bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimized Production of Disulfide-Bonded Fungal Effectors in Escherichia coli Using CyDisCo and FunCyDisCo Coexpression Approaches
Authors: Yu Daniel S. , Outram Megan A. , Crean Emma , Smith Ashley , Sung Yi-Chang , Darma Reynaldi , Sun Xizhe , Ma Lisong , Jones David A. , Solomon Peter S. , Williams Simon J.
Published: October 2021

Effectors are a key part of the arsenal of plant-pathogenic fungi and promote pathogen virulence and disease. Effectors typically lack sequence similarity to proteins with known functional domains and motifs, limiting our ability to predict their functions and understand how they are recognized by plant hosts. As a result, cross-disciplinary approaches involving structural biology and protein biochemistry are often required to decipher and better characterize effector function. These approaches are reliant on high yields of relatively pure protein, which often requires protein production using a heterologous expression system. For some effectors, establishing an efficient production system can be difficult, particularly those that require multiple disulfide bonds to achieve their naturally folded structure. Here, we describe the use of a coexpression system within the heterologous host Escherichia coli, termed CyDisCo (cytoplasmic disulfide bond formation in E. coli) to produce disulfide bonded fungal effectors. We demonstrate that CyDisCo and a naturalized coexpression approach termed FunCyDisCo (Fungi CyDisCo) can significantly improve the production yields of numerous disulfide-bonded effectors from diverse fungal pathogens. The ability to produce large quantities of functional recombinant protein has facilitated functional studies and crystallization of several of these reported fungal effectors. We suggest this approach could be broadly useful in the investigation of the function and recognition of a broad range of disulfide bond–containing effectors.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Phakopsora pachyrhizi Airborne Urediniospore Distribution and Contribution to Soybean Rust Disease in Mexico
Authors: Santiago-Pérez Victorino , Terán-Vargas Antonio Palemón , Yáñez-Morales María de Jesús , Alanis-Martínez Iobana , Valdez-Carrasco Jorge
Published: October 2021

Phakopsora pachyrhizi, the causal agent of soybean rust, reduces soybean yield by up to 90%. Therefore, the development of preventive disease control measures is needed. We measured the distribution of airborne P. pachyrhizi urediniospores from 18 September 2014 to 21 May 2015, and their contribution to soybean rust in the Altamira municipality of southern Tamaulipas, Mexico. Three experiments, each with a different sowing time (early, late, and very late), were performed using the cultivar ‘Huasteca 200’, and an additional experiment was conducted with volunteer soybean plants. Urediniospores were trapped at weekly intervals using slide traps placed at two heights and in four different wind directions. Disease incidence and severity were scored beginning 12 July 2014 in each of the three canopy sections, and environmental conditions were registered. Spore distribution was continuous, and only the second of the two spore distribution phases contributed to disease. Disease incidence varied from 30 to 100% in experiments, and severity was the lowest (<0.6%) in experiment 1 (early planting) and highest (74%) in experiment 2 (late planting). In addition, teliospores on leaves were detected for the first time in Mexico. Spore distribution showed significant differences among trapping periods and was significantly correlated with wind direction. Together, these results reinforce cultural control, with early planting as the formal recommendation, because it coincides with the lowest urediniospore distribution and unfavorable temperature (>30°C) during the first phase, as well as low relative humidity (<85%) and zero rainfall during the second phase, thus enabling disease escape during flowering and grain development.
When Family Caregivers Meet Health Care Institutions
Authors: Young Heather M. , Reinhard Susan C. , Fulmer Terry
Published: October 2021

Nurses have the opportunity to make a difference for caregivers.
Statins No Longer Contraindicated in Pregnancy
Authors: Aschenbrenner Diane S.
Published: October 2021

The labeling of statins has been revised to remove the contraindication for use during pregnancy.

For a select few women at high risk for cardiovascular events, statins may provide more benefit than risk, even during pregnancy. Most women do not have this high risk, however, and should still avoid statins during pregnancy.
A Conversation with Tonja Frank
Authors: McSpedon Corinne
Published: October 2021

As most students return to in-person learning this fall, a school nurse discusses her experiences amid the ongoing COVID crisis.
Influenza in a Kentucky Coal-Mining Camp
Authors: Todd Betsy
Published: October 2021

Editor's note: From its first issue in 1900 through to the present day, AJN has unparalleled archives detailing nurses' work and lives over more than a century. These articles not only chronicle nursing's growth as a profession within the context of the events of the day, but also reveal prevailing societal attitudes about women, health care, and human rights. Today's nursing school curricula rarely include nursing's history, but it's a history worth knowing. To this end, From the AJN Archives highlights articles selected to fit today's topics and times.

In AJN's May 1919 issue, nurses shared their experiences from the 1918 influenza pandemic in an article entitled “Experiences During the Epidemic.” Their stories offer a glimpse of the enormous challenges of pandemic public health nursing in “forgotten” places, far from urban centers.

In a fishing village on Bogue Sound in North Carolina, one nurse describes how she, along with three practical nurses, spent an afternoon in a house filled with sick family members “cleaning the cottage and the people.” And in the excerpt shown here, in a coal-mining camp in southeast Kentucky, two camp doctors were ill and the single nurse “had been doing the doctoring and nursing, working day and night” to care for an estimated 600 people with influenza. (For the full article go to http://links.lww.com/AJN/A211.)

For more reflections on the 1918 influenza pandemic, see “The Flu Pandemic of 1918: A Nurse's Story” in this issue.—Betsy Todd, MPH, RN
Targeted Interventions Improve Bronchiolitis Management in Infants
Authors: Rosenberg Karen
Published: October 2021

According to this study:

Targeted interventions improved the treatment of infants with bronchiolitis by reducing the use of non—evidence-based therapies without any identified negative consequences.
Investigational Therapies for Gunshot Wounds to the Spine
Authors: Somuncu Doruk , Gartenberg Ariella , Cho Woojin
Published: October 2021

Study Design:

This was a narrative review.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to review the standards of care and triage protocol for gunshot wounds to the spine, highlighting innovative future treatment options that may be implemented in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Summary of Background Data:

With the increased availability of firearms among the United States population, gunshot wounds to the spine are becoming a clinically relevant and devastating issue. Such injuries result in severe and diverse complications. SCIs due to gunshot wounds are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, as they often result in complete or incomplete paraplegia. Current standards of care focus on preventing further damage rather than total cure or treatment of SCI.

Methods:

A literature review was performed on the standards of care, triage protocol, associated conditions, current therapeutic options, and innovative treatment options for patients with gunshot wounds to the spine.

Results:

The general standards of care for spinal gunshot wounds involve maintaining or renewal of mechanical spinal steadiness and neurological activity while limiting complications of treatment. Current treatment options include management of mean arterial pressure goals, drug therapies consisting of antibiotics, and surgical approaches. With recent innovations in molecular biology and cell transplantation, potentially new and promising treatment options for patients with SCI exist. These options include cell transplantation therapies, platelet-rich plasma administration, exosomal treatments, and mitochondrial-targeted therapeutics. Stem cell transplantation is promising, as several clinical studies have been completed. However, loss-to-follow-up, lack of long-term evaluation, and questionable randomization has limited the use of stem cells in the standard of care practice. Although not studied on human models to a gunshot wound, exosomal and mitochondrial-based treatment options have been studied both in vitro and in animal models with SCI.

Conclusion:

Newly emerging molecular and cellular therapy modalities for SCI contribute to the recovery process and may be utilized in conjunction with the current modalities for better outcomes.
The Impact of COVID-19 and Lockdown on Spinal Services at a National Level
Authors: Power Fiachra R. , Juhdi Adham , Macken Maria , Synnott Keith A. , Butler Joseph S.
Published: October 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a dramatic impact on the provision of health care worldwide. The delivery of national spinal service for emergent surgery, elective surgery, and outpatient assessment has been incredibly challenging. A variety of innovative measures were undertaken to facilitate the safe provision of acute service and are outlined in this review, along with a number of key learning points which will improve the quality of health care delivered over the coming years. The challenges facing the spinal surgery community with regard the reintroduction of elective surgery is discussed, and a potential roadmap for the safe resumption of services is presented.
Punch and rescue technique for scleral fixation of dislocated single-piece intraocular lenses
Authors: Micheletti J. Morgan , Weber Nicole , McCauley Matthew B. , Doe Erin A. , Coffee Robert E. , Caplan Michael B.
Published: October 2021

In-the-bag intraocular lens (IOL) dislocation is a well-known complication after cataract surgery. As the number of cataract surgeries performed annually continues to increase, so will the incidence of IOL dislocations requiring surgical correction. Described is a new technique for rescue and refixation of a single-piece acrylic IOL. In this method, a new instrument called the IOL punch is used to create a hole at the optic–haptic junction or along the border of the optic, which acts as an anchor point for centration and subsequent scleral fixation of a dislocated IOL. The IOL punch allows for precise intraocular manipulation of the IOL and is less invasive compared with popular scleral fixation methods. This innovative technique may decrease the risk for postoperative complications and allows patients to maintain or recover previous uncorrected visual acuity by circumventing the need for IOL explantation or exchange.
Posterior continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis with anterior vitrectomy vs optic capture buttonholing without anterior vitrectomy in pediatric cataract surgery
Authors: Kohnen Thomas , Davidova Petra , Lambert Martin , Wenner Yaroslava , Zubcov Alina A.
Published: October 2021

Purpose:

To investigate long-term complications after pediatric cataract surgery with implantation of a heparin-coated polymethyl methacrylate intraocular lens (PMMA IOL) and posterior continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (PCCC) with anterior vitrectomy vs PCCC without anterior vitrectomy with optic capture buttonholing.

Setting:

Department of Ophthalmology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.

Design:

Prospective randomized clinical trial.

Methods:

Eyes with unilateral or bilateral congenital cataract without further pathologies or former surgeries were randomly assigned in 2 groups: cataract removal, IOL implantation, and PCCC with anterior vitrectomy (group A) or posterior optic buttonholing without anterior vitrectomy (group B). The main outcome measures were posterior capsule opacification (PCO), complication rates, and refractive development.

Results:

58 eyes of 41 pediatric cataract surgery patients were included. The mean age at the time of operation was 66.05 months (±29.39). In group A (n = 26), 2 eyes required treatment for PCO, whereas the optic axis remained clear in all eyes in group B (n = 30), which was statistically insignificant. In addition, group B had a slightly lower rate of complications. The mean spherical equivalent after a mean postoperative follow-up of 6.5 years was −0.11 ± 2.51 diopters (D) (−5.0 to +4.0 D) in group A and −0.08 ± 2.14 D (−5.0 to +4.0 D) in group B, which was also statistically insignificant.

Conclusions:

Optic capture with a heparin-coated PMMA IOL proved to be a safe technique in the prevention of secondary cataract formation without a higher rate of complications and the necessity of vitrectomy.
Long-term efficacy and safety profiles after posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens implantation in eyes with more than 10 years of follow-up
Authors: Papa-Vettorazzi Mario Renato , Güell José Luis , Cruz-Rodriguez José Benjamín , Moura-Coelho Nuno , Elies Daniel
Published: October 2021

Purpose:

To evaluate long-term efficacy, safety, predictability, and stability of a posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens (Visian implantable collamer lens [ICL]) in eyes with ≥10 years of follow-up.

Setting:

Instituto de Microcirugía Ocular, Barcelona, Spain.

Design:

Retrospective study.

Methods:

Eyes undergoing ICL implantation from 2008 to 2011 with ≥10 years of follow-up were included. Variables analyzed were preoperative, 1-month, 1-year, 5-year, and last follow-up uncorrected distance (UDVA) and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), manifest refraction, spherical equivalent (SE), endothelial cell count (ECC), and intraocular pressure (IOP). Descriptive statistics were performed and results reported following the Standard for Reporting Refractive Surgery Outcomes.

Results:

45 eyes (26 patients) were analyzed; the mean follow-up 11.35 ± 1.30 years. The mean preoperative SE was −10.06 ± 3.40 diopters (D) and the mean preoperative cylinder −1.55 ± 1.45 D. At the last follow-up, efficacy and safety indices were 0.79 and 1.12, respectively. In total, 32 eyes (71%) achieved an UDVA of ≥20/40. 22 eyes (49%) gained ≥1 line of CDVA, and 2 eyes (4%) lost ≥2 lines of CDVA. At the final follow-up, 19 eyes (42%) and 29 eyes (64%) were within ±0.50 D and ±1.00 D of attempted SE correction, respectively. 31 eyes (69%) had ≤1.00 D of postoperative astigmatism, and 29 eyes (74%) were within ±15 degrees from the intended correction axis. At the last visit, a statistically significant myopic progression of −0.75 ± 1.20 D was observed (P = .01). ECC loss at the last follow-up was 9.85 ± 11.35%. IOP remained stable. There were no intraoperative complications. 3 eyes (7%) developed cataract after 10 years.

Conclusions:

The long-term results demonstrated that ICL was effective, predictable, stable, and safe.
The Caregiver Contribution to Heart Failure Self-care Instrument
Authors: Ali Muhammad Usman , Harkness Karen , Vellone Ercole , Zeffiro Valentina , Alvaro Rosaria , Buck Harleah G.
Published: October 2021

The 20-item Caregiver Contribution to Heart Failure Self-care (CACHS) was developed and tested in a series of preliminary studies providing evidence for the validity of this instrument in Canada. The purpose of this study was to assess the initial psychometric testing of a translated version of the 20-item CACHS in a European sample using classical test theory and item response theory (IRT) methods. This study is a preplanned subanalysis of data from a multisite, descriptive study of caregivers (n = 277; mean age, 52.7 years; 70.4% female) of Italian patients with heart failure. The CACHS-Italian version demonstrated adequate validity and reliability using classical test theory methods. Using IRT methods, test information function was unimodal with more item information in the negative versus positive regions of the latent trait. Most items displayed moderate to high discrimination with acceptable levels of difficulty. Differential item functioning, which determines whether caregivers from different groups with equal amounts of the latent trait have different expected item responses, differed based on caregivers' biological sex as did the IRT discrimination “α” and difficulty “β” parameters. Overall, the CACHS-Italian version demonstrated similar psychometric properties and excellent reliability as demonstrated in the Canadian sample. However, unlike the original Canadian English version, the CACHS-Italian version showed significant nonuniform differential item functioning, discrimination, and difficulty based on caregivers' biological sex. Ongoing examination of the CACHS-Italian version, particularly in men, is needed as is further linguistic validation using the Canadian CACHS-English version in non–North American English-speaking countries.
Improving Nursing Students' Knowledge and Assessment Skills Regarding Skin Cancer Using Online Teaching Resources
Authors: Siegel Victoria , Moore Geraldine , Siegel Leeann
Published: October 2021

Nurses are in an excellent position to teach the public about skin cancer prevention and perform cancer screenings. This study was designed to test an educational intervention intended to teach nursing students about skin cancer so they can reach competence and be certified by faculty to educate their patients. Similarly, students are educated and certified in other areas, namely, asthma and naloxone administration. By conducting this quasi-experimental study, the researchers sought to evaluate the effectiveness of adding online skin cancer education to traditional educational methods. Using a quasi-experimental design, we assigned nursing students (n = 146) to either an intervention group, which received an online educational treatment, or a control group, which did not receive any such treatment. Both groups then completed a posttest measure assessing their knowledge about skin cancer (“knowledge”), sun protective behaviors (“behavior”), and perceptions about the role of the nurse in skin cancer prevention (“role”). Participants in the intervention group had significantly higher scores on the “behavior” and “role” measures, suggesting that the intervention had successfully impacted these dimensions.
Dexmedetomidine Versus Midazolam for Sedation During Medical Thoracoscopy
Authors: Sirohiya Prashant , Kumar Vinod , Mittal Saurabh , Gupta Nishkarsh , Garg Rakesh , Bharati Sachidanand Jee , Mishra Seema , Hadda Vijay , Mohan Anant , Sagiraju Hari Krishna Raju , Bhatnagar Sushma , Madan Karan
Published: October 2021

Background:

Studies comparing the utility of dexmedetomidine with other drugs for sedation during medical thoracoscopy are lacking. In this pilot study, we compared dexmedetomidine with midazolam for sedation in thoracoscopy.

Methods:

Consecutive subjects were randomized to receive either dexmedetomidine (n=30) (group D) or midazolam (n=30) (group M). All received fentanyl for procedural analgesia. The primary endpoint was pulmonologist-rated overall procedure satisfaction on the visual analog scale (satisfaction VAS). Key secondary outcomes were pulmonologist-rated cough on VAS (cough VAS), patient-rated faces pain scale scores, change in hemodynamic variables, total additional fentanyl dose, and adverse events during procedure.

Results:

The satisfaction VAS score (mean±SD) was significantly greater in group D versus group M (7.5±1.4 and 6.5±1.1, respectively) (P=0.003). The cough VAS scores (mean±SD) were 2.1±1.5 (group D) and 3.1±1.3 (group M) (P=0.014). The scores (mean±SD) for patient-rated faces pain scale were 2.9±1.8 and 4.2±2.3 (P=0.019) in group D and group M, respectively. The additional dose of fentanyl administered in group M was significantly greater than in group D (P=0.001). The responses at the local anesthesia infiltration, skin incision, thoracoscope insertion, and biopsy between both groups were similar. The hemodynamic parameters were comparable in both groups. Also, more patients were willing for repeat thoracoscopy if needed; in the dexmedetomidine group.

Conclusion:

The findings of this pilot RCT indicate that dexmedetomidine may be more efficacious than midazolam for sedation in patients undergoing medical thoracoscopy. These observations need to be confirmed in an adequately powered RCT.
Phenotyping in acute respiratory distress syndrome: state of the art and clinical implications
Authors: Alipanah Narges , Calfee Carolyn S.
Published: October 2021

Purpose of review

Decades of research in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) have led to few interventions that impact clinical outcomes. The pandemic of patients with ARDS due to the novel SARS-CoV-2 infection has stressed the need for more effective therapies in ARDS. Phenotyping may enable successful trials and precision therapeutics in this patient population.

Recent findings

Clinical phenotypes that group patients by shared cause, time-course or radiographic presentation are of prognostic value, but their use is limited by misclassification. Physiological phenotypes, including the P/F ratio, ventilatory ratio and dead space fraction, predict poor outcomes but can rapidly change, making them unstable over time. Biologic phenotypes have prognostic value with composite clinical and biomarker sub-phenotypes additionally impacting treatment response but are yet to be prospectively validated.

Although much progress has been made in ARDS phenotyping, implementation of precision medicine practices will depend on conducting phenotype-aware trials using rapid point of care assays or machine learning algorithms. Omics studies will enhance our understanding of biologic determinants of clinical outcomes in ARDS sub-phenotypes. Whether biologic ARDS sub-phenotypes are specific to this syndrome or rather more broadly identify endotypes of critical illness remains to be determined.
Targeting the cluster of differentiation 47/signal-regulatory protein alpha axis in myeloid malignancies
Authors: Wang Chen , Sallman David A.
Published: October 2021

Purpose of review

The antitumor activity of macrophages is regulated by a balance of prophagocytic and antiphagocytic signals. Cluster of differentiation 47 (CD47), the dominant macrophage immune checkpoint (‘do not eat me’ signal), interacts with its receptor signal-regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα) to suppress phagocytic activities. This axis plays a pivotal role in immune evasion in myeloid malignancies as well as multiple cancers providing strong rationale for therapeutic exploitation.

Recent findings

Preclinical studies have revealed overexpression of CD47 on leukemic stem cells and myeloblasts from patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which contributes to immune surveillance evasion and is associated with poor outcomes. Blockade of CD47 with different approaches has demonstrated proof-of-concept antitumor activities mainly through phagocytic clearance. Early phase clinical trials combining the anti-CD47 mAb magrolimab with the hypomethylating agent azacitidine have showed synergistic activities, deep and durable responses, as well as a tolerable safety profile in these patients, including those with TP53 mutations.

Targeting CD47/SIRPα axis, in combination with other therapeutic agents, represents a promising treatment approach for patients with myeloid malignancies, particularly the challenging TP53-mutated subgroup.
Versatility of the subscapular system of flaps in head and neck oncologic reconstruction
Authors: Deganello Alberto , Rampinelli Vittorio , Gualtieri Tommaso , Piazza Cesare
Published: October 2021

Purpose of review

This review analyzes the different ways of applying the subscapular system of flaps (SSSF) as a convenient and versatile solution for a large variety of head and neck oncologic defects.

Recent findings

The ventral approach permits safe and efficient harvest of various chimeric SSSF in a supine position, thus allowing simultaneous flap preparation and tumor ablation. Conformational studies have revealed how similar the tip of the scapula is to the hard palate in terms of dimensions, shape, and conformation. This has led to favor horizontal placement of the scapular tip for palate reconstruction in most instances, addressing the vertical extension of the postmaxillectomy defect using denuded bony grafts surrounded by well vascularized chimeric muscular components.

The SSSF possesses an unparalleled versatility to efficiently address small-medium sized soft tissue defects up to vast and complex composite resections. The chimeric components of these flaps benefit from a considerable independency provided by the length of the named arteries arising from the thoracodorsal pedicle, offering a high degree of freedom to accomplish the required in-setting. This reconstructive option should be implemented in every head and neck surgical team and offered to suitable patients.
In Silico Analysis of a De Novo OTC Variant as a Cause of Ornithine Transcarbamylase Deficiency
Authors: Ozdemir Yesim , Cag Murat , Gul Seref , Yüksel Zafer , Ergoren Mahmut C.
Published: October 2021

Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD) is the most common X-linked hereditary disorder of urea cycle disorders that is caused by neonatal hyperammonemia. OTC gene sequence variations are common causes of OTCD. The current study presents a 28-month-old baby girl proband with phenotypical characteristics of OTCD such as irritability, somnolence, intermittent vomiting, and high levels of serum ammonium. Whole-exome sequencing revealed a de novo c.275G>A p.(Arg92Gln) variant within the OTC gene. In silico analysis revealed a possible differential affinity between wild-type and mutant OTCase, while Arg92Gln decreases the binding ability of OTCase to the substrate, which can disrupt the urea cycle and explains the molecular pathogenicity of clinical hyperammonemia. In light of the fact that the genotype and phenotype correlation of OTCD is still uncertain, the present in silico analysis outcome can enhance our knowledge on this complicated, rare, and severe genetic disorder.
Burnout in Rheumatologists in Latin America
Authors: Intriago Maria , Maldonado Genessis , Soriano Enrique , Toro Carlos , Moreno Letty , Ríos Carlos
Published: October 2021

Background

Rheumatology is considered a low-risk specialty, but studies have shown a prevalence of burnout between 42% and 51%.

Objectives

The aim was to determine the prevalence of burnout in rheumatologists in Latin America and the factors associated with it.

Methods

Cross-sectional study based on a survey completed through Google Forms platform that was sent by the national rheumatology associations of Latin America. Burnout was assessed with the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Data were analyzed using the statistical program SPSS v.22.

Results

Two hundred ninety-seven rheumatologists from 15 countries were included, mainly Argentina (28.3%), Brazil (26.3%), and Mexico (12.8%). The majority were women 62%, 42.4% worked in public hospitals with an average of 40.1 ± 14.2 hours per week; 31.3% did research, 13.1% clinical trials, 56.6% teaching, and 42.8% administrative work; 36% received an annual income less than $25,000; 56.6% had burnout in at least 1 dimension. Only 20.2% thought they had burnout, 9.1% were currently receiving professional help, and 15.8% had sought help in the past; 72.1% said they were willing to participate in a program to reduce burnout. The rheumatologists with burnout were younger than those without burnout (46.5 vs 49.9 years, p = 0.015).

Conclusions

Burnout affects near half of rheumatologists in Latin America and was associated with younger age, long working hours, low satisfaction, less happiness, higher Patient Health Questionnaire–9, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, income, presence of comorbidities, and low self-esteem.
Revisited Arterial Supply of the Anterior Ear
Authors: Kim Young Soo , Kim Hee-Jin
Published: October 2021

Background

Since arterial supply of the anterior ear was described in 1992 by Park et al, various anatomical studies and surgical techniques have been published in the literatures. Although anatomic studies about the vascular pattern of the ear have been previously reported, most were incomplete to understand the vascular anatomy of the ear and its surgical outcomes. In this report, the authors defined further detailed vascular pattern of the arterial networks and of the main perforators of the anterior ear.

Methods

The authors dissected in a total of 11 auricles that had been fixed in 10% formalin solution. Prior to dissection, a red latex solution was injected into the common carotid artery. The anteroauricular and postauricular skin was dissected to expose the arterial network under ×10 microscope magnification.

Results

There are 2 arterial networks in the anteroauricular surface of the ear: triangular–scapha fossa and concha network. In this study, triangular-scapha fossa network has 2 vascular patterns by a dominant arterial supply: the superficial temporal artery (STA) type (6/11, 54.5%) and the posterior auricular artery (PAA) type (5/11, 45.4%). The STA type is distributed by a subbranch of the ascending helical artery of the STA, whereas the dominant arterial supply of the PAA type is a perforator of the triangular fossa from the PAA. We describe an important inflow to the triangular-scapha fossa network as blood supply from the middle division of the PAA, which directly emerges from the posterior to the anterior surface over the cartilage border at midhelix.

Conclusions

The detailed vascular anatomy of this report allows surgeons to perform surgical procedures safely and to develop various flaps in the field of the ear reconstruction.
Incidence of New-Onset Obstructive Sleep Apnea After Posterior Flap Pharyngoplasty in Children
Authors: Trabelsi Ines , Amaddeo Alessandro , Michel Benoit , Khirani Sonia , Picard Arnaud , Fauroux Brigitte
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a well-recognized complication of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) surgery, but studies assessing OSA by means of a respiratory polygraphy (PG) are scarce. The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of new-onset OSA after posterior flap pharyngoplasty (PFP).

Materials

The postoperative PG of children with VPI who had a normal preoperative PG were analyzed.

Results

Eighteen patients (mean age, 9.8 ± 4.8 years; Pierre Robin sequence [n = 5], isolated cleft palate [n = 7], 22q11 deletion [n = 3], and 3 other diagnoses) were included in the study. Mean delay between surgery and the postoperative PG was 11.5 ± 13.5 months. Two patients (11%) developed severe OSA after PFP. One patient with 22q11 deletion developed overt OSA symptoms immediately after surgery with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 39 events per hour, requiring continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. Obstructive sleep apnea improved spontaneously after 10 months, with an AHI of 2 events/h after CPAP weaning. The second patient had a cleft palate associated with a fetal alcohol syndrome and developed OSA symptoms after surgery with an AHI of 18 events/h requiring CPAP therapy. He could be weaned from CPAP 6 months later after a complete section of the pharyngeal flap with an AHI of 6 events/h during spontaneous breathing.

Conclusions

New-onset OSA after PFP in children with VPI who had a normal preoperative PG was uncommon (11%) in the present cohort.
Learning and motor inhibitory control in crows and domestic chickens
Authors: Wascher Claudia A. F. , Allen Katie , Szipl Georgine
Published: October 2021

Cognitive abilities allow animals to navigate through complex, fluctuating environments. In the present study, we tested the performance of a captive group of eight crows,Corvus coroneand 10 domestic chickens,Gallus gallus domesticus, in the cylinder task, as a test of motor inhibitory control and reversal learning as a measure of learning ability and behavioural flexibility. Four crows and nine chickens completed the cylinder task, eight crows and six chickens completed the reversal learning experiment. Crows performed better in the cylinder task compared with chickens. In the reversal learning experiment, species did not significantly differ in the number of trials until the learning criterion was reached. The performance in the reversal learning experiment did not correlate with performance in the cylinder task in chickens. Our results suggest crows to possess better motor inhibitory control compared with chickens. By contrast, learning performance in a reversal learning task did not differ between the species, indicating similar levels of behavioural flexibility. Interestingly, we describe notable individual differences in performance. We stress the importance not only to compare cognitive performance between species but also between individuals of the same species when investigating the evolution of cognitive skills.
Collective motion diminishes, but variation between groups emerges, through time in fish shoals
Authors: MacGregor Hannah E. A. , Ioannou Christos C.
Published: October 2021

Despite extensive interest in the dynamic interactions between individuals that drive collective motion in animal groups, the dynamics of collective motion over longer time frames are understudied. Using three-spined sticklebacks,
Gasterosteus aculeatus,
randomly assigned to 12 shoals of eight fish, we tested how six key traits of collective motion changed over shorter (within trials) and longer (between days) timescales under controlled laboratory conditions. Over both timescales, groups became less social with reduced cohesion, polarization, group speed and information transfer. There was consistent inter-group variation (i.e. collective personality variation) for all collective motion parameters, but groups also differed in how their collective motion changed over days in their cohesion, polarization, group speed and information transfer. This magnified differences between groups, suggesting that over time the ‘typical’ collective motion cannot be easily characterized. Future studies are needed to understand whether such between-group differences in changes over time are adaptive and represent improvements in group performance or are suboptimal but represent a compromise between individuals in their preferences for the characteristics of collective behaviour.
Performance of goats in a detour and a problem-solving test following long-term cognitive test exposure
Authors: Rosenberger K. , Simmler M. , Langbein J. , Keil N. , Nawroth C.
Published: October 2021

Cognitive research in long-lived species commonly involves using the same animals in different experiments. It is unclear whether the participation in cognitive tests can notably alter the performance of individuals in subsequent conceptually different tests. We therefore investigated whether exposure to cognitive tests affects future test performance of goats. We used three treatment groups: goats with long-term exposure to human-presented object-choice tests (for visual discrimination and reversal learning tests + cognitive test battery), goats that were isolated as for the test exposure but received a reward from the experimenter without being administered the object-choice tests, and goats that were isolated but neither received a reward nor were administered the tests. All treatment groups were subsequently tested in two conceptually different cognitive tests, namely a spatial A-not-B detour test and an instrumental problem-solving test. We tested dairy goats, selected for high productivity, and dwarf goats, not selected for production traits, each at the same two research sites. We did not find notable differences between treatments with respect to the goats' detour or problem-solving performance. However, high variation was observed between the research sites, the selection lines, and among individuals, highlighting potential pitfalls of making accurate comparisons of cognitive test performances.
Martingales and the characteristic functions of absorption time on bipartite graphs
Authors: Monk Travis , van Schaik André
Published: October 2021

Evolutionary graph theory investigates how spatial constraints affect processes that model evolutionary selection, e.g. the Moran process. Its principal goals are to find the fixation probability and the conditional distributions of fixation time, and show how they are affected by different graphs that impose spatial constraints. Fixation probabilities have generated significant attention, but much less is known about the conditional time distributions, even for simple graphs. Those conditional time distributions are difficult to calculate, so we consider a close proxy to it: the number of times the mutant population size changes before absorption. We employ martingales to obtain the conditional characteristic functions (CCFs) of that proxy for the Moran process on the complete bipartite graph. We consider the Moran process on the complete bipartite graph as an absorbing random walk in two dimensions. We then extend Wald’s martingale approach to sequential analysis from one dimension to two. Our expressions for the CCFs are novel, compact, exact, and their parameter dependence is explicit. We show that our CCFs closely approximate those of absorption time. Martingales provide an elegant framework to solve principal problems of evolutionary graph theory. It should be possible to extend our analysis to more complex graphs than we show here.
Palladium-doped hierarchical ZSM-5 for catalytic selective oxidation of allylic and benzylic alcohols
Authors: Ding Shengzhe , Ganesh Muhammad , Jiao Yilai , Ou Xiaoxia , Isaacs Mark A. , S'ari Mark , Torres Lopez Antonio , Fan Xiaolei , Parlett Christopher M. A.
Published: October 2021

Hierarchical zeolites have the potential to provide a breakthrough in transport limitation, which hinders pristine microporous zeolites and thus may broaden their range of applications. We have explored the use of Pd-doped hierarchical ZSM-5 zeolites for aerobic selective oxidation (selox) of cinnamyl alcohol and benzyl alcohol to their corresponding aldehydes. Hierarchical ZSM-5 with differing acidity (H-form and Na-form) were employed and compared with two microporous ZSM-5 equivalents. Characterization of the four catalysts by X-ray diffraction, nitrogen porosimetry, NH
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temperature-programmed desorption, CO chemisorption, high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy allowed investigation of their porosity, acidity, as well as Pd active sites. The incorporation of complementary mesoporosity, within the hierarchical zeolites, enhances both active site dispersion and PdO active site generation. Likewise, alcohol conversion was also improved with the presence of secondary mesoporosity, while strong Brønsted acidity, present solely within the H-form systems, negatively impacted overall selectivity through undesirable self-etherification. Therefore, tuning support porosity and acidity alongside active site dispersion is paramount for optimal aldehyde production.
Size, connectivity and edge effects of stream habitats explain spatio-temporal variation in brown trout (Salmo trutta) density
Authors: Tamario Carl , Degerman Erik , Polic Daniela , Tibblin Petter , Forsman Anders
Published: October 2021

Ecological theory postulates that the size and isolation of habitat patches impact the colonization/extinction dynamics that determine community species richness and population persistence. Given the key role of lotic habitats for life-history completion in rheophilic fish, evaluating how the distribution of swift-flowing habitats affects the abundance and dynamics of subpopulations is essential. Using extensive electrofishing data, we show that merging island biogeography with meta-population theory, where lotic habitats are considered as islands in a lentic matrix, can explain spatio-temporal variation in occurrence and density of brown trout (Salmo trutta). Subpopulations in larger and less isolated lotic habitat patches had higher average densities and smaller between-year density fluctuations. Larger lotic habitat patches also had a lower predicted risk of excessive zero-catches, indicative of lower extinction risk. Trout density further increased with distance from the edge of adjacent lentic habitats with predator (Esox lucius) presence, suggesting that edge- and matrix-related mortality contributes to the observed patterns. These results can inform the prioritization of sites for habitat restoration, dam removal and reintroduction by highlighting the role of suitable habitat size and connectivity in population abundance and stability for riverine fish populations.
Context Matters! Depression following childbirth or a chronic disease diagnosis shows specific risk factor profiles
Authors: Jermy Bradley S , Hagenaars Saskia , Coleman Jonathan RI , Vassos Evangelos , Lewis Cathryn M
Published: October 2021

Progress towards understanding the etiology of major depression (MD) is compromised by its clinical heterogeneity. The variety of contexts underlying the development of a major depressive episode may contribute to such heterogeneity. Here, we aimed to compare risk factor profiles of three subgroups of MD according to episode context.

Using self-report questionnaires and administrative records from the UK Biobank, we characterised three contextual subgroups of MD: postpartum depression (3,581 cases), depression following diagnosis of a chronic disease (409 cases) and a more typical (named heterogeneous) MD phenotype excluding the two prior contexts (34,699 cases). Controls with the same exposure were also defined. We tested each subgroup for association with MD polygenic risk scores (PRS) and other risk factors previously associated with MD (bipolar disorder PRS, neuroticism, reported trauma in childhood and adulthood, socioeconomic status, family history of depression, education).

MD polygenic risk scores were associated with all subgroups, however, postpartum depression cases had higher PRS than heterogeneous MD cases (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02 – 1.10). Relative to heterogeneous depression, postpartum depression was more weakly associated with adulthood trauma and neuroticism. Relative to heterogeneous depression, depression following diagnosis of a chronic disease did not have higher MD polygenic risk scores but had weaker associations with neuroticism and reported trauma in adulthood and childhood.

The observed differences in risk factor profiles according to the context of a major depressive episode help provide insight into the heterogeneity of depression. Future studies dissecting such heterogeneity could help reveal more refined etiological insights.
The hallucinogenic serotonin2A receptor agonist, DOI, promotes CREB-dependent gene expression of specific plasticity-associated genes in the rodent neocortex
Authors: Desouza Lynette A. , Benekareddy Madhurima , Fanibunda Sashaina E. , Mohammad Farhan , Gur Tamar , Blendy Julie A. , Vaidya Vidita A.
Published: October 2021

Psychedelic compounds that target the 5-HT2A receptor are reported to evoke psychoplastogenic effects, including enhanced dendritic arborization and synaptogenesis. Transcriptional regulation of neuronal plasticity-associated genes is implicated in the cytoarchitectural effects of serotonergic psychedelics, however the transcription factors that drive this regulation are poorly elucidated. Here, we addressed the contribution of the transcription factor cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) in the regulation of neuronal plasticity-associated genes by the hallucinogenic 5-HT2A receptor agonist, DOI. In vitro studies with rat cortical neurons indicated that DOI enhances the phosphorylation of CREB (pCREB) through the MAP kinase and CaMKII pathways, with both cascades contributing to the DOI-evoked upregulation of Arc, Bdnf1, Cebpb and Egr2 expression, whilst the upregulation of Egr1 and cFos mRNA involved the MAP kinase and CaMKII pathway respectively. We observed a robust DOI-evoked increase in the expression of several neuronal plasticity-associated genes in the rat neocortex in vivo. Further, 5-HT2A receptor stimulation enhanced pCREB enrichment at putative cAMP response element (CRE) binding sites in the Arc, Bdnf1, Cebpb, cFos, but not Egr1 and Egr2, promoters in the rodent neocortex. The DOI-mediated transcriptional induction of Arc, cFos and Cebpb was significantly attenuated in the neocortex of CREB deficient (CREBαδ KO) mice. Collectively, these results indicate that the hallucinogenic 5-HT2A receptor agonist DOI leads to a rapid transcriptional upregulation of several neuronal plasticity-associated genes, with a subset of them exhibiting a CREB-dependent regulation. Our findings raise the intriguing possibility that similar to slow-acting classical antidepressants, rapid-action serotonergic psychedelics that target the 5-HT2A receptor may also recruit the transcription factor CREB to enhance the expression of neuronal plasticity-associated genes in the neocortex, which could in turn contribute to the rapid psychoplastogenic changes evoked by these compounds.
Lift the Veil of Breast Cancers Using Four or Fewer Critical Genes
Authors: Zhang Zhengjun
Published: October 2021

Tackling breast cancer problems is like mastering a puzzle, and the mystery is not yet solved. Reported key genes in the literature could not be confirmed whether they are vital to breast cancer formations due to lack of convincing accuracy, although they may be biologically directly related to breast cancer based on present biological knowledge. It is hoped vital genes can be identified with the highest possible accuracy, e.g., 100% accuracy and convincing causal patterns beyond what has been known in breast cancer. One hope is that finding gene-gene interaction signatures and functional effects may solve the puzzle. This research uses a recently developed competing linear factor analysis method in differentially expressed gene detection to advance the study of breast cancer formation to its deepest root level as deep as possible. Surprisingly, three genes are detected to be differentially expressed in TNBC, and non-TNBC (Her2, Luminal A, Luminal B) samples with 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity in one study of triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC, with 54675 genes and 265 samples). These three genes show a clear signature pattern of how TNBC patients can be grouped. For another TNBC study (with 54673 genes and 66 samples), four genes bring the same accuracy of 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Four genes are found to have the same accuracy of 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity in one breast cancer study (with 54675 genes and 121 samples), and the same four genes bring an accuracy of 100% sensitivity and 96.5% specificity in the fourth breast cancer study (with 60483 genes and 1217 samples.) These results show the four-gene-based classifiers are robust and accurate. The detected genes naturally classify patients into subtypes, e.g., seven subtypes. These findings demonstrate the clearest gene-gene interaction patterns and functional effects with the smallest numbers of genes and the highest accuracy compared with findings reported in the literature. The four genes are considered to be essential for breast cancer studies and practice. They can provide focused, targeted researches and precision medicine for each subtype of breast cancer. New breast cancer disease types may be detected using the classified subtypes, and hence new effective therapies can be developed.