bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preface to the 9th Biennial COAST Conference: Harnessing Technology and Biomedicine for Personalized Orthodontics
Authors: Frazier‐Bowers S. A. , Allareddy V. , Rengasamy Venugopalan S. , Lamani E. , Vora S. R. , Kapila S.
Published: June 2023

Objective

The Consortium on Orthodontic Advances in Science and Technology (COAST) convened for its 9th biennial conference titled ‘Harnessing Technology and Biomedicine for Personalized Orthodontics’ to explore cutting‐edge craniofacial research towards building the foundations for precision care in orthodontics.

Setting and Sample Population

Seventy‐five faculty, scholars, private practitioners, industry, residents and students met at the UCLA Arrowhead Lodge on 6–9 November 2022 for networking, scientific presentations and facilitated discussions. Thirty‐three speakers provided state‐of‐the‐art, evidence‐based scientific and perspective updates in craniofacial and orthodontic‐related fields. The overall format included an Education Innovation Award Faculty Development Career Enrichment (FaCE) workshop focused on faculty career development, three lunch and learns, keynote or short talks and poster presentations.

Material and Methods

The 2022 COAST Conference was organized thematically to include (a) genes, cells and environment in craniofacial development and abnormalities; (b) precision modulation of tooth movement, retention and facial growth; (c) applications of artificial intelligence in craniofacial health; (d) precision approaches to Sleep Medicine, OSA and TMJ therapies; and (e) precision technologies and appliances.

Results

The collective advances in orthodontics and science represented in the manuscripts of this issue fulfil our goal of laying solid foundations for personalized orthodontics. Participants elevated the need for stronger industry‐academic research partnerships to leverage knowledge gained from large datasets with treatment approaches and outcomes; systematizing the potential of big data including through multi‐omics and artificial intelligence approaches; refining the genotype: phenotype correlation to create biotechnology that will rescue inherited dental and craniofacial defects; evolving studies of tooth movement, sleep apnoea and TMD treatment to accurately measure dysfunction and treatment successes; and maximizing the integration of newer orthodontic devices and digital workflows.

Conclusions

Technological advances combined with those in biomedicine and machine learning are rapidly changing the delivery of health care including that in orthodontics. These advances promise to lead to enhanced customization, efficiencies and outcomes of patient care in routine orthodontic problems and in severe craniofacial problems, OSA and TMD.
Drivers of intra‐seasonal δ13C signal in tree‐rings of Pinus sylvestris as indicated by compound‐specific and laser ablation isotope analysis
Authors: Rinne‐Garmston Katja T. , Tang Yu , Sahlstedt Elina , Adamczyk Bartosz , Saurer Matthias , Salmon Yann , Carrasco María del Rosario Domínguez , Hölttä Teemu , Lehmann Marco M. , Mo Lan , Young Giles H. F.
Published: June 2023

Carbon isotope composition of tree‐ring (δ13CRing) is a commonly used proxy for environmental change and ecophysiology. δ13CRing reconstructions are based on a solid knowledge of isotope fractionations during formation of primary photosynthates (δ13CP), such as sucrose. However, δ13CRing is not merely a record of δ13CP. Isotope fractionation processes, which are not yet fully understood, modify δ13CP during sucrose transport. We traced, how the environmental intra‐seasonal δ13CP signal changes from leaves to phloem, tree‐ring and roots, for 7 year old Pinus sylvestris, using δ13C analysis of individual carbohydrates, δ13CRing laser ablation, leaf gas exchange and enzyme activity measurements. The intra‐seasonal δ13CP dynamics was clearly reflected by δ13CRing, suggesting negligible impact of reserve use on δ13CRing. However, δ13CP became increasingly 13C‐enriched during down‐stem transport, probably due to post‐photosynthetic fractionations such as sink organ catabolism. In contrast, δ13C of water‐soluble carbohydrates, analysed for the same extracts, did not reflect the same isotope dynamics and fractionations as δ13CP, but recorded intra‐seasonal δ13CP variability. The impact of environmental signals on δ13CRing, and the 0.5 and 1.7‰ depletion in photosynthates compared ring organic matter and tree‐ring cellulose, respectively, are useful pieces of information for studies exploiting δ13CRing.
B‐Box proteins BBX28 and BBX29 interplay with PSEUDO‐RESPONSE REGULATORS to fine‐tune circadian clock in Arabidopsis
Authors: Yu Yingjun , Su Chen , He Yuqing , Wang Lei
Published: June 2023

As an endogenous time‐keeping mechanism, the circadian clock benefits plant fitness and adaptation to the rhythmically changed diel environments. The key components within the core oscillator of plant circadian clock have been extensively characterised, however, the fine‐tuning circadian regulators are still less identified. Here, we demonstrated that BBX28 and BBX29, the two B‐Box V subfamily members lacking DNA‐binding motifs, are involved in the regulation of Arabidopsis circadian clock. Over‐expressing either BBX28 or BBX29 significantly lengthened circadian period, whereas loss‐of‐function of BBX28 rather than BBX29 displayed a modestly long period in free‐running condition. Mechanistically, BBX28 and BBX29 interacted with core clock components PRR5, PRR7 and PRR9 in nucleus to augment their transcriptional repressive activities. RNA‐sequencing analysis further revealed that BBX28 and BBX29 shared 686 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) including a subset of known direct transcriptional targets of PRR proteins within core oscillator, including CCA1, LHY, LNKs and RVE8 etc. Intriguingly, PRR proteins can feedback repress BBX28 and BBX29 transcription by associating with their promoters. Together, our findings unmasked an exquisite mechanism in which BBX28 and BBX29 interplay with PRR proteins to fine‐tune the circadian pace.
Social justice attitudes of undergraduate nursing students: The impact of praxis
Authors: Doyle Beth A.
Published: June 2023

Background

Social justice is a foundational concept in nursing, yet studies on how best to impact change in nursing students’ attitudes toward social justice are few.

Objectives

The intent of this work was to quantify the impact on attitudes of undergraduate nursing students toward social justice, after extended interactions with adults living in poverty.

Methods

Undergraduate nursing students from three programs, university medical center, private university, and community college were given a validated survey of social justice attitudes before and after a clinical rotation with low‐income adults in an inner‐city neighborhood. All students did home social visits through the same social service agency. Students from the medical center were also involved with active care coordination for assigned clients.

Results

Each group showed significant increases in social justice attitudes following their experience. Students doing care coordination did not have significantly greater changes in overall scores but did show significant improvement in subtests others did not.

Conclusion

Clinical opportunities placing nursing students in direct interaction with marginalized populations are recommended to increase social justice awareness.
Ring buckling and C=N isomerization pathways for efficient photoprotection in two nature‐inspired UVA sunscreens revealed through ultrafast dynamics and high‐level calculations
Authors: Cowden Adam M. , Losantos Raúl , Whittock Abigail L. , Peñín Beatriz , Sampedro Diego , Stavros Vasilios G.
Published: June 2023

Sunscreens provide a frontline defense for our DNA against the damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The active ingredients in topically applied sunscreens that provide this defense are UV filters, which preferentially absorb or reflect UV radiation before it penetrates the skin and interacts with photosensitive nucleic acids. However, there are concerns related to human and environmental toxicity of current UV filters, and consequently a shift toward nature‐inspired, particularly microbial, UV filters. In this paper, new physical insight is provided into the fundamental mechanisms of photoprotection in two synthetic analogs of mycosporine‐like amino acid‐type UV filters, demonstrating new methods of protection that are distinct from those of current commercial sunscreens, extending previous work in this area. Transient absorption measurements (both transient electronic absorption spectroscopy and transient vibrational absorption spectroscopy) are combined with steady‐state studies and high‐level computational results to aid our mapping of the experimentally derived lifetimes to real‐time photodynamic processes. The conclusions reached here pave the way toward developing new and more efficient biomimetic DNA photoprotectant materials.
Adenocarcinoma arising in branchioma with a KRAS and TP53 mutation
Authors: Taniguchi Natsuki , Satou Akira , Ito Takanori , Nakaguro Masato , Tsuzuki Toyonori
Published: June 2023

Branchioma is a rare benign neoplasm occurring in the lower neck. Occurrence of malignant neoplasms arising in branchioma is extremely rare. Here, we report a case of adenocarcinoma arising in branchioma. A 62‐year‐old man had a right supraclavicular mass measuring 7.5 cm in diameter. The tumor contained an adenocarcinoma component encapsulated in a benign branchioma component. The adenocarcinoma component consisted of high‐ and low‐grade components, with the former accounting for 80% of the adenocarcinoma. The high‐grade component was immunohistochemically characterized by diffuse strong p53 expression, while the low‐grade component and branchioma component were negative for p53. Targeted sequencing analysis for the branchioma and adenocarcinoma components revealed that the adenocarcinoma component harbored pathogenic mutations in KRAS and TP53. No definitive oncogenic drivers were detected in the branchioma component. Based on these immunohistochemical and molecular findings, we suggest that the KRAS mutation contributed to the pathogenesis of the adenocarcinoma, and the TP53 mutation played a key role in the transition from low‐grade to high‐grade adenocarcinoma.
Effect of sleep report feedback using information and communication technology combined with health guidance on improving sleep indicators in community‐dwelling older people: a pilot trial
Authors: Mo Wenping , Yamakawa Miyae , Takahashi Shimpei , Liu Xiaoji , Nobuhara Kodai , Kurakami Hiroyuki , Takeya Yasushi , Ikeda Manabu
Published: June 2023

Background

This study evaluated the preliminary effect of an integrated novel intervention comprising visualised sleep report feedback using information and communication technology and periodic health guidance on improving sleep indicators among community‐dwelling older people.

Methods

The intervention was implemented among 29 older people in Sakai City, Japan, in a 3 months pilot trial. Non‐worn actigraph devices were placed under participants' bedding to continuously measure their sleep state, and they received monthly sleep reports in writing. Sleep efficiency, total sleep time, sleep latency, and the number of times away from bed were recorded. A trained nurse expertly interpreted participants' sleep data and provided telephone health guidance. The first month's data were used as the baseline (T1), the second month provided data for the first intervention (T2), and the third month provided data for the second intervention (T3). Friedman tests and Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests were used to examine differences in sleep outcomes between different time points.

Results

Participants' mean age was 78.97 ± 5.15 years, and 51.72% (15/29) were female. Comparison of T2 and T1 showed the intervention decreased participants' sleep latency at T2 (P = 0.038). Compared with T1, the intervention significantly decreased sleep latency (P = 0.004), increased total sleep time (P < 0.001), and improved sleep efficiency (P < 0.001) at T3. When T3 was compared with T2, only total sleep time was significantly increased (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the number of times away from bed across the three time points (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

This visualised sleep report feedback and periodic health guidance intervention for community‐dwelling older people showed promising, albeit small preliminary effects on sleep. A fully powered randomised controlled trial is required to verify the significance of this effect.
Managing EEG studies: How to prepare and what to do once data collection has begun
Authors: Boudewyn Megan A. , Erickson Molly A. , Winsler Kurt , Ragland John Daniel , Yonelinas Andrew , Frank Michael , Silverstein Steven M. , Gold Jim , MacDonald Angus W. , Carter Cameron S. , Barch Deanna M. , Luck Steven J.
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we provide guidance for the organization and implementation of EEG studies. This work was inspired by our experience conducting a large‐scale, multi‐site study, but many elements could be applied to any EEG project. Section 1 focuses on study activities that take place before data collection begins. Topics covered include: establishing and training study teams, considerations for task design and piloting, setting up equipment and software, development of formal protocol documents, and planning communication strategy with all study team members. Section 2 focuses on what to do once data collection has already begun. Topics covered include: (1) how to effectively monitor and maintain EEG data quality, (2) how to ensure consistent implementation of experimental protocols, and (3) how to develop rigorous preprocessing procedures that are feasible for use in a large‐scale study. Links to resources are also provided, including sample protocols, sample equipment and software tracking forms, sample code, and tutorial videos (to access resources, please visit: https://osf.io/wdrj3/).
Phosphocreatine addition to extender enhances the quality and antioxidant capacity of cryopreserved boar sperm
Authors: Wang Hechuan , Guo Minghui , Li Tianfeng , Zhang Han , Wang Qian , Zhang Qun , Song Yulun , Feng Heze , Li Yanbing , Wei Guosheng , Li Jingchun
Published: June 2023

Boar sperm are less resistant to drastic changes in the external environment during cryopreservation, mainly because their plasma membranes are rich in unsaturated fatty acids but lack cholesterol and are thus susceptible to lipid peroxidation caused by the attack of reactive oxygen species. This study evaluated the effect of adding phosphocreatine to cryopreservation extenders on boar sperm quality and antioxidant capacity. Different concentrations (0, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 and 12.5 mmol/L) of phosphocreatine were added to the cryopreservation extender. After thawing, sperm were analysed for morphological parameters, kinetic parameters, acrosome integrity, membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity, DNA integrity and antioxidant enzyme activity. The results showed that 10.0 mmol/L phosphocreatine samples enhanced the boar sperm motility, viability, average path velocity, straight‐line velocity, curvilinear velocity and beat cross frequency after cryopreservation and reduced the malformation rate compared to the control group (p < .05). The acrosome integrity, membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity and DNA integrity of boar sperm were higher than those of the control group after adding 10.0 mmol/L phosphocreatine to the cryopreservation extender (p < .05). Extenders containing 10.0 mmol/L phosphocreatine maintained high total antioxidant capacity; elevated the activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase; reduced malondialdehyde and H2O2 content (p < .05). Therefore, adding phosphocreatine to the extender is potentially beneficial for boar sperm cryopreservation at an optimal 10.0 mmol/L concentration.
Ηeparan sulphate in infectious and non‐infectious exacerbations of COPD
Authors: Papakonstantinou Eleni , Christopoulou Maria‐Elpida , Karakioulaki Meropi , Grize Leticia , Tamm Michael , Stolz Daiana
Published: June 2023

Background and Objective

Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) are associated with worsening health outcomes and effective treatment of each episode is essential. In this study, we aimed to investigate if plasma levels of heparan sulphate (HS) are associated with the aetiology of AECOPD.

Methods

COPD patients (N = 1189), GOLD grade II–IV, from a discovery cohort (N = 638) and from a validation cohort (N = 551), were included in the study. HS and heparanase (HSPE‐1) were measured longitudinally in plasma at stable state, at AECOPD and at 4 weeks follow‐up.

Results

Plasma HS was higher in patients with COPD as compared with non‐COPD controls and was significantly increased at AECOPD as compared to stable state (p < 0.001) in the discovery and in the validation cohorts. Four distinct exacerbation groups were classified based on aetiology (no‐infection/bacterial‐infection/viral‐infection/bacterial and viral coinfection) in the validation cohort. The fold‐increase of HS from stable state to AECOPD was associated with the aetiology of exacerbation and was higher in cases with bacterial and viral coinfections. HSPE‐1 was also significantly increased at AECOPD, however, there was no association of HSPE‐1 levels with the aetiology of these events. The probability of having an infection at AECOPD was raised as HS levels increased from stable state to AECOPD. This probability was higher for bacterial infections than viral infections.

Conclusion

The results of our study indicate that circulating levels of HS are increased at AECOPD and this increase may be associated with the aetiology of these events.
Cash transfers after electoral violence: A case study of citizen‐state relations in Nakuru, Kenya
Authors: Porisky Alesha , Odoo Juma Tyson
Published: June 2023

This paper examines the impacts of three cash transfer programs, one for orphans and vulnerable children (CT‐OVC), one for older persons (OPCT) and a universal social pension (Inua Jamii Senior Citizens' Scheme), for citizen‐state relations in areas of Kenya that experienced high levels of electoral violence in 2007. Drawing on 40 interviews with civil servants and community leaders and 16 focus group discussions with both beneficiaries and non‐beneficiaries of the cash transfer programs conducted across two sub‐counties in Nakuru, this paper argues that the central state, in the wake of post‐electoral violence, effectively mobilised state power to make and enforce geographic targeting decisions down to the village level in an effort to mitigate ethnic tensions and strengthen citizen‐state relations. The paper further argues that the success of such localised distribution in strengthening citizen‐state relations has been limited due to incomplete program coverage, limited information about targeting procedures, and citizens' prior experiences with the state which collectively undermine citizens' perceptions of inclusion and exclusion at the local level. These findings are brought into conversation with other research on cash transfers and citizenship across Kenya to parse out the ways in which the impacts of cash transfer programs for citizen‐state relations are mediated by state infrastructural power, citizens' prior experiences with the state, and key aspects of program design. The paper also examines the implications of these findings for other countries across Africa that have experienced generalised electoral violence.
Discovery of three novel HLA‐DPA1 alleles, HLA‐DPA1*01:147N, 01:03:47, and 02:106 using next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Hu Qian , Burns Caitlyn , Christian Danielle , Yang Guang , Berka Noureddine
Published: June 2023

Characterization of three novel HLA‐DPA1 alleles bearing null, synonymous, and non‐synonymous mutations.
A single‐center review of pre‐exposure prophylaxis with tixagevimab–cilgavimab in solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Morado Faiza , Davoudi Roland , Kawewat‐Ho Pnada , Nanda Neha , Cartus Rachel , Shaikh Suhail A.
Published: June 2023

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) continues to negatively impact solid organ transplant recipients (SOTr). Data on the use of tixagevimab–cilgavimab (tix‐cil) in vaccinated SOTr during circulation of Omicron and its subvariants are limited. Therefore, this single‐center review was conducted to evaluate tix‐cil efficacy in multiple organ transplant groups during a study period where Omicron B.1.1.529, BA.2.12.1, and BA.5 predominated.

Methods

In this single‐center retrospective study, we evaluated the incidence of COVID‐19 infection in adult SOTr who did or did not receive pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with tix‐cil. SOTr were included if they were at least 18 years of age and met emergency use authorization criteria for tix‐cil use. The primary outcome analyzed was the incidence of COVID‐19 infection.

Results

Ninety SOTr met inclusion criteria and comprised of two groups, tix‐cil PrEP (n = 45) and no tix‐cil PrEP (n = 45). Of SOTr who received tix‐cil PrEP, three (6.7%) developed COVID‐19 infection, compared to eight (17.8%) in the no tix‐cil PrEP group (p = .20). Of the 11 SOTr diagnosed with COVID‐19, 15 (82.2%) were fully vaccinated against COVID‐19 prior to transplantation. Moreover, 18.2% and 81.8% of the COVID‐19 cases observed were asymptomatic and mild‐to‐moderate, respectively.

Discussion

Our study results, which included months when BA.5 was in increased circulation, suggest no significant difference in COVID‐19 infection with or without use of tix‐cil PrEP in our solid organ transplant groups. As the COVID‐19 pandemic continues to evolve, clinical utility of tix‐cil should be evaluated against new, emerging strains.

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Vegetation and Palynological Record in Sediments of the Camorim Dam, Pedra Branca State Park, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Barth Ortrud Monika , Luz Cynthia Fernandes Pinto da , Barros Marcia Aguiar de , Misumi Shana Yuri , Mello Edson Farias
Published: June 2023

Pedra Branca State Park is situated near urban areas of Rio de Janeiro city. Several rivers descend towards the Atlantic Ocean and the damming of some ones, by the end of the 19th century, aimed to provide drinking water to the population. To the present day, Camorim dam is in operation and since its inception in 1908, the surrounding humid tropical forest has recovered, evidenced by the present palynological study of a core withdrawn from the dam’s northwestern part. The six analyzed levels showed pollen grains from botanical taxa characteristic of Rain Forest, Forest Pioneers, Campo vegetation, although less frequent, and Exotic plants. The palynomorphs concentration fluctuated throughout the core, which was attributed to a variation in sedimentation due to large floods that from time to time punished this region, but never decimated the forest around the Camorim dam and its contributing river basin.
Paradox of Optimal Learning: An Info-Gap Perspective
Authors: Ben-Haim Yakov , Cogan Scott
Published: June 2023

Engineering design and technological risk assessment both entail learning or discovering new knowledge. Optimal learning is a procedure whereby new knowledge is obtained while minimizing some specific measure of effort (e.g., time or money expended). A paradox is a statement that appears self-contradictory, contrary to common sense, or simply wrong, and yet might be true. The paradox of optimal learning is the assertion that a learning procedure cannot be optimized a priori—when designing the procedure—if the procedure depends on knowledge that the learning itself is intended to obtain. This is called a reflexive learning procedure. Many learning procedures can be optimized a priori. However, a priori optimization of a reflexive learning procedure is (usually) not possible. Most (but not all) reflexive learning procedures cannot be optimized without repeatedly implementing the procedure which may be very expensive. We discuss the prevalence of reflexive learning and present examples of the paradox. We also characterize those situations in which a reflexive learning procedure can be optimized. We discuss a response to the paradox (when it holds) based on the concept of robustness to uncertainty as developed in info-gap decision theory. We explain that maximizing the robustness is complementary to—but distinct from—minimizing a measure of effort of the learning procedure.
Double Lorentzian lineshape for asymmetric peaks in photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Herrera-Gomez Alberto , Guzman-Bucio Dulce Maria , Carmona-Carmona Abraham Jorge , Cortazar-Martinez Orlando , Mayorga-Garay Marisol , Cabrera-German Dagoberto , Ospina-Ocampo Carlos Alberto , Crist B. Vincent , Raboño-Borbolla Joaquín
Published: June 2023

This paper addresses the challenges of fitting asymmetric photoelectron peaks by showing that the use of the double Lorentzian (DL) line shape usually leads to high-quality, reliable, and reproducible fits. In contrast to the Doniach-Sunjic (DS) line shape, used to fit asymmetric peaks, the DL distribution is integrable and produces higher-quality fits. The functional form of the DL is described in detail; examples of the application of the DS line shape to fit transition metals and one transition metal oxide are shown. The transition from symmetric Voigt functions, used to fit many photoelectron peaks, to asymmetric DL functions is smooth and easy. The DL is encompassed in the freely available AAnalyzer software (https://xpsoasis.org/download). By using the DL, the number of free peak parameters reduces notably, thereby improving the stability of the fitting process, reducing the uncertainties of peak parameters, and improving the reproducibility of results from different operators.
Dependence of persistent photoconductivity on the thickness of β-Ga2O3 thin film photodetectors on c-plane sapphire via magnetron sputtering
Authors: Kaur Damanpreet , Dahiya Rohit , Kumar Mukesh
Published: June 2023

β-Ga2O3 is a next-generation, ultra-wide bandgap semiconductor with intrinsic solar-blindness having the potential to replace Si for photodetection applications especially for the UV-C range. The material itself shows excellent photoconductive gain but is quite prone to the menace of the persistent photoconductivity, or the PPC. The fabricated devices become slower because of PPC and it also leads to reliability issues for photodetection logic. Herein, we report the dependence of the PPC effect on the different thickness of β-Ga2O3 thin film based solar-blind photodetectors. The polycrystalline films are grown on c-plane sapphire via RF magnetron sputtering at an elevated temperature of 500 °C. Optical bandgap of the films decreases with increasing thickness while their grain size increases. The oxygen-related defects studied using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy are responsible for the observation of the enhanced PPC effect for the thinner films. The device performance is intimately connected with the quality of the thin film, its stoichiometry and the amount of oxygen defects present in the system. Better quality films with lower amount of oxygen vacancies show an improved performance with the least amount of PPC. This work shows that oxygen vacancies play an important role in determining the ultimate device performance and need to be engineered for high performance photodetectors.
Distributed acoustic sensing for detecting near surface hydroacoustic
signals
Authors: Douglass Alexander S. , Abadi Shima , Lipovsky Bradley P.
Published: June 2023

Distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) is a technology that turns a fiber-optic cable into an acoustic sensor by measuring the phase change of backscattered light caused by changes in strain from an acoustic field. In October 2022, 9 days of DAS and co-located hydrophone data were collected in the Puget Sound near Seattle, WA. Passive data were continuously recorded for the duration and a broadband source was fired from several locations and depths on the first and last days. This dataset provides comparisons between DAS and hydrophone measurements and demonstrates the ability of DAS to measure acoustics signals up to ∼700 Hz.
Neuronal responses to omitted tones in the auditory brain: A neuronal correlate for predictive coding
Authors: Lao-Rodríguez Ana B. , Przewrocki Karol , Pérez-González David , Alishbayli Artoghrul , Yilmaz Evrim , Malmierca Manuel S. , Englitz Bernhard
Published: June 2023

Prediction provides key advantages for survival, and cognitive studies have demonstrated that the brain computes multilevel predictions. Evidence for predictions remains elusive at the neuronal level because of the complexity of separating neural activity into predictions and stimulus responses. We overcome this challenge by recording from single neurons from cortical and subcortical auditory regions in anesthetized and awake preparations, during unexpected stimulus omissions interspersed in a regular sequence of tones. We find a subset of neurons that responds reliably to omitted tones. In awake animals, omission responses are similar to anesthetized animals, but larger and more frequent, indicating that the arousal and attentional state levels affect the degree to which predictions are neuronally represented. Omission-sensitive neurons also responded to frequency deviants, with their omission responses getting emphasized in the awake state. Because omission responses occur in the absence of sensory input, they provide solid and empirical evidence for the implementation of a predictive process.
CD62L expression marks SARS-CoV-2 memory B cell subset with preference for neutralizing epitopes
Authors: Onodera Taishi , Sax Nicolas , Sato Takashi , Adachi Yu , Kotaki Ryutaro , Inoue Takeshi , Shinnakasu Ryo , Nakagawa Takayuki , Fukushi Shuetsu , Terooatea Tommy , Yoshikawa Mai , Tonouchi Keisuke , Nagakura Takaki , Moriyama Saya , Matsumura Takayuki , Isogawa Masanori , Terahara Kazutaka , Takano Tomohiro , Sun Lin , Nishiyama Ayae , Omoto Shinnya , Shinkai Masaharu , Kurosaki Tomohiro , Yamashita Kazuo , Takahashi Yoshimasa
Published: June 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2–neutralizing antibodies primarily target the spike receptor binding domain (RBD). However, B cell antigen receptors (BCRs) on RBD-binding memory B (B
mem
) cells have variation in the neutralizing activities. Here, by combining single B
mem
cell profiling with antibody functional assessment, we dissected the phenotype of B
mem
cell harboring the potently neutralizing antibodies in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)–convalescent individuals. The neutralizing subset was marked by an elevated CD62L expression and characterized by distinct epitope preference and usage of convergent V
H
(variable region of immunoglobulin heavy chain) genes, accounting for the neutralizing activities. Concordantly, the correlation was observed between neutralizing antibody titers in blood and CD62L
+
subset, despite the equivalent RBD binding of CD62L
+
and CD62L
−
subset. Furthermore, the kinetics of CD62L
+
subset differed between the patients who recovered from different COVID-19 severities. Our B
mem
cell profiling reveals the unique phenotype of B
mem
cell subset that harbors potently neutralizing BCRs, advancing our understanding of humoral protection.
Succinate metabolism and membrane reorganization drives the endotheliopathy and coagulopathy of traumatic hemorrhage
Authors: Abdullah Sarah , Ghio Michael , Cotton-Betteridge Aaron , Vinjamuri Aditya , Drury Robert , Packer Jacob , Aras Oguz , Friedman Jessica , Karim Mardeen , Engelhardt David , Kosowski Emma , Duong Kelby , Shaheen Farhana , McGrew Patrick R. , Harris Charles T. , Reily Robert , Sammarco Mimi , Chandra Partha K. , Pociask Derek , Kolls Jay , Katakam Prasad V. , Smith Alison , Taghavi Sharven , Duchesne Juan , Jackson-Weaver Olan
Published: June 2023

Acute hemorrhage commonly leads to coagulopathy and organ dysfunction or failure. Recent evidence suggests that damage to the endothelial glycocalyx contributes to these adverse outcomes. The physiological events mediating acute glycocalyx shedding are undefined, however. Here, we show that succinate accumulation within endothelial cells drives glycocalyx degradation through a membrane reorganization-mediated mechanism. We investigated this mechanism in a cultured endothelial cell hypoxia-reoxygenation model, in a rat model of hemorrhage, and in trauma patient plasma samples. We found that succinate metabolism by succinate dehydrogenase mediates glycocalyx damage through lipid oxidation and phospholipase A2-mediated membrane reorganization, promoting the interaction of matrix metalloproteinase 24 (MMP24) and MMP25 with glycocalyx constituents. In a rat hemorrhage model, inhibiting succinate metabolism or membrane reorganization prevented glycocalyx damage and coagulopathy. In patients with trauma, succinate levels were associated with glycocalyx damage and the development of coagulopathy, and the interaction of MMP24 and syndecan-1 was elevated compared to healthy controls.
Terahertz optical solitons from dispersion-compensated antenna-coupled planarized ring quantum cascade lasers
Authors: Micheletti Paolo , Senica Urban , Forrer Andres , Cibella Sara , Torrioli Guido , Frankié Martin , Beck Mattias , Faist Jérôme , Scalari Giacomo
Published: June 2023

Quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) constitute an intriguing opportunity for the generation of on-chip optical dissipative Kerr solitons (DKSs). Originally demonstrated in passive microresonators, DKSs were recently observed in mid-infrared ring QCL paving the way for their achievement even at longer wavelengths. To this end, we realized defect-free terahertz ring QCLs featuring anomalous dispersion leveraging on a technological platform based on waveguide planarization. A concentric coupled waveguide approach is implemented for dispersion compensation, while a passive broadband bullseye antenna improves the device power extraction and far field. Comb spectra featuring sech2envelopes are presented for free-running operation. The presence of solitons is further supported by observing the highly hysteretic behavior, measuring the phase difference between the modes, and reconstructing the intensity time profile highlighting the presence of self-starting 12-picosecond-long pulses. These observations are in very good agreement with our numeric simulations based on a Complex Ginzburg-Landau Equation (CGLE).
Highly efficient and stable thermally activated delayed fluorescent palladium(II) complexes for organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Yang Jian-Gong , Feng Xingyu , Li Nengquan , Li Jiayu , Song Xiu-Fang , Li Ming-De , Cui Ganglong , Zhang Jingling , Jiang Chenglin , Yang Chuluo , Li Kai
Published: June 2023

Transition metal complexes exhibiting thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) remain underdeveloped for organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Here, we describe a design of TADF Pd(II) complexes featuring metal-perturbed intraligand charge-transfer excited states. Two orange- and red-emitting complexes with efficiencies of 82 and 89% and lifetimes of 2.19 and 0.97 μs have been developed. Combined transient spectroscopic and theoretical studies on one complex reveal a metal-perturbed fast intersystem crossing process. OLEDs using the Pd(II) complexes show maximum external quantum efficiencies of 27.5 to 31.4% and small roll-offs down to 1% at 1000 cd m
−2
. Moreover, the Pd(II) complexes show exceptional operational stability with LT
95
values over 220 hours at 1000 cd m
−2
, benefiting from the use of strong σ-donating ligands and the presence of multiple intramolecular noncovalent interactions beside their short emission lifetimes. This study demonstrates a promising approach for developing efficient and robust luminescent complexes without using the third-row transition metals.
Gut microbiome composition may be an indicator of preclinical Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Ferreiro Aura L. , Choi JooHee , Ryou Jian , Newcomer Erin P. , Thompson Regina , Bollinger Rebecca M. , Hall-Moore Carla , Ndao I. Malick , Sax Laurie , Benzinger Tammie L. S. , Stark Susan L. , Holtzman David M. , Fagan Anne M. , Schindler Suzanne E. , Cruchaga Carlos , Butt Omar H. , Morris John C. , Tarr Phillip I. , Ances Beau M. , Dantas Gautam
Published: June 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology is thought to progress from normal cognition through preclinical disease and ultimately to symptomatic AD with cognitive impairment. Recent work suggests that the gut microbiome of symptomatic patients with AD has an altered taxonomic composition compared with that of healthy, cognitively normal control individuals. However, knowledge about changes in the gut microbiome before the onset of symptomatic AD is limited. In this cross-sectional study that accounted for clinical covariates and dietary intake, we compared the taxonomic composition and gut microbial function in a cohort of 164 cognitively normal individuals, 49 of whom showed biomarker evidence of early preclinical AD. Gut microbial taxonomic profiles of individuals with preclinical AD were distinct from those of individuals without evidence of preclinical AD. The change in gut microbiome composition correlated with β-amyloid (Aβ) and tau pathological biomarkers but not with biomarkers of neurodegeneration, suggesting that the gut microbiome may change early in the disease process. We identified specific gut bacterial taxa associated with preclinical AD. Inclusion of these microbiome features improved the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of machine learning classifiers for predicting preclinical AD status when tested on a subset of the cohort (65 of the 164 participants). Gut microbiome correlates of preclinical AD neuropathology may improve our understanding of AD etiology and may help to identify gut-derived markers of AD risk.
Whole-Genome Sequence of Ligilactobacillus faecis WILCCON 0062, Isolated from Feces of a Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)
Authors: Heng Yu Chyuan , Silvaraju Shaktheeshwari , Kittelmann Sandra
Published: June 2023

We report the whole genome of a strain of
Ligilactobacillus faecis
. The complete circular chromosome and plasmid of strain WILCCON 0062 were obtained through a combination of short- and long-read sequencing and may be used to derive unprecedented insights into the genome-level phylogeny and functional capacities of
Ligilactobacillus faecis
.
Emergence of ST463
exoU
-Positive, Imipenem-Nonsusceptible Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates in China
Authors: Zhu Ying , Kang Yue , Zhang Hui , Yu Wei , Zhang Ge , Zhang Jingjia , Kang Wei , Duan Simeng , Xu Yingchun , Yang Qiwen
Published: June 2023

This study investigates the resistance mechanisms and distribution and proportions of virulence genes of imipenem-nonsusceptible
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
(INS-PA) isolates in China in 2019. Harboring PDC and OXA-50-like genes is discovered as the most prevalent resistance mechanism in INS-PA, and the virulence of
exoU
-positive INS-PA isolates was significantly higher than that of
exoU
-negative INS-PA isolates.
Massive and Lengthy Clonal Nosocomial Expansion of Mycobacterium abscessus subsp.
massiliense
among Patients Who Are Ventilator Dependent without Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Komiya Kosaku , Yoshida Mitsunori , Uchida Sonoe , Takikawa Shuichi , Yamasue Mari , Matsumoto Takashi , Morishige Yuta , Aono Akio , Hiramatsu Kazufumi , Yamaoka Yoshio , Nishizono Akira , Ato Manabu , Kadota Jun-ichi , Mitarai Satoshi
Published: June 2023

The isolation of
M. abscessus
subsp.
massiliense
from the air, but not from environmental fluid samples, may suggest airborne transmission. This was the first report to demonstrate person-to-person transmission of
M. abscessus
subsp.
massiliense
, even among patients without CF.
M. abscessus
subsp.
massiliense
may spread among patients who are ventilator dependent without CF through direct or indirect in-hospital transmission.
Sr-Nd-Ca isotopic variations of Cenozoic calc-alkaline and alkaline volcanic rocks above a slab tear in Western Anatolia, Turkey
Authors: Deng Hao , Kusky Timothy , Bozurt Erdin , Chen Chunfei , Wang Lu , Dong Ziyu , Meng Jiannan
Published: June 2023

The tectonic mechanisms that may trigger a transition from calc-alkaline to alkaline volcanic activity above a subduction zone are enigmatic. We report major/trace elemental and Sr-Nd-Ca isotopic compositions of a suite of magmatic samples from the Miocene Gördes calc-alkaline dacites and the Quaternary Kula alkaline basalts from Western Anatolia, Turkey. Zircon sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe dating shows that the Gördes dacites formed at ca. 18 Ma. They are characterized by high-K calc-alkaline affinities, enrichment of light rare earth elements and large-ion lithophile elements (Rb, Th, U), positive Pb anomalies and negative Eu and high field strength element (HFSE) (Nb, Ta, and Ti) anomalies with high 87Sr/86Sri (0.70977−0.71010) and low εNd(t) (−7.3 to −7.0). They have small δ44/40Ca (0.59‰−0.69‰) values lower than that of mid-ocean ridge basalt (0.83% ± 0.11%). The Kula basalts exhibit alkaline affinities and are more enriched in incompatible elements (e.g., Rb, Ba, Th, Nb, Ta, Pb, and Sr) than those of typical oceanic island basalts. Their low 87Sr/86Sri (0.70307−0.70343) and high εNd(t) (+4.2 to +6.5) are consistent with an asthenospheric mantle source. Their δ44/40Ca values, ranging from 0.67‰ to 0.81‰, are higher than those of the dacites and lower than that of the bulk silicate earth (0.94‰ ± 0.10‰). Geochemical modeling suggests that variable degrees of partial melting of an asthenospheric mantle involving recycled oceanic crust may have resulted in low δ44/40Ca values of the Kula basalts. Combined with reported mantle tomographic images, we interpret that sub-slab asthenospheric mantle upwelling through a slab tear during subduction roll-back may have played a key role in the Sr-Nd-Ca isotopic variability from Miocene calc-alkaline dacites to Quaternary alkaline basalts in Western Anatolia.
Supplemental Material: Discovery of Permian–Triassic eclogite in northern Tibet establishes coeval subduction erosion along an ~3000-km-long arc
Authors: Wu Chen , al. et
Published: June 2023

Methods, Figures S1–S4, and Tables S1–S4.  
Point-of-care ultrasound to assess degree of dehydration in children: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Kołodziej Maciej , Jalali Anita , Łukasik Jan
Published: June 2023

Background

There is no perfect method to assess level of dehydration in children. There are studies with conflicting results, where point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) measurement of diameter ratio of the inferior vena cava to the aorta (IVC/Ao) was used to predict degree of dehydration.

Objective

To systematically review the diagnostic accuracy of POCUS measurement of IVC/Ao ratio in predicting dehydration in children.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were searched. The primary outcome was the diagnostic accuracy of IVC/Ao ratio. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Quality analysis was conducted using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2.

Results

Eleven studies (2679 patients) were included. The most numerous group (five studies) used percentage weight change as a reference standard; the pooled sensitivity, specificity of POCUS in this group were: 0.7 (95% CI: 0.67 to 0.73), I2: 82%; 0.53 (95% CI: 0.5 to 0.53), I2: 84%. In the remaining studies, different comparator tests were used: Clinical Dehydration Scale (two studies, 0.8 (95% CI: 0.72 to 0.86), I2: 0%; 0.56 (95% CI: 0.48 to 0.65), I2: 0%; clinical judgement (three studies, 0.78 (95% CI: 0.73 to 0.83), I2: 95%; 0.82 (95% CI: 0.77 to 0.86), I2: 93% and one study used the Dehydration: Assessing Kids Accurately score model.

Conclusion

This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that POCUS has a moderate sensitivity and specificity for identifying dehydration in children. Its use as a complementary diagnostic tool could be promising but needs to be validated in randomised controlled trials.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022346166.
Hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia in neonatal encephalopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Puzone Simona , Diplomatico Mario , Caredda Elisabetta , Maietta Anna , Miraglia Del Giudice Emanuele , Montaldo Paolo
Published: June 2023

Importance

Although hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia represent the most common metabolic problem in neonates, there is still uncertainty regarding the effects of glucose homoeostasis on the neurological outcomes of infants with neonatal encephalopathy (NE).

Objective

To systematically investigate the association between neonatal hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia with adverse outcome in children who suffered from NE.

Study selection

We searched Pubmed, Embase and Web of Science databases to identify studies which reported prespecified outcomes and compared infants with NE who had been exposed to neonatal hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia with infants not exposed.

Data analysis

We assessed the risk of bias (ROBINS-I), quality of evidence (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE)) for each of the studies. RevMan was used for meta-analysis (inverse variance, fixed effects).

Main outcome

Death or neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18 months of age or later.

Results

82 studies were screened, 28 reviewed in full and 12 included. Children who were exposed to neonatal hypoglycaemia had higher odds of neurodevelopmental impairment or death (6 studies, 685 infants; 40.6% vs 25.4%; OR=2.17, 95% CI 1.46 to 3.25; p=0.0001). Neonatal exposure to hyperglycaemia was associated with death or neurodisability at 18 months or later (7 studies, 807 infants; 46.1% vs 28.0%; OR=3.07, 95% CI 2.17 to 4.35; p<0.00001). These findings were confirmed in the subgroup analysis, which included only the infants who underwent therapeutic hypothermia.

Conclusions

These data suggest that neonatal hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia may be associated with the neurodevelopmental outcome later on in infants with NE. Further studies with long-term follow-up are needed to optimise the metabolic management of these high-risk infants.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022368870.
Assessing violence risk in first-episode psychosis: external validation, updating and net benefit of a prediction tool (OxMIV)
Authors: Whiting Daniel , Mallett Sue , Lennox Belinda , Fazel Seena
Published: June 2023

Background

Violence perpetration is a key outcome to prevent for an important subgroup of individuals presenting to mental health services, including early intervention in psychosis (EIP) services. Needs and risks are typically assessed without structured methods, which could facilitate consistency and accuracy. Prediction tools, such as OxMIV (Oxford Mental Illness and Violence tool), could provide a structured risk stratification approach, but require external validation in clinical settings.

Objectives

We aimed to validate and update OxMIV in first-episode psychosis and consider its benefit as a complement to clinical assessment.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of individuals assessed in two UK EIP services was included. Electronic health records were used to extract predictors and risk judgements made by assessing clinicians. Outcome data involved police and healthcare records for violence perpetration in the 12 months post-assessment.

Findings

Of 1145 individuals presenting to EIP services, 131 (11%) perpetrated violence during the 12 month follow-up. OxMIV showed good discrimination (area under the curve 0.75, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.80). Calibration-in-the-large was also good after updating the model constant. Using a 10% cut-off, sensitivity was 71% (95% CI 63% to 80%), specificity 66% (63% to 69%), positive predictive value 22% (19% to 24%) and negative predictive value 95% (93% to 96%). In contrast, clinical judgement sensitivity was 40% and specificity 89%. Decision curve analysis showed net benefit of OxMIV over comparison approaches.

Conclusions

OxMIV performed well in this real-world validation, with improved sensitivity compared with unstructured assessments.

Clinical implications

Structured tools to assess violence risk, such as OxMIV, have potential in first-episode psychosis to support a stratified approach to allocating non-harmful interventions to individuals who may benefit from the largest absolute risk reduction.