bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidental Findings of a Vestibular Schwannoma on 18F-Choline PET/CT
Authors: Amrane Karim , Le Pennec Romain , Tissot Valentin , Schick Ulrike , Abgral Ronan
Published: November 2020

We report an increased uptake of 18F-choline in the right cerebellopontine angle area in a 73-year-old man with biochemical failure prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy, potentially suggestive of bone metastasis in the base of the skull. A brain MRI was also performed showing an intense gadolinium enhancement focus in the same area, concordant with a right vestibular schwannoma, subsequently histologically proven. This case underlines that schwannoma is a diagnostic pitfall in 18F-choline PET/CT, suggesting this radiolabeled tracer as a promising tool for brain tumors characterization due to its higher signal-to-background ratio than 18F-FDG.
An Intraocular Thymic Metastasis Identified on 18F-FDG PET/CT Before and After Treatment
Authors: Brien Peter J. , Cha Andrew , Fulham Michael J.
Published: November 2020

We present the imaging findings pretreatment and posttreatment in a 58-year-old woman with recurrent thymic carcinoma. Two years after treatment, the patient presented with a 3-week history of right eye pain and blurred vision. Ophthalmological examination and MRI of the orbits showed a right superolateral choroidal lesion. Neurologic and whole-body FDG PET/CT scans showed a markedly glucose-avid right choroidal mass and extensive lung parenchymal, pleural, and thoracic nodal disease. There was a good response to chemoradiotherapy with a reduction in size and metabolism at all sites.
Clinical Evaluation a New Treatment for Infection After Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt
Authors: Liu Guanzheng , Liu Junchao , Zhang Haijun , Xue Changli , Wu Henghao , Zhang Shengxu , Li Gejun , Zhang Wanhong , Zheng Guangming
Published: November 2020

To explore a new surgical treatment for infection and obstruction of ventriculoperitoneal shunt in hydrocephalus. Two cases of post-operative infection of ventriculoperitoneal shunt were analyzed retrospectively. One case was cryptococcal infection, the other case was Acinetobacter lwoffii. The number of cerebrospinal fluid cells was high, the infection of ventriculoperitoneal shunt was generally complicated with abdominal obstruction, and the hydrocephalus was aggravated again, The authors try to pull out the drainage tube at the end of abdominal cavity for external drainage, combined with intravenous antibiotics, completely control of infection, and then use the original shunt device for intraventricular jugular shunt. The authors explore that this method is simple, safe and effective, and it is an effective and feasible method for the treatment of infection after ventriculoperitoneal shunt.
Depressor Anguli Oris Function in Oral Macrostomia
Authors: Applebaum Sarah A. , Sasson Daniel C. , Gosain Arun K.
Published: November 2020

Unilateral oral macrostomia can present in isolation or conjunction with other craniofacial abnormalities. Common associations include cartilaginous tags and accessory tragi, while the facial nerve is rarely involved. Our work is the first of its kind to report depressor anguli oris paralysis in the setting of oral macrostomia. The authors present 2 cases of unilateral oral macrostomia, with and without contralateral pre-operative depressor anguli oris paralysis, to highlight this often overlooked finding. Furthermore, these cases illustrate the impact of depressor anguli oris paralysis on postoperative outcomes and patient expectations. Depressor anguli oris function can be detected preoperatively and therefore should be weaved into surgical decision-making and used to manage expectations for symmetric facial animation following repair. Further work is required to evaluate the long-term benefits of electromyography and botulinum toxin injections as diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for DAO paralysis.
Primary Posterior Fossa Hydatid Cyst in a Child
Authors: Said Anas , Abuzayed Bashar , Al-Abadi Hussein , Jamous Osama
Published: November 2020

A 7-year-old boy referred to our emergency department complaining of headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, generalized fatigue, ataxia and diplopia. Neurological exam showed bilateral papilledema and ataxic gait. Routine blood test, plain chest x-ray and abdominal ultrasonography were normal. Brain computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed well-defined intra-axial unilocular cystic lesion in the left cerebellar hemisphere, causing mass effect on brain stem and fourth ventricle with associated tonsillar herniation and mild obstructive hydrocephalus. The authors started the treatment with Albendazole and the patient was operated with left sub-occipital craniotomy. Cyst was delivered with intact capsule. Postoperative period was uneventful and patient's symptoms improved totally after 1 week. Histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of hydatid cyst.
Breast Implant-associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma
Authors: DeCoster Ryan C. , Lynch Evan B. , Bonaroti Alisha R. , Webster John Matthew , Butterfield Timothy A. , Evers Bernard Mark , Vasconez Henry C. , Clemens Mark W.
Published: November 2020

Objective:

This evidence-based systematic review synthesizes and critically appraises current clinical recommendations and advances in the diagnosis and treatment of BIA-ALCL. This review also aims to broaden physician awareness across diverse specialties, particularly among general practitioners, breast surgeons, surgical oncologists, and other clinicians who may encounter patients with breast implants in their practice.

Background:

BIA-ALCL is an emerging and treatable immune cell cancer definitively linked to textured-surface breast implants. Although the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) consensus guidelines and other clinical recommendations have been established, the evidence supporting these guidelines has not been systematically studied. The purpose of this evidence-based systematic review is to synthesize and critically appraise current clinical guidelines and recommendations while highlighting advances in diagnosis and treatment and raising awareness for this emerging disease.

Methods:

This evidence-based systematic review evaluated primary research studies focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of BIA-ALCL that were published in PubMed, Google Scholar, and other scientific databases through March 2020.

Results and Conclusions:

The clinical knowledge of BIA-ALCL has evolved rapidly over the last several years with major advances in diagnosis and treatment, including en bloc resection as the standard of care. Despite a limited number of high-quality clinical studies comprised mainly of Level III and Level V evidence, current evidence aligns with established NCCN consensus guidelines. When diagnosed and treated in accordance with NCCN guidelines, BIA-ALCL carries an excellent prognosis.
Effect of Denonvilliers’ Fascia Preservation Versus Resection During Laparoscopic Total Mesorectal Excision on Postoperative Urogenital Function of Male Rectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Wei Bo , Zheng Zongheng , Fang Jiafeng , Xiao Jian’an , Han Fanghai , Huang Meijin , Xu Qingwen , Wang Xiaozhong , Hong Chuyuan , Wang Gongping , Ju Yongle , Su Guoqiang , Deng Haijun , Zhang Jinxin , Li Jun , Chen Tufeng , Huang Yong , Huang Jianglong , Liu Jianpei , Yang Xiaofeng , Wei Hongbo
Published: November 2020

Objective:

To compare the outcomes of laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (L-TME) with Denonvilliers’ fascia (DVF) preservation versus resection on urogenital function of male patients with rectal cancer.

Background:

The protective effect of DVF during L-TME on pelvic autonomic nerves and postoperative urogenital function remains controversial.

Methods:

Between August 26, 2015 and July 18, 2019, 253 male patients with cT1–4 (T1–2 for anterior wall) N0–2M0 rectal cancer from 11 institutions were enrolled, and randomly assigned to L-TME with DVF preservation (Exp-group, n = 123) or resection procedures (Con-group, n = 130). Urinary function was assessed by residual urine volume, maximal flow rate, and International Prostate Symptom Score; sexual function was assessed by 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) and ejaculation grading.

Results:

The Exp-group patients showed a lower urinary dysfunction rate (6.8% vs 25.4%, P = 0.003), higher maximal flow rate (16.25 ± 8.02 vs 12.40 ± 7.05 mL/s, P = 0.007), and lower International Prostate Symptom Score (6.55 ± 5.86 vs 8.57 ± 5.85, P = 0.026) than the Con-group patients at 2 weeks after surgery. The incidence of erectile dysfunction (IIEF-5 ≤ 11) at 12 months after surgery was lower in the Exp-group than in the Con-group (12.5% vs 34.2%, P = 0.023); Exp-group manifested superior IIEF-5 (16.63 ± 6.28 vs 12.26 ± 6.83, P = 0.018). The incidence of ejaculation dysfunction was lower in the Exp-group than in the Con-group at 12 months after surgery (10.0% vs 29.4%, P = 0.034).

Conclusions:

DVF preservation during L-TME revealed protective effects on postoperative urogenital function, and could be a better choice for male rectal cancer patients with specific staging and location.

Trial registration number:

NCT02435758.
Long-term Satisfaction with Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery
Authors: White Gretchen E. , Courcoulas Anita P. , King Wendy C.
Published: November 2020

Objective:

The aim of this study was to examine change in overall satisfaction with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery over 3 to 7 years post-surgery and identify pre-surgery predictors and post-surgery factors associated with not being satisfied.

Background:

It is unclear how satisfaction with RYGB surgery changes over time following surgery and factors associated with not being satisfied are not well understood.

Methods:

Participants of a multicenter prospective cohort study of bariatric surgery were followed annually <7 years. A total of 1423 participants of the 1770 who underwent RYGB had data on satisfaction with surgery (81% female; median age 47 years; median body mass index 46 kg/m2).

Results:

The percentage of participants who were not satisfied with RYGB surgery significantly increased from 15.4% 3 years post-surgery to 23.0% 7 years post-surgery (P = 0.01). Pre-surgery younger age, lower BMI, higher percent weight loss needed to reach dream weight, poorer physical and mental health, and less social support independently predicted higher risk of not being satisfied with surgery. When examining pre- to post-surgery changes, less post-surgery weight loss, worsening physical and mental health status, less social support, and greater depressive symptomology were associated with higher risk of not being satisfied with surgery.

Conclusions:

Level of satisfaction with RYGB surgery significantly decreased 3 to 7 years following surgery. Several pre- and post-surgery characteristics were associated with not being satisfied with surgery and provide potentially useful insight into individual patient experiences following RYGB. Knowledge of these characteristics may be useful in communication between surgeons and patients regarding post-surgical expectations and the impact of surgery on patients’ lives.
What are the Top Research Priorities in Surgical Simulation and How Can They Be Best Addressed? Results From a Multidisciplinary Consensus Conference
Authors: Stefanidis Dimitrios , Lee Gyusung , Blair Patrice G. , Johnson Kathleen A. , Sachdeva Ajit K.
Published: November 2020

Objectives:

To define the top priorities in simulation-based surgical education where additional research would have the highest potential to advance the field and develop proposals that would address the identified research priorities.

Summary and Background Data:

Simulation has become integral part of surgical training but there are a number of outstanding questions that have slowed advances in this field.

Methods:

The Delphi methodology was used to define the top priorities in simulation-based surgical education. A research summit was held with multiple stakeholders under the auspices of the American College of Surgeons Division of Education to develop proposals to address these priorities.

Results:

Consensus was achieved after the first round of voting on the following 3 most important topics: (1) impact of simulation training on patient safety and outcomes, (2) the value proposition of simulation, and (3) the use of simulation for physician certification and credentialing. Knowledge gaps, challenges and opportunities, and research questions to address these topics were defined by summit participants.

Conclusions:

The top 3 priorities in surgical simulation research were defined and project outlines were developed for impactful projects on these topics. Successful completion of such projects is expected to advance the field of simulation-based surgical education.
Laparoscopic Surgery for Colorectal Cancer in Super-Elderly Patients: A Single-Center Analysis
Authors: Hashida Hiroki , Mizuno Ryosuke , Iwaki Kentaro , Kanbe Hiroyuki , Sumi Tokihiko , Kawarabayashi Takuma , Kondo Masato , Kobayashi Hiroyuki , Kaihara Satoshi
Published: November 2020

Background:

Super-elderly patients with colorectal cancer are being encountered with increasing frequency in Japan. Laparoscopic surgery is considered a less invasive surgery in these patients; however, it is difficult to conduct controlled clinical trials in this super-elderly population. This study assessed the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic colorectal surgery in patients over 85 years old.

Materials and Methods:

Open and laparoscopic surgeries for colorectal cancer in super-elderly patients (aged 85 y and older) were performed under general anesthesia in a single medical center. Records were retrospectively reviewed, and the clinicopathologic features of each patient and the surgical time and outcomes were recorded and analyzed.

Results:

Records of colorectal surgery were reviewed for 108 super-elderly patients. Twenty-six open surgeries and 82 laparoscopic surgeries were performed. The mean operation times were 215 and 228 minutes in open and laparoscopic surgeries, respectively. Intraoperative bleeding in laparoscopic surgery was lesser than that in open surgery. There were 2 cases with major postoperative complications in open surgery, and mortality occurred in one case within 1 month after surgery. No major complications were observed in laparoscopic surgery. In survival analysis, disease-free survival did not differ between the 2 groups. The oldest patient was a man aged 102 years and 6 months who underwent laparoscopic anterior resection with lymph node dissection.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic surgery in super-elderly patients with colon cancer is feasible and safe. The authors report the success of laparoscopic colectomy for rectosigmoid colon cancer in the oldest known patient and the positive outcomes of laparoscopic colectomy in super-elderly patients.
Rehabilitation of cortically induced visual field loss
Authors: Saionz Elizabeth L. , Feldon Steven E. , Huxlin Krystel R.
Published: November 2020

Purpose of review

Homonymous visual field defects are a common sequela of stroke, and are assumed to be permanent within a few weeks of the event. Because consensus about the efficacy of rehabilitation is lacking, visual therapy is rarely prescribed. Here, we review current rehabilitation options and strategies in the translational pipeline that could change these perspectives.

Recent findings

The mainstays of available therapy for homonymous visual defects are compensation training and substitution, which allow patients to better use their spared vision. However, early clinical studies suggest that vision can partially recover following intensive training inside the blind field. Research into the relative efficacy of different restorative approaches continues, providing insights into neurophysiologic substrates of recovery and its limitations. This, in turn, has led to new work examining the possible benefits of earlier intervention, advanced training procedures, noninvasive brain stimulation, and pharmacological adjuvants, all of which remain to be vetted through properly powered, randomized, clinical trials.

Research has uncovered substantial visual plasticity after occipital strokes, suggesting that rehabilitative strategies for this condition should be more aggressive. For maximal benefit, poststroke vision-restorative interventions should begin early, and in parallel with strategies that optimize everyday use of an expanding field of view.
MRI findings as markers of idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Authors: Barkatullah Arhem F. , Leishangthem Lakshmi , Moss Heather E.
Published: November 2020

Purpose of review

Negative findings on neuroimaging are part of the diagnostic criteria for idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), a syndrome characterized by increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Some positive neuroimaging findings are associated with increased ICP, but their role in diagnosis of IIH has not been established. We provide an overview of these findings and their relevance for diagnosis of raised intracranial pressure.

Recent findings

MRI acquisition techniques have significantly improved in the last few decades leading to better characterization of the intracranial changes associated with IIH, including empty sella turcica, optic nerve tortuosity, distension of the optic nerve sheath, posterior globe flattening, slit-like ventricles, and venous sinus stenosis. These may be MRI biomarkers of increased ICP. Prevalence difference between people with and without increased ICP, and reversibility of these MRI findings following treatment of increased ICP inform evaluation of their diagnostic potential.

MRI and magnetic resonance venography findings are important tools in the diagnosis of IIH. Empty sella turcica, optic nerve protrusion, distension of the optic nerve sheath, optic nerve tortuosity, posterior globe flattening, and transverse sinus stenosis have been found to be the most promising diagnostic markers for IIH, although absence of these findings does not rule out the diagnosis.
Early microvascular and neuro-retinal alterations in type 2 diabetic patients without diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Wang Wei , Zheng Yingfeng , Liu Sen , Li Yuting , Huang Wenyong , Liang Xiaolin , Liu Yizhi
Published: November 2020

Purpose

to evaluate and correlate the alterations of microvascular and chorioretinal structure in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients without clinical signs of DR.

Methods

T2DM patients were randomized sampled from Guangzhou Diabetic Eye Study and healthy controls from the community of Guangzhou, China were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Demographic, clinical and ocular parameters were regularly obtained. Retinal thickness (RT), retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) thickness, outer retina layer (ORL) thickness and choroid thickness (CT) were automatically evaluated by swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) in the 1, 3, and 6 mm centered on fovea. Vessel density (VD) was obtained by OCT angiography (OCTA) in the 1 and 3 mm centered on the fovea.

Results

1,444 eyes of 1,444 individuals (722 T2DM patients and 722 healthy controls) were included in the final analyses. Macular average RNFL was thinned (P < 0.001), average GC-IPL was thickened (P < 0.001), and ORL was thickened (P = 0.012) in DM patients compared with healthy controls independent of confounding factors. VD was significantly increased in diabetic patients without DR. Correlations were found between VD and specific layers of retina both in DM patients and in healthy controls. Especially in DM patients, average RT in positively related with parafoveal VD (β= 0.010, 95%CI: 0.003 to 0.017) and total average VD (β= 0.010,95%CI: 0.003 to 0.016). Specifically, RNFL thickness is inversely related with VD, while both GC-IPL and ORL thickness are positively related with VD in diabetic patients without DR.

Conclusion

This study reports and correlates the early alterations of chorioretinal structure and retinal superficial vessels in T2DM patients even before the onset of clinical signs of DR. Findings of this study may provide novel insights to explore the pathogenesis of DR.
Global inequality in disability-adjusted life years due to eye diseases: a cross-national analysis from 1990 through 2015
Authors: Wang Wei , Zheng Yingfeng , Huang Wenyong , Liang Xiaoling , Liu Yizhi
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the trends in global inequality in eye health by using data on the global burden of disease measured in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs).

Methods

This is an international observational study. We estimated the burden of eye disease by calculating the sum of DALYs (from the Global Burden of Disease study, 2016 update) due to cataract, refraction and accommodation disorders (RE), glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and other causes. We assessed the burden of various eye disease in relation to economic status and etiology by calculating the Gini coefficient, and the concentration index.

Results

This study included 195 countries, VI accounted for 2.46 (95%CI: 2.26 to 2.70) billion DALYs. Global inequality in the health burden due to VI has not changed greatly in the last 25 years, with a Gini coefficient of 0.217 in 1990 and 0.201 in 2015 Cataract was concentrated in poor socioeconomic countries, while AMD was concentrated in higher socioeconomic countries. In 1990, cataract was the most unevenly distributed cause, followed by AMD, RE, glaucoma, and other causes. In 2015, cataract remained the most unevenly distributed cause on a global scale, followed by RE, AMD, glaucoma, and other causes. Time trends of inequality in high-income economies differed from those in low- and middle-income economies. There is an ongoing reduction in the inequality of the VI burden across high-income countries; however, there is an upward trend across low- and middle-income countries. The inequality of RE has improved among high-, low-, and middle-income economies.

Conclusion

The health burden of eye diseases has not improved and that the global inequality of eye health has increased continuously in the last 25 years. Time trends of inequality in high-income economies differed from those in low- and middle-income economies.
Catching a resurgence: Increase in SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA identified in wastewater 48 hours before COVID-19 clinical tests and 96 hours before hospitalizations
Authors: D’Aoust Patrick M. , Graber Tyson E. , Mercier Elisabeth , Montpetit Danika , Alexandrov Ilya , Neault Nafisa , Baig Aiman Tariq , Mayne Janice , Zhang Xu , Alain Tommy , Servos Mark R. , Srikanthan Nivetha , MacKenzie Malcolm , Figeys Daniel , Manuel Douglas , Jüni Peter , MacKenzie Alex E. , Delatolla Robert
Published: November 2020

Curtailing the Spring 2020 COVID-19 surge required sweeping and stringent interventions by governments across the world. Wastewater-based COVID-19 epidemiology programs have been initiated in many countries to provide public health agencies with a complementary disease tracking metric and facile surveillance tool. However, their efficacy in prospectively capturing resurgence following a period of low prevalence is unclear. In this study, the SARS-CoV-2 viral signal was measured in primary clarified sludge harvested every two days at the City of Ottawa’s water resource recovery facility during the summer of 2020, when clinical testing recorded daily percent positivity below 1%. In late July, increases of >400% in normalized SARS-CoV-2 RNA signal in wastewater were identified 48 hours prior to reported >300% increases in positive cases that were retrospectively attributed to community-acquired infections. During this resurgence period, SARS-CoV-2 RNA signal in wastewater preceded the reported >160% increase in community hospitalizations by approximately 96 hours. This study supports wastewater-based COVID-19 surveillance of populations in augmenting the efficacy of diagnostic testing, which can suffer from sampling biases or timely reporting as in the case of hospitalization census.
Response to thermal and infection stresses in an American vector of visceral leishmaniasis
Authors: Martins Kelsilandia A. , Morais Caroline S. , Broughton Susan J. , Lazzari Claudio R. , Bates Paul A. , Pereira Marcos H. , Dillon Rod J.
Published: November 2020

The phlebotomine sand flyLutzomyia longipalpisis the primary insect vector of visceral leishmaniasis in the Americas. For ectothermic organisms such as sand flies, the ambient temperature is a critical factor influencing all aspects of their life. However, the impact of temperature has been ignored in previous investigations of stress-induced responses by the vector, such as taking a blood meal or duringLeishmaniainfection. Therefore, this study explored the interaction ofLu. longipalpiswith temperature by evaluating sand fly behaviour across a thermal gradient after sugar or blood-feeding, and infection withLeishmania mexicana.Thermographic recordings of sand fly females fed on mice were analysed, and the gene expression of heat shock proteins HSP70 and HSP90(83) was evaluated when insects were exposed to extreme temperatures or infected. The results showed that 72h after blood ingestion females ofLu. longipalpisbecame less active and preferred relatively low temperatures. However, at later stages of blood digestion females increased their activity and remained at higher temperatures prior to taking a second blood meal; this behaviour seems to be correlated with the evolution of their oocysts and voracity for a second blood meal. No changes in the temperature preferences of female sand flies were recorded in the presence of a gut infection byLe. mexicana,indicating that this parasite has not triggered behavioural immunity inLu. longipalpis. Real-time imaging showed that the body temperature of female flies feeding on mice increased to the same temperature as the host within a few seconds after landing. The body temperature of females remained around 35 ± 0.5 °C until the end of blood-feeding, revealing a lack of thermoregulatory behaviour. Analysis of expression of heat shock proteins revealed insects increased expression of HSP90(83) when exposed to higher temperatures, such as during blood feeding. Our findings suggest thatLu. longipalpisinteracts with the environmental temperature by using its behaviour to avoid temperature-related physiological damage during the gonotrophic cycle. However, the expression of certain heat shock proteins might be triggered to mitigate against thermal stress in situations where a behavioural response is not the best option.
Assessing the reliability of an automated method for measuring dominance hierarchy in nonhuman primates
Authors: Ballesta Sébastien , Sadoughi Baptiste , Miss Fabia , Whitehouse Jamie , Aguenounon Géraud , Meunier Hélène
Published: November 2020

Among animals’ societies, dominance is an important social factor that influences inter-individual relationships. However, assessing dominance hierarchy can be a time-consuming activity which is potentially impeded by environmental factors, difficulties in the recognition of animals, or through the disturbance of animals during data collection. Here we took advantage of novel devices, Machines for Automated Learning and Testing (MALT), designed primarily to study nonhuman primates’ cognition - to additionally measure the social structure of a primate group. When working on a MALT, an animal can be replaced by another; which could reflect an asymmetric dominance relationship (or could happen by chance). To assess the reliability of our automated method, we analysed a sample of the automated conflicts with video scoring and found that 75% of these replacements include genuine forms of social displacements. We thus first designed a data filtering procedure to exclude events that should not be taken into account when automatically assessing social hierarchies in monkeys. Then, we analysed months of daily use of MALT by 25 semi-free ranging Tonkean macaques (Macaca tonkeana) and found that dominance relationships inferred from these interactions strongly correlate with the ones derived from observations of spontaneous agonistic interactions collected during the same time period. We demonstrate that this method can be used to assess the evolution of individual social status, as well as group-wide hierarchical stability longitudinally with minimal research labour. Further, it facilitates a continuous assessment of dominance hierarchies, even during unpredictable environmental or challenging social events. Altogether, this study supports the use of MALT as a reliable tool to automatically and dynamically assess social status within groups of nonhuman primates, including juveniles.
Local brassinosteroid biosynthesis enables optimal root growth
Authors: Vukašinović Nemanja , Wang Yaowei , Vanhoutte Isabelle , Fendrych Matyáš , Guo Boyu , Kvasnica Miroslav , Jiroutová Petra , Oklestkova Jana , Strnad Miroslav , Russinova Eugenia
Published: November 2020

Brassinosteroid hormones are indispensable for root growth and they control both cell division and cell elongation through the establishment of an increasing signaling gradient along the longitudinal root axis. Because of their limited mobility, the importance of brassinosteroid distribution for achieving the signaling maximum is largely overlooked. Expression pattern analysis of all known brassinosteroid biosynthetic enzymes revealed that not all cells in theArabidopsis thalianaroot possess full biosynthetic machinery and completion of biosynthesis relies on cell-to-cell movement of the hormone precursors. We demonstrate that brassinosteroid biosynthesis is largely restricted to the root elongation zone where it overlaps with brassinosteroid signaling maxima. Moreover, optimal root growth requires hormone concentrations, low in the meristem and high in the root elongation zone attributable to an increased biosynthesis. Our finding that spatiotemporal regulation of hormone synthesis results in a local hormone accumulation provides a paradigm for hormone-driven organ growth in the absence of long-distance hormone transport in plants.
Building a virtual summer research experience in cancer for high school and early undergraduate students: lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Corson Timothy W , Hawkins Shannon M , Sanders Elmer , Byram Jessica , Cruz Leigh-Ann , Olson Jacob , Speidell Emily , Schnabel Rose , Balaji Adhitya , Ogbeide Osas , Dinh Julie , Hinshaw Amy , Cummings Laura , Bonds Vicki , Nakshatri Harikrishna
Published: November 2020

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic posed a unique challenge for summer research programs in 2020, particularly for programs aimed at hands-on experience for younger trainees. The Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center supports two pipeline programs, which traditionally immerse high school juniors, seniors, and early undergraduate students from underrepresented populations in science in hands-on projects in cancer biology labs. However, due to social distancing policies during the pandemic and reduction of research operations, these students were not physically allowed on campus. Thus, the authors set out to strategically pivot to a wholly virtual curriculum and evaluate the Virtual Summer Research Experience in Cancer outcomes.

Methods

The virtual program included four components: 1. a core science and professional development curriculum led by high school teachers and senior undergraduates; 2. faculty-delivered didactic sessions on cancer science; 3. mentored, virtual research projects with research faculty; and 4. online networking events to encourage vertical mentoring. Outcomes data were measured using an 11-item Research Preparation scale, daily electronic feedback, and structured evaluation and feedback via Zoom weekly.

Results

Outcome data suggested high self-reported satisfaction with the virtual program. Outcome data also revealed the importance of coordination between multiple entities for seamless program implementation. This includes the active recruitment and participation of high school teachers and further investment in information technology capabilities of institutions.

Conclusions

Findings reveal a path to educate and train high school and early undergraduate students in cancer research when hands-on, in-person training is not feasible. Virtual research experiences are not only useful to engage students during public health crises but can provide an avenue for cancer centers to expand their cancer education footprints to remotely located schools and universities with limited resources to provide such experiences to their students.
A novel, ataxic mouse model of Ataxia Telangiectasia caused by a clinically relevant nonsense mutation
Authors: Perez Harvey , Abdallah May F. , Chavira Jose I. , Norris Angelina S. , Egeland Martin T. , Vo Karen L. , Buechsenschuetz Callan L. , Sanghez Valentina , Kim Jeannie L. , Pind Molly , Nakamura Kotoka , Hicks Geoffrey G. , Gatti Richard A. , Madrenas Joaquin , Iacovino Michelina , McKinnon Peter J. , Mathews Paul J.
Published: November 2020

Ataxia Telangiectasia (A-T) and Ataxia with Ocular Apraxia Type 1 (AOA1) are devastating neurological disorders caused by null mutations in the genome stability genes, A-T mutated (ATM) and Aprataxin (APTX), respectively. Our mechanistic understanding and therapeutic repertoire for treating these disorders is severely lacking, in large part due to the failure of prior animal models with similar null mutations to recapitulate the characteristic loss of motor coordination (i.e., ataxia) and associated cerebellar defects. By increasing genotoxic stress through the insertion of null mutations in both theAtm(nonsense) andAptx(knockout) genes in the same animal, we have generated a novel mouse model that for the first time develops a progressively severe ataxic phenotype associated with atrophy of the cerebellar molecular layer. We find biophysical properties of cerebellar Purkinje neurons are significantly perturbed (e.g., reduced membrane capacitance, lower action potential thresholds, etc.), while properties of synaptic inputs remain largely unchanged. These perturbations significantly alter Purkinje neuron neural activity, including a progressive reduction in spontaneous action potential firing frequency that correlates with both cerebellar atrophy and ataxia over the animal’s first year of life. Double mutant mice also exhibit a high predisposition to developing cancer (thymomas) and immune abnormalities (impaired early thymocyte development and T-cell maturation), symptoms characteristic of A-T. Lastly, by inserting a clinically relevant nonsense-type null mutation inAtm, we demonstrate thatSmallMoleculeRead-Through (SMRT) compounds can restore ATM production, indicating their potential as a future A-T therapeutic.
Delineating the heterogeneity of matrix-directed differentiation towards soft and stiff tissue lineages via single-cell profiling
Authors: Brielle Shlomi , Bavli Danny , Motzik Alex , Kan-Tor Yoav , Avni Batia , Ram Oren , Buxboim Amnon
Published: November 2020

Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) are a heterogeneous population of multipotent progenitors that contribute to tissue regeneration and homeostasis. MSCs assess extracellular elasticity by probing resistance to applied forces via adhesion, cytoskeletal, and nuclear mechanotransducers, that direct differentiation toward soft or stiff tissue lineages. Even under controlled conditions, MSC differentiation exhibits substantial cell-to-cell variation that remains poorly characterized. By single-cell transcriptional profiling of naïve, matrix-conditioned, and early differentiation state cells, we identified distinct MSC subpopulations with distinct mechanosensitivities, differentiation capacities, and cell cycling. We showed that soft matrices support adipogenesis of multipotent cells and endochondral ossification of non-adipogenic cells, whereas intramembranous ossification and pre-osteoblast proliferation are enhanced by stiff matrices. Using diffusion pseudotime mapping, we delineated hierarchical matrix-directed differentiation and identified mechanoresponsive genes. We found that tropomyosin-1 (TPM1) is highly sensitive to stiffness cues both at RNA and protein levels and that changes in expression of TPM1 determine adipogenic or osteogenic fates. Thus, cell-to-cell variation in tropomyosin-mediated matrix-sensing contributes to impaired differentiation with implications to the biomedical potential of MSCs.
Publishing of COVID-19 Preprints in Peer-reviewed Journals, Preprinting Trends, Public Discussion and Quality Issues
Authors: Kodvanj Ivan , Homolak Jan , Virag Davor , Trkulja Vladimir
Published: November 2020

Introduction

COVID-19-related (vs. non-related) articles appear to be more expeditiously processed and published in peer-reviewed journals. We aimed to evaluate: (i) whether COVID-19-related preprints were favored for publication, (ii) preprinting trends and public discussion of the preprints, and (iii) the relationship between the publication topic (COVID-19-related or not) and quality issues.

Methods

Manuscripts deposited at bioRxiv and medRxiv between January 1 and September 27 were assessed for the probability of publishing in peer-reviewed journals, and those published were evaluated for submission-to-acceptance time. The extent of public discussion was assessed based on Altmetric and Disqus data. The Retraction Watch Database and PubMed were used to explore the retraction of COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 articles and preprints.

Results

With adjustment for the preprinting server and number of deposited versions, COVID-19-related preprints were more likely to be published within 120 days since the deposition of the first version (OR=2.04, 95%CI 1.87-2.23) as well as over the entire observed period (OR=1.42, 95%CI 1.33-1.52). Submission-to-acceptance was by 38.67 days (95%CI 34.96-42.39) shorter for COVID-19 articles. Public discussion of preprints was modest and COVID-19 articles were overrepresented in the pool of retracted articles in 2020.

Conclusion

Current data suggest a preference for publication of COVID-19-related preprints over the observed period.
The impact of multifactorial stress combination on plant growth and survival
Authors: Zandalinas Sara I. , Sengupta Soham , Fritschi Felix B. , Azad Rajeev K. , Nechushtai Rachel , Mittler Ron
Published: November 2020

Climate change-driven extreme weather events, combined with increasing temperatures, harsh soil conditions, low water availability and quality, and the introduction of many man-made pollutants, pose a unique challenge to plants. Although our knowledge of the response of plants to each of these individual conditions is vast, we know very little about how a combination of many of these factors, occurring simultaneously,i.e., multifactorial stress combination, impacts plants.

Seedlings of wild type and different mutants ofArabidopsis thalianaplants were subjected to a multifactorial stress combination of six different stresses, each applied at a low level, and their survival, physiological and molecular responses determined.

Our findings reveal that while each of the different stresses, applied individually, had a negligible effect on plant growth and survival, the accumulated impact of multifactorial stress combination on plants was detrimental. We further show that the response of plants to multifactorial stress combination is unique and that specific pathways and processes play a critical role in the acclimation of plants to multifactorial stress combination.

Taken together our findings reveal that further polluting our environment could result in higher complexities of multifactorial stress combinations that in turn could drive a critical decline in plant growth and survival.

Plain Language Summary

The effects of multiple stress conditions occurring simultaneously,i.e., multifactorial stress combination, on plants is currently unknown. Here we show that different co-occurring stresses can interact to negatively impact plant growth and survival, even if the effect of each individual stress is negligible. We further identify several key pathways essential for plant acclimation to multifactorial stress combination.
Sex differences and similarities in the neuroimmune response to central administration of poly I:C
Authors: Posillico Caitlin K. , Garcia-Hernandez Rosa E. , Tronson Natalie C.
Published: November 2020

Background

The neuroimmune system is required for normal neural processes, including modulation of cognition, emotion, and adaptive behaviors. Aberrant neuroimmune activation is associated with dysregulation of memory and emotion, though the precise mechanisms at play are complex and highly context dependent. Sex differences neuroimmune activation and function further complicate our understanding of its roles in cognitive and affective regulation.

Methods

Here, we characterized the physiological sickness and inflammatory response of the hippocampus following intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of a synthetic viral mimic, polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly I:C), in both male and female C57Bl/6 mice.

Results

We observed that poly I:C induced weight loss, fever, and elevations of cytokine and chemokines in the hippocampus of both sexes. Specifically, we found transient increases in gene expression and protein levels of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, TNFα, CCL2, and CXCL10, where males showed a greater magnitude of response compared with females. Only males showed increased IFNαand IFNγin response to poly I:C, whereas both males and females exhibited elevations of IFNβ, demonstrating a specific sex difference in the anti-viral response in the hippocampus.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that type I interferons are one potential node mediating sex-specific cytokine responses and neuroimmune effects on cognition. Together, these findings highlight the importance of using both males and females and analyzing a broad set of inflammatory markers in order to identify the precise, sex-specific roles for neuroimmune dysregulation in neurological diseases and disorders.
A Toll pathway effector protectsDrosophilaspecifically from distinct toxins secreted by a fungus or a bacterium
Authors: Huang Jianqiong , Lou Yanyan , Liu Jiyong , Bulet Philippe , Jiao Renjie , Hoffmann Jules A. , Liégeois Samuel , Li Zi , Ferrandon Dominique
Published: November 2020

TheDrosophilasystemic immune response against many Gram-positive bacteria and fungi is mediated by the Toll pathway. How Toll-regulated effectors actually fulfill this role remains poorly understood as the known antimicrobial peptide (AMP) genes it controls are essentially active only against filamentous fungi and not against Gram-positive bacteria or yeasts.BaramicinAgene expression is transcriptionally regulated by the Toll pathway.BaraAencodes a polyprotein precursor that releases processed proteins into the hemolymph upon immune challenge. Here, we demonstrate thatBaraAis required specifically in the host defense againstEnterococcus faecalisand against the entomopathogenic fungusMetarhizium robertsii. It does so by protecting the fly from the action of distinct toxins secreted by Gram-positive and fungal pathogens but not by directly attacking them. Thus, in complement to the current paradigm, innate immunity can cope with toxins, effectively, through the secretion of peptides that are not AMPs, independently of xenobiotics detoxification pathways.
Structures of the Human LONP1 Protease Reveal Regulatory Steps Involved in Protease Activation
Authors: Shin Mia , Watson Edmond R. , Novick Scott J. , Griffin Patrick , Wiseman R. Luke , Lander Gabriel C.
Published: November 2020

The human mitochondrial AAA+ protein LONP1 is a critical quality control protease involved in regulating diverse aspects of mitochondrial biology including proteostasis, electron transport chain activity, and mitochondrial transcription. As such, genetic or aging-associated imbalances in LONP1 activity are implicated in the pathologic mitochondrial dysfunction associated with numerous human diseases. Despite this importance, the molecular basis for LONP1-dependent proteolytic activity remains poorly defined. Here, we solved cryo-electron microscopy structures of human LONP1 to reveal the molecular mechanism of substrate proteolysis. We show that, like bacterial Lon, human LONP1 adopts both an open and closed spiral staircase orientation dictated by the presence of substrate and nucleotide. However, unlike bacterial Lon, human LONP1 contains a second spiral staircase within its ATPase domain that engages substrate to increase interactions with the translocating peptide as it transits into the proteolytic chamber for proteolysis. Further, we show that substrate-bound LONP1 includes a second level of regulation at the proteolytic active site, wherein autoinhibition of the active site is only relieved by the presence of a peptide substrate. Ultimately, our results define a structural basis for human LONP1 proteolytic activation and activity, establishing a molecular framework to understand the critical importance of this protease for mitochondrial regulation in health and disease.
Gluttony as predictor of compulsive buying behaviour
Authors: Piper Luigi , Sestino Andrea , Guido Gianluigi
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The main purpose of this research is to evaluate Gluttony's role in consumers' compulsive buying behaviour. Specifically, the authors want to identify the main psychological antecedents of the construct (expressed with the Big Five) and the moderating effects of shopping motives (in the two dimensions hedonism and utilitarianism).

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses were tested by applying survey data from 335 participants to a mediation model with a moderator.

Findings

The results show that consciousness adversely affects gluttony, while neuroticism has a positive impact on it. Gluttony, in turn, mediates the relationship between these personality traits and compulsive buying behaviour. Finally, contrary to what might be expected, only utilitarianism accentuates the effect of gluttony on compulsive buying behaviour.

Practical implications

Using these results, managers and policymakers can create more effective strategies for their commercial or awareness initiatives.

Originality/value

This study clarifies the role of gluttony in consumer behaviour by identifying the underlying personality traits.
Selling organic candy: multimodal critical discourse analysis of commercial websites
Authors: Fernández-Vázquez José-Santiago
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper examines how organic candies are marketed as healthy and ethical choices on commercial websites through the use of visual, rhetorical and promotional strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses social semiotics and multimodal critical discourse analysis to identify the narratives and discursive traits that organic candy manufacturers reproduce on their websites as part of their ethical branding policy. The dataset is formed by 10 websites that commercialize organic confectionery.

Findings

The findings indicate that sellers try to associate organic candy to healthiness, simple and traditional lifestyles and social awareness to distinguish themselves from their competitors. Often the ethical claims that organic candy websites reproduce are not justified.

Research limitations/implications

A major limitation of this study is that the investigation does not evaluate the effectiveness of rhetorical and discursive strategies on real consumer decisions. Further research of an ethnographic or empirical nature would be required for this purpose.

Practical implications

This study recognizes the strategies that organic candy sellers reproduce can help consumers make more informed choices. From the point of view of marketers, understanding the multimodal, rhetorical and discursive strategies that organic candy brands employ can be useful to devise their own marketing approaches.

Originality/value

The investigation contributes to a growing body of research about multimodal critical discourse analysis within food marketing studies. To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first paper that analyses organic candy branding from a multimodal perspective.