bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A descriptive study of the clinical impacts on COVID-19 survivors using telemonitoring (The TeleCOVID Study)
Authors: Chow Josephine Sau Fan , D’Souza Annamarie , Ford Megan , Marshall Sonia , San Miguel Susana , Parameswaran Ahilan , Parsons Mark , Ramirez Jacqueline , Teramayi Rumbidzai , Maurya Nutan
Published: March 2023

Background

There is increasing evidence that COVID-19 survivors are at increased risk of experiencing a wide range of cardiovascular complications post infection; however, there are no validated models or clear guidelines for remotely monitoring the cardiac health of COVID-19 survivors.

Objective

This study aims to test a virtual, in-home healthcare monitoring model of care for detection of clinical symptoms and impacts on COVID-19 survivors. It also aims to demonstrate system usability and feasibility.

Methods

This open label, prospective, descriptive study was conducted in South Western Sydney. Included in the study were patients admitted to the hospital with the diagnosis of COVID-19 between June 2021 and November 2021. Eligible participants after consent were provided with a pulse oximeter to measure oxygen saturation and a S-Patch EX to monitor their electrocardiogram (ECG) for a duration of 3 months. Data was transmitted in real-time to a mobile phone via Bluetooth technology and results were sent to the study team via a cloud-based platform. All the data was reviewed in a timely manner by the investigator team, for post COVID-19 related symptoms, such as reduction in oxygen saturation and arrhythmia.

Outcome measure

This study was designed for feasibility in real clinical setting implementation, enabling the study team to develop and utilise a virtual, in-home healthcare monitoring model of care to detect post COVID-19 clinical symptoms and impacts on COVID-19 survivors.

Results

During the study period, 23 patients provided consent for participation. Out of which 19 patients commenced monitoring. Sixteen patients with 81 (73.6%) valid tests were included in the analysis and amongst them seven patients were detected by artificial intelligence to have cardiac arrhythmias but not clinically symptomatic. The patients with arrhythmias had a higher occurrence of supraventricular ectopy, and most of them took at least 2 tests before detection. Notably, patients with arrhythmia had significantly more tests than those without [t-test, t (13) = 2.29, p < 0.05].

Conclusions

Preliminary observations have identified cardiac arrhythmias on prolonged cardiac monitoring in 7 out of the first 16 participants who completed their 3 months follow-up. This has allowed early escalation to their treating doctors for further investigations and early interventions.
Oligomerization by co-assembly of β-amyloid and α-synuclein
Authors: Kim Jin Ryoun
Published: March 2023

Aberrant self-assembly of an intrinsically disordered protein is a pathological hallmark of protein misfolding diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases (AD and PD, respectively). In AD, the 40–42 amino acid-long extracellular peptide, β-amyloid (Aβ), self-assembles into oligomers, which eventually aggregate into fibrils. A similar self-association of the 140 amino acid-long intracellular protein, α-synuclein (αS), is responsible for the onset of PD pathology. While Aβ and αS are primarily extracellular and intracellular polypeptides, respectively, there is evidence of their colocalization and pathological overlaps of AD and PD. This evidence has raised the likelihood of synergistic, toxic protein-protein interactions between Aβ and αS. This mini review summarizes the findings of studies on Aβ-αS interactions related to enhanced oligomerization via co-assembly, aiming to provide a better understanding of the complex biology behind AD and PD and common pathological mechanisms among the major neurodegenerative diseases.
Reversible protein assemblies in the proteostasis network in health and disease
Authors: Kohler Verena , Andréasson Claes
Published: March 2023

While proteins populating their native conformations constitute the functional entities of cells, protein aggregates are traditionally associated with cellular dysfunction, stress and disease. During recent years, it has become clear that large aggregate-like protein condensates formed via liquid-liquid phase separation age into more solid aggregate-like particles that harbor misfolded proteins and are decorated by protein quality control factors. The constituent proteins of the condensates/aggregates are disentangled by protein disaggregation systems mainly based on Hsp70 and AAA ATPase Hsp100 chaperones prior to their handover to refolding and degradation systems. Here, we discuss the functional roles that condensate formation/aggregation and disaggregation play in protein quality control to maintain proteostasis and why it matters for understanding health and disease.
Model transfer from 2D to 3D study for boxing pose estimation
Authors: Lin Jianchu , Xie Xiaolong , Wu Wangping , Xu Shengpeng , Liu Chunyan , Hudoyberdi Toshboev , Chen Xiaobing
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Boxing as a sport is growing on Chinese campuses, resulting in a coaching shortage. The human pose estimation technology can be employed to estimate boxing poses and teach interns to relieve the shortage. Currently, 3D cameras can provide more depth information than 2D cameras. It can potentially improve the estimation. However, the input channels are inconsistent between 2D and 3D images, and there is a lack of detailed analysis about the key point location, which indicates the network design for improving the human pose estimation technology.

Method

Therefore, a model transfer with channel patching was implemented to solve the problems of channel inconsistency. The differences between the key points were analyzed. Three popular and highly structured 2D models of OpenPose (OP), stacked Hourglass (HG), and High Resolution (HR) networks were employed. Ways of reusing RGB channels were investigated to fill up the depth channel. Then, their performances were investigated to find out the limitations of each network structure.

Results and discussion

The results show that model transfer learning by the mean way of RGB channels patching the lacking channel can improve the average accuracies of pose key points from 1 to 20% than without transfer. 3D accuracies are 0.3 to 0.5% higher than 2D baselines. The stacked structure of the network shows better on hip and knee points than the parallel structure, although the parallel design shows much better on the residue points. As a result, the model transfer can practically fulfill boxing pose estimation from 2D to 3D.
Comparison of micro-radiofrequency therapy and tolterodine for the treatment of newly diagnosed overactive bladder: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Tang Min , Liu Jin , Zhao Chesong , Wang Chengming , Zhang Qian , Du Mulong , Meng Xiaoxin , Li Pu
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to retrospectively compare the efficacy and safety of micro-radiofrequency (RF) therapy through the urethra vs. oral tolterodine tartrate in the treatment of newly diagnosed overactive bladder (OAB).

Materials and methods

In this study, 46 patients who were newly diagnosed with moderate-to-severe OAB were included; 23 of them underwent the micro-RF treatment procedure, and the other 23 patients took tolterodine. Bladder diaries were recorded 3 days before treatment and during the follow-up period on 1, 3, and 7 weeks after micro-RF therapy or oral tolterodine. Micturition parameters including daily voiding times, daily urge urinary incontinence (UI) episodes, daily urgency episodes, mean volume per micturition, post-void residual volume (PVR), maximum urine flow rate (Qmax), overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS), and quality of life (QoL) score were analyzed.

Results

All 46 patients underwent either micro-RF or oral tolterodine treatment, as well as a complete follow-up. The incidence of adverse events in the micro-RF group was 8.7% (2/23), and that in the tolterodine group was 43.5% (10/23). The following two adverse events happened in the micro-RF group: an injury to the urethra during catheterization in a man and a urinary tract infection in a woman, both of which were relieved or disappeared after day 3. The adverse effects in the tolterodine group were mainly dry mouth (4/23), dysuria (5/23), and constipation (8/23), but none of the patients withdrew from the drug therapy. Compared to pre-therapy, all parameters of both groups, including daily voiding times, daily urgency episodes, mean volume per micturition, OABSS, and QoL score, demonstrated significant improvements during follow-up in 7 weeks after therapy, except for daily UI episodes in the tolterodine group, while the above parameters showed bigger improvements in the micro-RF group than in the tolterodine group. Besides, the general treatment efficacy of micro-RF was 73.9% (17/23), which was significantly better than tolterodine (10/23, 43.5%), and the difference was 30.4% [95% CI: 3.4–57.5%, p = 0.036].

Conclusion

In this retrospective study, we found that micro-RF therapy is safe and more effective than oral tolterodine for newly diagnosed moderate-to-severe OAB in a short-term follow-up. Stronger evidence would be provided through a well-designed, prospective, randomized controlled trial.
Olfactory dysfunction: A plausible source of COVID-19-induced neuropsychiatric symptoms
Authors: Tai Alan Pui-Lun , Leung Mei-Kei , Lau Benson Wui-Man , Ngai Shirley Pui-Ching , Lau Way Kwok-Wai
Published: March 2023

Olfactory dysfunction and neuropsychiatric symptoms are commonly reported by patients of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a respiratory infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Evidence from recent research suggests linkages between altered or loss of smell and neuropsychiatric symptoms after infection with the coronavirus. Systemic inflammation and ischemic injury are believed to be the major cause of COVID-19-related CNS manifestation. Yet, some evidence suggest a neurotropic property of SARS-CoV-2. This mini-review article summarizes the neural correlates of olfaction and discusses the potential of trans-neuronal transmission of SARS-CoV-2 or its particles within the olfactory connections in the brain. The impact of the dysfunction in the olfactory network on the neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with COVID-19 will also be discussed.
Role of human milk oligosaccharide metabolizing bacteria in the development of atopic dermatitis/eczema
Authors: Rahman Trisha , Sarwar Prioty F. , Potter Cassie , Comstock Sarah S. , Klepac-Ceraj Vanja
Published: March 2023

Despite affecting up to 20% of infants in the United States, there is no cure for atopic dermatitis (AD), also known as eczema. Atopy usually manifests during the first six months of an infant's life and is one predictor of later allergic health problems. A diet of human milk may offer protection against developing atopic dermatitis. One milk component, human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), plays an important role as a prebiotic in establishing the infant gut microbiome and has immunomodulatory effects on the infant immune system. The purpose of this review is to summarize the available information about bacterial members of the intestinal microbiota capable of metabolizing HMOs, the bacterial genes or metabolic products present in the intestinal tract during early life, and the relationship of these genes and metabolic products to the development of AD/eczema in infants. We find that specific HMO metabolism gene sets and the metabolites produced by HMO metabolizing bacteria may enable the protective role of human milk against the development of atopy because of interactions with the immune system. We also identify areas for additional research to further elucidate the relationship between the human milk metabolizing bacteria and atopy. Detailed metagenomic studies of the infant gut microbiota and its associated metabolomes are essential for characterizing the potential impact of human milk-feeding on the development of atopic dermatitis.
Haploidentical vs. HLA-matched donor hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation for pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in second remission: A collaborative retrospective study of the Spanish Group for Bone Marrow Transplantation in Children (GETMON/GETH) and the Spanish Childhood Relapsed ALL Board (ReALLNet)
Authors: Moreno Celia , Ramos-Elbal Eduardo , Velasco Pablo , Aguilar Yurena , Gonzáález Martínez Berta , Fuentes Carolina , Molinos Águeda , Guerra-García Pilar , Palomo Pilar , Verdu Jaime , Adán Pedroso Rosa María , Vagace José Manuel , López-Duarte Mónica , Regueiro Alexandra , Tasso María , Dapena José Luis , Salinas José Antonio , Navarro Samuel , Bautista Francisco , Lassaletta Álvaro , Lendínez Francisco , Rives Susana , Pascual Antonia , Rodríguez Antonia , Pérez-Hurtado José María , Fernández José María , Pérez-Martínez Antonio , González-Vicent Marta , Díaz de Heredia Cristina , Fuster José Luis
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Studies addressing the role of haploidentical as alternative to HLA-matched donors for stem cell transplantation (SCT) often include patients with diverse hematological malignancies in different remission statuses.

Methods

We compared outcomes of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) undergoing SCT in second complete remission (CR2) from haploidentical (n = 25) versus HLA-matched donor (n = 51).

Results

Patients were equally distributed across both groups according to age, immunophenotype, time to and site of relapse, relapse risk-group allocation, and minimal residual disease (MRD) before SCT. Incidence of graft failure, acute graft versus host disease (GVHD), and other early complications did not differ between both groups. We found no differences in overall survival (58.7% versus 59.5%; p = .8), leukemia free survival (LFS) (48% versus 36.4%; p = .5), event free survival (40% versus 34.4%; p = .69), cumulative incidence (CI) of subsequent relapse (28% versus 40.9%; p = .69), treatment related mortality (24% versus 23.6%; p = .83), CI of cGVHD (4.5% versus 18.7%; p = .2), and chronic GVHD-free and leukemia-free survival (44% versus 26.3%; p = .3) after haploidentical donor SCT. Chronic GVHD (HR = 0.09; p=.02) had protective impact, and MRD ≥ 0.01% before SCT (HR = 2.59; p=.01) had unfavorable impact on LFS.

Discussion

These results support the role of haploidentical donor SCT in children with ALL in CR2.
Case report: Two cases of Poirier-Bienvenu neurodevelopmental syndrome and review of literature
Authors: Chen Xiaolan , Han Yunli , Li Xing , Huang Shiqin , Yuan Hai , Qin Yuanhan
Published: March 2023

The Poirier-Bienvenu neurodevelopmental syndrome (POBINDS) is a rare disease caused by mutations in the CSNK2B gene, which is characterized by intellectual disability and early-onset epilepsy. Mosaicism has not been previously reported in CSNK2B gene. POBINDS is autosomal dominant and almost all reported cases were de novo variants. Here, we report two patients were diagnosed with POBINDS. Using Whole Exome Sequencing (WES), we detected two novel CSNK2B variants in the two unrelated individuals: c.634_635del (p.Lys212AspfsTer33) and c.142C > T (p.Gln48Ter) respectively. Both of them showed mild developmental delay with early-onset and clustered seizures. The patient with c.634_635del(p.Lys212AspfsTer33) variant was mutant mosaicism, and the proportion of alleles in peripheral blood DNA was 28%. Further, the literature of patients with a de novo mutation of the CSNK2B gene was reviewed, particularly seizure semiology and genotype-phenotype correlations.
The difference in mean arterial pressure induced by remimazolam compared to etomidate in the presence of fentanyl at tracheal intubation: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Huang Xiaofang , Cao Huiyu , Zhang Cuiwen , Lan Hongmeng , Gong Xiaofang , Li Ruijie , Lin Yan , Xu Bing , Chen Huihe , Guan Xuehai
Published: March 2023

Background: Combined use of hypnotic and opioids during anesthesia inductions decreases blood pressure. Post-induction hypotension (PIHO) is the most common side effect of anesthesia induction. We aimed to compare the difference in mean arterial pressure (MAP) induced by remimazolam with that induced by etomidate in the presence of fentanyl at tracheal intubation.

Methods: We assessed 138 adult patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I–II who underwent elective urological surgery. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either remimazolam or etomidate as alterative hypnotic in the presence of fentanyl during anesthesia induction. Comparable BIS values were achieved in both groups. The primary outcome was the difference in the MAP at tracheal intubation. The secondary outcomes included the characteristics of anesthesia, surgery, and adverse effects.

Results: The MAP was higher in the etomidate group than in the remimazolam group at tracheal intubation (108 [22] mmHg vs. 83 [16] mmHg; mean difference, −26; 95% confidence interval [CI], −33 to −19; p < 0.0001). Heart rate was significantly higher in the etomidate group than in the remimazolam group at tracheal intubation. The patients’ condition warranted the administration of ephedrine more frequently in the remimazolam group (22%) than in the etomidate group (5%) (p = 0.0042) during anesthesia induction. The remimazolam group had a lower incidence of hypertension (0% vs. 9%, p = 0.0133), myoclonus (0% vs. 47%, p < 0.001), and tachycardia (16% vs. 35%, p = 0.0148), and a higher incidence of PIHO (42% vs. 5%, p = 0.001) than the etomidate group during anesthesia induction.

Conclusion: Remimazolam was associated with lower MAP and lower heart rate compared to etomidate in the presence of fentanyl at tracheal intubation. Patients in the remimazolam group had a higher incidence of PIHO, and their condition warranted the administration of ephedrine more frequently than in the etomidate group during anesthesia induction.
Study on the ground impact vibration intensity model of high energy warhead explosion
Authors: Wang Liangquan , Kong Deren , Shang Fei
Published: March 2023

Introduction: In the warhead explosion process, the ground impact vibration intensity will directly affect the target buildings and instruments safety, and it is also of great significance to accurately evaluate the ammunition explosion damage power.

Methods: In this study, the finite element numerical simulation method was used to analyze the explosion shock wave pressure and ground shock vibration velocity of TNT explosive with a mass of 100 kg∼1000 kg, and the ground transmission medium of sandy soil, C35 and C140 concrete, and the shock wave pressure and ground shock vibration velocity propagation and distribution law was clarified. Based on the explosion similarity law and dimensional analysis method, a ground impact vibration velocity theoretical calculation model with clear physical significance is established by introducing the property ground propagation medium parameters, taking into account the factors affecting the ground impact vibration velocity.

Results: The model calculation accuracy is verified by the measured data. The verification results show that the model calculation accuracy is higher than 91.8%, which improves the calculation accuracy of the explosion site ground impact vibration velocity.

Discussion: This research provides more accurate and scientific theory and data support for the ammunition explosion damage power evaluation, and provides a reference for the shock and vibration resistance performance design of instruments, equipment and buildings. It has strong engineering application value.
Genome-wide characterization of ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme gene family explores its genetic effects on the oil content and yield of Brassica napus
Authors: Yao Shengli , Xie Meili , Hu Ming , Cui XiaoBo , Wu Haoming , Li Xiaohua , Hu Peng , Tong Chaobo , Yu Xiaoli
Published: March 2023

Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme (UBC) is a critical part of the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway and plays crucial roles in growth, development and abiotic stress response in plants. Although UBC genes have been detected in several plant species, characterization of this gene family at the whole-genome level has not been conducted in Brassica napus. In the present study, 200 putative BnUBCs were identified in B. napus, which were clustered into 18 subgroups based on phylogenetic analysis. BnUBCs within each subgroup showed relatively conserved gene architectures and motifs. Moreover, the gene expression patterns in various tissues as well as the identification of cis-acting regulatory elements in BnUBC promoters suggested further investigation of their potential functions in plant growth and development. Furthermore, three BnUBCs were predicted as candidate genes for regulating agronomic traits related to oil content and yield through association mapping. In conclusion, this study provided a wealth of information on the UBC family in B. napus and revealed their effects on oil content and yield, which will aid future functional research and genetic breeding of B. napus.
Long distance signalling and epigenetic changes in crop grafting
Authors: Jeynes-Cupper Katie , Catoni Marco
Published: March 2023

Humans have used grafting for more than 4000 years to improve plant production, through physically joining two different plants, which can continue to grow as a single organism. Today, grafting is becoming increasingly more popular as a technique to increase the production of herbaceous horticultural crops, where rootstocks can introduce traits such as resistance to several pathogens and/or improving the plant vigour. Research in model plants have documented how long-distance signalling mechanisms across the graft junction, together with epigenetic regulation, can produce molecular and phenotypic changes in grafted plants. Yet, most of the studied examples rely on proof-of-concept experiments or on limited specific cases. This review explores the link between research findings in model plants and crop species. We analyse studies investigating the movement of signalling molecules across the graft junction and their implications on epigenetic regulation. The improvement of genomics analyses and the increased availability of genetic resources has allowed to collect more information on potential benefits of grafting in horticultural crop models. Ultimately, further research into this topic will enhance our ability to use the grafting technique to exploit genetic and epigenetic variation in crops, as an alternative to traditional breeding.
Early detection of cotton verticillium wilt based on root magnetic resonance images
Authors: Tang Wentan , Wu Na , Xiao Qinlin , Chen Sishi , Gao Pan , He Yong , Feng Lei
Published: March 2023

Verticillium wilt (VW) is often referred to as the cancer of cotton and it has a detrimental effect on cotton yield and quality. Since the root system is the first to be infested, it is feasible to detect VW by root analysis in the early stages of the disease. In recent years, with the update of computing equipment and the emergence of large-scale high-quality data sets, deep learning has achieved remarkable results in computer vision tasks. However, in some specific areas, such as cotton root MRI image task processing, it will bring some challenges. For example, the data imbalance problem (there is a serious imbalance between the cotton root and the background in the segmentation task) makes it difficult for existing algorithms to segment the target. In this paper, we proposed two new methods to solve these problems. The effectiveness of the algorithms was verified by experimental results. The results showed that the new segmentation model improved the Dice and mIoU by 46% and 44% compared with the original model. And this model could segment MRI images of rapeseed root cross-sections well with good robustness and scalability. The new classification model improved the accuracy by 34.9% over the original model. The recall score and F1 score increased by 59% and 42%, respectively. The results of this paper indicate that MRI and deep learning have the potential for non-destructive early detection of VW diseases in cotton.
Characterization of MdMYB68, a suberin master regulator in russeted apples
Authors: Xu Xuan , Guerriero Gea , Domergue Frederic , Beine-Golovchuk Olga , Cocco Emmanuelle , Berni Roberto , Sergeant Kjell , Hausman Jean-Francois , Legay Sylvain
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Apple russeting is mainly due to the accumulation of suberin in the cell wall in response to defects and damages in the cuticle layer. Over the last decades, massive efforts have been done to better understand the complex interplay between pathways involved in the suberization process in model plants. However, the regulation mechanisms which orchestrate this complex process are still under investigation. Our previous studies highlighted a number of transcription factor candidates from the Myeloblastosis (MYB) transcription factor family which might regulate suberization in russeted or suberized apple fruit skin. Among these, we identified MdMYB68, which was co-expressed with number of well-known key suberin biosynthesis genes.

Method

To validate the MdMYB68 function, we conducted an heterologous transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana combined with whole gene expression profiling analysis (RNA-Seq), quantification of lipids and cell wall monosaccharides, and microscopy.

Results

MdMYB68 overexpression is able to trigger the expression of the whole suberin biosynthesis pathway. The lipid content analysis confirmed that MdMYB68 regulates the deposition of suberin in cell walls. Furthermore, we also investigated the alteration of the non-lipid cell wall components and showed that MdMYB68 triggers a massive modification of hemicelluloses and pectins. These results were finally supported by the microscopy.

Discussion

Once again, we demonstrated that the heterologous transient expression in N. benthamiana coupled with RNA-seq is a powerful and efficient tool to investigate the function of suberin related transcription factors. Here, we suggest MdMYB68 as a new regulator of the aliphatic and aromatic suberin deposition in apple fruit, and further describe, for the first time, rearrangements occurring in the carbohydrate cell wall matrix, preparing this suberin deposition.
Benefits of personal music listening for family caregivers of critically ill patients during the post-COVID era
Authors: Yoo Ga Eul , Na Sungwon , Kim Soo Ji , Kim Jeongmin
Published: March 2023

Objective

This descriptive study surveyed family caregivers of patients in intensive care units (ICUs) during the COVID-19 pandemic to examine the impact of musical listening on their psychological well-being.

Method

The data collected in this study compared with collected from similar research conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2017. The previous study had 195 participants, and the current study had 92. To measure the participants’ psychological well-being, the Korean version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale were administered. An investigator-constructed questionnaire was also used to collect information related to participants’ engagement in music activities including music listening in their everyday lives and their perceptions of music’s benefits.

Results

A two-way ANOVA showed significant effects for time (e.g., before vs. during COVID-19) and involvement in personal music listening (yes vs. no) on current emotional state, with family caregivers reporting significantly greater negative emotions during COVID-19 than before and personal music listening having a positive effect on perceived emotions. For quality of life there was no significant time effect, while the listening effect was statistically significant, indicating a significantly higher quality of life in the group who engaged in music listening in their everyday lives compared to the group who did not. There were no significant time or listening effects for perceived level of depression.

Conclusion

Given the COVID-19 situation and the need to transition to a post-pandemic era, this study suggests that music listening can be an effective option for family caregivers to implement as a resource for attenuating emotional distress and enhancing self-care.
Correlating electroconvulsive therapy response to electroencephalographic markers: Study protocol
Authors: Subramanian Subha , Labonte Alyssa K. , Nguyen Thomas , Luong Anhthi H. , Hyche Orlandrea , Smith S. Kendall , Hogan R. Edward , Farber Nuri B. , Palanca Ben Julian A. , Kafashan MohammadMehdi ,   CET-REM Study Group
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective intervention for patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Despite longstanding use, the underlying mechanisms of ECT are unknown, and there are no objective prognostic biomarkers that are routinely used for ECT response. Two electroencephalographic (EEG) markers, sleep slow waves and sleep spindles, could address these needs. Both sleep microstructure EEG markers are associated with synaptic plasticity, implicated in memory consolidation, and have reduced expression in depressed individuals. We hypothesize that ECT alleviates depression through enhanced expression of sleep slow waves and sleep spindles, thereby facilitating synaptic reconfiguration in pathologic neural circuits.

Methods

Correlating ECT Response to EEG Markers (CET-REM) is a single-center, prospective, observational investigation. Wireless wearable headbands with dry EEG electrodes will be utilized for at-home unattended sleep studies to allow calculation of quantitative measures of sleep slow waves (EEG SWA, 0.5–4 Hz power) and sleep spindles (density in number/minute). High-density EEG data will be acquired during ECT to quantify seizure markers.

Discussion

This innovative study focuses on the longitudinal relationships of sleep microstructure and ECT seizure markers over the treatment course. We anticipate that the results from this study will improve our understanding of ECT.
Variations in olfactory function among bipolar disorder patients with different episodes and subtypes
Authors: Li Chunyang , Hong Liu , Zou Laiquan , Zhu Yiping , Ye Jianfu , Wu Fenlan , Chen Chao
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Most studies on olfactory function in individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) have not distinguished between the different subtypes or between the acute phase (mania or depression) and euthymic state. In this study, we compared olfactory function among BD patients with different subtypes and episodes to explore the potential use of olfactory function as a biomarker for the early identification of BD.

Patients and methods

The study sample consisted of 117 BD patients who were hospitalized between April 2019 and June 2019, and 47 healthy volunteers as controls. The BD patients were divided into a bipolar I disorder (BD I) (n = 86) and bipolar II disorder (BD II) group (n = 31) according to the different subtypes, and divided into depressive BD (n = 36), manic BD (n = 44), or euthymic BD (n = 37) groups according to the types of episodes they experienced. We assessed olfactory sensitivity (OS) and olfactory identification (OI) via the Sniffin’ Sticks test and used the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) and Young Manic Rating Scale (YMRS) to evaluate BD characteristics among all subjects.

Results

Compared with controls, the participants with BD showed decreased OS and OI. We found statistically significant differences in OS and OI between the BD I group and controls, as well as differences in OS between the BD I and BD II group. Least-significant difference multiple comparisons revealed statistically significant differences in OS between the depressive BD group, manic BD group and controls and also between the manic BD and euthymic BD group. OI was positively correlated with the YMRS score in the BD I group and OS was negatively correlated with the HAMD score in the BD II group.

Conclusion

This may be the first study to compare olfactory function in patients with BD I vs. BD II via pairwise comparisons. Our findings suggest that OS may have potential as a biomarker for distinguishing the different subtypes of BD and as a state-related biomarker for differentiating the acute phase from the euthymic state of BD. However, further prospective research is warranted.
Cutoff scores for the “Interest game”, an application for the assessment of diminished interest in neurocognitive disorders
Authors: Manera Valeria , Fabre Roxane , Daumas Lyne , Zeghari Radia , Derreumaux Alexandre , Payne Magali , Lemaire Justine , Sacco Guillaume , Gros Auriane , Robert Philippe
Published: March 2023

Diminished interest is a core feature of apathy that shows high prevalence in people with Mild and Major Neurocognitive disorders (NCD). In the clinical setting, apathy is mainly assessed using clinical scales and questionnaires, but new technologies are starting to be employed to complement classical instruments. Here, we explored the performance of the “Interest game,” a ludic application that assesses personal interests, in discriminating between persons with and without diminished interest based on the Apathy Diagnostic Criteria. Two hundred and twenty-seven elderly participants (56 healthy controls, 118 persons with mild-NCD, and 53 with major-NCD) completed the Interest game and were assessed by clinicians concerning the presence and the severity of apathy. Results showed that the application scores varied with the presence of apathy, the type of disorder, and the education level. Cutoff scores calculated for persons with Mild-NCD resulted in a sensitivity of 0.68 and a specificity of 0.65 for the main score index, suggesting the interest of employing this application in the clinical setting to complement the classical assessment.
The non-human animal reading the mind in the eyes test (NARMET): A new measure for the assessment of social cognition
Authors: Eddy Clare M.
Published: March 2023

The Reading the Mind in the Eyes test (RMET) is a widely applied test of social cognition, based on mental state judgments in response to photographs of human eyes, which can elicit impairment in patients with numerous psychiatric and neurological disorders. However, interpretation of task performance is limited without the use of appropriate control tasks. In addition to a matched task requiring age judgments of the RMET stimuli, it was recently shown that a mental state judgment task of comparable difficulty, could be developed using photographs of domestic cat eyes. The current study aimed to further develop a Non-human Animal RMET (NARMET) by testing additional stimuli in the form of photographs of domestic dog eyes. A variety of additional tasks were used alongside the eyes test stimuli in a large sample of healthy young adults, to explore how alexithymia, schizotypal features, and autistic tendencies may differentially influence mental state attribution in response to cat, dog, and human eyes test stimuli. The resulting NARMET features both cat and dog trials, depicting a similar range of complex mental states to the human RMET. It shows favorable psychometric properties as well as being well matched to the RMET in terms of linguistic variables, length and difficulty. However, reading measures predicted performance on the RMET, but not on the NARMET. Although further testing is required in samples with a higher proportion of males, future application of the NARMET in neuropsychiatric populations exhibiting cognitive and behavioral difficulties could offer enhanced assessment of social cognitive skills.
The non-linear correlation between the volume of cerebral white matter lesions and incidence of bipolar disorder: A secondary analysis of data from a cross-sectional study
Authors: Du Hui , Yang Bing , Wang Hui , Zeng Yaqing , Xin Jianpin , Li Xiaoqiang
Published: March 2023

Cerebral white matter lesions (WML) are major risk factors for bipolar disorder (BD). However, studies on the association between cerebral WML volume and BD risk are limited. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between cerebral WML volume and BD incidence. This is a secondary retrospective analysis of patients (N = 146, 72 males, 74 females, mean age = 41.77 years) who have previously undergone magnetic resonance imaging examinations. Information was obtained from the Dryad database. Univariate analysis, piecewise linear regression model, and multivariable logistic regression model were used for statistical analysis. A non-linear relationship was recognized between the cerebral WML volume and BD incidence, in which the inflection point of the WML volume was 6,200 mm3. The effect sizes and confidence intervals on the left and right sides of the emphasis point were 1.0009 (1.0003, 1.0015) and 0.9988 (0.9974, 1.0003), respectively. Subgroup analysis (WML volume < 6,200 mm3) showed that the cerebral WML volume (for 0.1 mm3increase) was positively related to the BD incidence (OR = 1.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] (1.03, 1.21)). Here we show that the cerebral WML volume is positively and non-linearly correlated to the BD risk. Volumetric analysis of WML provide a better understanding of the association between WML and the BD risk, and thereby the pathophysiological mechanisms of BD.

Graphical abstract

A non-linear relationship between the volume of cerebral white matter lesions (WML) and bipolar disorder (BD) incidence is shown. The cerebral WML volume is positively and non-linearly correlated to the BD risk. The correlation is stronger when the cerebral WML volume was <6,200 mm3.

Graphical Abstract

A non-linear relationship between the volume of cerebral white matter lesions and bipolar disorder incidence is shown after adjusting for age; sex; lithium, atypical antipsychotic, antiepileptic, and antidepressant drug use; BMI; migraine; smoking; hypertension; diabetes mellitus; substance and alcohol dependency; and anxiety disorder.
Negative affect and respiratory sinus arrhythmia are differentially related to social anxiety and autism features in autistic preschoolers contrasted to fragile X syndrome
Authors: Wall Carla A. , Roberts Jane E.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heterogeneous and complex disorder with co-occurring disorders commonplace. This presents tremendous diagnostic challenges given the phenotypic overlap between autism and other diagnoses, including social anxiety, as well as variance in specific genetic disorders like fragile X syndrome (FXS). Biobehavioral measurement approaches integrate behavioral and biological data, and by so doing have the potential to address diagnostic challenges and shed light on the mechanisms underlying social impairments.

Methods

The present study utilized a biobehavioral approach to evaluate how biologically based indices of baseline respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and temperamental negative affect differ and predict autism and anxiety in a sample of 120 preschoolers with non-syndromic autism (nsASD) with co-occurring intellectual impairment, FXS, and neurotypical (NT) development.

Results

Results indicated that children with nsASD display elevated negative affect compared to both FXS and NT controls which did not differ from each other and females exhibited more negative affect relative to males. Interestingly, elevated negative affect predicted social anxiety, but not ASD in FXS. Baseline RSA did not differ across the groups; however, reduced RSA predicted elevated autism severity for the nsASD group but not those with FXS or NT development.

Discussion

Taken together, biobehavioral markers differentiated the groups in discrete ways that advance our understanding of autism and promote improved diagnostic clarity using objective measurement.
A multi-angle analysis of injury induced by supplementation of soybean meal in Litopenaeus vannamei diets
Authors: Peng Kai , Qiu Jianqiang , Li Chaozheng , Lu Huijie , Liu Zhenxing , Liu Ding , Huang Wen
Published: March 2023

Soybean meal is considered as one of the major components of Litopenaeus vannamei diets. However, most previous studies have focused on evaluating the effects of soybean meal on L. vannamei from the perspective of growth, physiology, and feed utilization; information regarding the analysis of serum metabolites, antioxidant and immune response, and intestinal microbiota is limited. Five diets were prepared, comprising 20% (T20), 28% (T28), 35% (T35), 42% (T42), and 50% (T50) soybean meal. A total of 600 shrimp were randomly distributed into 20 tanks (i.e., 30 shrimp per tank), with four tanks assigned to each dietary group. Shrimp were fed to apparent satiation during the 42-day feeding trial. The results showed that levels of serum globulin, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase linearly increased (p < 0.01), but levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol linearly decreased (p < 0.001) as the proportion of soybean meal in the diet increased. Supplementation of shrimp diets with soybean meal linearly and quadratically increased (p < 0.05) serum total antioxidant capacity, levels of malondialdehyde, and activities of catalase, nitric oxide synthase and phenoloxidase. Hepatocytes in T35, T42, and T50 were shown to have different degrees of vacuolar degeneration, hepatic corpuscle atrophy, and star-like lumen loss. Dietary inclusion of soybean meal altered the composition of intestinal bacterial microbiota at phylum level, especially increasing the abundance of on other bacterial genera, whereas it had minimal impact on other bacterial genera and had no significant influence on the bacterial diversity. This study suggests that dietary supplementation of L. vannamei diets with soybean meal at concentrations exceeding 28% induces inflammation and oxidant damage of the hepatopancreas, and increases the risk of intestinal disease.
Micro-nozzle flow and thrust prediction with high-density ratio using DSMC selection limiter
Authors: Frieler T. , Groll R.
Published: March 2023

Introduction:A Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) solver with a modified collisional routine is used to investigate an argon gas flow through a millimeter-scaled thruster nozzle with high-density ratios.

Method:The limiter scheme, denoted as the constant selection limiter (CSL), limits the possible number of selected collisional pairs to a constant value in accordance with the present simulation particles in the cell.

Results:Results of the CSL scheme are compared with the experimental and numerical results of a compressible Navier–Stokes solver and discussed in comparison with baseline DSMC simulations. The influence of collision limitation by the CSL is discussed on the stagnation pressure of the thruster and on thrust and specific impulse prediction. The application of the limiter scheme makes the prediction of stagnation pressure challenging in some cases.

Discussion:In contrast, thrust and specific impulse are predicted well, and their study remains valid. Investigated mass flow rates are 0.178 mg/s ≤m.≤ 71.360 mg/s, and flow Knudsen numbers below Kn = 0.01 and over Kn = 10 are present. Near atmospheric conditions are reached inside the thruster, generating pressure ratios up to 3,741 along the nozzle. The computational performance of the scheme is also discussed, and speed-up factors up to 0.51 are achieved.
An Underwater Pandemic Is Wiping Out Caribbean Corals
Authors: Gomez Maya , Haines Lily , Pizarro Valeria
Published: March 2023

In many parts of the Caribbean, diving underwater will transport you to a colorful world of fish, sponges, mammals, and more. This dazzling undersea rainforest is created by rock-like animals called corals. But just like humans, corals can get sick—and right now a disease is spreading throughout the Caribbean, infecting and killing some of the world’s oldest and largest animals at an alarming speed. The deadly disease is called stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD). This article explains what we know about SCTLD and how to spot it in the ocean, how far the disease has spread, what kinds of corals are getting sick, and how we can work together to stop it. We need everyone’s help to save the corals and in turn save the homes of an incredible amount of sea life.
Composition and spore abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in sweet potato producing areas in Uganda
Authors: Mukhongo Ruth Wilhem , Ebanyat Peter , Masso Cargele , Tumuhairwe John Baptist
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Farming systems influence composition and abundance of microbial communities.

Methodology

A study was conducted using morphotyping and enumeration methods to determine the composition and spore abundance of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) in sweet potato producing regions in eastern Uganda. Sampling was done from fields with crop types (CTs) including legumes (groundnuts, common beans, cowpea, soybeans, green grams), sorghum, sweet potato, and fallowed fields which were used as a control. Three agro-ecological zones (AEZs) i.e., Mt. Elgon High Farmlands (MEHF), Lake Victoria Crescent (LVC), and Southern and Eastern Lake Kyoga Basin (SELKB) were considered.

Results and discussion

A total of 6 AMF genera comprising of Glomus, Acaulospora, Scutellospora, Entrophospora, Archaeospora, and Gigaspora were isolated from the study sites. Agro-ecological zones had a significant (p<0.05) effect on Entrophospora spp. while crop types had a significant (p<0.05) effect on Gigaspora spp. although all the AMF genera were present in all AEZs and CTs. Spore abundance was similar across the AEZs except for MEHF (177) which was lower while spore abundance lowest in sweet potato (177) and largest in fallow (224), attributed to soil properties and similar crops included in the crop rotation program. The AMF can be isolated, identified, and multiplied to produce bioinoculants for the regions.
Seismology of active regions: Current status and perspectives
Authors: Tripathy Sushanta
Published: March 2023

The goal of helioseismology is to provide accurate information about the Sun’s interior from the observations of the wave field at its surface. In the last three decades, both global and local helioseismology studies have made significant advances and breakthroughs in solar physics. However, 3-d mapping of the structure and dynamics of sunspots and active regions below the surface has been a challenging task and is among the long standing and intriguing puzzles in solar physics due to the complexity of the turbulent and dynamic nature of magnetized regions. In this review, I present some of the recent results relevant for helioseismology of sunspots and active regions obtained from high resolution observations, forward modeling and numerical simulations.