bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning through the grapevine and the impact of the breadth and depth of social networks
Authors: Jackson Matthew O. , Malladi Suraj , McAdams David
Published: August 2022

We study how communication platforms can improve social learning without censoring or fact-checking messages, when they have members who deliberately and/or inadvertently distort information. Message fidelity depends on social network depth (how many times information can be relayed) and breadth (the number of others with whom a typical user shares information). We characterize how the expected number of true minus false messages depends on breadth and depth of the network and the noise structure. Message fidelity can be improved by capping depth or, if that is not possible, limiting breadth, e.g., by capping the number of people to whom someone can forward a given message. Although caps reduce total communication, they increase the fraction of received messages that have traveled shorter distances and have had less opportunity to be altered, thereby increasing the signal-to-noise ratio.
Dopamine and GPCR-mediated modulation of DN1 clock neurons gates the circadian timing of sleep
Authors: Schlichting Matthias , Richhariya Shlesha , Herndon Nicholas , Ma Dingbang , Xin Jason , Lenh William , Abruzzi Katharine , Rosbash Michael
Published: August 2022

The metronome-like circadian regulation of sleep timing must still adapt to an uncertain environment. Recent studies in
Drosophila
indicate that neuromodulation not only plays a key role in clock neuron synchronization but also affects interactions between the clock network and brain sleep centers. We show here that the targets of neuromodulators, G Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs), are highly enriched in the fly brain circadian clock network. Single-cell sequencing indicates that they are not only enriched but also differentially expressed and contribute to clock neuron identity. We generated a comprehensive guide library to mutagenize individual GPCRs in specific neurons and verified the strategy by introducing a targeted sequencing approach. Combined with a behavioral screen, the mutagenesis strategy revealed a role of dopamine in sleep regulation by identifying two dopamine receptors and a clock neuron subpopulation that gate the timing of sleep.
Deep learning predicts DNA methylation regulatory variants in the human brain and elucidates the genetics of psychiatric disorders
Authors: Zhou Jiyun , Chen Qiang , Braun Patricia R. , Perzel Mandell Kira A. , Jaffe Andrew E. , Tan Hao Yang , Hyde Thomas M. , Kleinman Joel E. , Potash James B. , Shinozaki Gen , Weinberger Daniel R. , Han Shizhong
Published: August 2022

There is growing evidence for the role of DNA methylation (DNAm) quantitative trait loci (mQTLs) in the genetics of complex traits, including psychiatric disorders. However, due to extensive linkage disequilibrium (LD) of the genome, it is challenging to identify causal genetic variations that drive DNAm levels by population-based genetic association studies. This limits the utility of mQTLs for fine-mapping risk loci underlying psychiatric disorders identified by genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Here we present INTERACT, a deep learning model that integrates convolutional neural networks with transformer, to predict effects of genetic variations on DNAm levels at CpG sites in the human brain. We show that INTERACT-derived DNAm regulatory variants are not confounded by LD, are concentrated in regulatory genomic regions in the human brain, and are convergent with mQTL evidence from genetic association analysis. We further demonstrate that predicted DNAm regulatory variants are enriched for heritability of brain-related traits and improve polygenic risk prediction for schizophrenia across diverse ancestry samples. Finally, we applied predicted DNAm regulatory variants for fine-mapping schizophrenia GWAS risk loci to identify potential novel risk genes. Our study shows the power of a deep learning approach to identify functional regulatory variants that may elucidate the genetic basis of complex traits.
Biotic colonization of subtropical East Asian caves through time
Authors: Li Xiao-Qian , Xiang Xiao-Guo , Jabbour Florian , Hagen Oskar , Ortiz Rosa del C. , Soltis Pamela S. , Soltis Douglas E. , Wang Wei
Published: August 2022

Caves are home to unique and fragile biotas with high levels of endemism. However, little is known about how the biotic colonization of caves has developed over time, especially in caves from middle and low latitudes. Subtropical East Asia holds the world's largest karst landform with numerous ancient caves, which harbor a high diversity of cave-dwelling organisms and are regarded as a biodiversity hotspot. Here, we assess the temporal dynamics of biotic colonization of subtropical East Asian caves through a multi-taxon analysis with representatives of green plants, animals, and fungi. We then investigate the consequences of paleonviromental changes on the colonization dynamics of these caves in combination with reconstructions of vegetation, temperature, and precipitation. We discover that 88% of cave colonization events occurred after the Oligocene-Miocene boundary, and organisms from the surrounding forest were a major source for subtropical East Asian cave biodiversity. Biotic colonization of subtropical East Asian caves during the Neogene was subject to periods of acceleration and decrease, in conjunction with large-scale, seasonal climatic changes and evolution of local forests. This study highlights the long-term evolutionary interaction between surface and cave biotas; our climate-vegetation-relict model proposed for the subtropical East Asian cave biota may help explain the evolutionary origins of other mid-latitude subterranean biotas.
Mechanism of nonequilibrium plasma-enhanced ignition in the event of dual-pulse laser energy deposition
Authors: Mahamud Rajib
Published: August 2022

A two-dimensional (2D) and three-temperature mathematical model for dual-pulse laser (DPL) ignition was applied to study the mechanism of the nonequilibrium plasma (NEQP) process during DPL energy deposition. The 2D model could predict the influence of the reaction kinetics and nonequilibrium effects on the ignition delay time and kernel dynamics. As the plasma reaction rates were extremely fast compared with the combustion reaction rates, it can be predicted that the variability of the plasma lifetime will directly influence the ignition delay time and reaction kinetics. The results suggested that the energy relaxation rate from the electronic state was rapid compared to that from the vibrational state due to the short lifetime of the plasma state. However, the relatively slower energy relaxation from the vibrational state provided long-term thermalization of the ignition kernel. For the same level of energy deposition, the NEQP system predicted a higher rate of vorticity generation, signifying a higher level of mixing and baroclinicity production. The results also suggested that ignition in a premixed fuel airflow required a higher degree of energy deposition, due to a higher rate of radical and thermal losses.
Manganese silicide nanowires via metallic flux nanonucleation: growth mechanism and temperature-dependent resistivity
Authors: Cruz Alexsandro S E , Campanelli Raul B , Puydinger dos Santos Marcos V , Fabris Fernando , Bettini Jefferson , Pagliuso Pascoal G , Pirota Kleber R
Published: August 2022

Mn5Si3 nanowires are believed to be the building blocks of the newest trends of flexible and stretchable devices in nanoelectronics. In this context , growing Mn5Si3 nanowires, as well as characterizing their electronic transport properties provide insight into their phenomenology. In this work, we report on the growth mechanism of Mn5Si3 nanowires produced by the metallic flux nanonucleation method, as well as the resistivity measurements of these nanostructures. Our calculation allows us, by using the Washburn equation for pore infiltration, to give a guess on why we obtain Mn-rich nanowires. In addition, some morphological aspects of the diameter-modulated Mn5Si3 nanowires were discussed based on the classical nucleation theory. From the resistivity measurements for the smallest diameter among the nanowires, we observed a significant reduction of around 37% of the phonons characteristic temperature by fitting the Bloch–Grünesein formula with other sources of scattering. Our results lead to a better understanding on the recent metallic flux nanonucleation growth method, as well as going a step further into the electronic transport properties of the Mn5Si3 nanowires.
A robust electrochemical sensing platform for the detection of erlotinib based on nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots/copper nanoparticles-polyaniline-graphene oxide nanohybrid
Authors: Rahmanian Hamidreza , Es’haghi Zarrin , Dadmehr Mehdi
Published: August 2022

Erlotinib is a potent and highly specific tyrosine kinase inhibitor with the hindering effects on the growth of cancer cells. An electrochemical sensor with the great sensitivity and selectivity was fabricated for determining erlotinib by using a graphite rod electrode modified by the nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (N-GQDs) and a ternary nanohybrid comprising copper nanoparticles, polyaniline, along with graphene oxide (N-GQDs/CuNPs-PANI@GO) for the first time. The establishment of PANI and CuNPs was done simultaneously on the GO surface by the in situ oxidative polymerization method. The morphological characteristics and elemental structure of the synthesized nanoparticles were examined by some microscopy techniques and x-ray energy/diffraction methods. The fabricated sensor represented the electrocatalytic activity towards erlotinib with a linear detection range from 1.0 nM to 35.0 μM, a detection limit of 0.712 nM, and a sensitivity of 1.3604 μA μM−1. Moreover, the N-GQDs/CuNPs-PANI@GO sensor showed acceptable stability up to 30 d (94.82%), reproducibility (RSD values of 3.19% intraday and 3.52% interday), and repeatability (RSD value of 3.65%) as a novel and powerful electrochemical sensor. It was successfully applied to monitor erlotinib in the drug-injected aqueous solution, serum, and urine samples that proved the capability of the sensor for the erlotinib monitoring in the biological samples.
Phases and phase-transitions in quasisymmetric configuration space
Authors: Rodríguez E , Sengupta W , Bhattacharjee A
Published: August 2022

We explore the structure of the space of quasisymmetric configurations identifying them by their magnetic axes, described as three-dimensional closed curves. We demonstrate that this topological perspective divides the space of all configurations into well-separated quasisymmetric phases. Each phase is characterized by the self-linking number (a topological invariant), defining different symmetry configurations (quasi-axisymmetry or quasi-helical symmetry). The phase-transition manifolds correspond to quasi-isodynamic configurations. By considering some models for closed curves (most notably torus unknots), general features associated with these phases are explored. Some general criteria are also built and leveraged to provide a simple way to describe existing quasisymmetric designs. This constitutes the first step in a program to identify quasisymmetric configurations with a reduced set of functions and parameters, to deepen understanding of configuration space, and offer an alternative approach to stellarator optimization that begins with the magnetic axis and builds outward.
Cnidaria
Authors: Leitz Thomas
Published: August 2022

Cnidaria are one of the basal groups within the metazoans. They are divided into the Medusozoa (Hydrozoa, Scyphozoa, Staurozoa, and Cubozoa) and the Anthozoa, which are thought to be the basal group within the Cnidaria. Cnidaria together with the Ctenophora are the lowest groups with a nervous system that relies on synaptic conduction and are therefore attractive outgroups to the Bilateria. Investigations of evolutionary changes in nerve cells and neural anatomy and function will shed light on the emergence of the complex nervous systems of the Bilateria. Indeed, Cnidaria use elaborate nervous systems that share with bilaterians common neurophysiological mechanisms. However, the diversity of cnidarian neuroanatomies is high. Therefore, the reconstruction of the urcnidarian nervous system is blurred. The long-thought concept of only one or several ‘diffuse’ nerve nets with little or no centralization has been overcome in recent years by the discovery of centralized structures, particularly in the nervous systems of medusae of Scyphozoa and Cubozoa. This chapter deals at first with some pioneering investigations of the Cnidarian nervous systems, describes the structure of the nervous systems of selected groups (Hydra, Anthozoa) also with respect to the distribution of neurotransmitters and regulators, and highlights the centralized structures in Scyphozoa and Cubozoa, the nerve rings, and especially the rhopalia. These rudimentary ganglia integrate sensory inputs and motor outputs. In cubomedusae, the rhopalia are also the primary sites for photosensitive organs. Photosensitivity is common in the Medusozoa.
Acanthocephala
Authors: Semmler Le Henrike
Published: August 2022

The nervous system of the 1150 species-containing Acanthocephala is strongly influenced by their parasitic lifestyle. Also known as ‘thorny-headed worms’, these few-centimetre-long animals are endoparasites, having insects or crustaceans as intermediate hosts and vertebrates as final hosts. The basic structural pattern of the nervous system is common to all Acanthocephala. Nevertheless, there are significant differences in numbers of cells and arising nerves from the cerebral ganglion present in the various acanthocephalan groups, i.e. Archiacanthocephala, Eoacanthocephala, and Palaeacanthocephala. A cerebral ganglion lies behind the characteristic revertible proboscis, and normally consists of less than 100 cells. It is subdivided into a peripheral layer of pericarya, and a central neuropil, which innervate the proboscis and the trunk. Male acanthocephalans feature a pair of genital ganglia at the penis base, comprising between 15 and 30 cells. In addition, a bursal ganglion was found in the posterior end of males. Like the genital ganglia, it is assumed to innervate the muscles that are involved in the eversion and erection of the bursa. In 1989, a vaginal ganglion was discovered in female acanthocephalans. This may control the vaginal musculature and the body wall musculature associated with the region of the gonopore. Based on the parasitic lifestyle of Acanthocephala, sense organs are poorly developed, as far as is known. Acanthocephalans have posterior receptors which are thought to facilitate copulation. Further, in the anterior body region, paired lateral sensory organs and an apical sensory organ can be found.
Gastrotricha
Authors: Schmidt-Rhaesa Andreas , Rothe Birgen Holger
Published: August 2022

The taxon Gastrotricha includes marine and freshwater species of microscopical size. Traditionally, two subtaxa, Macrodasyida and Chaetonotida, are distinguished. Their phylogenetic position has recently become unresolved, because the traditional concept of a closer relationship to Cycloneuralia (or Ecdysozoa) is not supported by molecular evidence, which favours a position of Gastrotricha within Spiralia, probably among Platyzoa. The gastrotrich nervous system is composed of a brain in the form of a dorsal, suprapharyngeal commissure with lateral aggregations of brain cell somata and a pair of lateroventral longitudinal nerve cords. Anterior nervous projections of the brain innervate various sensory structures in the head region. In some cases, the longitudinal nerve cords are connected by a few fine commissures. The pharynx is innervated from the brain region. In chaetonotids, a pair of somata is present in the posterior part of the longitudinal nerve cord. The architecture of the nervous system in gastrotrichs is unique and hard to compare with nervous systems of other invertebrates. It therefore does not elucidate the phylogenetic position of gastrotrichs among metazoan animals.
The reporting adherence of observational studies published in orthodontic journals in relation to STROBE guidelines: a meta-epidemiological assessment
Authors: Bruggesser Susanne , Stöckli Simone , Seehra Jadbinder , Pandis Nikolaos
Published: August 2022

Background

To facilitate clear and transparent reporting of observational studies the STROBE guidelines were developed. The aim of this investigation was to assess the reporting adherence of observational studies published in orthodontic journals in relation to STROBE guidelines. Associations between the reporting quality and study characteristics were explored.

Materials and method

A search of five leading orthodontic journals was undertaken to identify observational studies published between 1st January 2021 and 31st June 2021. Data extraction was performed in duplicate and independently. Descriptive statistics and frequency distributions for the responses to each checklist item were calculated. Proportional odds ordinal logistic regression for clustered data was implemented to assess potential associations between the three-level categorical outcome (not reported, inadequate reporting, adequate reporting) and study characteristics and individual checklist items.

Results

One hundred and thirty-five studies were analysed. The majority of studies were cohort designs (54.0%). Variability in the reporting of the STROBE guideline items was evident. In particular, a clear description of outcomes, exposures, predictors, potential confounders, and effect modifiers, statistical methods and participants were inadequately reported. In the multivariable analysis, the overall score test indicated that only item was a significant predictor of reporting quality (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The findings of this study have highlighted that the reporting of observational studies published in orthodontic journals in relation to the STROBE guidelines is sub-optimal. Key areas of inadequate reporting relate to methodology and results. Key determinant of reporting quality was the STROBE item.
Longitudinal Associations Between Pain and Use of Cigarettes and E-cigarettes in the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study
Authors: Powers Jessica M , Maisto Stephen A , Zvolensky Michael J , Heckman Bryan W , Ditre Joseph W
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Pain has been implicated in the onset and maintenance of nicotine addiction, and there is initial cross-sectional evidence of covariation between pain and the use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes. The goals of the current study were to: (1)test pain severity as a predictor of initiating co-use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes, (2)examine longitudinal associations between pain and use/co-use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes, (3)generate the first prevalence rate data regarding cigarette and e-cigarette use as a function of pain, and (4)examine gender as a moderator of these associations.

Aims and Methods

Data were drawn from Waves 1–4 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study (2013–2018).

Results

Among exclusive cigarette smokers at Wave 1 (n = 7719), pain severity was associated with a greater likelihood of and faster trajectory to initiating co-use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes (ps < .05). A significant pain × gender interaction (p < .05) revealed this prospective relationship was stronger among women. Among adult respondents who provided at least three waves of data (n = 24 255), greater Wave 1 pain severity was positively associated with e-cigarette use, cigarette smoking, and co-use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes at Waves 2, 3, and 4 (ps < .001). At Wave 4 (n = 33 822), adults with moderate or severe pain endorsed rates of e-cigarette and cigarette use almost two times greater versus no or low pain (ps < .001).

Conclusions

Collectively, these findings provide evidence that pain likely serves as an important candidate risk factor for the initiation and maintenance of cigarette and e-cigarette use.

Implications

This is the first prospective study to show that pain serves as an important risk factor for initiation and maintenance of cigarette and e-cigarette use over time. Weighted prevalence estimates further demonstrated that individuals with moderate or severe pain endorsed rates of cigarette and e-cigarette use and co-use approximately two times greater compared to those with no or low pain. These findings highlight a subpopulation of nicotine users more susceptible to greater healthcare burden, nicotine dependence, and physical impairment. Nicotine users with comorbid pain may benefit from integrated interventions that address pain in the context of cessation.
Preclinical toxicological assessment of levothyroxine and liothyronine Maillard impurities
Authors: Agarwal Anju , Asif Muhammad , Deshmukh Rajeev , Vinchurkar Mohini , Singana Suresh B , Bhondave Pratik
Published: August 2022

Background

Following the introduction of new stability-indicating related substances methods, an unknown impurity was observed in levothyroxine (LeMI) and liothyronine (LiMI) tablets (ADVANZ PHARMA) in concentrations ≥1.0%, from 6 months of storage onwards. The impurity was identified as a Maillard condensation product between lactose and LeMI/LiMI in the LeMI and LiMI tablets, respectively.

Materials and Methods

To establish the toxicity profile of LeMI and LiMI in humans and to define appropriate shelf-life specification limits, a comprehensive nonclinical toxicological assessment was performed, including in silico (Leadscope and Derek Nexus analyses), in vitro (Ames test), and in vivo tests (7-day dose range finding and 90-day dose repeat studies in rats). In silico analyses indicated that potential LeMI and LiMI structures should not be considered bacterial mutagens or in vitro/in vivo clastogens, and that at the low oral exposure levels expected, the impurities are unlikely to cause harm.

Results

In vitro testing showed that neither LeMI nor LiMI were cytotoxic or mutagenic at up to 5000 μg/plate, both in the presence and absence of metabolic activation. The 2 in vivo studies further confirmed that no systemic toxicity or other notable negative effects were evident at up to 200 μg/kg/day for LeMI and 45 μg/kg/day for LiMI, the highest doses tested. These doses represent 120–122 times the maximum daily exposures of LeMI and LiMI, based on body surface area (μg/m2).

Conclusions

Based on these results, a proposal has been formulated to increase the limits of Maillard condensation products to ≤8.0% for LeMI and ≤6.0% for LiMI at shelf life.
Evaluation of Health-related Quality of Life Improvement in Patients Undergoing Cervical Versus Shoulder Surgery
Authors: Zabat Michelle A. , Elboghdady Islam , Mottole Nicole A. , Mojica Edward , Maglaras Constance , Jazrawi Laith M. , Virk Mandeep S. , Campbell Kirk A. , Buckland Aaron J. , Protopsaltis Themistocles S. , Fischer Charla R.
Published: August 2022

Study Design:

Retrospective analysis of outcomes in cervical spine and shoulder arthroscopy patients.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to assess differential improvements in health-related quality of life for cervical spine surgery compared with shoulder surgery.

Summary of Background Data:

An understanding of outcome differences between different types of orthopedic surgeries is helpful in counseling patients about expected postoperative recovery. This study compares outcomes in patients undergoing cervical spine surgery with arthroscopic shoulder surgery using computer-adaptive Patient-reported Outcome Information System scores.

Materials and Methods:

Patients undergoing cervical spine surgery (1-level or 2-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, cervical disc replacement) or arthroscopic shoulder surgery (rotator cuff repair±biceps tenodesis) were grouped. Patient-reported Outcome Information System scores of physical function, pain interference, and pain intensity at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months were compared using paired t tests.

Results:

Cervical spine (n=127) and shoulder (n=91) groups were similar in sex (25.8% vs. 41.8% female, P=0.731) but differed in age (51.6±11.6 vs. 58.60±11.2, P<0.05), operative time (148.3±68.6 vs. 75.9±26.9 min, P<0.05), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASAs) (2.3±0.6 vs. 2.0±0.5, P=0.001), smoking status (15.7% vs. 4.4%, P=0.008), and length of stay (1.1±1.0 vs. 0.3±0.1, P=0.000). Spine patients had worse physical function (36.9 ±12.6 vs. 49.4±8.6, P<0.05) and greater pain interference (67.0±13.6 vs. 61.7±4.8, P=0.001) at baseline. Significant improvements were seen in all domains by 3 months for both groups, except for physical function after shoulder surgery. Spine patients had greater physical function improvements at all timepoints (3.33 vs. −0.43, P=0.003; 4.81 vs. 0.08, P=0.001; 6.5 vs. −5.24, P=<0.05). Conversely, shoulder surgery patients showed better 6-month improvement in pain intensity over spine patients (−8.86 vs. −4.46, P=0.001), but this difference resolved by 12 months.

Conclusions:

Cervical spine patients had greater relative early improvement in physical function compared with shoulder patients, whereas pain interference and intensity did not significantly differ between the 2 groups after surgery. This will help in counseling patients about relative difference in recovery and improvement between the 2 surgery types.

Level of Evidence:

III
Menopausal vasomotor symptoms and adiponectin among midlife women
Authors: Thurston Rebecca C. , Chang Yuefang
Published: August 2022

Objective

Vasomotor symptoms (VMS) are prevalent symptoms that can have a negative impact on quality of life. VMS have also been linked to cardiovascular disease risk, yet the mechanisms underlying these associations have not been elucidated. Some initial works link VMS to adverse adipokine profiles or cytokines produced by adipose tissue. However, results are not entirely consistent and are based entirely on self-report VMS, which is influenced by a range of memory and reporting biases. The aim of this work was to test whether physiologically assessed VMS are associated with lower adiponectin, the most abundant adipokine in the body, controlling for confounding factors. We also consider whether adiponectin explains previously documented relationships between VMS and carotid atherosclerosis.

Methods

A total of 300 peri- and postmenopausal nonsmoking women aged 40 to 60 years enrolled in the MsHeart study comprised the analytic sample. Women were free of hormone therapy or other medications impacting VMS, insulin-dependent diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Participants underwent ambulatory physiologic VMS monitoring, physical measures, a carotid ultrasound, and fasting phlebotomy.

Results

More frequent physiologically assessed VMS were associated with lower adiponectin (B [SE] = −0.081 [0.028], P = 0.004; or 0.081 lower μg/mL in adiponectin for each additional VMS over 24 hours), controlling for age, race/ethnicity, education, insulin resistance, and waist circumference. Associations were not explained by endogenous estradiol. Adiponectin did not explain associations between VMS and carotid atherosclerosis.

Conclusions

Physiologic VMS were associated with lower adiponectin after considering potential confounders. The role of adipokines in VMS and in links between VMS and health warrants further attention.
Effects of indoor and outdoor temperatures on blood pressure and central hemodynamics in a wintertime longitudinal study of Chinese adults
Authors: Sternbach Talia J. , Harper Sam , Li Xiaoying , Zhang Xiang , Carter Ellison , Zhang Yuanxun , Shen Guofeng , Fan Zhongjie , Zhao Liancheng , Tao Shu , Baumgartner Jill
Published: August 2022

Objectives:

We aimed to estimate the effects of indoor and outdoor temperature on wintertime blood pressure (BP) among peri-urban Beijing adults.

Methods:

We enrolled 1279 adults (ages: 40–89 years) and conducted measurements in two winter campaigns in 2018–2019 and 2019–2020. Study staff traveled to participant homes to administer a questionnaire and measure brachial and central BP. Indoor temperature was measured in the 5 min prior to BP measurement. Outdoor temperature was estimated from regional meteorological stations. We used multivariable mixed-effects regression models to estimate the within-individual and between-individual effects of indoor and outdoor temperatures on BP.

Results:

Indoor and outdoor temperatures ranged from 0.0 to 28 °C and −14.3 to 6.4 °C, respectively. In adjusted models, a 1 °C increase in indoor temperature was associated with decreased SBP [−0.4 mmHg, 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.7 to −0.1 (between-individual; brachial and central BP); −0.5 mmHg, 95% CI: −0.8 to −0.2 (within-individual, brachial BP); −0.4 mmHg, 95% CI: −0.7 to −0.2 (within-individual, central BP)], DBP [−0.2 mmHg, 95% CI:−0.4 to −0.03 (between-individual); −0.3 mmHg, 95% CI: −0.5 to −0.04 (within-individual)], and within-individual pulse pressure [−0.2 mmHg, 95% CI: −0.4 to −0.04 (central); −0.3 mmHg, 95% CI: −0.4 to −0.1 (brachial)]. Between-individual SBP estimates were larger among participants with hypertension. There was no evidence of an effect of outdoor temperature on BP.

Conclusion:

Our results support previous findings of inverse associations between indoor temperature and BP but contrast with prior evidence of an inverse relationship with outdoor temperature. Wintertime home heating may be a population-wide intervention strategy for high BP and cardiovascular disease in China.
The janus face of ketone bodies in hypertension
Authors: Costa Tiago J. , Linder Braxton A. , Hester Seth , Fontes Milene , Pernomian Laena , Wenceslau Camilla F. , Robinson Austin T. , McCarthy Cameron G.
Published: August 2022

Hypertension is the most important risk factor for the development of terminal cardiovascular diseases, such as heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and atherosclerosis. Lifestyle interventions to lower blood pressure are generally desirable prior to initiating pharmaceutical drug treatments, which may have undesirable side effects. Ketogenic interventions are popular but the scientific literature supporting their efficacy is specific to certain interventions and outcomes in animal models and patient populations. For example, although caloric restriction has its own inherent difficulties (e.g. it requires high levels of motivation and adherence is difficult), it has unequivocally been associated with lowering blood pressure in hypertensive patients. On the other hand, the antihypertensive efficacy of ketogenic diets is inconclusive, and this is surprising, given that these diets have been largely helpful in mitigating metabolic syndrome and promoting longevity. It is possible that side effects associated with ketogenic diets (e.g. dyslipidemia) aggravate the hypertensive phenotype. However, given the recent data from our group, and others, reporting that the most abundant ketone body, β-hydroxybutyrate, can have positive effects on endothelial and vascular health, there is hope that ketone bodies can be harnessed as a therapeutic strategy to combat hypertension. Therefore, we conclude this review with a summary of the type and efficacy of ketone supplements. We propose that ketone supplements warrant investigation as low-dose antihypertensive therapy that decreases total peripheral resistance with minimal adverse side effects.
Distinct and sex-specific expression of mu opioid receptors in anterior cingulate and somatosensory S1 cortical areas
Authors: Zamfir Maria , Sharif Behrang , Locke Samantha , Ehrlich Aliza T. , Ochandarena Nicole E. , Scherrer Grégory , Ribeiro-da-Silva Alfredo , Kieffer Brigitte L. , Séguéla Philippe
Published: August 2022

The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) processes the affective component of pain, whereas the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) is involved in its sensory-discriminative component. Injection of morphine in the ACC has been reported to be analgesic, and endogenous opioids in this area are required for pain relief. Mu opioid receptors (MORs) are expressed in both ACC and S1; however, the identity of MOR-expressing cortical neurons remains unknown. Using the Oprm1-mCherry mouse line, we performed selective patch clamp recordings of MOR+ neurons, as well as immunohistochemistry with validated neuronal markers, to determine the identity and laminar distribution of MOR+ neurons in ACC and S1. We found that the electrophysiological signatures of MOR+ neurons differ significantly between these 2 areas, with interneuron-like firing patterns more frequent in ACC. While MOR+ somatostatin interneurons are more prominent in ACC, MOR+ excitatory neurons and MOR+ parvalbumin interneurons are more prominent in S1. Our results suggest a differential contribution of MOR-mediated modulation to ACC and S1 outputs. We also found that females had a greater density of MOR+ neurons compared with males in both areas. In summary, we conclude that MOR-dependent opioidergic signaling in the cortex displays sexual dimorphisms and likely evolved to meet the distinct function of pain-processing circuits in limbic and sensory cortical areas.
Histopathology of Labyrinthitis Ossificans From an Intralabyrinthine Surgical Specimen
Authors: Leong Stephen , Teh Bing M. , Del Portillo Armando , Lalwani Anil K.
Published: August 2022

Objective

Histologic characterization of labyrinthitis ossificans (LO) has mostly been limited to postmortem samples. In this report, we describe the histology of LO from a surgical specimen obtained from a patient undergoing labyrinthectomy with simultaneous cochlear implantation.

Patient

A 38-year-old woman initially presenting to the emergency room with acute vertigo, left-sided hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness.

Interventions

Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT) were performed for the patient before labyrinthectomy and cochlear implantation. Audiometric testing was performed before and after surgical intervention. Histologic analysis was performed on a specimen obtained from the left lateral semicircular canal (SCC) during surgery.

Main Outcome Measures

Preoperative CT and MRI findings, preoperative and postoperative hearing thresholds via air conduction and bone conduction, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain of the surgical sample, and CD45 immunostain of the surgical sample.

Results

Preoperative CT and MRI confirmed the diagnosis of isolated LO of the left lateral SCC. Audiometric testing revealed significant improvement in hearing after labyrinthectomy and cochlear implantation. H&E stain demonstrated fibrosis and ossification in the left lateral SCC, and CD45 immunostain was negative.

Conclusions

Histopathology of LO based on a surgical sample is comparable to heterotopic ossification (HO) seen in other human tissue. Given the similarities between LO and HO, agents effective in preventing HO may have utility in preventing LO.
Cross-Modal Reorganization From Both Visual and Somatosensory Modalities in Cochlear Implanted Children and Its Relationship to Speech Perception
Authors: Hennesy Theresa , Cardon Garrett , Campbell Julia , Glick Hannah , Bell-Souder Don , Sharma Anu
Published: August 2022

Hypothesis

We hypothesized that children with cochlear implants (CIs) who demonstrate cross-modal reorganization by vision also demonstrate cross-modal reorganization by somatosensation and that these processes are interrelated and impact speech perception.

Background

Cross-modal reorganization, which occurs when a deprived sensory modality's cortical resources are recruited by other intact modalities, has been proposed as a source of variability underlying speech perception in deaf children with CIs. Visual and somatosensory cross-modal reorganization of auditory cortex have been documented separately in CI children, but reorganization in these modalities has not been documented within the same subjects. Our goal was to examine the relationship between cross-modal reorganization from both visual and somatosensory modalities within a single group of CI children.

Methods

We analyzed high-density electroencephalogram responses to visual and somatosensory stimuli and current density reconstruction of brain activity sources. Speech perception in noise testing was performed. Current density reconstruction patterns were analyzed within the entire subject group and across groups of CI children exhibiting good versus poor speech perception.

Results

Positive correlations between visual and somatosensory cross-modal reorganization suggested that neuroplasticity in different sensory systems may be interrelated. Furthermore, CI children with good speech perception did not show recruitment of frontal or auditory cortices during visual processing, unlike CI children with poor speech perception.

Conclusion

Our results reflect changes in cortical resource allocation in pediatric CI users. Cross-modal recruitment of auditory and frontal cortices by vision, and cross-modal reorganization of auditory cortex by somatosensation, may underlie variability in speech and language outcomes in CI children.
Development and Validation of the Modified Motion Sensitivity Test
Authors: Heusel-Gillig Lisa , Santucci Vincent , Hall Courtney D.
Published: August 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to develop and validate an outcome measure for individuals with motion-provoked dizziness.

Study Design

Methodological.

Setting

Academic outpatient vestibular and dizziness clinic.

Patients/Subjects

Adults with and without motion-provoked dizziness.

Main Outcome Measures

Scores from the modified Motion Sensitivity Test (mMST) were compared between those with motion-provoked dizziness and controls without complaints of dizziness to evaluate the validity of the mMST. Intrarater and interrater reliability of the total Motion Sensitivity Quotient scores were assessed. Baseline and discharge total Motion Sensitivity Quotient scores were collected in a group of patients to determine the sensitivity of the mMST to measure change in motion-provoked dizziness after vestibular rehabilitation.

Results

A 10-item motion sensitivity test was developed and demonstrated discriminant validity to differentiate patients with motion-provoked dizziness and control subjects without dizziness and demonstrated construct validity compared with the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (r = 0.64, p < 0.001). Internal validity of the mMST was excellent (Cronbach α = 0.95). The mMST demonstrated excellent reliability between raters (intraclass correlation coefficient = 1.00) and test sessions (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.95).

Conclusions

The results indicated that the mMST can be used reliably in clinical practice to develop exercise programs for patients with motion-provoked dizziness and to provide evidence of intervention efficacy. mMST is a valid, reliable measure to use in the clinic for patients with motion-provoked dizziness.
Is Parental Presence in the Ambulance Associated With Parental Satisfaction During Emergency Pediatric Intensive Care Retrieval? A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study
Authors: Evans Ruth E. C. , Barber Victoria , Seaton Sarah , Ramnarayan Padmanabhan , Davies Patrick , Wray Jo ,   on behalf of the DEPICT Study Group
Published: August 2022

OBJECTIVES:

Quality standards for pediatric intensive care transport services in the U.K. state that at least one parent should be allowed to travel with their child during emergency transport to a PICU. We aimed to identify the reasons why parents do, or do not, accompany their child and whether there is an association between parental presence in the ambulance and their satisfaction with the transport.

DESIGN:

National cross-sectional parent questionnaire.

SETTING:

Pediatric Critical Care Transport (PCCT) teams and PICUs in England and Wales.

PARTICIPANTS:

Parents of children transferred to one of 24 participating PICUs between January 2018 and January 2019.

INTERVENTIONS:

None.

MEASUREMENTS and MAIN RESULTS:

A parent feedback questionnaire was completed by parents whose child received an emergency interhospital transfer. As part of the questionnaire, a brief nine-item scale was developed to summarize parental transport experience (ranging from 1 to 5). The association between parental presence in the ambulance and parental experience was analyzed. A total of 4,558 children were transported during the study. Consent was obtained from 2,838 parents, and questionnaires received in 2,084 unique transports (response rate: 45.7%). In 1,563 transports (75%), at least one parent traveled in the ambulance. Parents did not travel in 478 transports (23%) and, in most instances (442 transports; 93%), offered reasons (emotional, practical, and health-related) for declining to travel or explanations why they were not permitted to travel (mainly due to space restrictions). Most parents rated their experience with the retrieval teams very highly, and within this context, we found evidence of greater variability in experience ratings if parents were not present in the ambulance and if this was not their choice.

CONCLUSIONS:

Most parents who completed questionnaires rated their experience with their PCCT team highly. Parental presence and choice to travel in the ambulance were associated with a more positive experience.
T-cell activation and B-cell interaction signatures in rectal tissues are associated with HIV replication in ex-vivo model of infection
Authors: Smith S. Abigail , Murray Phillip M. , Amancha Praveen K. , Ackerley Cassie G. , Tharp Gregory K. , Bosinger Steven E. , Amara Rama R. , Kelley Colleen F.
Published: August 2022

Objective:

The rectal mucosa is a critical site of HIV vulnerability. We sought to identify transcriptomic features of rectal mucosal tissue prior to exposure associated with support or restriction of HIV replication.

Design:

Rectal tissue from HIV-negative cisgender men (n = 57) underwent concurrent RNAseq transcriptomic analyses (two biopsies/participant) and challenge with HIV in the ex-vivo explant model of infection (three biopsies challenged/participant) as part of a larger cohort study to understand the rectal mucosal immune environment among MSM.

Methods:

P24 was quantified in the explant supernatants over a culture period of 18 days via ELISA. Participant median p24 log area under the curve was correlated with bulk transcriptomic data (Illumina HiSeq3000) to identify associations between gene expression and p24 production. Significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified via DESeq2 analysis and analyzed with Reactome to identify pathways of interest.

Results:

In total, 183 DEG (181 upregulated, two downregulated) were associated with higher p24 accumulation in the ex-vivo challenge model, including T-cell activation, B-cell function, and chemokine DEG. Reactome analysis of the upregulated genes identified ‘Adaptive Immune System’, ‘Cytokine Signaling in Immune System’, and ‘Innate Immune System’ as significantly upregulated pathways.

Conclusion:

For the first time, we identified rectal tissue transcriptomic signatures associated with increased p24 production utilizing an ex-vivo model. Our findings are highly relevant to HIV transmission and the early establishment of HIV reservoirs in humans, and future studies should examine the identified pathways as targets for new or improved biomedical prevention or treatment interventions.
A Review of Microsurgical Resection of Recurrent Laryngeal Neurilemmoma Under Nerve Monitoring
Authors: Wang Tianyu , Xie Kaipeng , Lin Bojian , Zha Xudong , Peng Hu , Liu Huanhai , Zhang Guomin , Liao Jianchun
Published: August 2022

Background:

Laryngeal neurilemmoma, especially recurrent laryngeal neurilemmoma, is a rare neural sheath tumor in head and neck. The most common symptom of laryngeal neurilemmoma is hoarseness or dysphonia, followed by dysphagia, dyspnea, and foreign body sensation. At present, surgical resection is the most effective treatment for this kind of tumor, thus making how to remove it become the most concerned problem of surgeons.

Case Presentation:

On February 18, 2021, a 64-year-old male presented to our clinic with recurrent sore throat and intermittent hoarseness for 3 years. The results of electronic laryngoscope and magnetic resonance imaging showed a 25×10×21 mm well-defined tumor in the left pyriform sinus without laryngeal cartilage destruction and enlarged lymph nodes. After the initial diagnosis of recurrent laryngeal neurilemmoma, to preserve the continuity of recurrent laryngeal nerve as much as possible, the authors determine to perform anatomical resection of recurrent laryngeal neurilemmoma with operating microscope under the monitoring of recurrent laryngeal nerve function. Finally, the patient recovered completely from hoarseness during postoperative follow-up.

Conclusion:

A complete diagnosis and treatment process of recurrent laryngeal neurilemmoma was presented by the case. Particularly, it shows the application of recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring in the operation helps to protect the continuity of the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which lays a anatomical bases for the follow-up nerve repair.
Application of Patient-Specific PEEK Implant for Aesthetic Considerations in Paranasal Augmentation
Authors: Zhang Jie , Li Dichen , Liu Yingjie , Zhang Zhaoqiang , Fan Yunjian , Shi Jiayu , Liu Shuguang
Published: August 2022

The paranasal area is closely associated with midfacial esthetics. However, there is no special technique available to achieve ideal esthetics paranasal restoration. The present study aims to apply the 3D printed PolyEtherEtherKetone (PEEK) implants as an innovative solution for esthetic paranasal reconstruction. On the basis of the CT scan, the patient-specific PEEK implant and a surgical guiding plate were manufactured aided by a computer. Preoperative and postoperative CBCT data were utilized to evaluate esthetic outcomes. The average follow-up period was 13 months. All patients’ wounds healed by first intention. The statistical analysis of preoperative and postoperative esthetic indices revealed light levels of postoperative paranasal depression (P<0.001) and the wrinkle severity rating scale for nasolabial folds (P<0.001). Moreover, the nasolabial angle increased (P<0.05). The established 3D-printing PEEK implanted prosthesis can individually correct the depressed deformity of the paranasal region, and achieve favorable clinical esthetic outcomes.