bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Häufige Muster in der postoperativen Schulterrehabilitation
Authors: Weber Christian , Dyer Linda
Published: July 2023

Hintergrund

Die Rehabilitation von Patienten nach Operationen an der Schulter geht sowohl mit einer reduzierten Mobilität als auch mit einer verminderten Belastbarkeit einher. Die Erholung von diesen Einschränkungen verläuft je nach Eingriff unterschiedlich schnell.

Methode

Die verschiedenen postoperativen Bewegungsmuster sowie die Muster der Belastbarkeitslimitierung je nach Struktur in Wundheilung werden vorgestellt.

Ergebnisse

Als erstes Bewegungsmuster zeigt sich postoperativ häufig das Muster „Frozen Shoulder“, bei welchem eine glenohumerale Einschränkung in alle Richtungen vorliegt. Diese wird durch exzessive skapulothorakale Bewegung kompensiert. Ein Minimum an 83° in Abduktion/Flexion wird benötigt, um diesen Kompensationsmechanismus zu verlassen und eine koordinativ korrekte Überkopfbewegung durchzuführen. Das Bewegungsmuster „partiell eingeschränkt“ mit selektiv eingeschränkter Innenrotation führt in der Armhebung zu erhöhtem subakromialem Stress. Das Bewegungsmuster „leicht eingeschränkt“ zeigt sich oftmals nach glenohumeralen Stabilisierungsoperationen und ist durch eine ungenügende Aufwärtsrotation und Posteriorkippung der Skapula charakterisiert. Die Auswahl an aktiven Übungen für den postoperativen Belastungsaufbau orientiert sich am Muster der Belastbarkeitslimitierung.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Bewegungsmuster „Frozen Shoulder“ und „partiell eingeschränkt“ erfordern eine glenohumerale Mobilisation und das Muster „leicht eingeschränkt“ eine passive und aktive Mobilisation skapulothorakal. Das Muster der „normal“ beweglichen Schulter bietet optimale Bedingungen für progressive Belastungen. Bei subakromial reduzierter Belastbarkeit bieten sich die Bent-over-Buchstabenübungen an, um den vorherrschenden Teufelskreis zu durchbrechen.
Experimental support for reclassification of the light scattering second virial coefficient from macromolecular solutions as a hydrodynamic parameter
Authors: Winzor Donald J. , Dinu Vlad , Scott David J. , Harding Stephen E.
Published: July 2023

This investigation examines the source of the disparity between experimental values of the light scattering second virial coefficient $${A}_{2}$$

A
2

(mL.mol/g2) for proteins and those predicted on the statistical mechanical basis of excluded volume. A much better theoretical description of published results for lysozyme is obtained by considering the experimental parameters to monitor the difference between the thermodynamic excluded volume term and its hydrodynamic counterpart. This involves a combination of parameters quantifying concentration dependence of the translational diffusion coefficient obtained from dynamic light scattering measurements. That finding is shown to account for observations of a strong correlation between $${A}_{2}{M}_{2}$$

A
2

M
2

(mL/g), where M2 is the molar mass (molecular weight) of the macromolecule and the diffusion concentration parameter $${k}_{D}$$

k
D

(mL/g). On the grounds that $${k}_{D}$$

k
D

is regarded as a hydrodynamic parameter, the same status should be accorded the light scattering second virial coefficient rather than its current incorrect thermodynamic designation as $${B}_{2}$$

B
2

(mL.mol/g2), or just B, the osmotic second virial coefficient for protein self-interaction.
The Impact of Botulinum Toxin Injection on the Outcomes of Breast Surgeries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Awadeen Abdelrahman , Fareed Mohamed , Elameen Ali Mohamed
Published: July 2023

Background

Breast surgeries aim to restore the natural appearance of the breasts with acceptable functional and cosmetic outcomes. However, these surgical procedures may be associated with considerable adverse events. The present systematic review and meta-analysis was designed to reveal the functional and aesthetic outcomes of botulinum toxins (BTX) injection in patients subjected to breast surgeries.

Methods

A literature review was performed up to 21 September 2022. All clinical studies included patients older than 18 years old and treated with BTX injection for breast surgeries were included.

Results

The present study included 12 articles, encompassing 496 patients. The average dosage of BTX injection ranged from 20 to 100 units. Injecting BTX significantly reduced the mean post-operative opioid analgesics usage (SMD −1.577; 95% −2.087, −1.067; P < 0.001) and the risk of severe animation deformity (RR 12.37; 95% 1.76, 86.66; P = 0.01). There was a statistically significant higher mean expansion volume per visit in the BTX injection group (SMD 1.166; 95% 0.313, 2.018; P = 0.007). There was no statistically significant impact of BTX injection on the risk of surgical site infection (RR 0.59; 95% 0.15, 2.34; P = 0.45) and seroma (RR 0.51; 95% 0.03, 10.15; P = 0.66).

Conclusions

The present study revealed the potential benefits of BTX injection in breast surgeries. This included reduced post-operative analgesics, as well as the risk of severe animation deformity. This was accomplished with increased expansion volume per visit and a similar risk of BTX injection-related complications.

Level of Evidence III

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
Evaluation of 3D MRI for early detection of bone edema associated with apical periodontitis
Authors: Feuerriegel Georg C. , Burian Egon , Sollmann Nico , Leonhardt Yannik , Burian Gintare , Griesbauer Magdalena , Bumm Caspar , Makowski Marcus R. , Probst Monika , Probst Florian A. , Karampinos Dimitrios C. , Folwaczny Matthias
Published: July 2023

Objectives

To detect and evaluate early signs of apical periodontitis using MRI based on a 3D short-tau-inversion-recovery (STIR) sequence compared to conventional panoramic radiography (OPT) and periapical radiographs in patients with apical periodontitis.

Materials and methods

Patients with clinical evidence of periodontal disease were enrolled prospectively and received OPT as well as MRI of the viscerocranium including a 3D-STIR sequence. The MRI sequences were assessed for the occurrence and extent of bone changes associated with apical periodontitis including bone edema, periradicular cysts, and dental granulomas. OPTs and intraoral periapical radiographs, if available, were assessed for corresponding periapical radiolucencies using the periapical index (PAI).

Results

In total, 232 teeth of 37 patients (mean age 62±13.9 years, 18 women) were assessed. In 69 cases reactive bone edema was detected on MRI with corresponding radiolucency according to OPT. In 105 cases edema was detected without corresponding radiolucency on OPT. The overall extent of edema measured on MRI was significantly larger compared to the radiolucency on OPT (mean: STIR 2.4±1.4 mm, dental radiograph 1.3±1.2 mm, OPT 0.8±1.1 mm, P=0.01). The overall PAI score was significantly higher on MRI compared to OPT (mean PAI: STIR 1.9±0.7, dental radiograph 1.3±0.5, OPT 1.2±0.7, P=0.02).

Conclusion

Early detection and assessment of bone changes of apical periodontitis using MRI was feasible while the extent of bone edema measured on MRI exceeded the radiolucencies measured on OPT.

Clinical relevance

In clinical routine, dental MRI might be useful for early detection and assessment of apical periodontitis before irreversible bone loss is detected on conventional panoramic and intraoral periapical radiographs.
Comparative assessment of Ni–Co coatings obtained from a deep eutectic solvent, choline chloride-ethylene glycol, and water by electroplating
Authors: Barrera P. Roncagliolo , Rodríguez C. Echánove , Gomez F. J. Rodriguez
Published: July 2023

Alloy electroplating using deep eutectic solvents (DES), compared to aqueous electrolytes, has essential benefits in a wide potential range, the high solubility of metal salts (including chlorides and oxides), and an environmentally friendly alternative. This research aimed to compare the coatings obtained by electrolysis of the Ni–Co alloy conventionally from an aqueous solution against the electroplating obtained in 2:1 ethylene glycol-choline chloride. The electrochemical behavior was studied through potentiodynamic polarization kinetic analysis carried out complying with Abner’s rules for alloy deposits; hydrodynamic conditions were modified, keeping the temperature at 60 °C and the salt concentration in both baths constant. As a result, nickel electrolysis has been carried out successfully by taking advantage of the benefits of using DES in energy consumption with 80% efficiency compared to water as a solvent under the same conditions. The composition and morphology of Ni–Co alloy coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDS), and corrosion resistance was investigated by potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance (EIS). Coatings were obtained for both electrolytic baths with a chemical composition within the range of the alloy but with a higher cobalt content in the deposits obtained in water; in contrast, the distribution of the Ni–Co alloy was more homogeneous with changes in morphology and crystallization in the deposits obtained from the DES bath. The coatings’ anti-corrosion performance showed that the Co content difference increases the corrosion resistance of the Ni–Co alloy obtained from aqueous electrolytes compared to deposits obtained from DES.
Experimental sandbox tracer tests to characterize a two-facies aquifer via an ensemble smoother
Authors: Todaro Valeria , D’Oria Marco , Zanini Andrea , Gómez-Hernández J. Jaime , Tanda Maria Giovanna
Published: July 2023

Estimating aquifer properties and their spatial variability is the most challenging part of groundwater flow and transport simulations. In this work, an ensemble Kalman-based method, the ensemble smoother with multiple data assimilation (ES-MDA), is applied to infer the characteristics of a binary field by means of tracer test data collected in an experimental sandbox. Two different approaches are compared: the first one aims at estimating the hydraulic conductivity over the whole field assuming that the rest of the hydraulic and transport parameters are known by applying the standard ES-MDA method; the second one couples the ES-MDA with a truncated Gaussian model to simultaneously estimate the spatial distribution of two geological lithotypes and their main hydraulic and transport properties. Both procedures are tested following a fully parameterized approach and a pilot point approach. A synthetic case that mimics the sandbox experiment was developed to test the capability of the proposed methods and find out their optimal configurations to be used for the real case. The results show that the ES-MDA coupled with a truncated Gaussian model outperforms the standard ES-MDA and it reproduces well the binary field and the aquifer properties also in the presence of large measurement errors. The fully parametrized and pilot point approaches lead to comparable solutions, with less computation time required by the pilot point approach.
Strongyloides stercoralis infection: an underlying cause of invasive bacterial infections of enteric origin. Results from a prospective cross-sectional study of a northern Italian tertiary hospital
Authors: Gardini Giulia , Froeschl Guenter , Gurrieri Francesca , De Francesco Maria Antonia , Cattaneo Chiara , Marchese Valentina , Piccinelli Giorgio , Corbellini Silvia , Pagani Chiara , Santagiuliana Marzia , Fumarola Benedetta , Gulletta Maurizio , Perandin Francesca , Castelli Francesco , Matteelli Alberto
Published: July 2023

Purpose of the study

We assessed the prevalence of S. stercoralis in a cohort of inpatients with invasive bacterial infections of enteric origin to investigate whether the parasite may facilitate these bacterial infections even in the absence of larval hyperproliferation.

Methods

We performed a prospective cross-sectional study in a hospital in northern Italy. Subjects admitted due to invasive bacterial infection of enteric origin and potential previous exposure to S. stercoralis were systematically enrolled over a period of 10 months. S. stercoralis infection was investigated with an in-house PCR on a single stool sample and with at least one serological method (in-house IFAT and/or ELISA Bordier). Univariate, bi-variate and logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results

Strongyloidiasis was diagnosed in 14/57 patients (24.6%; 95% confidence interval 14.1–37.8%) of which 10 were Italians (10/49, 20.4%) and 4 were migrants (4/8, 50.0%). Stool PCR was performed in 43/57 patients (75.4%) and no positive results were obtained.

Strongyloidiasis was found to be significantly associated (p ≤ 0.05) with male gender, long international travels to areas at higher endemicity, deep extra-intestinal infectious localization and solid tumors. In the logistic regression model, increased risk remained for the variables deep extra-intestinal infectious localization and oncologic malignancy.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest a new role of chronic strongyloidiasis in favoring invasive bacterial infections of enteric origin even in the absence of evident larval dissemination outside the intestinal lumen. Further well-designed studies should be conducted to confirm our results, and possibly establish the underlying mechanisms.
Proximate composition and mineral content of spices increasingly employed in the Mediterranean diet
Authors: Al Dhaheri Ayesha S. , Alkhatib Dana Hasan , Jaleel Abdul , Tariq Maryam Naveed Muhammad , Feehan Jack , Apostolopoulos Vasso , Osaili Tareq M. , Mohamad Maysm N. , Cheikh Ismail Leila , Saleh Sheima T. , Stojanovska Lily
Published: July 2023

The present study aimed to investigate the nutritional constituents of common market available spices in the United Arab Emirates. Seven commonly consumed spices namely, ginger (Zingiber officinale), cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), black seed (Nigella sativa), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) and saffron (Crocus sativus) were obtained from local markets. Proximate analyses were performed according to AOAC procedures. Assessment of major (Ca, K, Mg, Na, P and S) and minor (Co, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) elements was conducted using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Findings revealed varying macronutrient, micronutrient and mineral contents which are highly valuable for dietary purposes. The present study demonstrates that these edible spices could be used for nutritional support, due to their micro and macronutrient contents.
Negotiating social medicine in a postcolonial context: Halfdan Mahler in India 1951–61
Authors: Brimnes Niels
Published: July 2023

This article investigates how World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Halfdan Mahler’s views on health care were formed by his experience in India between 1951 and 1961. Mahler spent a large part of the 1950s in India assigned as WHO medical officer to tuberculosis control projects. It argues that Mahler took inspiration from the official endorsement of the doctrine of social medicine that prevailed in India; even if it was challenged by an increasing preference for vertical, techno-centric campaigns. It shows how, from the outset, Mahler was remarkably hostile towards the highly skilled, clinically oriented doctors, but embraced prevalent ideas of community participation. It suggests that Mahler – although he remained silent on the issue – was impressed by the importance and resilience of indigenous traditions of medicine, despite hostility from leading political figures. In this way, the article attempts to establish links to Mahler’s advocacy of primary health care in the 1970s. A broad approach to health, scepticism toward clinically oriented doctors, preference for simple technologies and community participation, as well as an accommodating attitude towards indigenous practitioners, were all features of primary health care, which correlate well with views developed by Mahler as he negotiated social medicine in India between 1951 and 1961.
Winds of change. A commentary on ‘Demographic trade-offs and functional shifts in a hurricane-impacted tropical forest’
Authors: Fortunel Claire
Published: July 2023

This article comments on:

María Natalia Umaña, Jessica Needham, Jimena Forero-Montaña, Christopher J. Nytch, Nathan G. Swenson, Jill Thompson, María Uriarte and Jess K. Zimmerman. Demographic trade-offs and functional shifts in a hurricane-impacted tropical forest, Annals of Botany, Volume 131, Issue 7, 6 June 2023, Pages 1051–1060, https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcad004
The largest ornithopod (Dinosauria: Ornithischia) from the Upper Jurassic of Europe sheds light on the evolutionary history of basal ankylopollexians
Authors: Sánchez-Fenollosa Sergio , Verdú Francisco J , Cobos Alberto
Published: July 2023

Ankylopollexia was an abundant and diverse clade of ornithopods present in North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia from the Late Jurassic to the Late Cretaceous. However, the relationships between the basal ankylopollexians are poorly understood. A new ankylopollexian ornithopod genus and species is described here, based on a dentary tooth, an ungual pollex of the manus, and an almost complete left hindlimb. The fossils come from deposits of the Villar del Arzobispo Formation (upper Kimmeridgian–Tithonian). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Oblitosaurus bunnueli gen. et sp. nov. is the basalmost member of Ankylopollexia, together with Draconyx loureiroi. Furthermore, these results have relevant taxonomic implications for the genus Camptosaurus, being the first phylogenetic analysis to support the monophyly of Camptosaurus species. The estimated size of Oblitosaurus bunnueli suggests that it is the largest ornithopod described in the Upper Jurassic of Europe and one of the largest around the world, and could be the trackmaker of large ornithopod tracks found in the Upper Jurassic of the Iberian Peninsula. This discovery increases the known ankylopollexian diversity in Iberia, revealing the presence of an Iberian basal ankylopollexian clade that does not appear to be present in the contemporaneous outcrops of North America.
Inborn Errors of Immunity in Children With Invasive Pneumococcal Disease: A Multicenter Prospective Study
Authors: Phuong Linny Kimly , Cheung Abigail , Agrawal Rishi , Butters Coen , Buttery Jim , Clark Julia , Connell Tom , Curtis Nigel , Daley Andrew J. , Dobinson Hazel C. , Frith Catherine , Hameed Nadha Shahul , Hernstadt Hayley , Krieser David M. , Loke Paxton , Ojaimi Samar , McMullan Brendan , Pinzon-Charry Alberto , Sharp Ella Grace , Sinnappurajar Praisoody , Templeton Tiarni , Wen Sophie , Cole Theresa , Gwee Amanda
Published: July 2023

Background:

In settings with universal conjugate pneumococcal vaccination, invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) can be a marker of an underlying inborn error of immunity. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and characterize the types of immunodeficiencies in children presenting with IPD.

Methods:

Multicenter prospective audit following the introduction of routinely recommended immunological screening in children presenting with IPD. The minimum immunological evaluation comprised a full blood examination and film, serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA and IgM), complement levels and function. Included participants were children in whom Streptococcus pneumoniae was isolated from a normally sterile site (cerebrospinal fluid, pleura, peritoneum and synovium). If isolated from blood, features of sepsis needed to be present. Children with predisposing factors for IPD (nephrotic syndrome, anatomical defect or malignancy) were excluded.

Results:

Overall, there were 379 episodes of IPD of which 313 (83%) were eligible for inclusion and 143/313 (46%) had an immunologic evaluation. Of these, 17/143 (12%) were diagnosed with a clinically significant abnormality: hypogammaglobulinemia (n = 4), IgA deficiency (n = 3), common variable immunodeficiency (n = 2), asplenia (n = 2), specific antibody deficiency (n = 2), incontinentia pigmenti with immunologic dysfunction (n = 1), alternative complement deficiency (n = 1), complement factor H deficiency (n = 1) and congenital disorder of glycosylation (n = 1). The number needed to investigate to identify 1 child presenting with IPD with an immunologic abnormality was 7 for children under 2 years and 9 for those 2 years old and over.

Conclusions:

This study supports the routine immune evaluation of children presenting with IPD of any age, with consideration of referral to a pediatric immunologist.
Enhancing Nurse Leadership Engagement Through Formalized Orientation Programs
Authors: LeJeune Kristopher
Published: July 2023

OBJECTIVE

This integrative review aims to synthesize literature and evaluate the relationship between formalized nursing leader orientation programs and nursing leadership engagement.

BACKGROUND

The onboarding and orientation of new nursing leaders should be more supported in healthcare organizations. Research supports that dedicated leadership onboarding and orientation programs increase nursing leadership engagement and retention.

METHODS

This review was based on a literature review using PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science using MeSH keywords and associated terms, including nursing leadership or nurse manager, engagement, and onboarding or orientation.

RESULTS

Incorporating formalized orientation and onboarding programs for newly hired or promoted nursing leaders improves leadership engagement. Programs should include a mentorship program to pair new leaders with experienced leaders to promote interprofessional collaboration and incorporate an advanced curriculum focusing on transformational leadership practices that increase nursing leadership engagement.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementing formalized onboarding and orientation programs for nursing leaders, focusing on mentorship, interprofessional collaboration, and transformational leadership practices can enhance nursing leadership engagement and retention. Healthcare organizations should prioritize implementing these programs to enhance nursing leadership engagement and retention.
Hypnotic treatment reverses NREM sleep disruption and EEG desynchronization in a mouse model of Fragile X syndrome to rescue memory consolidation deficits
Authors: Martinez Jessy D. , Wilson Lydia G. , Brancaleone William P. , Peterson Kathryn G. , Popke Donald S. , Garzon Valentina Caicedo , Perez Tremble Roxanne E. , Donnelly Marcus J. , Mendez Ortega Stephany L. , Torres Daniel , Shaver James J. , Clawson Brittany C. , Jiang Sha , Yang Zhongying , Aton Sara J.
Published: July 2023

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a highly-prevalent genetic cause of intellectual disability, associated with disrupted cognition and sleep abnormalities. Sleep loss itself negatively impacts cognitive function, yet the contribution of sleep loss to impaired cognition in FXS is vastly understudied. One untested possibility is that disrupted cognition in FXS is exacerbated by abnormal sleep. We hypothesized that restoration of sleep-dependent mechanisms could improve functions such as memory consolidation in FXS. We examined whether administration of ML297, a hypnotic drug acting on G-protein-activated inward-rectifying potassium channels, could restore sleep phenotypes and improve disrupted memory consolidation inFmr1-/ymice. Using 24-h polysomnographic recordings, we found thatFmr1-/ymice exhibit reduced non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and fragmented NREM sleep architecture, alterations in NREM EEG spectral power (including reductions in sleep spindles), and reduced EEG coherence between cortical areas. These alterations were reversed in the hours following ML297 administration. Hypnotic treatment following contextual fear or spatial learning also ameliorated disrupted memory consolidation inFmr1-/ymice. Hippocampal activation patterns during memory recall was altered inFmr1-/ymice, reflecting an altered balance of activity among principal neurons vs. parvalbumin-expressing (PV+) interneurons. This phenotype was partially reversed by post-learning ML297 administration. These studies suggest that sleep disruption could have a major impact on neurophysiological and behavioral phenotypes in FXS, and that hypnotic therapy may significantly improve disrupted cognition in this disorder.
Spatial IMIX: A Mixture Model Approach to Spatially Correlated Multi-Omics Data Integration
Authors: Wang Ziqiao , Czerniak Bogdan , Wei Peng
Published: July 2023

Spatial high-throughput omics data allow scientists to study gene activity in a tissue sample and map where it occurs at the same time. This enables the possibility to investigate important early cancer-initiating events occur in normal-appearing tissue and gene activities that progress and carry through tumor tissue, as defined by “field effect.” The “field effect” genes are differentially expressed or methylated genes in the spatially resolved high-dimensional datasets with respect to the pathology subtype in each geographical sample across the tissue region. Current statistical methods for spatially resolved genomics data focus on the association of omics data with spatial coordinates without being able to incorporate and test for the association with the sample subtypes. In addition, analytical methods are underdeveloped for spatially resolved multi-omics data integration. We propose a novel statistical frame-work ‘spatial IMIX’ to integratively analyze spatially resolved high-dimensional multi-omics data associated with a specific trait, such as sample subtypes while modeling the spatial correlations between samples and the inter-data-type correlations between omics data simultaneously. Through extensive simulations, spatial IMIX demonstrated well-controlled type I error, great power by relaxing the independence assumptions between data types, model selection features, and the ability to control FDR across data types. Data applications to a geographically annotated tissue area of bladder cancer discovered cancer-initiating gene activities and revealed interesting fundamental biological mechanisms through path-way analysis. We have implemented our method in R package ‘spatialimix’ available athttps://github.com/ziqiaow/spatialimix.
Restoration of Natural Somatic Sensations to the Amputees: Finding the Right Combination of Neurostimulation Methods
Authors: Soghoyan Gurgen , Biktimirov Artur R. , Piliugin Nikita S. , Matvienko Yury , Kaplan Alexander Y. , Sintsov Mikhail Y. , Lebedev Mikhail A.
Published: July 2023

Limb amputation results in such devastating consequences as loss of motor and sensory functions and phantom limb pain (PLP). Here we explored peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS), spinal cord stimulation (SCS) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as the approaches to enable tactile and proprioceptive sensations in the amputees and suppress their PLP. We investigated the efficacy of these approaches in sensory discrimination tasks, namely determining object size and softness using a prosthetic hand. Two transhumeral amputees were implanted for four weeks with stimulating electrodes placed in the medial nerve and epidurally over the spinal cord. Both PNS and SCS induced sensation in different parts of the phantom hand and the corresponding electroencephalographic (EEG) responses. The sensations produced by PNS felt more natural compared to those evoked by SCS. Moreover, neurostimulation-induced sensations were felt as emerging from the prosthetic hand engaged in grasping the objects and recognizing their size. These sensations were further enhanced with dual neurostimulation that enabled appreciation of object softness. The prosthetic sensations became more natural with continued practice. We conclude that the ability to perform complex sensorimotor tasks could be restored to the amputees with an individual-based combination of neurostimulation tools. In addition to restoring sensations, neurostimulation suppresses PLP.

One Sentence Summary

The use of peripheral nerve stimulation, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and spinal cord stimulation improves and enriches prosthetic sensations in amputees by making these sensations more natural and enabling active tasks, such as discriminating object size and softness using a bionic hand.
Identification of COVID-19 Vaccine-Hesitancy Predictors in the United States
Authors: Saldarriaga Enrique M.
Published: July 2023

Vaccine hesitancy is complex, multi-causative phenomenon that undermines public health efforts to contain the spread of infectious diseases. Improving our understanding of the drivers of vaccine hesitancy might improve our capacity to address it. We used the results of the May 2021 ASPE’s survey on COVID-19 vaccine-hesitancy which estimated the proportion of adults that felt hesitant of unsure towards taking the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available at the county-level. We developed a prediction model to identify the most important predictors of vaccine-hesitancy. The potential predictors included demographic characteristics, the CDC’s social vulnerability index, and the Republican Party’s voting share in the 2020 presidential election as a proxy of political affiliation, both at the county-level. The most important drivers of hesitancy included low educational attainment, proportion of Black/African American population, and political affiliation. These results deepen our understanding of the phenomenon and could help design more targeted interventions to reduce hesitancy in specific sub-groups of the population.
The optic radiations and reading development: a longitudinal study of children born term and preterm
Authors: Bruckert Lisa , Lerma-Usabiaga Garikoitz , Borchers Lauren R. , Marchman Virginia A. , Travis Katherine E. , Feldman Heidi M.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To determine if development of single-word reading between ages 6 and 8 years was related to change in a microstructural property of the optic radiations (OR), white matter circuits that are not typically associated with language or reading and if the patterns of association were similar in children born full term (FT) and preterm (PT).

Methods

FT (n=34) and PT (n=34) were assessed using the Woodcock Reading Mastery Test at 6, 7, and 8. Word Identification raw score was the outcome measure. Diffusion MRI was acquired at 6 and 8 years using a 96-direction scan (b=2500 sec/mm2). Probabilistic tractography identified left and right OR. We used linear mixed models to determine if change in fractional anisotropy (FA) averaged across the left and right OR was associated with growth in reading.

Results

The rate of reading growth was similar in both groups. FA of the OR was higher in children born FT than PT at age 8. Change in FA of the OR from age 6 to 8 was negatively associated growth in reading across both birth groups.

Conclusion

Individual differences in the rate of development in reading skills was associated with individual differences in the change in FA of the visual pathways in both children born FT and PT. Decreasing FA implicates increasing axonal diameter and/or complexity in fiber structure as the drivers of faster reading development.

Highlights

The rate of reading growth was similar in children born full term and preterm

FA of the optic radiations increased from age 6 to 8 years in both groups

FA of the optic radiations was higher in full term than preterm children at age 8

Decreasing FA in optic radiations was associated with accelerated reading growth

Associations of FA in optic radiations and reading were similar in two birth groups
The importance of habitat type and historical fire regimes in arthropod community response following large-scale wildfires
Authors: Holmquist Anna J. , Markelz R.J. Cody , Martinez Ciera C. , Gillespie Rosemary G.
Published: July 2023

Wildfires are increasingly altering ecosystems, posing significant challenges for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management. In this study, we used DNA metabarcoding to assess the response of arthropod communities to large-scale wildfires across diverse habitat types. We sampled six reserves within the University of California Natural Reserve System (UCNRS), each which was partially burned in the 2020 Lightning Complex wildfires in California. Using yellow pan traps to target pollinators, we collected arthropods from burned and unburned sites across multiple habitat types including oak woodland, redwood, scrub, chamise, grassland, forest, and serpentine habitats. We found no significant difference in alpha diversity values between burned and unburned sites; instead, seasonal variations played a significant role in arthropod community dynamics, with the emergence of plant species in Spring promoting increased pollinator richness at all sites. Compositional similarity analysis revealed that burn status was not a significant grouping factor when comparing all sites. Instead, community composition primarily varied across reserves, indicating distinct pools of arthropods structured geographically. Habitat type played a crucial role in determining the response of arthropod communities to fire. While communities in grasslands and oak woodlands exhibited recovery following burn, scrublands experienced substantial changes in community composition. Our study highlights the importance of examining community responses to wildfires across broad spatial scales and diverse habitat types. By understanding the nuanced dynamics of arthropod communities in response to fire disturbances, we can develop effective conservation strategies that promote resilience and maintain biodiversity in the face of increasing wildfire frequency and intensity driven by climate change.
Structure of HK97 small terminase:DNA complex unveils a novel DNA binding mechanism by a circular protein
Authors: Chechik Maria , Greive Sandra J. , Antson Alfred A. , Jenkins Huw T.
Published: July 2023

DNA recognition is critical for assembly of double-stranded DNA viruses, in particular for the initiation of packaging the viral genome into the capsid. DNA packaging has been extensively studied for three archetypal bacteriophage systems:cos,pacand phi29. We identified the minimal site within thecosregion of bacteriophage HK97 specifically recognised by the small terminase and determined a cryoEM structure for the small terminase:DNA complex. This nonameric circular protein utilizes a previously unknown mechanism of DNA binding. While DNA threads through the central tunnel, unexpectedly, DNA-recognition is generated at its exit by a substructure formed by the N- and C-terminal segments of two adjacent protomers of the terminase which are unstructured in the absence of DNA. Such interaction ensures continuous engagement of the small terminase with DNA, allowing sliding along DNA while simultaneously checking the DNA sequence. This mechanism allows locating and instigating packaging initiation and termination precisely at thecossite.
Molecular characterization of baculovirus-induced chromatin marginalization and architectural alteration
Authors: Kong Xiangshuo , Chen Guanping , Li Conghui , Wu Xiaofeng
Published: July 2023

To facilitate rapid replication and assembly of progeny, baculovirus is known to manipulate the host nuclear microenvironment by inducing chromatin changes in localization and architecture. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these changes remain unknown. Here, we revealed that the nuclear lamina (NL) protein Lamin A/C interacts with the heterochromatin protein 1 alpha (HP1a) and identified the middle region of HP1a as critical for this interaction. Suppression of Lamin A/C and HP1a expression resulted in a significant inhibition of chromatin marginalization mediated by baculovirus infection. Moreover, the heterochromatin modification H3K9me3, which is recognized and bound by HP1a, also participated in the process of chromatin marginalization. Our live-cell imaging and quantitative analysis unveiled a passive function of marginal chromatin, which involves the formation of a physical barrier that impedes the nuclear egress of the nucleocapsids. Furthermore, baculovirus-induced nuclear F-actin altered the steady-state of intranuclear actin pool, thus regulating the nucleosome disassembly. Overall, our findings illustrate the molecular mechanisms dictating chromatin marginalization and structural alterations during baculovirus infection, shedding new light on the potential function of marginalized chromatin in the origin of its biphasic life cycle.

Author Summary

In our previous study, we illustrated the organization and accessibility of chromatin marginalized by baculovirus infection through a combination of ATAC-seq and biochemical assays. Here, we further dissect the molecular mechanism underlying the baculovirus infection induced chromatin marginalization and disassembly. Specifically, baculovirus utilizes the Lamin A/C-HP1a-H3K9me3 axis to mediate chromatin marginalization at the nuclear periphery. When the interaction between Lamin A/C and HP1a is disrupted, the marginalization of chromatin is also affected. Furthermore, our single-virion tracking results indicate that the marginalized chromatin forms a physical barrier, impeding the nuclear export of nucleocapsids at the very late stage of infection. For the changes in chromatin architecture, we propose a model in which baculovirus infection induced nuclear F-actin compromises the dynamics of nuclear actin pool, which in turn promotes chromatin disassembly. Taken together, we provide a comprehensive understanding of molecular mechanism of baculovirus infection induced changes in chromatin localization and organization, which lay the foundation for studies on how DNA viruses manipulate the nuclear microenvironment.
An autophagy program that promotes T cell egress from the lymph node controls responses to immune checkpoint blockade
Authors: Houbaert Diede , Nikolakopoulos Apostolos Panagiotis , Meçe Odeta , Jacobs Kathryn , Roels Jana , Shankar Gautam , Agrawal Madhur , More Sanket , Ganne Maarten , Rillaerts Kristine , Boon Louis , Swoboda Magdalena , Nobis Max , Mourao Larissa , Bosisio Francesca , Vandamme Niels , Bergers Gabriele , Scheele Colinda LGJ , Agostinis Patrizia
Published: July 2023

Lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) lining the lymphatic vessels of the lymph node (LN) parenchyma orchestrate leukocyte trafficking and peripheral T cell dynamics. T cell responses to immunotherapy largely rely on peripheral T cell recruitment in tumors. Yet, a systematic and molecular understanding of how LECs within the LNs control T cell dynamics under steady state and tumor-bearing conditions is lacking. Using intravital and high-resolution imaging combined with immune phenotyping, we show that LEC-specific deletion of the essential autophagy geneAtg5alters intranodal positioning of lymphocytes and accrues their persistence in the LNs, by increasing the availability of the main egress signal S1P. Single-cell RNA-sequencing of tumor-draining LNs from WT and ATG5LEC-KOmice unveils that loss of ATG5 remodels niche-specific LEC phenotypes, involved in molecular pathways regulating lymphocyte trafficking and LEC-T cell interactions. Functionally, loss of LEC-autophagy prevents recruitment of tumor-infiltrating T cells and NK cells and abrogates tumor regression in response to anti-PD-1 or anti-CTLA4-based immunotherapy. Thus, a unique LEC-autophagy program boosts immune-checkpoint responses by guiding systemic T cell dynamics.

Graphical Abstract
Understanding off-target growth defects introduced to influenza A virus by synonymous recoding
Authors: Sharp Colin P , Thompson Beth H , Tesla Blanka , Kurian Dominic , Simmonds Peter , Digard Paul , Gaunt Eleanor
Published: July 2023

CpG dinucleotides are under-represented in the genomes of most RNA viruses. Synonymously increasing CpG content of a range of RNA viruses reliably causes replication defects due to the recognition of CpG motifs in RNA by cellular Zinc-finger Antiviral Protein (ZAP). Prior to the discovery of ZAP as a CpG sensor, we described an engineered influenza A virus (IAV) enriched for CpGs in segment 5 that displays the expected replication defects. However, we report here that this CpG-high (‘CpGH’) mutant is not attenuated by ZAP. To understand this, we sought to uncover the alternative attenuation mechanism(s). IAV segment 5 encodes NP, a component of the viral RNA replication complex. Unexpectedly, while CpG enrichment resulted in depleted segment 5 transcript and NP protein abundance, this did not impair viral polymerase activity. A pair of nucleotide changes, introduced as compensatory changes to maintain base frequencies, were instead found to be responsible for the replication defect. These mutations resulted in the encoding of a stretch of eight consecutive adenosines (8A), a phenomenon not seen in natural IAV isolates. Sequencing experiments revealed evidence of viral polymerase slippage at this site, resulting in the production of aberrant peptides and type I interferon induction. When the nucleotides in either of these two positions were restored to wildtype sequence, no viral attenuation was seen, despite the 86 extra CpGs encoded by this virus. Conversely, when these two adenosines were introduced into wildtype virus (thereby introducing the 8A tract), viral attenuation, polymerase slippage, aberrant peptide production and type I interferon induction were apparent. That a single nucleotide change can offset the growth defects in a virus designed to have a formidable barrier to wild-type reversion highlights the importance of understanding the processes underlying viral attenuation. The lessons from this study will inform improved recoding designs in the future.
Interaction with the membrane-anchored protein CHIC2 constrains the ubiquitin ligase activity of CHIP
Authors: Callahan M.D. , Hodul M. , Carroll E.C. , Ravalin M. , Nadel C.M. , de Silva A.R.I. , Cupo A.R. , McDermott L.E. , Nix J.C. , Page R.C. , Kao A.W. , Gestwicki J.E.
Published: July 2023

Maintenance of cellular health requires the proper regulation of E3 ubiquitin ligases. The E3 ligase CHIP is canonically regulated by its interactions with the molecular chaperones Hsp70 and Hsp90, which focus CHIP’s ubiquitination activity on misfolded proteins. Here, we report a chaperone-independent interaction of CHIP with the membrane-anchored protein CHIC2, which strongly attenuates CHIP’s ligase activity. We show that CHIC2 outcompetes abundant, cytosolic chaperones through its exquisite CHIP selectivity, rather than through enhanced affinity. In proteomic experiments, we find that CHIC2 knockout phenocopies CHIP knockout in certain cell types, implying that chaperone-independent interactions can sometimes predominate CHIP’s functions. Furthermore, loss of the CHIP-CHIC2 interaction induces neurodegeneration and shortens lifespan inC. elegans, demonstrating that formation of this chaperone-independent complex is important in animals. We propose that CHIC2 attenuates CHIP activity at the membrane, offering a novel mechanism by which this ubiquitin ligase can be regulated.
BISoN: A Bayesian framework for inference of social networks
Authors: Hart Jordan , Weiss Michael Nash , Franks Daniel , Brent Lauren
Published: July 2023

Animal social networks are often constructed from point estimates of edge weights. In many contexts, edge weights are inferred from observational data, and the uncertainty around estimates can be affected by various factors. Though this has been acknowledged in previous work, methods that explicitly quantify uncertainty in edge weights have not yet been widely adopted and remain undeveloped for many common types of data. Furthermore, existing methods are unable to cope with some of the complexities often found in observational data, and do not propagate uncertainty in edge weights to subsequent statistical analyses.

We introduce a unified Bayesian framework for modelling social networks based on observational data. This framework, which we call BISoN, can accommodate many common types of observational social data, can capture confounds and model effects at the level of observations and is fully compatible with popular methods used in social network analysis.

We show how the framework can be applied to common types of data and how various types of downstream statistical analyses can be performed, including non‐random association tests and regressions on network properties.

Our framework opens up the opportunity to test new types of hypotheses, make full use of observational datasets, and increase the reliability of scientific inferences. We have made both an R package and example R scripts available to enable adoption of the framework.
FLT3‐directed UniCAR T‐cell therapy of acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Peschke J. C. , Bergmann R. , Mehnert M. , Gonzalez Soto K. E. , Loureiro L. R. , Mitwasi N. , Kegler A. , Altmann H. , Wobus M. , Máthé D. , Szigeti K. , Feldmann A. , Bornhäuser M. , Bachmann M. , Fasslrinner F. , Arndt C.
Published: July 2023

Adaptor chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cell therapy offers solutions for improved safety and antigen escape, which represent main obstacles for the clinical translation of CAR T‐cell therapy in myeloid malignancies. The adaptor CAR T‐cell platform ‘UniCAR’ is currently under early clinical investigation. Recently, the first proof of concept of a well‐tolerated, rapidly switchable, CD123‐directed UniCAR T‐cell product treating patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) was reported. Relapsed and refractory AML is prone to high plasticity under therapy pressure targeting one single tumour antigen. Thus, targeting of multiple tumour antigens seems to be required to achieve durable anti‐tumour responses, underlining the need to further design alternative AML‐specific target modules (TM) for the UniCAR platform. We here present the preclinical development of a novel FMS‐like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3)‐directed UniCAR T‐cell therapy, which is highly effective for in vitro killing of both AML cell lines and primary AML samples. Furthermore, we show in vivo functionality in a murine xenograft model. PET analyses further demonstrate a short serum half‐life of FLT3 TMs, which will enable a rapid on/off switch of UniCAR T cells. Overall, the presented preclinical data encourage the further development and clinical translation of FLT3‐specific UniCAR T cells for the therapy of AML.
Comparison of mortality of brachycephalic dogs undergoing partial staphylectomy using conventional incisional, carbon dioxide laser, or bipolar vessel sealing device
Authors: Jones Sarah A. , Kennedy Shawn C.
Published: July 2023

Objective

To compare mortality of dogs undergoing partial staphylectomy using conventional incisional, carbon dioxide (CO2) laser, and bipolar vessel sealing device (BVSD) techniques for the treatment of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS).

Study design

Retrospective multicenter cohort study.

Animals

A total of 606 client‐owned English bulldogs, French bulldogs, and pugs.

Methods

Medical records from 2011 to 2021 were reviewed for signalment, history, surgical technique, length of hospitalization, and complications. Multivariate statistical analysis was performed to compare odds of mortality between the three techniques of staphylectomy.

Results

The overall mortality rate was 24/606 (4.0%). Of those 24 dogs, staphylectomy was performed with BVSD technique in 13 cases, with CO2 laser in nine, and using conventional incisional technique in two. Nine dogs were graded II or III laryngeal collapse, 14 were graded I, and one was unknown. BVSD technique was associated with mortality prior to discharge compared to the other two techniques (OR = 6.0, 95% CI: 1.3–28.4, p = .023). No differences were detected between conventional incisional and CO2 laser techniques. Concurrent higher grade (stage II or III) laryngeal collapse was independently associated with mortality prior to discharge (OR = 4.6, 95% CI: 1.8–11.8, p = .002).

Conclusion

The use of BVSD and grade of laryngeal collapse were associated with a higher risk of perioperative mortality.

Clinical significance

Clinical studies using a randomized trial design should be conducted to further determine the putative influence of surgical instrumentation in the perioperative mortality rate following multilevel surgery in dogs with BOAS.