bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical versus nonsurgical management of lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis based on spinal canal cross-sectional area
Authors: Cho Jaeho , Kang Keum Nae , Lee Min Sang , Kim Young Uk
Published: January 2024

Disability and pain associated with lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis (LDS) result in a significant burden on both the healthcare costs and patients’ quality of life. Currently, there exists controversy regarding employment of either nonsurgical management (NSM) or surgical management (SM) in a clinical setting. Spinal canal cross-sectional area (SCA) has been an important morphological parameter for the analysis of LDS. However, there is lack of research about the comparative value of NSM and SM according to SCA. Moreover, previous research have not yet evaluated the clinical most suitable cutoff values of SCA. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effective of NSM and SM for LDS using SCA as an objective morphological parameter. The axial T2 magnetic resonance imaging images were obtained from each patient. We collected SCA samples from 149 patients with LDS. 72 patients underwent SM and the rest did NSM. We measured SCA at the L4/5 LDS on magnetic resonance imaging using a picture archiving and communications system. We measured SCA at the intervertebral disk posterior border, turning down to reach the facet joint side on the opposite edge at the L4/5 level. The average SCA value was 114.34 ± 48.11 mm2 in the NSM group and 69.88 ± 27.87 mm2 in the SM group. Therefore, the SM group had considerably lower SCA (P < .001). In view of the effectiveness of SCA as a prediction factor of surgical option, Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analysis show the optimal cutoff value for SCA as 83.21 mm2, with 70.8% sensitivity, 71.4% specificity, and an area under the curve of 0.80 (95% CI, 0.73–0.87). The narrower the SCA, the higher the probability of SM. Thus, it is proposed that to evaluate surgical decision making, the pain physician should carefully inspect the SCA.
Clinical characteristics and course of pulmonary artery stump thrombosis following lung cancer surgery: A retrospective study from tertiary care hospital
Authors: Park Ji-Eun , Cha Seung-Ick , Lee Deok Heon , Lee Eung Bae , Choi Sun Ha , Lee Yong Hoon , Seo Hyewon , Yoo Seung-Soo , Lee Shin-Yup , Lee Jaehee , Kim Chang-Ho , Park Jae-Yong
Published: January 2024

The data regarding pulmonary artery stump thrombosis (PAST) after lung cancer surgery are insufficient. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the incidence, clinical characteristics, and prognosis of PAST. We retrospectively investigated the incidence and clinical characteristics of PAST among patients who underwent lung resection for lung cancer at 2 institutions. We compared the clinical parameters between PAST and pulmonary embolism (PE) and examined the clinical course of patients with PAST. Of the 1885 patients, PAST was found in 36 patients (1.9%). Right lower lobectomy (n = 13) and middle-lower bilobectomy (n = 9) were the most common types of surgery. The median time interval from lung resection to the detection of PAST was 3.8 months. Immobilization and a history of cerebrovascular disease were not observed in the PAST group. Most of the patients with PAST (91.7%) were diagnosed incidentally, whereas many patients with PE (75.9%) were symptomatic at the time of diagnosis. During the follow-up, one patient (2.8%) had contralateral PE complications. However, no patients in the PAST group experienced pulmonary thromboembolism-related in-hospital death or adverse outcomes. There was no difference in the prognosis of patients with PAST according to the administration of anticoagulation. PAST was rarely detected in lung cancer patients on follow-up chest computed tomography after lung resection. Patients with PAST were asymptomatic in most cases and had relatively favorable clinical outcomes. However, these patients are at risk of contralateral PE, despite its rarity.
Effect of frailty on medication deviation during the hospital-family transition period in older patients with cardiovascular disease: An observational study
Authors: Liang Meng-Yao , Feng Li , Zhu Wuyang , Yang Qing-Qing
Published: January 2024

Studies have shown that frailty increases cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence in older patients and is associated with poor patient prognosis. However, the relationship between medication deviation (MD) and frailty remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the influence of frailty on MD during the hospital-family transition period among older patients with CVD. Between February 2022 and February 2023, 231 older people CVD patients were selected from a class III hospital in Nantong City using a multi-stage sampling method. A general information questionnaire was used to collect the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants prior to discharge, the frailty assessment scale was used to assess the participants frailty, and a medication deviation instrument was used to assess the participants MD on the 10th day after discharge. Propensity score matching was used to examine the effect of frailty on MD in older patients with CVD during the hospital-family transition period. The incidences of frailty and MD were 32.9% (76/231) and 75.8% (175/231), respectively. After propensity score matching, the risk of MD in frail patients with CVD was 4.978 times higher than that in non-frail patients with CVD (95% CI: [1.616, 15.340]; P = .005). Incidences of frailty and MD during the hospital-family transition period are high in older patients with CVD, and frailty has an impact on MD. Medical staff in the ward should comprehensively examine older patients with CVD for frailty and actively promote quality medication management during the hospital-family transition period to reduce MD occurrence and delay disease progression.
Study on the application of quality control circle activity in postoperative nursing of elderly dental implants
Authors: Zhao Hongxuan , Hu Meichun , Cao Yannan , Wu Xiangbing , Zhu Fangyong
Published: January 2024

Background:

To explore the application effect of “quality control circle” activity in postoperative nursing of elderly dental implants.

Methods:

From January 2022 to December 2022, a total of 60 elderly patients were selected and divided into an experimental group and a control group, with 30 cases in each group using the random number table method. The elderly patients with dental implants received postoperative care under the supervision of a quality control circle. The control group was treated with conventional nursing methods. The success rate, postoperative complications, and satisfaction of the 2 groups were compared.

Results:

By comparing the postoperative care effect of the 2 groups of patients, the satisfaction of the experimental group and the control group was 93.3% and 73.3%, respectively, showing the satisfaction of the experimental group was higher than the control group (P < .05). The planting success rate of the experimental and control groups were 96.7% and 66.7%, respectively, with the experimental group outperforming the control group (P < .05). The proportion of complications in the experimental was found to be fewer (6.7%) than in the control group (33.3%) (P < .05).

Conclusion:

Quality control circle activities can effectively improve the success rate of dental implants, reduce the occurrence of postoperative complications, improve patient satisfaction, and help medical staff in providing better treatment for patients.
Evaluation of contraceptive intentions among pregnant women in the third trimester: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Yeşil Yeşim , Dönmez Ayşegül
Published: January 2024

This study aims to determine contraceptive intentions of pregnant women in the third trimester. This cross-sectional study was conducted at a training and research hospital in Mardin province between March 2023 and May 2023. In total, 253 pregnant women who had the ability to communicate in Turkish and agreed to participate were included in the study. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a survey and the Contraceptive Intent Questionnaire (CIQ). The average age of the participants was 28.87 ± 5.35 with 30.8% of them holding a secondary school degree. It was found that there was a statistically significant difference in terms of CIQ score between categories of the following descriptive variables: education level, husband’s/partner’s education level, fertility plan, receiving family planning counseling during pregnancy, and paying for the contraceptive methods used (P = .046, P = .013, P < .001, P = .008, and P < .001 respectively). It was determined that pregnant women who had not received family planning counseling during pregnancy and paid for the contraceptive method had higher contraception intention.
Exploring the landscape of drug resistance in gastrointestinal cancer immunotherapy: A review
Authors: Yao Nan , Li Wenqiang , Duan Ning , Xu Guoshuai , Yu Guoyong , Qu Jun
Published: January 2024

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers pose a significant challenge due to high prevalence and mortality. While advancements in detection and conventional treatments have been made, prognosis often remains poor, particularly for advanced-stage cancers. Immunotherapy has emerged as a transformative approach, leveraging the body immune system against cancer, including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), cancer vaccines, and adoptive cell transfer. These modalities have shown promise, achieving sustained responses and improved survival in some patients. However, their efficacy in GI cancers is less pronounced, hindered by drug resistance mechanisms that are either intrinsic or acquired over time. This review examines the latest understanding of immunotherapy in GI cancers, focusing on ICIs, cancer vaccines, and adoptive cell transfer, along with their associated outcomes and limitations. It delves into the mechanisms behind drug resistance, including alterations in immune checkpoints, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and genetic/epigenetic changes. The role of the gut microbiome is also considered as an emerging factor in resistance. To combat drug resistance, strategies such as enhancing immune response, targeting the tumor microenvironment, and modulating resistance mechanisms are explored. The review underscores the potential of ferroptosis induction as a novel approach. Looking forward, it highlights the need for personalized immunotherapies, understanding the influence of the gut microbiome, and further exploration of ferroptosis in overcoming resistance. While challenges persist, the continuous evolution in GI cancer immunotherapy research promises innovative treatments that could significantly improve patient outcomes.
Effects of Orange Oil Aromatherapy on Pain and Anxiety During Invasive Interventions in Patients With Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplants
Authors: Erdal Seckin , Harman Özdoğan Merve , Yildirim Dilek , Kuni Ayşem , Selçuk Sevinc , Güneri Azize , Arslan Elif Naz
Published: January 2024

Invasive interventions, such as peripheral intravenous cannula, port needle placement, and blood collection, are often required for both inpatient and outpatient follow-up patients with hematological malignancies and hematopoietic stem cell transplants. This prospective, randomized controlled experimental study assessed the effect of orange oil inhalation used in aromatherapy on pain and anxiety levels in invasive interventions with hematological malignancies and hematopoietic stem cell transplants. It was conducted prospectively with 80 patients with hematological malignancies who were treated in the adult bone marrow transplant unit and adult hematology service of a private hospital between May 2021 and April 2022. The orange oil inhalation used in aromatherapy was applied to patients in the intervention group. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used for data collection. Regarding the personal characteristics of the patients, 42.5% were ≥61 years old, 60% were men, and 85% were married. VAS pain scores of the intervention group were statistically lower than those of the control group (P < .001). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the STAI scores of groups (P >.05). The study results show that orange oil inhalation has been determined to reduce pain during invasive interventions.
Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Insertion
Authors: Souza Lucimar Casimiro de , Campos Juliana Faria , Machado Debora Mazioli , Ribeiro Gabriella da Silva Rangel , Barboza Lemos Romanda da Costa Pereira , Machado Sabrina da Costa , Silva Marcelle Miranda da , Coutinho Veronica Rita Dias , Silva Rafael Celestino da
Published: January 2024

This study evaluated peripheral intravenous catheter insertion by licensed practical nurses in a simulated scenario. This cross-sectional and descriptive study was performed in a general hospital's simulation center located in Brazil, from January to October 2020. The authors developed a tool from the leading guidelines to measure peripheral intravenous catheter insertion performance in 60 licensed practical nurses. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, with proportions for categorical variables and analytical statistics to denote significance, using SPSS version 22.0. Ethical aspects were respected. Despite the sample comprising professionals who declared an average experience with peripheral intravenous catheter insertion of 6.4 years, at least 50% failed in some tool element. This low score on peripheral intravenous catheter insertion performance is because automation is possible without efforts to improve it. Adding years of practice does not generate better performance. The licensed practical nurses' performance was lower than expected, considering their reported experience, which poses a risk to patient safety. The training of these professionals needs to be discussed in countries where the practice is legal. Skills training should include simulation to approximate clinical practice; nurses must exercise their role in supervising the team.
Fluid Status Vulnerability in Older Adults
Authors: Purvis Suzanne , Gion Terry
Published: January 2024

There is a growing body of evidence about physiological changes with age that impact fluid and electrolyte balance. It is important that infusion nurses have knowledge in managing care for geriatric patients so they can identify these changes when they are exhibited. Knowing how to minimize the effect of these changes on the health of older adults is critical. The infusion nurse with knowledge of geriatric-focused care can avoid complications and critical illness in older adults. In addition, it is important to provide specific patient education that is grounded in geriatric best practices. This information will assist older adults to better protect themselves from dehydration, kidney injury, and other complications associated with fluid balance, such as delirium. This article reviews the literature on specific changes with aging that predispose older adults to adverse complications with fluid imbalance. New technology in geriatrics that can improve management of fluid status, such as dehydration and electrolyte monitors, are also discussed. This review included searches of the Medline®/PubMed® Database using MeSH terms (National Library of Medicine). Search terms included the following: aging-biological; aging kidney; water-electrolyte imbalance; dehydration; hypo-hypernatremia; hypo-hyperkalemia; delirium; wearable technology; and hydration monitors.
Treatment outcomes amongst older people with HIV infection receiving antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Li Na , Zheng Hong-Yi , He Wen-Qiang , He Xiao-Yan , Li Rui , Cui Wen-Bo , Yang Wei-Lin , Dong Xing-Qi , Shen Zhi-Qiang , Zheng Yong-Tang
Published: January 2024

Objectives:

There is conflicting data regarding the response of older people with HIV (PWH) to antiretroviral therapy (ART). The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term immunological and virological responses, changes in regimen, and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in older participants (50+ years) compared with younger (18–34 years) and middle-aged (35–49 years) PWH.

Methods:

A retrospective review of medical records was conducted on 1622 participants who received ART in Yunnan Province, China, from 2010 to 2019. The study compared CD4+ T-cell counts, CD4+/CD8+ ratio, and relative numbers between different groups using the Kruskal–Wallis test. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to identify variables associated with the occurrence of immune reconstitution insufficiency. The rates of immune reconstitution, incidence of ADRs, and rates of treatment change were analyzed using the chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test.

Results:

Over 95% achieved viral load 200 copies/ml or less, with no age-related difference. However, older participants exhibited significantly lower CD4+ T-cell counts and CD4+/CD8+ recovery post-ART (P < 0.001), with only 32.21% achieving immune reconstitution (compared with young: 52.16%, middle-aged: 39.29%, P < 0.001) at the end of follow-up. Middle-aged and elderly participants changed ART regimens more because of ADRs, especially bone marrow suppression and renal dysfunction.

Conclusion:

Although the virological response was consistent across age groups, older individuals showed poorer immune responses and higher susceptibility to side effects. This underscores the need for tailored interventions and comprehensive management for older patients with HIV.
HIV viral suppression in children and adolescents 2 years after transition to dolutegravir: a multicentre cohort study
Authors: Devendra Akash , Kohler Maurus , Letsika Motlatsi , Khooa Hape , Motaboli Lipontso , Lerotholi Malebanye , Tschumi Nadine , Labhardt Niklaus D. , Brown Jennifer A.
Published: January 2024

Background:

Treatment failure is common among children and adolescents with HIV. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) containing dolutegravir has recently been rolled out across Africa, though long-term real-world data in paediatric populations are lacking. Here, we report treatment outcomes among children and adolescents in Lesotho who transitioned from nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-based to dolutegravir-based ART through 2 years’ follow-up.

Methods:

Data were derived from two open cohort studies in Lesotho. Children and adolescents aged less than 18 years who transitioned from NNRTI-based to dolutegravir-based ART at least 18 months before data closure were included. We report viral load results less than 12 months before, 12 (window: 6–17) months after, and 24 (window: 18–29) months after transition to dolutegravir. Associations of pretransition demographic and clinical factors with 24-month viraemia were assessed through multivariable logistic regression.

Results:

Among 2126 included individuals, 1100 (51.7%) were female individuals, median age at transition to dolutegravir was 14.0 years [interquartile range (IQR) 11.5–15.8], and median time taking ART at transition was 7.6 years (IQR 4.4–10.6). Among those with a viral load result at the respective time points, viral suppression to less than 50 copies/ml was achieved by 1635 of 1973 (82.9%) less than 12 months before, 1846 of 2012 (91.8%) 12 months after, and 1725 of 1904 (90.6%) 24 months after transition to dolutegravir. Pretransition viraemia was associated with viraemia at 24 months, though more than 80% of individuals with pretransition viraemia achieved resuppression to less than 50 copies/ml at 24 months.

Conclusion:

The proportion of children and adolescents with viral suppression increased after transition to dolutegravir, though further progress is needed to reach global targets.
Prevalence and Correlates of Intimate Partner Violence Victimization Among Urban Adolescents and Young Adults Living With Perinatally-Acquired HIV Infection or Perinatal HIV Exposure
Authors: Attoh-Okine Naa-Djama , Corbeil Tom , Poku Ohemaa , Kluisza Luke , Liotta Lucy , Morrison Corey , Dolezal Curtis , Robbins Reuben N. , Kreniske Philip , Abrams Elaine J. , Wiznia Andrew , Mellins Claude A.
Published: January 2024

Introduction:

Because of privacy and ethical concerns, the data cannot be made available because of the sensitivity of the HIV data and the relatively small sample and ease of identifying people if a few demographics are known.

Few studies have examined intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with perinatally acquired HIV-infection (PHIV) or perinatal HIV exposure without infection (PHEU) in the United States. The purpose of this study was to (1) estimate lifetime and past-year prevalence of IPV victimization and (2) examine correlates of IPV victimization by subtype (physical, psychological, and sexual) and severity (low, moderate, and severe).

Methods:

Data came from the sixth interview of an ongoing New York City–based longitudinal study of primarily Black and Latinx AYAPHIV and AYAPHEU. We examined 232 participants (142 PHIV; 90 PHEU) who had reported having been in at least 1 romantic relationship. We used logistic regression models to explore the association between IPV victimization outcomes and select sociodemographic, psychiatric, and environmental factors. Models were adjusted for age, gender, race, ethnicity, and HIV status.

Results:

IPV victimization prevalence was 84% for lifetime and 65% for the past year. There were no differences in IPV victimization prevalence by PHIV status. Having a recent substance use disorder, reporting higher levels of neighborhood stress, and being male were all positively associated with at least 1 IPV outcome; stronger familial relationships exhibited a protective effect.

Conclusions:

The present study suggests that the prevalence of IPV victimization among AYAPHIV and AYAPHEU is exceedingly high that warrants targeted IPV screening and programming for this population.
Patients With Post–COVID-19 Respiratory Condition: Chest Computed Tomography Findings and Pulmonary Function Tests and Comparison With Asymptomatic Participants
Authors: Ufuk Furkan , Yitik Ahmet Yasin , Sarilar Burak , Altinisik Goksel
Published: January 2024

Objective

The aims of this study were to assess the chest computed tomography (CT) findings in post–COVID-19 respiratory condition (rPCC) patients and compare the findings with asymptomatic participants (APs). It also aimed to evaluate the relationship between CT findings and pulmonary function tests (PFTs) in rPCC patients. Finally, it aimed to compare the quantitative chest CT findings and PFT results of patients with rPCC and APs.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled consecutive patients with rPCC who underwent unenhanced chest CT and PFTs between June 2020 and September 2022. In addition, a control group (APs) was prospectively formed and underwent nonenhanced chest CT and PFTs. The presence and extent of abnormalities in unenhanced chest CT images were evaluated qualitatively and semiquantitatively in a blinded manner. We used fully automatic software for automatic lung and airway segmentation and quantitative analyses.

Results

Sixty-three patients with rPCC and 23 APs were investigated. Reticulation/interstitial thickening and extent of parenchymal abnormalities on CT were significantly greater in the rPCC group than in the control group (P = 0.001 and P = 0.004, respectively). Computed tomography extent score was significantly related to length of hospital stay, age, and intensive care unit stay (all Ps ≤ 0.006). The rPCC group also had a lower 85th percentile attenuation lung volume (P = 0.037). The extent of parenchymal abnormalities was significantly correlated with carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (r = −0.406, P = 0.001), forced vital capacity (FVC) (r = −0.342, P = 0.002), and forced expiratory volume in 1 second/FVC (r = 0.427, P < 0.001) values. Pulmonary function tests revealed significantly lower carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (P < 0.001), FVC (P = 0.036), and total lung capacity (P < 0.001) values in the rPCC group.

Conclusions

The rPCC is characterized by impaired PFTs, a greater extent of lung abnormalities on CT, and decreased 85th percentile attenuation lung volume. Advanced age, intensive care unit admission history, and extended hospital stay are risk factors for chest CT abnormalities.
Prototype Description and Ex Vivo Evaluation of a System for Combined Endorectal Magnetic Resonance Imaging and In-Bore Biopsy of the Prostate
Authors: Coakley Fergus V. , Foster Bryan R. , Schroeder David W. , Rooney William D. , Jones Randall W. , Amling Christopher L.
Published: January 2024

We describe early ex vivo proof-of-concept testing of a novel system composed of a disposable endorectal coil and converging multichannel needle guide with a reusable clamp stand, embedded electronics, and baseplate to allow for endorectal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and in-bore MRI-targeted biopsy of the prostate as a single integrated procedure. Using prostate phantoms imaged with standard T2-weighted sequences in a Siemens 3T Prisma MR scanner, we measured the signal-to-noise ratio in successive 1-cm distances from the novel coil and from a commercially available inflatable balloon coil and measured the lateral and longitudinal deviation of the tip of a deployed MR compatible needle from the intended target point. Signal-to-noise ratio obtained with the novel system was significantly better than the inflatable balloon coil at each of five 1-cm intervals, with a mean improvement of 78% (P < 0.05). In a representative sampling of 15 guidance channels, the mean lateral deviation for MR imaging–guided needle positioning was 1.7 mm and the mean longitudinal deviation was 2.0 mm. Our ex vivo results suggest that our novel system provides significantly improved signal-to-noise ratio when compared with an inflatable balloon coil and is capable of accurate MRI-guided needle deployment.
Visualization of Renal Glomeruli in Human Native Kidneys With Sensing Ultrasound Localization Microscopy
Authors: Bodard Sylvain , Denis Louise , Chabouh Georges , Battaglia Jacques , Anglicheau Dany , Hélénon Olivier , Correas Jean-Michel , Couture Olivier
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Kidney diseases significantly impact individuals' quality of life and strongly reduce life expectancy. Glomeruli play a crucial role in kidney function. Current imaging techniques cannot visualize them due to their small size. Sensing ultrasound localization microscopy (sULM) has shown promising results for visualizing in vivo the glomeruli of human kidney grafts. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of sULM to visualize glomeruli in vivo in native human kidneys despite their depth and a shorter duration of ultrasound acquisition limited by the period of the patient's apnea. Sensing ultrasound localization microscopy parameters in native kidneys and kidney grafts and their consequence regarding glomeruli detection were also compared.

Materials and Methods

Exploration by sULM was conducted in 15 patients with native kidneys and 5 with kidney allografts. Glomeruli were counted using a normalized distance metric projected onto sULM density maps. The difference in the acquisition time, the kidney depth, and the frame rate between native kidneys and kidney grafts and their consequence regarding glomeruli detection were assessed.

Results

Glomerular visualization was achieved in 12 of 15 patients with native kidneys. It failed due to impossible breath-holding for 2 patients and a too-deep kidney for 1 patient. Sensing ultrasound localization microscopy found 16 glomeruli per square centimeter in the native kidneys (6–31) and 33 glomeruli per square centimeter in kidney transplant patients (18–55).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that sULM can visualize glomeruli in native human kidneys in vivo. The proposed method may have many hypothetical applications, including biomarker development, assisting biopsy, or potentially avoiding it. It establishes a framework for improving the detection of local microstructural pathology, influencing the evaluation of allografts, and facilitating disease monitoring in the native kidney.
Rhodococcus indonesiensis sp. nov. a new member of the Rhodococcus ruber lineage isolated from sediment of a neutral hot spring and reclassification of Rhodococcus electrodiphilus (Ramaprasad et al. 2018) as a later heterotypic synonym of Rhodococcus ruber (Kruse 1896) Goodfellow and Alderson 1977 (Approved Lists 1980)
Authors: Kusuma Ali Budhi , Fenylestari Gita , Ammar Fadhil , Nououi Imen , Goodfellow Michael
Published: January 2024

A polyphasic study was designed to determine the taxonomic status of isolate CSLK01-03T, which was recovered from an Indonesian neutral hot spring and provisionally assigned to the genus

Rhodococcus

. The isolate was found to have chemotaxonomic, cultural and morphological properties typical of rhodococci. It has a rod–coccus lifecycle and grows from 10 to 39 °C, from pH 6.5 to 8.0 and in the presence of 0–10 % (w/v) sodium chloride. Whole-organism hydrolysates contain meso-diaminopimelic acid, arabinose and galactose, the predominant menaquinone is MK-8 (H2), the polar lipid pattern consists of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol mannosides, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine and two unidentified components, it produces mycolic acids, and C16:0 is the major fatty acid. Whole-genome analyses show that the isolate and

Rhodococcus electrodiphilus

LMG 29881T (GenBank accession: JAULCK000000000) have genome sizes of 5.5 and 5.1 Mbp, respectively. These strains and

Rhodococcus aetherivorans

DSM 44752T and

Rhodococcus ruber

DSM 43338T form well-supported lineages in 16S rRNA and whole-genome trees that are close to sister lineages composed of the type strains of

Rhodococcus rhodochrous

and related

Rhodococcus

species. The isolate can be distinguished from its closest evolutionary neighbours using combinations of cultural and phenotypic features, and by low DNA–DNA hybridization values. Based on these data it is proposed that isolate CSLK01-03T (=CCMM B1310T=ICEBB-06T=NCIMB 15214T) be classified in the genus

Rhodococcus

as Rhodococcus indonesiensis sp. nov. The genomes of the isolate and its closest phylogenomic relatives are rich in biosynthetic gene clusters with the potential to synthesize new natural products, notably antibiotics. In addition, whole-genome-based taxonomy revealed that

Rhodococcus electrodiphilus

LMG 29881T and

Rhodococcus ruber

DSM 43338T belong to a single species. It is, therefore, proposed that

R. electrodiphilus

be recognized as a heterotypic synonym of

R. ruber

.
Characterizing CSNK2A1 Mutant-Induced Morphological Phenotypes in Zebrafish (Danio rerio): Insights into Okur-Chung Neurodevelopmental Syndrome (OCNDS)
Authors: Hassett Katie , Potu Sai Srihaas , Sankaramoorthy Aravind , Kaneshamoorthy Sukanniya , Leka Kamawela , Huentelman Matthew J. , Narayanan Vinodh , Rangasamy Sampath
Published: January 2024

Okur-Chung Neurodevelopmental Syndrome (OCNDS) is a rare, autosomal dominant disorder caused by heterozygous pathogenic variants in the CSNK2A1 gene. CSNK2A1 encodes the α subunit of protein kinase CK2, involved in diverse biological processes. In 2016, Okur et al. reported the discovery of germlinede novomissense and canonical splice site mutations in CSNK2A1 in five female patients with OCNDS. The syndrome is characterized by developmental delays, intellectual disability, hypotonia, feeding difficulties, dysmorphic facial features, and disrupted circadian rhythms, leading to sleep disturbances. The complex phenotypic spectrum of OCNDS underscores the need for robust model systems to investigate genotype-phenotype correlations, disease mechanisms, and potential therapies. In this study, we employed an overexpression strategy in a zebrafish model to investigate the functional consequences of select CSNK2A1 variants implicated in OCNDS. Our findings revealed distinct morphological phenotypes resulting from the overexpression of different CSNK2A1 mutants, indicating a direct correlation between genetic alterations and phenotypic manifestations. Notably, the CSNK2A1 p.Arg191Ter (R191X) mutation had a significant impact on the phenotype. Co-injection of wild-type CSNK2A1 mRNA with mutant CSNK2A1 mRNA rescued morphological abnormalities in zebrafish embryos. Overall our study highlights the utility of zebrafish as an adaptable model system for examining the functional impact of CSNK2A1 mutations and exploring novel therapeutic avenues.
Developing and evaluating a brief, socially primed video intervention to enable bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation: A randomised control trial
Authors: Skelton Jean , Templeton Anne , Guay Jennifer Dang , MacInnes Lisa , Clegg Gareth
Published: January 2024

Background

Over 30,000 people experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the United Kingdom annually, with only 7-8% of patients surviving. One of the most effective methods of improving survival outcomes is prompt bystander intervention in the form of calling the emergency services and initiating chest compressions, also known as CPR. Additionally, the public must feel empowered to take action and use this knowledge in an emergency. This study aimed to evaluate an ultra-brief CPR familiarisation video that uses empowering social priming language to frame CPR as a norm in Scotland.

Methods

In a randomised control trial, participants (n= 86) were assigned to view either an ultra-brief CPR video intervention or a traditional long form CPR video intervention. Following completion of a pre-intervention questionnaire examining demographic variables and prior CPR knowledge, participants completed an emergency services-led resuscitation simulation in a portable simulation suite using a CPR manikin that measures resuscitation quality. Participants then completed questionnaires examining social identity and attitudes towards performing CPR.

Results

Aside from the CPR quality metrics of time carrying out CPR chest compressions (where the ultra-brief video condition scored higher scores) and average compressions per minute (where the long form video condition scored higher scores), there were no significant differences in CPR quality between the two conditions. Regarding the social identity measures, participants in the ultra-brief video condition scored higher on measures of “shared social identity with the video instructor” and “expected emergency support from other Scottish people”. There were no significant group differences in attitudes towards performing CPR.

Conclusions

Ultra-brief CPR video interventions hold promise as a method of equipping the public with basic resuscitation skills and empowering the viewer to intervene in an emergency. These interventions may be an effective avenue for equipping at-risk groups with resuscitation skills and for supplementing traditional resuscitation training courses.
Extracting interpretable signatures of whole-brain dynamics through systematic comparison
Authors: Bryant Annie G. , Aquino Kevin , Parkes Linden , Fornito Alex , Fulcher Ben D.
Published: January 2024

The brain’s complex distributed dynamics are typically quantified using a limited set of manually selected statistical properties, leaving the possibility that alternative dynamical properties may outperform those reported for a given application. Here, we address this limitation by systematically comparing diverse, interpretable features of both intra-regional activity and inter-regional functional coupling from resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data, demonstrating our method using case–control comparisons of four neuropsychiatric disorders. Our findings generally support the use of linear time-series analysis techniques for rs-fMRI case–control analyses, while also identifying new ways to quantify informative dynamical fMRI structures. While simple statistical representations of fMRI dynamics performed surprisingly well (e.g., properties within a single brain region), combining intra-regional properties with inter-regional coupling generally improved performance, underscoring the distributed, multifaceted changes to fMRI dynamics in neuropsychiatric disorders. The comprehensive, data-driven method introduced here enables systematic identification and interpretation of quantitative dynamical signatures of multivariate time-series data, with applicability beyond neuroimaging to diverse scientific problems involving complex time-varying systems.
Human neural rosettes secrete bioactive extracellular vesicles enriched in neuronal and glial cellular components
Authors: Lopez Malena Herrera , Arolfo Matías Bertone , Remedi Mónica , Gastaldi Laura , Wilson Carlos , Guendulain Gonzalo G. , Ceschin Danilo , Gizzi Andrés Cardozo , Cáceres Alfredo , Moyano Ana Lis
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a critical role in the development of neural cells in the central nervous system (CNS). Human neural rosettes (hNRs) are radial cell structures that assemble from induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and recapitulate some stages of neural tube morphogenesis. Here we show that hiPSCs and hNRs secrete EVs (hiPSC-EVs and hNR-EVs) with distinct protein cargoes. Remarkably, hNR-EVs carry neuronal and glial cellular components involved in CNS development. Byin silicoanalysis, we found hNR-EVs protein signature is expressedin vivoandin vitroduring human brain development. Importantly, hNR-EVs stimulate hiPSCs to change their cellular morphology with a significant reduction in the pluripotency regulator SOX2. Interestingly, these effects were inhibited by antibodies against an unexpected neuroglial cargo of hNR-EVs: the major proteolipid protein (PLP1). These findings show that hNRs secrete bioactive EVs containing neural components and might contribute as trophic factors during human CNS development.
Neural Ensembles in the Lateral Prefrontal Cortex Temporally Multiplex Task Features During Virtual Navigation
Authors: Abbass Mohamad , Corrigan Benjamin , Johnston Renée , Gulli Roberto , Sachs Adam , Lau Jonathan C. , Martinez-Trujillo Julio
Published: January 2024

Neuronal populations can expand their information encoding capacity using mixed selective neurons. This is particularly prominent in association areas such as the Lateral Prefrontal Cortex (LPFC) that integrate information from multiple sensory systems. During naturalistic conditions where subjects have agency, it is unclear how LPFC neuronal ensembles process space and time varying information. Here we show that during a virtual navigation task that requires associative memory and decision making, individual neurons and neuronal ensembles in the LPFC time-multiplex their selectivity for different task features to fluidly encode the temporal contingencies of the task and the animal’s choice. Neurons in ventral regions showed more selectivity for non-spatial features, while dorsal regions showed selectivity for space and eye movements. These results demonstrate that during naturalistic tasks with fluid scenery and spatiotemporal dynamics, LPFC neurons and neuronal ensembles time-multiplex the components of their selectivity, expanding the spatiotemporal capacity of their neural codes.
USP50 suppresses alternative RecQ helicase use and deleterious DNA2 activity during replication
Authors: Mackay Hannah L. , Stone Helen R. , Ellis Katherine , Ronson George E. , Walker Alexandra K. , Starowicz Katarzyna , Garvin Alexander J. , van Eijk Patrick , Vaitsiankova Alina , Vijayendran Sobana , Beesley James F. , Petermann Eva , Brown Eric J. , Densham Ruth M. , Reed Simon H. , Dobbs Felix , Saponaro Marco , Morris Joanna R.
Published: January 2024

Mammalian DNA replication employs several RecQ DNA helicases to orchestrate the faithful duplication of genetic information. Helicase function is often coupled to the activity of specific nucleases, but how helicase and nuclease activities are co-directed is unclear. Here we identify the inactive ubiquitin-specific protease, USP50, as a ubiquitin-binding and chromatin-associated protein required for ongoing replication, fork restart, telomere maintenance and cellular survival during replicative stress. USP50 supports WRN:FEN1 at stalled replication forks, suppresses MUS81-dependent fork collapse and restricts double-strand DNA breaks at GC-rich sequences. Surprisingly we find that cells depleted for USP50 and recovering from a replication block exhibit increased DNA2 and RECQL4 foci and that the defects in ongoing replication, poor fork restart and increased fork collapse seen in these cells are mediated by DNA2, RECQL4 and RECQL5. These data define a novel ubiquitin-dependent pathway that promotes the balance of helicase: nuclease use at ongoing and stalled replication forks.
Chemogenetic attenuation of PFC pyramidal neurons restores deficits in recognition memory following adolescent NMDA receptor blockade
Authors: Bauminger Hagar , Chandran Sailendrakumar Kolatt , Akirav Irit , Gaisler-Salomon Inna
Published: January 2024

During adolescence, the prefrontal cortex (PFC) undergoes dramatic developmental changes, including fine-tuning the balance between excitatory glutamate and inhibitory GABA transmission (i.e., the E/I balance). This process is critical for intact cognitive function and social behavior in adulthood, and its disruption is associated with several psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia (SZ). While acute NMDA receptor (NMDAr) blockade leads to excess glutamate transmission in the PFC, the long-term consequences of MK-801 administration during early adolescence on the E/I balance in adulthood have not been extensively studied. In the current study, we show that chronic MK-801 administration during early adolescence leads to abnormalities in recognition memory and social behavior as well as reduced frequency of miniature inhibitory post-synaptic currents (mIPSCs) in mPFC of adult male rats, with no change in excitatory currents or basal activity. We further show that chemogenetic attenuation of prelimbic mPFC pyramidal neurons reversed deficits in recognition memory, but not social behavior. These findings emphasize the critical role played by NMDAr during adolescence on the E/I balance as well as cognition and social function in adulthood. Moreover, these findings implicate the therapeutic outcomes of reduced mPFC pyramidal neuron activity in recognition memory deficits in early-adolescence MK-801-treated rats. Since recognition memory deficits are key components of the cognitive deficits in SZ, these findings suggest that the future development of treatments aimed at alleviating the cognitive deficits in SZ should focus on regulating the prefrontal E/I balance.
Developmental toxicity of pre-production plastic pellets affects a large swathe of invertebrate taxa
Authors: Jimenez-Guri Eva , Paganos Periklis , Vecchia Claudia La , Annona Giovanni , Caccavale Filomena , Molina Maria Dolores , Ferrández-Roldán Alfonso , Donnellan Rory Daniel , Salatiello Federica , Johnstone Adam , Eliso Maria Concetta , Spagnuolo Antonietta , Cañestro Cristian , Albalat Ricard , Martín-Durán José María , Williams Elizabeth A. , D’Aniello Enrico , Arnone Maria Ina
Published: January 2024

Microplastics pose risks to marine organisms through ingestion, entanglement, and as carriers of toxic additives and environmental pollutants. Plastic pre-production pellet leachates have been shown to affect the development of sea urchins and, to some extent, mussels. The extent of those developmental effects on other animal phyla remains unknown. Here, we test the toxicity of environmental mixed nurdle samples and new PVC pellets for the embryonic development or asexual reproduction by regeneration of animals from all the major animal superphyla (Lophotrochozoa, Ecdysozoa, Deuterostomia and Cnidaria). Our results show diverse, concentration-dependent impacts in all the species sampled for new pellets, and for molluscs and deuterostomes for environmental samples. Embryo axial formation, cell specification and, specially, morphogenesis seem to be the main processes affected by plastic leachate exposure. Our study serves as a proof of principle for the potentially catastrophic effects that increasing plastic concentrations in the oceans and other ecosystems can have across animal populations from all major animal superphyla.
A quantitative description of light-limited cyanobacterial growth using flux balance analysis
Authors: Höper R. , Komkova D. , Zavřel T. , Steuer R.
Published: January 2024

The metabolism of phototrophic cyanobacterial is an integral part of global biogeochemical cycles, and the capability of cyanobacteria to assimilate atmospheric CO2into organic carbon has manifold potential applications for a sustainable biotechnology. To elucidate the properties of cyanobacterial metabolism and growth, computational reconstructions of the genome-scale metabolic networks play an increasingly important role. Here, we present an updated reconstruction of the metabolic network of the cyanobacteriumSynechocystissp. PCC 6803 and its analysis using flux balance analysis (FBA). To overcome limitations of conventional FBA, and to allow for the integration of quantitative experimental analyses, we develop a novel approach to describe light absorption and light utilization. Our approach incorporates photoinhibition and a variable quantum yield into the constraint-based description of light-limited phototrophic growth. We show that the resulting model is capable to predict quantitative properties of cyanobacterial growth, including photosynthetic oxygen evolution and the ATP/NADPH ratio required for growth and cellular maintenance. Our approach retains the computational and conceptual simplicity of FBA and is readily applicable to other phototropic microorganisms.
DNA methylation patterns in the frontal lobe white matter of multiple system atrophy, Parkinson’s disease, and progressive supranuclear palsy: A cross-comparative investigation
Authors: Murthy Megha , Fodder Katherine , Miki Yasuo , Rambarack Naiomi , De Pablo Fernandez Eduardo , Mill Jonathan , Warner Thomas T , Lashley Tammaryn , Bettencourt Conceição
Published: January 2024

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare neurodegenerative disease characterized by neuronal loss and gliosis, with oligodendroglial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCI’s) containing α-synuclein being the primary pathological hallmark. Clinical presentations of MSA overlap with other parkinsonian disorders such as Parkinson’s disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), posing challenges in early diagnosis. Numerous studies have reported perturbations in DNA methylation in neurodegenerative diseases, with candidate loci being identified in various parkinsonian disorders including MSA, PD, and PSP. Although MSA and PSP present with substantial white matter pathology, alterations in white matter have also been reported in PD. However, studies comparing the DNA methylation architectures of white matter in these diseases are lacking. We therefore aimed to investigate three parkinsonian diseases, MSA, PD, and PSP, to identify shared and disease-specific DNA methylation alterations in white matter. Genome-wide DNA methylation profiling of frontal lobe white matter of individuals with MSA (n=17), PD (n=17), and PSP (n=16) and controls (n=15), using the Illumina EPIC array, revealed substantial commonalities in DNA methylation perturbations in MSA, PD, and PSP. We further used weighted gene correlation network analysis to identify disease-associated co-methylation signatures and identified dysregulation in processes relating to Wnt signalling, signal transduction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitochondrial processes, RNA interference, and endosomal transport. Our results highlight several shared DNA methylation perturbations and pathways indicative of converging molecular mechanisms contributing towards neurodegeneration in the white matter of all three parkinsonian diseases.