bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antisense Oligonucleotide as a New Technology Application for CsLOB1 Gene Silencing Aiming at Citrus Canker Resistance
Authors: de Lima Luiz Felipe Franco , Carvalho Isis Gabriela Barbosa , de Souza-Neto Reinaldo Rodrigues , dos Santos Larissa da Silva , Nascimento César Augusto , Takita Marco Aurélio , Távora Fabiano Touzdjian Pinheiro Kohlrausch , Mehta Angela , de Souza Alessandra Alves
Published: May 2024

Citrus canker disease, caused by Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri, poses a significant threat to global citrus production. The control of the disease in the field relies mainly on the use of conventional tools such as copper compounds, which are harmful to the environment and could lead to bacterial resistance. This scenario stresses the need for new and sustainable technologies to control phytopathogens, representing a key challenge in developing studies that translate basic into applied knowledge. During infection, X. citri subsp. citri secretes a transcriptional activator-like effector that enters the nucleus of plant cells, activating the expression of the canker susceptibility gene LATERAL ORGAN BOUNDARIES 1 ( LOB1). In this study, we explored the use of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) with phosphorothioate modifications to transiently inhibit the gene expression of CsLOB1 in Citrus sinensis. We designed and validated three potential ASO sequences, which led to a significant reduction in disease symptoms compared with the control. The selected ASO3- CsLOB1 significantly decreased the expression level of CsLOB1 when delivered through two distinct delivery methods, and the reduction of the symptoms ranged from approximately 15 to 83%. Notably, plants treated with ASO3 did not exhibit an increase in symptom development over the evaluation period. This study highlights the efficacy of ASO technology, based on short oligonucleotide chemically modified sequences, as a promising tool for controlling phytopathogens without the need for genetic transformation or plant regeneration. Our results demonstrate the potential of ASOs as a biotechnological tool for the management of citrus canker disease.
Updates in the care and management of children and adolescents with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Silva Clovis A. , Aikawa Nadia E. , Bonfa Eloisa
Published: May 2024

Purpose of review

This narrative review offers an update of the most important recent articles published in the previous year of childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE), focusing on care and management.

Recent findings

Age-related disparities may play a significant role in the clinical and laboratory characteristics of cSLE, as well as its performance in distinct classification criteria. Monogenic lupus is associated with higher disease damage scores and mortality rate compared to sporadic cSLE. Adolescent face unique challenges, with comorbid psychiatric diagnosis, low resilience and nonadherence posing relevant challenges. A recent international task force has outlined pivotal principles and points-to-consider for treat-to-target (T2T) in cSLE patients. While the past year did yield new randomized controlled trial for cSLE treatment, publications focused on broader management strategies, including the impact of ultraviolet radiation exposure, immunization, and strict blood pressure control. Additionally, case reports and series have evaluated the efficacy/safety profiles of both available and emerging treatments.

Current studies highlighted the various facets of cSLE, epidemiology, clinical, laboratory, classification criteria, adolescent issues, prognosis, surveillance, T2T approach and drug management. Despite notable progress, the scarcity of randomized trials emphasizes the need to delineate safer and more efficacious treatment modalities in cSLE.
Nasopharyngeal tumors with unusual presentations: a retrospective analysis from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alzahrani Rajab Ahmed
Published: May 2024

The most common malignant lesion in the nasopharynx is the nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), commonly presents with painless upper cervical lymphadenopathy secondary to nodal metastasis and the undifferentiated type is the most common diagnosis. Compared with other types of cancers, NPC is uncommon, albeit with a high difference in geographical distribution where the worldwide cases account for only 0.6% of all annually diagnosed cancers diagnosed, however, in Saudi Arabia the overall incidence among all age groups is 0.1–0.13 per 10 000. Other rare types of malignancies are also seen at the nasopharynx and due to the nonspecific clinical and imaging characteristics; the preoperative diagnosis may be difficult. This study retrospectively assessed the nasopharyngeal tumors diagnosed in a referral hospital in Al-Baha regions, Saudi Arabia during 10 years period that came with unusual presentations at the level of clinical, radiological, or pathological features to raise the awareness of healthcare provides by these entities. Twenty patients were included and revealed unusual (atypical) clinical presentation in 50% of case including a case presented with respiratory symptoms as a first presentation where multiple lung foci were seen and proved to be a metastatic NPC. Histopathological diagnoses were challenging for 40% of the cases revealing unusual malignant types. In summary, however, the nasopharyngeal malignancy is a rare entity, accurate diagnosis may be missed in clinical or even in the pathology examination. Surgeons and pathologists should be aware of the unusual presentation to provide early and more accurate diagnosis for such serous tumors.
Preservation Rhinoplasty: A New Approach to Mestizo Noses
Authors: Anco Norman , Caballero Gonzalo , Adrianzen Gerardo
Published: May 2024

Background:

Preservation rhinoplasty is a widely used technique; however, its use on mestizo noses is poorly documented. Our objective was to assess the level of satisfaction of our mestizo patients 1 year after their preservation rhinoplasty.

Methods:

The Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE), a Likert-type questionnaire validated in Spanish, was used to assess the level of satisfaction of 14 mestizo patients who underwent preservation rhinoplasty from March to July 2021 at 1 year after their surgery at the Higuereta Clinic in Lima, Peru.

Results:

The study included 14 patients, three men and 11 women, who underwent preservation rhinoplasty. A presurgical ROE questionnaire was applied, presenting a minimum value of 6, a maximum value of 21, and a mean of 12. When applied 1 year after surgery, the same ROE questionnaire presented a minimum value of 28, a maximum value of 30, and a mean of 30. The variation had a minimum value of 9 and a maximum value of 23, with a mean of 17 (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Preservation rhinoplasty can be successfully implemented in mestizo noses with good aesthetic results.
Association of 24-h central hemodynamics and stiffness with cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. The VASOTENS Registry
Authors: Omboni Stefano , Alfie Jose , Arystan Ayana , Avolio Alberto , Barin Edward , Bokusheva Jamilya , Bulanova Natalia , Butlin Mark , Cuffaro Paula , Derevyanchenko Maria , Grigoricheva Elena , Gurevich Alexandra , Konradi Alexandra , Muiesan Maria Lorenza , Paini Anna , Pereira Telmo , Statsenko Mikhail E. , Tan Isabella ,   the VASOTENS Registry Study Group
Published: May 2024

Objectives:

In hemodialysis patients, central hemodynamics, stiffness, and wave reflections assessed through ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) showed superior prognostic value for cardiovascular (CV) events than peripheral blood pressures (BPs). No such evidence is available for lower-risk hypertensive patients.

Methods:

In 591 hypertensive patients (mean age 58 ± 14 years, 49% males), ambulatory brachial and central BP, pulse wave velocity (PWV), and augmentation index (AIx) were obtained with a validated upper arm cuff-based pulse wave analysis technology. Information on treatment for hypertension (73% of patients), dyslipidemia (27%), diabetes (8%), CV disease history (25%), was collected. Patients were censored for CV events or all-cause death over 4.2 years.

Results:

One hundred and four events (24 fatal) were recorded. Advanced age [hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval: 1.03 (1.01, 1.05), P = 0.0001], female sex [1.57 (1.05, 2.33), P = 0.027], CV disease [2.22 (1.50, 3.29), P = 0.0001], increased 24-h central pulse pressure (PP) [1.56 (1.05, 2.31), P = 0.027], PWV [1.59 (1.07, 2.36), P = 0.022], or AIx [1.59 (1.08, 2.36), P = 0.020] were significantly associated with a worse prognosis (univariate Cox regression analysis). The prognostic power of peripheral and central BPs was lower. However, PWV [1.02 (0.64, 1.63), P = 0.924], AIx [1.06 (0.66, 1.69), P = 0.823], and central PP [1.18 (0.76, 1.82), P = 0.471], were not significant predictors in multivariate analyses.

Conclusions:

In hypertensive patients, ambulatory central PP, PWV, and AIx are associated with an increased risk of CV morbidity and all-cause mortality. However, this association is not independent of other patient characteristics.
‘Essential’ arterial hypertension: time for a paradigm change
Authors: Rossi Gian Paolo , Bagordo Domenico , Rossi Federico B. , Pintus Giovanni , Rossitto Giacomo , Seccia Teresa M.
Published: May 2024

The exclusion of causes of hypertension is not systematically exploited in clinical practice. Therefore, essential hypertension is consistently presented as the most prevalent ‘cause’. The paradox of a condition with unknown causes being described as a common cause of hypertension translates into a diagnosis of essential hypertension in most patients, which precludes the detection of a curable cause of hypertension. The aim of this review is to investigate how the notion of essential hypertension has developed and whether scientific evidence still support the notion of its high prevalence by examining the most recent studies. These studies provided solid scientific evidence that, when systematically sought for, secondary hypertension is quite common and that secondary hypertension is highly prevalent. The increased awareness should lead to a systematic search for, with the goal of curing or achieving a better control of high blood pressure, and ultimately improving patients’ quality of life.
Accuracy of methods to estimate central aortic SBP via upper arm cuff: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Picone Dean S. , Côté Nadège , Corney Raphaela , Sharman James E. , Agharazii Mohsen , Goupil Rémi
Published: May 2024

Objectives:

Central aortic BP may predict cardiovascular outcomes better than upper arm brachial BP. In recent years, technology has enabled central BP estimation by recording a peripheral BP waveform from a standard upper arm cuff. The accuracy of these devices is not well documented, and this study aimed to address this issue.

Methods:

This study was a systematic review, conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, of observational studies published between 2008 and 2023 that reported accuracy testing of cuff-based central BP devices, compared with reference invasive aortic BP. The primary analysis was stratified according to each commercially available device. Pooled estimates were calculated using random-effects models based on mean differences and standard errors.

Results:

Six thousand four hundred and fifteen studies were screened, and 27 studies met inclusion criteria (plus one unpublished study). This generated data for seven devices that are commercially available, which were tested among 2125 adult participants. There was very high heterogeneity when all devices were pooled (I
2 = 97.5%), and, when stratified by device, the accuracy of estimated central BP was highly device-dependent (range of accuracy across different devices −12.4 mmHg (−16.3 to −8.5) to 3.2 mmHg (0.2–6.1). Two of the seven commercially available devices had not undergone external validation testing.

Conclusion:

The accuracy of commercially available cuff-based central BP devices is highly device-specific and not all are accurate for the estimation of central SBP. These findings have major implications for the appropriate interpretation of studies that use cuff-based estimated central BP.
Outcomes of Nonpenetrating Versus Penetrating Deep Sclerectomy in Open Angle Glaucoma
Authors: Merlo Pich Francesco Giorgio , Oliverio Leandro , Gillmann Kevin , Mermoud André
Published: May 2024

Précis:

In this retrospective study, nonpenetrating deep sclerectomy (NPDS) and penetrating deep sclerectomy (PDS) interventions showed similar >90% complete success rates at 1-year postsurgery. However, NPDS achieved a superior safety profile in terms of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) recovery and rates of post-surgical complications.

Objective:

Comparing the surgical outcomes of 2 surgical techniques: NPDS and PDS.

Patients and Methods:

This was a retrospective, longitudinal, comparative study including 66 eyes from 57 patients aged 69 ± 9 years who underwent either NPDS or PDS for medically uncontrolled open angle glaucoma. Outcome measurements included intraocular pressure (IOP), BCVA, rates of complications, postoperative corrective interventions, and glaucoma medications at baseline and at all postoperative appointments up to 1 year. An exploratory mixed-effect model was used to assess the intergroup differences between IOP and BCVA.

Results:

One-year postsurgery, a similar significant IOP reduction from baseline was observed in NPDS (from 19.9 ± 1.3 to 11.5 ± 0.9 mm Hg, P < 0.001) and PDS (from 19.5 ± 1.1 to 10.7 ± 0.6 mm Hg, P < 0.001). A conservative complete success rate (defined as medicated IOP ≤16 mm Hg and ≥20% reduction in IOP) was 87% for NPDS and 97% for PDS. No BCVA changes were observed between baseline and 1-year postsurgery in both groups, and glaucoma medications showed a similar 10-fold reduction in both groups (P < 0.001 vs baseline). However, a significant difference in the speed of postoperative BVCA recovery was observed between NPDS and PDS (P < 0.01), with NPDS showing a faster recovery. Moreover, lower numbers of postsurgical complications and postoperative interventions were observed after NPDS compared with PDS [NPDS, n = 30 and 34 vs PDS, n = 80 and 48 (P < 0.05), respectively].

Conclusions:

The present study confirmed that both NPDS and PDS are highly effective surgical interventions for the management of primary open angle glaucoma. However, NPDS had a superior safety profile in terms of BCVA recovery, complication rates, and postoperative interventions.
Evaluation of Visual Cortex Activity Using Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Primary Open Angle and Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma: A Pilot Study
Authors: Angku Hage , Verma Rohit , Mahalingam Karthikeyan , Naik Anand , Angmo Dewang , Gupta Shikha , Sihota Ramanjit , Dada Tanuj
Published: May 2024

Précis:

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was used to assess visual cortical activity in patients with primary open angle (POAG) and primary angle closure (PACG) glaucomas. There was decreased activity in the visual cortex of glaucoma patients correlating with the severity of glaucoma.

Objective:

To evaluate visual cortex activity using fNIRS in POAG and PACG compared with healthy controls.

Methods:

A total of 30 POAGs, 31 PACGs, and 30 healthy aged-matched controls from a single centre were recruited in this cross-sectional observational pilot study with purposive sampling. The POAG and PACG groups were age-matched but were not matched for disease severity at recruitment. All participants underwent fNIRS testing using a multichannel continuous-wave near-infrared system NIRSport 8×7 device (NIRx Medizintechnik GmbH). The visual cortex activity was evaluated in terms of the maximum amplitude of change in oxyhemoglobin (OxyHb) concentration over 10 seconds, and a comparison was done among 3 groups. Both POAG and PACG groups were combined (termed as glaucoma group) to assess the relationship of visual cortical activity with disease severity (by visual field defect (mean deviation) and retinal nerve fibre layer thickness).

Results:

All participants showed the characteristic response of increased OxyHb and decreased deoxyhemoglobin during stimulus presentation. The maximum amplitude of change in OxyHb concentration over 10 seconds was significantly lower in both POAG and PACG groups compared with control in the right and left middle occipital gyri (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between PACG and POAG. Importantly, there was a negative correlation between the visual cortex activity with the visual field defects (mean deviation; P < 0.05) and a positive correlation with retinal nerve fibre layer thickness in the glaucoma group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

In patients with glaucoma, a reduction in visual cortical activity was observed, which may be indicative of neuronal degeneration occurring in the occipital cortex. Disease severity in glaucoma appears to be closely correlated with visual cortex activity. fNIRS can serve as a useful neuroimaging modality for assessing the hemodynamic and neurodegenerative changes in glaucoma.
Artificial Intelligence in Anterior Chamber Evaluation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Olyntho Marco A.C. , Jorge Carlos A.C. , Castanha Everton B. , Gonçalves Andreia N. , Silva Barbara L. , Nogueira Bernardo V. , Lima Geovana M. , Gracitelli Carolina P.B. , Tatham Andrew J.
Published: May 2024

Précis:

In this meta-analysis of 6 studies and 5269 patients, deep learning algorithms applied to AS-OCT demonstrated excellent diagnostic performance for closed angle compared with gonioscopy, with a pooled sensitivity and specificity of 94% and 93.6%, respectively.

Purpose:

This study aimed to review the literature and compare the accuracy of deep learning algorithms (DLA) applied to anterior segment optical coherence tomography images (AS-OCT) against gonioscopy in detecting angle closure in patients with glaucoma.

Methods:

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating DLA in AS-OCT images for the diagnosis of angle closure compared with gonioscopic evaluation. PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Lilacs, Scielo, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched. The bivariate model was used to calculate pooled sensitivity and specificity.

Results:

The initial search identified 214 studies, of which 6 were included for final analysis. The total study population included 5269 patients. The combined sensitivity of the DLA compared with gonioscopy was 94.0% (95% CI: 83.8%–97.9%), whereas the pooled specificity was 93.6% (95% CI: 85.7%–97.3%). Sensitivity analyses removing each individual study showed a pooled sensitivity in the range of 90.1%–95.1%. Similarly, specificity results ranged from 90.3% to 94.5% with the removal of each individual study and recalculation of pooled specificity.

Conclusion:

DLA applied to AS-OCT has excellent sensitivity and specificity in the identification of angle closure. This technology may be a valuable resource in the screening of populations without access to experienced ophthalmologists who perform gonioscopy.
Defining the optimal segmentation method for measuring somatostatin receptor expressing tumor volume on 68Ga-DOTATATE positron emission tomography/computed tomography to predict prognosis in patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Filizoglu Nuh , Ozguven Salih , Akin Telli Tugba , Ones Tunc , Dede Fuat , Turoglu Halil T. , Erdil Tanju Y.
Published: May 2024

Objective

We aimed to compare different segmentation methods used to calculate prognostically valuable volumetric parameters, somatostatin receptor expressing tumor volume (SRETV), and total lesion somatostatin receptor expression (TLSRE), measured by 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT and to find the optimal segmentation method to predict prognosis.

Patients and methods

Images of 34 patients diagnosed with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (GEPNET) who underwent 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT imaging were reanalyzed. Four different threshold-based methods (fixed relative threshold method, normal liver background threshold method, fixed absolute standardized uptake value (SUV) threshold method, and adaptive threshold method) were used to calculate SRETV and TLSRE values. SRETV of all lesions of a patient was summarized as whole body SRETV (WB-SRETV) and TLSRE of all lesions of a patient was computed as whole body TLSRE (WB-TLSRE).

Results

WB-SRETVs calculated with all segmentation methods were statistically significantly associated with progression-free survival except WB-SRETVat which was calculated using adaptive threshold method. The fixed relative threshold methods calculated by using 45% (WB-SRETV45%) and 60% (WB-SRETV60%) of the SUV value as threshold respectively, were found to have statistically significant highest prognostic value (C-index = 0.704, CI = 0.622–0.786, P = 0.007). Among WB-TLSRE parameters, WB-TLSRE35%, WB-TLSRE40%, and WB-TLSRE50% had the highest prognostic value (C-index = 0.689, CI = 0.604–0.774, P = 0.008).

Conclusion

The fixed relative threshold method was found to be the most effective and easily applicable method to measure SRETV on pretreatment 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT to predict prognosis in GEPNET patients. WB-SRETV45% (cutoff value of 11.8 cm3) and WB-SRETV60% (cutoff value of 6.3 cm3) were found to be the strongest predictors of prognosis in GEPNET patients.
Clinical Results of Asymmetric Blepharoplasty Plastic Repair
Authors: Li Yanqi , Li Hanlin , Zhang Yankun
Published: May 2024

Objective:

To investigate plastic surgery repair’s effects and adverse reactions in the clinical therapy of asymmetric double eyelids.

Methods:

All 126 sufferers who came to the hospital for asymmetric double eyelid plastic repair from January 2022 to October 2022 were selected as the research objects, and they were divided into a control group and an observation group using the random number method, with 63 cases in each group, in which sufferers in the control group underwent full incision blepharoplasty and sufferers in the observation group underwent small incision liposuction with submerged sutures. The general data, treatment results, treatment satisfaction, related surgical indicators, and frequency of adverse reactions of the 2 groups of sufferers with asymmetric double eyelid plastic repair were compared.

Results:

It had no statistically obvious distinction between the control group and the observation group of sufferers in terms of general data such as sex, age, weight, and height (P>0.05); the total therapy efficiency of the sufferers in the observation group (95.24%) was greater than the control group (74.60%), with P value <0.05; the total treatment satisfaction of the patients in the observation group (96.83%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (76.19%), with P value <0.05; compared with the control group, patients in the observation group had shorter operative time and healing time and less intraoperative bleeding, with P value <0.05; the total frequency of adverse reactions of sufferers in the observation group (4.76%) was less than the control group (17.46%), with P value <0.05.

Conclusion:

Small incision liposuction with submerged sutures for plastic repair has significant efficacy, relatively high patient satisfaction, and low incidence of adverse reactions, in line with patient esthetic review, which has a broad clinical application prospect.
Successful Extension of Vascularized Composite Allograft Perfusion Cold Storage to 24 h in a Rat Hindlimb Transplant Model
Authors: Ng Po’okela K. , Yoeli Dor , Huang Joy L. , Luo Yuhuan , Wang Yong , Li Bing , Wang Zhaohui , Schold Jesse , Jain Swati , Su An-Jey A. , Mathes David W. , Washington Kia M. , Farkash Evan , Jani Alkesh H. , Huang Christene A.
Published: May 2024

Background.

Vascularized composite allograft transplantation is a treatment option for complex tissue injuries; however, ischemia reperfusion injury and high acute rejection rates remain a challenge. Hypothermic machine perfusion using acellular storage perfusate is a potential solution. This study evaluated the University of Wisconsin Kidney Preservation Solution-1 (KPS-1) compared with normal saline (NS) for preservation of donor rat hindlimbs subjected to 24 h of ex vivo perfusion cold storage.

Methods.

Hindlimbs were subjected to 24-h perfusion cold storage with heparinized KPS-1 (n = 6) or heparinized NS (n = 6). Flow, resistance, and pH were measured continuously. At the end of the 24-h period, tissue was collected for histological analysis of edema and apoptosis.

Results.

KPS-1 perfused limbs showed significantly less edema than the NS group, as evidenced by lower limb weight gain (P < 0.001) and less interfascicular space (P < 0.001). KPS-perfused muscle had significantly less cell death than NS-perfused muscle based on terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (P < 0.001) and cleaved caspase-3 staining (P = 0.045). During hypothermic machine perfusion, a significant decrease in pH over time was detected in both groups, with a significantly greater decline in pH in the KPS-1 group than in the NS group. There were no significant differences overall and over time in flow rate or vascular resistance between the KPS and NS groups.

Conclusions.

Perfusion with KPS-1 can successfully extend vascularized composite allograft perfusion cold storage for 24 h in a rat hindlimb model without significant edema or cell death.
Multilevel Analysis of the Neovascularization and Integration Process of a Nonvascularized Rectus Fascia Transplantation
Authors: Muylle Ewout , Maes Arne , De Hertogh Gert , Van De Winkel Nele , Kerckhofs Greet , Dubois Antoine , Vandecaveye Vincent , Thorrez Lieven , Hennion Ina , Emonds Marie-Paule , Pans Steven , Deferm Nathalie P. , Monbaliu Diethard , Canovai Emilio , Vanuytsel Tim , Pirenne Jacques , Ceulemans Laurens J.
Published: May 2024

Background.

Failure to close the abdominal wall after intestinal transplantation (ITx) or multivisceral Tx remains a surgical challenge. An attractive method is the use of nonvascularized rectus fascia (NVRF) in which both layers of the donor abdominal rectus fascia are used as an inlay patch without vascular anastomosis. How this graft integrates over time remains unknown. The study aims to provide a multilevel analysis of the neovascularization and integration process of the NVRF.

Methods.

Three NVRF-Tx were performed after ITx. Clinical, radiological, histological, and immunological data were analyzed to get insights into the neovascularization and integration process of the NVRF. Moreover, cryogenic contrast-enhanced microfocus computed tomography (microCT) analysis was used for detailed reconstruction of the vasculature in and around the NVRF (3-dimensional histology).

Results.

Two men (31- and 51-y-old) and 1 woman (49-y-old) underwent 2 multivisceral Tx and 1 combined liver-ITx, respectively. A CT scan showed contrast enhancement around the fascia graft at 5 days post-Tx. At 6 weeks, newly formed blood vessels were visualized around the graft with Doppler ultrasound. Biopsies at 2 weeks post-Tx revealed inflammation around the NVRF and early fibrosis. At 6 months, classical 2-dimensional histological analysis of a biopsy confirmed integration of the fascia graft with strong fibrotic reaction without signs of rejection. A cryogenic contrast-enhanced microCT scan of the same biopsy revealed the presence of microvasculature, enveloping and penetrating the donor fascia.

Conclusions.

We showed clinical, histological, and microCT evidence of the neovascularization and integration process of the NVRF after Tx.
Ethnoracial Identity and Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Wood Isabella , Song Ruopu , Zhang Yingjin , Jacobsen Erin , Hughes Tiffany , Chang Chung-Chou H. , Ganguli Mary
Published: May 2024

Background:

Identifying potentially modifiable risk factors associated with MCI in different ethnoracial groups could reduce MCI burden and health inequity in the population.

Methods:

Among 2845 adults aged 65+ years, we investigated potential risk exposures including education, physical and mental health, lifestyle, and sensory function, and their cross-sectional associations with MCI. We compared proportions of exposures between Black and White participants and explored relationships among race, MCI, and exposures. Logistic regression modeled MCI as a function of each exposure in the overall sample adjusting for age, sex, educational level, and race, and investigating race*exposure interactions.

Results:

Compared with White participants, Black participants had greater odds of MCI (OR 1.53; 95% CI, 1.13 to 2.06) and were more likely to report depressive symptoms, diabetes, and stroke, to have high blood pressure and BMI, and to be APOE-

4 carriers. Exposures associated with higher odds of MCI were diabetes, stroke, lifetime smoking, sleep disturbances, social isolation, loneliness, depression and anxiety symptoms, and vision and hearing loss. There were no significant interactions between race and any exposure.

Conclusions:

Black participants had 53% higher odds of MCI adjusting for age, sex, and education. The same exposures were associated with MCI in Black and White participants.
Pelvic floor muscle training for urinary incontinence in older adults: a best practice implementation project
Authors: SIC Terese Kochuvilayil , Cherian Sunu Alice , Vargese Saritha Susan , McArthur Alexa , Lizarondo Lucylynn
Published: May 2024

Objectives:

This project aimed to implement best practices for pelvic floor muscle training to manage urinary incontinence among older women in long-term care in Kerala, India.

Introduction:

Urinary incontinence is a prevalent and distressing condition that affects a significant proportion of older adults and is characterized by involuntary loss of urine, leading to social embarrassment, decreased quality of life, and increased health care costs. It is more prevalent in women and is associated with dementia, limited mobility, and other comorbidities in long-term care. Pelvic floor muscle training is a first-line treatment option for urinary incontinence in older adults, given its potential to improve quality of life and reduce health care costs.

Methods:

This project was based on the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework. A baseline audit was conducted to evaluate current practice against best practices. After identifying barriers and implementing strategies, follow-up audits were conducted after 3 and 6 months.

Results:

The baseline audit showed 0% compliance with all best practices. Barriers such as lack of knowledge and practice of pelvic floor exercises for urinary incontinence among participants and nurses; unknown cognitive status; and health emergencies were identified. Strategies including video-assisted training of pelvic floor muscle exercises, training calendars, and flip charts with instructions. The follow-up audits showed significant improvements in compliance.

Conclusions:

This project reduced urinary incontinence in the participants. Although two of the audit criteria did not reach 100% compliance by the end of 6 months, the stakeholders of the long-term care facility understood the importance of pelvic floor muscle training, which will be beneficial for future residents with urinary incontinence.

Spanish abstract:

http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A211
Tiger beetles produce anti-bat ultrasound and are probable Batesian moth mimics
Authors: Gough Harlan M. , Rubin Juliette J. , Kawahara Akito Y. , Barber Jesse R.
Published: May 2024

Echolocating bats and their eared insect prey are in an acoustic evolutionary war. Moths produce anti-bat sounds that startle bat predators, signal noxiousness, mimic unpalatable models and jam bat sonar. Tiger beetles (Cicindelidae) also purportedly produce ultrasound in response to bat attacks. Here we tested 19 tiger beetle species from seven genera and showed that they produce anti-bat signals to playback of authentic bat echolocation. The dominant frequency of beetle sounds substantially overlaps the sonar calls of sympatric bats. As tiger beetles are known to produce defensive chemicals such as benzaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide, we hypothesized that tiger beetle sounds are acoustically advertising their unpalatability. We presented captive big brown bats (
Eptesicus fuscus
) with seven different tiger beetle species and found that 90 out of 94 beetles were completely consumed, indicating that these tiger beetle species are not aposematically signalling. Instead, we show that the primary temporal and spectral characteristics of beetle warning sounds overlap with sympatric unpalatable tiger moth (Arctinae) sounds and that tiger beetles are probably Batesian mimics of noxious moth models. We predict that many insect taxa produce anti-bat sounds and that the acoustic mimicry rings of the night sky are hyperdiverse.
CNTN4 modulates neural elongation through interplay with APP
Authors: Bamford Rosemary A. , Zuko Amila , Eve Madeline , Sprengers Jan J. , Post Harm , Taggenbrock Renske L. R. E. , Fäβler Dominique , Mehr Annika , Jones Owen J. R. , Kudzinskas Aurimas , Gandawijaya Josan , Müller Ulrike C. , Kas Martien J. H. , Burbach J. Peter H. , Oguro-Ando Asami
Published: May 2024

The neuronal cell adhesion molecule contactin-4 (
CNTN4
) is genetically associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other psychiatric disorders.
Cntn4
-deficient mouse models have previously shown that CNTN4 plays important roles in axon guidance and synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. However, the pathogenesis and functional role of CNTN4 in the cortex has not yet been investigated. Our study found a reduction in cortical thickness in the motor cortex of
Cntn4
−/−
mice, but cortical cell migration and differentiation were unaffected. Significant morphological changes were observed in neurons in the M1 region of the motor cortex, indicating that CNTN4 is also involved in the morphology and spine density of neurons in the motor cortex. Furthermore, mass spectrometry analysis identified an interaction partner for CNTN4, confirming an interaction between CNTN4 and amyloid-precursor protein (APP). Knockout human cells for CNTN4 and/or APP revealed a relationship between CNTN4 and APP. This study demonstrates that CNTN4 contributes to cortical development and that binding and interplay with APP controls neural elongation. This is an important finding for understanding the physiological function of APP, a key protein for Alzheimer’s disease. The binding between CNTN4 and APP, which is involved in neurodevelopment, is essential for healthy nerve outgrowth.
African swine fever in wild boar: investigating model assumptions and structure
Authors: Shaw Callum , McLure Angus , Glass Kathryn
Published: May 2024

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly virulent viral disease that affects domestic pigs and wild boar. Current ASF transmission in Europe is in part driven by wild boar populations, which act as a disease reservoir. Wild boar are abundant throughout Europe and are highly social animals with complex social organization. Despite the known importance of wild boar in ASF spread and persistence, knowledge gaps remain surrounding wild boar transmission. We developed a wild boar modelling framework to investigate the influence of contact-density functions and wild boar social structure on disease dynamics. The framework included an ordinary differential equation model, a homogeneous stochastic model and various network-based stochastic models that explicitly included wild boar social grouping. We found that power-law functions (transmission

∝

density
0.5
) and frequency-based contact-density functions were best able to reproduce recent Baltic outbreaks; however, power-law function models predicted considerable carcass transmission, while frequency-based models had negligible carcass transmission. Furthermore, increased model heterogeneity caused a decrease in the relative importance of carcass-based transmission. The transmission pathways predicted by each model type affected the efficacy of idealized interventions, which highlights the importance of evaluating model type and structure when modelling systems with significant uncertainties.
Short-term memory, attentional control and brain size in primates
Authors: van Schaik Carel P. , Jacobs Ivo , Burkart Judith M. , Sauciuc Gabriela-Alina , Schuppli Caroline , Persson Tomas , Song Zitan
Published: May 2024

Brain size variability in primates has been attributed to various domain-specific socio-ecological factors. A recently published large-scale study of short-term memory abilities in 41 primate species (ManyPrimates 2022
Anim. Behav. Cogn.
9, 428–516. (doi:
10.26451/abc.09.04.06.2022
)) did not find any correlations with 11 different proxies of external cognitive demands. Here, we found that the interspecific variation in test performance shows correlated evolution with total brain size, with the relationship becoming tighter as species with small sample sizes were successively removed, whereas it was not predicted by the often-used encephalization quotient. In a subsample, we also found that the sizes of brain regions thought to be involved in short-term memory did not predict performance better than overall brain size. The dependence on brain size suggests that domain-general cognitive processes underlie short-term memory as tested by ManyPrimates. These results support the emerging notion that comparative studies of brain size do not generally identify domain-specific cognitive adaptations but rather reveal varying selections on domain-general cognitive abilities. Finally, because attentional processes beyond short-term memory also affect test performance, we suggest that the delayed response test can be refined.
Using isotopic fingerprints in gastropod shells to validate commercial production pathway and geographic provenance
Authors: Boultby Elise N. , Martino Jasmin C. , Baring Ryan , Doubleday Zoë A.
Published: May 2024

Growing demand for high-value seafood is fuelling provenance fraud, which threatens the sustainability of wild fisheries while posing biosecurity and human health risks. Here, we investigated carbon (
δ
13
C) and oxygen (
δ
18
O) isotopes in abalone shells (
Haliotis
sp.) to determine the production method and geographical provenance. Using X-ray diffraction and isotope ratio mass spectrometry, we found that shell mineralogy did not influence isotope values. Isotope values between wild and farmed sectors were statistically different, with 64% of individuals correctly classified as farmed or wild. Subsequently, we successfully distinguished the provenance of abalone collected from farms (with 83% of individuals correctly classified), as well as wild-caught abalone collected from four state jurisdictions (with 88% correctly classified). Carbon isotopes were strongly correlated to longitude, with both isotopes correlated to latitude. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of isotopic fingerprints in gastropod shells to track the provenance of commercially valuable species.
Catenovulum adriaticum sp. nov., isolated from algae in the harbour of Susak, Croatia
Authors: Schoch Teresa , Reich Sebastian J. , Flaiz Maximilian , Stöferle Sophia , Riedel Christian U. , Dürre Peter
Published: May 2024

The use of algae as feedstock for industrial purposes, such as in bioethanol production, is desirable. During a search for new agarolytic marine bacteria, a novel Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, and agarolytic bacterium, designated as TS8T, was isolated from algae in the harbour of the island of Susak, Croatia. The cells were rod-shaped and motile. The G+C content of the sequenced genome was 38.6 mol%. Growth was observed at 11–37 °C, with 0.5–13 % (w/v) NaCl, and at pH 6.0–9.0. The main fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1
 ω6c and/or C16 : 1
 ω7c), summed feature 8 (C18 : 1
 ω7c and/or C18 : 1
 ω6c), and C16 : 0. The main respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-8. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the newly isolated strain belongs to the genus Catenovulum. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence data, strain TS8T is closely related to Catenovulum sediminis D2T (95.7 %), Catenovulum agarivorans YM01T (95.0 %), and Catenovulum maritimum Q1T (93.2 %). Digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between TS8T and the other Catenovulum strains were below 25 %. Based on genotypic, phenotypic, and phylogenetic data, strain TS8T represents a new species of the genus Catenovulum, for which the name Catenovulum adriaticum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is TS8T (=DSM 114830T=NCIMB 15451T).
Transformation of meiotic drive into hybrid sterility in Drosophila
Authors: Bladen Jackson , Nam Hyuck-Jin , Phadnis Nitin
Published: May 2024

Hybrid male sterility is one of the fastest evolving intrinsic reproductive barriers between recently isolated populations. A leading explanation for the evolution of hybrid male sterility involves genomic conflicts with meiotic drivers in the male germline. There are, however, few examples directly linking meiotic drive to hybrid sterility. Here, we report that theSex-Ratiochromosome ofDrosophila pseudoobscura, which causes X-chromosome drive within the USA subspecies, causes near complete male sterility when moved into the genetic background of the Bogota subspecies. In addition, we show that this new form of sterility is genetically distinct from the sterility of F1 hybrid males in crosses between USA males and Bogota females. Our observations provide a tractable study system where non-cryptic drive within species is transformed into strong hybrid sterility between very young subspecies.
Ultrasound-actuated drug delivery with acoustic percolation switches
Authors: Abundo Maria Paulene , Tifrea Anna T. , Buss Marjorie T. , Barturen-Larrea Pierina , Jin Zhiyang , Malounda Dina , Shapiro Mikhail G.
Published: May 2024

Devices that can be remote-controlled under image guidance to precisely deliver biomedicines to sites of disease are a major goal of biomedical research. However, most existing externally triggered delivery systems are based on complex micromachines that are controlled with electromagnetic waves and require custom external instrumentation. Here we present a drug delivery platform comprising a simple protein-containing hydrogel that can be both imaged and triggered to release drugs at specific locations using widely available ultrasound imaging devices. This technology is based on the addition of air-filled protein nanostructures called gas vesicles (GVs) to hydrogel delivery vehicles. While intact, GVs sterically block the release of drug payloads and allow the vehicle to be imaged with ultrasound. An increase in ultrasound pressure causes the collapse of GVs within hydrogels present at the desired anatomical location, instantly creating percolation channels and triggering rapid drug release. Both the imaging and release are performed using a common diagnostic ultrasound probe. We implement this concept by establishing ultrasound-controlled drug diffusion and release from hydrogelsin vitroand demonstrating targeted image-guided protein deliveryin vivofollowing oral administration. We use this approach to deliver anti-inflammatory antibodies to treat gastrointestinal inflammation in a rat model of colitis. Targeted acoustic percolation switches (TAPS) open a conduit for local, image-guided drug delivery with a simple formulation and commonplace ultrasound equipment.
The Continuous Language of Protein Structure
Authors: Billera Lukas , Oresten Anton , Stålmarck Aron , Sato Kenta , Kaduk Mateusz , Murrell Ben
Published: May 2024

Just as language is composed of sublexical tokens that combine to form words, sentences, and paragraphs, protein backbones are composed of sub-structural elements that combine to form helices, sheets, folds, domains, and chains. Autoregressive language models operate on discrete tokens, whereas protein structure is inherently continuous, and generative approaches to protein design have borrowed more from image generation than language modeling. But autoregressive models do not inherently require their inputs and outputs to be discrete. Here we describe a generative autoregressive language model over the continuous space of protein backbones, where the distribution over the placement of each successive amino acid is conditioned on all preceding residues, and can be sampled from one residue after another. We show that this approach can learn to sample diverse and realistic protein chains, opening a new potential avenue forin silicoprotein design.
An integrated picture of the structural pathways controlling the heart performance
Authors: Morotti Ilaria , Caremani Marco , Marcello Matteo , Pertici Irene , Bianco Pasquale , Narayanan Theyencheri , Piazzesi Gabriella , Reconditi Massimo , Lombardi Vincenzo , Linari Marco
Published: May 2024

Regulation of heart function is attributed to a dual filament mechanism: (i) the Ca2+-dependent structural changes in the regulatory proteins of the thin, actin-containing filament making actin available for myosin motor attachment1, and (ii) the release of motors from their folded (OFF) state on the surface of the thick filament2allowing them to attach and pull the actin filament. Thick filament mechanosensing is thought to control the number of motors switching ON in relation to the systolic performance3, but its molecular basis is still unknown. Here high spatial resolution X-ray diffraction data from electrically paced rat trabeculae and papillary muscles call for a revision of the mechanosensing hypothesis and provide a molecular explanation of the modulation of heart performance also in light of the recent cryo-EM thick filament structure4, 5. We find that upon stimulation titin activation6triggers structural changes in the thick filament that switch motors ON throughout the filament within ∼½ the maximum systolic force. These structural changes also drive MyBP-C N-terminus to bind actin7promoting first motor attachments from the central 1/3 of the half-thick filament. Progression of attachments towards the periphery of half-thick filament with increase in systolic force is carried on by near-neighbour cooperative thin filament activation by attached motors8. The identification of the roles of MyBP-C, titin, thin and thick filaments in heart regulation enables their targeting for potential therapeutic interventions.
Activation of Piezo1 Inhibits Kidney Cystogenesis
Authors: Fan Qingfeng , Hadla Mohamad , Peterson Zack , Nelson Grace , Ye Hong , Wang Xiaofang , Mardirossian Jean Marc , Harris Peter C. , Alper Seth L. , Prakash Y.S. , Beyder Arthur , Torres Vicente E. , Chebib Fouad T.
Published: May 2024

The disruption of calcium signaling associated with polycystin deficiency has been proposed as the primary event underlying the increased abnormally patterned epithelial cell growth characteristic of Polycystic Kidney Disease. Calcium can be regulated through mechanotransduction, and the mechanosensitive cation channel Piezo1 has been implicated in sensing of intrarenal pressure and in urinary osmoregulation. However, a possible role for PIEZO1 in kidney cystogenesis remains undefined. We hypothesized that cystogenesis in ADPKD reflects altered mechanotransduction, suggesting activation of mechanosensitive cation channels as a therapeutic strategy for ADPKD. Here, we show that Yoda-1 activation of PIEZO1 increases intracellular Ca2+and reduces forskolin-induced cAMP levels in mIMCD3 cells. Yoda-1 reduced forskolin-induced IMCD cyst surface areain vitroand in mouse metanephrosex vivoin a dose-dependent manner. Knockout of polycystin-2 dampened the efficacy of PIEZO1 activation in reducing both cAMP levels and cyst surface area in IMCD3 cells. However, collecting duct-specificPiezo1knockout neither induced cystogenesis in wild-type mice nor affected cystogenesis in thePkd1RC/RCmodel of ADPKD. Our study suggests that polycystin-2 and PIEZO1 play a role in mechanotransduction during cystogenesisin vitro, andex vivo, but thatin vivocyst expansion may require inactivation or repression of additional suppressors of cystogenesis and/or growth. Our study provides a preliminary proof of concept for PIEZO1 activation as a possible component of combination chemotherapy to retard or halt cystogenesis and/or cyst growth.