bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rtr1 is required for Rpb1‐Rpb2 assembly of RNAPII and prevents their cytoplasmic clump formation
Authors: Ma Lujie , Wang Le , Gao Mengdi , Zhang Xinjie , Zhao Xiangdong , Xie Debao , Zhang Jing , Wang Zhen , Hou Lifeng , Zeng Fanli
Published: October 2022

RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) is an essential machinery for catalyzing mRNA synthesis and controlling cell fate in eukaryotes. Although the structure and function of RNAPII have been relatively defined, the molecular mechanism of its assembly process is not clear. The identification and functional analysis of assembly factors will provide new understanding to transcription regulation. In this study, we identify that RTR1, a known transcription regulator, is a new multicopy genetic suppressor of mutants of assembly factors Gpn3, Gpn2, and Rba50. We demonstrate that Rtr1 is directly required to assemble the two largest subunits of RNAPII by coordinating with Gpn3 and Npa3. Deletion of RTR1 leads to cytoplasmic clumping of RNAPII subunit and multiple copies of RTR1 can inhibit the formation of cytoplasmic clump of RNAPII subunit in gpn3‐9 mutant, indicating a new layer function of Rtr1 in checking proper assembly of RNAPII. In addition, we find that disrupted activity of Rtr1 phosphatase does not trigger the formation of cytoplasmic clump of RNAPII subunit in a catalytically inactive mutant of RTR1. Based on these results, we conclude that Rtr1 cooperates with Gpn3 and Npa3 to assemble RNAPII core.
Exploring Environmental Factors Contributing to Fluid Loss in Diapers Placed in Neonatal Incubators
Authors: Jones-Hepler Bonnie , Silva Susan , Elmore Kristen , Vance Ashlee , Harney Jane , Brandon Debra
Published: October 2022

Purpose:

Assessing fluid output for infants in the neonatal intensive care unit is essential to understanding fluid and electrolyte balance. Wet diaper weights are used as standard practice to quantify fluid output; yet, diaper changes are intrusive and physiologically distressing. Less frequent diaper changes may have physiologic benefits but could alter diaper weights following extended intervals.

Methods:

This pilot study examined the impact of initial diaper fluid volume, incubator air temperature and humidity, and diaper brand on wet diaper weight over time. Baseline fluid volume was instilled, and then diapers were placed in a neonatal incubator. Wet diaper weight was assessed longitudinally to determine changes in fluid volume over time. A factorial design with repeated measures (baseline, 3 hours, and 6 hours) was used to explore the effects of diaper brand (brand 1 vs brand 2), baseline fluid volume (3 mL vs 5 mL), and incubator temperature (28°C vs 36°C) and humidity (40% vs 80%) on the trajectory of weight in 80 diapers.

Results:

Wet diaper weight was significantly reduced over 6 hours (P < .005). However, wet diaper weight increased in 80% humidity, but decreased in the 40% humidity over time (P < .0001). Baseline fluid volume, incubator temperature, and diaper brand did not influence wet diaper weight over time (all P > .05).

Implications:

Understanding environmental factors that influence the trajectory of wet diaper weight may support clinicians in optimizing the interval for neonatal diaper changes to balance the impact of intrusive care with need to understand fluid volume loss.
Spin in the Abstracts of Meta-analyses and Systematic Reviews: Midshaft Clavicle Fracture
Authors: Gulbrandsen Matthew T. , Filler Ryan J. , Rice Richard Casey , Chung Jun Ho , Gulbrandsen Trevor R. , Phipatanakul Wesley P. , Liu Joseph N.
Published: October 2022

Objectives:

Spin is a reporting bias that presents the beneficial effect of an experimental treatment as greater than what is found in the results of the study. This bias can result in patient care recommendations that are more subjective than objective. The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of spin in meta-analysis and systematic review abstracts regarding treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures.

Methods:

Electronic libraries (MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) were systematically searched. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews regarding treatment of midshaft clavicular fractures were analyzed. The 9 most severe types of spin commonly found in abstracts were used as an evaluation tool to assess the articles. Other variables analyzed include year of publication, journal impact factor, number of citations, and methodologic quality according to A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews 2.

Results:

The database search resulted in 401 articles, of which 53 met inclusion criteria. After review, it was found that 52.8% (28/53) of the included articles contained spin within the abstract. Of the 9 most severe types of spin found in abstracts, type 3 spin (“selective reporting of or overemphasis on efficacy outcomes or analysis favoring the beneficial effect of the experimental intervention”) was found to be the most prevalent 28.3% (15/53).

Conclusions:

This study demonstrated the presence of spin in the majority of meta-analyses and systematic review abstracts pertaining to midshaft clavicular fractures. Orthopaedic surgeons should be aware and recognize spin as they review articles when deciding the treatment course for such injuries.
Epidemiology of ICU-Onset Bloodstream Infection: Prevalence, Pathogens, and Risk Factors Among 150,948 ICU Patients at 85 U.S. Hospitals*
Authors: Gouel-Cheron Aurelie , Swihart Bruce J. , Warner Sarah , Mathew Lauren , Strich Jeffrey R. , Mancera Alex , Follmann Dean , Kadri Sameer S.
Published: October 2022

OBJECTIVES:

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) acquired in the ICU represent a detrimental yet potentially preventable condition. We determined the prevalence of BSI acquired in the ICU (ICU-onset BSI), pathogen profile, and associated risk factors.

DESIGN:

Retrospective cohort study.

DATA SOURCES:

Eighty-five U.S. hospitals in the Cerner Healthfacts Database.

PATIENT SELECTION:

Adult hospitalizations between January 2009 and December 2015 including a (≥ 3 d) ICU stay.

DATA EXTRACTION AND DATA SYNTHESIS:

Prevalence of ICU-onset BSI (between ICU Day 3 and ICU discharge) and associated pathogen and antibiotic resistance distributions were compared with BSI present on (ICU) admission (ICU-BSIPOA); and BSI present on ICU admission day or Day 2. Cox models identified risk factors for ICU-onset BSI among host, care setting, and treatment-related factors. Among 150,948 ICU patients, 5,600 (3.7%) had ICU-BSIPOA and 1,306 (0.9%) had ICU-onset BSI. Of those with ICU-BSIPOA, 4,359 (77.8%) were admitted to ICU at hospital admission day. Patients with ICU-onset BSI (vs ICU-BSIPOA) displayed higher crude mortality of 37.9% (vs 20.4%) (p < 0.001) and longer median (interquartile range) length of stay of 13 days (8–23 d) (vs 5 d [3–8 d]) (p < 0.001) (considering all ICU stay). Compared with ICU-BSIPOA, ICU-onset BSI displayed more Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Enterococcus, Candida, and Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species, and more methicillin-resistant staphylococci, vancomycin-resistant enterococci, ceftriaxone-resistant Enterobacter, and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales and Acinetobacter species, respectively. Being younger, male, Black, Hispanic, having greater comorbidity burden, sepsis, trauma, acute pulmonary or gastrointestinal presentations, and pre-ICU exposure to antibacterial and antifungal agents was associated with greater ICU-onset BSI risk after adjusted analysis. Mixed ICUs (vs medical or surgical ICUs) and urban and small/medium rural hospitals were also associated with greater ICU-onset BSI risk. The associated risk of acquiring ICU-onset BSI manifested with any duration of mechanical ventilation and 7 days after insertion of central venous or arterial catheters.

CONCLUSIONS:

ICU-onset BSI is a serious condition that displays a unique pathogen and resistance profile compared with ICU-BSIPOA. Further scrutiny of modifiable risk factors for ICU-onset BSI may inform control strategies.
Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) Clinical Normative Data for Gulf War Veterans
Authors: Reinhard Matthew J. , Allen Nathaniel , Crock Lucas E. , McCarron Kelly K. , Veltkamp Gladys M. , Brewster Ryan C.
Published: October 2022

Objective

Heterogenous test batteries and methods applied in neurocognitive research on Gulf War Veterans (GWVs) limit the translation of findings to clinical practice. A clinical data set is necessary.

Methods

Neurocognitive screening data from treatment-seeking GWVs were collected from multiple sites and compiled, informed by consideration of performance validity.

Results

Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status scores revealed the cognitive profile for GWVs (n = 189) as poorer across multiple domains when compared with similarly educated, nonveteran peers. However, mean scores generally remained within normal clinical limits. Data tables are presented to establish a comparison group for use in clinical care.

Conclusions

When assessing cognitive symptoms in GWVs, attention to education level and interpretation of subtle deficits is warranted. Current results highlight the importance of nuanced translation of neurocognitive research findings into clinical practice with GWVs.
Facilitating Mental Health Treatment Through Proactive Screening and Concierge Services in the Workplace
Authors: Fragala Maren S. , Tong Carmen H. , Hunter Jennifer L. , Jelovic Nicole A. , Hayward Joanna I. , Carr Susan , Kim Paul M. , Peters Matthew E. , Birse Charles E.
Published: October 2022

Objective

The aim of this study is to determine if a proactive employer-sponsored mental health program closed gaps in detection and treatment of mental health conditions.

Methods

Of n = 56,442 eligible, n = 8170 (14.5%) participated in the optional screening. Participants with mental health risk were offered care concierge services including support, care planning, and connection to care. Difference in behavioral health care utilization, diagnoses, and prescriptions were evaluated postintervention through claims analysis.

Results

Compared with controls (n = 2433), those receiving concierge services (n = 369) were more likely to fill mental health prescriptions (adjusted hazards ratio [HR], 1.2; 1.0–1.5; P = 0.042), use professional mental health services (adjusted HR, 1.4; 1.1–1.8; P = 0.02), and use new mental health services (adjusted HR, 1.9; 1.2–2.8; P = 0.004) in the following 6 months.

Conclusions

This proactive mental health program with care concierge services identified risk, connected individuals to mental health care, and facilitated mental health treatment, among program participants.
A nurse practitioner–led telehealth protocol to improve diabetes outcomes in primary care
Authors: Momin Rashmi P. , Kobeissi Mahrokh M. , Casarez Rebecca L. , Khawaja Mubarak
Published: October 2022

Background:

Diabetes-related complications contribute to a costly health burden in the United States. Telehealth (TH) is a tool that can increase access to care and offer ongoing support for chronic disease self-management.

Local Problem:

A primary care practice in Texas needed a method to manage an influx of patients with uncontrolled diabetes and improve type 2 diabetes outcomes using nurse practitioner (NP) TH appointments.

Methods:

Thirty patients meeting inclusion criteria participated in monthly TH check-ins and followed monthly for 3 months. Baseline and postintervention diabetes laboratory studies (hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c], estimated glomerular filtration rate, and microalbumin) were collected.

Interventions:

During each monthly TH visit, an NP-led diabetes TH QI protocol was implemented. The Telehealth Usability Questionnaire was administered to patients after the 3-month intervention.

Results:

The TH QI protocol resulted in an overall ∼1% reduction in HbA1c. Over 73% of participants experienced various reductions of HbA1c, of which 2.3% achieved a postintervention HbA1c <7%, indicating controlled diabetes. Kidney function indicated by eGFR improved by 7 ml/min/1.73 m2 in 83% of participating patients. At the end of the 3-month intervention, 84% of participants expressed overall satisfaction with TH appointments.

Conclusions:

Interventions using TH to improve chronic disease may be useful in diabetes outcomes and self-management. Monthly TH visits can improve patient outcomes, reduce complications, and enhance the patient–provider relationship. Preventive self-care activities and long-term use of TH visits for self-management are implications for future studies.
Risk Factors for Death and Severe Neurological Sequelae in Childhood Bacterial Meningitis
Authors: Lovera Dolores , Amarilla Sara , Araya Soraya , Galeano Fernando , González Nicolas , Martínez de Cuellar Celia , Apodaca Silvio , Arbo Antonio
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) continues to be a challenge from a diagnostic and therapeutic point of view. Identifying severity risk factors and predictive scores may guide interventions to reduce poor outcome.

Methods

Data from a retrospective study for ABM in children admitted to the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Paraguay was analyzed. ABM was defined as positive cerebrospinal fluid culture, positive latex agglutination, or identification of microorganism by real time-polymerase chain reaction. Univariate and multivariate analyses of risk factors at hospital admission that predicted major morbidity or death during hospitalization were performed. A point-based scoring system that included variables, which were clearly different among those who passed away, was constructed.

Results

One hundred fourteen children hospitalized with ABM were eligible for the study. The mean age was 46 ± 57 months (range, 1–192 months). The observed mortality was 33% (38/114 patients). When a point-based scoring system was used, for score of 0 (n = 29) and 1 (n = 12), no death was observed. Among patients with a score of 2 (n = 14), 3 (n = 10 patients), 4 (n = 12 patients), and 5 (n = 13 patients), the mortality rate was 14.3%, 40%, 50%, and 53.8%, respectively. When the score was 6 or higher, the mortality rate was at least 63.6%.

Conclusions

The present score accurately discriminated the probability of death in children hospitalized with ABM, and it could be a useful tool to select candidates for admission to the intensive care unit and for adjunctive therapy in clinical trials.
Foreign Body Ingestion and Management in Children
Authors: Salman Hakan , Gürsoy Koca Tuğba , Dereci Selim , Akçam Mustafa
Published: October 2022

Objective

The aim of the study is to evaluate of the children who came to our hospital with the complaint of foreign body (FB) ingestion and were treated.

Methods

A retrospective evaluation was made of the records of children who presented at our institution between January 2014 and August 2021 with the complaint of FB ingestion.

Results

Evaluation was made of 297 children, comprising 121 female children (40.7%) with a mean age of 61.1 ± 50.3 months (range, 4–202 months). The ingested FB most frequently was coins (n = 88, 29.6%). The most common complaint on presentation was vomiting in 47 cases (15.8%). Endoscopy was applied to 75 cases (25.3%), and most common FB was removed from the upper esophagus in 31 cases (41.3%). The most frequently removed FB was coins at the rate of 40%. Of the 211 cases left to a spontaneous course, 117 were in the intestines, 22 in the stomach, and in 72 cases localization could not be determined on conventional radiography as the FB was not opaque. In 7 cases with a bolus of food caught in the esophagus, 3 had corrosive esophagus stricture (1 case with colon transposition), 2 had operated esophagus atresia, 1 had eosinophilic esophagitis, and 1 had congenital esophagus stricture.

Conclusions

Although there can be serious outcomes, there is spontaneous expulsion in most cases. However, a significant proportion requires a timely endoscopic procedure. Attention must be paid to underlying diseases when FBs, such as a food bolus, are in the esophagus.
Quantitative Assessment of Bone Marrow Activity Using 18F-FLT PET in Aplastic Anemia and Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Authors: Tasaki Toshiki , Tsujikawa Tetsuya , Hosono Naoko , Mori Tetsuya , Makino Akira , Kiyono Yasushi , Okazawa Hidehiko , Yamauchi Takahiro
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Peripheral cytopenias are typical of blood test abnormalities associated with a variety of conditions, including aplastic anemia (AA) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs). We prospectively investigated the feasibility of quantitative analysis of whole-body bone marrow activity using PET with 3′-deoxy-3′-18F-fluorothymidine (18F-FLT) in AA and MDS.

Patients and Methods

Sixty-eight patients with cytopenia underwent 18F-FLT PET/MRI scan, with simultaneous bone marrow aspiration and biopsy for hematopoiesis evaluation. SUVs were measured in the vertebrae (Th3, 6, and 9 and L3), bilateral iliac crests, and extremities. SUV and bone marrow pathology were compared between AA and MDS and analyzed in relation to severity of AA and prognosis of MDS.

Results

Of the 68 patients with cytopenia, 12 were diagnosed with AA, 27 with MDS, 12 with bone marrow neoplasia, 2 with myelofibrosis, and 15 with other conditions. Iliac 18F-FLT SUVs were significantly correlated with bone marrow cell numbers and cell density (r = 0.47, P < 0.001 and ρ = 0.65, P < 0.001, respectively). There was a significant positive correlation between iliac and vertebral SUVs in AA and MDS (r = 0.65, P < 0.05 and r = 0.70, P < 0.001, respectively), and the slope of the regression line was significantly steeper in AA than in MDS (P < 0.05). In AA patients, vertebral 18F-FLT SUVs significantly decreased with disease progression, and in MDS patients, higher whole-body 18F-FLT uptake was associated with shorter overall survival (hazards ratio, 3.18; 95% confidence interval, 1.07–9.47; P = 0.037).

Conclusions

Quantitative whole-body bone marrow imaging using 18F-FLT PET helps distinguish AA from MDS and assess the severity of AA and prognosis of MDS.
A Novel Punch Technique for Facial Pigmented Melanocytic Nevus
Authors: Cao Zhe , Li Shu Hua , Shan Xiu Juan , Fang Xian Gang , Li Hui , Xu Zuo Jiao , Liang Xiao-Qin , Wang Zhen Hua , Tao Shu Jie , Lu Juan Juan
Published: October 2022

The punch tool is a swift and practical instrument in the facial pigmented melanocytic nevus. However, few studies have evaluated the efficacy of the method for facial pigmented nevus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the practicability and effectiveness of removing facial pigmented nevus by punch biopsy technique. This was an observational study of patients with facial pigmented nevus in the Hospital of Plastic Surgery, Weifang Medical University. The ages of patients ranged from 15 to 36 years (average, 25 y). The outcome evaluations included Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) score, esthetic appearance, and patient satisfaction. Following standard procedures, preoperative surgical excision was performed with safety margins. Anatomopathologic analysis of the surgical specimen was used as the gold standard to evaluate the accuracy of diagnosis by punch biopsy. From January 2019 to January 2020, this punch technique was carried out on 96 patients (151 pigmented nevus) with 35 melanocytic nevus on the forehead, 39 on the cheek, 21 on the eyelid, and 45 on the nose, whereas 11 were on nasolabial folds. The diameters of pigmented nevus are 0.5 to 10 mm on the face. All patients were evaluated at a follow-up visit ranging from 6 to 20 months (average, 11±1.5 mo) and healed with no complication. The histopathological examinations of the skin lesions showed benign outcomes. The mean Vancouver Scar Scale were 1.1±0.4. Ideal cosmetic and functional outcomes were achieved in 94 patients (97.9%). All patients achieved complete satisfaction except 2 patients with partial satisfaction. No recurrences and complications were recorded. This study demonstrated that the punch technique is an effective method to remove facial pigmented melanocytic nevus with acceptable functional and esthetic outcomes without relapse.
Trend of Academic Productivity in Plastic Surgery and the Impact of COVID-19: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Che Kexin , Wang Keke , Yuan Ye , Zhang Zhen , Li Fengyong , Li Qiang
Published: October 2022

Background:

Plastic surgery has grown rapidly over the past decade, with increasing scientific output. The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has a considerable impact on plastic surgery.

Objective:

To identify trends in published literature in plastic surgery from 2011 to 2021. To explore the impact of COVID-19 on scientific research output through bibliometric analysis methods.

Methods:

Web of Science was searched by authors on December 23, 2021. Published papers about plastic surgery over the last decade were analyzed. The search output was imported into VOSviewer for science mapping.

Results:

The actual number of papers related to plastic surgery during the COVID-19 period was higher than expected one. For scientific outputs in plastic surgery, keywords about surgical practice had a high frequency. “Reconstruction,” “effect,” “flap,” “tissue,” “defect,” “model” maintained a high level of heat before and after COVID-19. The heat of “risk,” “complication,” “review,” “infection,” “cohort,” and “meta-analysis” increased after the outbreak of COVID-19. The international collaboration showed an upward trend despite the impact of COVID-19. From the perspective of the volume of plastic surgery publications, some journals had a more positive performance compared to the pre-epidemic period. The proportion of original articles decreased after the spread of COVID-19 from 70.26% to 63.84%.

Conclusion:

Although the COVID-19 has a profound impact on the healthcare industry, the bibliographic data reveals an increasing scientific output in the field of plastic surgery over time. For plastic surgery, high-frequency terms, research hotspots, popular journals, article types, and international collaboration have changed under the influence of COVID-19.
Taming the Tongue: The Surgical Approach to Macroglossia
Authors: Lerner Julia L. , Borrelli Mimi R. , Jehle Charles C. , Benz Elizabeth G. , Brown Steven A.
Published: October 2022

While traditionally in the realm of otorhinolaryngology or oral maxillofacial surgery, conditions involving the tongue may also be managed by plastic surgeons. The authors present an unusual case of acquired macroglossia resulting from angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor–induced angioedema and review the literature to discuss its surgical management from a plastic surgery perspective. A 62-year-old female suffered severe airway obstruction, respiratory arrest, and anoxic brain injury from angioedema-associated macroglossia. After tracheostomy, the patient was managed nonsurgically, with bite wound care and medications to minimize angioedema to marginal effect. Ultimately, a partial glossectomy was planned. The edematous distal tongue was amputated and closed primarily. On postoperative day 2, she was successfully weaned off mechanical ventilation and no longer suffers trauma from tongue biting. The simple anterior tongue resection described in this paper was an appropriate approach for our patient. More research is needed to guide plastic surgeons in an optimal approach for clinical scenarios.
Impact of CYP3A5 Status on the Clinical and Financial Outcomes Among African American Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Obayemi Joy , Keating Brendan , Callans Lauren , Lentine Krista L. , Schnitzler Mark A. , Caliskan Yasar , Xiao Huiling , Dharnidharka Vikas R. , Mannon Roslyn B. , Axelrod David A.
Published: October 2022

Background.

Pharmacogenetic profiling of transplant recipients demonstrates that the marked variation in the metabolism of immunosuppressive medications, particularly tacrolimus, is related to genetic variants. Patients of African ancestry are less likely to carry loss-of-function (LoF) variants in the CYP3A5 gene and therefore retain a rapid metabolism phenotype and higher clearance of tacrolimus. Patients with this rapid metabolism typically require higher dosing to achieve therapeutic trough concentrations. This study aims to further characterize the impact of CYP3A5 genotype on clinical outcomes and financial expenditure.

Methods.

The CYP3A5 phenotype status was identified in 438 adult kidney transplant (KTx) recipients (96% were African American) using 3 LoF alleles (CYP3A5*3, *6 or *7). Individuals were categorized as rapid metabolism phenotype without LoF alleles‚ intermediate phenotype for 1 LoF allele‚ and slow phenotype for 2 LoF alleles. KTx outcomes (patient/kidney survival and Medicare spending) were determined using linked transplant registry and claims data.

Results.

Among the cohort, 23% had a rapid, 47% intermediate, and 30% a slow metabolism phenotype based on genotype. At 3 y, the rate of death censored graft failure and all cause graft failure was highest in the rapid metabolism phenotype and lowest in the intermediate metabolism phenotype group. First-year Medicare reimbursement differed significantly by genotype (rapid: $79 535, intermediate: $72 796, slow: $79 346, P = 0.03). After adjustment for donor and recipient characteristics, care for patients with intermediate metabolism was $4790 less expensive (P = 0.003).

Conclusions.

Pharmacogenomic assessment of African American KTx recipients may be useful to guide therapy when as CYP3A5 functional variants appear to be associated with differential outcome and spending after transplant.
CardioVinci: building blocks for virtual cardiac cells using deep learning
Authors: Khadangi Afshin , Boudier Thomas , Hanssen Eric , Rajagopal Vijay
Published: October 2022

Advances in electron microscopy (EM) such as electron tomography and focused ion-beam scanning electron microscopy provide unprecedented, three-dimensional views of cardiac ultrastructures within sample volumes ranging from hundreds of nanometres to hundreds of micrometres. The datasets from these samples are typically large, with file sizes ranging from gigabytes to terabytes and the number of image slices within the three-dimensional stack in the hundreds. A significant bottleneck with these large datasets is the time taken to extract and statistically analyse three-dimensional changes in cardiac ultrastructures. This is because of the inherently low contrast and the significant amount of structural detail that is present in EM images. These datasets often require manual annotation, which needs substantial person-hours and may result in only partial segmentation that makes quantitative analysis of the three-dimensional volumes infeasible. We present CardioVinci, a deep learning workflow to automatically segment and statistically quantify the morphologies and spatial assembly of mitochondria, myofibrils and Z-discs with minimal manual annotation. The workflow encodes a probabilistic model of the three-dimensional cardiomyocyte using a generative adversarial network. This generative model can be used to create new models of cardiomyocyte architecture that reflect variations in morphologies and cell architecture found in EM datasets.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘The cardiomyocyte: new revelations on the interplay between architecture and function in growth, health, and disease’.
Environmental conditions of recognition memory testing induce neurovascular changes in the hippocampus in a sex-specific manner in mice
Authors: Cadoret Alice , Dion-Albert Laurence , Amrani Sara , Caron Laurianne , Théberge Mathilde , Turmel Audrey , Lebel Manon , Menard Caroline
Published: October 2022

Experiences are linked to emotions impacting memory consolidation and associated brain neuronal circuits. Posttraumatic stress disorder is an example of strong negative emotions affecting memory processes by flashbacks of past traumas. Stress-related memory deficits are also observed in major depressive disorder (MDD). We recently highlighted that sex-specific blood-brain barrier (BBB) alterations underlie stress responses in mice and human depression. However, little is known about the relationship between emotional valence, memory encoding and BBB function. Here, we investigated the effects of novel object recognition (NOR) test, an experience considered of neutral emotional valence, on BBB properties in dorsal vs ventral hippocampus in the context of various environmental conditions (arena size, handling, age). The hippocampus is a brain area central for learning and memory processes with the dorsal and ventral subregions being associated with working memory vs reference memory retrieval, respectively. Expression of genes related to BBB integrity are altered in line with learning and memory processes in a region- and sex-specific manner. We observed correlations between poor learning, anxiety, stress-induced corticosterone release and changes in BBB-associated gene expression. Comparison of BBB transcriptomes between sexes also revealed profound differences at baseline in both ventral and dorsal hippocampus. Finally, we identified circulating vascular biomarkers, such as sE-selectin and Mmp-9, altered following NOR exposure supporting that recognition memory formation has an impact on the neurovasculature. Although deemed as a neutral valence test, NOR experimental conditions impact performance, highlighting the need to minimize anxiety when performing this commonly used test in mice.

Significance Statement

With this study, we aim to investigate the blood-brain barrier’s (BBB) role in memory acquisition and consolidation to unravel new mechanisms and decipher the involvement of non-neuronal cell types in these processes. For this purpose, male and female mice were subjected to a recognition memory test associated with a neutral emotional experience and impact on the transcriptomic profile of the BBB along with blood vascular biomarkers were evaluated under various experimental conditions. Crossing the BBB remains an important challenge to develop therapeutic drugs including in the context of memory deficits driven by psychiatric disorders or neurodegenerative diseases and thus, the possibility to directly target this barrier by better understanding its biology is attractive and innovating.
Eat or Be Eaten: Implications of potential exploitative competition between wolves and humans across predator- savvy and -naive deer populations
Authors: Candler Ellen M. , Chakrabarti Stotra , Severud William J. , Bump Joseph K.
Published: October 2022

Recolonization of predators to their former ranges is becoming increasingly prevalent. Such recolonization places predators amongst their prey once again; the latter having lived without predation (from such predators) for considerable time. This renewed coexistence creates opportunities to explore predation ecology at both fundamental and applied levels.

We used a paired experimental design to investigate white-tailed deer risk allocation in the Upper and Lower Peninsulas (UP and LP) in Michigan, USA. Wolves are functionally absent in the LP, while deer in the UP coexist with a re-established wolf population. We treated 15 sites each in UP and LP with wolf olfactory cues, and observed deer vigilance, activity, and visitation rates at the interface of habitat covariates using remote cameras. Such a paired design across wolf versus no-wolf areas allowed us to examine indirect predation effects while accounting for confounding parameters such as the presence of other predators and human activity.

While wolf urine had no effect across most metrics in both UP and LP, we observed differences in deer activity in areas with versus without wolves. Sites treated with wolf urine in the UP showed a reduction in crepuscular deer activity, compared to control/novel-scent treated sites. Further, we observed a strong positive effect of vegetation cover on deer vigilance in these sites. This indicates that simulated predator cues likely affect deer vigilance more acutely in denser habitats, which presumably facilitates predation success. Such responses were however absent among deer in the LP that are presumably naïve towards wolf predation.

Where human and non-human predators hunt shared prey, such as in Michigan, predators may constrain human hunting success by increasing deer vigilance. Hunters may avoid such exploitative competition by choosing hunting/bait sites located in open areas. Our results pertaining to fundamental predation ecology have strong applied implications that can promote human-predator coexistence.
“Wissenschaft fürs Wohnzimmer” – two years of interactive, scientific livestreams weekly on YouTube
Authors: Stoll Nicolas , Wietz Matthias , Juricke Stephan , Pausch Franziska , Peter Corina , Massing Jana C. , Seifert Miriam , Zeising Moritz , Käß Melissa , McPherson Rebecca , Suckow Björn
Published: October 2022

Science communication is becoming increasingly important to connect academia and society, and to counteract fake news among climate change deniers. Online video platforms, such as YouTube, offer great potential for low-threshold communication of scientific knowledge to the general public. In April 2020 a diverse group of researchers from the Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research launched the YouTube channel “Wissenschaft fürs Wohnzimmer” (translated to “Sitting Room Science”) to stream scientific talks about climate change and biodiversity every Thursday evening. Here we report on the numbers and diversity of content, viewers, and presenters from 2 years and 100 episodes of weekly livestreams. Presented topics encompass all areas of polar research, social issues related to climate change, and new technologies to deal with the changing world and climate ahead. We show that constant engagement by a group of co-hosts, and presenters from all topics, career stages, and genders enable a continuous growth of views and subscriptions, i.e. impact. After 783 days the channel gained 30,251 views and 828 subscribers and hosted well-known scientists while enabling especially early career researchers to improve their outreach and media skills. We show that interactive and science-related videos, both live and on-demand, within a pleasant atmosphere, can be produced voluntarily while maintaining high quality. We further discuss challenges and possible improvements for the future. Our experiences may help other researchers to conduct meaningful scientific outreach and to push borders of existing formats with the overall aim of developing a better understanding of climate change and our planet.
Interactions between supervised and reinforcement learning processes in a neurorobotic model
Authors: Capirchio Adriano , Ponte Chiara , Baldassarre Gianluca , Mannella Francesco , Pelosin Elisa , Caligiore Daniele
Published: October 2022

Several influential works propose that the acquisition of motor behavior involves different learning mechanisms in the brain, in particular supervised and reinforcement learning, that are respectively associated with cerebellar-thalamocortical and basal ganglia-thalamocortical networks. Despite increasing evidence suggesting anatomical and functional interactions between these circuits, the learning processes operating within them are studied in isolation, neglecting their strong interdependence. This article proposes a bio-inspired neurorobotic model implementing a possible cooperation mechanism between supervised and reinforcement learning. The model, validated with empirical data from healthy participants and patients with cerebellar ataxia, shows how the integration of the two learning processes could lead to benefit both learning performance and movement accuracy.
Procognitive and neurotrophic benefits of α5-GABA-A receptor positive allosteric modulation in a β-amyloid deposition model of Alzheimer’s disease pathology
Authors: Bernardo Ashley M. , Marcotte Michael , Wong Kayla , Sharmin Dishary , Pandey Kamal P. , Cook James M. , Sibille Etienne L. , Prevot Thomas D.
Published: October 2022

INTRODUCTION

Reduced somatostatin (SST) and SST-expressing GABAergic neurons are well-replicated findings in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and are associated with cognitive deficits. SST cells inhibit pyramidal cell dendrites through α5-GABA-A receptors (α5-GABAA-R). α5-GABAAR positive allosteric modulation (α5-PAM) has procognitive and neurotrophic effects in stress and aging models.

METHODS

We tested whether α5-PAM (GL-II-73) could reverse cognitive deficits and neuronal spine loss in early and late stages of β-amyloid deposition in the 5xFAD model (N=48/study; 50% female).

RESULTS

Acute or chronic administration of GL-II-73 reversed spatial working memory in 5xFAD mice at 2 and 5 months of age. Chronic GL-II-73 treatment reversed 5xFAD-induced loss of spine density, spine count and dendritic length at both time points, despite β-amyloid accumulation.

DISCUSSION

These results demonstrate procognitive and neurotrophic effects of GL-II-73 in early and late stages of Alzheimer-related β-amyloid deposition. This suggests α5-PAM as a novel β-amyloid-independent symptomatic therapeutic approach.
The black gobyGobius nigerLinnaeus, 1758 in the Marchica lagoon (Alboran Sea, Morocco): Spatial-temporal distribution and its environmental drivers, and the site-related footprint
Authors: Lamkhalkhal Amal , Selfati Mohamed , Rahmouni Imane , Kaddouri Nassir , Badaoui Bouabid , Pariselle Antoine , Benhoussa Abdelaziz , Kovačić Marcelo , Kmentová Nikol , Vanhove Maarten P.M. , Bazairi Hocein
Published: October 2022

Fishes belonging to Gobiidae are well represented in the Marchica lagoon on the Moroccan Mediterranean coast, both in terms of species richness and abundance, with the black goby,Gobius nigerLinnaeus, 1758, being the dominant species. The present study aims to examine (1) the spatial and temporal distribution ofGobius nigerand its environmental drivers in the lagoon and (2) the potential lagoon-related footprint using morphometric, genetic and parasitological proxies.

Systematic monthly sampling covering the whole lagoon basin performed between October 2015 and September 2016 revealed year-long presence ofG. nigerthroughout the lagoon with significantly low densities in winter. The higher abundances were recorded in the shallow bottoms of the lagoon inner margins on a variety of substrates (mud, muddy-sand, sandy-mud and fine sand) mostly covered by macroalgae and/or seagrass meadows. Depth, that has to be seen as a variable that acts in concert with other factors such as temperature, vegetation cover and sediment as the Mean Grain Size, seems to be the most important predictor, explaining the distribution ofG. nigerin the lagoon, with a trend of increasing abundance towards shallower stations.

Comparison of black goby populations from the Marchica lagoon with their counterparts from the adjacent Mediterranean coast of Morocco revealed that specimens caught at sea are of a bigger size compared to the lagoon population. Of the 180 gobies investigated, not a single one hosted the parasites we targeted in the parasitological approach, monogenean flatworms. The absence of population structuring, low genetic diversity and presence of common haplotypes indicate no apparent restriction in the gene flow between the two populations. Therefore, the observed morphometric differences seem to be due to the external environmental conditions rather than genetic differences.

Gobius nigerplays a key eco-trophic role by providing a link between benthic invertebrates and large predators. The shallow beds of the lagoon, where the species is abundant, are key habitats in the Marchica lagoon and need to be considered in all management plans aiming at the conservation of biodiversity and ecological processes.
Preparing Plasmid DNA from Bacteria
Authors: Figueroa-Bossi Nara , Balbontín Roberto , Bossi Lionello
Published: October 2022

The most common method for isolating plasmid DNA is derived from an alkaline lysis procedure. The procedure exploits the differential partitioning of plasmid and chromosomal DNA when denatured by alkali and subsequently renatured by neutralization of the medium. The circular covalently closed nature of plasmid DNA allows the denatured DNA strands to quickly find each other and reanneal during the renaturation step. This is not the case for chromosomal DNA, which, upon neutralization, aggregates with denatured proteins through hydrophobic interactions. As a result, plasmid DNA remains in solution and can be easily separated from most of the other macromolecules that coprecipitate. For the subsequent purification step, one can use the silica membrane technology integrated in many commercial kits. This technology exploits the ability of DNA to bind to silica in the presence of chaotropic salts. DNA is retained by a silica-based column, whereas most of the polysaccharides and proteins flow through. After wash steps to eliminate residual contaminants and salts, DNA is selectively eluted under low-salt conditions. A kit-free but relatively more cumbersome alternative to this procedure is the traditional phenol–chloroform extraction method followed by ethanol precipitation. Both methods are detailed here.
An innovation-based actuator/surface fault detection, isolation and filter tuning
Authors: Hajiyev Chingiz
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to present an innovation-based new actuator/surface fault detection and isolation (FDI) method, which is sensitive to the changes in the innovation mean of the Kalman filter (KF) and the KF tuning method for the case of actuator/surface failure.

Design/methodology/approach

The multiple system noise scale factors (MSNSFs) are used in this method as the monitoring statistics. MSNSFs are determined to make it possible to perform the actuator/surface FDI operations simultaneously.

Findings

The introduced FDI algorithm can detect and isolate the loss of effectiveness type actuator/surface faults in real time. The proposed KF tuning method works effectively against actuator/surface fault. The actuator/surface fault detection, isolation and filter tuning are achieved by just using a simple modification over the conventional KF.

Originality/value

The MSNSF-based actuator/surface fault detection, isolation and filter tuning algorithms are investigated together for the first time. The actuator/surface FDI operations are performed simultaneously.
Does a better-informed business school have more export success?
Authors: Gómez García Luis Demetrio , Hernández Ruiz Alma Delia
Published: October 2022

Learning outcomes

The value of the DeLone & McLean model for planning actions before IS design and implementation can guarantee its success.The value of the DeLone & McLean model for IS auditing in critical dimensions of project success, including both hard and soft elements.Information and information systems are essential organizational resources that must be viewed in an interconnected way with the rest of the organization's resources and capabilities that systemically guarantee the achievement of the export objectives.The role of management commitment in the success of voluntary Information Systems.

Case overview/Synopsis

The case deals with Luis's decision to continue a Competitive Information System project. For his PhD research project, Luis designed and implemented an information system to support the export goals of the business school for which he worked. Three months later, the System obtained positive feedback and user satisfaction but deficient System usage levels. Luis does not know whether to continue with the project or not. If he decides to continue, further steps are needed to increase the System's use for contributing to the export goals.

Complexity academic level

The case is suitable for use with MBA students and executive education short courses.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 5: International Business.
Explaining the performance of South African firms
Authors: Grosse Robert , Wocke Albert , Mthombeni Morris
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The discussion of competitive strategy in recent years has turned to exploring the differences between emerging market (EM) companies and traditional companies from the US, Europe and Japan. In particular the question has been: do we need a new theory of EM companies, or can existing theory be applied, perhaps with adaptations? The authors intent in this paper is to show what features enable EM firms to succeed in domestic competition, where institutional settings are different from those in Triad countries. The authors do not explore the issue of EM companies competing internationally.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors argue that competitive advantages (Porter) or resources (Barney; Wernerfelt) offer a solid base on which to build an understanding of successful domestic strategies of firms in EMs, also recognizing that the specific advantages differ somewhat in EMs, due to institutional differences (Peng). The authors explore characteristics of the 250 largest publicly-traded South African firms which enable them to compete successfully (incl: company size, brand value, company age, international sales and family ownership). The authors conclude that existing theories do indeed serve in this context, but that they need to be adjusted for the different institutional environments in EMs.

Findings

Factors that contribute to performance include: company size(+),brand value(+), company age (+), international sales(+) and family ownership(−). The literature that has developed on EM companies competing internationally fails to recognize that most of the features identified exist for all companies in a given country – so they do not explain domestic performance. Of course, even in the domestic context some companies will be better able to take advantage of institutional capabilities such as dealing with the government and with volatile economic conditions than other companies.

Research limitations/implications

The study results come from only one EM, so there may be limits on generalizing to others. If China is excepted, the results here are broadly applicable to medium-sized and larger EMs today, with idiosyncrasies remaining for individual countries (such as natural resources, location, etc.)

Practical implications

EM companies to succeed in their domestic markets should look to build size/scale, to develop their brands and to expand internationally. They should also expand ownership to non-family investors. These factors were significantly correlated with superior performance of listed companies in South Africa and have been shown to apply elsewhere as well.

Originality/value

Also, most analyses of EM companies focus on their distinctive institutional capabilities for competing with firms from Triad countries. The study analysis focuses on domestic competition rather than on going abroad.