bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on supercritical methane flow and heat transfer performance in a 180-degree curved duct
Authors: Han Changliang , Duan Jingying , Yin Sibei , Li Xibing
Published: October 2022

In this paper, an investigation into flow and heat transfer performance of supercritical methane (S-CH4) in a 180-degree curved circular duct has been numerically carried out. The mathematical description of energy equation induced by the Dean vortices under the Cartesian-coordinate is first deduced. After validating the dynamic computational fluid dynamics model and method against the public experimental data, the effect of mass flux on the thermodynamics properties of S-CH4 is revealed. The calculation results show that due to the centrifugal force, the low temperature of S-CH4 gathers near the outer wall generatrix. Meanwhile, owing to the existence of multiple Dean vortices, all thermophysical parameters on the 90° cross-section are symmetrically concave along the vertical axis. The core position of multiple Dean vortices inside the curved duct is closer to the inner wall generatrix, which makes the velocity fluctuation greater. The maximum value of circumferential heat transfer coefficient on different cross-sections differs, and the non-uniform flow development process occurs inside the curved duct. Compared to the straight duct, when the mass fluxes are respectively 300 kg/m2 · s and 600 kg/m2 · s, the magnitude of increase in heat transfer coefficient of curved duct presents 18.8% and 23.5%. In addition, the forced convection caused by the secondary flow inside curved duct is so strong that the natural convection by the gravity could be neglected. The research outcome is of vital importance for the optimization design of liquefied natural gas vaporizer.
Clinical characteristics and management of neurocysticercosis patients: a retrospective assessment of case reports from Europe
Authors: Stelzle Dominik , Abraham Annette , Kaminski Miriam , Schmidt Veronika , De Meijere Robert , Bustos Javier A , Garcia Hector Hugo , Sahu Priyadarshi Soumyaranjan , Bobić Branko , Cretu Carmen , Chiodini Peter , Dermauw Veronique , Devleesschauwer Brecht , Dorny Pierre , Fonseca Ana , Gabriël Sarah , Morales Maria Ángeles Gómez , Laranjo-González Minerva , Hoerauf Achim , Hunter Ewan , Jambou Ronan , Jurhar-Pavlova Maja , Reiter-Owona Ingrid , Sotiraki Smaragda , Trevisan Chiara , Vilhena Manuela , Walker Naomi F , Zammarchi Lorenzo , Winkler Andrea Sylvia
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a parasitic disease caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Taenia solium. NCC mainly occurs in Africa, Latin America and South-East Asia and can cause a variety of clinical signs/symptoms. Although it is a rare disease in Europe, it should nonetheless be considered as a differential diagnosis. The aim of this study was to describe clinical characteristics and management of patients with NCC diagnosed and treated in Europe.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search of published and unpublished data on patients diagnosed with NCC in Europe (2000–2019) and extracted demographic, clinical and radiological information on each case, if available.

Results

Out of 293 identified NCC cases, 59% of patients presented initially with epileptic seizures (21% focal onset); 52% presented with headache and 54% had other neurological signs/symptoms. The majority of patients had a travel or migration history (76%), mostly from/to Latin America (38%), Africa (32%) or Asia (30%). Treatment varied largely depending on cyst location and number. The outcome was favorable in 90% of the cases.

Conclusions

Management of NCC in Europe varied considerably but often had a good outcome. Travel and migration to and from areas endemic for T. solium will likely result in continued low prevalence of NCC in Europe. Therefore, training and guidance of clinicians is recommended for optimal patient management.
A Case of Fatal Clostridium perfringens Sepsis with Massive Hemolysis in the Setting of a Coincidental Platelet Transfusion
Authors: Boyd Frank A , O’Leary Mandy F , Benson Kaaron , Baluch Aliyah
Published: October 2022

A 62-year-old woman with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) died of shock and massive hemolysis shortly after receiving two platelet transfusions at a routine clinic visit. Subsequent investigation into what was initially believed to be an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction secondary to platelet transfusions revealed that the patient died of Clostridium perfringens sepsis leading to massive hemolysis. Further investigation ruled out bacterially-contaminated platelets since a patient blood sample from 2 days prior had Clostridium species. The unusual findings and management considerations for this oncology patient are reviewed and compared with previously reported cases of C. perfringens transfusion-transmitted infections. Oncology patients may be especially susceptible to unusual presentations involving unusual pathogens.
RAD@home citizen science discovery of an active galactic nucleus spewing a large unipolar radio bubble on to its merging companion galaxy
Authors: Hota Ananda , Dabhade Pratik , Vaddi Sravani , Konar Chiranjib , Pal Sabyasachi , Gulati Mamta , Stalin C S , Avinash Ck , Kumar Avinash , Rajoria Megha , Purohit Arundhati
Published: October 2022

Active galactic nucleus (AGN) feedback during galaxy merger has been the most favoured model to explain black hole–galaxy co-evolution. However, how the AGN-driven jet/wind/radiation is coupled with the gas of the merging galaxies, which leads to positive feedback, momentarily enhanced star formation, and subsequently negative feedback, a decline in star formation, is poorly understood. Only a few cases are known where the jet and companion galaxy interaction leads to minor off-axis distortions in the jets and enhanced star formation in the gas-rich minor companions. Here, we briefly report one extraordinary case, RAD12, discovered by RAD@home citizen science collaboratory, where for the first time a radio jet–driven bubble (∼ 137 kpc) is showing a symmetric reflection after hitting the incoming galaxy which is not a gas-rich minor but a gas-poor early-type galaxy in a major merger. Surprisingly, neither positive feedback nor any radio lobe on the counter jet side, if any, is detected. It is puzzling if RAD12 is a genuine one-sided jet or a case of radio lobe trapped, compressed and re-accelerated by shocks during the merger. This is the first imaging study of RAD12 presenting follow-up with the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope, archival MeerKAT radio data and Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope optical data.
Mazama gouazoubira(Cetartiodactyla: Cervidae)
Authors: Silva-Caballero Adrián , Ortega Jorge
Published: October 2022

Mazama gouazoubira (Fischer [von Waldheim], 1814) is an ungulate commonly called gray brocket deer. Six morphological forms have been described, but it is currently considered as monotypic. It is a widespread medium-sized cervid, sexually dimorphic with males having antlers. The geographic distribution of M. gouazoubira extends from the southern Amazon region to northern Argentina and Uruguay and stretches from east of the dry Andean range in Argentina and Bolivia, to the Atlantic Coast. It is the most abundant species of brocket deer in South America. Habitat loss and hunting are considered the major threats and it is listed as “Least Concern” (LC) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Olivines and Their Melt Inclusions in Potassic Volcanic Rocks Record Mantle Heterogeneity beneath the Southern Tibet
Authors: Zhou Jin-Sheng , Huang Cheng-Cheng , Wang Qiang , Ren Zhong-Yuan , Ma Lin , Hao Lu-Lu , Zhang Le
Published: October 2022

Constraints on mantle heterogeneity are important for understanding geochemical differentiation and recycling in Earth’s interior. Alkali basalts are of particular interest in this context due to the clear signatures of recycled components that they yield. Previous studies have focused more on oceanic basalts than on continental mafic rocks because the chemical and isotopic characteristics of the latter are often modified by crustal contamination; however, high-forsterite olivine crystals and olivine-hosted melt inclusions may record the compositions of primitive melts before extensive crustal contamination, providing valuable insights into mantle heterogeneity. Here we report the results of high-precision major-, minor-, and trace-element and Pb isotope analyses of olivine phenocrysts and melt inclusions from the Sailipu potassic alkali basalts from southern Tibet, which constrain the mantle source of continental potassic alkali basalts. The minor- and trace-element compositions of the olivine phenocrysts (e.g. Ni and Ca contents and 100 × Mn/Fe, 10 000 × Zn/Fe, and Ni/Co ratios) suggest that the primary magmas were derived from a phlogopite-bearing pyroxenite source in which peridotite residues were also present. The low- and high-Li contents of the olivine phenocrysts suggest the recycling of continental crustal material in their mantle source. Comparing the major-element compositions (e.g. SiO2, TiO2, Al2O3, MnO, CaO, and Na2O contents), FCMS and FCKANTMS parameters, and pseudo-ternary projections of the primary Sailipu magmas with experimental data suggests that the primary magmas were partial melts of olivine-poor or carbonated olivine-poor lithologies with a small amount of peridotite residue. The negative Nb and Ta and positive Pb anomalies seen in primitive mantle-normalized trace-element patterns and the extremely low Nb/U ratios of the melt inclusions suggest that recycling of continental crust was the main process involved in enriching the mantle source of the Sailipu magmas. The heterogeneous Pb isotopic compositions of the melt inclusions (208Pb/206Pb = 2.089 – 2.158; 207Pb/206Pb = 0.851 – 0.858) are consistent with the presence of peridotite residue in this source. The subduction of Indian continental crust introduced enriched material (including carbonatites) into the mantle.
Rapid eye movement sleep duration during the multiple sleep latency test to diagnose hypocretin-deficient narcolepsy
Authors: Lopez Régis , Barateau Lucie , Laura Rassu Anna , Evangelista Elisa , Chenini Sofiene , Scholz Sabine , Jaussent Isabelle , Dauvilliers Yves
Published: October 2022

Study Objectives

To assess the performances of alternative measures of the multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) to identify hypocretin-deficiency in patients with a complaint of hypersomnolence, including patients with narcolepsy.

Methods

MSLT parameters from 374 drug-free patients with hypersomnolence, with complete clinical and polysomnographic (PSG) assessment and cerebrospinal hypocretin-1 measurement were collected. Conventional (sleep latency, number of sleep onset REM—SOREM—periods) and alternative (sleep duration, REM sleep latency and duration, sleep stage transitions) MSLT measures were compared as function of hypocretin-1 levels (≤110 vs > 110 pg/mL). We performed receiver-operating characteristics analyses to determine the best thresholds of MSLT parameters to identify hypocretin-deficiency in the global population and in subgroups of patients with narcolepsy (i.e. typical cataplexy and/or positive PSG/MSLT criteria, n = 223).

Results

Patients with hypocretin-deficiency had shorter mean sleep and REM sleep latencies, longer mean sleep and REM sleep durations and more direct REM sleep transitions during the MSLT. The current standards of MSLT/PSG criteria identified hypocretin-deficient patients with a sensitivity of 0.87 and a specificity of 0.69, and 0.81/0.99 when combined with cataplexy. A mean REM sleep duration ≥ 4.1 min best identified hypocretin-deficiency in patients with hypersomnolence (AUC = 0.932, sensitivity 0.87, specificity 0.86) and ≥ 5.7 min in patients with narcolepsy (AUC = 0.832, sensitivity 0.77, specificity 0.82).

Conclusion

Compared to the current neurophysiological standard criteria, alternative MSLT parameters would better identify hypocretin-deficiency among patients with hypersomnolence and those with narcolepsy. We highlighted daytime REM sleep duration as a relevant neurophysiological biomarker of hypocretin-deficiency to be used in clinical and research settings.
Sleep variability over a 2-week period is associated with restfulness and intrinsic limbic network connectivity in adolescents
Authors: Baker Amanda E , Tashjian Sarah M , Goldenberg Diane , Galván Adriana
Published: October 2022

Study Objectives

Sleep duration and intraindividual variability in sleep duration undergo substantial changes in adolescence and impact brain and behavioral functioning. Although experimental work has linked acute sleep deprivation to heightened limbic responding and reduced regulatory control, there is limited understanding of how variability in sleep patterns might interact with sleep duration to influence adolescent functioning. This is important for optimal balancing of length and consistency of sleep. Here, we investigated how objective indices of sleep duration and variability relate to stress, restfulness, and intrinsic limbic network functioning in adolescents.

Methods

A sample of 101 adolescents ages 14–18 reported their stressors, after which they wore wrist actigraph watches to monitor their sleep and rated their restfulness every morning over a 2-week period. They also completed a resting-state fMRI scan.

Results

Adolescents reporting more stress experienced shorter sleep duration and greater sleep variability over the 2-week period. Longer nightly sleep duration was linked to feeling more rested the next morning, but this effect was reduced in adolescents with high cumulative sleep variability. Sleep variability showed both linear and quadratic effects on limbic connectivity: adolescents with high sleep variability exhibited more connectivity within the limbic network and less connectivity between the limbic and frontoparietal networks than their peers, effects which became stronger once variability exceeded an hour.

Conclusions

Results suggest that cumulative sleep variability is related to stress and limbic network connectivity and shows interactive effects with sleep duration, highlighting the importance of balancing length and consistency of sleep for optimal functioning in adolescence.
Crocin averts functional and structural rat hepatic disturbances induced by copper oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Yousef Doaa Mohammed , Hassan Heba Ahmed , Nafea Ola Elsayed , El Fattah Eman Ramadan Abd
Published: October 2022

Background

Exposure to nanoparticles became inevitable in our daily life due to their huge industrial uses. Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) are one of the most frequently utilized metal nanoparticles in numerous applications. Crocin (CRO) is a major active constituent in saffron having anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potentials.

Objectives

We designed this study to explore the probable defensive role of CRO against CuONPs-induced rat hepatic damage.

Materials and methods

Therefore, 24 adult rats were randomly distributed into 4 equal groups as negative control, CRO, CuONPs, and co-treated CuONPs with CRO groups. All treatments were administered for 14 days. The hepatotoxic effect of CuONPs was evaluated by estimation of hepatic alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase enzymes, hepatic oxidative malondialdehyde and antioxidant glutathione reduced, serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1-beta, and nuclear factor kappa B), and expression of the apoptotic BAX in hepatic tissues; in addition, histopathological examination of the hepatic tissues was conducted.

Results

We found that concurrent CRO supplement to CuONPs-treated rats significantly averted functional and structural rat hepatic damage as documented by decreased hepatic enzymes activities, restored hepatic oxidant/antioxidant balance, decreased serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers, reversed BAX-mediated apoptotic cell death in hepatic tissues along with repair of CuONPs-induced massive hepatic structural and ultrastructural alterations.

Conclusions

It is concluded that combined CRO supplement to CuONPs-treated rats improved hepatic function and structure by, at least in part, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic mechanisms.
Effective Management of Citrus Melanose Based on Combination of Ecofriendly Chemicals
Authors: Liu X. Y. , Chaisiri C. , Lin Y. , Fu Y. P. , Yin W. X. , Zhu F. X. , Li J. B. , Xiong B. , Wu H. , Xu A. , Luo C. X.
Published: October 2022

Citrus melanose, caused by the ascomycete fungus Diaporthe citri, is one of the most important diseases in China that affects not only the production but also the quality of citrus. In China, mancozeb is recommended to control melanose disease at the dose of 1.34 g/liter. However, it is widely applied in practice at the dose of 2.66 g/liter or even 4 g/liter, because reduced efficacy of the recommended dose was observed in regions severely damaged by melanose. In this study, some ecofriendly chemicals for melanose management were evaluated. First, the sensitivity to fungicides was screened in the laboratory based on the inhibition of mycelial growth and conidial germination of D. citri. Results showed that both quinone outside inhibitor (QoI) fungicides kresoxim-methyl and trifloxystrobin inhibited conidial germination of D. citri up to 100% at 0.1 μg/ml. The in vivo control efficacy on detached fruit indicated that treatments with elastic nanocopolymer film at 2 g/liter, mancozeb at 1 g/liter, and kresoxim-methyl at 0.1 g/liter significantly inhibited the infection process compared with the control treatment of mineral oil alone. In field trials, the efficacy of kresoxim-methyl at 0.1 g/liter and elastic nanocopolymer film at 2 g/liter mixed with mancozeb at 1 g/liter was equal to that of mancozeb at 2.66 g/liter. The use of mancozeb could be reduced greatly, and the newly developed fungicide combinations are more environmentally friendly due to the low toxicity of both QoI fungicides and elastic nanocopolymer film. The newly developed method with ecofriendly chemicals should play an important role in the management of citrus melanose in the future.
Colletotrichum acutatum: Causal Agent of Olive Anthracnose Isolation, Characterization, and Fungicide Susceptibility Screening in Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Nawaz Hafiz Husnain , Manzoor Ayesha , Iqbal Muhamad Zaffar , Ansar Muhammad Ramzan , Ali Muhammad , Muhammad Kakar Khair , Ali Awan Azmat , Weiguo Miao
Published: October 2022

Anthracnose of olive fruit caused by Colletotrichum acutatum was a severe epidemic disease in Pakistan that occurred in September 2020. The estimated disease incident was recorded as 59%. Anthracnose causes a significant reduction in yield and quality traits. Anthracnose has been found in several orchards. Agricultural practices, environmental factors, and disease aggressiveness vary between orchards. Therefore, we looked at spore size, cultural traits, morphological variation, growth pattern, and pathogenicity of different strains of C. acutatum from various orchards. Molecular and phylogenetic analysis confirmed the isolated strains as C. acutatum. In all, 15 C. acutatum isolates from olive orchards were tested for susceptibility to four commercial fungicides (P < 0.001). The examined isolates’ in vitro fungicide sensitivity varied with fungicide concentration. The concentration at which conidial germination was hindered by 50% compared with the control values was observed for difenoconazole, tebuconazole, carbendazim, and cyprodinil, ranging from 0.12 to 2.69 g ml−1. Based on the findings of the fungal growth inhibition studies, carbendazim has been found to be the only fungicide that effectively reduces (P < 0.001) anthracnose caused by C. acutatum strains. Additionally, results revealed that preharvest site treatments of different fungicides greatly decreased anthracnose infections on olive fruit (70 to 90%), and postharvest site applications significantly reduced disease prevalence and severity (75 to 95%). The fungicide carbendazim significantly decreased pre- and postharvest anthracnose infection on olive cultivars. This study suggests that the latter compound might be used to control olive anthracnose in Pakistan while lowering environmental impact and fungicide resistance.
The Clinical Microsystems Clerkship at University of California, San Francisco: Integrating Clinical Skills and Health Systems Improvement for Early Medical Students
Authors: Chang Anna , Pierluissi Edgar , Cornes Susannah , Ishizaki Allison , Teherani Arianne , Davis John A. , Hauer Karen E. , Lucey Catherine R.
Published: October 2022

Problem

Medical educators recognize that partnering actively with health system leaders closes significant health care experience, quality, and outcomes gaps. Medical schools have explored innovations training physicians to care for both individual patients and populations while improving systems of care. Yet, early medical student education fails to include systems improvement as foundational skills. When health systems science is taught, it is often separated from core clinical skills.

Approach

The Clinical Microsystems Clerkship at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, launched in 2016, integrates clinical skills training with health systems improvement from the start of medical school. Guided by communities of practice and workplace learning principles, it embeds first-year and second-year students in longitudinal clinical microsystems with physician coaches and interprofessional clinicians one day per week. Students learn medical history, physical examination, patient communication, interprofessional teamwork, and health systems improvement. Assessments include standardized patient examinations and improvement project reports. Program outcome measures include student satisfaction and attitudes, clinical skills performance, and evidence of systems improvement learning, including dissemination and scholarship.

Outcomes

Students reported high satisfaction (first-year, 4.10; second-year, 4.29, on a scale of 1–5) and value (4.14) in their development as physicians. Clinical skills assessment accuracy was high (70%–96%). Guided by interprofessional clinicians across 15 departments, students completed 258 improvement projects in 3 health systems (academic, safety net, Veterans Affairs). Sample projects reduced disparities in hypertension, improved opiate safety, and decreased readmissions. Graduating students reported both clinical skills and health systems knowledge as important to physician success, patient experience, and clinical outcomes (4.73). Most graduates discussed their projects in residency applications (85%) and disseminated related papers and presentations (54%).

Next Steps

Integrating systems improvement, interprofessional teamwork, and clinical skills training can redefine early medical student education. Health system perspectives, long-term outcomes, and sustainability merit further exploration.
Virtual Communication Across Differences: Development of a Workshop on Managing Patient Bias
Authors: Zewdie Monica , Duval Margaret , Liu Chang , Bachman Sharon L. , Moore L. Gordon , Mohess Denise , Kapadia Muneera R. , Dort Jonathan , Newcomb Anna B.
Published: October 2022

Problem

Despite the prevalence and detrimental effects of racial discrimination in American society and its health care systems, few medical schools have designed and implemented curricula to prepare medical students to respond to patient bias and racism.

Approach

During the summer of 2020, a virtual communication class was designed that focused on training medical students in how to respond to patient bias and racism. Following brief didactics at the start of the session, students practiced scenarios with actors in small groups and received direct feedback from faculty. For each scenario, students were instructed to briefly gather a patient’s history and schedule an appointment with the attending whose name triggered the patient to request an “American” provider. In one scenario, the patient’s request was motivated by untreated hearing loss and difficulty understanding accents. In another, it was motivated by racist views toward foreign physicians. Students were to use motivational interviewing (MI) to uncover the reasoning behind the request and respond appropriately. Students assessed their presession and postsession confidence on 5 learning objectives that reflect successful communication modeled after MI techniques.

Outcomes

Following the session, student skills confidence increased in exploring intentions and beliefs (P = .026), navigating a conversation with a patient exhibiting bias (P = .019) and using nonverbal skills to demonstrate empathy (P = .031). Several students noted that this was their first exposure to the topic in a medical school course and first opportunity to practice these skills under supervision.

Next Steps

The experience designing and implementing this module preparing students in responding to patient bias and racism suggests that such an effort is feasible, affordable, and effective. With the clear need for such a program and positive impact on student confidence navigating these discussions, including such training in medical school programs appears feasible and is strongly encouraged.
Mobile Health Application and Hypertension Management in Rural, Middle-Aged Adults
Authors: McManis Mitchell , O'Brien Tara , Zurmehly Joyce , Smith Laureen
Published: October 2022

Over 29% of the adult population in the United States are diagnosed with hypertension, and rates are significantly higher in those adults who live in rural areas. Hypertension is recognized as the most prevalent comorbidity and modifiable risk factor leading to premature death. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to determine if using a mobile phone–based health application called Medisafe could enhance medication adherence and improve blood pressure control in rural-dwelling adults. A small group (N = 14) of middle-aged (45-64 years old) patients with hypertension were recruited to download the free Medisafe phone-based health application. Patients utilized the Medisafe application between their initial visit and a 4- to 6-week follow-up. At the follow-up visit, 64% (n = 9) of participants improved their level of hypertension control by blood pressure classification and improved their scores on the medication adherence questionnaire. The findings from this quality improvement project suggest the Medisafe application is useful to enhance medication adherence and blood pressure control. Future research and quality improvement initiatives are necessary to determine the broader efficacy of phone-based health applications in the rural adult population.
Heterogeneity in Disparities in Life Expectancy Across US Metropolitan Areas
Authors: Schnake-Mahl Alina S. , Mullachery Pricila H. , Purtle Jonathan , Li Ran , Diez Roux Ana V. , Bilal Usama
Published: October 2022

Background:

Life expectancy in the United States has declined since 2014 but characterization of disparities within and across metropolitan areas of the country is lacking.

Methods:

Using census tract-level life expectancy from the 2010 to 2015 US Small-area Life Expectancy Estimates Project, we calculate 10 measures of total and income-based disparities in life expectancy at birth, age 25, and age 65 within and across 377 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) of the United States.

Results:

We found wide heterogeneity in disparities in life expectancy at birth across MSAs and regions: MSAs in the West show the narrowest disparities (absolute disparity: 8.7 years, relative disparity: 1.1), while MSAs in the South (absolute disparity: 9.1 years, relative disparity: 1.1) and Midwest (absolute disparity: 9.8 years, relative disparity: 1.1) have the widest life expectancy disparities. We also observed greater variability in life expectancy across MSAs for lower income census tracts (coefficient of variation [CoV] 3.7 for first vs. tenth decile of income) than for higher income census tracts (CoV 2.3). Finally, we found that a series of MSA-level variables, including larger MSAs and greater proportion college graduates, predicted wider life expectancy disparities for all age groups.

Conclusions:

Sociodemographic and policy factors likely help explain variation in life expectancy disparities within and across metro areas.
Endoscopic Visualization for Atypical Uveitis Glaucoma Hyphema Syndrome Management
Authors: Francis Brian A. , Dentone Peter , Heilweil Gad , Chopra Vikas , Nassiri Nariman
Published: October 2022

We discuss how ophthalmic endoscopy was used in the management of 6 cases with atypical uveitis glaucoma hyphema syndrome. For case 1, the endoscope was used to remove a retained haptic foreign body after an intraocular lens (IOL) exchange with an iris-sutured IOL for a complete capsular bag-IOL complex dislocation. In case 2, the endoscope was key in identifying the presence and location of vascular lesions at the site of previous pars plana sclerotomies. In case 3, the endoscope enabled visualization of a large segmental Soemmering’s Ring pushing a 3-piece IOL haptic into the posterior iris. For case 4, the endoscope allowed viewing of the sharp edge of the optic where the haptic of a one-piece lens had been amputated, and the sharp edge of the cut optic was anteriorly oriented and continuing to rub the posterior iris. In case 5, the endoscope confirmed the presence of 1 haptic of a 1-piece lens out of the capsular bag and in the sulcus space. Also, it showed that the capsular bag had inadequate zonular support to attempt repositioning the haptic into the bag. In case 6, the endoscope was helpful in identifying a 1-piece plate haptic IOL in the sulcus, with synechiae and anterior location causing iris bulging inferiorly.
Baseline 10-2 Visual Field Loss as a Predictor for Future Glaucoma Progression
Authors: Sullivan-Mee Michael , Kimura Bryan , Kee Helen , Hedayat Mahdi , Charry Nicole , Katiyar Suchitra , Pensyl Denise , Qualls Clifford
Published: October 2022

Précis:

Presence of baseline 10-2 visual field (VF) loss was the strongest predictor of future rate of 24-2 VF loss and development of new 24-2 progression events, suggesting a role for 10-2 VF testing in baseline glaucoma risk analysis.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between baseline 10-2 VF loss and future 24-2 VF loss.

Materials and Methods:

Subjects were participating in a prospective longitudinal study within a VA Medical Center outpatient eye clinic. Eligibility required 2 good quality baseline 10-2 VF tests followed by a minimum of 5 good quality 24-2 VF tests over at least 3 years. Longitudinal 24-2 VF testing was completed every 4–6 months after baseline 10-2 testing. Mixed model regression analyses and Cox Proportional Hazard regression analyses were completed to identify predictors of 24-2 mean deviation change rate and new VF loss events.

Results:

We studied 394 eyes of 202 subjects (119 primary open angle glaucoma and 83 glaucoma suspect). Over 6.7 (±1.5) years, 9.9 (±2.3) good quality 24-2 VF tests were completed. In mixed model regression analyses, baseline variables that predicted faster rate of 24-2 VF loss in order of strength of association were presence of baseline 10-2 VF defect, lower 24-2 mean deviation, and higher age. When analyses were completed without 10-2 variables, predictive capability of the model was reduced compared with when 10-2 variables were included. In Cox Proportional Regression analyses evaluating progression events, baseline 10-2 VF defect demonstrated the largest hazard ratio (22 times greater risk for developing future VF loss event in eyes with vs. without baseline 10-2 VF loss).

Conclusions:

Baseline 10-2 VF defect was the most effective predictor of subsequent 24-2 VF progression in this study. These findings imply that presence of baseline 10-2 VF loss may provide unique value for predicting future glaucoma progression.
The Diagnostic Utility of IDH2 R172 Immunohistochemistry in Tall Cell Carcinoma With Reversed Polarity of the Breast
Authors: Sasaki Eiichi , Iwakoshi Akari , Satake Tatsunari , Nakajima Kosei , Kobayashi Mizuho , Ando Yoshiaki , Koshikawa Takashi , Masago Katsuhiro , Honma Naoko , Nishimura Rieko , Kato Yukinari , Ichihara Shu
Published: October 2022

Tall cell carcinoma with reversed polarity (TCCRP) is a rare histologic type of low-grade breast cancer, consisting of tall columnar cells with reversed nuclear polarity and characterized by frequent IDH2 mutations. We herein report 3 cases of TCCRP with sequencing analyses of the IDH2 gene and immunohistochemical examination using monoclonal antibodies (11C8B1) against IDH2 R172. IDH2 R172 mutations were detected in all 3 resected tumors (R172S in 2 tumors and R172T in 1 tumor), and the presence of these mutations was confirmed by IDH2 R172 immunohistochemistry. Tumor cells of TCCRP showed strong and diffuse staining for the antibody against IDH2 R172. In 1 case, tumor tissue from 2 core needle biopsy samples collected on different days were also immunohistochemically positive for IDH2 R172. These results indicate that IDH2 R172 immunohistochemistry is suitable for the detection of TCCRP in both resection and biopsy samples. In addition, a literature review revealed that R172S and R172T account for 76% of IDH2 mutations in TCCRP, suggesting that 11C8B1, which reacts with R172S and R172T, was likely most sensitive for IDH2-mutated TCCRP among many available antibodies for IDH2 R172. Furthermore, the combination of 2 or more antibodies against IDH2 R172 could be more effective for detecting TCCRP mutation. However, it is important to note that IDH2 R172 immunohistochemistry is not absolute, because IDH2 wild type is found in a small proportion (10%) of cases, and a few cases of IDH2-mutated TCCRP may harbor rare subtypes of R172 that are not covered by available antibodies.
DEK::AFF2 Fusion Carcinomas of Head and Neck
Authors: Ruangritchankul Komkrit , Sandison Ann
Published: October 2022

A novel DEK::AFF2 fusion carcinoma was recently described in 29 patients who originally presented with non-viral–associated nonkeratinizing squamous cell carcinoma. The tumors occurred at multiple sites in the head and neck including in the sinonasal tract, middle ear, and temporal bone. This tumor behaves aggressively involving adjacent vital structures, frequently recurs, and is inclined to develop lymph node and distant metastasis. This review aims to summarize the demographic, clinical, pathologic, immunophenotypic features, and pattern of molecular alterations as well as to discuss the differential diagnosis of DEK::AFF2 fusion carcinoma.
Intravascular Large B-Cell Lymphoma Genomic Profile Is Characterized by Alterations in Genes Regulating NF-κB and Immune Checkpoints
Authors: Gonzalez-Farre Blanca , Ramis-Zaldivar Joan E. , Castrejón de Anta Natalia , Rivas-Delgado Alfredo , Nadeu Ferran , Salmeron-Villalobos Julia , Enjuanes Anna , Karube Kennosuke , Balagué Olga , Cobo Francesc , Kelleher Nicholas , Victoria Ingrid , Veloza Luis , Teixido Cristina , Giné Eva , Lopez-Guerra Mónica , Quintanilla-Martinez Leticia , Lopez-Guillermo Armando , Salaverria Itziar , Campo Elias
Published: October 2022

Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) is an uncommon lymphoma with an aggressive clinical course characterized by selective growth of tumor cells within the vessels. Its pathogenesis is still uncertain and there is little information on the underlying genomic alterations. In this study, we performed a clinicopathologic and next-generation sequencing analysis of 15 cases of IVLBCL using a custom panel for the detection of alterations in 68 recurrently mutated genes in B-cell lymphomagenesis. Six patients had evidence of hemophagocytic syndrome. Four patients presented concomitantly a solid malignancy. Tumor cells outside the vessels were observed in 7 cases, 2 with an overt diffuse large B-cell cell lymphoma. In 4 samples, tumor cells infiltrated lymphatic vessel in addition to blood capillaries. Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) was positive in tumor cells in 4 of 11 evaluable samples and in macrophages intermingled with tumor cells in 8. PD-L1 copy number gains were identified in a higher proportion of cases expressing PD-L1 than in negative tumors. The most frequently mutated gene was PIM1 (9/15, 60%), followed by MYD88
L265P and CD79B (8/15, 53% each). In 6 cases, MYD88
L265P and CD79B mutations were detected concomitantly. We also identified recurrent mutations in IRF4, TMEM30A, BTG2, and ETV6 loci (4/15, 27% each) and novel driver mutations in NOTCH2, CCND3, and GNA13, and an IRF4 translocation in 1 case each. The mutational profile was similar in patients with and without evidence of hemophagocytic syndrome and in cases with or without dissemination of tumor cells outside the vessels. Our results confirm the relevance of mutations in B-cell receptor/nuclear factor-κB signaling and immune escape pathways in IVLBCL and identify novel driver alterations. The similar mutational profile in tumors with extravascular dissemination suggests that these cases may also be considered in the spectrum of IVLBCL.
An early nimravid from California and the rise of hypercarnivorous mammals after the middle Eocene climatic optimum
Authors: Poust Ashley W. , Barrett Paul Z. , Tomiya Susumu
Published: October 2022

Carnivoraforms (crown carnivorans and their closest relatives) first occupied hypercarnivorous niches near the dawn of the late Eocene, 40–37 Ma. This followed the decline or extinction of earlier carnivorous groups, Mesonychia and Oxyaenodonta, leaving carnivoraforms and hyaenodontan meat-eaters as high trophic level consumers. The pattern of this change and the relative contributions of the taxonomic groups has hitherto been unclear. We report a new genus and species of the sabretoothed mammalian carnivore family Nimravidae,
Pangurban egiae
, from the Eocene Pomerado Conglomerate of southern California, with strongly derived hypercarnivorous features. While geochronologically the oldest named nimravid in North America,
Pangurban egiae
is recovered as phylogenetically derived, with affinities to
Hoplophoneus
. This provides unequivocal evidence for rapid radiation and spread of nimravid carnivores across Asia and North America and constrains the timing of early divergences within the family.
Pangurban egiae
narrows the gap between convergent iterations of sabretoothed mammalian carnivores and demonstrates swift diversification of the hypercarnivorous nimravids during a period of global climatic instability. Furthermore, it highlights the top-to-bottom restructuring North American ecosystems underwent during the Eocene–Oligocene transition, resulting in carnivoraforms taking positions as trophic specialists for the first time, a niche they still occupy today.
Timing of reproduction modifies transgenerational effects of chronic exposure to stressors in an annual vertebrate
Authors: Magierecka Agnieszka , Aristeidou Antreas , Papaevripidou Maria , Gibson John K. , Sloman Katherine A. , Metcalfe Neil B.
Published: October 2022

Stressful environmental conditions can shape both an individual's phenotype and that of its offspring. However, little is known about transgenerational effects of chronic (as opposed to acute) stressors, nor whether these vary across the breeding lifespan of the parent. We exposed adult female (F0 generation) three-spined sticklebacks (
Gasterosteus aculeatus
) to chronic environmental stressors and compared their reproductive allocation with that of non-exposed controls across early, middle and late clutches produced within the single breeding season of this annual population. There was a seasonal trend (but no treatment difference) in F0 reproductive allocation, with increases in egg mass and fry size in late clutches. We then tested for transgenerational effects in the non-exposed F1 and F2 generations. Exposure of F0 females to stressors resulted in phenotypic change in their offspring and grandoffspring that were produced late in their breeding lifespan: F1 offspring produced from the late-season clutches of stressor-exposed F0 females had higher early life survival, and subsequently produced heavier eggs and F2 fry that were larger at hatching. Changed maternal allocation due to a combination of seasonal factors and environmental stressors can thus have a transgenerational effect by influencing the reproductive allocation of daughters, especially those born late in life.
Micromonospora antibiotica sp. nov. and Micromonospora humidisoli sp. nov., two new actinobacterial species exhibiting antimicrobial potential
Authors: Lee Dong Hyeon , Ra Jun Sik , Kim Min Ji , Kim Seung Bum
Published: October 2022

Two novel actinobacterial strains, designated MMS20-R2-23T and MMS20-R2-29T, were isolated from riverside soil and subjected to taxonomic characterization. Both strains were Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, non-motile and filamentous, and formed orange to strong orange-brown coloured colonies, which later turned black. Both strains grew optimally at mesophilic temperatures, neutral to slightly alkaline pH and in the absence of NaCl. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the two novel strains fell into phylogenetic clusters belonging to the genus

Micromonospora

. Strains MMS20-R2-23T and MMS20-R2-29T showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to

Micromonospora phytophila

SG15T (99.3 %) and

Micromonospora humida

MMS20-R1-14T (99.4 %), respectively. Based on the comparative genome analysis, strain MMS20-R2-23T had the highest orthologous average nucleotide identity (orthoANI) value of 92.70 % with

Micromonospora matsumotoense

DSM 44100T, and MMS20-R2-29T shared 94.99 % with

Micromonospora wenchangensis

CCTCC AA 2012002T. Besides, the digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) values of MMS20-R2-23T and MMS20-R2-29T with the same species were 47.6 and 59.2% respectively, which were also highest among the compared species, thus confirming the separation of each strain at species level from related species. The orthoANI and dDDH values between MMS20-R2-23T and MMS20-R2-29T were 92.18 and 44.9% respectively. The genomes of strains MMS20-R2-23T and MMS20-R2-29T were estimated as 7.56 Mbp and 7.13 Mbp in size, and the DNA G+C contents were 72.5 and 72.9 mol%, respectively. The chemotaxonomic properties of both strains were consistent with those of the genus. The novel strains showed antimicrobial activity against a broad range of microbes, in particular Gram-positive bacteria and yeasts. It is evident that each of the isolated strains merits recognition as representing novel species of

Micromonospora

, for which the names Micromonospora antibiotica sp. nov. (type strain=MMS20-R2-23T=KCTC 49542T=JCM 34495T) and Micromonospora humidisoli sp. nov. (type strain=MMS20-R2-29T=KCTC 49543T=JCM 34496T) are proposed.
Photorhabdus antumapuensis sp. nov., a novel symbiotic bacterial species associated with Heterorhabditis atacamensis entomopathogenic nematodes
Authors: Castaneda-Alvarez Carlos , Machado Ricardo A. R. , Morales-Montero Patricia , Boss Anja , Muller Arthur , Prodan Simona , Zamorano Alan , San-Blas Ernesto , Půža Vladimír , Aballay Erwin
Published: October 2022

One motile, Gram-negative, non-spore-forming and rod-shaped symbiotic bacterium, strain UCH-936T, was isolated from Heterorhabditis atacamensis nematodes. Results of biochemical, physiological, molecular and genomic analyses suggest that it represents a new species, which we propose to name Photorhabdus antumapuensis sp. nov. Digital DNA–DNA hybridization shows that strain UCH-936T is more closely related to

Photorhabdus kleinii

DSM 23513T, but shares solely 50.5 % similarity, which is below the 70% cut-off value that delimits species boundaries in bacteria. Phylogenetic reconstructions using whole-genome sequences show that strain UCH-936T forms a unique clade, suggesting its novel and distinct taxonomic status again. Similarly, comparative genomic analyses shows that the virulence factor flagella-related gene fleR, the type IV pili-related gene pilL and the vibriobactin-related gene vibE are present in the genome of strain UCH-936T but absent in the genomes of its closest relatives. Biochemically and physiologically, UCH-936T differs also from all closely related

Photorhabdus

species. Therefore, Photorhabdus antumapuensis sp. nov. is proposed as a new species with the type strain UCH-936T (CCCT 21.06T=CCM 9188T=CCOS 1991T).
Aquimarina acroporae sp. nov., isolated from seawater surrounding scleractinian coral Acropora digitifera
Authors: Sun Hao , Rao Chunhao , Yang Xiaozhou , Xie Ziqiang , Chen Bogui , Zheng Huina , Liao Baolin , Xiao Baohua
Published: October 2022

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped bacterium (D1M17T) was isolated from the seawater surrounding scleractinian coral Acropora digitifera in Daya Bay, Shenzhen, PR China. Strain D1M17T grew with 0–10 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 3–4 %), at 15–37 °C (optimum, 28 °C) and at pH 4.5–8.5 (optimum, pH 7.0–7.5). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain D1M17T formed a lineage within the genus

Aquimarina

, family

Flavobacteriaceae

, and it was distinct from the most closely related species

Aquimarina salinaria

LMG 25375T,

Aquimarina gracilis

JCM 17453T and

Aquimarina spongiae

KCTC 22663T with 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 97.2, 97.2 and 97.1 %, respectively. The major respiratory quinone was MK-6. The predominant fatty acids (more than 10 %) were iso-C15 : 0 (28.8 %), iso-C17 : 0 3-OH (21.5 %) and iso-C15 : 1 G (13.1 %). The DNA G+C content of D1M17T was 34.4 mol%. The polar lipids in D1M17T comprised one phospholipid and five unknown polar lipids. Phenotypic characteristics (physiological, biochemical and chemotaxonomic) also supported the taxonomic novelty of this isolate. Thus, strain D1M17T is considered to represent a novel species within the genus

Aquimarina

, for which the name Aquimarina acroporae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is D1M17T (=KCTC 92172T= MCCC 1K07224T).
Prior information enhances tactile representation in primary somatosensory cortex
Authors: Kassraian Pegah , Rabe Finn , Enz Nadja , Maathuis Marloes , Wenderoth Nicole
Published: October 2022

Perception and adaptive decision making rely on the integration of incoming sensory input with prior knowledge or expectations. While tactile stimuli play a significant role in shaping our perception and decision making, if and how prior information modulates the representation of tactile stimuli in early somatosensory cortices is largely unknown. Here, we employed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and a vibrotactile detection paradigm to study the effect of prior information on tactile perception and tactile stimulus representation in early somatosensory areas. The supra-voxel somatotopic organization of early somatosensory areas allowed us to assess the effect of prior information on finger-specific representations. We found that vibrotactile stimuli congruent with expectations are associated with improved vibrotactile detection performance and a decrease of the mean blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signal in the contralateral primary somatosensory cortex (S1). Concurrently, finger-specific activity associated with anticipated vibrotactile stimulation revealed higher multivariate decoding accuracies and better alignment with S1’s somatotopic organization. In addition, we observed that prior information induced somatotopically organized activity in contralateral S1 even before tactile stimulation onset. The accuracy of the multivariate decoding of stimulus-specific expectations was therefore strongly associated with upcoming behavioral detection performance. Thus, our results reveal a role for S1 in the integration of upcoming tactile stimuli with prior information based on its somatotopic organization as well as the presence of behaviorally relevant activity in S1 before stimulation onset.