bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automatic stent struts detection in optical coherence tomography based on a multiple attention convolutional model
Authors: Han Tingting , Xia Wei , Tao Kuiyuan , Wang Wei , Gao Jing , Ding Xiaoming , Zhong Hongmei , Liu Ruqian , Dou Shuwei , Liu Zixu , Kuang Hao , Hua Jiarui , Xu Keyong
Published: November 2023

Objective. Intravascular optical coherence tomography is a useful tool to assess stent adherence and dilation, thus guiding percutaneous coronary intervention and minimizing the risk of surgery. However, each pull-back OCT images may contain thousands of stent struts, which are tiny and dense, making manual stent labeling slow and costly for medical resources. Approach. This paper proposed a multiple attention convolutional model for automatic stent struts detection of OCT images. Multiple attention mechanisms were utilized to strengthen the feature extraction and feature fusion capabilities. In addition, to precisely detect tiny stent struts, the model integrated multiple anchor frames to predict targets in the output. Main results. The model was trained in 4625 frames OCT images of 37 patients and tested in 1156 frames OCT images of 9 patients, and achieved a precision of 0.9790 and a recall of 0.9541, which were significantly better than mainstream convolutional models. In terms of detection speed, the model achieved 25.2 ms per image. OCT images from different collection systems, collection times, and challenging scenarios were experimentally tested, and the model demonstrated stable robustness, achieving precision and recall higher than 0.9630. Meanwhile, clear 3D construction of the stent was achieved. Significance. In conclusion, the proposed model solves the problems of slow manual analysis and occupying a large amount of medical manpower resources. It enhances the detection efficiency of tiny and dense stent struts, thus facilitating the application of OCT quantitative analysis in real clinical scenarios.
A novel 650 V snapback-free PMOS-RC-SJBT with low switching and reverse recovery losses
Authors: Yang Yuanzhen , Li Luping , Li Zehong , Rao Qianshen , Chen Peng , Ren Min
Published: November 2023

A novel 650 V Snapback-free Reverse-conducting Super-junction (SJ) insulated gate bipolar transistor (RC-SJBT) with low switching and reverse recovery loss is proposed and investigated in paper. In where, SJ pillar acts as the drift region, meanwhile PMOS and Schottky are combined on the cathode side. Under the action of SJ pillar, the snapback is effectively suppressed and

V

o
n

−

E

o
f
f

trade-off of IGBT is also improved. The PMOS and Schottky combined structure enhances on-state carriers of IGBT meanwhile reduces hole injection efficiency during reverse recovery of freewheel diode, thus the reverse recovery switching loss (

E

r
e
c

) of PMOS-RC-SJBT is reduced without sacrificing IGBT’s performance. Investigated by the TCAD tools, the total switching loss of PMOS-RC-SJBT is reduced by 51.2% from Con. RC-IGBT and 40.6% than the latest commercial RC-IGBT IKWH30N65WR6 of Infineon. Besides that,

t

s
c

is increased by 35.3% than RC-SJBT. Additionally, the snapback-free P-collector width is reduced from 340 µm of Con.RC-IGBT to 40 µm of PMOS-RC-SJBT, where the current uniformity is substantially improved.
Fabric electromagnetic actuators
Authors: Wang Qi , Li Lvzhou , Lu Xiaolong , Dong Xu , Guo Chang , Pan Haijun , Jiang Yaoyao , Liu Yu , Yuan Ningyi , Ding Jianning
Published: November 2023

Soft electromagnetic actuators have important applications in fields, such as soft robots, human–machine interaction, and biomedicine, owing to their fast response speed, high driving efficiency, and large driving force. However, there are persistent challenges in the development of high-performance soft electromagnetic actuators that are light, thin, low-cost, controllable, and efficient. In this study, we propose a fabric electromagnetic actuator (FEMA) based on copper-mesh hot-pressing technology, which exhibits the advantages of simple processing, fast preparation speed, low cost, thinness and flexibility, and strong reliability and repeatability. This process is suitable for the preparation of electromagnetic actuators for various fabrics, such as cotton, nylon, terylene, and silk. Furthermore, the static and dynamic control characteristics of one and two actuators were tested and analyzed. The FEMA exhibits excellent flexibility, shape controllability, and high-speed driving ability. The results of the correlation analysis provide theoretical support for the controlling of FEMAs. Finally, we developed a 3 × 1 array actuator and 2 × 2 array actuators based on a modular combination of FEMA units and achieved multi-mode motion control. Furthermore, a large-area FEMA was developed, demonstrating excellent shape adaptability and gripping ability. Our findings have significant implications for the advancement of lightweight electromagnetic actuators, and further studies on design concepts and multi-mode control could unveil even more potential applications.
Sustainable approach to synthesis of carbon Dot/ silver nanoparticles for biological evaluation as antimicrobial agent
Authors: Tenkayala Navya Kumari , Katari Naresh Kumar , Gundla Rambabu , Jonnalagadda Sreekantha Babu , Devaraju Subramani
Published: November 2023

Green synthesis of metal nanoparticles is an attractive substitute for traditional methods using capping and reducing chemicals. In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesised using carbon dots (CDs) derived from bioresources as reducing, protecting, and stabilising agents in a single step using environmentally friendly and cost-effective synthetic methods. The optical and structural properties of prepared CD/AgNPs were explored using UV–vis (Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy), Fluorescence spectroscopy, XRD (x-ray Diffraction), DLS (Dynamic Light Scattering), SEM-EDX (Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive x-ray Spectroscopy) and TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy). The synthesised CD/AgNPs are stable as zeta potential value is −14.7mV. From TEM the particle size exhibited as ∼12 nm. The prepared CD/AgNPs exhibited significant optical absorbance, good water dispersibility, stability and nano size. Also, CD/AgNPs revealed good biocidal effects against Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli), Pseudomonas Aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), Gram-positive Staphylococcus Aureus (S. aureus), Bacillus Cereus (B. cereus), and good anti-fungal activity against Aspergillus Niger (A. niger). The CD/AgNPs were further analyzed by live/dead assay. E. coli and A. niger with zone of inhibition around 3.1 and 40 mm, respectively when compared to ciprofloxacin (2.2 mm) and fluconazole (25 mm). The above investigation proved that the developed CD/AgNPs will be a new platform as an alternative to the traditional antibiotics for the generation of new kind of antibacterial materials and also provide the pathway for various metal/CD nanomaterials for diverse biomedical applications.
Protein intrinsically disordered regions have a non-random, modular architecture
Authors: McConnell Brendan S , Parker Matthew W
Published: November 2023

Motivation

Protein sequences can be broadly categorized into two classes: those which adopt stable secondary structure and fold into a domain (i.e. globular proteins), and those that do not. The sequences belonging to this latter class are conformationally heterogeneous and are described as being intrinsically disordered. Decades of investigation into the structure and function of globular proteins has resulted in a suite of computational tools that enable their sub-classification by domain type, an approach that has revolutionized how we understand and predict protein functionality. Conversely, it is unknown if sequences of disordered protein regions are subject to broadly generalizable organizational principles that would enable their sub-classification.

Results

Here, we report the development of a statistical approach that quantifies linear variance in amino acid composition across a sequence. With multiple examples, we provide evidence that intrinsically disordered regions are organized into statistically non-random modules of unique compositional bias. Modularity is observed for both low and high-complexity sequences and, in some cases, we find that modules are organized in repetitive patterns. These data demonstrate that disordered sequences are non-randomly organized into modular architectures and motivate future experiments to comprehensively classify module types and to determine the degree to which modules constitute functionally separable units analogous to the domains of globular proteins.

Availability and implementation

The source code, documentation, and data to reproduce all figures are freely available at https://github.com/MWPlabUTSW/Chi-Score-Analysis.git. The analysis is also available as a Google Colab Notebook (https://colab.research.google.com/github/MWPlabUTSW/Chi-Score-Analysis/blob/main/ChiScore_Analysis.ipynb).
Heart transplantation after acute myocardial infarction due to focal coronary Takayasu arteritis: a case report
Authors: Clemmensen Tor Skibsted , Stilling Christina , Larsen Sanne Bøjet , Eiskjær Hans
Published: November 2023

Background

Takayasu arteritis is a chronic vasculitis of unknown aetiology primarily affecting medium to large arteries, particularly the aorta and arch vessels, and is predominantly seen in younger patients. Coronary artery involvement has been reported in 10–45% of autopsy cases, but isolated coronary Takayasu arteritis is extremely rare.

Case summary

This case report describes the course of a previously healthy 22-year-old woman who suffered an acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock requiring temporary mechanical support subsequently urgent heart transplantation. The patient was bridged to transplant by the use of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). The explanted heart showed evidence of Takayasu arteritis in the left coronary artery.

Discussion

The case illustrates the importance of VA-ECMO treatment for cardiogenic shock, the importance of the Scandiatransplant collaboration for urgent organ allocation and the diagnostic difficulties associated with Takayasu arteritis.
Liquid metal biomaterials: translational medicines, challenges and perspectives
Authors: Xu Hanchi , Lu Jincheng , Xi Yikuang , Wang Xuelin , Liu Jing
Published: November 2023

Until now, significant healthcare challenges and growing urgent clinical requirements remain incompletely addressed by presently available biomedical materials. This is due to their inadequate mechanical compatibility, suboptimal physical and chemical properties, susceptibility to immune rejection, and concerns about long-term biological safety. As an alternative, liquid metal (LM) opens up a promising class of biomaterials with unique advantages like biocompatibility, flexibility, excellent electrical conductivity, and ease of functionalization. However, despite the unique advantages and successful explorations of LM in biomedical fields, widespread clinical translations and applications of LM-based medical products remain limited. This article summarizes the current status and future prospects of LM biomaterials, interprets their applications in healthcare, medical imaging, bone repair, nerve interface, and tumor therapy, etc. Opportunities to translate LM materials into medicine and obstacles encountered in practices are discussed. Following that, we outline a blueprint for LM clinics, emphasizing their potential in making new-generation artificial organs. Last, the core challenges of LM biomaterials in clinical translation, including bio-safety, material stability, and ethical concerns are also discussed. Overall, the current progress, translational medicine bottlenecks, and perspectives of LM biomaterials signify their immense potential to drive future medical breakthroughs and thus open up novel avenues for upcoming clinical practices.
A single-domain protein catenane of dihydrofolate reductase
Authors: Fang Jing , Li Tianzuo , Lee Jiyeon , Im Dahye , Xu Lianjie , Liu Yajie , Seo Jongcheol , Zhang Wen-Bin
Published: November 2023

A single-domain protein catenane refers to two mechanically interlocked polypeptide rings that fold synergistically into a compact and integrated structure, which is extremely rare in nature. Here, we report a single-domain protein catenane of dihydrofolate reductase (cat-DHFR). This design was achieved by rewiring the connectivity between secondary motifs to introduce artificial entanglement and synthesis was readily accomplished through a series of programmed and streamlined post-translational processing events in cells without any additional in vitro reactions. The target molecule contained few exogenous motifs and was thoroughly characterized using a combination of ultra-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, protease cleavage experiments and ion mobility spectrometry–mass spectrometry. Compared with the linear control, cat-DHFR retained its catalytic capability and exhibited enhanced stability against thermal or chemical denaturation due to conformational restriction. These results suggest that linear proteins may be converted into their concatenated single-domain counterparts with almost identical chemical compositions, well-preserved functions and elevated stabilities, representing an entirely new horizon in protein science.
Delayed, dramatic breast swelling in a transgender woman: a case report
Authors: Szymanski Kathryn , Munabi Naikhoba , Garcia Maurice , Ray Edward
Published: November 2023

Background

As the number of gender-affirming procedures performed in the United States increases, physicians caring for gender-nonconforming patients, regardless of practice location and focus, will likely encounter transgender women with breast implants. Increasingly, transgender women are seeking breast feminization. However, this population is less consistently receiving surveillance and routine breast care than cisgender women.

Aim

This report aims to add to the growing body of knowledge addressing breast augmentation complications in transgender women and to highlight disparities in healthcare.

Methods

A case of breast implant–associated seroma at our institution was analyzed through chart review. A literature review was conducted using PubMed to gather all articles discussing breast implant–associated fluid collections in transgender patients. Prior to publication of this report, a Waiver of Consent was granted by the E.R.’s Institutional Review Board for the study under which this article was prepared.

Results

Our patient was an African American transgender woman presenting initially at age 60 with significant asymmetry due to dramatic swelling of her left breast. The patient underwent bilateral breast augmentation outside of the United States 2 decades prior. The patient noted a gradual painless increase in her left breast size starting 3 years prior. She admitted that she was hesitant to seek a second opinion after being treated dismissively by another surgeon. Subsequent management included mammography and mirrored recommendations for late breast implant–associated seromas in cisgender patients: ultrasound, aspiration for cytology and culture, and removal of the implant and capsule.

Outcomes

The fluid collection in our patient was determined to be a chronic hematoma and was managed surgically. Though this patient eventually achieved a good outcome, treatment was delayed due to barriers she faced as a transgender woman.

Clinical Implications

Literature demonstrates that recommended management of late-onset breast-implant-associated seroma does not differ based on gender identity; however, transgender and GNC adults are more likely to receive less thorough care than cisgender women. Any patients undergoing breast augmentation with implants should be routinely evaluated for late complications, including seromas, which require prompt attention and methodical evaluation due to their potentially malignant nature.

Strengths and Limitations

This article is limited in that it is a single report of breast seroma. It is strengthened by a PubMed review gathering all articles discussing breast-implant-associated fluid collections in transgender patients.

Conclusion

We propose better education of physicians on how to care for transgender and gender-diverse patients should help mitigate the neglect and late presentation of such medical conditions in this vulnerable and marginalized population.
Civilian Ballistic Arthrotomies: Infection Rates and Operative vs. Non-operative Management
Authors: Liu Charles , Kumar Mahesh , Liu Andy , Erdman Mary Kate , Christiano Anthony , Lee Adam , Hynes Kelly , Strelzow Jason
Published: November 2023

OBJECTIVES:

The purpose of this study was to determine if a significant difference existed in the rate of infection following ballistic traumatic arthrotomy managed operatively compared to those managed without surgery.

METHODS:

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

Academic Level I Trauma Center.

Patient Selection Criteria:

Patients with ballistic traumatic arthrotomies of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, or ankle that received operative or non-operative management.

Outcome Measures and Comparisons: The rates of infection and septic arthritis in those who received operative or non-operative management.

RESULTS:

One hundred ninety-five patients were studied. Eighty patients were treated non-operatively (Non-Op group), sixteen patients were treated with formal irrigation and debridement in the operating room (I&D group), and ninety-nine patients were treated with formal irrigation and debridement and open reduction and internal fixation (I&D + ORIF group). Patients in all three groups received local wound care and systemic antibiotics. No patients in the Non-Op or I&D groups developed an infection. Six patients in the I&D + ORIF group developed extra-articular post-operative infections requiring additional interventions.

CONCLUSIONS:

The infection rate in the I&D + ORIF group was consistent with the infection rates reported in orthopedic literature following fixation alone. Additionally, none of the infections were cases of septic arthritis. This suggests that traumatic arthrotomy does not increase the risk for infection beyond what is expected following fixation alone. Importantly, the Non-Op group represented a series of 80 patients that were treated non-operatively without developing an infection, indicating that I&D may not be necessary to prevent infection after ballistic arthrotomy. The results suggest that septic arthritis after civilian ballistic arthrotomy is a rare complication regardless of the choice of treatment.

Level of evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Developing a National Trauma Research Action Plan: Results from the regulatory challenges Delphi survey
Authors: Price Michelle A. , Villarreal Cynthia L. , Moreno Ashley N. , Flayter Rochelle , Herrera-Escobar Juan P. , Sims Carrie A. , Bulger Eileen M. ,   the National Trauma Research Action Plan (NTRAP) Regulatory Challenges Panel
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

In 2016, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine issued a report calling for a National Trauma Research Action Plan (NTRAP) requiring a resourced, coordinated, joint approach to trauma care research. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report recommended the identification of regulatory barriers to trauma research. The NTRAP Regulatory Challenges Panel of trauma researchers and regulatory professionals was convened to identify the most challenging aspects of regulatory processes involved in conducting research.

METHODS

Trauma researchers and regulatory experts were recruited to identify and rate challenging regulatory issues in 2021 to 2022. Challenge statements were developed from a comprehensive scoping review. Panelists rated the challenge level for each statement on a 9-point Likert scale. The Delphi survey was conducted over three online rounds. Consensus was defined a priori as ≥60% agreement. Results of the Delphi survey were presented to the panel during a webinar. Panel participants then participated in breakout sessions to strategize solutions, share lessons learned, and identify where more regulatory guidance is needed.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight subject matter experts rated 175 regulatory challenges, of which 141 (81%) reached the consensus threshold. Of the consensus-reaching challenge statements, 42 had a challenge rating of 6 or higher. Among the highest-rated challenges were issues pertaining to conducting prehospital research, exception from informed consent, mistrust of research among various racial and ethnic groups, and issues specific to conducting pediatric trauma research.

CONCLUSION

This Delphi survey rated challenges culled from a regulatory literature scoping review. The panel identified the most challenging aspects of human subjects protection while conducting trauma research and recommended strategies and best practices to address them. The findings from this study were used to develop the NTRAP Investigator Toolkit, which is available on the internet as a resource for trauma researchers.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level IV.
Patient-Specific Vascularized Tumor Model: Blocking TAM Recruitment with Multispecific Antibodies Targeting CCR2 and CSF-1R
Authors: Nguyen Huu Tuan , Gurvich Nadia , Gillrie Mark Robert , Offeddu Giovanni , Humayun Mouhita , Kan Ellen L. , Wan Zhengpeng , Coughlin Mark Frederick , Zhang Christie , Vu Vivian , Ling Lee Sharon Wei , Tan Seng-Lai , Barbie David , Hsu Jonathan , Kamm Roger D.
Published: November 2023

Tumor-associated inflammation drives cancer progression and therapy resistance, with the infiltration of monocyte-derived tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) associated with poor prognosis in diverse cancers. Targeting TAMs holds potential against solid tumors, but effective immunotherapies require testing on immunocompetent human models prior to clinical trials. Here, we develop an in vitro model of microvascular networks that incorporates tumor spheroids or patient tissues. By perfusing the vasculature with human monocytes, we investigate monocyte trafficking into the tumor and evaluate immunotherapies targeting the human tumor microenvironment. Our findings demonstrate that macrophages in vascularized breast and lung tumor models can enhance monocyte recruitment via TAM-produced CCL7 and CCL2, mediated by CSF-1R. Additionally, we assess a novel multispecific antibody targeting CCR2, CSF-1R, and neutralizing TGF-β, referred to as CSF1R/CCR2/TGF-β Ab, on monocytes and macrophages using our 3D models. This antibody repolarizes TAMs towards an anti-tumoral M1-like phenotype, reduces monocyte chemoattractant protein secretion, and effectively blocks monocyte migration. Finally, we show that the CSF1R/CCR2/TGF-β Ab inhibits monocyte recruitment in patient-specific vascularized tumor models. Overall, this vascularized tumor model offers valuable insights into monocyte recruitment and enables functional testing of innovative therapeutic antibodies targeting TAMs in the tumor microenvironment (TME).
Framewise multi-echo distortion correction for superior functional MRI
Authors: Van Andrew N. , Montez David F. , Laumann Timothy O. , Suljic Vahdeta , Madison Thomas , Baden Noah J. , Ramirez-Perez Nadeshka , Scheidter Kristen M. , Monk Julia S. , Whiting Forrest I. , Adeyemo Babatunde , Chauvin Roselyne J. , Krimmel Samuel R. , Metoki Athanasia , Rajesh Aishwarya , Roland Jarod L. , Salo Taylor , Wang Anxu , Weldon Kimberly B. , Sotiras Aristeidis , Shimony Joshua S. , Kay Benjamin P. , Nelson Steven M. , Tervo-Clemmens Brenden , Marek Scott A. , Vizioli Luca , Yacoub Essa , Satterthwaite Theodore D. , Gordon Evan M. , Fair Damien A. , Tisdall M. Dylan , Dosenbach Nico U.F.
Published: November 2023

Functional MRI (fMRI) data are severely distorted by magnetic field (B0) inhomogeneities which currently must be corrected using separately acquired field map data. However, changes in the head position of a scanning participant across fMRI frames can cause changes in the B0 field, preventing accurate correction of geometric distortions. Additionally, field maps can be corrupted by movement during their acquisition, preventing distortion correction altogether. In this study, we use phase information from multi-echo (ME) fMRI data to dynamically sample distortion due to fluctuating B0 field inhomogeneity across frames by acquiring multiple echoes during a single EPI readout. Our distortion correction approach, MEDIC (Multi-Echo DIstortion Correction), accurately estimates B0 related distortions for each frame of multi-echo fMRI data. Here, we demonstrate that MEDIC’s framewise distortion correction produces improved alignment to anatomy and decreases the impact of head motion on resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) maps, in higher motion data, when compared to the prior gold standard approach (i.e., TOPUP). Enhanced framewise distortion correction with MEDIC, without the requirement for field map collection, furthers the advantage of multi-echo over single-echo fMRI.
Sigma receptor ligands are potent anti-prion compounds that act independently of sigma receptor binding
Authors: Mercer Robert C. C. , Le Nhat T. T. , Houser Mei C. Q. , Beeler Aaron B. , Harris David A.
Published: November 2023

Prion diseases are invariably fatal neurodegenerative diseases of humans and other animals for which there are no treatment options. Previous work from our laboratory identified phenethyl piperidines as novel class of anti-prion compounds. While working to identify the molecular target(s) of these molecules, we unexpectedly discovered ten novel anti-prion compounds based on their known ability to bind to the sigma receptors, σ1R and2R, which are currently being tested as therapeutic or diagnostic targets for cancer and neuropsychiatric disorders. Surprisingly, however, knockout of the respective genes encoding σ1R and σ2R (Sigmar1andTmem97), in prion infected N2a cells did not alter the anti-prion activity of these compounds, demonstrating that these receptors are not the direct targets responsible the anti-prion effects of their ligands. Further investigation of the most potent molecules established that they are efficacious against multiple prion strains and protect against downstream prion-mediated synaptotoxicity. While the precise details of the mechanism of action of these molecules remains to be determined, the present work forms the basis for further investigations of these compounds in pre-clinical studies. Given the therapeutic utility of several of the tested compounds, including rimcazole and haloperidol for neuropsychiatric conditions, (+)-pentazocine for neuropathic pain, and the ongoing clinical trials of SA 4503 and ANAVEX2-73 for ischemic stroke and Alzheimer’s disease, respectively, this work has immediate implications for the treatment of human prion disease.
Associations of salivary cortisol with cardiovascular parameters and mortality in the MRC National Survey of Health and Development (NSHD)
Authors: Al Saikhan Lamia , Williams Dylan M , Captur Gaby , Hughes Alun D , Davis Daniel , Chaturvedi Nish
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) dysregulation is a postulated risk factor for cardiovascular disease but results from previous studies have been mixed. We examined cross-sectional associations of diurnal patterns of salivary cortisol with 10 subclinical measures of cardiovascular disease (including pulse wave velocity, carotid intima-media thickness, and measures of heart structure and function), and prospective associations of cortisol variation with cardiovascular (CV) and non-cardiovascular (NCV) mortality.

Methods

We included up to 1,263 participants of the MRC National Survey for Health and Development birth cohort, who had participated in serial diurnal salivary cortisol sampling in 2006-2010 (aged 60–64 years). We used multivariable linear and multinomial logistic regression to estimate associations of cortisol awakening response (CAR), slope and area under the curve (AUC) with subclinical cardiovascular measures, and multivariable Cox regression to estimate associations of the three cortisol metrics with all-cause, CV and NCV mortality.

Results

All associations with subclinical cardiovascular measures were weak and most were compatible with the null hypothesis. Each standard deviation (SD) higher cortisol AUC was associated with a 1.9% (95%-CI 0.3-3.5) higher pulse wave velocity. A shallow cortisol slope (per SD gradient) was associated with a 1.4% lower intima media thickness (95%-CI −2.6, − 0.2), and lower odds of concentric remodelling (OR 0.83, 95%-CI 0.70-0.99). Given the multiple analyses performed, these could be chance findings. AUC, cortisol slope and CAR were not convincingly associated with cardiovascular or total mortality, although the 95% confidence intervals of hazard ratio estimates were wide.

Conclusions

This study provides little evidence for clinically important associations of salivary cortisol and subclinical cardiovascular measures and mortality.
Distinct catecholaminergic pathways projecting to hippocampal CA1 transmit contrasting signals during navigation in familiar and novel environments
Authors: Heer Chad M , Sheffield Mark E J
Published: November 2023

Neuromodulatory inputs to the hippocampus play pivotal roles in modulating synaptic plasticity, shaping neuronal activity, and influencing learning and memory. Recently it has been shown that the main sources of catecholamines to the hippocampus, ventral tegmental area (VTA) and locus coeruleus (LC), may have overlapping release of neurotransmitters and effects on the hippocampus. Therefore, to dissect the impacts of both VTA and LC circuits on hippocampal function, a thorough examination of how these pathways might differentially operate during behavior and learning is necessary. We therefore utilized 2-photon microscopy to functionally image the activity of VTA and LC axons within the CA1 region of the dorsal hippocampus in head-fixed male mice navigating linear paths within virtual reality (VR) environments. We found that within familiar environments some VTA axons and the vast majority of LC axons showed a correlation with the animals’ running speed. However, as mice approached previously learned rewarded locations, a large majority of VTA axons exhibited a gradual ramping-up of activity, peaking at the reward location. In contrast, LC axons displayed a pre-movement signal predictive of the animal’s transition from immobility to movement. Interestingly, a marked divergence emerged following a switch from the familiar to novel VR environments. Many LC axons showed large increases in activity that remained elevated for over a minute, while the previously observed VTA axon ramping-to-reward dynamics disappeared during the same period. In conclusion, these findings highlight distinct roles of VTA and LC catecholaminergic inputs in the dorsal CA1 hippocampal region. These inputs encode unique information, with reward information in VTA inputs and novelty and kinematic information in LC inputs, likely contributing to differential modulation of hippocampal activity during behavior and learning.
Circular extrachromosomal DNA inEuglena gracilisunder normal and stress conditions
Authors: Gumińska Natalia , Hałakuc Paweł , Zakryś Bożena , Milanowski Rafał
Published: November 2023

Extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA) enhances genomic plasticity, augmenting its coding and regulatory potential. Advances in high-throughput sequencing have enabled the investigation of these structural variants. Although eccDNAs have been investigated in numerous taxa, they remained understudied in euglenids. Therefore, we examined eccDNAs predicted from Illumina sequencing data ofEuglena gracilisZ SAG 1224–5/25, grown under optimal photoperiod and exposed to UV irradiation. We identified approximately 1000 unique eccDNA candidates, about 20% of which were shared across conditions. We also observed a significant enrichment of mitochondrially encoded eccDNA in the UV-irradiated sample. Furthermore, we found that the heterogeneity of eccDNA was reduced in UV-exposed samples compared to cells that were grown in optimal conditions. Hence, eccDNA appears to play a role in the response to oxidative stress in Euglena, as it does in other studied organisms. In addition to contributing to the understanding of Euglena genomes, our results contribute to the validation of bioinformatics pipelines on a large, non-model genome.
Validation of Diabetes Prediction Scores: Does adding a high risk for depression increase the area under the curve?
Authors: Salinero-Fort MA , Mostaza J , Lahoz C , Cárdenas-Valladolid J , Iriarte-Campo V , Estirado-de Cabo E , García-Iglesias F , González-Alegre T , Fernández-Puntero B , Cornejo-del Río V , Sánchez-Arroyo V , Sabín-Rodriguez C , López-López S , Gómez-Campelo P , Taulero-Escalera B , Rodriguez-Artalejo F , San Andrés-Rebollo FJ , de Burgos-Lunar C
Published: November 2023

Background

Diabetes risk scores include age, waist circumference, body mass index, hypertension, use of blood pressure medication, and metabolic and lifestyle variables. Although patients with major depressive disorder have a higher risk of diabetes, none of the diabetes risk scores includes high risk of depression as an additional item.

Aim

To validate three diabetes risk scores (FINDRISC, DESIR, ADA) in the Spanish population aged >45 years with the aim of predicting diabetes and to test the value of adding high risk of depression, defined as a PHQ-9 questionnaire score ≥10, to the risk score with the best discriminative performance.

Methods

Prospective population-based cohort study in Madrid (Spain). FINDRISC, DESIR, ADA, PHQ-9, and OGTT values were measured at baseline. Participants with OGTT <200 mg/dl (n= 1,242) were followed up for a median of 7.3 years using their general practitioner’s electronic health record (EHR) and telephone contact. Incident diabetes was identified as treatment for diabetes, fasting plasma glucose ≥126 mg/dl, a new diagnosis in the EHR, or self-reported diagnosis. At the end of the study, the performance of diabetes risk scores, including a modified original FINDRISC score with a new variable for high risk of depression (FINDRISC-MOOD), was assessed.

Results

During follow-up, 104 (8.4%; 95% CI, 6.8-9.9) participants developed diabetes, and 185 had a PHQ-9 score ≥10. The AUROC values were 0.70 (95% CI, 0.67-0.72) for FINDRISC-MOOD and 0.68 (95% CI, 0.65-0.71) for the original FINDRISC. The AUROC for DESIR and ADA were 0.66 (95% CI, 0.63-0.68) and 0.66 (95% CI, 0.63-0.69), respectively. There were no significant differences in the AUROC between FINDRISC-MOOD and the remaining scores.

Conclusion

FINDRISC-MOOD performed slightly better than the other risk scores, although the differences were not significant. FINDRISC-MOOD could be used to identify the risk of future diabetes.
An efficient one-pot synthesis of pyrazole complexes formed in situ: synthesis, crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface analysis and in vitro biological properties
Authors: Adach Anna , Tyszka-Czochara Małgorzata , Daszkiewicz Marek
Published: November 2023

The molecular crystals of monomeric and dimeric pyrazole complexes were prepared via one-pot syntheses. These are dichloridobis(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole-κN
1)cobalt/zinc(0.2/0.8), [Co0.20Zn0.80Cl2(C5H8N2)2] or [Co0.2Zn0.8Cl2(3,5-dmp)2] (1), and bis(μ-3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole)-κ2
N
1:N
2;κ2
N
2:N
1-bis[bromido/chlorido(0.7/0.3)bis(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole-κN
1)cobalt/zinc(0.1/0.9)], [Co0.20Zn1.80Br1.40Cl0.60(C5H7N2)2(C5H8N2)2] or [Co0.1Zn0.9Br0.7Cl0.3(μ-3,5-dmp)(3,5-dmp)]2 (2). The isolated complexes contain 3,5-dimethylpyrazole (3,5-dmp) ligands formed in situ from the decomposition of 1-hydroxymethyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazole. In both isolated complexes, some positional disorder is observed at the metal ions and halogen ligands. The molecular crystals of 1 and 2 are centrosymmetric, with the space groups C2/c and P-1, respectively. Additionally, in the dinuclear complex, the pyrazole ring has a bridging coordination function with respect to the metal ions. Both complexes have good biological activities against cancer cells. The results of an in vitro cytotoxicity study indicated that compounds 1 and 2 showed significant cytotoxicity for cancer cell lines, including hepatic (HepG2 cells), lung (A549 cells) and colon cancer cells (SW 480 and SW 620). Based on the calculated IC50 values against human cancer cell lines, it was found that both complexes demonstrated potent antiproliferative activity combined with great selectivity towards cancer cells. Complex 2 was a more effective cytotoxic agent which, at the same time, exhibited high cytocompatibility. The obtained data are very encouraging and could be useful for anticancer drug discovery.
An octanuclear nickel(II) pyrazolate cluster with a cubic Ni8 core and its methyl- and n-octyl-functionalized derivatives
Authors: Al Isawi Wisam A. , Zeller Matthias , Mezei Gellert
Published: November 2023

The molecular and crystal structure of a discrete [Ni8(μ4-OH)6(μ-4-Rpz)12]2− (R = H; pz = pyrazolate anion, C3H3N2
−) cluster with an unprecedented, perfectly cubic arrangement of its eight Ni centers is reported, along with its lower-symmetry alkyl-functionalized (R = methyl and n-octyl) derivatives. Crystals of the latter two were obtained with two identical counter-ions (Bu4N+), whereas the crystal of the complex with the parent pyrazole ligand has one Me4N+ and one Bu4N+ counter-ion. The methyl derivative incorporates 1,2-dichloroethane solvent molecules in its crystal structure, whereas the other two are solvent-free. The compounds are tetrabutylazanium tetramethylazanium hexa-μ4-hydroxido-dodeca-μ2-pyrazolato-hexahedro-octanickel, (C16H36N)(C4H12N)[Ni8(C3H3N2)12(OH)6] or (Bu4N)(Me4N)[Ni8(μ4-OH)6(μ-pz)12] (1), bis(tetrabutylazanium) hexa-μ4-hydroxido-dodeca-μ2-(4-methylpyrazolato)-hexahedro-octanickel 1,2-dichloroethane 7.196-solvate, (C16H36N)2[Ni8(C4H5N2)12(OH)6]·7.196C2H4Cl2 or (Bu4N)2[Ni8(μ4-OH)6(μ-4-Mepz)12]·7.196(ClCH2CH2Cl) (2), and bis(tetrabutylazanium) hexa-μ4-hydroxido-dodeca-μ2-(4-octylpyrazolato)-hexahedro-octanickel, (C16H36N)2[Ni8(C11H19N2)12(OH)6] or (Bu4N)2[Ni8(μ4-OH)6(μ-4-
n
Octpz)12] (3). All counter-ions are disordered (with the exception of one Bu4N+ in 3). Some of the octyl chains of 3 (the crystal is twinned by non-merohedry) are also disordered. Various structural features are discussed and contrasted with those of other known [Ni8(μ4-OH)6(μ-4-Rpz)12]2− complexes, including extended three-dimensional metal–organic frameworks. In all three structures, the Ni8 units are lined up in columns.
Airway and respiratory complications during anaesthesia and associated with peri‐operative cardiac arrest as reported to the 7th National Audit Project of the Royal College of Anaesthetists
Authors: Cook T. M. , Oglesby F. , Kane A. D. , Armstrong R. A. , Kursumovic E. , Soar J.
Published: November 2023

The 7th National Audit Project (NAP7) of the Royal College of Anaesthetists studied complications of the airway and respiratory system during anaesthesia care including peri‐operative cardiac arrest. Among 24,721 surveyed cases, airway and respiratory complications occurred commonly (n = 421 and n = 264, respectively). The most common airway complications were: laryngospasm (157, 37%); airway failure (125, 30%); and aspiration (27, 6%). Emergency front of neck airway was rare (1 in 8370, 95%CI 1 in 2296–30,519). The most common respiratory complications were: severe ventilation difficulty (97, 37%); hyper/hypocapnia (63, 24%); and hypoxaemia (62, 23%). Among 881 reports to NAP7 and 358 deaths, airway and respiratory complications accounted for 113 (13%) peri‐operative cardiac arrests and 32 (9%) deaths, with hypoxaemia as the most common primary cause. Airway and respiratory cases had higher and lower survival rates than other causes of cardiac arrest, respectively. Patients with obesity, young children (particularly infants) and out‐of‐hours care were overrepresented in reports. There were six cases of unrecognised oesophageal intubation with three resulting in cardiac arrest. Of these cases, failure to correctly interpret capnography was a recurrent theme. Cases of emergency front of neck airway (6, approximately 1 in 450,000) and pulmonary aspiration (11, approximately 1 in 25,000) leading to cardiac arrest were rare. Overall, these data, while distinct from the 4th National Audit Project, suggest that airway management is likely to have become safer in the last decade, despite the surgical population having become more challenging for anaesthetists.
Novel identification of t(14;18)(q32;q21)/IGH::MALT1 in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Kumar Jyoti , Ewalt Mark D. , Zhang Yanming , Yao JinJuan , Thompson Meghan C. , Dogan Ahmet
Published: November 2023

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is a clonal B‐cell malignancy and remains a chronic disease despite improvements in clinical outcomes since the use of targeted therapies. Both clinical and biological parameters are important for determining prognosis. Unlike other mature B‐cell lymphomas, translocations involving the immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH) locus are uncommon in CLL. There have been few case reports of CLL harbouring t(14;18)/IGH::BCL2 and t(14;19)/IGH::BCL3. Here we describe the first two cases of patients with CLL with documented t(14;18)(q32;q21)/IGH::MALT1. Both cases in this report were associated with lower‐risk biological parameters. Thus, FISH testing for MALT1 in cases with unknown IGH translocation partners in the setting of CLL should be implemented in clinical practice to better define such cases.
Middle and Late Holocene relative sea level changes and coastal development at Rugård, Denmark
Authors: Riis Marie Holst , Sander Lasse , Nielsen Lars , Buylaert Jan‐Pieter , Challier Amélie Juliette Marie , Larsen Nicolaj Krog
Published: November 2023

Denmark has been subject to complex interactions of isostatic uplift and eustatic sea level changes since the last deglaciation. Prominent coastal beach ridges as well as lagoonal and lake deposits from this period have been investigated at a number of sites in the region to constrain the relative sea level (RSL) changes. However, despite the common occurrence of former coastal lagoons and lakes in proximity to raised beach ridges, they have rarely been studied in combination. In this study, we use a multiproxy approach including geospatial data, lake sediment coring, ground penetrating radar and optically stimulated luminescence dating to investigate the Holocene coastal evolution and RSL history at Rugård in Mols Bjerge National Park, on the east coast of the Jutland Peninsula. Our results show that the coastal area at Rugård was transgressed between c. 7.6 and 7.0 cal. ka BP and that RSL was ~4.5 m higher than present between c. 6.6 and 5.9 ka ago, when the highest section of the beach ridge plain was deposited. The elevation and timing of this relative highstand are in good agreement with previous estimates of the Littorina transgression and contribute to our combined knowledge about RSL history and coastal evolution in the southern Kattegat. Subsequently, isostatic adjustment has caused uplift and erosion of the beach ridge plain, but renewed progradation and deposition of a lower beach plain have taken place since c. 1740 CE. Our results demonstrate the value of using a multiproxy approach to study RSL changes and coastal evolution.
Perspectives of young adults diagnosed with early psychosis using coordinated specialty care in Texas on substance use and substance use interventions
Authors: Myers Neely Laurenzo , Wilkey Justin , Chacon Marne , Hutnyan Matthew , Janssen Claire , Tarvin Halle , Cohen Deborah , Holmes Imani , Klodnick Vanessa Vorhies , Mihiret Mesganaw A. , Reznik Samantha J. , Shimizu Taylor Khouw , Stein Emily , Lopez Molly A.
Published: November 2023

Aim

Despite known prevalence of substance use (SU) among young people experiencing early psychosis and increasing evidence for the relationship between certain substances (e.g., cannabis) and psychosis, there are no specialized interventions developed for effectively addressing substance use among young people participating in coordinated early psychosis services. This study elicited the perspectives of young people with early psychosis participating in Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) programs about their substance use, including their motivations and concerns around their use, and their ideas on how to best support young people who are interested in reducing or quitting substance use.

Methods

We recruited young adults (ages 18 to 30) from CSC programs across Texas through flyers sent to program staff inviting young persons willing to talk about substance use to engage in a 60–90 min person‐centered, semi‐structured, audio‐recorded Zoom interview.

Results

A total of 22 young adults were recruited and 18 completed an interview. Participants described mixed positive and negative responses to substance use, and while many understood the importance of discontinuing substance use, many expressed ambivalence related to social, contextual, mental and physical factors that motivated them to keep using. Participants desired practical substance use information, opportunities to explore their substance use ambivalence in supportive relationships, positive peer communities to support healthy choices, help engage, with work, school, and hobbies, and strategies for addressing psychological and physical pain that did not include substance use.

Conclusion

Study findings illuminate what motivates young people with early psychosis to initiate, continue, or cut back on substance use, and ideas for CSC practices for exploring substances and helping young people to reduce substance use.
Shrinkage, microstructure, and mechanical properties of sintered 3D‐printed silica via stereolithography
Authors: Evans Peter , Turner Griffin , Patel Raj , Moghadasi Mohammadamin , Yang Qirong , Pei Zhijian , Ma Chao , Paramore James D. , Butler Brady G. , Xie Kelvin Y.
Published: November 2023

Stereolithography has been used to create ceramic parts with complex geometry that is difficult to achieve with conventional fabrication techniques. This study used stereolithography to print silica honeycomb structures with a commercial Formlabs Form2 printer. The printed samples were sintered at different temperatures, and the print shape was retained up to 1300°C, but significant distortion from partial melting occurred at 1400°C. Higher sintering temperatures lead to more shrinkage, but it is non‐uniform among directions, with the open cell plane shrinking more than the dense plane of the sample. As expected, the density of samples also increases with the sintering temperature. At higher sintering temperatures, there is an increase in cristobalite and a decrease in quartz, tridymite, and amorphous silica. Regarding mechanical properties, the out‐of‐plane compressive strength is approximately one order of magnitude higher than the in‐plane compressive strength. When compressed along the out‐of‐plane direction, the samples sintered at lower temperatures surprisingly exhibit higher strength, which is explained by the micro‐cracking mechanism. As expected, the samples sintered at higher temperatures display higher strength when compressed along the in‐plane direction.