bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Narrative Review of Use and Continued Relevance of the Maternal Infant Responsiveness Instrument
Authors: Spurlock Elizabeth J. , Pickler Rita H. , Terry Rollins E. , Drake Emily , Roux Gayle , Amankwaa Linda
Published: July 2023

Background:

The Maternal Infant Responsiveness Instrument (MIRI) was developed in 2002 to measure a critical aspect of maternal-infant health. The objective of this analysis was to examine use, results, and continued relevance of the MIRI 20 years after its creation.

Methods:

For the completion of this narrative review, 5 electronic databases were accessed using key search terms. Inclusion criteria were English-language, peer-reviewed research using the MIRI. Hand searches of reference lists were conducted. Five authors performed screening, data extraction, appraisal, and summarized findings.

Results:

Fifteen studies were included. All studies reported an internal consistency of α > 0.70 for the MIRI. Positive correlations were reported with self-efficacy, infant temperament, and life satisfaction. Inverse relationships were reported with stress, depression, and experiential avoidance. Depressive symptomatology, life satisfaction, self-esteem, self-efficacy, and previous childcare experience were predictors of maternal responsiveness.

Discussion:

Maternal well-being (postpartum depression and stress) can affect maternal responsiveness. Given the pervasive disparities in maternal health and well-being, it is important to have reliable measures of the effects of those disparities. The MIRI, a valid and reliable measure, may be useful for assessing the effectiveness of interventions designed to improve infant and maternal well-being.
Acute and recurrent pustulosis: consolidating uncommon cases of follicular pustulosis induced by UV light and other triggers
Authors: Porter Amanda P. , James William D.
Published: July 2023

Background:

There are a growing number of patients with acute and recurrent pustular reactive dermatitis reported without clear parameters to define the entities. Consolidation of cases under the term acute and recurrent pustulosis (ARP) will aid dermatologists in diagnosing such patients in the future.

Objective:

Describe the parameters which define acute and recurrent pustulosis and communicate the high predominance for onset in young women based on reported cases.

Methods:

PubMed literature search for reports of recurrent follicularly centered neutrophilic eruptions.

Results:

According to the clinical characteristics of ARP, 23 patients were identified from prior reports. Interestingly, 20 out of 23 patients were women with a high predominance in early adulthood.

Limitations:

This is an understudied and underreported clinical entity. Therefore, limitations include availability of case reports and lack of prior research available on PubMed.

Conclusion:

ARP is defined as follicular pustules that occur and remit without treatment and within a week of an identifiable trigger, predominantly affecting women. Consolidating reports of ARP under clear criteria will aid clinical dermatologists in diagnosing this unreported dermatitis.
Provider adherence to American Diabetes Association cardiovascular risk–reduction guidelines: An integrative review
Authors: Bullock Jamie Eve
Published: July 2023

Background:

Diabetes mellitus (DM) requires comprehensive management to prevent end organ disease. Type 2 diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) effects more than 33.3 million individuals in the United States, the majority managed by primary care providers (PCPs). Type 2 diabetes Mellitus increases lifetime heart attack and stroke risk by 2–4 times. Adherence to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) cardiovascular disease reduction guidelines is associated with decreased morbidity and mortality.

Purpose:

This integrative review highlights PCP adherence to ADA cardiovascular risk–reduction guidelines and explores interventions that address adherence.

Methodology:

The integrative review approach demanded critical examination of the literature following extraction of findings obtained through a rigorous process involving clear inclusion and exclusion criteria. A comprehensive literature search was guided through Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Model. Data extraction was documented through Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis.

Results:

Five articles met inclusion criteria. Articles ranged from 2017 to 2022 and occurred in the United States, Palestine, and one across Europe. Four areas of common content were identified and included the lack of adherence to statin prescribing, lack of adherence to blood pressure management, statin prescribing favoring male patients and those with existing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease diagnoses, and varying methods to improve adherence.

Conclusions:

Quality-improvement strategies focused on the improvement of PCP adherence to ADA cardiovascular risk–reduction guidelines are necessary.

Implications:

Improved adherence would significantly improve morbidity and mortality outcomes in T2DM. Adherence interventions include education, electronic health record integration, and oversight by certified diabetes educator nurses. The time is now to reduce the negative sequelae from a disease that effects 11.3% of our population.
Acute Thrombotic Events in Association With Coronavirus Disease of 2019 Immunization as Initial Presentation of Congenital Factor VII Deficiency
Authors: Trillo Alyson , Davis Joanna A. , Sargenton Krysten , Corrales-Medina Fernando F.
Published: July 2023

Coagulation factor VII (FVII) deficiency is a congenital disorder with heterogeneous clinical phenotypes ranging from asymptomatic to life-threatening bleeding and/or thrombotic events. We present the case of an adolescent male who developed acute deep and superficial venous thromboses of the upper extremities in the setting of multiple peripheral venous line insertions and shortly after receiving his second coronavirus disease of 2019 immunization dose. A hemostatic work-up revealed low FVII activity levels associated with 4 different FVII genetic variants. We highlight the need to better understand the pathophysiologic mechanisms behind FVII deficiency-associated prothrombotic risk and the role that specific FVII genetic variants may play in the clinical presentation of these patients.
Organized Sports Activities Are Safe for Children With Sickle Cell Disease: A Pilot Intervention Study
Authors: Noordstar Johannes J. , Hulzebos Erik H.J. , van der Ent Cornelis K. , Suijker Monique H. , Bartels Marije
Published: July 2023

Historically, children with sickle cell disease (SCD) are advised to refrain from sports activities, based on the assumption that physical exercise can trigger vaso-occlusive episodes. This pilot intervention study examined the safety (ie, no vaso-occlusive episodes) of a 10-week organized sports program for children with SCD. Eight children with SCD (5 boys/3 girls), aged 7 to 12 years old, received 10 training sessions (each 90 min) once a week. Training sessions were performed by a professional soccer club under the supervision of a medical team from the Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital. During the study period, one child experienced a vaso-occlusive crisis, which could not be directly related to the organized sports program. None of the other children experienced vaso-occlusive episodes. The results of this study indicate that children with SCD can participate safely in moderate-intensity organized sports activities when personalized medical background and practical training information is shared with the trainer beforehand. All children continued their sports participation after the study period.
Geriatric Pain Protocol
Authors: Andujo Paulina , Yue Kelsey , McKelvey Karma , Dornan Grant J. , Breda Kathleen
Published: July 2023

Hip fractures are costly, and associated complications are the leading cause of injury-related deaths in persons 65 years or older. Pain medications in this population can be more potent, have a longer duration of action, and have serious side effects (Chau et al., 2008). Hip fractures are projected to reach 6.26 million worldwide by 2050 (Gullberg et al., 1997
;
Kannus et al., 1996). Morrison et al. (2003) report that uncontrolled pain leads to increased hospital length of stay (LOS), delayed physical therapy, and long-term functional impairment. The Geriatric Pain Protocol (GPP) is Cedars-Sinai's multimodal pain management solution, addressing the needs of older adult inpatients who have suffered fractures. Can the implementation of GPP reduce the morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) used, LOS, and postoperative outcomes compared with non-GPP patients? Study participants included hip fracture patients admitted between February 1, 2019, and March 5, 2021; data were collected prospectively from electronic medical records. Inclusion criteria were patients 65 years or older with a hip fracture sustained from a ground-level fall and surgical candidate. Participants were divided into two categories: Geriatric Fracture Program (GFP) and non-GFP, with physician participation in the GFP being the differentiating factor. End points included postoperative pain, postoperative opioid utilization, LOS, complications, and 30-day readmission rates. The Mann–Whitney U test and Fisher's exact test were used for data analysis. Spearman's rank-based correlation coefficient was used to assess associations. The GPP decreased MME daily totals on Days 1 and 2 and improved pain management compared with non-GPP patients. The MMEs were lower in the GPP group than in the non-GPP group for both Postoperative Day 1 (POD1) (p = .007) and POD2 (p = .043); Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) Pain on POD1 was lower in the GPP group (vs. non-GPP, p = .013). There were no group differences in NRS POD2 Pain or complications (all ps > .1). The study sample (N = 453) had no significant difference between sex and LOS (all ps > .3). Although not statistically significant, the 30-day readmission rate trended lower in patients treated in accordance with the GPP. Use of the multimodal GPP reduced pain levels and MME totals for older adult hip fracture inpatients. More data are needed to evaluate the efficiency of the proposed protocol. Future studies should explore the possibilities of using the GPP across the geriatric orthopaedic patient care continuum.
Associations Between Medicaid Expansion and Timely Repair of Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Barrero Carlos E. , Kavanagh Nolan M. , Pontell Matthew E. , Salinero Lauren K. , Wagner Connor S. , Bartlett Scott P. , Taylor Jesse A. , Swanson Jordan W.
Published: July 2023

The expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) increased access to health care for many low-income children. However, the impact of this expansion on the timing of primary cleft lip and palate repair remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate whether Medicaid expansion improved access to timely cleft lip and palate repair and whether it reduced preexisting ethnoracial disparities. Using a quasi-experimental design, the study analyzed data from 44 pediatric surgical centers across the United States. The results showed that Medicaid expansion was associated with a 9.0 percentage-point increase in delayed cleft lip repairs, resulting in an average delay of 16 days. Non-White patients were disproportionately affected by this delay, experiencing a 14.8 percentage-point increase compared with a 4.9 percentage-point increase for White patients. In contrast, Medicaid expansion had no significant effect on the timing of palate repair or on ethnoracial disparities in palate repair. The study underscores the importance of monitoring unintended consequences of large-scale health system changes, especially those affecting disadvantaged populations. Delayed cleft lip repair can lead to worse outcomes for patients, and the disproportionate impact on non-White patients is concerning. Further research is needed to identify the reasons for this delay and to mitigate its effects. Overall, the study highlights the need for ongoing vigilance to ensure that health care policies and interventions do not inadvertently worsen health disparities.
Serum Soluble Endoglin in Pediatric Septic Shock Associated Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome
Authors: Atreya Mihir R. , Cvijanovich Natalie Z. , Fitzgerald Julie C. , Weiss Scott L. , Bigham Michael T. , Jain Parag N. , Schwarz Adam J. , Lutfi Riad , Nowak Jeffrey , Thomas Neal J. , Quasney Michael , Haileselassie Bereketeab , Baines Torrey D. , Zingarelli Basilia ,   for the Genomics of Pediatric Septic Shock Investigators
Published: July 2023

Background

Endothelial activation is a key driver of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Soluble endoglin (sENG) is expressed by mature and progenitor endothelial cells and thought to have angiogenic properties. We sought to determine the association between sENG and pediatric sepsis associated MODS.

Methods

Prospective observational study of pediatric septic shock. Primary outcome of interest was complicated course -a composite of death by (or) MODS on day 7 of illness. Secondary outcomes included individual organ dysfunctions. Endothelial biomarkers including sENG were measured using multiplex Luminex assays among patients with existing data on pediatric sepsis biomarker risk model data (PERSEVERE-II). Multivariable regression was used to test the independent association between sENG and clinical outcomes. Serum sENG concentrations across PERSEVERE-II mortality risk strata and correlations with established markers of endothelial dysfunction.

Results

306 critically ill children with septic shock were included. Serum sENG concentrations were higher among those with primary and secondary outcomes of interest, with the exception of acute neurological dysfunction. sENG was independently associated with increased odds of complicated course [adj OR 1.53 (95% CI: 1.02-2.27), p = 0.038] and acute renal dysfunction [adj OR 1.84 (95%CI: 1.18-2.876), p = 0.006]. sENG demonstrated graded responses across PERSEVERE-II risk strata and was positively correlated with endothelial biomarkers, except Angiopoietin-1.

Conclusions

Serum soluble endoglin is independently associated with complicated course and acute renal dysfunction in pediatric septic shock. Future studies are required to validate our observational data and mechanistic studies are necessary to elucidate whether endoglin plays a organ-specific role in development or resolution of acute renal dysfunction in sepsis.
Perioperative Outcomes of Vesicovaginal Fistula Repair by Surgical Approach
Authors: Jefferson Francis A. , Hanson Kristine T. , Robinson Maraika O. , Habermann Elizabeth B. , Madsen Annetta M. , Gebhart John B. , Linder Brian J.
Published: July 2023

Importance

Data comparing perioperative outcomes between transvaginal, transabdominal, and laparoscopic/robotic vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) repair are limited but are important for surgical planning and patient counseling.

Objective

This study aimed to assess perioperative morbidity of VVF repair performed via various approaches.

Study Design

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used to identify women who underwent transvaginal, transabdominal, or laparoscopic/robotic VVF repair from 2009 to 2020. Associations of surgical approach with baseline characteristics, blood transfusion, prolonged hospitalization (>4 days), and 30-day outcomes (any major or minor complication or return to the operating room) were evaluated with χ2, Fisher exact, and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Multivariable logistic regression models assessed the adjusted association of approach with 30-day complications and prolonged hospitalization.

Results

Overall, 449 women underwent VVF repair, including 252 transvaginal (56.1%), 148 transabdominal (33.0%), and 49 laparoscopic/robotic procedures (10.9%). Abdominal repair was associated with a longer length of hospitalization (median, 3 days vs 1 day transvaginal and laparoscopic/robotic; P < 0.001), higher risk of prolonged length of stay (abdominal, 21.1%; transvaginal, 4.0%; laparoscopic/robotic, 2.0%; P < 0.001), major complications (abdominal, 4.7%; transvaginal, 0.8%; laparoscopic/robotic, 0.0%; P = 0.03), and perioperative transfusion (abdominal, 5.0%; transvaginal, 0.0%; laparoscopic/robotic, 2.1%; P = 0.01). On multivariable analysis, the abdominal approach was independently associated with an increased risk of prolonged hospitalization compared with laparoscopic/robotic (odds ratio, 12.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.63–93.21; P = 0.02) and transvaginal (odds ratio, 6.09; 95% confidence interval, 2.87–12.92; P < 0.001) but not with major/minor complications (P = 0.76).

Conclusion

Transvaginal and laparoscopic/robotic approaches to VVF repair are associated with lower rates of prolonged hospitalization, major complications, and readmission compared with a transabdominal approach.
Vesicouterine Fistula After Cesarean Delivery at Full Cervical Dilation
Authors: Bulfoni Alessandro , Bonavina Giulia , Acerboni Stefano , Schirripa Irene , Casale Paolo , Busnelli Andrea
Published: July 2023

Importance

Vesicouterine fistula (VUF) is an iatrogenic consequence of cesarean section in the vast majority of cases. The worldwide increase of cesarean delivery rates is likely to be accompanied by a rise of this complication, and surgery is the mainstay treatment.

Objective

The aim of the study is to assess current evidence on VUF pathogenesis and management.

Study Design

The study is a case report and literature review on PubMed and Embase spanning over the past 2 decades.

Results

An early VUF developed after a cesarean section at full cervical dilation and concurrent incidental bladder injury. A transabdominal extravesical repair was performed 3 months after cesarean delivery. Both the cystotomy and hysterotomy were repaired in a double-layer fashion with no interposition flap. A contemporary literature review including 25 patients showed that VUF was repaired transabdominally in 21 patients (84%), and an open approach was adopted in 18 patients (85.7%). In most patients, the uterine side was closed with a single-layer suture and an interposition flap was used to reinforce the repair. Concomitant hysterectomy was performed in 6 patients (24%). Overall, successful term pregnancies were reported in 2 patients after VUF repair.

Conclusions

Vesicouterine fistula is a rare event and is commonly associated with cesarean sections, especially those with a concurrent bladder injury. Careful and meticulous surgical technique may prevent the occurrence of this condition. Delayed repair and double-layer closure of both bladder and uterus, with or without an interposition flap, are recommended.
Smart self-propelled particles: a framework to investigate the cognitive bases of movement
Authors: Lecheval Valentin , Mann Richard P.
Published: July 2023

Decision-making and movement of single animals or group of animals are often treated and investigated as separate processes. However, many decisions are taken while moving in a given space. In other words, both processes are optimized at the same time, and optimal decision-making processes are only understood in the light of movement constraints. To fully understand the rationale of decisions embedded in an environment (and therefore the underlying evolutionary processes), it is instrumental to develop theories of spatial decision-making. Here, we present a framework specifically developed to address this issue by the means of artificial neural networks and genetic algorithms. Specifically, we investigate a simple task in which single agents need to learn to explore their square arena without leaving its boundaries. We show that agents evolve by developing increasingly optimal strategies to solve a spatially embedded learning task while not having an initial arbitrary model of movements. The process allows the agents to learn how to move (i.e. by avoiding the arena walls) in order to make increasingly optimal decisions (improving their exploration of the arena). Ultimately, this framework makes predictions of possibly optimal behavioural strategies for tasks combining learning and movement.
Sex bias in mortality risk changes over the lifespan of bottlenose dolphins
Authors: McEntee Molly H. F. , Foroughirad Vivienne , Krzyszczyk Ewa , Mann Janet
Published: July 2023

Research on sex biases in longevity in mammals often assumes that male investment in competition results in a female survival advantage that is constant throughout life. We use 35 years of longitudinal data on 1003 wild bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) to examine age-specific mortality, demonstrating a time-varying effect of sex on mortality hazard over the five-decade lifespan of a social mammal. Males are at higher risk of mortality than females during the juvenile period, but the gap between male and female mortality hazard closes in the mid-teens, coincident with the onset of female reproduction. Female mortality hazard is non-significantly higher than male mortality hazard in adulthood, resulting in a moderate male bias in the oldest age class. Bottlenose dolphins have an intensely male-competitive mating system, and juvenile male mortality has been linked to social competition. Contrary to predictions from sexual selection theory, however, male–male competition does not result in sustained male-biased mortality. As female dolphins experience high costs of sexual coercion in addition to long and energetically expensive periods of gestation and lactation, this suggests that substantial female investment in reproduction can elevate female mortality risk and impact sex biases in lifespan.
Signal detectability and boldness are not the same: the function of defensive coloration in nudibranchs is distance-dependent
Authors: van den Berg Cedric P. , Endler John A. , Cheney Karen L.
Published: July 2023

Aposematic signals visually advertise underlying anti-predatory defences in many species. They should be detectable (e.g. contrasting against the background) and bold (e.g. using internal pattern contrast) to enhance predator recognition, learning and memorization. However, the signalling function of aposematic colour patterns may be distance-dependent: signals may be undetectable from a distance to reduce increased attacks from naïve predators but bold when viewed up close. Using quantitative colour pattern analysis, we quantified the chromatic and achromatic detectability and boldness of colour patterns in 13 nudibranch species with variable strength of chemical defences in terms of unpalatability and toxicity, approximating the visual perception of a triggerfish (
Rhinecanthus aculeatus
) across a predation sequence (detection to subjugation). When viewed from an ecologically relevant distance of 30 cm, there were no differences in detectability and boldness between well-defended and undefended species. However, when viewed at closer distances (less than 30 cm), well-defended species were more detectable and bolder than undefended species. As distance increased, detectability decreased more significantly than boldness for defended species. For undefended species, boldness and detectability remained comparatively consistent, regardless of viewing distance. We provide evidence for distance-dependent signalling in aposematic nudibranchs and highlight the importance of distinguishing signal detectability from boldness in studies of aposematism.
Sporolactobacillus mangiferae sp. nov., a spore-forming lactic acid bacterium isolated from tree bark in Thailand
Authors: Phuengjayaem Sukanya , Poothong Saranporn , Sitdhipol Jaruwan , Chaiyawan Neungnut , Thitiprasert Sitanan , Thongchul Nuttha , Tanasupawat Somboon
Published: July 2023

A Gram-stain-positive, facultatively anaerobic and endospore-forming rod-shaped bacterium, designed strain CPB3-1T, was isolated from tree bark. This homofermentative strain produced dl-lactic acid from glucose. It grew at 20–45 °C, pH 4.0–9.5 and in 0-3.0 % (w/v) NaCl. It contained meso-diaminopimelic acid in cell-wall peptidoglycan and had menaquinone with seven isoprene units (MK-7) as the predominant component. The major fatty acid was anteiso-C17 : 0. The polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, an unknown phospholipid and an unknown lipid. Based on the results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain CPB3-1T belonged to the genus

Sporolactobacillus

and was closely related to

Sporolactobacillus kofuensis

DSM 11701T and

Sporolactobacillus spathodeae

BK117-1T (both 96.7 % similarity),

Sporolactobacillus inulinus

NRIC 1133T and

Sporolactobacillus terrae

DSM 11697T (both 96.6 % similarity), and

Sporolactobacillus shoreicorticis

MK21-7T,

Sporolactobacillus laevolacticus

DSM 442T,

Sporolactobacillus shoreae

BK92T and

Sporolactobacillus pectinivorans

GD201205T (all 95.8–96.5 % similarity). The draft genome of strain CPB3-1T contained 2 930 919 bps with 3117 coding genes. The DNA G+C content was 45.1 mol%. The digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain CPB3-1T and closely related type strains were 19.2–24.0 %. The average nucleotide identity (84.0–87.6 %) and average amino acid identity (66.5–76.3 %) values were lower than the cut-off values for species delineation. Strain CPB3-1T was clearly distinguished from related

Sporolactobacillus

species based on its phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity and the results of draft genome analysis. Therefore, the strain represents a novel species of the genus

Sporolactobacillus

, for which the name Sporolactobacillus mangiferae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CPB3-1T (=JCM 35082T=TISTR 10004T).
Familial risk of postpartum psychosis
Authors: Kępińska Adrianna P. , Robakis Thalia K. , Humphreys Keith , Liu Xiaoqin , Kahn René S. , Munk-Olsen Trine , Bergink Veerle , Mahjani Behrang
Published: July 2023

Objective

Postpartum psychosis, a mood disorder triggered by childbirth, is one of the most severe psychiatric conditions, with high risks of suicide and infanticide if untreated. While it is evident that genetic factors play a crucial role in disorder risk, the exact extent of their importance is yet to be determined.

Methods

This cohort study consisted of 1,648,759 women from the Swedish nationwide registers, of whom 2,514 (0.15%) experienced postpartum psychosis within three months of their first-ever childbirth. We estimated the relative recurrence risk of postpartum psychosis for female full siblings and cousins as a measure of familial, genetic, and environmental risk.

Results

Relative recurrence risk of postpartum psychosis in full siblings was 10.69 (95% CI=6.60–16.26) when adjusted for year of and age at childbirth. Although cousins showed an elevated relative recurrence risk, these results did not reach statistical significance (1.78, 95% CI=0.70–3.62). Despite the higher familial risk of postpartum psychosis among full siblings, the absolute risk for women with an affected sibling is relatively low, estimated at 1.55% within the entire population.

Conclusions

The observed increased risk of postpartum psychosis in full siblings suggests both genetic and shared environmental influences. However, the lack of significant results in cousins hampers a definitive distinction between these factors. Furthermore, despite increased relative recurrence risk in siblings, their overall likelihood of developing postpartum psychosis remains low. Our study underscores the need for further research to better understand the intricate interplay of genetics and environment in the development of postpartum psychosis.
Differences in lower extremity joint coordination during two landing phases of a drop jump task
Authors: Wang Jia-Wei , Liu Ye
Published: July 2023

Objective

The aim of the present study was to compare the differences in joint coordination patterns and variability of the lower extremity between the first and second landing phases during drop jump task.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Methods

Modified vector coding technique and circular statistics was used to determine the coordination pattern and variability of the following joint couples during the first and second landings: hip frontal-knee frontal (HfKf), hip sagittal-knee frontal (HsKf), hip sagittal-knee sagittal (HsKs), knee frontal-ankle frontal (KfAf), knee sagittal-ankle frontal (KsAf), and knee sagittal-ankle sagittal (KsAs).

Results

The second landing phase exhibited a reduction in the in-phase coordination proportion of HsKs, KfAf, and KsAs, while demonstrating an increase in the proportion of proximal knee joint coordination for KfAf and KsAs (P<0.05). The second landing phase demonstrated increased coordination variability for HsKs, KfAf, KsAf.

Conclusion

The execution of the drop jump leads to changes in joint coordination patterns during the second landing phase, resulting in increased variability compared to the first landing phase, thereby elevating the risk of knee and ankle injuries.
Conduction Velocity, G-ratio, and Extracellular Water as Microstructural Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Newman Benjamin T. , Jacokes Zachary , Venkadesh Siva , Webb Sara J. , Kleinhans Natalia M. , McPartland James C. , Druzgal T. Jason , Pelphrey Kevin A. , Van Horn John Darrell ,   the GENDAAR Research Consortium
Published: July 2023

The neuronal differences contributing to the etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are still not well defined. Previous studies have suggested that myelin and axons are disrupted during development in ASD. By combining structural and diffusion MRI techniques, myelin and axons can be assessed using extracellular water, aggregate g-ratio, and a novel metric termed aggregate conduction velocity, which is related to the capacity of the axon to carry information. In this study, several innovative cellular microstructural methods, as measured from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are combined to characterize differences between ASD and typically developing adolescent participants in a large cohort. We first examine the relationship between each metric, including microstructural measurements of axonal and intracellular diffusion and the T1w/T2w ratio. We then demonstrate the sensitivity of these metrics by characterizing differences between ASD and neurotypical participants, finding widespread increases in extracellular water in the cortex and decreases in aggregate g-ratio and aggregate conduction velocity throughout the cortex, subcortex, and white matter skeleton. We finally provide evidence that these microstructural differences are associated with higher scores on the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) a commonly used diagnostic tool to assess ASD. This study is the first to reveal that ASD involves MRI-measurablein vivodifferences of myelin and axonal development with implications for neuronal and behavioral function. We also introduce a novel neuroimaging metric, aggregate conduction velocity, that is highly sensitive to these changes. We conclude that ASD may be characterized by otherwise intact structural connectivity but that functional connectivity may be attenuated by network properties affecting neural transmission speed. This effect may explain the putative reliance on local connectivity in contrast to more distal connectivity observed in ASD.
Quantifying Microbial Guilds
Authors: Rivas-Santisteban Juan , Yubero Pablo , Robaina-Estévez Semidán , González José M. , Tamames Javier , Pedrós-Alió Carlos
Published: July 2023

The ecological role of microorganisms is of utmost importance due to their multiple interactions with the environment. However, assessing the contribution of individual taxonomic groups has proven difficult despite the availability of high throughput data, hindering our understanding of such complex systems. Here, we propose a quantitative definition of guild that is readily applicable to metagenomic data. Our framework focuses on the functional character of protein sequences, as well as their diversifying nature. First, we discriminate functional sequences from the whole sequence space corresponding to a gene annotation to then quantify their contribution to the guild composition across environments. In addition, we identify and distinguish functional implementations, which are sequence spaces that have different ways of carrying out the function. We demonstrate the value of our approach with two case studies: theammonia oxidationandpolyamine uptakeguilds from the Malaspina circumnavigation cruise, revealing novel ecological dynamics of the latter in marine ecosystems. Thus, the quantification of guilds helps to assess the functional role of different taxonomic groups with profound implications on the study of microbial communities.
Mechanotransduction governs CD40 function and underlies X-linked Hyper IgM syndrome
Authors: Choi Hyun-Kyu , Travaglino Stefano , Münchhalfen Matthias , Görg Richard , Zhong Zhe , Lyu Jintian , Reyes-Aguilar David M. , Wienands Jürgen , Singh Ankur , Zhu Cheng
Published: July 2023

B cell maturation in germinal centers (GCs) depends on cognate interactions between the T and B cells. Upon interaction with CD40 ligand (CD40L) on T cells, CD40 delivers co-stimulatory signals alongside B cell antigen receptor (BCR) signaling to regulate affinity maturation and antibody class-switch during GC reaction. Mutations in CD40L disrupt interactions with CD40, which lead to abnormal antibody responses in immune deficiencies known as X-linked Hyper IgM syndrome (X-HIgM). Assuming that physical interactions between highly mobile T and B cells generate mechanical forces on CD40–CD40L bonds, we set out to study the B cell mechanobiology mediated by CD40–CD40L interaction. Using a suite of biophysical assays we find that CD40 forms catch bond with CD40L where the bond lasts longer at larger forces, B cells exert tension on CD40–CD40L bonds, and force enhances CD40 signaling and antibody class-switch. Significantly, X-HIgM CD40L mutations impair catch bond formation, suppress endogenous tension, and reduce force-enhanced CD40 signaling, leading to deficiencies in antibody class switch. Our findings highlight the critical role of mechanotransduction in CD40 function and provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying X-HIgM syndrome.
Using graph-based model to identify cell specific synthetic lethal effects
Authors: Pu Mengchen , Cheng Kaiyang , Li Xiaorong , Xin Yucui , Wei Lanying , Jin Sutong , Zheng Weisheng , Peng Gongxin , Tang Qihong , Zhou Jielong , Zhang Yingsheng
Published: July 2023

Synthetic lethal (SL) pairs are pairs of genes whose simultaneous loss-of-function results in cell death, while a damaging mutation of either gene alone does not affect the cell’s survival. This makes SL pairs attractive targets for precision cancer therapies, as targeting the unimpaired gene of the SL pair can selectively kill cancer cells that already harbor the impaired gene. Limited by the difficulty of finding true SL pairs, especially on specific cell types, the identification of SL targets still relies on expensive, time-consuming experimental approaches. In this work, we utilized various cell-line specific omics data to design a deep learning model for predicting SL pairs on particular cell-lines. By incorporating multiple types of cell-specific omics data with a self-attention module, we represent gene relationships as graphs. Our approach demonstrates the potential to facilitate the discovery of cell-specific SL targets for cancer therapeutics, providing a tool to unearth mechanisms underlying the origin of SL in cancer biology. Our approach allows for prediction of SL pairs in a cell-specific manner and enhances cancer precision medicine. The code and data of our approach can be found athttps://github.com/promethiume/SLwise

Highlights

Few computational methods can systematically predict SL pairs at a cell-specific level, and their performance may not generalize well to clinical scenarios due to the heterogeneity of cancer types.

The SLWise utilizes various cell-line specific omics data to design a deep learning model with a graph-based representation and self-attention mechanism.

This approach allows for the prediction of SL pairs in a cell-specific manner, providing valuable insights on effectively identifying the cell-type specific SL targets for personalized treatment strategies.
M-type potassium currents differentially affect activation of motoneuron subtypes and tune recruitment gain
Authors: Sharples Simon A. , Broadhead Matthew J. , Gray James A. , Miles Gareth B.
Published: July 2023

The size principle is a key mechanism governing the orderly recruitment of motor units and is believed to be dependent on passive properties of the constituent motoneurons. However, motoneurons are endowed with voltage-sensitive ion channels that create non-linearities in their input-output functions. Here we describe a role for the M-type potassium current, conducted by KCNQ channels, in the control of motoneuron recruitment in mice. Motoneurons were studied with whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology in transverse spinal slices and identified based on delayed (fast) and immediate (slow) onsets of repetitive firing. M-currents were larger in delayed compared to immediate firing motoneurons, which was not reflected by variations in the expression of Kv7.2 or Kv7.3 subunits. Instead, a more depolarized spike threshold in delayed-firing motoneurons afforded a greater proportion of the total M-current to become activated within the subthreshold voltage range, which translated to a greater influence on their recruitment with little influence on their firing rates. Pharmacological activation of M-currents also influenced motoneuron recruitment at the population level, producing a rightward shift in the recruitment curve of monosynaptic reflexes within isolated mouse spinal cords. These results demonstrate a prominent role for M-type potassium currents in regulating the function of motor units, which occurs primarily through the differential control of motoneuron subtype recruitment. More generally, these findings highlight the importance of active properties mediated by voltage-sensitive ion channels in the differential control of motoneuron recruitment, which is a key mechanism for the gradation of muscle force.

Key Points

M-currents exert an inhibitory influence on spinal motor output.

This inhibitory influence is exerted by controlling the recruitment, but not the firing rate, of high-threshold fast-like motoneurons, with limited influence on low-threshold slow-like motoneurons.

Preferential control of fast motoneurons may be linked to a larger M-current that is activated within the subthreshold voltage range compared to slow motoneurons.

Larger M-currents in fast compared to slow motoneurons are not accounted for by differences in Kv7.2 or Kv7.3 channel composition.

The orderly recruitment of motoneuron subtypes is shaped by differences in the contribution of voltage-gated ion channels, including KCNQ channels.

KCNQ channels may provide a target to dynamically modulate the recruitment gain across the motor pool and readily adjust movement vigour.
Protein Assembly Modulation: A New Approach to ALS Therapeutics
Authors: feng Yu Shao , Paulvannan Kumar , Solas Dennis , Lingappa Anuradha F. , Moreira Ana Raquel , Sahu Shriya , Michon Maya , Goldsmith Danielle , DeYarman Nicholas , Mallesh Suguna , Prasad M. Dharma , Maios Claudia , Ruan Kai , Tomassy Giulio S. , Jensen Elizabeth , McGuirk Emma , Bader Verian , Mueller-Schiffmann Andreas , Reed Jonathan C. , Lingappa Jaisri R. , Asundi Vinod , Hong Shi , Jacobsen Steve , Ostrow Lyle , Lloyd Tom , Parker Alex , Staats Kim A. , Ichida Justin , Dodge James , Dey Debendranath , Korth Carsten , Selvarajah Suganya , Lingappa Vishwanath R. , Rosenfeld Jeffrey
Published: July 2023

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease with a complex, multifactorial pathophysiology, most commonly manifest as loss of motor neurons. We introduce a new mechanism of ALS pathogenesis via a novel drug-like small molecule series that targets protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) within a previously unappreciated transient and energy-dependent multi-protein complex. This novel drug was found to have activity in cellular models for both familial and sporadic ALS, as well as in transgenic worms, flies, and mice bearing a diversity of human genes with ALS-associated mutations. These compounds were initially identified as modulators of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) capsid assembly in cell-free protein synthesis and assembly (CFPSA) systems, with demonstrated antiviral activity in cell culture. Their advancement as ALS-therapeutics, and the subsequent separation of activity against HIV and ALS in chemical subseries through structure-activity-relationship optimization, may provide insights into the molecular mechanisms governing pathophysiology of disordered homeostasis relevant to ALS.
Solar Induced Fluorescence Retrieved from Avocado (Persea americanaMill.) Canopies Along the Season Correlates with Sugar Levels in the Developing Fruit
Authors: Vitrack-Tamam S. , Yasour H. , Hamus-Cohen D. , Erel R. , Rubinovich L. , Liran O.
Published: July 2023

Solar Induced Fluorescence (SIF) emitted from the photosynthetic apparatus is related indirectly to biomass production. It can be remotely sensed from airborne platforms, yet, the spatial resolution from satellites, for example, is too low for commercial agricultural uses. We used a non-imager point spectroradiometer mounted on SIF-UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) system, and retrieved SIF at high spatial resolution, which is fitted for precision agriculture applications. In this study, we tracked the spatial variation of SIF along the season over a commercial avocado (P. americana Mill) orchard. The retrieved SIF signals were Krieg-interpolated to create a continuous SIF layer that allowed the estimation of SIF values for each tree in the orchard. We show that the SIF signal retrieved over the canopies in the main fruit development stage is highly correlated with the levels of sugars accumulated in the ripening avocado fruit. It established the foundations for high-spatial resolution detection of the natural variation of photosynthesis activity, which may lead to in-season adjustments of agronomic inputs using precision agriculture technologies.
Revisiting structural organization of proteins at high temperature from network perspective
Authors: Hait Suman , Kundu Sudip
Published: July 2023

Interactions between distantly placed amino acids in the primary chain (long-range) play a very crucial role in the formation and stabilization of the tertiary structure of a protein, while interactions between closely placed amino acids in the primary chain (short-range) mostly stabilize the secondary structures. Every protein needs to maintain marginal stability in order to perform its physiological functions in its native environment. The requirements for this stability in mesophilic and thermophilic proteins are different. Thermophilic proteins need to form more interactions as well as more stable interactions to survive in the extreme environment, they live in. Here, we aim to find out how the interacting amino acids in three-dimensional space are positioned in the primary chains in thermophilic and mesophilic. How does this arrangement help thermophiles to maintain their structural integrity at high temperatures? Working on a dataset of 1560 orthologous pairs we perceive that thermophiles are not only enriched with long-range interactions, they feature bigger connected clusters and higher network densities compared to their mesophilic orthologs, at higher interaction strengths between the amino acids. Moreover, we have observed the enrichment of different types of interactions at different secondary structural regions.
Interpersonal heart rate synchrony predicts effective information processing in a naturalistic group decision-making task
Authors: Sharika K. M. , Thaikkandi Swarag , Nivedita  , Platt Michael L.
Published: July 2023

Groups often outperform individuals in problem-solving. Nevertheless, failure to critically evaluate ideas risks sub-optimal outcomes through so-calledgroupthink. Prior studies have shown that people who hold shared goals, perspectives or understanding of the environment show similar patterns of brain activity, which itself can be enhanced by consensus building discussions. Whether shared arousal alone can predict collective decision-making outcomes, however, remains unknown. To address this gap, we computed interpersonal heart rate synchrony, a peripheral index of shared arousal associated with joint attention, empathic accuracy and group cohesion, in 44 groups (n=204) performing a collective decision-making task. The task required critical examination of all available information to override inferior, default options and make the right choice. Using multi-dimensional recurrence quantification analysis (MdRQA) and machine learning, we found that heart rate synchrony predicted the probability of groups reaching the correct consensus decision with greater than 70% cross-validation accuracy—significantly higher than that predicted by the duration of discussions, subjective assessment of team function or baseline heart rates alone. We propose that heart rate synchrony during group discussion provides a biomarker of interpersonal engagement that facilitates adaptive learning and effective information sharing during collective decision-making.
Spatial and single-nucleus transcriptomic analysis of genetic and sporadic forms of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Miyoshi Emily , Morabito Samuel , Henningfield Caden M. , Rahimzadeh Negin , Shabestari Sepideh Kiani , Das Sudeshna , Michael Neethu , Reese Fairlie , Shi Zechuan , Cao Zhenkun , Scarfone Vanessa , Arreola Miguel A. , Lu Jackie , Wright Sierra , Silva Justine , Leavy Kelsey , Lott Ira T. , Doran Eric , Yong William H. , Shahin Saba , Perez-Rosendahl Mari , Head Elizabeth , Green Kim N. , Swarup Vivek
Published: July 2023

The pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) depends on environmental and heritable factors, with remarkable differences evident between individuals at the molecular level. Here we present a transcriptomic survey of AD using spatial transcriptomics (ST) and single-nucleus RNA-seq in cortical samples from early-stage AD, late-stage AD, and AD in Down Syndrome (AD in DS) donors. Studying AD in DS provides an opportunity to enhance our understanding of the AD transcriptome, potentially bridging the gap between genetic mouse models and sporadic AD. Our analysis revealed spatial and cell-type specific changes in disease, with broad similarities in these changes between sAD and AD in DS. We performed additional ST experiments in a disease timecourse of 5xFAD and wildtype mice to facilitate cross-species comparisons. Finally, amyloid plaque and fibril imaging in the same tissue samples used for ST enabled us to directly link changes in gene expression with accumulation and spread of pathology.