bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing Intracanalicular and Topical Steroid Use in Patients Undergoing Pterygium Surgery
Authors: Rhee Michelle K. , Zakher Meena , Najac Michael , Arias Harold , Jo Jace , Gorham Richard , Moadel Ken
Published: February 2024

Objective:

The study received funding from Ocular Therapeutix, Inc., Bedford, MA.

We undertook this study to compare the efficacy of intracanalicular dexamethasone 0.4 mg with topical prednisolone acetate (PA) 1% in controlling postoperative pain and inflammation in patients undergoing pterygium surgery.

Methods:

This was an open-label, prospective, interventional, nonrandomized comparative trial. Thirty patients were assigned to one of the following groups: Group A [intracanalicular insert of 0.4 mg dexamethasone placed into upper and lower puncta during the procedure, followed by at postoperative month 1 visit institution of topical PA 1% twice daily × 2 weeks then once daily × 2 weeks] or Group B [nonintervention group with institution on postoperative day 1 topical PA 1% every 2 hours × 2 weeks then four times per day × 2 weeks then twice daily × 2 weeks then once daily × 2 weeks].

Results:

Fifteen cases and 15 controls were enrolled. There was no statistical difference in patient-reported pain or satisfaction between the case and control groups at 1 day; 1 week; and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. There was no significant difference in time to an ocular hyperemia score of 0 between the two groups. There was no difference in the rate of corneal reepithelialization and recurrence rate (two controls). Nine eyes had transient ocular hypertension (seven cases and two controls).

Conclusion:

Intracanalicular dexamethasone 0.4 mg may reduce the medication burden for patients who need prolonged postoperative steroid therapy as is routine in the setting of pterygium surgery. It is a safe and effective alternative to PA 1% drops alone for postoperative control of pain and inflammation in pterygium surgery.
Validity of Partner Reports of Recent Condomless Sex
Authors: Luff Amanda , Nguyen Nghia C. , Luong Truong N. , Andridge Rebecca , Hayford Sarah , Norris Alison H. , Gallo Maria F.
Published: February 2024

Background

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a biomarker of vaginal semen exposure, is less susceptible to bias than self-reported condom use behaviors. We examined the agreement of self-reported recent condomless sex (RCS) within couples and how these reports related to PSA detection.

Methods

We analyzed data from a study conducted in Vietnam, 2017 to 2020, of 500 different-sex couples using condoms and no other contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy for 6 months. We assessed enrollment and 6-month data from vaginal swabs and questionnaires from both partners. We calculated Prevalence-Adjusted Bias-Adjusted Kappa (PABAK) to evaluate agreement of men's and women's reports. Among couples with detected PSA, we assessed partner concordance of RCS reporting.

Results

At enrollment (n = 499), 79.8% of couples reported no RCS, 16.4% reported RCS, and 3.8% had partner-discordant reports (PABAK, 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.91–0.97). At 6 months (n = 472), 91.7% reported no RCS, 5.7% reported RCS, and 2.5% had partner-discordant reports (PABAK, 0.98; 95% confidence interval, 0.96–1.0). Among couples with detected PSA at baseline (11%, n = 55), 36% reported no RCS, 55% reported RCS, and 6% had discordant reports; at 6 months (6.6%, n = 31), 58% reported no RCS, 35% reported RCS, and 3% had discordant reports.

Conclusions

We observed high agreement regarding condomless sex within couples in a population using condoms as contraception in Vietnam; however, a high proportion of couples with detected PSA had both partners reporting no RCS, indicating that concordant reporting of no RCS does not indicate lack of semen exposure.
Chlamydial and Gonococcal Infections and Adverse Reproductive Health Conditions Among Patients Assigned Female at Birth in the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Gardella Carolyn M. , Borgerding Joleen , Maier Marissa M. , Beste Lauren A.
Published: February 2024

Background

Reproductive age female individuals comprise the fastest-growing segment of Veterans Health Administration patients, but little is known about rates of reproductive health outcomes among those with chlamydia or gonorrhea infections. Our aim was to estimate the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, infertility, and pelvic pain in female veterans tested for chlamydia or gonorrhea.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of female veterans tested for chlamydia or gonorrhea between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2020. We calculated rates of pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, infertility, and pelvic pain per 100,000 person-years and used Cox proportional hazards regression models to estimate the risk of these reproductive health conditions according to infection status after adjustment for age, race, ethnicity, military sexual trauma, mental health diagnoses, and substance use disorder.

Results

Of female veterans, 232,614 were tested at least once for chlamydia or gonorrhea, with a total of 1,665,786 person-years of follow-up. Of these, 12,971 had positive chlamydia or gonorrhea results (5.8%, 796 cases per 100,000 person-years). Compared with people who tested negative, those testing positive had double the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.81–2.07), 11% increased risk of infertility (aHR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.04–1.18), 12% increased risk of pelvic pain (aHR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.08–1.17), and 21% increased risk of any of these conditions (aHR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.17–1.25). People with positive chlamydia or gonorrhea testing tended to have an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy (aHR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.0–1.30). Among those with a positive test result, 2218 people (17.1%) had 1 or more additional positive test results. Compared with those with 1 positive test result, people with more than 1 positive test result had a significantly increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (aHR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.18–1.58), infertility (aHR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.04–1.39), and pelvic pain (aHR1.16; 95% CI, 1.05–1.28), but not ectopic pregnancy (aHR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.80–1.47).

Conclusions

Female veterans with positive chlamydia or gonorrhea results experience a significantly higher risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and pelvic pain, especially among those with repeat infection.
Reducing Barriers for Expedited Partner Treatment in Adolescents and Young Adults: A Quality Improvement Initiative
Authors: Richards Molly J. , Bogart Amanda , Sheeder Jeanelle
Published: February 2024

Background

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) face significant barriers to screening, testing, and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Expedited partner therapy (EPT) streamlines partner treatment of STIs, but use among adolescents is low. We aimed to increase EPT offering and provision at 2 adolescent medicine clinics (AMCs) and the emergency department (ED) in an urban children's hospital. We addressed barriers at provider, pharmacy, and patient levels. We compared EPT offering and provision for chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis [CT]) and trichomonas (Trichomonas vaginalis [TV]) infection at baseline and across 2 intervention cycles.

Methods

Baseline data were collected from July 2019 to March 2020 and our intervention time frame spanned from April 2020 to October 2021. Laboratory codes identified patients with CT or TV infections. Cycle 1 allowed providers to order EPT within a patient's chart. The second cycle targeted education and standardization for STI/EPT notification and counseling. During this cycle, notification of ED patients was centralized to the AMC nurses.

Results

A total of 747 CT and TV cases were identified. In the AMC, EPT offering increased from 77.3% to 87.7% (P = 0.01). Expedited partner therapy provision increased from 32.3% to 69.9% (P < 0.001). Expedited partner therapy offering for ED patients increased by 82.3%. Retesting rates remained consistent, with a significant drop in reinfection rates (P = 0.003) within patients seen in the AMC.

Conclusions

This quality improvement initiative successfully increased EPT offering and provision among the cases identified. Future cycles may include longer-term follow-up to confirm partner treatment and testing per guidelines.
Impact of Text-Based Monthly Check-Ins on Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Retention at a Sexual Health Clinic
Authors: Zinsli Kaitlin A. , Ramchandani Meena S. , Dombrowski Julia C. , Cannon Chase A. , Golden Matthew R. , Malinski Cheryl , Khosropour Christine M.
Published: February 2024

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of preexposure prophylaxis patients at the municipal Sexual Health Clinic in Seattle-King County, Washington from 2019 to 2021 to determine whether monthly check-in text messages impacted 4- and 6-month pre-exposure prophylaxis retention. Monthly check-ins did not appear to improve retention above and beyond open-ended texting and appointment reminders.
PD-L1 Expression in HPV-associated Versus HPV-independent Invasive Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Bui Chau Minh , Medeiros Fabiola , Azimpouran Mahzad , Venturina Mariza , Balzer Bonnie
Published: February 2024

Two etiological pathways have been implicated in the pathogenesis of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC): a high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV)–associated route and an HPV-independent pathway characterized by TP53 mutations. Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) has become increasingly useful in predicting the response to checkpoint inhibitor therapy in squamous cell carcinomas at various anatomical sites. This study aimed to assess the association between PD-L1 expression and the VSCC subtype to evaluate the utility of PD-L1 in prognostication and therapeutic selection based on HPV status. PD-L1 status was assessed using 3 separate metrics for the extent of PD-L1 staining in various cell types: immune cell score, tumor proportion score (TPS), and combined positive score. The study group consisted of 25 HPV-associated and 28 HPV-independent VSCCs. PD-L1 expression was positive in the majority of VSCCs according to all 3 scoring metrics (84.9% by immune cell score, 77.3% by TPS, and 90.6% by combined positive score). PD-L1 expression was observed in the majority of cases in both groups (60%–96.4%). PD-L1 expression using the TPS method was greater in HPV-independent tumors than in HPV-associated tumors (P = 0.004), and high PD-L1 expression was also more common in the HPV-independent subtype (P = 0.016 using the TPS method and P = 0.013 using the combined positive score method). Our findings contribute to the growing evidence that PD-L1 is expressed in the majority of invasive VSCCs, and thus may serve as an attractive therapeutic target. PD-L1 expression is higher in HPV-independent tumors, suggesting that this subtype may be more responsive to PD-L1 inhibitor therapy.
Dorsal Rhizotomy in the Pediatric Patient
Authors: Galloway Gloria
Published: February 2024

The majority of cases of dorsal rhizotomy surgeries in children are done to improve the spasticity associated with cerebral palsy, and more recent techniques are selective in nature and referred to as selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR). The techniques applied to selective dorsal rhizotomy surgery has changed since it was first described and continues to undergo modifications. Approaches to surgery and monitoring vary slightly among centers. This article provides a review of the rationale, variety of surgical approaches, and intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring methods used along with discussion of the risks, complications and outcomes in these surgeries.
Histomorphological analysis of perfusion parameters and CNS lymphatic vessels in mice: an experimental method study
Authors: Liu Xiao-Ge , Hua Qian , Peng Tian-Tian , Chang Ke-Xin , Deng Chen-Geng , Zhang Jia-Ni , Yan Xin-Yuan , Wang Chun-Xiang , Yan Ke , Cai Qing-Yuan , Tan Yan
Published: February 2024

To investigate the distribution and characteristics of lymphatic vessels within the central nervous system, we focus on the meninges of the spinal cord and brain parenchyma in mice. Additionally, we aim to provide experimental methods for obtaining optimal imaging and clear structures of lymphatic vessels, while optimizing the perfusion parameters to improve histomorphological quality. Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups, with each group assigned a specific perfusion parameter based on perfusion volumes and temperatures. Immunofluorescence staining of lymphatics and blood vessels was performed on both meningeal and the brain tissue samples. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance to compare the groups, and a significant level of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Our study reports the presence of lymphatic vessels in the meninges of the spinal cord and brain parenchyma in mice. We highlight the crucial role of high perfusion volume of paraformaldehyde with low temperature in fixation for achieving optimal results. We provide experimental methods for obtaining optimal imaging and clear structures of lymphatic vessels in the meninges of the spinal cord and brain parenchyma in mice, which contribute to our understanding of the distribution and characteristics of lymphatic vessels within the central nervous system. Further research is warranted to explore the functional implications of these lymphatic vessels and their potential therapeutic significance in neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases.
Effects of hazard type and confidence level on hazard perception in young male drivers: an ERP study
Authors: Sun Long , Hu Wen-jing , Cheng Liang , Zhang Chang-lu
Published: February 2024

Hazard perception refers to a driver’s ability to identify potential hazards on the road. Although studies have shown that overconfidence affects drivers’ ability to perceive hazards, the neural processing of hazard perception in overconfident drivers under different hazard types has rarely been investigated. A mixed experimental design of 2 (hazard type: hazards, no hazards) × 2 (driver group: overconfident driver, control group) was used. A total of 120 images (60 with hazards and 60 without hazards) were presented to 25 overconfident drivers and 25 drivers in the control group. Reaction time, response accuracy, P200 (200–250 ms), and N2 (280–330 ms) components were measured via event-related potential (ERP) technology. Response times of overconfident drivers are slower than those of the control group regardless of hazard types. The P200 latency of overconfident drivers was longer than that of their peers in hazard situations, while the P200 latency was similar between the two groups in no-hazard situations. Although a significant interaction was found on the N2 amplitude, no significant differences were found between the two groups in both hazard and no-hazard situations. Overconfident drivers have worse hazard perception performance in hazard situations with slower reaction times and greater P200 latencies than their peers. More importantly, P200 amplitude and N2 amplitude are sensitive to hazard types, while P200 amplitude and N2 latency can discriminate between driver groups. The findings help understand the negative impact of overconfidence on young drivers and contribute to the development and training of hazard perception tests.
Altered dynamic and static brain activity and functional connectivity in COVID-19 patients: a preliminary study
Authors: Han Mingxing , He Chunni , Li Tianping , Li Qinglong , Chu Tongpeng , Li Jun , Wang Peiyuan
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to investigate the effects of COVID-19 on brain functional activity through resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI). fMRI scans were conducted on a cohort of 42 confirmed COVID-19-positive patients and 46 healthy controls (HCs) to assess brain functional activity. A combination of dynamic and static amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (dALFF/sALFF) and dynamic and static functional connectivity (dFC/sFC) was used for evaluation. Abnormal brain regions identified were then used as feature inputs in the model to evaluate support vector machine (SVM) capability in recognizing COVID-19 patients. Moreover, the random forest (RF) model was employed to verify the stability of SVM diagnoses for COVID-19 patients. Compared to HCs, COVID-19 patients exhibited a decrease in sALFF in the right lingual gyrus and the left medial occipital gyrus and an increase in dALFF in the right straight gyrus. Moreover, there was a decline in sFC between both lingual gyri and the right superior occipital gyrus and a reduction in dFC with the precentral gyrus. The dynamic and static combined ALFF and FC could distinguish between COVID-19 patients and the HCs with an accuracy of 0.885, a specificity of 0.818, a sensitivity of 0.933 and an area under the curve of 0.909. The combination of dynamic and static ALFF and FC can provide information for detecting brain functional abnormalities in COVID-19 patients.
Paenibacillus glufosinatiresistens sp. nov., a glufosinate-resistant bacterium isolated from sludge
Authors: Wu Yan , Yang Yuwen , Wan Minglai , Chen Le , Yuan Ye , He Jian , Zhang Baolong
Published: February 2024

A Gram-stain-positive bacterium capable of resisting 5.0 mM glufosinate, designated strain YX-27T, was isolated from a sludge sample collected from a factory in Wuxi, Jiangsu, PR China. Cells were rod-shaped, facultatively anaerobic, endospore-forming, and motile by peritrichous flagella. Growth was observed at 15–42 °C (optimum at 30 °C), pH 4.0–8.0 (optimum pH 7.0–7.5) and with 0–2.5% NaCl (w/v; optimum, 0.5 %). Strain YX-27T could tolerate up to 6.0 mM glufosinate. Strain YX-27T showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Paenibacillus tianjinensis TB2019T (96.17 %), followed by Paenibacillus odorifer DSM 1539T (96.15 %), Paenibacillus sophorae S27T (96.04 %), Paenibacillus apii 7124T (96.02 %) and Paenibacillus stellifer DSM 14472T (95.87 %). The phylogenetic tree based on genome and 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain YX-27T was clustered in the genus Paenibacillus but formed a separate clade. The genome size of YX-27T was 5.22 Mb with a G+C content of 57.5 mol%. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between the genomes of strain YX-27T and 12 closely related type strains ranged from 70.8 to 74.8% and 19.8 to 23.0 %, respectively. The major cellular fatty acids were C16 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The major polar lipids were one diphosphatidylglycerol, one phosphatidylethanolamine, one phosphatidylglycerol, one phospholipid, four aminophospholipids and four unidentified lipids. The predominant respiratory quinone was MK-7. Based on phylogenetic, genomic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic data, strain YX-27T was considered to represent a novel species for which the name Paenibacillus glufosinatiresistens sp. nov. is proposed, with YX-27T (=MCCC 1K08803T= KCTC 43611T) as the type strain.
Non-tuberculous mycobacteria hybridisation profiles in the GenoType MTBDRplus assay: experience from a diagnostic routine of a high-throughput laboratory
Authors: Oliveira Rosângela Siqueira de , Chimara Erica , Brandão Angela Pires , Simeão Fernanda Cristina dos Santos , Souza Andreia Rodrigues de , Gallo Juliana Failde , Pinhata Juliana Maira Watanabe
Published: February 2024

Introduction. Disease caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) is an emergent problem. Because NTM pulmonary disease and tuberculosis (TB) have similar clinical presentations, many cases of NTM may be misdiagnosed as TB before laboratory identification of the NTM species.

Hypothesis/Gap Statement. Clinical laboratories should always perform differentiation between Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) and NTM to guide patients' correct treatment.

Aim. To describe the characteristics and to identify mycobacterial isolates presumptively classified as MTBC by macroscopic characteristics in culture media that tested negative in GenoType MTBDRplus.

Methodology. All cultures from February 2019 to December 2021 showing MTBC macroscopic characteristics were processed by GenoType MTBDRplus. MTBC-negative cultures underwent species identification by immunochromatography, line probe assays and PRA-hsp65. Patients’ data were obtained from Brazilian surveillance systems.

Results. Only 479 (3.1%) of 15 696 isolates presumptively identified as MTBC were not confirmed by GenoType MTBDRplus and were then subjected to identification. A total of 344 isolates were shown to be NTM, of which 309 (64.5%) and 35 (7.3%) were identified to the species and genus levels, respectively. Of the 204 NTM isolates with MTBC characteristics, the most frequent species were M. fortuitum (n=52, 25.5%), M. abscessus complex (MABC; n=27, 13.2%) and M. avium complex (MAC; n=26, 12.7%). Regarding the GenoType MTBDRplus results from NTM isolates, there were diverse hybridisation profiles with rpoB gene’s different wild-type (WT) probes. Seventy-six (16.1%) of the 473 patients were classified as having NTM disease, the most frequent being MAC (n=15, 19.7%), MABC (n=13, 17.1%), M. kansasii (n=10, 13.2%) and M. fortuitum (n=6, 7.9%).

Conclusion. Because the signs and symptoms of pulmonary TB are similar to those of pulmonary mycobacteriosis and treatment regimens for TB and NTM are different, identifying the disease-causing species is paramount to indicate the correct management. Thus, in the laboratory routine, when an isolate presumptively classified as MTBC is MTBC-negative, it is still essential to perform subsequent identification.
A systematic approach to microbial forensics
Authors: Inglis T. J. J.
Published: February 2024

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic accelerated developments in biotechnology that underpin infection science. These advances present an opportunity to refresh the microbial forensic toolkit. Integration of novel analytical techniques with established forensic methods will speed up acquisition of evidence and better support lines of enquiry. A critical part of any such investigation is demonstration of a robust causal relationship and attribution of responsibility for an incident. In the wider context of a formal investigation into agency, motivation and intent, the quick and efficient assembly of microbiological evidence sets the tone and tempo of the entire investigation. Integration of established and novel analytical techniques from infection science into a systematic approach to microbial forensics will therefore ensure that major perspectives are correctly used to frame and shape the evidence into a clear narrative, while recognizing that forensic hypothesis generation, testing and refinement comprise an iterative process. Development of multidisciplinary training exercises that use this approach will enable translation into practice and efficient implementation when the need arises.
A Kv2 inhibitor combination reveals native neuronal conductances consistent with Kv2/KvS heteromers
Authors: Stewart Robert G. , Marquis Matthew James , Jo Sooyeon , Aberra Aman , Cook Verity , Whiddon Zachary , Ferns Michael , Sack Jon T.
Published: February 2024

KvS proteins are voltage-gated potassium channel subunits that form functional channels when assembled into heterotetramers with Kv2.1 (KCNB1) or Kv2.2 (KCNB2). Mammals have 10 KvS subunits: Kv5.1 (KCNF1), Kv6.1 (KCNG1), Kv6.2 (KCNG2), Kv6.3 (KCNG3), Kv6.4 (KCNG4), Kv8.1 (KCNV1), Kv8.2 (KCNV2), Kv9.1 (KCNS1), Kv9.2 (KCNS2), and Kv9.3 (KCNS3). Electrically excitable cells broadly express channels containing Kv2 subunits and most neurons have substantial Kv2 conductance. However, whether KvS subunits contribute to these conductances has not been clear, leaving the physiological roles of KvS subunits poorly understood. Here, we identify that two potent Kv2 inhibitors, used in combination, can distinguish conductances of Kv2/KvS channels and Kv2-only channels. We find that Kv5, Kv6, Kv8, or Kv9-containing channels are resistant to the Kv2-selective pore-blocker RY785 yet remain sensitive to the Kv2-selective voltage sensor modulator guangxitoxin-1E (GxTX). Using these inhibitors in mouse superior cervical ganglion neurons, we find that little of the Kv2 conductance is carried by KvS-containing channels. In contrast, conductances consistent with KvS-containing channels predominate over Kv2-only channels in mouse and human dorsal root ganglion neurons. These results establish an approach to pharmacologically distinguish conductances of Kv2/KvS heteromers from Kv2-only channels, enabling investigation of the physiological roles of endogenous KvS subunits. These findings suggest that drugs targeting KvS subunits could modulate electrical activity of subsets of Kv2-expressing cell types.
Label-Free, Real-Time Monitoring of Cytochrome C Responses to Drugs in Microdissected Tumor Biopsies with a Multi-Well Aptasensor Platform
Authors: Nguyen Tran N. H. , Horowitz Lisa , Krilov Timothy , Lockhart Ethan , Kenerson Heidi L , Yeung Raymond S , Arroyo-Currás Netzahualcóyotl , Folch Albert
Published: February 2024

Functional assays on intact tumor biopsies can potentially complement and extend genomics-based approaches for precision oncology, drug testing, and organs-on-chips cancer disease models by capturing key determinants of therapeutic response, such as tissue architecture, tumor heterogeneity, and the tumor microenvironment. Currently, most of these assays rely on fluorescent labeling, a semi-quantitative method best suited to be a single-time-point terminal assay or labor-intensive terminal immunostaining analysis. Here, we report integrated aptamer electrochemical sensors for on-chip, real-time monitoring of increases of cytochrome C, a cell death indicator, from intact microdissected tissues with high affinity and specificity. The platform features a multi-well sensor layout and a multiplexed electronic setup. The aptasensors measure increases in cytochrome C in the supernatant of mouse or human microdissected tumors after exposure to various drug treatments. Since the aptamer probe can be easily exchanged to recognize different targets, the platform could be adapted for multiplexed monitoring of various biomarkers, providing critical information on the tumor and its microenvironment. This approach could not only help develop more advanced cancer disease models but also apply to other complexin vitrodisease models, such as organs-on-chips and organoids.
Mitochondrial Ca2+efflux controls neuronal metabolism and long-term memory across species
Authors: Vishwanath Anjali Amrapali , Comyn Typhaine , Chintaluri Chaitanya , Ramon-Duaso Carla , Fan Ruolin , Sivakumar Riya , Lopez-Manzaneda Mario , Preat Thomas , Vogels Tim P. , Rangaraju Vidhya , Busquets-Garcia Arnau , Placais Pierre-Yves , Pavlowsky Alice , de Juan-Sanz Jaime
Published: February 2024

While impairing neuronal metabolism limits brain performance, it remains poorly understood whether enhancing metabolism in neurons, in contrast, could boost brain function. We find that reducing the expression of the mitochondrial H+/Ca2+exchanger Letm1 results in increased Ca2+retention in the mitochondrial matrix of firing neurons, which overactivates neuronal metabolism in flies and rodents. We find that upscaled metabolic states in active neurons of central memory circuits of flies and mice enable storing long-term memories in training paradigms in which wild-type counterparts of both species fail to remember. Our findings unveil an evolutionarily conserved mechanism that controls mitochondrial metabolism in active neurons and prove its crucial role in governing higher brain functions, such as long-term memory formation.

Highlights

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Letm1 controls activity-driven mitochondrial Ca2+efflux in neurons

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Increased mitochondrial Ca2+retention during activity overactivates neuronal metabolism

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Activity-driven upscaling of neuronal metabolism facilitates long-term olfactory memory in flies and mice
Late stages of the Zika virus life cycle are impaired by a selective TRPML2 agonist
Authors: Schwickert Kerstin K. , Glitscher Mirco , Bender Daniela , Murra Robin , Schwickert Kevin , Pfalzgraf Steffen , Schirmeister Tanja , Hellmich Ute A. , Hildt Eberhard
Published: February 2024

The flavivirus genus includes human pathogenic viruses such as Dengue (DENV), West Nile (WNV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) posing a global health threat due to limited treatment options. Ion channels are crucial for various viral life cycle stages, but their potential as targets for antivirals is often not fully realized due to the lack of selective modulators. Here, we observe that the human endolysosomal cation channel TRPML2 agonist ML2-SA1 impairs the late life cycle stages of ZIKV, thus underscoring TRPML2 as a promising antiviral target. Upon treatment with ML2-SA1, levels of intracellular genomes and number of released virus particles of two different ZIKV isolates were significantly reduced. ML2-SA1-treated cells displayed enlarged vesicular structures and multivesicular bodies with ZIKV envelope protein accumulation. However, no increased ZIKV degradation in lysosomal compartments was observed. Rather, the antiviral effect of ML2-SA1 seemed to manifest by the compound’s negative impact on genome replication. Moreover, ML2-SA1 treatment also led to intracellular cholesterol accumulation. ZIKV as well as many other viruses including the Orthohepevirus Hepatitis E virus (HEV) rely on the endolysosomal system and are affected by intracellular cholesterol levels to complete their life cycle. Since we observed ML2-SA1 to also negatively impact HEV infections in vitro, this compound may harbor a broader antiviral potential through perturbing the intracellular cholesterol distribution. Besides underscoring the potential of TRPML2 as a promising target for combatting viral infections, we uncover a tentative connection between this protein and cholesterol distribution within the context of infectious diseases.
Subcortical origin of nonlinear sound encoding in auditory cortex
Authors: Lohse Michael , King Andrew J , Willmore Ben DB
Published: February 2024

A major challenge in neuroscience is to understand how neural representations of sensory information are transformed by the network of ascending and descending connections in each sensory system. By recording from neurons at several levels of the auditory pathway, we show that much of the nonlinear encoding of complex sounds in auditory cortex can be explained by transformations in the midbrain and thalamus. Modeling cortical neurons in terms of their inputs across these subcortical populations enables their responses to be predicted with unprecedented accuracy. In contrast, subcortical responses cannot be predicted from descending cortical inputs, indicating that ascending transformations are irreversible, resulting in increasingly lossy, higher-order representations across the auditory pathway. Rather, auditory cortex selectively modulates the nonlinear aspects of thalamic auditory responses and the functional connectivity between subcortical neurons, without affecting the linear encoding of sound. These findings reveal the fundamental role of subcortical transformations in shaping cortical responses.
Growth-accelerating factors of green finance for green growth: a study using TISM
Authors: Kharb Ravita , Shri Charu , Saini Neha
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The objective is to develop an empirical model estimating the relationship and interaction amongst the factors affecting and enhancing green finance (GF) in developing economies like India.

Design/methodology/approach

Around nine growth-accelerating enablers of green financing were found through literature and unstructured interviews and analysed using the total interpretive structural modelling (TISM) method. The hierarchical link between each factor is established using TISM, and further to evaluate the driver-dependent relationship the Matriced’ Impacts Croises Appliquee Aaun Classement (MICMAC) approach is utilised.

Findings

The findings demonstrate an interrelationship between growth-accelerating factors, where the political environment and information and communication technology (ICT), have minimal dependency but a strong driving force. Political environment and ICT are found as strategic-level factors lying at the bottom of the model driving towards the dependent variables. The government should focus on enacting effective policies such as the green credit guarantee scheme and carbon credit and establishing a regulatory framework to enhance green financing.

Research limitations/implications

This study examines the literature to generalise the findings and focus on the primary motivators for developing green financing. To increase green financial activity, practitioners must concentrate on aspects with significant driving forces. Furthermore, it makes organisations more profitable, efficient and competitive and promotes long-term growth.

Originality/value

The study is the first in the literature which identifies the growth-accelerating factors of green financing using the TISM and MICMAC-based hierarchical models.
The impact of CEO narcissism and optimism on capital structure under pandemic conditions
Authors: Fedorova Elena , Nevredinov Alexandr , Drogovoz Pavel
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The purpose of our study is to study the impact of chief executive officer (CEO) optimism and narcissism on the company's capital structure.

Design/methodology/approach

(1) The authors opt for regression, machine learning and text analysis to explore the impact of narcissism and optimism on the capital structure. (2) We analyze CEO interviews and employ three methods to evaluate narcissism: the dictionary proposed by Anglin, which enabled us to assess the following components: authority, superiority, vanity and exhibitionism; count of first-person singular and plural pronouns and count of CEO photos displayed. Following this approach, we were able to make a more thorough assessment of corporate narcissism. (3) Latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) technique helped to find the differences in the corporate rhetoric of narcissistic and non-narcissistic CEOs and to find differences between the topics of interviews and letters provided by narcissistic and non-narcissistic CEOs.

Findings

Our research demonstrates that narcissism has a slight and nonlinear impact on capital structure. However, our findings suggest that there is an impact of pessimism and uncertainty under pandemic conditions when managers predicted doom and completely changed their strategies. We applied various approaches to estimate the gender distribution of CEOs and found that the median values of optimism and narcissism do not depend on sex. Using LDA, we examined the content and key topics of CEO interviews, defined as positive and negative. There are some differences in the topics: narcissistic CEOs are more likely to speak about long-term goals, projects and problems; they often talk about their brand and business processes.

Originality/value

First, we examine the COVID-19 pandemic period and evaluate how CEO optimism and pessimism affect their financial decisions under specific external conditions. The pandemic forced companies to shift the way they worked: either to switch to the remote work model or to interrupt operations; to lose or, on the contrary, attract clients. In addition, during this period, corporate management can have a different outlook on their company’s financial performance and goals. The LDA technique helped to find the differences in the corporate rhetoric of narcissistic and non-narcissistic CEOs. Second, we use three methods to evaluate narcissism. Third, the research is based on a set of advanced methods: machine learning techniques (random forest to reveal a nonlinear impact of CEO optimism and narcissism on capital structure).
Calcium supplementation for the prevention of pre‐eclampsia: Challenging the evidence from meta‐analyses
Authors: Wright David , Wright Alan , Magee Laura A. , Von Dadelszen Peter , Nicolaides Kypros H.
Published: February 2024

Objective

To investigate the validity of the conclusion from Cochrane reviews and meta‐analyses that treatment with calcium supplementation during pregnancy reduces the risk for pre‐eclampsia by 55%, which has been influential in international guidelines and future research.

Design

Sensitivity analysis of data from Cochrane reviews of trials evaluating high‐dose calcium supplementation (of at least 1 g/day) for reduction of pre‐eclampsia risk.

Setting

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Population

The Cochrane reviews and meta‐analyses included 13 trials enrolling a total of 15 730 women. Random‐effects meta‐analysis of these studies resulted in a mean risk ratio (RR, calcium/placebo) of 0.45 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.31–0.65; p < 0.0001).

Methods

We carried out a sensitivity analysis of evidence from the relevant Cochrane review, to examine the impact of study size.

Main outcome measures

pre‐eclampsia.

Results

In the three largest studies, accounting for 13 815 (88%) of total recruitment, mean RR was 0.92 (95% CI 0.80–1.06) and there was no evidence of heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 0). With inclusion of the smaller studies, mean RR decreased to 0.45 and I2 increased to 70%.

Conclusions

In assessment of the effect of calcium supplementation on pre‐eclampsia risk, the naive focus on the mean of the random‐effects meta‐analysis in the presence of substantial heterogeneity is highly misleading.
Machine learning improves the prediction of significant fibrosis in Asian patients with metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease – The Gut and Obesity in Asia (GO‐ASIA) Study
Authors: Verma Nipun , Duseja Ajay , Mehta Manu , De Arka , Lin Huapeng , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun , Wong Grace Lai‐Hung , Rajaram Ruveena Bhavani , Chan Wah‐Kheong , Mahadeva Sanjiv , Zheng Ming‐Hua , Liu Wen‐Yue , Treeprasertsuk Sombat , Prasoppokakorn Thaninee , Kakizaki Satoru , Seki Yosuke , Kasama Kazunori , Charatcharoenwitthaya Phunchai , Sathirawich Phalath , Kulkarni Anand , Purnomo Hery Djagat , Kamani Lubna , Lee Yeong Yeh , Wong Mung Seong , Tan Eunice X. X. , Young Dan Yock
Published: February 2024

Background

The precise estimation of cases with significant fibrosis (SF) is an unmet goal in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD/MASLD).

Aims

We evaluated the performance of machine learning (ML) and non‐patented scores for ruling out SF among NAFLD/MASLD patients.

Methods

Twenty‐one ML models were trained (N = 1153), tested (N = 283), and validated (N = 220) on clinical and biochemical parameters of histologically‐proven NAFLD/MASLD patients (N = 1656) collected across 14 centres in 8 Asian countries. Their performance for detecting histological‐SF (≥F2fibrosis) were evaluated with APRI, FIB4, NFS, BARD, and SAFE (NPV/F1‐score as model‐selection criteria).

Results

Patients aged 47 years (median), 54.6% males, 73.7% with metabolic syndrome, and 32.9% with histological‐SF were included in the study. Patients with SFvs.no‐SF had higher age, aminotransferases, fasting plasma glucose, metabolic syndrome, uncontrolled diabetes, and NAFLD activity score (p < 0.001, each). ML models showed 7%–12% better discrimination than FIB‐4 to detect SF. Optimised random forest (RF) yielded best NPV/F1 in overall set (0.947/0.754), test set (0.798/0.588) and validation set (0.852/0.559), as compared to FIB4 in overall set (0.744/0.499), test set (0.722/0.456), and validation set (0.806/0.507). Compared to FIB‐4, RF could pick 10 times more patients with SF, reduce unnecessary referrals by 28%, and prevent missed referrals by 78%. Age, AST, ALT fasting plasma glucose, and platelet count were top features determining the SF. Sequential use of SAFE < 140 and FIB4 < 1.2 (when SAFE > 140) was next best in ruling out SF (NPV of 0.757, 0.724 and 0.827 in overall, test and validation set).

Conclusions

ML with clinical, anthropometric data and simple blood investigations perform better than FIB‐4 for ruling out SF in biopsy‐proven Asian NAFLD/MASLD patients.
Stable iron (58Fe) isotopic measurements in Kenyan toddlers during 3 months of iron supplementation demonstrate that half of the iron absorbed is lost
Authors: Giorgetti Ambra , Nyilima Suzane , Stoffel Nicole U. , Moretti Diego , Mwasi Edith , Karanja Simon , Zeder Christophe , Speich Cornelia , Netland Catalina , Jin Zhezhen , Zimmermann Michael B. , Brittenham Gary M.
Published: February 2024

Increased iron loss may reduce the effectiveness of iron supplementation. The objective of this study was to determine if daily oral iron supplementation increases iron loss, measured using a stable isotope of iron (58Fe). We enrolled and dewormed 24 iron‐depleted Kenyan children, 24–27 months of age, whose body iron was enriched and equilibrated with 58Fe given at least 1 year earlier. Over 3 months of supplementation (6 mg iron/kg body weight [BW]/day), mean (±SD) iron absorption was 1.10 (±0.28) mg/day. During supplementation, 0.55 (±0.36) mg iron/day was lost, equal to half of the amount of absorbed iron. Supplementation did not increase faecal haem/porphyrin or biomarkers of enterocyte damage and gut or systemic inflammation. Using individual patient data, we examined iron dose, absorption and loss among all available long‐term iron isotopic studies of supplementation. Expressed in terms of body weight, daily iron loss was correlated significantly with iron absorption (Pearson's r = 0.66 [95% confidence interval 0.48–0.78]) but not with iron dose (r = 0.16 [95% CI −0.10–0.40]). The results of this study indicate that iron loss is increased with daily oral iron supplementation and may blunt the efficacy of iron supplements in children. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT04721964.
Soil carbon, nutrient, and vegetation dynamics of an old Anogeissus grove in Mole National Park, Ghana
Authors: Logah Vincent , Abubakari Farida , Issifu Hamza , Adjei‐Gyapong Thomas , Baidoo Emmanuel , Abubakari Awudu , Okonkwo Gerard , Hamelink Jaap , Pyck Maaike , Ocansey Caleb Melenya , Tetteh Erasmus Narteh , Ametsitsi George K. D. , Veenendaal Elmar
Published: February 2024

Formation of forest islands in West Africa has been linked to anthropogenic soil improvement resulting in luxuriant tree growth in otherwise open savanna landscapes. However, there is limited understanding of how such unique ecosystems modulate soil carbon (C) dynamics and nutrient cycling. In this study, we report soil nutrient characteristics and two distinct soil organic carbon pools of Anogeissus grove (forest island) associated with abandoned village sites of the Mole National Park in the Guinea savanna or tropical continental climatic zone of Ghana, taking opportunity of a previously published study in Biotropica in 1978. We compared present‐day differences in soil characteristics between the previously studied forest grove and adjoining open savanna in the Park and evaluated vegetation dynamics since first measurement in 1974. Overall, we see changes related to self‐thinning and expansion of the grove on a decadal timescale. Soil organic matter and available phosphorus contents were greater in the grove and increased by 19.6% and 18.7%, respectively over time, showing persistence after four decades. Mineral‐associated organic carbon (MAOC) differed significantly (p < .05) between the vegetation types, being 3.44% in the grove and 2.34% in the savanna. The grove was ca. 25% greater in particulate organic carbon (POC) content than the savanna. In both vegetation types, >55% of carbon was stabilized in the mineral fraction. Our study demonstrates long‐term human impacts on soil and vegetation and offers a clear nature‐based solution for climate change mitigation through sustainable land management by indigenous people toward achievement of the “4p1000” initiative.
A novel deep learning‐based bioacoustic approach for identification of look‐alike white‐eye (Zosterops) species traded in wildlife markets
Authors: Su Shan , Gu Dahe , Lai Jun‐Yu , Arcilla Nico , Su Tai‐Yuan
Published: February 2024

The songbird trade crisis in East and South East Asia has been fuelled by high demand, driving many species to the brink of extinction. This demand, driven by the desire for songbirds as pets, for singing competitions and for prayer animal release has led to the overexploitation of numerous species and the introduction and spread of invasive alien species and diseases to novel environments. The ability to identify traded species efficiently and accurately is crucial for monitoring bird trade markets, protecting threatened species and enforcing wildlife laws. Citizen scientists can make major contributions to these conservation efforts but may be constrained by difficulties in distinguishing ‘look‐alike’ bird species traded in markets. To address this challenge, we developed a novel deep learning‐based Artificial Intelligence (AI) bioacoustic tool to enable citizen scientists to identify bird species traded in markets. To this end, we used three major avian vocalization databases to access bioacoustic data for 15 morphologically similar White‐eye (Zosterops) species that are commonly traded in Asian wildlife markets. Specifically, we employed the Inception v3 pre‐trained model to classify the 15 White‐eye species and ambient sound (i.e. non‐bird sound) using 448 bird recordings we obtained. We converted recordings into spectrogram (i.e. image form) and used eight image augmentation methods to enhance the performance of the AI neural network through training and validation. We found that recall, precision and F1 score increased as the amount of data augmentation increased, resulting in up to 91.6% overall accuracy and an F1 score of 88.8% for identifying focal species. Through the application of bioacoustics and deep learning, this approach would enable citizen scientists and law enforcement officials efficiently and accurately to identify prohibited trade in threatened species, making important contributions to conservation.
Linking socio‐economic metabolism models and simulation games: Reflections on benefits and challenges
Authors: Roca‐Puigròs Marta , Gerber Andreas , Ulrich Markus , Reich Matthias Y. , Beat Müller Daniel , Wäger Patrick
Published: February 2024

Simulation models of socio‐economic metabolisms (SEM) are increasingly used to address questions regarding environmental issues. SEM studies often focus on target audiences such as researchers and decision‐makers by means of scientific articles, reports, and oral presentations. In this contribution, we study the linkage of SEM models and simulation games (SGs) (i) to widen the audience of SEM research to include the general public, who, through their lifestyles, contribute to the studied environmental issues, and (ii) to address the different audiences by means of interaction tools. We illustrate the link through a case study, the postfossilCities SG. Based on the case study, existing SGs, and literature, we identified that linking SEM models with SGs can facilitate (1) the accessibility of SEM models to wider audiences, (2) the communication and understanding of systems with complex dynamics, such as nonlinear behavior, through tools that trigger experiences and emotions, (3) the consideration of actors' dimension of physical systems, and (4) the robustness of SGs by having mass‐ and energy‐balance consistent representations of physical systems. Despite these benefits, linking SEM models and SGs is also bound to challenges, such as (1) the integration of approaches from different disciplines, (2) the high demand on time and financial resources, and (3) the balance between simplification and complexity. In order to facilitate the link between SEM models and SGs, and thus exploit the mentioned benefits, it is important to set‐up connections to game‐related communities and communities with long tradition of using SGs, and use existing game development methods.