bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PBAF chromatin remodeler complexes that mediate meiotic transitions in mouse
Authors: de Castro Rodrigo O. , Previato de Almeida Luciana , Carbajal Agustin , Gryniuk Irma , Pezza Roberto J.
Published: September 2022

Gametogenesis in mammals encompasses highly regulated developmental transitions. These are associated with changes in transcription that cause characteristic patterns of gene expression observed during distinct stages of gamete development, which include specific activities with critical meiotic functions. SWI/SNF chromatin remodelers are recognized regulators of gene transcription and DNA repair, but their composition and functions in meiosis are poorly understood. We have generated gamete-specific conditional knockout mice for ARID2, a specific regulatory subunit of PBAF, and have compared its phenotype with BRG1 knockouts, the catalytic subunit of PBAF/BAF complexes. While Brg1Δ/Δ knockout acts at an early stage of meiosis and causes cell arrest at pachynema, ARID2 activity is apparently required at the end of prophase I. Striking defects in spindle assembly and chromosome-spindle attachment observed in Arid2Δ/Δ knockouts are attributed to an increase in aurora B kinase, a master regulator of chromosome segregation, at centromeres. Further genetic and biochemical analyses suggest the formation of a canonical PBAF and a BRG1-independent complex containing ARID2 and PBRM1 as core components. The data support a model in which different PBAF complexes regulate different stages of meiosis and gametogenesis.
Multimodal perioperative assessment of liver function and volume in patients undergoing hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastasis: a comparison of the indocyanine green retention test, 99mTc mebrofenin hepatobiliary scintigraphy and gadoxetic acid enhanced MRI
Authors: Wang Qiang , Brismar Torkel B. , Gilg Stefan , Jonas Eduard , Nilsson Henrik , Tzortzakakis Antonios , Isaksson Bengt , Axelsson Rimma , Sparrelid Ernesto
Published: September 2022

Objectives:

To compare the dynamic changes in future liver remnant (FLR) function and volume after hepatectomy and to evaluate the associations between three modalities in assessment of liver function.

Methods:

Liver function and volume were quantified pre-operatively, at post-operative day (POD) 7 and POD 28 in 10 patients with colorectal liver metastases undergoing hemihepatectomy using the indocyanine green retention (ICG) test, hepatobiliary scintigraphy (HBS) and gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI. The 99mTc mebrofenin uptake rate in the FLR was applied as a reference of liver function. MRI-derived parameters including liver-to-muscle ratio (LMR), liver-to-spleen ratio (LSR) and hepatocellular uptake index (HUI) were used for liver function assessment. Spearman’s correlation analysis was used to evaluate the associations.

Results:

Increase in liver function ranged from 13 to 152% (median 92%) and in volume from 37 to 134% (median 79%). There was no significant discrepancy in increase between FLR function and volume during the first month following hepatectomy. LMR showed a significant correlation to ICG test (r = −0.66, p < 0.05) while LSR had an association with standardized FLR function obtained by HBS (r = −0.71, p < 0.05). During the first week after hepatectomy, pre-operative HUI and LMR showed the strongest correlation to the FLR growth in function and volume respectively (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The observed growth in FLR volume is closely related to the functional increase within 1 month after hepatectomy. Gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI might substitute HBS for regional liver function assessment and provide an imaging tool for liver growth prediction.

Advances in knowledge:

Liver function growth was parallel with liver volume increase during the perioperative period. Liver function assessment with gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI was comparable with that of HBS indicating that gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI could substitute HBS for regional liver function evaluation.
Community social responsibility of continued and appropriate use of silver amalgam as dental restorative material in southern India: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Vasthare Ramprasad , Ballal Nidambur Vasudev , Nayak Prajna P , Kamath Pujan , Singla Nishu , Hegde Thrisha
Published: September 2022

Background: For more than 150 years, dental amalgam (DA) has been popular as a dental restorative material. Yet, many organisations oppose its use due to perceived toxicity and environmental concerns. Hence, this study aimed to explore the continued use of DA from a South Indian dental practitioners’ perspective. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among fifty-two private and public dental practitioners of Udupi district in Southern India. A self‑administered questionnaire was distributed, that involved assessment of their preferences, continuation of use and concerns of using DA as a restorative material. Percentage contribution of each variable was calculated. Preferences for continuation of use of silver amalgam based upon the age, experience and mercury toxicity as a risk factor were analysed using Students-t test and Chi-square test. Results: The majority of dentists were satisfied (87%) with the results of the DA, found minimal failures (96%) and found DA more economical (89%). More than half (54%) of the participants reported that they would not continue the use of DA owing to mercury toxicity and environmental concerns. Dentists with higher age and longer clinical experience preferred continuation of DA. Conclusions: In spite of satisfaction with DA for its minimal failure, longevity and affordability, the authors found that a majority of practitioners did not prefer its continued usage. This highlights their concerns over mercury toxicity and soft tissue lesions and accentuates their community social responsibility. There is also an urgent need to educate dentists on mercury hygiene, mercury waste management and disposal.
Improving a trial participant information sheet through user testing in British South Asian women
Authors: Masood Yumna , Bower Peter , Knapp Peter , McMullen Sarah , Waheed Waquas
Published: September 2022

Background: People from ethnic minorities in the UK have higher rates of mental health problems and are less likely to take part in mental health research. Previous research indicates that participant information sheets (PIS) are complex, and this complexity may impair comprehension more significantly for ethnic minority participants. Improving the readability of patient information can be achieved through user testing. We aimed to improve the readability of a PIS through user testing in an ethnic minority group in an ongoing trial (ROSHNI-2).

Methods: An independent groups design was used to test the readability of the ROSHNI-2 PIS among South Asian women. There were two rounds of testing (n=31 women in total). South Asian women were asked to read the original PIS, then find and demonstrate an understanding of 19 key aspects of the trial. Based on the findings from the first round, the PIS was rewritten, redesigned, and retested.

Results: Using the original PIS, only 2 of the 19 (11%) questions were found and understood by at least 80% of participants. In the revised PIS, 6 of the 19 (32%) questions were found and understood by at least 80% of participants.

Conclusions: User testing and re-writing of a PIS resulted in a higher proportion of participants comprehending important information about a trial. This approach could improve participation in trials among ethnic minority communities.
Tendencia Editorial UR Número 33
Authors: Cristancho Baquero Julio Cesar , Polo Polo María Camila , Muñoz Ávila Lina , Giraldo-González Esteban , Ochoa Diego , von Hildebrand Francisco
Published: September 2022

En un país en el que se han reportado 611 asesinatos de defensores del medio ambiente desde 2016, no se requiere gran esfuerzo para explicar por qué es importante ratificar un tratado que reconoce y protege los derechos humanos de las personas que defienden el ambiente. Un país que se ha comprometido con el desarrollo sostenible y que se considera líder en la adopción de mecanismos para la superación de la crisis ambiental no debería tener obstáculos para acoger un acuerdo regional para el acceso a la participación, la información y la justicia en estos temas. Se trata de un acuerdo novedoso porque es a la vez un tratado ambiental y un tratado sobre derechos humanos. Es el único acuerdo jurídicamente vinculante que ha surgido de la Conferencia de las Naciones Unidas sobre el Desarrollo Sostenible y que confirma el valor de la dimensión regional del multilateralismo para cumplir con los ODS.
What’s Race Got to Do with It? The Interactive Effect of Race and Gender on Negotiation Offers and Outcomes
Authors: Leigh Angelica , Desai Sreedhari D.
Published: September 2022

Research suggests that women negotiators tend to obtain worse outcomes than men; however, we argue this finding does not apply to all women. Integrating research on social hierarchies, gender in negotiations, and intersectional stereotype content, we develop a theoretical framework that explains the interactive effect of race and gender on offers and outcomes received in distributive negotiations. With a focus on Black and White women and men negotiators, we predicted that stereotypes related to their race and gender lead Black women negotiators to receive more favorable negotiation offers and outcomes than White women and Black men negotiators and this effect is explained by ascriptions of dominance and prestige, respectively. Results of three experimental studies involving diverse samples—online panel participants, individuals selling items on Craigslist, and MBA students—support these predictions. More specifically, we find that Black women negotiators are perceived as more dominant than White women negotiators, and Black women negotiators are ascribed greater prestige than Black men negotiators. These ascriptions allow Black women negotiators to receive more favorable negotiation offers and outcomes compared with White women and Black men. These findings highlight the importance of jointly considering the influence of race and gender in negotiations.

Funding: This research was supported in part by funding offered to Dr. Sreedhari D. Desai by the Collins Dawson Endowment and the Crist W. Blackwell Fund at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Supplemental Material: The online supplement is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2022.1629 .
Paxlovid with Caution: Novel Case of Paxlovid-Induced Tacrolimus Toxicity in a Cardiac Transplant Patients
Authors: Shah Aaisha , Nasrullah Adeel , Butt Muhammad Ali , Young Meilin
Published: September 2022

Tacrolimus is commonly used as a prophylactic against acute rejection in transplant patients. Tacrolimus toxicity has numerous presentations that have been well documented in the literature and can be induced by a wide variety of agents. We present a novel case of tacrolimus toxicity in a cardiac transplant patient induced by outpatient treatment for COVID-19 pneumonia with ritonavir-nirmatrelvir, which was successfully treated with phenytoin therapy.
The role of the health visitor in supporting women with postpartum psychosis: A review of the evidence
Authors: Davenport Caroline Jane
Published: September 2022

This article explores postpartum psychosis – a severe and rare psychiatric condition affecting new mothers. Unlike other perinatal mental health conditions, and given its rarity, it is proposed that health visitors' experiences and understanding of postpartum psychosis may naturally be limited. Here, the condition is described in relation to the universal health visiting support offered under the high impact area of perinatal mental health, in order that health visitors gain further insight into the condition. Specifically, the prevalence and risk are discussed and how this may affect a mother's individual experience. The article explores identification and treatment implications, and collaborative practice in relation to postpartum psychosis. Finally, it is recommended that further qualitative research around postpartum psychosis is conducted to widen the evidence base.
A new compression system for treatment of venous leg ulcers: a prospective, single-arm, clinical trial (FREEDOM)
Authors: Senet Patricia , Addala Azeddine , Léger Philippe , Chahim Maxime , Malloizel Julie , Blaise Sophie , Sauvadet Anne , Tacca Olivier , Stücker Markus , Dissemond Joachim
Published: September 2022

Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy, tolerability and acceptability of a new multicomponent compression system in one bandage for the local treatment of patients with venous leg ulcers (VLUs).

Method:

This was an international, prospective, non-comparative, clinical trial, conducted in France and Germany. Eligible participants had a VLU with a wound area of 2–20cm2, lasting for a maximum of 24 months. For a period of 6 weeks, patients were treated with a new multicomponent compression system in one bandage which was worn day and night, providing high working pressure and moderate resting pressure (UrgoK1). Clinical assessments, wound measurement and photographs were planned at weeks 1, 2, 4 and 6. The primary endpoint was the relative wound area reduction (RWAR) after 6 weeks of treatment. Secondary endpoints included wound closure rate, oedema resolution, change in patient's health-related quality of life (HRQoL), acceptability, adherence to the compression therapy, local tolerance, and physician's overall satisfaction with the evaluated compression system.

Results:

A cohort of 52 patients (52% female, mean age 75.4±13.0 years) with VLUs, including oedema in 58% of cases, were recruited from 22 centres. At baseline, 42 patients had already been treated with a different compression system. VLUs had been present for 5.6±4.9 months and had a mean area of 5.7±4.3cm2. After 6 weeks of treatment, a median RWAR of 91% (interquartile range: 39.4; 100.0) was achieved. Wound closure was reported in 35% of patients. A RWAR ≥40% at week 4, predictive of wound healing at 12 weeks, was achieved in 62% of patients. At the final visit, oedema present at baseline was resolved in 57% of patients. Substantial improvements in the HRQoL of the patients were reported with a decrease of the pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression dimensions. Comfort in wearing the evaluated system was reported as ‘very good’ or ‘good’ by 79% of patients, resulting in a high patient adherence to compression therapy. Compared to previous compression systems, half of the patients reported more ease in wearing shoes, and greater satisfaction and comfort with this new system. Nine non-serious adverse events related to the device or its procedure occurred in seven patients. At the final visit, the majority of the physicians were ‘very satisfied’ or ‘satisfied’ with the new compression system overall.

Conclusion:

The new multicomponent compression system in one bandage has been shown to promote rapid healing of VLUs, reduce oedema, improve HRQoL and to be well tolerated and accepted. It appears to be a viable alternative to existing compression systems.
Ultrasonographic features of diabetic foot osteomyelitis: a case series
Authors: Astrada Adam , Nakagami Gojiro , Fajrianita Indria , Matsumoto Masaru , Kawamoto Atsuo , Jais Suriadi , Sanada Hiromi
Published: September 2022

Objective:

Osteomyelitis is a limb-threatening complication of diabetic foot ulcers. Early identification of the disease is key to ensuring successful prognosis. In this study, we describe ultrasonographic features for the identification of osteomyelitis.

Method:

Patients were screened through clinical, ultrasonographic and probe-to-bone tests.

Results:

Ultrasonographic features in three patients that could be used to identify diabetic foot osteomyelitis included periosteal reaction, periosteal elevation, cortical erosions and presence of sequestrum, all of which were confirmed by a plain X-ray.

Conclusion:

An ultrasonographic examination could be used for the early detection of osteomyelitis, which could help clinicians devise prompt treatment strategies.
Complex decongestive therapy in a patient with poliomyelitis, bilateral lymphoedema and a deep wound: a case study
Authors: Borman Pinar , Yaman Ayşegül , Denizli Merve , Yüzer Ayşe , Terzioğlu Füsun
Published: September 2022

Objective:

The aim of this case report is to describe the results of complex decongestive therapy (CDT) in a patient with poliomyelitis and bilateral lymphoedema, and to emphasise the effect of CDT on wound healing.

Method:

A 48-year-old female patient was given CDT for bilateral grade 3 lymphoedema in the lower extremities and a deep wound on the right foot. She had been diagnosed with poliomyelitis sequela and mobilised with a wheelchair for 26 years. The lymphoedema on both legs and the wound on the right foot sole had been present for five years and eight months, respectively. Detailed wound care had been performed previously upon the green, malodorous infected wound, without healing. The patient received skin care education, manual lymphatic drainage, multilayer bandaging and exercises for 4 weeks in a total of 20 sessions. The improvement was assessed by limb volumes prior to and at the end of the treatments.

Results:

The right and left lower limb volumes were decreased significantly at the end of treatments (3042cm³ (R) and 3165cm³ (L) before versus 2702cm3 (R) and 2401cm3 (L) afterward). The wound size decreased considerably and the green malodorous flow ceased. The patient continued self-massage and self-bandaging after hospital discharge. The control follow-up, one month later, revealed a completely healed wound with maintained volume.

Conclusion:

In conclusion CDT for a duration of 4 weeks in a female patient with poliomyelitis, bilateral lymphoedema and an infectious hard-to-heal wound, improved both the lymphoedema and wound healing.
Negative pressure wound therapy on complex extremity wounds requiring coverage with a meshed bilayer wound matrix: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Gonzalez Gilberto A , Castagno Christopher , Carter Jordan , Chellappan Brinda , Taupin Philippe
Published: September 2022

Objective:

The treatment of complex extremity wounds is technically challenging. In this 5-year retrospective review, we compared the use of Integra Meshed Bilayer Wound Matrix (IMBWM; Integra LifeSciences, US) followed by a split-thickness skin graft (STSG) combined with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) versus IMBWM followed by STSG alone for the management of these wounds.

Method:

Data from patients undergoing management using IMBWM for a complex extremity wound coverage were collected.

Results:

Among the 109 patients studied, the wounds of 62 patients were managed using IMBWM and NPWT, and 47 were managed using IMBWM alone. The most common aetiology of these injuries was trauma. Wound size and location were similar for each group, ranging in size from 2–30cm2 and being primarily on the forearm, followed by the leg and arm. There was a significantly greater take of the IMBWM+STSG with NPWT (96.8%) compared to without NPWT (85.1%, p=0.03). There were significantly fewer reapplications of the dermal matrix required in the NPWT group (3.2%) versus the non-NPWT group (14.9%, p=0.03). There were significantly fewer postoperative complications, prior to STSG, in the NPWT group (3.2%) versus the non-NPWT group (14.9%, p=0.03).

Conclusion:

The combination of IMBWM with NPWT leads to a higher success rate, and can reduce the number of dermal matrix reapplications and postoperative complications, in the setting of complex extremity wounds. The use of IMBWM in combination with NPWT has the potential to improve both surgical procedures and patient outcomes in this setting.
Functional outcome and patient satisfaction with a ‘self-care’ protocol for minimally displaced distal radius fractures
Authors: Hutchison Anne-Marie , Bodger Owen , Whelan Rhys , Russell I. Dougie , Man Wing , Williams Paul , Bebbington Andrew
Published: September 2022

Aims

We introduced a self-care pathway for minimally displaced distal radius fractures, which involved the patient being discharged from a Virtual Fracture Clinic (VFC) without a physical review and being provided with written instructions on how to remove their own cast or splint at home, plus advice on exercises and return to function.

Methods

All patients managed via this protocol between March and October 2020 were contacted by a medical secretary at a minimum of six months post-injury. The patients were asked to complete the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE), a satisfaction questionnaire, advise if they had required surgery and/or contacted any health professional, and were also asked for any recommendations on how to improve the service. A review with a hand surgeon was organized if required, and a cost analysis was also conducted.

Results

Overall 71/101 patients completed the telephone consultation; no patients required surgery, and the mean and median PRWE scores were 23.9/100 (SD 24.9) and 17.0/100 (interquartile range (IQR) 0 to 40), respectively. Mean patient satisfaction with treatment was 34.3/40 (SD 9.2), and 65 patients (92%) were satisfied or highly satisfied. In total there were 16 contact calls, 12 requests for a consultant review, no formal complaints, and 15 minor adjustment suggestions to improve patient experience. A relationship was found between intra-articular injuries and lower patient satisfaction scores (p = 0.025), however no relationship was found between PRWE scores and the nature of the fracture. Also, no relationship was found between the type of immobilization and the functional outcome or patient satisfaction. Cost analysis of the self-care pathway V traditional pathway showed a cost savings of over £13,500 per year with the new self-care model compared to the traditional model.

Conclusion

Our study supports a VFC self-care pathway for patients with minimally displaced distal radius fractures. The pathway provides a good level of patient satisfaction and function. To improve the service, we will make minor amendments to our patient information sheet. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(9):726–732.
Automatic and quantitative measurement of alveolar bone level in OCT images using deep learning
Authors: Kim Sul-Hee , Kim Jin , Yang Su , Oh Sung-Hye , Lee Seung-Pyo , Yang Hoon Joo , Kim Tae-Il , Yi Won-Jin
Published: September 2022

We propose a method to automatically segment the periodontal structures
of the tooth enamel and the alveolar bone using convolutional neural
network (CNN) and to measure quantitatively and automatically the
alveolar bone level (ABL) by detecting the cemento-enamel junction and
the alveolar bone crest in optical coherence tomography (OCT) images.
The tooth enamel and the alveolar bone regions were automatically
segmented using U-Net, Dense-UNet, and U2-Net, and the ABL
was quantitatively measured as the distance between the cemento-enamel
junction and the alveolar bone crest using image processing. The mean
distance difference (MDD) measured by our suggested method ranged from
0.19 to 0.22 mm for the alveolar bone crest (ABC) and from 0.18 to
0.32 mm for the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ). All CNN models showed
the mean absolute error (MAE) of less than 0.25 mm in the
x and y coordinates and greater than
90% successful detection rate (SDR) at 0.5 mm for both the ABC
and the CEJ. The CNN models showed high segmentation accuracies in the
tooth enamel and the alveolar bone regions, and the ABL measurements
at the incisors by detected results from CNN predictions demonstrated
high correlation and reliability with the ground truth in OCT
images.
Design of mid-infrared entangled photon sources using lithium niobate
Authors: Zhu Jin-Long , Zhu Wen-Xin , Shi Xiao-Tao , Zhang Chen-Tao , Hao Xiangying , Yang Zi-Xiang , Jin Rui-Bo
Published: September 2022

The mid-infrared (MIR) band entangled photon source is vital for the next generation of quantum communication, quantum imaging, and quantum sensing. However, the current entangled states are mainly prepared in the visible or near-infrared bands. It is still lacking high-quality entangled photon sources in the MIR band. In this work, we optimize the poling sequence of lithium niobate to prepare two kinds of typical entangled states, the Hermit–Gaussian state and the comb-like entangled state at 3.2 µm. We have also calculated the photon pair rates and estimated the effect of fabrication resolution in the schemes. Our approach will provide entangled photon sources with excellent performance for the study of quantum information in the MIR band.
Interferometric measurements of the resonant nonlinearity of IR-active minor air constituents
Authors: Pigeon J. J. , Tochitsky S. Ya. , Tovey D. , Louwrens G. J. , Ben-Zvi I. , Joshi C.
Published: September 2022

The resonant nonlinear refractive indices of important IR-active, minor
air constituents at mid-IR and long-wave IR wavelengths were measured
using a Mach–Zehnder interferometer. Measurements in

H

2

O

vapor were performed near 2.94, 9.3,
and 10.2 µm wavelengths, and measurements in

C
O

2

and CO gas were performed near
9.3 µm. These measurements suggest that the nonlinearity of air can be
greatly increased for relatively narrowband mid-IR and long-wave IR
laser pulses.
Temporal characteristics of the light output from optical fibers with PRBS-modulated laser injection
Authors: He Xuan , Ke Weiwei
Published: September 2022

Pseudo-random binary sequence (PRBS) phase modulation is an effective method to promote the stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) threshold of high-power narrow linewidth fiber lasers. Most studies focus on the subjects of PRBS pattern selection, filter parameter optimization, threshold promotion, etc. In this paper, the temporal characteristics of the light output from optical fibers with PRBS modulated laser injection are investigated theoretically. We found that serious temporal fluctuations, i.e., high intensity pulses, existed in the output laser and backward Stokes light, even though the time-averaged backward Stokes power is only 1% of the input laser power. Based on the transient three wave coupling equations, through exploring the influence of clock rate and PRBS pattern, we demonstrate that this phenomenon arises from the long dwell times in PRBS patterns. Finally, modified PRBS patterns are proposed to significantly eliminate the intense pulses without decreasing the original SBS threshold.
Tweet sentiment quantification: An experimental re-evaluation
Authors: Moreo Alejandro , Sebastiani Fabrizio
Published: September 2022

Sentiment quantification is the task of training, by means of supervised learning, estimators of the relative frequency (also called “prevalence”) of sentiment-related classes (such asPositive,Neutral,Negative) in a sample of unlabelled texts. This task is especially important when these texts are tweets, since the final goal of most sentiment classification efforts carried out on Twitter data is actually quantification (and not the classification of individual tweets). It is well-known that solving quantification by means of “classify and count” (i.e., by classifying all unlabelled items by means of a standard classifier and counting the items that have been assigned to a given class) is less than optimal in terms of accuracy, and that more accurate quantification methods exist. Gao and Sebastiani 2016 carried out a systematic comparison of quantification methods on the task of tweet sentiment quantification. In hindsight, we observe that the experimentation carried out in that work was weak, and that the reliability of the conclusions that were drawn from the results is thus questionable. We here re-evaluate those quantification methods (plus a few more modern ones) on exactly the same datasets, this time following a now consolidated and robust experimental protocol (which also involves simulating the presence, in the test data, of class prevalence values very different from those of the training set). This experimental protocol (even without counting the newly added methods) involves a number of experiments 5,775 times larger than that of the original study. Due to the above-mentioned presence, in the test data, of samples characterised by class prevalence values very different from those of the training set, the results of our experiments are dramatically different from those obtained by Gao and Sebastiani, and provide a different, much more solid understanding of the relative strengths and weaknesses of different sentiment quantification methods.
Phylogeny and taxonomy of Haloclavidae (Verrill, 1899) with a redescription of the parasitic, burrowing sea anemone, Peachia chilensis Carlgren, 1931
Authors: Hamilton Natalie , Gusmão Luciana C. , Izumi Takato , Rodríguez Estefanía , Yap Nicholas W. L. , Daly Marymegan
Published: September 2022

Haloclavidae Verrill, 1899 is a family of burrowing sea anemones grouped within the superfamily Actinioidea (Rafinesque, 1815). Currently, it includes 30 species in 10 genera. Characters given for this family in descriptions of its taxa have not been consistent, with numerous exceptions to the expectations of the familial diagnosis. Previous phylogenetic analyses have shown that Haloclavidae is potentially a polyphyletic group, but resolution of relationships of the few representatives of Haloclavidae included in analyses has been problematic. Here we address questions of monophyly and affinity of Haloclavidae using three mitochondrial and two nuclear markers. We assess the monophyly of Haloclavidae in the context of all major lineages of Actiniaria Hertwig, 1882, emphasizing diversity of superfamily Actinioidea. We use parsimony-based character optimization to interpret the distribution of key traits in the superfamily. We find that Haloclavidae is not monophyletic and propose two new families, Peachiidae fam. nov. and Harenactidae fam. nov., while also retaining some species in the family Haloclavidae, so that taxonomy better reflects relationships and diversity of the group. In addition, we redescribe a species within the newly created Peachiidae, Peachia chilensis Carlgren, 1931. We use recent larval samples obtained in Antofagasta, Chile, and the histological slides from the original description to redescribe P. chilensis, to provide a complete account of cnidae, external, and internal morphology. Finally, we compare P. chilensis to other burrowing anemones found in Chile and provide an understanding of the genus Peachia that reflects recent phylogenetic perspective on diversity of anemones previously assigned to family Haloclavidae.
Wastewater surveillance in smaller college communities may aid future public health initiatives
Authors: Lee Laura , Valmond Lescia , Thomas John , Kim Audrey , Austin Paul , Foster Michael , Matthews John , Kim Paul , Newman Jamie
Published: September 2022

To date, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in over 570 million cases and over 6 million deaths worldwide. Predominant clinical testing methods, though invaluable, may create an inaccurate depiction of COVID-19 prevalence due to inadequate access, testing, or most recently under-reporting because of at-home testing. These concerns have created a need for unbiased, community-level surveillance. Wastewater-based epidemiology has been used for previous public health threats, and more recently has been established as a complementary method of SARS-CoV-2 surveillance. Here we describe the application of wastewater surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 in two university campus communities located in rural Lincoln Parish, Louisiana. This cost-effective approach is especially well suited to rural areas where limited access to testing may worsen the spread of COVID-19 and quickly exhaust the capacity of local healthcare systems. Our work demonstrates that local universities can leverage scientific resources to advance public health equity in rural areas and enhance their community involvement.
Degradation of chondroitin sulfate A by a PUL-like operon in Tannerella forsythia
Authors: Nguyen Peter , Eshaque Rony , Garland Barbara Anne , Dang Anthony , Suits Michael D. L.
Published: September 2022

Advanced periodontitis has been shown to have strong association with the residence of the bacterial consortia known as the red complex comprised by Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola. T. forsythia shares a distant genetic linkage to Bacteroidetes thetaiotaomicron and may therefore produce analogous polysaccharide utilization loci (PUL) which enable complex carbohydrate degradation, import, and use, although this capacity has yet to be demonstrated. Chondroitin sulfate A is a linear, sulfated carbohydrate linked to periodontal disease as the principal species of glycosaminoglycan appended on the surface of cortical bone of teeth and in supporting dental ligaments. Through genomic comparisons with B. thetaiotaomicron, a new PUL-like operon (Bfo2285-Bfo2295, and Bfo3043) was identified in T. forsythia and the crystal structure of two proteins from this PUL-like operon, Bfo2290 and Bfo2294, were reported using X-ray crystallography. Enzyme kinetics for Bfo2290 were reported using a pH-dependent assay and suggested a Km of 0.75 mg/ml ± 0.60 mg/ml, Kcat of 3.74 min-1 ± 0.88 min-1, and Vmax of 7.48 μM/min ± 1.76 μM/min with partially degraded chondroitin sulfate A. Fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis was used to show the processive degradation of chondroitin sulfate A by the proteins encoded in T. forsythia PUL-like operon, and revealed Bfo2291 and Bfo2290 to be an endolytic chondroitin sulfate A lyase and exolytic ΔDi-4S chondroitin sulfate A sulfatase, respectively.
Self-assembling protein nanoparticles and virus like particles correctly display β-barrel from meningococcal factor H-binding protein through genetic fusion
Authors: Cappelli Luigia , Cinelli Paolo , Giusti Fabiola , Ferlenghi Ilaria , Utrio-Lanfaloni Sabrina , Wahome Newton , Bottomley Matthew James , Maione Domenico , Cozzi Roberta
Published: September 2022

Recombinant protein-based vaccines are a valid and safer alternative to traditional vaccines based on live-attenuated or killed pathogens. However, the immune response of subunit vaccines is generally lower compared to that elicited by traditional vaccines and usually requires the use of adjuvants. The use of self-assembling protein nanoparticles, as a platform for vaccine antigen presentation, is emerging as a promising approach to enhance the production of protective and functional antibodies. In this work we demonstrated the successful repetitive antigen display of the C-terminal β-barrel domain of factor H binding protein, derived from serogroup B Meningococcus on the surface of different self-assembling nanoparticles using genetic fusion. Six nanoparticle scaffolds were tested, including virus-like particles with different sizes, geometries, and physicochemical properties. Combining computational and structure-based rational design we were able generate antigen-fused scaffolds that closely aligned with three-dimensional structure predictions. The chimeric nanoparticles were produced as recombinant proteins in Escherichia coli and evaluated for solubility, stability, self-assembly, and antigen accessibility using a variety of biophysical methods. Several scaffolds were identified as being suitable for genetic fusion with the β-barrel from fHbp, including ferritin, a de novo designed aldolase from Thermotoga maritima, encapsulin, CP3 phage coat protein, and the Hepatitis B core antigen. In conclusion, a systematic screening of self-assembling nanoparticles has been applied for the repetitive surface display of a vaccine antigen. This work demonstrates the capacity of rational structure-based design to develop new chimeric nanoparticles and describes a strategy that can be utilized to discover new nanoparticle-based approaches in the search for vaccines against bacterial pathogens.
Practical method for RF pulse distortion compensation using multiple square pulses for low-field MRI
Authors: Ha Yonghyun , Selvaganesan Kartiga , Wu Baosong , Hancock Kasey , Rogers Charles , Hosseinnezhadian Sajad , Galiana Gigi , Constable R. Todd
Published: September 2022

Since recovery time of the RF coil is long at low field MRI, the rising and the ring-down times of the square pulse are also long, which means the applied sinc pulse can easily be distorted from the changing amplitude. However, both the rising time and ring-down time can be calculated using Q-factor. Using this information, an RF square pulse were compensated by appending two square pulses before and after the RF pulse. The durations of these RF square pulses were calculated using the Q-factor. Since the amplitude of the sinc pulse changes continuously, a series of square pulses were applied to apply sinc pulse to the coil. The minimum number of square pulses and the amplitude of the square pulses were calculated. It was successfully demonstrated that the sinc pulse can be compensated using a series of square pulses. The more number of square pulses were used, the smoother sinc pulse was applied to the RF coil. The Q-factor was experimentally calculated from the ring-down time of a signal induced in a sniffer loop which was connected to an oscilloscope. The resulting Q-factor was then used to calculate both the duration and amplitude of the square pulses for compensation. Echo trains were also acquired in an inhomogeneous B0 field using the compensated RF pulses. In order to enhance the SNR of the echo trains, a pre-polarization pulse was added to the CPMG spin echo sequence. The SNRs of the echo signal acquired using compensated pulses were compared with those of signal obtained with uncompensated pulses and showed significant improvements of 61.1% and 51.5% for the square and sinc shaped pulses respectively.
Phytoplankton community structuring in the absence of resource-based competitive exclusion
Authors: Behrenfeld Michael J. , Bisson Kelsey M. , Boss Emmanuel , Gaube Peter , Karp-Boss Lee
Published: September 2022

Under most natural marine conditions, phytoplankton cells suspended in the water column are too distantly spaced for direct competition for resources (i.e., overlapping cell boundary layers) to be a routine occurrence. Accordingly, resource-based competitive exclusion should be rare. In contrast, contemporary ecosystem models typically predict an exclusion of larger phytoplankton size classes under low-nutrient conditions, an outcome interpreted as reflecting the competitive advantage of small cells having much higher nutrient ‘affinities’ than larger cells. Here, we develop mechanistically-focused expressions for steady-state, nutrient-limited phytoplankton growth that are consistent with the discrete, distantly-spaced cells of natural populations. These expressions, when encompassed in a phytoplankton-zooplankton model, yield sustained diversity across all size classes over the full range in nutrient concentrations observed in the ocean. In other words, our model does not exhibit resource-based competitive exclusion between size classes previously associated with size-dependent differences in nutrient ‘affinities’.
Two-layer analytical model for estimation of layer thickness and flow using Diffuse Correlation Spectroscopy
Authors: Wu Jingyi , Tabassum Syeda , Brown William L. , Wood Sossena , Yang Jason , Kainerstorfer Jana M.
Published: September 2022

Diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS) has been widely explored for its ability to measure cerebral blood flow (CBF), however, mostly under the assumption that the human head is homogenous. In addition to CBF, knowledge of extracerebral layers, such as skull thickness, can be informative and crucial for patient with brain complications such as traumatic brain injuries. To bridge the gap, this study explored the feasibility of simultaneously extracting skull thickness and flow in the cortex layer using DCS. We validated a two-layer analytical model that assumed the skull as top layer with a finite thickness and the brain cortex as bottom layer with semi-infinite geometry. The model fitted for thickness of the top layer and flow of the bottom layer, while assumed other parameters as constant. The accuracy of the two-layer model was tested against the conventional single-layer model using measurements from custom made two-layer phantoms mimicking skull and brain. We found that the fitted top layer thickness at each source detector (SD) distance is correlated with the expected thickness. For the fitted bottom layer flow, the two-layer model fits relatively consistent flow across all top layer thicknesses. In comparison, the conventional one-layer model increasingly underestimates the bottom layer flow as top layer thickness increases. The overall accuracy of estimating first layer thickness and flow depends on the SD distance in relationship to first layer thickness. Lastly, we quantified the influence of uncertainties in the optical properties of each layer. We found that uncertainties in the optical properties only mildly influence the fitted thickness and flow. In this work we demonstrate the feasibility of simultaneously extracting of layer thickness and flow using a two-layer DCS model. Findings from this work may introduce a robust and cost-effective approach towards simultaneous bedside assessment of skull thickness and cerebral blood flow.
Effect of closed and permanent stoma on disease course, psychological well-being and working capacity in Swiss IBD cohort study patients
Authors: Bianchi Rahel , Mamadou-Pathé Barry , von Känel Roland , Roth René , Schreiner Philipp , Rossel Jean-Benoit , Burk Sabine , Dora Babara , Kloth Patrizia , Rickenbacher Andreas , Turina Matthias , Greuter Thomas , Misselwitz Benjamin , Scharl Michael , Rogler Gerhard , Biedermann Luc ,   on behalf of the or the Swiss IBD cohort study
Published: September 2022

Background

Little is known about the impact of ostomy formation in inflammatory bowel disease patients on course of disease, psychological well-being, quality of life and working capacity.

Methods

We analyzed patients over a follow-up of up to 16 years in the Swiss inflammatory bowel disease cohort study (SIBDCS) with prospective data collection. We compared Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease patients with and without ostomy as well as permanent and closed stoma formation before and after surgery, investigating disease activity, psychological wellbeing and working capacity in a case-control design.

Results

Of 3825 SIBDCS patients, 176 with ostomy were included in the study and matched with 176 patients without ostomy using propensity score, equaling 352 patients for the analysis. As expected, we observed a lower mean and maximal disease activity in patients after stoma surgery compared with control patients without stoma. Overall, psychological wellbeing in patients with stomas vs. controls as well as patients with permanent vs. closed stoma was similar in terms of disease-specific quality of life (total score of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Quality of Life questionnaire), psychological distress (total score of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and stress at work (effort-reward-imbalance ratio), with the exception of a higher Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale total score in patient with vs. without stoma. Compared to IBD patients without stoma, the adverse impact on working capacity in overall stoma IBD patients appeared to be modest. However we observe a significantly higher reduction in working capacity in permanent vs. closed stoma in CD but not UC patients.

Conclusion

As to be expected, IBD patients may benefit from closed and permanent stoma application. Stoma surgery appears to only modestly impact working capacity. Importantly, stoma surgery was not associated with adverse psychological outcomes, with comparable psychological well-being regardless of presence and type of stoma.
Accuracy of vertical cup-to-disc ratio discrimination among clinical optometry trainees with different years of clinical experience
Authors: Hairol Mohd Izzuddin , Lee Yun Rou
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Accurate evaluation of the cup-to-disc ratio is crucial for optometrists and may be influenced by their clinical experience. The study’s objective was to compare the thresholds for discriminating vertical cup-to-disc ratio (VCDR) between years 2, 3, and 4 clinical optometry trainees.

Methods

One hundred fundus photos with various VCDR sizes were selected from a clinic database. The median VCDR (0.43) photo was assigned as the standard, while the other 99 were assigned as the test photos. The participant’s task was to discriminate using a 2-alternate-forced-choice paradigm whether the test photos’ VCDR were larger or smaller than the standard VCDR. Data were fit with a Weibull function, and three discrimination thresholds were determined: the point of subjective equality (PSE), the range of VCDR uncertainty, and the ability to judge VCDR that was 0.1 unit larger than the standard photo.

Results

Year 4 trainees had better VCDR discrimination thresholds. However, the difference between the three participant groups was not statistically different for all measurements (PSE: F(2,27) = 0.43, p = 0.657; VCDR uncertainty range: F(2,27) = 0.12, p = 0.887), and thresholds for correctly discriminating VCDR 0.1 larger than the standard photo’s VCDR: F(2,27) = 0.69, p = 0.512).

Conclusion

Although Year 4 optometry trainees performed slightly better at estimating VCDR than their Year 3 and Year 2 peers, the number of years of clinical experiences did not significantly affect their VCDR discrimination thresholds when 2-dimensional fundus photos were used as stimuli.
Genetic profiles to identify talents in elite endurance athletes and professional football players
Authors: Varillas-Delgado David , Morencos Esther , Gutiérrez-Hellín Jorge , Aguilar-Navarro Millán , Muñoz Alejandro , Mendoza Láiz Nuria , Perucho Teresa , Maestro Antonio , Tellería-Orriols Juan José
Published: September 2022

The genetic profile that is needed to identify talents has been studied extensively in recent years. The main objective of this investigation was to approach, for the first time, the study of genetic variants in several polygenic profiles and their role in elite endurance and professional football performance by comparing the allelic and genotypic frequencies to the non-athlete population. In this study, genotypic and allelic frequencies were determined in 452 subjects: 292 professional athletes (160 elite endurance athletes and 132 professional football players) and 160 non-athlete subjects. Genotyping of polymorphisms in liver metabolisers (CYP2D6, GSTM1, GSTP and GSTT), iron metabolism and energy efficiency (HFE, AMPD1 and PGC1a), cardiorespiratory fitness (ACE, NOS3, ADRA2A, ADRB2 and BDKRB2) and muscle injuries (ACE, ACTN3, AMPD1, CKM and MLCK) was performed by Polymerase Chain Reaction-Single Nucleotide Primer Extension (PCR-SNPE). The combination of the polymorphisms for the “optimal” polygenic profile was quantified using the genotype score (GS) and total genotype score (TGS). Statistical differences were found in the genetic distributions between professional athletes and the non-athlete population in liver metabolism, iron metabolism and energy efficiency, and muscle injuries (p<0.001). The binary logistic regression model showed a favourable OR (odds ratio) of being a professional athlete against a non-athlete in liver metabolism (OR: 1.96; 95% CI: 1.28–3.01; p = 0.002), iron metabolism and energy efficiency (OR: 2.21; 95% CI: 1.42–3.43; p < 0.001), and muscle injuries (OR: 2.70; 95% CI: 1.75–4.16; p < 0.001) in the polymorphisms studied. Genetic distribution in professional athletes as regards endurance (professional cyclists and elite runners) and professional football players shows genetic selection in these sports disciplines.