bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural variation in SlSOS2 promoter hinders salt resistance during tomato domestication
Authors: Hong Yechun , Guan Xijin , Wang Xu , Kong Dali , Yu Shuojun , Wang Zhiqiang , Yu Yongdong , Chao Zhen-Fei , Liu Xue , Huang Sanwen , Zhu Jian-Kang , Zhu Guangtao , Wang Zhen
Published: October 2022

Increasing soil salinization seriously impairs plant growth and development, resulting in crop loss. The Salt-Overly-Sensitive (SOS) pathway is indispensable to the mitigation of Na + toxicity in plants under high salinity. However, whether natural variations of SOS2 contribute to salt tolerance has not been reported. Here a natural variation in the SlSOS2 promoter region was identified to be associated with root Na+/K+ ratio and the loss of salt resistance during tomato domestication. This natural variation contains an ABI4-binding cis-element and plays an important role in the repression of SlSOS2 expression. Genetic evidence revealed that SlSOS2 mutations increase root Na+/K+ ratio under salt stress conditions and thus attenuate salt resistance in tomato. Together, our findings uncovered a critical but previously unknown natural variation of SOS2 in salt resistance, which provides valuable natural resources for genetic breeding for salt resistance in cultivated tomatoes and other crops.
Hematology and Machine Learning
Authors: Obstfeld Amrom E
Published: October 2022

Background

Substantial improvements in computational power and machine learning (ML) algorithm development have vastly increased the limits of what autonomous machines are capable of. Since its beginnings in the 19th century, laboratory hematology has absorbed waves of progress yielding improvements in both of accuracy and efficiency. The next wave of change in laboratory hematology will be the result of the ML revolution that has already touched many corners of healthcare and society at large.

Content

This review will describe the manifestations of ML and artificial intelligence (AI) already utilized in the clinical hematology laboratory. This will be followed by a topical summary of the innovative and investigational applications of this technology in each of the major subdomains within laboratory hematology.

Application of this technology to laboratory hematology will increase standardization and efficiency by reducing laboratory staff involvement in automatable activities. This will unleash time and resources for focus on more meaningful activities such as the complexities of patient care, research and development, and process improvement.
A multiwavelength study of multiple spectral component jets in AGN: testing the IC/CMB model for the large-scale-jet X-ray emission
Authors: Breiding Peter , Meyer Eileen T , Georganopoulos Markos , Reddy Karthik , Kollmann Kassidy E , Roychowdhury Agniva
Published: October 2022

Over ∼150 resolved, kpc-scale X-ray jets hosted by active galactic nuclei have been discovered with the Chandra X-ray Observatory. A significant fraction of these jets have an X-ray spectrum either too high in flux or too hard to be consistent with the high-energy extension of the radio-to-optical synchrotron spectrum, a subtype we identify as Multiple Spectral Component (MSC) X-ray jets. A leading hypothesis for the origin of the X-rays is the inverse-Compton scattering of the cosmic microwave background by the same electron population producing the radio-to-optical synchrotron spectrum (known as the IC/CMB model). In this work, we test the IC/CMB model in 45 extragalactic X-ray jets using observations from the Fermi Large Area Telescope to look for the expected high level of gamma-ray emission, utilizing observations from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) and the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) when possible to best constrain the predicted gamma-ray flux. Including this and previous works, we now find the IC/CMB model to be ruled out in a total of 24/45 MSC X-ray jets due to its over-prediction for the observed MeV-to-GeV gamma-ray flux. We present additional evidence against the IC/CMB model, including the relative X-ray-to-radio relativistic beaming in these sources, and the general mismatch between radio and X-ray spectral indexes. Finally, we present upper limits on the large-scale bulk-flow Lorentz factors for all jets based on the Fermi upper limits, which suggest that these jets are at most mildly relativistic.
End-of-Life Care and Advanced Directives in Hispanic/Latinx Patients: Challenges and Solutions for the Practicing Oncologist
Authors: Barragan-Carrillo Regina , Pabon Cindy M , Chavarri-Guerra Yanin , Soto-Perez-de-Celis Enrique , Duma Narjust
Published: October 2022

Advanced end-of-life care (EOL) comprises a group of strategies to provide comfort to patients at the end of life. These are associated with better quality of life, better satisfaction, and a lower rate of hospitalizations and aggressive medical treatment. Advanced EOL care, including advanced directives completion and hospice enrollment, is suboptimal among Hispanic/Latinx patients with cancer due to personal, socio-cultural, financial, and health system-related barriers, as well as due to a lack of studies specifically designed for this population. In addition, the extrapolation of programs that increase participation in EOL for non-white Hispanics may not work appropriately for Hispanic/Latinx patients and lead to overall lower satisfaction and enrollment in EOL care. This review will provide the practicing oncologist with the tools to address EOL in the Hispanic/Latinx population. Some promising strategies to address the EOL care disparities in Latinx/Hispanic patients have been culturally tailored patient navigation programs, geriatric assessment-guided multidisciplinary interventions, counseling sessions, and educational interventions. Through these strategies, we encourage oncologists to take advantage of every clinical setting to discuss EOL care. Treating physicians can engage family members in caring for their loved ones while practicing cultural humility and respecting cultural preferences, incorporating policies to foster treatment for the underserved migrant population, and providing patients with validated Spanish language tools.
Integrated printed BDNF-stimulated HUCMSCs-derived exosomes/collagen/chitosan biological scaffolds with 3D printing technology promoted the remodelling of neural networks after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Liu Xiaoyin , Zhang Jian , Cheng Xu , Liu Peng , Feng Qingbo , Wang Shan , Li Yuanyou , Gu Haoran , Zhong Lin , Chen Miao , Zhou Liangxue
Published: October 2022

The restoration of nerve dysfunction after traumatic brain injury (TBI) faces huge challenges due to the limited self-regenerative abilities of nerve tissues. In situ inductive recovery can be achieved utilizing biological scaffolds combined with endogenous human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUCMSCs)-derived exosomes (MExos). In this study, brain-derived neurotrophic factor-stimulated HUCMSCs-derived exosomes (BMExos) were composited with collagen/chitosan by 3D printing technology. 3D-printed collagen/chitosan/BMExos (3D-CC-BMExos) scaffolds have excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility. Subsequently, in vivo experiments showed that 3D-CC-BMExos therapy could improve the recovery of neuromotor function and cognitive function in a TBI model in rats. Consistent with the behavioural recovery, the results of histomorphological tests showed that 3D-CC-BMExos therapy could facilitate the remodelling of neural networks, such as improving the regeneration of nerve fibres, synaptic connections and myelin sheaths, in lesions after TBI.
The nuclear bodies conference: Hubs of genomic activity, June 24–28, Western Shore, Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: Kaufman Paul D. , Huang Sui , Pederson Thoru
Published: October 2022

This conference brought together leaders in the investigation of various bodies that populate the nucleus, a field that complements research on chromosome biology. These nuclear bodies had been receiving increasing attention as hubs of genome activity and the new findings reported at the conference strongly confirmed and significantly expanded this principle.
Post-intensive care syndrome
Authors: Dunn Heather , Balas Michele C. , Hetland Breanna , Krupp Anna
Published: October 2022

Post-intensive care syndrome is a costly and complicated collection of physical, cognitive, and mental health problems experienced by survivors of critical illness. The primary care NP is uniquely positioned to assess, monitor, manage, and treat patients with this syndrome following hospital discharge.
Evidence-based updates to the 2021 Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines
Authors: Lehman Karen D.
Published: October 2022

Sepsis identification and treatment has changed significantly over the last few decades. Despite this, sepsis is still associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This first of a two-part series reviews the history of modern sepsis and presents new research in pathophysiology, treatment, and postsepsis care.
Pneumococcal vaccination for adults
Authors: Esden Jana L.
Published: October 2022

Although pneumococcal vaccination programs have significantly reduced the incidence of pneumococcal infections in the US, pneumococcal pneumonia continues to be a burdensome cause of morbidity and mortality. Pneumococcal vaccination recommendation updates were recently published and introduce two new pneumococcal conjugate vaccines for use in adults ages 19 and older.
Current views on lupus in children
Authors: Smith Eve M.D. , Lythgoe Hanna , Hedrich Christian M.
Published: October 2022

Purpose of review

This manuscript provides an update on clinical and pathophysiological features of juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosis (jSLE), challenges applying adult-derived classification criteria, and recent advances in treatment and care.

Recent findings

Significant scientific advances have improved the understanding of genetic factors (both genetic causes and risk alleles) and associated phenotypic features. Panels of urine/blood biomarker candidates aid in diagnosing jSLE, monitoring disease activity and predicting treatment response. Available classification criteria have been extensively assessed, with differences in clinical and immunological phenotypes of patients across age groups and ethnicities affecting their performance in jSLE. Therapeutic options remain limited and are based on protocols for adult-onset SLE patients. International efforts to inform development of a treat-to-target (T2T) approach for jSLE have yielded cohort-level evidence that target attainment reduces the risk of severe flare and new damage, and treatment compliance.

Recent studies have significantly improved our understanding of jSLE pathogenesis, highlighting important differences between jSLE and adult SLE, and providing the basis of biomarker development and target-directed individualized treatment and care. Future work focused on development of a T2T approach in jSLE is eagerly awaited.
Psychometric Testing of the Self-care of Coronary Heart Disease Inventory Version 3.0
Authors: Dickson Victoria Vaughan , Iovino Paolo , De Maria Maddalena , Vellone Ercole , Alvaro Rosaria , Di Matteo Roberta , Molin Alberto Dal , Lusignani Maura , Bassola Barbara , Maconi Antonio , Bolgeo Tatiana , Riegel Barbara
Published: October 2022

Background

In this updated Self-Care of Coronary Heart Disease Inventory (SC-CHDI) v3.0, items were added to better reflect the theory of self-care of chronic illness and revised based on recent research. The expanded SC-CHDI now reflects the theoretical concepts of self-care maintenance, monitoring, and management.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the SC-CHDI v3.0.

Methods

In a sample of adults with coronary heart disease, we tested the SC-CHDI v3.0 validity with confirmatory factor analysis. Reliability was calculated using Cronbach α, factor score determinacy coefficient, and global reliability index for multidimensional scales, with values > 0.70 considered adequate.

Results

The sample (n = 205) was predominantly male (79%) with a mean age of 65.3 ± 11.1 years. The self-care maintenance scale encompassed 2 distinct behaviors, namely, “illness related behaviors” and “health promoting behaviors,” which reflect consulting and autonomous dimensions, respectively. The goodness-of-fit indices were adequate: χ2(25, N = 205) =31.86, P = .16, comparative fit index = 0.97, Tucker-Lewis Index = 0.95, root mean square error of approximation = 0.04 (90% confidence interval, 0.00–0.07), P = .705, and standardized root mean square residual = 0.045. Analysis of the new self-care monitoring scale yielded a single factor; goodness-of-fit indices were excellent: χ2(12, N = 205) =11.56, P = .48, comparative fit index = 1.00, Tucker-Lewis Index = 1.00, root mean square error of approximation < 0.001 (90% confidence interval, 0.000–0.07), P = .86, and standardized root mean square residual = 0.02. The self-care management scale had 2 dimensions of autonomous and consulting behavior with strong goodness-of-fit indices: χ2(7, N = 205) =6.57, P = .47, comparative fit index = 1.00, Tucker-Lewis Index = 1.00, root mean square error of approximation ≤ 0.001 (90% confidence interval, 0.00–0.08), P = .76, and standardized root mean square residual = 0.02. Reliability estimates were ≥0.80 for all scales.

Conclusions

Our testing suggests that the SC-CHDI v3.0 is a sound measure of the essential elements of self-care for adults with coronary heart disease.
Exploring Perinatal Nursing Care for Opioid Use Disorder
Authors: Kantrowitz-Gordon Ira , Price Cynthia , Rudolf Vania , Downey Georgia , Castagnola Kelsey
Published: October 2022

The opioid epidemic has greatly increased the number of pregnant women with opioid use and newborns exposed to opioids in utero. Mothers with opioid use disorder can face stigma by nurses in perinatal care settings, contributing to negative care experiences. A survey was distributed to nurses caring for mothers and newborns exposed to opioids in a large urban hospital in the Pacific Northwest United States (n = 89) from March to July 2019. Survey measures included participant characteristics, attitude toward substance use in pregnancy and postpartum (stigma, compassion satisfaction, comfort, and knowledge), and open-ended questions. Relationships among variables and questionnaire items were examined using Pearson's correlations, 2-sample t tests, and simultaneous multiple linear regression. Qualitative description was used to analyze open-ended questions. Nurses' stigma was negatively correlated with compassion satisfaction (r = −0.63), feeling knowledgeable (r = −0.36), and comfortable in providing care to this population (r = −0.44). Nurses identified defensiveness, lack of trust, and inadequate social support as key challenges in this patient population. Nurses suggested more support for mothers and nurses, increased nursing education, and clinical guidelines to improve clinical practice and foster therapeutic relationships. Findings highlight potential strategies to improve nursing care for chemically dependent mothers and their infants. These strategies may offer practical approaches to reduce stigma, develop therapeutic relationships, and improve patient outcomes.
Ventilation Scintigraphy With Radiolabeled Carbon Nanoparticulate Aerosol (Technegas)
Authors: Le Roux Pierre-Yves , Schafer Wolfgang M. , Blanc-Beguin Frédérique , Tulchinsky Mark
Published: October 2022

Invented and first approved for clinical use in Australia 36 years ago, Technegas is the technology that enabled ventilation scintigraphy with 99mTc-labeled carbon nanoparticles (99mTc-CNP). The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has considered this technology for more than 30 years but only now is getting close to approving it. Meanwhile, more than 4.4 million patients benefited from this technology in 64 countries worldwide. The primary application of 99mTc-CNP ventilation imaging is the diagnostic evaluation for suspicion of pulmonary embolism using ventilation-perfusion quotient (V/Q) imaging. Because of 99mTc-CNP's long pulmonary residence, tomographic imaging emerged as the preferred V/Q methodology. The FDA-approved ventilation imaging agents are primarily suitable for planar imaging, which is less sensitive. After the FDA approval of Technegas, the US practice will likely shift to tomographic V/Q. The 99mTc-CNP use is of particular interest in the COVID-19 pandemic because it offers an option of a dry radioaerosol that takes approximately only 3 to 5 tidal breaths, allowing the shortest exposure to and contact with possibly infected patients. Indeed, countries where 99mTc-CNP was approved for clinical use continued using it throughout the COVID-19 pandemic without known negative viral transmission consequences. Conversely, the ventilation imaging was halted in most US facilities from the beginning of the pandemic. This review is intended to familiarize the US clinical nuclear medicine community with the basic science of 99mTc-CNP ventilation imaging and its clinical applications, including common artifacts and interpretation criteria for tomographic V/Q imaging for pulmonary embolism.
Hyoepiglottic Rheumatoid Nodule Mimicking Head and Neck Malignancy on 18F-FDG PET/CT
Authors: Opalinski Ludwig , Schmitz Sandra , Van Eeckhout Pascal , d’Abadie Philippe , Gheysens Olivier
Published: October 2022

A 54-year-old man with a history of tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma treated with chemoradiotherapy and an 18-year history of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis in remission without maintenance therapy presented with right cervical pain and dysphagia for several months. Flexible laryngoscopy did not show any lesion, and MRI revealed a necrotic lesion inside the thyro-hyo-epiglottic space attached to the hyoid bone. 18F-FDG PET/CT demonstrated a moderately increased metabolic activity of the lesion without any other suspected lesions. Surgical resection was performed, and pathology revealed a necrotizing granuloma compatible with a rheumatoid nodule.
Deterrence of birds with an artificial predator, the RobotFalcon
Authors: Storms Rolf F. , Carere Claudio , Musters Robert , van Gasteren Hans , Verhulst Simon , Hemelrijk Charlotte K.
Published: October 2022

Collisions between birds and airplanes can damage aircrafts, resulting in delays and cancellation of flights, costing the international civil aviation industry more than 1.4 billion US dollars annually. Driving away birds is therefore crucial, but the effectiveness of current deterrence methods is limited. Live avian predators can be an effective deterrent, because potential prey will not habituate to them, but live predators cannot be controlled entirely. Thus, there is an urgent need for new deterrence methods. We developed the RobotFalcon, a device modelled after the peregrine falcon, and tested its effectiveness to deter flocks of corvids, gulls, starlings and lapwings. We compared its effectiveness with that of a drone, and of conventional methods routinely applied at a military airbase. The RobotFalcon scared away bird flocks from fields immediately, and these fields subsequently remained free of bird flocks for hours. The RobotFalcon outperformed the drone and the best conventional method at the airbase (distress calls). Importantly, there was no evidence that bird flocks habituated to the RobotFalcon over the course of the fieldwork. We conclude that the RobotFalcon is a practical and ethical solution to drive away bird flocks with all advantages of live predators but without their limitations.
Inter-species diversity and functional genomic analyses of closed genome assemblies of clinically isolated, megaplasmid-containing Enterococcus raffinosus Er676 and ATCC49464
Authors: Sharon Belle M. , Hulyalkar Neha V. , Zimmern Philippe E. , Palmer Kelli L. , De Nisco Nicole J.
Published: October 2022

Enterococcus raffinosus is an understudied member of its genus possessing a characteristic megaplasmid contributing to a significantly large genome size. Although less commonly associated with human infection compared to other enterococci, this species can cause disease and persist in diverse niches such as gut, urinary tract, blood, and environment. Few complete genome assemblies have been published to date for E. raffinosus. In this study, we report the complete assembly of the first clinical urinary E. raffinosus strain, Er676, isolated from a postmenopausal woman with history of recurrent urinary tract infection (rUTI). We additionally completed the assembly of clinical type strain ATCC49464. Comparative genomic analyses reveal inter-species diversity driven by large accessory genomes. The presence of a conserved megaplasmid indicates it is a ubiquitous and vital genetic feature of E. raffinosus. We find that the E. raffinosus chromosome is enriched for DNA replication and protein biosynthesis genes while the megaplasmid is enriched for transcription and carbohydrate metabolism genes. Prophage analysis suggests that diversity in the chromosome and megaplasmid sequences arises, in part, from horizontal gene transfer. Er676 demonstrated the largest genome size reported to date of E. raffinosus and the highest probability of human pathogenicity. Er676 also possesses multiple antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), all of which are encoded on the chromosome, and has the most complete prophage sequences. Complete assembly and comparative analyses of the Er676 and ATCC49464 genomes provide important insight into the inter-species diversity of E. raffinosus that enables its ability to colonize and persist in the human body. Investigating genetic factors that contribute to this species pathogenicity will lend valuable tools to combat diseases caused by this opportunistic pathogen.
Dilemma and a way out for bacterial biofilm research
Authors: Zhou Runjie , Li Shuihong
Published: October 2022

Biofilm-associated infections (BAIs) are more common in clinical practice and have become a public health problem of global concern. We present our views on current research (detection methods, mechanism research, animal model construction, treatment strategies, etc.) on biofilms and BAIs, and discuss future developments concerning this important issue.
Bacterial secretions in growth medium stimulate the mouse respiratory innate immune response
Authors: Ghafil Jenan Atiyah , Zgair Ayaid Khadem
Published: October 2022

Introduction. Finding a safe innate immune response stimulator is one of the greatest challenges facing immunologists and vaccine manufacturers.

Gap statement. The role of sterile bacterial secretions (SBSs) of

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

in stimulating the innate immune response was not investigated previously.

Aim. The comparative effect of SBSs and bacterial cells of

P. aeruginosa

isolates isolated from freshwater (PAE) and infected wounds (PAC) on the respiratory tract innate immune response.

Methodology. Four test mice groups were instilled intranasally (i.n.) with 106 c.f.u of PAC, 106 c.f.u of PAE, SBS of PAC, and SBS of PAE. Two control groups were given i.n. either LB broth or PBS. Time-course changes in IL-1 beta mRNA, TNF-alpha mRNA, IL-1β and TNF-α, leukocyte count, bacterial uptake, and intracellular bacterial killing by mouse alveolar macrophages (AMs) and histological changes were examined. Lung bacterial burdens were counted in first and second test groups.

Results. The maximum level of IL-1β was seen as early as 2 h (1360±180 pg ml−1) post-instillation (i.n.) with SBS of PAC and 1 h (1910±244 pgml−1) post-instillation with SBS of PAE. The maximum level of TNF-α was seen as early as 4 h (953±192 pg ml−1) post-instillation with SBS of PAC and (1197±298 pg ml−1) post-instillation with SBS of PAE. These values were almost in line with IL-1β and TNF-α gene expression. Moderate infiltration of leukocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and lung sections and moderate activity of AMs (bacterial uptake and bacterial killing) were observed. The above innate immune response parameters in mice instilled i.n. with PAC and PAE were higher (P<0.05) than in the mice groups instilled i.n. with SBSs. The PAC was persistent in the lungs of mice for up to 72 h (3.5±0.22 log10 of c.f.u. g−1) and up to 48 h (2.05±0.21 log10 of c.f.u. g−1) for PAE.

Conclusion. The administration of mice with SBS i.n. stimulates cellular and molecular arms of the innate immune response in the respiratory tract, opening the door to the possibility of using SBS of

P. aeruginosa

as an adjuvant.
Fabrication of Molecular Blocks with High Responsiveness to the Cancer Microenvironment by Ursodeoxycholic Acid
Authors: Moroishi Kazuki , Nakamoto Masahiko , Matsusaki Michiya
Published: October 2022

In cancer therapy, drug delivery system (DDS) has been widely studied to achieve selective drug accumulation at the tumor site. However, DDS still has a major drawback in that it requires multi-step processes for intracellular delivery, resulting in low efficiency of drug delivery. To overcome this problem, we recently reported a molecular block (MB) that disrupts cancer cell membranes in the cancer microenvironment using deoxycholic acid (DCA). However, the MB showed considerable cytotoxicity even at neutral pH possibly due to the structural hydrophobic property of DCA. Herein, we focused on selecting the most suitable bile acid for an MB that possessed high responsiveness to the cancer microenvironment without cytotoxicity at neutral pH. Cell viabilities of the free bile acids such as DCA, chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), cholic acid (CA) and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) were evaluated at neutral pH (pH = 7.4) and a cancer acidic environment (pH = 6.3 ∼ 6.5). The half-maximal inhibition concentration (IC50) value of UDCA at pH = 7.4 showed an approximately 7.5-fold higher IC50value than that at pH = 6.3, whereas the other bile acids yielded less than a 4-fold IC50value difference between the same pHs. Biocompatible poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was functionalized with UDCA (PVA-UDCA) for synthesis of higher responsiveness to the cancer microenvironment without cytotoxicity at neutral pH. Importantly, 56% pancreatic cancer cell death was observed at pH = 6.5, whereas only 10% was detected at neutral pH by the PVA-UDCA treatment. However, PVA-DCA indicated almost the same cancer cell death property independent of pH condition. These results suggest PVA-UDCA shows great potential for a new class of MB.
Fabrication of a Polymeric Inhibitor of Proximal Metabolic Enzymes in Hypoxia for Synergistic Inhibition of Cancer Cell Proliferation, Survival and Migration
Authors: Koba Yuki , Nakamoto Masahiko , Matsusaki Michiya
Published: October 2022

Since conventional molecular targeted drugs often result in side effect, the development of novel molecular targeted drugs with both high efficacy and selectivity are desired. Simultaneous inhibition of metabolically and spatiotemporally related proteins/enzymes is a promising strategy for improving therapeutic interventions in cancer treatment. Herein, we report a poly-α-L-glutamate-based polymer inhibitor that simultaneously targets proximal transmembrane enzymes under hypoxia, namely carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) and zinc-dependent metalloproteinases. A polymer incorporating two types of inhibitors more effectively inhibited the proliferation and migration of human breast cancer cells than a combination of two polymers functionalized exclusively with either inhibitor. Synergistic inhibition of cancer cells would occur owing to the hetero-multivalent interactions of the polymer with proximate enzymes on the cancer cell membrane. Our results highlight the potential of polymer-based cancer therapeutics.

Abstract Figure

For Table of Contents only
Identifying Patients with Cognitive Motor Dissociation Using Resting-state Temporal Stability
Authors: Wu Hang , Xie Qiuyou , Pan Jiahui , Liang Qimei , Lan Yue , Guo Yequn , Han Junrong , Xie Musi , Liu Yueyao , Jiang Liubei , Wu Xuehai , Li Yuanqing , Qin Pengmin
Published: October 2022

Background

Using task-dependent neuroimaging techniques, recent studies discovered a fraction of patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC) who had no command-following behaviors but showed a clear sign of awareness, which was defined as cognitive motor dissociation (CMD). Although many efforts were made to identify the CMD, existing task-dependent approaches might fail when patients had multiple cognitive function (e.g., attention, memory) impairments, and thus lead to false-negative findings. However, recent advances in resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI) analysis allow investigation of the dynamic change of spontaneous brain activity, which might be a powerful tool to test the patient’s cognitive functions, while its capacity in identifying CMD was unclear.

Methods

The rs-fMRI study included 119 participants from three independent research sites. A sliding-window approach was used to investigate the dynamic functional connectivity of the brain in two aspects: the global and regional temporal stability, which measures how stable the brain functional architecture is across time. The temporal stability was compared in the first dataset (36/16 DOC/controls), and then a Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier was built to discriminate DOC patients from controls. Furthermore, the generalizability of the SVM classifier was tested in the second independent dataset (35/21 DOC/controls). Finally, the SVM classifier was applied to the third independent dataset where patients underwent an rs-fMRI and brain-computer interface assessment (4/7 CMD/potential non-CMD), to test its performance in identifying CMD.

Results

Our results showed that the global and regional temporal stability were impaired in DOC patients, especially in regions from the cingulo-opercular task control, default mode, fronto-parietal task control, and salience network. Using the temporal stability as features, the SVM model not only showed a good performance in the first dataset (accuracy = 90 %), but a good generalizability in the second dataset (accuracy = 82 %). Most importantly, the SVM model generalized well in identifying CMD in the third dataset (accuracy = 91 %).

Conclusion

The current findings suggested that rs-fMRI could be a potential tool to assist in diagnosing CMD. Furthermore, the temporal stability investigated in this study also contributed to a deeper understanding of the neural mechanism of the consciousness.
An armored marine reptile from the Early Triassic of South China
Authors: Wolniewicz Andrzej S. , Shen Yuefeng , Li Qiang , Sun Yuanyuan , Qiao Yu , Chen Yajie , Liu Jun
Published: October 2022

Sauropterygia was a taxonomically and ecomorphologically diverse clade of Mesozoic marine reptiles spanning the Early Triassic to the Late Cretaceous. Sauropterygians are traditionally divided into two groups representing two markedly different body plans – the short-necked, durophagous Placodontia and the long-necked Eosauropterygia – whereas Saurosphargidae, a small clade of marine reptiles possessing a dorsal ‘rib-basket’, is considered as the sauropterygian sister-group. However, the early evolutionary history of sauropterygians and their phylogenetic relationships with other groups within Diapsida are still incompletely understood. Here, we report a new saurosphargid from the Early Triassic of South China –Prosaurosphargis yingzishanensisgen. et sp. nov. – representing the earliest known occurrence of the clade. An updated phylogenetic analysis focussing on the interrelationships within diapsid reptiles recovers saurosphargids as nested within sauropterygians, forming a clade with eosauropterygians to the exclusion of placodonts. Furthermore, a clade comprisingEusaurosphargisandPalatodontais recovered as the sauropterygian sister-group within Sauropterygomorpha tax. nov. The phylogenetic position of several Early and Middle Triassic sauropterygians of previously uncertain phylogenetic affinity, such asAtopodentatus, Hanosaurus, MajiashanosaurusandCorosaurus, is also clarified, elucidating the early evolutionary assembly of the sauropterygian body plan. Finally, our phylogenetic analysis recovers Testudinata and Archosauromorpha within Archelosauria, a result strongly supported by molecular data, but until now not recovered by any phylogenetic analysis using a morphology-only data set. Our study provides evidence for the rapid diversification of sauropterygians in the aftermath of the Permo-Triassic mass extinction event and emphasises the importance of broad taxonomic sampling in reconstructing phylogenetic relationships among extinct taxa.
Distinct beta frequencies reflect categorical decisions
Authors: Rassi Elie , Zhang Yi , Mendoza German , Mendez Juan Carlos , Merchant Hugo , Haegens Saskia
Published: October 2022

Beta oscillations are involved in a variety of cognitive functions beyond their traditional sensorimotor role. Based on prior findings of content-specific beta synchronization during working memory and decision making, we hypothesized that beta activity supports the activation and reactivation of cortical representations by mediating neural ensemble formation within and between brain regions. We here found that beta activity in monkey dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and in pre-supplementary motor area (preSMA) reflects the content of a stimulus in relation to the task context, regardless of its objective properties. In multiple versions of a categorization task, we changed the boundary between categories from one block of trials to the next, such that a stimulus which belonged to one of two categories during one block could belong to the other category during the next one. During a delay in which monkeys had to hold their categorical decision in mind, we found that two distinct beta-band frequencies were consistently associated with the same two relative categories, and that activity in these respective bands predicted the animals’ responses. We characterized beta at these frequencies as transient bursts with distinct temporal profiles. We further showed that dlPFC and preSMA are connected via these distinct frequency channels, with dlPFC driving the frequency separation, a result supported by Granger causality and spike-field coherence analyses. In sum, these results provide support for the role of beta in forming neural ensembles, and further show that such ensembles synchronize at different beta frequencies.
Performance evaluation of mesoscopic photoacoustic imaging
Authors: Hacker Lina , Brown Emma L. , Lefebvre Thierry L. , Sweeney Paul W. , Bohndiek Sarah E
Published: October 2022

Photoacoustic mesoscopy visualises vascular architecture and associated tissue structures at high resolution at up to 3 mm depth. The technique has shown promise in both preclinical and clinical imaging studies, with possible applications in oncology and dermatology, however, the accuracy and precision of photoacoustic mesoscopy has not been well established. Here, we present a performance evaluation of a commercial photoacoustic mesoscopy system for imaging vascular structures. Typical artefact types are first highlighted and limitations due to non-isotropic illumination and detection are evaluated with respect to rotation, angularity, and depth of the target. Then, using tailored phantoms and mouse models we demonstrate high system precision, with acceptable coefficients of variation (COV) between repeated scans (short term (1h): COV=1.2%; long term (25 days): COV=9.6%), from target repositioning (without: COV=1.2%, with: COV=4.1%), or from varyingin vivouser experience (experienced: COV=15.9%, unexperienced: COV=20.2%). While our findings support the robustness of the technique, they also underscore the general challenges of limited field-of-view photoacoustic systems in accurately imaging vessel-like structures, thereby guiding users to correctly interpret biologically-relevant information.
Mapping a mutation causing pale yellow petals inBrassica rapa
Authors: Chow Hiu Tung , Mosher Rebecca A.
Published: October 2022

Petal color is an important trait for both ornamental purposes and also for attracting pollinators. Here, we report a mutation ofBrassica rapaR-o-18 with pale yellow petals that we retrieved from an EMS population and namedwhiter shade of pale(wsp). Phenotypic segregation ratio of an F2 mapping population indicates the phenotype is controlled by a single recessive gene. Mapping data from the whole genome sequencing coupled with allele frequency analysis suggests the mutation is located in a ∼2 Mbp interval on chromosome 2. The interval contains a putative esterase/lipase/thioesterase protein previously demonstrated to account for floral color inB. rapa. We demonstrate thatwspcarries a G to A missense mutation causing an aspartate to asparagine substitution within the putative lysophospholipid acyltransferase domain.
Targeting the Immune-Fibrosis Axis in Myocardial Infarction and Heart Failure
Authors: Amrute Junedh M. , Luo Xin , Penna Vinay , Bredemeyer Andrea , Yamawaki Tracy , Heo Gyu Seong , Shi Sally , Koenig Andrew , Yang Steven , Kadyrov Farid , Jones Cameran , Kuppe Christoph , Kopecky Benjamin , Hayat Sikander , Ma Pan , Feng Guoshai , Terada Yuriko , Fu Angela , Furtado Milena , Kreisel Daniel , Stitziel Nathan O. , Li Chi-Ming , Kramann Rafael , Liu Yongjian , Ason Brandon , Lavine Kory J.
Published: October 2022

Cardiac fibrosis is causally linked to heart failure pathogenesis and adverse clinical outcomes. However, the precise fibroblast populations that drive fibrosis in the human heart and the mechanisms that govern their emergence remain incompletely defined. Here, we performed Cellular Indexing of Transcriptomes and Epitomes by sequencing (CITE-seq) in 22 explanted human hearts from healthy donors, acute myocardial infarction (MI), and chronic ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy patients. We identified a fibroblast trajectory marked by fibroblast activator protein (FAP) and periostin (POSTN) expression that was independent of myofibroblasts, peaked early after MI, remained elevated in chronic heart failure, and displayed a transcriptional signature consistent with fibrotic activity. We assessed the applicability of cardiac fibrosis models and demonstrated that mouse MI, angiotensin II/phenylephrine infusion, and pressure overload models were superior compared to cultured human heart and dermal fibroblasts in recapitulating cardiac fibroblast diversity including pathogenic cell states. Ligand-receptor analysis and spatial transcriptomics predicted interactions between macrophages, T cells, and fibroblasts within spatially defined niches. CCR2+monocyte and macrophage states were the dominant source of ligands targeting fibroblasts. Inhibition of IL-1β signaling to cardiac fibroblasts was sufficient to suppress fibrosis, emergence, and maturation of FAP+POSTN+fibroblasts. Herein, we identify a human fibroblast trajectory marked by FAP and POSTN expression that is associated with cardiac fibrosis and identify macrophage-fibroblast crosstalk mediated by IL-1β signaling as a key regulator of pathologic fibroblast differentiation and fibrosis.
Encoding object-location memories along the proximodistal axis of CA1
Authors: Teratani-Ota Yusuke , Wiltgen Brian J.
Published: October 2022

The hippocampus is thought to combine “what” and “where” information from the cortex so that objects and events can be represented within the spatial context in which they occur. Surprisingly then, these distinct types of information remain partially segregated in the output region of the hippocampus, area CA1. In this region, objects preferentially activate neurons in the distal segment (adjacent to the subiculum) while spatial locations are precisely represented by neurons in the proximal segment (adjacent to CA2). This difference likely results from distinct anatomical connections; proximal CA1 receives direct input from the medial entorhinal cortex (which encodes spatial context) whereas distal CA1 has reciprocal connections with the lateral entorhinal cortex (which encodes objects and events). Based on these findings, it has been proposed that CA1 contains two distinct representations; one that encodes the animal’s spatial location and another that encodes objects that are present in the environment. The current study aimed to determine the role of distal CA1 in learning the location of objects in an environment. To do this, we first examined c-Fos expression in proximal and distal CA1 to see if we could replicate previous findings and confirm that neurons in these distinct segment are responsive to different stimuli. As previous studies indicate that catecholamines can regulate the activity of segments of CA1, we then investigate the role of catecholamines on learning object locations using 6-OHDA or SCH23390 to lesion catecholaminergic input and block D1/D5 receptors, respectively. Finally, we monitored calcium activity with fiber photometry while animals performed a hippocampal-dependent object location memory task.
Critically endangered franciscana dolphins in an estuarine area: fine-scale habitat use and distribution from acoustic monitoring in Babitonga Bay, southern Brazil
Authors: Paitach Renan L. , Bortolotto Guilherme A. , Amundin Mats , Cremer Marta J.
Published: October 2022

Franciscana dolphins in Babitonga Bay represent the only population of that critically endangered species which is confined to an estuary. Surrounded by large cities and harbors, that environment presents intense human activities and potential impacts that may threaten the dolphins. Understanding their habitat use and distribution can inform mitigation of such impacts. Here we used acoustic data from sixty fixed passive acoustic monitoring stations, implemented between June and December 2018. The relationship between the occurrence of franciscanas and environmental variables was investigated with generalized additive mixed models. The selected model presented 51% of explained deviance and included “time of day”, “intensity of presence of Guiana dolphins”, “maximum slope”, and “bottom sediment”, among other less statistically significant variables. A daily distribution pattern was identified, with franciscanas remaining in the areas of greatest occurrence especially in the morning and seemed to prefer sandy bottom and flatter areas. Areas intensively used by Guyana dolphins were avoided. Additionally, we mapped their distribution using “Empirical Bayesian Kriging” to identify the main areas of occurrence and for foraging. Franciscanas are consistently predominant in the innermost region of the estuary, without expressive use of the entrance channel, but with a wider range in winter than in the spring. The area around the islands, between the north and south banks, represents an important foraging area, a behavior more frequent during dawn and night. This study provides important insights into critical habitat and behavioral patterns of franciscanas, especially this critically endangered population.
Patterns of community science data use in peer-reviewed research on biodiversity
Authors: Binley A.D. , Vincent J.G. , Rytwinski T. , Proctor C.A. , Urness E.S. , Davis S.A. , Soroye P. , Bennett J.R.
Published: October 2022

Community science (“citizen science”) represent a potentially abundant and inexpensive source of information for biodiversity research. However, analyzing such data has inherent challenges. To explore where and how community science data are translated into scientific knowledge, we conducted a literature review in a sample of 334 peer-reviewed scientific articles. Specifically, we investigated how the use of community science data varied among taxonomic groups and geographic regions, and what threats to biodiversity, if any, were examined. Community science data were used mostly for research on birds and invertebrates, and the data used were mainly from the United States and the United Kingdom. Literature in certain countries used a wider breadth of projects, while others made repeated use of comparably fewer datasets. Community science efforts were largely used to measure abundance, trends, distributions, and range shifts. However, few articles linked these metrics to any particular threats to biodiversity. Furthermore, community science data were used infrequently for research on threatened species and limited mostly to count data rather than collecting more specific information such as life history, phenological or genetic data, suggesting that community science may be underutilized for these key aspects of biodiversity conservation. We conclude that even with the rise of community science data use in research, there remains tremendous potential to better use these existing datasets for biodiversity research.
Long-term spatially-replicated data show no physical cost to a benefactor species in a facilitative plant-plant interaction
Authors: Raath-Krüger Morgan J. , Schöb Christian , McGeoch Melodie A. , Burger Divan A. , Strydom Tanya , le Roux Peter C.
Published: October 2022

Facilitation is an interaction where one species (the benefactor) positively impacts another (the beneficiary). However, the reciprocal effects of beneficiaries on their benefactors are typically only documented using short-term datasets. We useAzorella selago, a cushion plant species and benefactor, and a co-occurring grass species,Agrostis magellanica, on sub-Antarctic Marion Island, comparing cushion plants and the grasses growing on them over a 13-year period using a correlative approach. We additionally compare the feedback effect ofA. magellanicaonA. selagoidentified using our long-term dataset with data collected from a single time period. We hypothesized thatA. selagosize and vitality would be negatively affected byA. magellanicacover and that the effect ofA. magellanicaonA. selagowould become more negative with increasing beneficiary cover and abiotic-severity, due to, e.g., more intense competition for resources. We additionally hypothesized thatA. magellanicacover would increase more on cushion plants with greater dead stem cover, since dead stems do not inhibit grass colonization or growth. The relationship betweenA. magellanicacover andA. selagosize and vitality was not significant in the long-term dataset, and the feedback effect ofA. magellanicaonA. selagodid not vary significantly with altitude or aspect; however, data from a single time period did not consistently identify this same lack of correlation. Moreover,A. selagodead stem cover was not significantly related to an increase inA. magellanicacover over the long term; however, we observed contrasting results from short-term datasets. Long-term datasets may, therefore, be more robust (and practical) for assessing beneficiary feedback effects than conventional approaches, particularly when benefactors are slow-growing. For the first time using a long-term dataset, we show a lack of physical cost to a benefactor species in a facilitative interaction, in contrast to the majority of short-term studies.
Development of Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) Assays Using Five Primers Reduces the False-positive Rate in COVID-19 Diagnosis
Authors: Alhamid Galyah , Tombuloglu Huseyin , Al-Suhaimi Ebtesam
Published: October 2022

The reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) is a cheaper and faster testing alternative for detecting SARS-CoV-2. However, high false-positive rate due to misamplification is one of the major limitations. To overcome misamplifications, we developed colorimetric and fluorometric RT-LAMP assays. The assay performances was verified by the gold-standard RT-qPCR technique on 150 clinical samples. Compared to other primer sets with six primers (N, S, andRdRp), E-ID1 primer set, including five primers, performed superbly on both colorimetric and fluorometric assays, yielding sensitivities of 89.5% and 100%, respectively, with a limit of detection of 20 copies/µL. The colorimetric RT-LAMP had a specificity of 97.2% and an accuracy of 94.5%, while the fluorometric RT-LAMP obtained 96.9% and 98%, respectively. No misamplification was evident even after 120 minutes, which is crucial for the success of this technique. These findings are important to support the use of RT-LAMP in the healthcare systems in fighting COVID-19.