bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autoimmune comorbidities associated with sarcoidosis: a case-control study in the All of Us research program
Authors: Murphy Michael J , Edemobi Princess , Leasure Audrey C , Gulati Mridu , Miller Edward J , Damsky William , Cohen Jeffrey M
Published: April 2023

Objective

The degree to which sarcoidosis patients are affected by autoimmune diseases is poorly understood. Prior studies of autoimmune co-morbidities in sarcoidosis have focused on populations outside the USA or have been impeded by small sample sizes and limited scope. This case–control study evaluated the association between sarcoidosis and autoimmune diseases in a large, diverse cohort based in the USA.

Methods

We used data from the All of Us research programme to conduct a case–control study involving patients ≥18 years old, from 2018 to the present, diagnosed with sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis cases and age-, sex- and race-matched controls were identified in a 1:4 ratio. Autoimmune co-morbidities were compared between sarcoidosis patients and controls in univariable and multivariable analyses using logistic regression. The degree of association was measured using the odds ratio (OR).

Results

A total of 1408 sarcoidosis cases and 5632 controls were included in this study. Seven of 24 examined autoimmune diseases were significantly associated with sarcoidosis in our multivariable analysis (P < 0.05). The composite variable of any autoimmune disease was also significantly associated with sarcoidosis (OR = 2.29, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

We demonstrate an association between sarcoidosis and multiple autoimmune diseases in a large and diverse cohort based in the USA. These results underscore the need for careful screening of sarcoidosis patients for concomitant autoimmune disease.
A CS-based composite scaffold with excellent photothermal effect and its application in full-thickness skin wound healing
Authors: Wang Jing , Fu Shijia , Li Huishan , Wu Yue
Published: April 2023

The development of natural polymer-based scaffolds with excellent biocompatibility, antibacterial activity, and blood compatibility, able to facilitate full-thickness skin wound healing, remains challenging. In this study, we have developed three chitosan (CS)-based porous scaffolds, including CS, CS/CNT (carbon nanotubes) and CS/CNT/HA (nano-hydroxyapatite, n-HA) using a freeze-drying method. All three scaffolds have a high swelling ratio, excellent antibacterial activity, outstanding cytocompatibility and blood compatibility in vitro. The introduction of CNTs exhibited an obvious increase in mechanical properties and exerts excellent photothermal response, which displays excellent healing performance as a wound dressing in mouse full-thickness skin wound model when compared to CS scaffolds. CS/CNT/HA composite scaffolds present the strongest ability to promote full-thickness cutaneous wound closure and skin regeneration, which might be ascribed to the synergistic effect of photothermal response from CNT and excellent bioactivity from n-HA. Overall, the present study indicated that CNT and n-HA can be engineered as effective constituents in wound dressings to facilitate full-thickness skin regeneration.
Developmental Relationships between Attention Problems and Reading Skills in Black and White Elementary School Students
Authors: Rabiner Eisensmith Sarah , Kainz Kirsten , Ansong David , Harris-Britt April , Bowen Gary L , Albritton Travis J , Loeb Hayden
Published: April 2023

Academic performance in preschool and early elementary grades has long been linked with child attention problems. There is empirical and theoretical support that this co-occurrence is attributable to longitudinal relations between attention and reading problems. However, the literature to date—coming primarily from psychology disciplines—has insufficiently explored the possibility that the relationship between attention problems and reading performance affects students differentially. Using data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, this inquiry extends the current literature by examining whether initial scores and rates of change in the relationship between attention problems and later reading performance vary by child’s race, gender, and socioeconomic status (SES). Findings support the claim that attention and reading develop in a mutual process and reveal a complicated pattern of social and individual predictors of attention reading growth over time. Social work researchers can reframe and reinvestigate evidence derived from a psychological framing of the dual developmental processes of reading and attention within a broader understanding of the nested nature of child development within structures of oppression.
Effects of Neoliberalism on Social Work Practice in the United States: A Scoping Review
Authors: Toft Jessica , Lightfoot Elizabeth B , Calhoun Molly , Choy-Brown Mimi , Merighi Joseph R , Renner Lynette M , Soffer-Elnekave Ruti , Mendel Jessica , Marsalis Scott
Published: April 2023

Neoliberalism, as an ideology and policy model that favors free market logic, operates across multiple levels of social work practice. Although there is growing interest in the topic, there is a lack of knowledge about the nature of this scholarship. The purpose of this scoping review was to provide a synthesis and summary of the extent, variety, and characteristics of the peer-reviewed literature on the effects of neoliberalism on social work practice in the United States. A total of 132 articles were examined according to the requirements of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews (or PRISMA-ScR). Findings suggest that research interest on neoliberalism and social services across disciplines has increased over the last four decades. Social work scholars and journals published at similar rates as non–social work scholars with notable exceptions of policy design and service users. However, there is a lack of research across the literature on the effects of neoliberalism on the supervisor level and the effects of neoliberalism on diverse populations and on key social work services, such as substance use treatment, health services, schools, corrections, and mental health services. Further research is needed in these areas to advance our understanding of the impact of neoliberalism on social work practice.
A roadmap for early psychosocial support in palliative care for people impacted by ALS—reducing suffering, building resiliency, and setting the stage for delivering timely transdiagnostic psychosocial care
Authors: Rush Christina L , Lester Ethan G , Berry James D , Brizzi Kate T , Lindenberger Elizabeth C , Curtis Jared Randall , Vranceanu Ana-Maria
Published: April 2023

This commentary describes the current state of psychosocial care for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and their caregivers. We provide recommendations for developing a roadmap for future research based on existing literature and our group’s clinical and research experience to inform next steps to expand evidence-based psychosocial care for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and their caregivers, with potential implications for a range of advanced illnesses.
Gigaxonin is required for intermediate filament transport
Authors: Renganathan Bhuvanasundar , Zewe James P. , Cheng Yuan , Paumier Jean‐Michel , Kittisopikul Mark , Ridge Karen M. , Opal Puneet , Gelfand Vladimir I.
Published: April 2023

Gigaxonin is an adaptor protein for E3 ubiquitin ligase substrates. It is necessary for ubiquitination and degradation of intermediate filament (IF) proteins. Giant axonal neuropathy is a pathological condition caused by mutations in the GAN gene that encodes gigaxonin. This condition is characterized by abnormal accumulation of IFs in both neuronal and non‐neuronal cells; however, it is unclear what causes IF aggregation. In this work, we studied the dynamics of IFs using their subunits tagged with a photoconvertible protein mEOS 3.2. We have demonstrated that the loss of gigaxonin dramatically inhibited transport of IFs along microtubules by the microtubule motor kinesin‐1. This inhibition was specific for IFs, as other kinesin‐1 cargoes, with the exception of mitochondria, were transported normally. Abnormal distribution of IFs in the cytoplasm can be rescued by direct binding of kinesin‐1 to IFs, demonstrating that transport inhibition is the primary cause for the abnormal IF distribution. Another effect of gigaxonin loss was a more than 20‐fold increase in the amount of soluble vimentin oligomers in the cytosol of gigaxonin knock‐out cells. We speculate that these oligomers saturate a yet unidentified adapter that is required for kinesin‐1 binding to IFs, which might inhibit IF transport along microtubules causing their abnormal accumulation.
Development of a portable abdominal normothermic regional perfusion (A-NRP) program in the United States
Authors: Croome Kristopher P. , Brown Thomas E. , Mabrey Richard L. , Sonnenwald Sherry L. , Burns Justin M. , Mao Shennen A. , Clendenon Jacob N. , Nguyen Justin H. , Perry Dana K. , Maddox Rebecca G. , Taner C. Burcin
Published: April 2023

In situ abdominal normothermic regional perfusion (A-NRP) has been used for liver transplantation (LT) with donation after circulatory death (DCD) liver grafts in Europe with excellent results; however, adoption of A-NRP in the United States has been lacking. The current report describes the implementation and results of a portable, self-reliant A-NRP program in the United States. Isolated abdominal in situ perfusion with an extracorporeal circuit was achieved through cannulation in the abdomen or femoral vessels and inflation of a supraceliac aortic balloon and cross-clamp. The Quantum Transport System by Spectrum was used. The decision to use livers for LT was made through an assessment of perfusate lactate (q15min). From May to November 2022, 14 A-NRP donation after circulatory death procurements were performed by our abdominal transplant team (N = 11 LT, N = 20 kidney transplants, and 1 kidney-pancreas transplant). The median A-NRP run time was 68 minutes. None of the LT recipients had post-reperfusion syndrome, nor were there any cases of primary nonfunction. All livers were functioning well at the time of maximal follow-up with zero cases of ischemic cholangiopathy. The current report describes the feasibility of a portable A-NRP program that can be used in the United States. Excellent short-term post-transplant results were achieved with both livers and kidneys procured from A-NRP.
Psychometric properties of the Obstacles and Curb tests and their discriminative ability across functional levels in ambulatory children with spastic cerebral palsy
Authors: Algabbani Maha F. , Almass Banan A. , Shaheen Afaf A. M. , Alhusaini Adel , Almurdi Muneera M. , Alqabbani Samiah
Published: April 2023

The Obstacles and Curb tests are timed walking assessments that have emerged from the Spinal Cord Injury Functional Ambulation Profile and have been modified for children; however, their psychometric properties have not been adequately investigated. The aim of this research was to examine the psychometric properties of the Obstacles and Curb tests for children with cerebral palsy (CP). This cross-sectional study included 68 children aged 6–12 years; there were 34 children with CP and 34 age- and sex-matched typically developing children. Validity was examined by correlation with the 10-m Walk Test (10-MWT), Modified Time Up and Go test (mTUG), and Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS). Differences in the Obstacle and Curb test scores were calculated between children with CP and typically developing children and within different Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels. Children with CP completed the tests twice within a 30-min interval in the same session. The tests showed significant strong to very strong correlations with the 10-MWT, mTUG, and PBS. The within-session reliability was excellent, typically developing children were significantly faster than children with CP with high sensitivity and specificity, and the time differed significantly within the GMFCS level. Thus, the Obstacles and Curb tests can be considered valid, reliable, and sensitive walking tests for ambulatory children with CP.
The small compound Icerguastat reduces muscle defects in oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy through the PERK pathway of the unfolded protein response
Authors: Naït-Saïdi Rima , Chartier Aymeric , Abgueguen Emmanuelle , Guédat Philippe , Simonelig Martine
Published: April 2023

Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD) is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by the progressive degeneration of specific muscles. OPMD is due to a mutation in the gene encoding poly(A) binding protein nuclear 1 (PABPN1) leading to a stretch of 11 to 18 alanines at N-terminus of the protein, instead of 10 alanines in the normal protein. This alanine tract extension induces the misfolding and aggregation of PABPN1 in muscle nuclei. Here, using
Drosophila
OPMD models, we show that the unfolded protein response (UPR) is activated in OPMD upon endoplasmic reticulum stress. Mutations in components of the PERK branch of the UPR reduce muscle degeneration and PABPN1 aggregation characteristic of the disease. We show that oral treatment of OPMD flies with Icerguastat (previously IFB-088), a Guanabenz acetate derivative that shows lower side effects, also decreases muscle degeneration and PABPN1 aggregation. Furthermore, the positive effect of Icerguastat depends on GADD34, a key component of the phosphatase complex in the PERK branch of the UPR. This study reveals a major contribution of the ER stress in OPMD pathogenesis and provides a proof-of-concept for Icerguastat interest in future pharmacological treatments of OPMD.
Spawning and larval development of two tropical cowries (Gastropoda: Cypraeidae),Cypraea tigrisandMauritia arabicaunder laboratory conditions
Authors: Tay Teresa Stephanie , Lee Hsien Rong Samuel , Neo Mei Lin
Published: April 2023

The spawning and larval culture of cowrie (family Cypraeidae) are both difficult and little known, in part due to the long planktonic period of most species. In this study, we describe the captive spawning behaviour and larval development of two tropical cowrie species,Cypraea tigrisandMauritia arabica. Both species brooded over their egg masses before hatching occurred and larvae were collected for culture under laboratory conditions. The brooding period forC. tigriswas between 7 and 17 days, and freshly hatched veligers were approximately 200–240 µm in size.Cypraea tigrislarvae were reared for up to 37 days in culture but did not achieve successful settlement. The brooding period forM. arabicawas between 7 and 10 days, and hatched veligers were approximately 160–205 µm in size. The first settled juvenileM. arabicawas observed at 70 days post-hatch. Our findings from this study represent the first comprehensive documentation of successful metamorphosis of Cypraeidae larvae, particularlyM. arabica, into early-stage juvenile.
Multi-stage sleep classification using photoplethysmographic sensor
Authors: Motin Mohammod Abdul , Karmakar Chandan , Palaniswami Marimuthu , Penzel Thomas , Kumar Dinesh
Published: April 2023

The conventional approach to monitoring sleep stages requires placing multiple sensors on patients, which is inconvenient for long-term monitoring and requires expert support. We propose a single-sensor photoplethysmographic (PPG)-based automated multi-stage sleep classification. This experimental study recorded the PPG during the entire night's sleep of 10 patients. Data analysis was performed to obtain 79 features from the recordings, which were then classified according to sleep stages. The classification results using support vector machine (SVM) with the polynomial kernel yielded an overall accuracy of 84.66%, 79.62% and 72.23% for two-, three- and four-stage sleep classification. These results show that it is possible to conduct sleep stage monitoring using only PPG. These findings open the opportunities for PPG-based wearable solutions for home-based automated sleep monitoring.
Structural equation model was used to evaluate the effects of soil chemical environment, fertility and enzyme activity on eucalyptus biomass
Authors: Tang Jian , Zhao Junyu , Qin Zuoyu , Chen Lijun , Song Xianchong , Ke Qin , Wu Lichao , Shi Yuanyuan
Published: April 2023

This paper aims to reveal the effects of multi-generational succession of eucalyptus on soil fertility, organic structure and biological properties. Soil samples were collected from eucalyptus plantations of different stand ages (5, 11, 17 and 21 years old) in a typical area in south Asia, soil organic fraction structure and content characteristics were investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to explore influences of soil fertility, enzyme activity and organic fraction on stand biomass. FTIR analysis showed that 11 infrared absorption peaks existed in the soils of this study area, attributed to silicates, aromatics, carbonate ions, sugars, esters, polysaccharides, aliphatic hydrocarbons and phenolic alcohols. Combined with the results of peak area integration, the content of esters, aromatics and phenolic alcohols was significantly higher in 17- and 21-year-old stand soils than in control soils. The results of SEM showed that organic components were negatively related (
p
< 0.01) to enzyme activity and biomass, with standardized coefficients of 0.53 and 0.49, respectively. In summary, multi-generation succession of eucalyptus trees can change the structure of soil organic functional group composition and promote the enrichment of aromatic and phenolic alcohol functional groups. Such changes can directly inhibit the increase in eucalyptus biomass and indirectly negatively affect biomass by inhibiting enzyme activity.
Changes in the feeding ecology of an opportunistic predator inhabiting urban environments in response to COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Vez-Garzón Marc , Giménez Joan , Sánchez-Márquez Antoni , Montalvo Tomás , Navarro Joan
Published: April 2023

Urban-dwelling species present feeding and behavioural innovation that enable them to adjust to anthropogenic food subsidies available in cities. In 2020, the SARS-CoV-2 virus outbreak resulted in unprecedented reduction in the human activity worldwide associated with the human lockdown. This situation opened an excellent opportunity to investigate the capability of urban wildlife to cope with this anthropopause event. Here, we investigated the effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on the feeding strategies of the urban yellow-legged gull (
Larus michahellis
) population inhabiting the highly dense city of Barcelona (NE Spain). We compared the diet of chicks (through stomach content and stable isotope analyses) sampled randomly around the city of Barcelona before (2018 and 2019), during (2020) and after (2021) the COVID-19 lockdown. The results revealed that the anthropopause associated with the lockdown had an effect on the diet of this urban-dwelling predator. The diversity of prey consumed during the lockdown was lower, and consumption of urban birds (pigeons and parakeets) and marine prey (fishery discards and natural prey) decreased during the year of lockdown. Although it was not analysed, these diet changes probably were associated with variations in the availability of these resources due to the decrease in human activity during the lockdown. These results demonstrate the trophic flexibility of urban-dwelling species to cope with the changes in the availability of human-related anthropogenic resources in urban marine ecosystems.
Sphaerisporangium perillae sp. nov., isolated from the root of Perilla frutescens (Linn.) Britt
Authors: Wang Teng , Gao Congting , Chen Hongmin , Yang Jingquan , Du Rui , Zuo Gengxin , Zhao Junwei , Xiang Wensheng , Liu Chongxi
Published: April 2023

A novel protease-producing actinomycete, designated strain NEAU-ZS1T, was isolated from the root of Perilla frutescens (Linn.) Britt collected from Jiamusi, Heilongjiang, PR China. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that strain NEAU-ZS1T belonged to the genus

Sphaerisporangium

and was most closely related to ‘

Sphaerisporangium corydalis

’ NEAU-YHS15T (99.2%) and

Sphaerisporangium cinnabarinum

JCM 3291T (99.0%). Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that strain NEAU-ZS1T formed a monophyletic clade with ‘

S. corydalis

’ NEAU-YHS15T. The genome size was 9.3 Mbp with a DNA G+C content of 70.3 mol%. Digital DNA–DNA hybridization, average nucleotide identity and average amino acid identity values between the genome sequence of strain NEAU-ZS1T and those of ‘

S. corydalis

’ NEAU-YHS15T (28.6, 83.9 and 79.1 %) and

S. cinnabarinum

JCM 3291T (18.5, 70.6 and 50.2 %) were below the recommended thresholds for species delineation. The strain formed spherical spore vesicles produced on the aerial hyphae. The cell wall contained meso-diaminopimelic acid and the whole-cell sugars were glucose and madurose. The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, an unidentified phospholipid and an unidentified glycolipid. The menaquinones were MK-9(H4), MK-9(H6) and MK-9(H2). The major fatty acids were iso-C16 : 0, C16 : 1 ω5c, 10-methy C17 : 0 and C17 : 1 ω7c. On the basis of the results of a polyphasic taxonomic study, it is concluded that strain NEAU-ZS1T represents a novel species of the genus

Sphaerisporangium

, for which the name Sphaerisporangium perillae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NEAU-ZS1T (=CCTCC AA 2021019T= JCM 35655T).
Mumia quercus sp. nov., isolated from the root of Quercus variabilis
Authors: Chen Hongmin , Cao Tingting , Wang Teng , Gao Congting , Yang Jingquan , Dong Qingyan , Shen Yue , Liu Chongxi
Published: April 2023

A novel endophytic actinomycete, designated strain NEAU-365T, was isolated from the root of Quercus variabilis collected from Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that strain NEAU-365T belonged to the genus

Mumia

but clearly differs from the currently recognized species

Mumia zhuanghuii

Z350T (99.31 %),

Mumia xiangluensis

NEAU-KD1T (98.82 %) and

Mumia flava

MUSC 201T (97.78 %). Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that strain NEAU-365T clustered with the type strains of the genus

Mumia

. The genome size was 4.1 Mbp with a DNA G+C content of 71.2 mol%. Digital DNA–DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity values between the genome sequence of strain NEAU-365T and those of

M. zhuanghuii

Z350T(27.5 and 84.0 %),

M. xiangluensis

NEAU-KD1T(23.4 and 80.9 %) and

M. flava

MUSC 201T(20.9 and 77.7 %) were below the recommended thresholds for species delineation. Cells were observed to be irregular cocci shaped. The cell wall contained ll-diaminopimelic acid and the whole-cell sugars were galactose and rhamnose. The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphoglycolipid and three unidentified phospholipids. The predominant menaquinone was detected as MK-9(H4). The major fatty acids were C16 : 0, C18 : 0, C18 : 1 ω9c and 10-methyl C18 : 0. On the basis of genotypic and phenotypic differences from members of the genus

Mumia

, a novel species, Mumia quercus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NEAU-365T (=CCTCC AA 2021033T=JCM 35005T).
The genomic and evolutionary landscapes of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Zeng Peter Y.F. , Prokopec Stephenie D. , Lai Stephen Y. , Pinto Nicole , Chan-Seng-Yue Michelle A. , Clifton-Bligh Roderick , Williams Michelle D. , Howlett Christopher J. , Plantinga Paul , Cecchini Matthew , Lam Alfred K. , Siddiqui Iram , Wang Jianxin , Sun Ren X. , Watson John D. , Korah Reju , Carling Tobias , Agrawal Nishant , Cipriani Nicole , Ball Douglas , Nelkin Barry , Rooper Lisa M. , Bishop Justin A. , Garnis Cathie , Berean Ken , Nicolson Norman G. , Weinberger Paul , Henderson Ying C. , Lalansingh Christopher M. , Tian Mao , Yamaguchi Takafumi N. , Livingstone Julie , Salcedo Adriana , Patel Krupal , Vizeacoumar Frederick , Datti Alessandro , Xi Liu , Nikiforov Yuri E. , Smallridge Robert , Copland John A. , Marlow Laura A. , Hyrcza Martin D. , Delbridge Leigh , Sidhu Stan , Sywak Mark , Robinson Bruce , Fung Kevin , Ghasemi Farhad , Kwan Keith , MacNeil S. Danielle , Mendez Adrian , Palma David A. , Khan Mohammed I. , Shaikh Mushfiq , Ruicci Kara M. , Wehrli Bret , Winquist Eric , Yoo John , Mymryk Joe S. , Rocco James W. , Wheeler David , Scherer Steve , Giordano Thomas J. , Barrett John W. , Faquin William C. , Gill Anthony J. , Clayman Gary , Boutros Paul C. , Nichols Anthony C.
Published: April 2023

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma is arguably the most lethal human malignancy. It often co-occurs with differentiated thyroid cancers, yet the molecular origins of its aggressivity are unknown. We sequenced tumor DNA from 329 regions of thyroid cancer, including 213 from patients with primary anaplastic thyroid carcinomas and multi-region whole-genome sequencing. Anaplastic thyroid carcinomas have a higher burden of mutations than other thyroid cancers, with distinct mutational signatures and molecular subtypes. Specific cancer driver genes are mutated in anaplastic and differentiated thyroid carcinomas, even those arising in a single patient. We unambiguously demonstrate that anaplastic thyroid carcinomas share a genomic origin with co-occurring differentiated carcinomas, and emerge from a common malignant field through acquisition of characteristic clonal driver mutations.
Development & Deployment of a Real-time Healthcare Predictive Analytics Platform
Authors: Boussina Aaron , Shashikumar Supreeth , Amrollahi Fatemeh , Pour Hayden , Hogarth Michael , Nemati Shamim
Published: April 2023

The deployment of predictive analytic algorithms that can safely and seamlessly integrate into existing healthcare workflows remains a significant challenge. Here, we present a scalable, cloud-based, fault-tolerant platform that is capable of extracting and processing electronic health record (EHR) data for any patient at any time following admission and transferring results back into the EHR. This platform has been successfully deployed within the UC San Diego Health system and utilizes interoperable data standards to enable portability.

Clinical relevance

This platform is currently hosting a deep learning model for the early prediction of sepsis that is operational in two emergency departments.
Continuous non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring in early onset severe preeclampsia
Authors: Ackerman-Banks Christina M , Bhinder Jasjit , Eder Maxwell , Heerdt Paul , Sugeng Lissa , Testani Jeffrey , Alian Aymen , Lipkind Heather , Velazquez Eric , Reddy Uma , Chou Josephine C
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Continuous hemodynamic monitoring offers the opportunity to individualize management in severe preeclampsia (PEC). We compared cardiac output (CO) and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) measured by bioreactance (NICOM), Clearsite™ Fingercuff [CS), and 3D-echocardiography (3DE).

Study Design

This prospective observational study included 12 pregnant patients with early PEC. CO and SVR were measured simultaneously by NICOM, CS, and 3DE antepartum and 1-2 days postpartum. Using 3DE as the standard, CS and NICOM interchangeability, precision, accuracy, and correlation were assessed.

Results

Compared to 3DE-CO, CS-CO was highly correlated (R2=0.70, p=<0.0001) with low percentage error (PE 29%) which met criteria for interchangeablity. CS-SVR had strong correlation (R2=0.81, p=<0.0001) and low PE (29%). While CS tended to slightly overestimate CO (bias +2.05 +/-1.18 L/min, limit of agreement (LOA) -0.20-4.31) and underestimate SVR (bias -279 +/-156 dyes/sec/cm5; LOA -580-18.4) these differences were unlikely to be clinically significant. Thus CS could be interchangeable with 3DE for CO and SVR. NICOM-CO had only moderate correlation with 3DE-CO (R2=0.29, p=0.01) with high PE (52%) above threshold for interchangeability. NICOM-CO had low mean bias (−1.2 +/-1.68 L/min) but wide 95% LOA (−4.41 - 2.14) suggesting adequate accuracy but low precision in relation to 3DE-CO. NICOM-SVR had poor correlation with 3DE-SVR (R2=0.32, p=0.001) with high PE (67%), relatively low mean bias (238 +/-256), and wide 95% LOA (– 655–1131). NICOM did not meet the criteria for interchangeable with 3DE for CO and SVR.

Conclusions

Clearsite Fingercuff, but not NICOM, has potential to be clinically useful for CO and SVR monitoring in severe preeclampsia.
Differentiation of Fungal, Viral, and Bacterial Sepsis using Multimodal Deep Learning
Authors: Boussina Aaron , Ramesh Karthik , Arora Himanshu , Ratadiya Pratik , Nemati Shamim
Published: April 2023

Sepsis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and is caused by bacterial infection in a majority of cases. However, fungal sepsis often carries a higher mortality rate both due to its prevalence in immunocompromised patients as well as delayed recognition. Using chest x-rays, associated radiology reports, and structured patient data from the MIMIC-IV clinical dataset, the authors present a machine learning methodology to differentiate between bacterial, fungal, and viral sepsis. Model performance shows AUCs of 0.81, 0.83, 0.79 for detecting bacterial, fungal, and viral sepsis respectively, with best performance achieved using embeddings from image reports and structured clinical data. By improving early detection of an often missed causative septic agent, predictive models could facilitate earlier treatment of non-bacterial sepsis with resultant associated mortality reduction.
Comparison of the carotid corrected flow time and tidal volume challenge for assessing fluid responsiveness in robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Tang Xixi , Chen Qi , Huang Zejun , An Ran , Liang Jingqiu , Liu Hongliang
Published: April 2023

Purpose

We aimed to evaluate the ability of carotid corrected flow time assessed by ultrasound to predict fluid responsiveness in patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic gynecological surgery in the modified head-down lithotomy position.

Methods

This prospective single-center study conducted at the Chongqing University Cancer Hospital included patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery in the modified head-down lithotomy position. Carotid doppler parameters and hemodynamic data, including corrected flow time, pulse pressure variation (PPV), stroke volume variation, and stroke volume index at a tidal volume of 6 mL/kg predicted body weight and after increasing the tidal volume to 8 mL/kg predicted body weight (tidal volume challenge), respectively, were measured. Fluid responsiveness was defined as a stroke volume index ≥10% increase after volume expansion.

Results

Among the 52 patients included, 26 were classified as fluid responders and 26 as non-responders based on the stroke volume index. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values measured to predict the fluid responsiveness to corrected flow time and changes in PPV (ΔPPV6–8) after tidal volume challenge were 0.82 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.705–0.937; P < 0.0001] and 0.85 (95% CI: 0.740–0.956; P < 0.0001), respectively. Both values were higher than those for PPV at a tidal volume of 8 mL/kg (0.79, 95% CI: 0.674–0.911; P = 0003). The optimal cut-off values for corrected flow time and ΔPPV6–8were 356.5 ms and >1%, respectively.

Conclusion

The change in PPV after tidal volume challenge and corrected flow time reliably predicted fluid responsiveness in patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic gynecological surgery in the modified head-down lithotomy position.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Register (CHiCTR2200060573)
A rapid and bidirectional reporter of neural activity reveals neural correlates of social behaviors inDrosophila
Authors: Bonheur Moise , Swartz Kurtis J. , Metcalf Melissa G. , Zhukovskaya Anna , Mehta Avirut , Connors Kristin E. , Barasch Julia G. , Wen Xinke , Jamieson Andrew R. , Martin Kelsey C. , Axel Richard , Hattori Daisuke
Published: April 2023

Neural activity is modulated over different timescales encompassing sub-seconds to days reflecting changes in external environment, internal state, and behavior. UsingDrosophilaas a model, we have developed a rapid and bidirectional reporter that provides a robust cellular readout of recent neural activity. This reporter utilizes nuclear vs cytoplasmic distribution of CREB-regulated transcriptional coactivator, CRTC. Subcellular distribution of GFP-tagged CRTC (CRTC::GFP) bidirectionally changes on the order of minutes and reflects both increases and decreases in neural activity. We establish an automated machine-learning-based routine for efficient quantification of reporter signal. Using this reporter, we demonstrate acute mating- evoked activation of peptidergic neurons. We further investigate the functional role of the master courtship regulator gene,fruitless, and show thatfruitlessis necessary to ensure activation of male arousal neurons by female cues. Together, our results establish CRTC::GFP as a bidirectional reporter of recent neural activity suitable for examining neural correlates in behavioral contexts.
Engrailed-1Promotes Pancreatic Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Xu Jihao , Roe Jae-Seok , Lee EunJung , Tonelli Claudia , Somerville Tim D.D. , Yao Melissa , Milazzo Joseph P. , Tiriac Herve , Kolarzyk Ania M. , Lee Esak , Grem Jean L. , Lazenby Audrey J. , Grunkemeyer James A. , Hollingsworth Michael A. , Borowsky Alexander D. , Park Youngkyu , Vakoc Christopher R. , Tuveson David A. , Hwang Chang-Il
Published: April 2023

Engrailed-1(EN1) is a critical homeodomain transcription factor (TF) required for neuronal survival, and EN1 expression has been shown to promote aggressive forms of triple negative breast cancer. Here, we report thatEN1is aberrantly expressed in a subset of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) patients with poor outcomes. EN1 predominantly repressed its target genes through direct binding to gene enhancers and promoters, implicating a role in the acquisition of mesenchymal cell properties. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments demonstrated thatEN1promoted PDA transformation and metastasisin vitroandin vivo. Our findings nominate the targeting ofEN1and downstream pathways in aggressive PDA.
Wide-field calcium imaging of cortical activation and functional connectivity in externally- and internally-driven locomotion
Authors: West Sarah L. , Gerhart Morgan L. , Ebner Timothy J.
Published: April 2023

The neural dynamics underlying self-initiated versus sensory driven movements is central to understanding volitional action. Upstream motor cortices are associated with the generation of internally-driven movements over externally-driven. Here we directly compare cortical dynamics during internally- versus externally-driven locomotion using wide-field Ca2+imaging. We find that secondary motor cortex (M2) plays a larger role in internally-driven spontaneous locomotion transitions, with increased M2 functional connectivity during starting and stopping than in the externally-driven, motorized treadmill locomotion. This is not the case in steady-state walk. In addition, motorized treadmill and spontaneous locomotion are characterized by markedly different patterns of cortical activation and functional connectivity at the different behavior periods. Furthermore, the patterns of fluorescence activation and connectivity are uncorrelated. These experiments reveal widespread and striking differences in the cortical control of internally- and externally-driven locomotion, with M2 playing a major role in the preparation and execution of the self-initiated state.
Predicting depression risk in early adolescence via multimodal brain imaging
Authors: Gracia-Tabuenca Zeus , Barbeau Elise B. , Xia Yu , Chai Xiaoqian
Published: April 2023

Depression is an incapacitating psychiatric disorder with high prevalence in adolescent populations that is influenced by many risk factors, including family history of depression. The ability to predict who may develop depression before adolescence, when rates of depression increase markedly, is important for early intervention and prevention. Using a large longitudinal sample from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study (2658 participants after imaging quality control, between 9-10 years at baseline), we applied machine learning methods on a set of comprehensive multimodal neuroimaging features to predict depression risk at the two-year follow-up from the baseline visit. Features include derivatives from structural MRI, diffusion tensor imaging, and task and rest functional MRI. A rigorous cross-validation method of leave-one-site-out was used. Additionally, we tested the prediction models in a high-risk group of participants with parental history of depression (N=625). The results showed all brain features had prediction scores significantly better than expected by chance. When predicting depression onset in the high-risk group, brain features from resting-state functional connectomes showed the best classification performance, outperforming other brain features based on structural MRI and task-based fMRI. Results demonstrate that the functional connectivity of the brain can predict the risk of depression in early adolescence better than other univariate neuroimaging derivatives, highlighting the key role of the interacting elements of the connectome capturing more individual variability in psychopathology compared to measures of single brain regions.
Secreted HLA Fc-Fusion Profiles Immunopeptidome in Hypoxic PDAC and Cellular Senescence
Authors: Rettko Nicholas J. , Kirkemo Lisa L. , Wells James A.
Published: April 2023

Human leukocyte antigens (HLA) display peptides largely from intracellular proteins on the surface of cells in major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-peptide complexes. These complexes provide a biological window into the cell, and peptides derived from disease-associated antigens can serve as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Thus, proper identification of peptides and the corresponding presenting HLA allele in disease phenotypes is important for the design and execution of therapeutic strategies using engineered T-cell receptors or antibodies. Yet, current mass spectrometry methods for profiling the immunopeptidome typically require large and complex sample inputs, complicating the study of several disease phenotypes and lowering the confidence of both peptide and allele identification. Here, we describe a novel secreted HLA (sHLA) Fc-fusion construct that allows for simple peptide identification from single HLA alleles in two important disease models: hypoxic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and cellular senescence. We identify hypoxia and senescence-associated peptides that could act as future targets for immunotherapy. More generally, the method streamlines the time between sample preparation and injection from days to hours, yielding allele-restricted target identification in a temporally controlled manner. Overall, this method identified >30,000 unique HLA-associated peptides across two different HLA alleles and seven cell lines. Notably, ∼9,300 of these unique HLA-associated peptides had previously not been identified in the Immune Epitope Database. We believe the sHLA Fc-fusion capture technology will accelerate the study of the immunopeptidome as therapeutic interest in HLA-peptide complexes increases in cancer and beyond.
The lymphatic system favours survival of a uniqueT. bruceipopulation, and its invasion results in major host pathology
Authors: Machado Henrique , De Niz Mariana
Published: April 2023

Trypanosoma bruceicolonize and multiply in the blood vasculature, as well as in various organs of the host’s body. Lymph nodes have been previously shown to harbour large numbers of parasites, and the lymphatic system has been proposed as a key site that allowsT. bruceidistribution through, and colonization of the mammalian body. However, visualization of host-pathogen interactions in the lymphatic system has never captured dynamic events with high spatial and temporal resolution throughout infection. In our work, we used a mixture of tools including intravital microscopy andex vivoimaging to studyT. bruceidistribution in 20 sets of lymph nodes. We demonstrate that lymph node colonization byT. bruceiis different across lymph node sets, with the most heavily colonized being the draining lymph nodes of main tissue reservoirs: the gonadal adipose tissue and pancreas. Moreover, we show that the lymphatic vasculature is a pivotal site for parasite dispersal, and altering this colonization by blocking LYVE-1 (i.e. surface receptor of lymphatic vessel endothelial cells) is detrimental for parasite survival. Additionally, parasites within the lymphatic vasculature have unique morphological and behavioural characteristics, different to those found in the blood, demonstrating a physical separation of environments across both types of vasculature. Finally, we demonstrate that the lymph nodes and the lymphatic vasculature undergoes significant alterations duringT. bruceiinfection, resulting in oedema throughout the host’s body.
In vivoexchange of glucose and lactate between photoreceptors and the retinal pigment epithelium
Authors: Hass Daniel T. , Giering Elizabeth , Han John Y.S. , Bisbach Celia M. , Pandey Kriti , Robbings Brian M. , Mundinger Thomas O. , Nolan Nicholas D. , Tsang Stephen H. , Peachey Neal S. , Philp Nancy J. , Hurley James B.
Published: April 2023

Photoreceptors in the retina of a vertebrate’s eye are supported by a tissue adjacent to the retina, the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The RPE delivers glucose to the outer retina, consumes photoreceptor outer segments discs, and regenerates 11-cis-retinal. Here we address the question of whether photoreceptors also provide metabolic support to the RPE. We use complementary approaches and animal models to show that glucose is the primary fuel for the retina, that photoreceptors are the primary cell type in the retina to consume glucose, and that lactate derived from photoreceptor glucose consumption is transported to and catabolized by the RPE. These data rigorously support and extend the concept of a metabolic ecosystem between photoreceptors and RPE.
Comprehensive analysis of nasal IgA antibodies induced by intranasal administration of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein
Authors: Waki Kentarou , Tani Hideki , Kawahara Eigo , Saga Yumiko , Shimada Takahisa , Yamazaki Emiko , Koike Seiichi , Morinaga Yoshitomo , Isobe Masaharu , Kurosawa Nobuyuki
Published: April 2023

Intranasal vaccination is an attractive strategy for preventing COVID-19 disease as it stimulates the production of multimeric secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA), the predominant antibody isotype in the mucosal immune system, at the target site of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) entry. Currently, intranasal vaccine efficacy is evaluated based on the measurement of polyclonal antibody titers in nasal lavage fluid. However, how individual multimeric secretory IgA protects the mucosa from SARS-CoV-2 infection remains to be elucidated. To understand the precise contribution and molecular nature of multimeric secretory IgA induced by intranasal vaccines, we developed 99 monoclonal IgA clones from nasal mucosa and 114 monoclonal IgA or IgG clones from nonmucosal tissues of mice that were intranasally immunized with the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The nonmucosal IgA clones exhibited shared origins and common and unique somatic mutations with the related nasal IgA clones, indicating that the antigen-specific plasma cells in the nonmucosal tissues originated from B cells stimulated at the nasal mucosa. Comparing the spike protein binding reactivity, angiotensin-converting enzyme-2-blocking andin vitroSARS-CoV-2 virus neutralization of monomeric and multimeric secretory IgA pairs recognizing different epitopes showed that even non-neutralizing monomeric IgAs, which represents 70% of the nasal IgA repertoire, can protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection when expressed as multimeric secretory IgAs. We also demonstrated that the intranasal administration of multimeric secretory IgA delivered as prophylaxis in the hamster model reduced infection-induced weight loss. Our investigation is the first to demonstrate the function of nasal IgA at the monoclonal level, showing that nasal immunization can provide effective immunity against SARS-CoV-2 by inducing multimeric secretory IgAs at the target site of the virus infection.
Molecular Detection and Parasite Load Determination ofLeishmania donovaniin Dogs at Humera and Sheraro, Western Tigray, Ethiopia
Authors: Tadesse Hagazi Fantay , Van der Auwera Gert , Abera Birhanu Hadush , Maes Ilse , Weldu Kidane
Published: April 2023

The authors have withdrawn their manuscript owing to the article was submitted and made public without the full consent of all the authors. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as reference for the project. If you have any questions, please contact the corresponding author.
Redundant and distinct roles of two 14-3-3 proteins inFusarium sacchari, pathogen of sugarcane Pokkah boeng disease
Authors: Chen Yuejia , Yao Ziting , Zhao Lixian , Yu Mei , Qin Siying , Zou Chengwu , Chen Baoshan
Published: April 2023

Fusarium sacchariis one of the most important sugarcane pathogens that causes Pokkah boeng disease (PBD) in China. 14-3-3 proteins have been shown to play vital roles in developmental processes in dimorphic transition, signal transduction and carbon metabolism in some phytopathogenic fungi, but were poorly understood inF. sacchari. In this study, two 14-3-3 protein-encoding genes,FsBmh1andFsBmh2inF. sacchari, were investigated. Although bothFsBmh1andFsBmh2were expressed at vegetative growth stage,FsBmh1was repressed at sporulation stage in vitro. In order to clarify the roles ofFsBmh1andFsBmh2, deletion mutants ΔFsBmh1 and ΔFsBmh2 were constructed. Phenotypic defects, including hyphal branching, hyphal septation, conidiation, spore germination and colony growth, were more severe in ΔFsBmh2 than in ΔFsBmh1, although virulence attenuation was observed in both mutants. To further explore the relationship betweenFsBmh1andFsBmh2, the combination of deletion and silencing (ΔFsBmh/sFsBmh) and overexpression (O-FsBmh) mutants were constructed and characterized. Compared to the single allele deletion, combinations of ΔFsBmh1/sFsBmh2 or ΔFsBmh2/sFsBmh1 showed more severe manifestations in general, suggesting a redundancy in function of the two 14-3-3 genes. Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed that more functional genes were affected in ΔFsBmh2 than in ΔFsBmh1. Redundancy in function betweenFsBmh1andFsBmh2suggests that 14-3-3 is vitally important for the organism and distinction in roles between the two isoforms may be resulted from the divergence in evolution. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first report on the distinct roles of 14-3-3 protein isoforms in a pathogenic fungus. Knowledge gained from this study should be of help to further understand the regulation mechanism of pathogenicity-related traits in fungal pathogens and for the development of new strategy for control of PBD in particular.