant lipids. The negative phospholipids, glycerolipids, and sterols are more sensitive to membrane damage caused by Cas1 and Cas2 than neutral phospholipids and betaine lipids. Mature Cas1 and Cas2 play an essential role in causing membrane disruption. Cytotoxicity tests on rubber leaves of Rubber Research Institute of Vietnam (RRIV) 1, RRIV 4, and Prang Besar (PB) 255 clones suggest that the toxins cause necrosis of rubber leaves, except for the strong resistance of PB 255 against Cas2. Cryogenic scanning electron microscopy analyses of necrotic leaf tissues treated with Cas1 confirm that cytoplasmic membranes are vulnerable to the toxin. Thus, the host selectivity of Cas toxin is attained by the lipid-dependent binding activity of Cas to the membrane, and the cytotoxicity of Cas arises from its ability to form biofilm-like structures and to disrupt specific membranes.
The safety of glucocorticoids in the treatment of inflammatory rheumatic disease: new evidence
Authors: Luís Mariana , Boers Maarten , Saag Ken , Buttgereit Frank , da Silva José A.P.
Published: March 2022

Purpose of review

Glucocorticoids justifiably remain a cornerstone in the treatment of many inflammatory rheumatic diseases but many are opposed to their use because of the side effects, most of them known to be dose-dependent. Most concerns regarding glucocorticoids stem from observational studies which are affected by several forms of bias, mainly confounding by indication, that may result in overestimation of harm. Solid evidence regarding the safety of low-dose glucocorticoids remains remarkably scarce.

Recent findings

Several observational studies showed heterogeneous results and two 6-month trials showed no increase of harm. The GLORIA trial of 5 mg/day prednisolone vs. placebo in patients aged 65+ is the first randomized control trial with glucocorticoids safety as coprimary outcome. The benefits of glucocorticoids in terms of symptoms and structural damage were confirmed, but the proportion of patients with at least one adverse event of special interest (serious or glucocorticoids-related) was increased by 24%, mostly due to nonsevere infections.

Based on current evidence the benefit–risk balance of low-dose glucocorticoids in rheumatoid arthritis, and probably in other rheumatic diseases is generally favourable. Physicians should be aware of the risks and mitigate them, but avoid the negative effects of unfounded fear.
IS CATARACT SURGERY SAFE IN PATIENTS WITH STELLATE NONHEREDITARY IDIOPATHIC FOVEOMACULAR RETINOSCHISIS?
Authors: Aziria Ahmed , Rousseau Antoine , Barreau Emmanuel , Labetoulle Marc
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

To assess the retinal modifications after cataract surgery in a patient presenting with stellate nonhereditary idiopathic foveomacular retinoschisis.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of the evolution of retinal status in a 64-year-old patient with unilateral stellate nonhereditary idiopathic foveomacular retinoschisis who underwent cataract surgery in the affected eye.

Results:

Visual acuity improved after surgery, reaching back the level described by the patient before the cataract onset, whereas fundus retinographies and optical coherence tomographies were stable at one month after surgery, compared with the preoperative images.

Discussion:

This first case-report of the evolution of stellate nonhereditary idiopathic foveomacular retinoschisis after cataract surgery suggests that this retinal condition is not modified by the surgical procedure, which however needs to confirmed by larger cohorts.
Bilateral Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Distinct Phenotype Entity
Authors: Elias Thaís Gomes Abrahão , Monsanto Rafael da Costa , Jean Line-Dore Saint , de Souza Lucas Sonzzini Ribeiro , Penido Norma de Oliveira
Published: March 2022

Objective:

To investigate the clinical phenotype and hearing prognosis of patients with unilateral and bilateral (simultaneous and nonsimultaneous) sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort.

Setting:

Otology outpatient clinic of a tertiary university hospital.

Patients:

Three hundred eighty-five medical records from patients with SSNHL.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Comparison of demographic, clinical, and audiometric (pretreatment and posttreatment) data of patients with unilateral and bilateral SSNHL.

Results:

Our final analysis comprised of 239 medical records of patients with SSNHL. Most patients had unilateral SSNHL (186, 77.82%). We identified a potential underlying cause for the SSNHL in 105 (43.9%) of the cases, being more frequent in cases of bilateral simultaneous SSNHL (100%) as compared with unilateral (45.6%) and nonsimultaneous bilateral SSNHL (22.7%). Cases of simultaneous bilateral SSNHL presented more frequently with severe or profound hearing loss (89%; unilateral SSNHL 50.5%; nonsimultaneous bilateral SSNL, 59.1%) and had a significantly worse hearing recovery prognosis as compared with unilateral or nonsimultaneous bilateral SSNHL (p = 0.002).

Conclusion:

We observed a high heterogeneity of clinical presentations of SSNHL, the most common being unilateral SSNHL. Our results demonstrate that the clinical and audiological prognosis of simultaneous bilateral SSNHL differed significantly from unilateral and nonsimultaneous bilateral SSNHL, suggesting that simultaneous cases of bilateral SSNHL may be a part of a different disease process. The presence of a simultaneous, bilateral SSNHL indicates the need to investigate the presence of an underlying systemic disease.
Surgical Approach for Rapid and Minimally Traumatic Recovery of Human Inner Ear Tissues From Deceased Organ Donors
Authors: Vaisbuch Yona , Hosseini Davood K. , Wagner Andreas , Hirt Bernhard , Mueller Marcus , Ponnusamy Ravikumar , Heller Stefan , Cheng Alan G. , Löwenheim Hubert , Aaron Ksenia A.
Published: March 2022

Objective:

To develop a surgical approach for rapid and minimally traumatic recovery of inner ear tissue from human organ and tissue donors to provide fresh tissue for use in inner ear research.

Study Design:

Exploration of novel surgical methodology and evaluation of the steps necessary for obtaining specimens from donors during the procurement of organs for transplantation.

Setting:

Donor procurement locations across multiple local hospitals and tissue processing at the microsurgical temporal bone laboratory.

Patients Tissue Source:

Human organ and tissue donors.

Interventions:

Dissection and procurement of the inner ear tissue.

Main Outcome Measures:

Development of rapid and minimally traumatic inner ear tissue recovery. Primarily, establishing an efficient process which includes collaboration with transplant network, implementing a consent protocol, developing and training an on-call recovery team, and designing a portable surgical kit suitable for use in a variety of settings.

Results:

The extraction procedure is described in three consecutive steps: the trans-canal exposure, the approach to the vestibule with extraction of the vestibular organs; and the approach to extract inner ear tissues from the cochlear duct.

Conclusions:

Organ and tissue donors are a promising and underutilized resource of inner ear organs for purposes of research and future translational studies. Using our modified technique through the trans-canal/trans-otic approach, we were able to extract tissues of the vestibular and auditory end organs in a timely manner.
Impact of Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy on Bivalirudin Dosing in Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Lahart Michael A. , Burns Emily L. , Streb Madison M. , Gu Hongjie , Neumayr Tara M. , Abarbanell Aaron M. , Said Ahmed S.
Published: March 2022

There is an increasing interest in the use of bivalirudin for pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) anticoagulation. However, dosing is not well described in those requiring continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). We aimed to determine whether CRRT affects bivalirudin dosing in pediatric ECMO patients. Children ≤18 years of age placed on ECMO and anticoagulated with bivalirudin for ≥24 hours from January 2019 to May 2020 were included. Bivalirudin doses were collected for 144 hours from initiation of bivalirudin or CRRT. Analysis was performed to determine whether CRRT, age, or weight affected bivalirudin dosing. Thirty-one children were included, and 11 (35%) required concomitant CRRT. There was no difference in age (median 9.1 versus 3.2 months, p = 0.15) or days on ECMO (median 11 versus 9, p = 0.7) between those who did or did not receive CRRT. The mean bivalirudin dosing was similar in patients who did or did not require CRRT (median and IQR: 0.13 mg/kg/hour [0.08–0.26] versus 0.15 mg/kg/hour [0.11–0.22], respectively, p = 0.13). Younger age (p < 0.001) and lower weight (p < 0.001) were associated with higher bivalirudin dosing. In our study, bivalirudin dosing did not differ if the patient required CRRT while on ECMO.
The role of thrombin in haemostasis
Authors: Al-Amer Osama M.
Published: March 2022

Thrombin is a multifunctional serine protease generated in injured cells. The generation of thrombin in coagulation plays a central role in the functioning of haemostasis. The last enzyme in the coagulation cascade is thrombin, with the function of cleaving fibrinogen to fibrin, which forms the fibrin clot of a haemostatic plug. Although thrombin primarily converts fibrinogen to fibrin, it also has many other positive regulatory effects on coagulation. Thrombin has procoagulant, inflammatory, cellular proliferation and anticoagulant effects. In coagulation system, thrombin has two very distinct roles. Firstly, it acts as a procoagulant when it converts fibrinogen into an insoluble fibrin clot, activates factor (F) XIII, activates thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) and activates FV, FVIII and FXI. Thrombin also enhances platelet adhesion by inactivating a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type1 motif (ADAMTS13). However, when thrombin activates protein C, it acts as an anticoagulant. A natural anticoagulant pathway that supplies regulation of the blood coagulation system contains protein C, which is the key component. This is accomplished by the specific proteolytic inactivation of FV and FVIII. In this review, the multiple roles of thrombin in the haemostatic response to injury are studied in addition to the cofactors that determine thrombin activity and how thrombin activity is thought to be coordinated.
Clinician Satisfaction With Advanced Clinical Decision Support to Reduce the Risk of Torsades de Pointes
Authors: Gallo Tyler , Heise Craig William , Woosley Raymond L. , Tisdale James E. , Antonescu Corneliu C. , Gephart Sheila M. , Malone Daniel C.
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Clinical decision support (CDS) can potentially help clinicians identify and manage patients who are at risk for torsades de pointes (TdP). However, computer alerts are often ignored and might contribute to alert fatigue. The goals of this project were to create an advanced TdP CDS advisory that presents patient-specific, relevant information, including 1-click management options, and to determine clinician satisfaction with the CDS.

Methods

The advanced TdP CDS was developed and implemented across a health system comprising 29 hospitals. The advisory presents patient-specific information including relevant risk factors, laboratory values, and 1-click options to help manage the condition in high-risk patients. A short electronic survey was created to gather clinician feedback on the advisory.

Results

After implementation, an email invitation to complete the anonymous advisory-related survey was sent to 442 clinicians who received the advisory. Among the 38 respondents, feedback was generally positive, with 79% of respondents reporting that the advisory helps them care for their patients and 87% responding that alternative actions for them to consider were clearly specified. However, 46% of respondents indicated the alert appeared too frequently.

Conclusions

Advanced TdP risk CDS that provides relevant, patient-specific information and 1-click management options can be generally viewed favorably by clinicians who receive the advisory.
Imaging of Benign and Malignant Breast Lesions Using Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound
Authors: Lee Sandy C. , Tchelepi Hisham , Khadem Nasim , Desai Bhushan , Yamashita Mary , Hovanessian-Larsen Linda
Published: March 2022

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is a promising noninvasive imaging technique for evaluating benign and malignant breast lesions, as contrast provides information about perfusion and microvasculature. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is currently off-label use in the breast in the United States, but its clinical and investigational use in breast imaging is gaining popularity. It is important for radiologists to be familiar with the imaging appearances of benign and malignant breast masses using contrast-enhanced ultrasound. This pictorial essay illustrates enhancement patterns of various breast masses from our own experience. Pathologies include subtypes of invasive breast cancer, fibroadenomas, papillary lesions, fibrocystic change, and inflammatory processes. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound pitfalls and limitations are discussed.
What Did the Historical Chinese Beauties Look Like? An Analysis of Portrait and Biography of 100 Beauties (百美新咏圖傳, 1792)
Authors: Hwang Kun , Wu Xiajing
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study was to elucidate the appearance of historical Chinese beauties by analyzing Portrait and Biography of 100 Beauties (1792).

The 103 women who appear in this work were categorized as historical or mythological figures, and the reason for their inclusion was classified as beauty, talent, or both. Descriptions of beauties were classified as general literary descriptions or specific descriptions of their appearance.

Among them, 42.7% were depicted as both beautiful and talented, while 42.7% were only described as beautiful. The remainder were included because of their talent only. Almost four-fifths (78.6%) were described as chaste, while the remaining one-fifth (21.4%) were presented as licentious. About half (48.5%) were queen consorts, princesses, imperial concubines, or palace women. Courtesans and singing girls (17.5%) and concubines of influential officials and scholars (16.5%) followed. Forty-six women had specific descriptions of their appearance, most often of their face (33.5%), followed by their body (16.5%), manners (7.3%), fragrance (4.3%), and clothes (2.4%). The most frequent descriptions of specific attributes were found for the hair (7.4%), eyebrows (6.7%), eyes (5.5%), skin (5.5%), and body shape (4.9%). Among the 114 talents possessed by 59 beauties, the most celebrated talents were entertaining skills (42.1%), followed by literary skills (27.2%), and intelligence (21.1%). Three women were included owing to their make-up skills. Chaste beauties were depicted as more likely to have a happy fate than licentious beauties (OR: 16.8, P < 0.01).

This analysis might be helpful for understanding the concept of beauty throughout Chinese history.
The Frequency of Temporomandibular Disorders, Surgical Complications, and Self-Reported Mental Health Problems in Orthognathic Patients
Authors: Melaluoto Eeva , Hjerppe Jenni , Stoor Patricia , Palotie Tuula
Published: March 2022

Objective:

To evaluate the frequency of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), surgical complications, and patient’s self-reported mental health problems during orthognathic treatment.

Material and Methods:

The clinical records of 145 patients treated with orthognathic treatment were retrospectively studied. Variables regarding occlusal parameters, treatment duration, TMD symptoms, complications, and self-reported mental health status at time points of T0 (beginning of the treatment), T1 (before surgery), and T2 (final examination) were evaluated. The variables were statistically compared with significance level of P < 0.05.

Results:

A total of 51% (n = 74) of the patients had TMD symptoms at 1 or several time points, women having significantly more TMD signs and symptoms (P = 0.002). Temporomandibular disorder signs and symptoms decreased significantly after orthognathic treatment (P<0.001). At least 1 self-reported mental health-related factor during 1 or several time points (T0-T2) was recorded in 17.2% (n = 25) of the patients. There was no significant difference in frequency of self-reported mental health problems in patients with TMD signs and symptoms compared with patients without TMD signs and symptoms (P > 0.05). The frequency of postoperative complications was 39.3%, being significantly higher after Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteothomy (BSSO, 48.7%). There was no difference in treatment duration of patients with self-reported mental health problems compared with patients without (P> 0.05).

Conclusions:

In this study population, TMD signs and symptoms seem to be typical both in patients with or without self-reported mental health problems. Women had significantly more TMD symptoms. Orthognathic surgery treatment seems to have a positive effect on TMD signs and symptoms.
A 20-Year Analysis of Global Authorship Trends in Craniofacial Literature: Is the United States Falling Behind?
Authors: Wang Fei , Cheng Tiffany , Rothchild Evan , Ricci Joseph A.
Published: March 2022

Introduction:

Recent advances in craniofacial surgery have occurred in conjunction with a global proliferation of research. Although previous studies have examined geographic publication trends, little is known about these trends in the craniofacial literature.

Methods:

All craniofacial articles published from 2000 to 2020 in 3 premier craniofacial surgery journals were evaluated in 5-year increments. Geographic origin, manuscript type, and authorship characteristics were collected. Changes in publication output, geographic origin, and content were analyzed.

Results:

In total 3864 articles were analyzed, with the United States (U.S.) (33.46%) accounting for the majority, followed by Asia (27.04%), the Middle East (16.23%), and Europe (14.65%). The proportion of articles from the U.S. decreased significantly in the in the 20-year span (48.28% versus 33.53%, P < 0.001), whereas those originating from Asia and the Middle East increased significantly (18.62% versus 31.41% and 10.34% versus 15.66%, respectively, P < 0.001). After stratifying and selecting for regions with the greatest changes in publication output, the authors observed significant trends for the number of original investigations from 2000 to 2020 in the U.S. (Odds Ratio [OR] 1 versus 2.4, P < 0.001) and in Asia (OR 1 versus 1.8, P = 0.0052). Additionally, a significant trend in editorial/correspondence publications originating in the U.S. (OR 1 versus 0.74, P = 0.0102), Europe (OR 1 versus 0.38, P = 0.0186), and Asia (OR 1 versus 0.48, P = 0.0051) was observed.

Conclusions:

Despite rising craniofacial publications over the past 2 decades, there has been a diminishing proportion originating from the U.S.
Bilateral Reappearance of the N20 Potential in a Normothermic Young Woman Post-Anoxic Brain Injury
Authors: Nawfal Omar , El Halabi Tarek , Dib Georgette , Dirani Maya , Beydoun Ahmad
Published: March 2022

Hypoxic–ischemic brain injury is a well-known consequence of cardiac arrest and providing an accurate prognostication remains a challenge, especially in decisions related to withdrawal of care. Bilateral absence of the cortical response (N20 potential) on median somatosensory evoked potentials, on days 1 to 3 after the return of spontaneous circulation, is widely considered as the most reliable predictor of poor outcome with a high specificity and a low false-positive rate. The authors describe the case of a young comatose woman after hypoxic injury because of cardiac arrest whose initial median somatosensory evoked potentials revealed bilateral absence of the N20 response associated with evidence of selective injury to both perirolandic cortices and basal ganglia on brain MRI. This patient made a substantial recovery associated with bilateral reappearance of the N20 potential and resolution of the neuroimaging abnormalities.This case revealed that an acute selective and reversible hypoxic injury to both perirolandic cortices may lead to a temporary loss of the N20 responses and an inaccurate prediction of poor outcome after cardiac arrest. It emphasizes on the importance of adopting a multimodal approach in the prognostic assessment of survivors of cardiac arrest.
Neuronal-spiking-based closed-loop stimulation during cortical ON and OFF states in freely moving mice
Authors: Kahn Martin , Krone Lukas B. , Blanco-Duque Cristina , Guillaumin Mathilde C.C. , Mann Edward O. , Vyazovskiy Vladyslav V.
Published: March 2022

The slow oscillation (SO) is a central neuronal dynamic during sleep and is generated by alternating periods of high and low neuronal activity (ON and OFF states). Mounting evidence causally links the SO to sleep’s functions, and it has recently become possible to manipulate the SO non-invasively and phase-specifically. These developments represent promising clinical avenues, but they also highlight the importance of improving our understanding of how ON/OFF states affect incoming stimuli and what role they play in neuronal plasticity. Most studies using closed-loop stimulation rely on the electroencephalogram (EEG) and local field potential (LFP) signals, which reflect neuronal ON and OFF states only indirectly. Here we develop an online detection algorithm based on spiking activity recorded from laminar arrays in mouse motor cortex. We find that online detection of ON and OFF states reflects specific phases of spontaneous LFP SO. Our neuronal-spiking-based closed-loop procedure offers a novel opportunity for testing the functional role of SO in sleep-related restorative processes and neural plasticity.
Unbiased proteomic analysis detects painful systemic inflammatory profile in the serum of nerve injured mice
Authors: Zhou Wen Bo Sam , Shi Xiang Qun , Liu Younan , Tran Simon D. , Beaudry Francis , Zhang Ji
Published: March 2022

Neuropathic pain is a complex, debilitating disease that results from injury to the somatosensory nervous system. The presence of systemic chronic inflammation has been observed in chronic pain patients, but whether it plays a causative role remains unclear. This study aims to determine the perturbation of systemic homeostasis by an injury to peripheral nerve and its involvement in neuropathic pain. We assessed the proteomic profile in the serum of mice at 1-day and 1-month following partial sciatic nerve injury (PSNL) or sham surgery. We also assessed mouse mechanical and cold sensitivity in naïve mice after receiving intravenous administration of serum from PSNL or sham mice. Mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis revealed that PSNL resulted in a long-lasting alteration of serum proteome, where the majority of differentially expressed proteins were in inflammation related pathways, involving cytokines/chemokines, autoantibodies and complement factors. While transferring sham serum to naïve mice did not change their pain sensitivity, PSNL serum significantly lowered mechanical thresholds and induced cold hypersensitivity in naïve mice. With broad anti-inflammatory properties, bone marrow cell extracts (BMCE) not only partially restored serum proteomic homeostasis, but also significantly ameliorated PSNL-induced mechanical allodynia, and serum from BMCE-treated PSNL mice no longer induced hypersensitivity in naïve mice. These findings clearly demonstrate that nerve injury has a long-lasting impact on systemic homeostasis, and nerve injury associated systemic inflammation contributes to the development of neuropathic pain.
A microfluidics-assisted methodology for label-free isolation of CTCs with downstream methylation analysis of cfDNA in lung cancer
Authors: Carvalho Ângela , Guimarães-Teixeira Catarina , Constâncio Vera , Fernandes Mariana , Macedo-Silva Catarina , Henrique Rui , Monteiro Fernando Jorge , Jerónimo Carmen
Published: March 2022

Lung cancer (LC) is a major cause of mortality. Late diagnosis, associated with limitations in tissue biopsies for adequate tumor characterization contribute to limited survival of lung cancer patients. Liquid biopsies have been introduced to improve tumor characterization through the analysis of biomarkers, including circulating tumour cells (CTCs) and cell-free DNA (cfDNA). Considering their availability in blood, several enrichment strategies have been developed to augment circulating biomarkers for improving diagnostic, prognostic and treatment efficacy assessment; often, however, only one biomarker is tested. In this work we developed and implemented a microfluidic chip for label-free enrichment of CTCs with a methodology for subsequent cfDNA analysis from the same cryopreserved sample. CTCs were successfully isolated in 38 of 42 LC patients with the microfluidic chip. CTCs frequency was significantly higher in LC patients with advanced disease. A cut-off of 1 CTC/mL was established for diagnosis (sensitivity=76.19%, specificity=100%) and in patients with late-stage lung cancer, the presence of ≥ 5 CTCs/mL was significantly associated with shorter overall survival. MIR129-2me and ADCY4me panel of cfDNA methylation performed well for LC detection, whereas MIR129-2me combined with HOXA11me allowed for patient risk stratification. Analysis of combinations of biomarkers enabled the definition of panels for LC diagnosis and prognosis. Overall, this study demonstrates that multimodal analysis of tumour biomarkers via microfluidic devices may significantly improve LC characterization in cryopreserved samples, constituting a reliable source for continuous disease monitoring.
Chronic methamphetamine administration produces cognitive deficits through augmentation of GABAergic synaptic transmission in the prefrontal cortex
Authors: Armenta-Resendiz Monserrat , Assali Ahlem , Tsvetkov Evgeny , Cowan Christopher W. , Lavin Antonieta
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

Chronic methamphetamine (METH) abuse is associated with the emergence of cognitive deficits and hypofrontality, a pathophysiological marker of many neuropsychiatric disorders that is produced by altered balance of local excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission. However, there is a dearth of information regarding the cellular and synaptic mechanisms underlying METH-induced cognitive deficits and associated hypofrontal states.

METHODS

Rats went through a METH sensitization regime or saline (SAL) consisting of 14 days of METH treatment (day 1 and 14, 1 mg/kg; days 2-13, 5 mg /kg) followed by 7-10 days of home cage abstinence. Temporal Order Memory and Working Memory tests, chemogenetic experiments as well as whole-cell patch recordings on prelimbic PFC ex vivo slices were performed during abstinence.

RESULTS

We find here that repeated METH administration in rats produces deficits in working memory and increases in inhibitory synaptic transmission onto pyramidal neurons in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). The increased PFC inhibition is detected by an increase in spontaneous and evoked inhibitory postsynaptic synaptic currents (IPSCs), an increase in GABAergic presynaptic function, and a shift in the excitatory-inhibitory balance onto PFC deep-layer pyramidal neurons. We find that pharmacological blockade of D1 dopamine receptor function reduces the METH-induced augmentation of IPSCs, suggesting a critical role for D1 dopamine signaling in METH-induced hypofrontality. In addition, chronic METH administration increases the intrinsic excitability of parvalbumin-positive interneurons, a key local interneuron population in PFC that controls inhibitory tone. Using a cell type-specific chemogenetic approach, we show that increasing PV+FSI activity in the PFC is necessary and sufficient to cause deficits in temporal order memory similar to those induced by METH.

CONCLUSION

Together, our findings reveal that chronic METH exposure increases PFC inhibitory tone through a D1 dopamine signaling-dependent potentiation of inhibitory synaptic transmission, and that reduction of PV+FSI activity can rescue METH-induced cognitive deficits, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach to treating cognitive symptoms in patients suffering from methamphetamine use disorder.
Fertilizer reduction with bio-organic fertilizer to regulate the root soil microbial community structure to improve Baby Chinese cabbage yield
Authors: Jin Li , Jin Ning , Wang Shuya , Li Jinwu , Meng Xin , Xie Yandong , Wu Yue , Luo Shilei , Lyu Jian , Yu Jihua
Published: March 2022

Using high-throughput sequencing, this study aimed to explore the response of soil microbial community and Baby Chinese cabbage yield to the reduction of chemical fertilizers combined with bio-organic fertilizer in the Gansu plateau, China. Our experiments consisted of conventional fertilizer (CK), 30% chemical fertilizer reduction + 6,000 kg bio-organic fertilizer (T1), 30% chemical fertilizer reduction + 9,000 kg bio-organic fertilizer (T2), 40% chemical fertilizer reduction + 6,000 kg bio-organic fertilizer (T3), and 40% chemical fertilizer reduction + 9,000 kg bio-organic fertilizer (T4). Compared with CK, soil microbial diversity and richness were higher for all treatments with added bio-organic fertilizer. PCoA showed that the bacterial and fungal communities in T2 and T4 were similar to each other. Redundancy and Spearman’s correlation analyses of microbial communities and soil physicochemical properties revealed that reductions in chemical fertilizer rate combined with bio-organic fertilizer had a stronger impact on the fungal than the bacterial community. They also increased the relative abundance of the dominant bacterial and fungal phyla. Baby Chinese cabbage yield was relatively higher under the combined bio-organic fertilizer plus reduced chemical fertilizer rate with T2 showing the highest yield. Therefore, this approach is feasible for sustainable agricultural, cost-effective and profitable crop production.

Importance

Bio-organic + moderately reduced chemical fertilizer raised Chinese cabbage yield

Bio-organic + chemical fertilizer was more efficacious than either one alone

Presence of bio-organic fertilizer enhanced overall rhizosphere physicochemistry

Bio-organic fertilizer improved beneficial bacterial & fungal abundance & diversity

Fertilizer combination sustainably & cost-effectively improves crop & soil quality
When Diagnosis Is Made By Playing “Shuffled Cards”: A Non-Invasive, Real-Time, Adaptive Method to Functionally Evaluate Coronary Artery Based on Coronary Angiography
Authors: Dai Yanan , Zhu Pengxiong , Xue Bangde , Ling Yun , Shi Xibao , Geng Liang , Xie Yunhao , Zhang Qi , Liu Jun
Published: March 2022

Aims

The great value concealed in the sequence of coronary angiography frames is not discovered in the world. We discovered and demonstrated the “Sequence Value” concealed in the coronary angiography and proposed DZL (Disarranged Zone Learning) to realize the sequence value in functional evaluation of coronary artery disease. Furthermore, we automated the DZL using a deep learning model to release huge medical resources.

Methods and Results

We gave a novel definition of TIMI flow grade using the term temporal and spatial coupling tightness (TSCT) of the antegrade contrast agent. We used the TSCT to model the myocardial ischemia in a functional perspective and used the PCI conduction after CAG as the outcome event of myocardial ischemia. We proposed a novel method (Disarranged Zone Learning) to measure TSCT and we designed an experiment to validate its effectiveness. We further automated the novel method using an unsupervised deep learning model. The prediction accuracy of the model was applied as a proxy of myocardial ischemia. We further proposed Difference DZL to quantify the functional capability of any specific vessel segment. DZL overall AUC reaches 0.92. DZL automation reveals an AUC of 0.84 (95%CI, 0.81-0.87).

Conclusion

We unprecedentedly discovered the “Sequence Value” concealed in coronary angiography. We then proposed a novel method termed DZL to functionally evaluate the coronary artery in a non-invasive, real-time and adaptive manner.

Disclosure

The Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.
Highly efficient generation of blastocyst-like structures from mouse totipotent blastomere-like cells
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Zhai Xuzhao , Huang Boyan , Sun Shu , Wang WenJing , Zhang Man
Published: March 2022

Mammalian embryogenesis begins with a totipotent zygote. Early embryogenesis can be recapitulated by aggregated extended pluripotent stem cells (EPSCs) in a 3D culture system. However, the efficiency of generating blastoids is low and whether other reported totipotent stem cells retained a similar capacity remains unknown. Here we show that spliceosomal repressed totipotent blastomere-like cells (TBLCs) form blastocyst-like structures when aggregated in 3D microwells with around 80% efficiency. TBLC-blastoids resemble blastocyst in morphology and cell-lineage allocation, show similar transcriptional profile with natural blastocyst and contain more TE cells and fewer undefined intermediate cells compared to blastoids from EPSCs. Moreover, TBLC-blastoids can develop beyond the implantation stage in vitro and induce decidualization after transferred into uterus. In summary, we supply an alternative cell type to generate ameliorated blastoids highly efficiently for studying early mouse embryogenesis.
Evaluation of entomopathogenic nematodes against red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Rehman Gul , Mamoon-ur-Rashid Muhammad , Alizai Atiq Ahmad
Published: March 2022

The entomopathogenic nematodes play a pivotal role as bio-control agents of different species of insect pests including red palm weevil. In current investigations, infective capabilities of four species of entomopathogenic nematodes including Hetrerorhabditis bacteriophora, Steinernema feltiae, Steinernema glesri and Steinernema carpocapsae were evaluated against larvae, pupae and adult red palm weevil, under laboratory and field conditions. The pathogenic potential of selected nematode species was assessed based on dissection and adult emergence of weevils. Results indicated that S. carpocapsae and H. bacteriophora with 94.68 and 92.68% infection were found most effective EPN species against red palm weevil larvae. Focusing the adult emergence, aforementioned EPNs were found most pathogenic when pupae of red palm weevil were treated and resulted into 83.60 and 80.20% infested pupae. It was noted that the adult emergence is the better option for the evaluation of pathogenic potential of EPN compared to dissection of insect. The S. carpocapsae was found most effective against 6th instar larvae of red palm weevil and caused 100% mortality at 340 hours after treatment; whereas; S. glesri and S. feltiae were found least pathogenic and caused 70 and 76% mortality. All the evaluated nematode species were found highly infective under field conditions. The S. carpocapsae was found most pathogenic causing 83.60% mortality of red palm weevil. Overall; the tested nematodes were found most effective against larvae followed by adult weevils. The tested nematode species were found least effective against pupae of red palm weevil. Based on current findings, it is concluded that the tested species of nematodes can be used as sustainable option for the management of red palm weevil.
Closed-loop identification for aircraft flutter model parameters
Authors: Jianhong Wang
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend the authors’ previous contributions on aircraft flutter model parameters identification. Because closed-loop condition is more widely used in today’s practice, a closed-loop stochastic model of the aircraft flutter test is constructed to model the aircraft flutter process, whose input–output signals are all corrupted by the observed noises. Through using a rational transfer function, the equivalent property between the aircraft flutter model parameters and polynomial coefficients is established, and then the problem of aircraft flutter model parameters identification is turned to one closed-loop identification problem. An iterative identification algorithm is proposed to identify the unknown polynomial coefficients, being benefit for the latter flutter model parameter identification. Furthermore, as the closed-loop output corresponds to the flutter amplitude, so from the point of the minimization with respect to the variance of the closed-loop output, the optimal input signal and optimal feedback controller are all derived to achieve the zero flutter, respectively, for example, the optimal input spectrum and the detailed form for optimal feedback controller.

Design/methodology/approach

First, model parameter identification for aircraft flutter is reviewed as one problem of parameter identification and this aircraft flutter model corresponds to one closed-loop stochastic model, whose input signal and output are corrupted by external noises. Second, for aircraft flutter closed-loop statistical model with statistical noise, an iterative identification algorithm is proposed to identify the unknown model parameters. Third, from the point of minimizing with respect to the variance of the closed-loop output, the optimal input signal and optimal feedback controller are all derived to achieve the zero flutter, respectively, for example, the optimal input spectrum and the detailed form for optimal feedback controller.

Findings

This aircraft flutter model corresponds to one closed-loop stochastic model, whose input signal and output are corrupted by external noises. Then, identification algorithm and optimal input signal design are studied for aircraft flutter model parameter identification with statistical noise, respectively. It means the optimal input signal and optimal feedback controller are useful for the aircraft flutter model parameter identification within the constructed new closed-loop stochastic model.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this problem of the model parameter identification for aircraft flutter is proposed by their previous work, and they proposed many identification strategies to identify these model parameters. This paper proposes a new closed-loop stochastic model to construct the aircraft flutter test, and some related topics are considered about this closed-loop identification for aircraft flutter model parameter identification in the framework of closed-loop condition.