bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D-Printed Modular Endoprosthesis Reconstruction Following Total Calcanectomy in Calcaneal Malignancy
Authors: Gong Taojun , Lu Minxun , Wang Jie , Zhang Yuqi , Wang Yitian , Tang Fan , Li Zhuangzhuang , Zhou Yong , Min Li , Luo Yi , Tu Chongqi
Published: August 2023

Background:

The use of 3D-printed endoprosthesis has been proposed as a viable limb-salvage procedure following total calcanectomy in patients with calcaneal malignancy. However, certain drawbacks persist concerning the prosthetic design. In this case series, we designed a modular endoprosthesis incorporating a novel drainage system, aiming to improve the functional outcomes and to promote wound healing.

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed patients with calcaneal malignancy who underwent 3D-printed modular endoprosthesis reconstruction. Clinically, we evaluated functional outcomes using the 10-cm visual analog scale (VAS) score, the 1993 version of the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS-93) score, and the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score. Complications were also recorded.

Results:

Five male patients met the final inclusion criteria. The median age was 20 years (range 13-47 years). The median follow-up time was 28 months (range, 13-65 months). Median postoperative functional MSTS-93, VAS, and AOFAS scores were 27 points (range, 25-29), 0 points (range, 0-1), and 86 points (range, 83-93), respectively. Wound healing was observed in all patients, and there were no complications related to the endoprosthesis at the last follow-up.

Conclusion:

The use of 3D-printed modular endoprosthesis was associated with satisfactory short-term outcomes in patients undergoing calcaneal reconstruction. The incorporation of a novel design featuring an integrated draining system has the potential to enhance wound healing and expedite functional recovery.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Coding Intensity Through Health Risk Assessments and Chart Reviews in Medicare Advantage: Does It Explain Resource Use?
Authors: Jung Jeah , Feldman Roger , Carlin Caroline
Published: August 2023

Medicare Advantage (MA) plans increase their risk-adjusted payments through intensive coding in health risk assessments (HRAs) and chart reviews. Whether the additional diagnoses from HRAs and chart reviews are associated with increased resource use is not known. Using national MA encounter data (2016–2019), we examine the relative contributions of three health risk scores to MA resource use: the base risk score that excludes diagnoses from HRAs and chart reviews; the incremental score added to the base score from diagnoses in HRAs; and the incremental score added from diagnoses in chart reviews. We find that the incremental risk scores explain 53.4%-63.9% of resource use relative to the base risk score effect—that is, 36.1% to 46.6% of the incremental risk scores are not accompanied by increased resource use. While HRAs and chart reviews contribute to more complete coding of diagnoses, they are sources of intensive coding not accompanied by resource use.
Intrinsic Marguerre–von Kármán equations
Authors: Ciarlet Philippe G , Mardare Cristinel
Published: August 2023

We first show how the classical Marguerre–von Kármán equations modeling the deformation of a nonlinearly elastic shallow shell can be recast as equations whose sole unknowns are the bending moments and stress resultants inside the middle surface of the shell. Thus, these equations allow to compute the stresses inside the shell without having to compute first the displacement field. We then show that the boundary value problem formed by these new equations is well posed by establishing an existence theorem.
Bodily Scars as Lived Memory in Post-Genocide Rwanda
Authors: Mwambari David , Sibomana Eric
Published: August 2023

Scholarship about politics and the body in conflicts has gained prominence in academic debates. This article advances these conversations by arguing that bodily scars are potent ‘carriers’ of memories of mass atrocities committed during the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Using both semi-structured interviews and a wide range of secondary sources, this study found that bodily scars – as physical manifestations of wartime torture and pain – evidence past atrocities and survivor resilience. Similarly, they are avenues through which the past is communicated and transformed (in ways that complement and surpass other mediums of memory). Bodily scars play powerful and complex roles in memory conversations; they communicate trauma and keep memories of the mass violence vivid in public and private realms. This article empirically contributes to discussions on the politics of memory in post-genocide Rwanda, and body studies and memory scholarship more broadly.
Meaning, relationships, identities: An exploration of motive and intent in early childhood literacies
Authors: Rodriguez Leon Lucy
Published: August 2023

Young children encounter a diverse range of written and multimodal texts in their play and everyday lives. Prior to formal education, children may not be considered ‘readers’ or ‘writers’ in the conventional sense, yet nonetheless, they engage creatively and agentively in everyday literacies. However, little is known about the motives and intentions of our youngest citizens in their activity with text. This paper reports a sub-section of findings from a wider ethnographic involving 3 to 4-year-olds, their families and practitioners at their early childhood setting. Data gathering and analysis were shaped by two distinct theoretical lenses, namely, the neo-Vygotskian concept of perezhivanie and posthumanist affect theories. The study findings are exemplified through two vignettes extracted from data, which illustrate how children’s motives and intent in their everyday encounters with text are underpinned by three overarching and interrelated goals – to make meaning, make relationships and make identities. In addition, building on posthumanist literacy research, this paper considers the nature and emergence of motive and intent in everyday literacies. The study provides more textured understandings and accounts of young children’s everyday encounters with a diverse range of texts.
Living at the Intersections of Race and Gender in Diversified Mentoring: Experiences of Minoritized Women Leaders in Higher Education
Authors: Manongsong Ague Mae , Ghosh Rajashi
Published: August 2023

Problem

There is chronic underrepresentation of minoritized women in higher education leadership positions. A primary reason is that mentoring support is either lacking or rarely considers how the intersection of their race and gender creates a double bind. Further, there is a dearth of studies examining the lived experiences of mentoring support received by minoritized women leaders.

Solution

Through semi-structured interviews of fifteen participants, our interpretative phenomenological study adds to the extant literature by exploring how women of color (WOC) leaders navigated the challenges posed by the differences in gender and/or racial identities with their mentors in diversified mentoring relationships (DMRs). Our findings indicate that aspiring minoritized women leaders can thrive under the double bind in DMRs with successful coping strategies.

Stakeholders

University administration and HRD practitioners can apply the findings to leverage DMRs as a critical tool for developing the leadership identity of women of color in higher education.
Mitochondrial reactivity following acute exposure to experimental pain testing in people with HIV and chronic pain
Authors: Gilstrap Shannon R , Hobson Joanna M , Owens Michael A , White Dyan M , Sammy Melissa J , Ballinger Scott , Sorge Robert E , Goodin Burel R
Published: August 2023

Background: Physical stressors can cause a physiological response that can contribute to an increase in mitochondrial dysfunction and Mitochondrial DNA damage (mtDNA damage). People living with HIV (PWH) are more likely to suffer from chronic pain and may be more susceptible to mitochondrial dysfunction following exposure to a stressor. We used Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) as an acute painful stressor in order to investigate whether PWH with/without chronic pain show differential mitochondrial physiological responses. Methods: The current study included PWH with ( n = 26), and without ( n = 29), chronic pain. Participants completed a single session that lasted approximately 180 min, including QST. Blood was taken prior to and following the QST battery for assays measuring mtDNA damage, mtDNA copy number, and mtDNA damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) levels (i.e., ND1 and ND6). Results: We examined differences between those with and without pain on various indicators of mitochondrial reactivity following exposure to QST. However, only ND6 and mtDNA damage were shown to be statistically significant between pain groups. Conclusion: PWH with chronic pain showed greater mitochondrial reactivity to laboratory stressors. Consequently, PWH and chronic pain may be more susceptible to conditions in which mitochondrial damage/dysfunction play a central role, such as cognitive decline.
The influence of peripheral information on a proactive process during multitasking
Authors: Kimura Tsukasa , Kawashima Tomoya
Published: August 2023

The aim of this study was to examine whether peripheral information facilitates proactive processes during multitasking. For this purpose, peripheral information was presented regularly during multitasking and its effects on the performance of a tracking task (main task: reactive process) and a discrimination task (sub-task: proactive process) were examined. Experiment 1 presented peripheral information (white circles) in the same sensory modality (visual) as the information used for multitasking and the number of circle presentations was manipulated. In Experiment 2, a pure tone (auditory) was presented as peripheral information. We found that, in both experiments, the difficulty of the tracking task influenced discrimination performance, showing that as the difficulty of the tracking task (reactive process) increased, more cognitive resources were consumed in the tracking task, resulting in a decrease in cognitive resources available for the discrimination task (proactive process). In addition, regular presentation of peripheral information facilitated discrimination task performance in both experiments. Interestingly, this peripheral information also facilitated the tracking task performance (reactive process) even if the tracking task was difficult. Moreover, this promoting effect of the peripheral information occurred regardless of the sensory modality. This study revealed that processing of peripheral information facilitates the proactive process even if more cognitive resources are consumed, and that this facilitating effect does not conflict with multitasking and provides a margin of cognitive resources and also facilitates the reactive process. Our results provide evidence of how peripheral information and cognitive resources are used during multitasking.
How well do we do social distancing?
Authors: Yamamoto Naohide , Nightingale Mia
Published: August 2023

During the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), many jurisdictions around the world introduced a “social distance” rule under which people are instructed to keep a certain distance from others. Generally, this rule is implemented simply by telling people how many metres or feet of separation should be kept, without giving them precise instructions as to how the specified distance can be measured. Consequently, the rule is effective only to the extent that people are able to gauge this distance through their space perception. To examine the effectiveness of the rule from this point of view, this study empirically investigated how much distance people would leave from another person when they relied on their perception of this distance. Participants ( N = 153) were asked to stand exactly 1.5 m away from a researcher, and resultant interpersonal distances showed that while their mean was close to the correct 1.5 m distance, they exhibited large individual differences. These results suggest that a number of people would not stay sufficiently away from others even when they intend to do proper social distancing. Given this outcome, it is suggested that official health advice include measures that compensate for this tendency.
Healthy ageing has divergent effects on verbal and non-verbal semantic cognition
Authors: Wu Wei , Lohani Suchismita , Homan Taylore , Krieger-Redwood Katya , Hoffman Paul
Published: August 2023

Semantic cognition refers to the storage and appropriate use of knowledge acquired over the lifespan and underpins our everyday verbal and non-verbal behaviours. Successful semantic cognition requires representation of knowledge and control processes which ensure that currently relevant aspects of knowledge are retrieved and selected. Although these abilities have been widely studied in healthy young populations and semantically impaired patients, it is unclear how they change as a function of healthy ageing, especially for non-verbal semantic processing. Here, we addressed this issue by comparing the performance profiles of young and older people on a semantic knowledge task and a semantic control task, across verbal (word) and non-verbal (picture) versions. The results revealed distinct patterns of change during adulthood for semantic knowledge and semantic control. Older people performed better in both verbal and non-verbal knowledge tasks than young people. However, although the older group showed preserved controlled retrieval for verbal semantics, they demonstrated a specific impairment for non-verbal semantic control. These findings indicate that the effects of ageing on semantic cognition are more complex than previously assumed, and that input modality plays an important role in the shifting cognitive architecture of semantics in later life.
Performative Polarization: The Interactional and Cultural Drivers of Political Antagonism
Authors: Revers Matthias
Published: August 2023

Political backlash against liberal democracy and ubiquitous clashes between different versions of identity politics in recent years evoked a heightened awareness of political polarization. Rather than examining the mechanics of this process, social science predominantly conceives political polarization in a rather static manner and measures its prevalence and causes within and between societies. This article views political polarization as taking shape in the experience of political conflict. It proposes a cultural performance framework suitable to examine the social drama of political conflict and its connections to interpersonal political dispute. Performative polarization is premised upon antagonizing one public in order to win over and energize another public. It views political antagonism as constituted by (1) powerful performers and performances that provide the preparatory symbolic work and scripts and (2) divided publics who arbitrate their dramatic acts in ensuing performances and who collectively generate political divisions. The anti-Critical Race Theory campaign in the USA serves as a case study to work through the elements of this theoretical framework.
‘She is not a virgin so why refuse the lecturer sex?’: An appraisal of cyberspace discourse of sexual harassment in Nigerian tertiary institutions
Authors: Ugah Helen Ufuoma
Published: August 2023

This study argues that online discourse about female victims of sexual harassment contain stances and stereotypical assumptions that portray negative attitudes towards the victims. Using Martin and White’s Appraisal Theory aided by Lazar’s Feminist Critical Discourse Analysis, it analyses the attitudes and opinions of Nigerian online participants about the victims, and discusses the ideological perceptions about them in order to explicate the nature of discursivity and stance-taking in online discussions on sexual harassment cases in Nigerian Universities. The data comprise 500 readers’ comments on online narrations about sexual harassment in five Nigerian universities downloaded from Nairaland.com . Findings reveal the use of negative affect and judgement expressed towards victims of sexual harassment present them as liars and willing accomplices in the harassment situation. Also, dimensions of ideological perceptions of females portray them as guilty victims whose behaviours and actions instigated the harassment.
Clinical Presentation and Outcomes of Sacral Stress Fractures in Athletes: A Case Series of 13 Patients
Authors: Shankar Dhruv S. , Gillinov Lauren A. , Buldo-Licciardi Michael , Vargas Luilly , Cardone Dennis A.
Published: August 2023

Background:

Sacral stress fractures are a rare cause of low back pain in athletes. Given the low incidence of these fractures, there is a scarcity of data on symptomatology, risk factors, and clinical outcomes.

Hypothesis:

Patients diagnosed with sacral stress fractures would be athletes presenting with low back pain.

Study Design:

Case series of 13 patients with sacral stress fractures.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective review of medical records to identify patients diagnosed with sacral stress fractures at a single academic institution. Fractures were diagnosed on noncontrast T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging scans and categorized using the Bakker classification system. Subjects were administered an electronic survey that asked about (1) the onset, time course, and location of pain and other symptoms; (2) time to treatment and treatment modalities pursued; (3) sports performance and time to return to sport; and (4) risk factors for stress fractures.

Results:

Of 18 eligible patients, 13 (72.2%) completed the survey with mean follow-up of 49.6 months (range, 1-144 months). Mean age was 28.0 years (range, 18-52 years); 9 patients (69.2%) were female, of whom 7 (77.8%) were premenopausal. The most common fracture type was Bakker type B (8 patients; 61.5%). Most patients presented with acute lumbosacral back pain in the setting of running/jogging activities. All patients underwent nonoperative treatment for an average of 3.8 months (range, 0-8 months) and three-quarters reported pain resolution at last follow-up. Rate of return to sport was 83.3%, but most patients reported ongoing deficits in running performance.

Conclusion:

Sacral stress fractures commonly present as acute lumbosacral back pain provoked by running sports. While the pain associated with these fractures prevents most athletes from participating in sports, nonoperative management appears to be an effective treatment modality with a high rate of return to sport.
Up is best
Authors: Anstis Stuart , Cavanagh Patrick
Published: August 2023

Ambiguous patterns have a tendency to appear to point up. This bias makes sense as most objects are on the ground, pointing up. However, we discover that the source of the up bias is the preference for seeing depth receding from the lower to the upper visual field.
Ultra-low-dose emergency chest computed tomography protocols in three vendors: A technical note
Authors: Mussmann Bo , Skov Peter Marshall , Lorentzen Morten H , Skjøt-Arkil Helene , Graumann Ole , Andersen Michael B , Jensen Janni
Published: August 2023

Background

In suspected community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), chest CT is superior to the routinely obtained radiographs (CXR), but administers higher radiation doses. However, ultra-low-dose CT (ULDCT) has shown promising results.

Purpose

To compare radiation dose and image quality using standard and ULDCT protocols designed for a multicenter study encompassing three CT scanner models from GE, Canon, and Siemens.

Material and methods

Patients with suspected CAP were referred for non-contrast standard dose chest CT (NCCT) and ULDCT. Effective radiation dose and Contrast-to-Noise Ratio (CNR) was calculated.

Results

Mean effective doses were GE ( n = 10) 6.93 mSv in NCCT and 0.27 mSv in ULDCT; Canon ( n = 9) 3.48 in mSv NCCT and 1.11 mSv in ULDCT; Siemens ( n = 10) 2.85 mSv in NCCT and 0.45 mSv in ULDCT. CNR was reduced by 29–39% in ULDCT.

Conclusion

The proposed CT protocols yielded dose reductions of 96%, 68%, and 84% using a GE, Canon, and Siemens scanner, respectively.
Usage Trends and Safety Profile of Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 for Spinal Column Tumor Surgery: A National Matched Cohort Analysis
Authors: Munim Mohammed A. , Berlinberg Elyse , Federico Vincent P. , Nolte Michael T. , Prabhu Michael , Pawlowski Hanna , Patel Karan S. , Colman Matthew W.
Published: August 2023

Study Design

Retrospective Cohort Analysis.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to investigate national rates of rhBMP-2 utilization in spinal tumor surgery and examine its association with postoperative complications, revisions, and carcinogenicity.

Methods

All patients diagnosed with primary or metastatic spinal tumors with subsequent surgical intervention involving a spinal fusion procedure were identified in PearlDiver. Patients were 1:1 matched into 2 cohorts according to rhBMP-2 usage. Postoperative complications and revisions were examined at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after fusion. New cancer incidence following spinal tumor surgery was assessed until 5 years postoperatively.

Results

A total of 11,198 patients underwent fusion surgery after resection of spinal tumors between 2005 and 2020, with 909 cases reporting the use of rhBMP-2 (8.1%). An annualized analysis revealed that the proportion of spine tumor fusion procedures utilizing rhBMP-2 has been significantly decreasing ( R2 = .859, P < .001), with the most recent annual utilization rate at 1.1%. At least 3 months after surgery, significantly increased incidences of surgical site (11.4% vs 3.3%, P = .03) and systemic infections (8.1% vs 1.6%, P = .02) were observed in patients who underwent fusion with rhBMP-2. Across all time points, no significant differences were observed in survival, implant removal, revision rates, or new cancer diagnoses.

Conclusion

This analysis demonstrated significantly declining national utilization rates. Spinal tumor cases utilizing rhBMP-2 sustained greater rates of surgical site and systemic infections. rhBMP-2 usage did not significantly reduce the risk of mortality, implant failure, or reoperation.
Rates and Causes of Reoperations Following Spinal Cord Stimulation Within a 2-12 year Period
Authors: Papadopoulos Dimitrios V. , Suk Madeline S. , Andreychik David , Nikolaou Vasileios , Haak Michael
Published: August 2023

Study design

Retrospective study.

Objective

Spinal cord stimulation has been mainly used for the management of postsurgical persistent neuropathic. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the rate and causes for reoperation following spinal cord stimulation, and to identify risk factors for reoperation.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted including patients who underwent surgical implantation of spinal cord stimulators within a 10-year period. The medical records of the included patients were reviewed for reoperations, demographics and certain clinical parameters. Demographics and clinical parameters were compared between patients with and without reoperations, and between patients with and without surgical site infections.

Results

Overall, 1014 index procedures and 175 reoperations were performed within the study period. At least 1 reoperation was performed in 97 (9.5%) cases. The most common cause for revision was lead migration or lead misplacement (n = 31, 3.0%). In 31 (3.1%) cases the stimulator was removed due to no pain relief. Surgical site infection that required reoperation developed in 30 cases (2.9%). Younger age was associated with a need for reoperation (Odds Ratio [OR]: .97,95% Confidence Interval [CI]:0.95-.99, P = .005), while higher Body Mass index and diabetes were associated with development of infection (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.00-1.11, P = .036 and OR: 2.42, 95% CI: 1.05-5.47, P = .033 respectively).

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate that certain measures could improve the overall reoperation rate after spinal cord stimulation, such as accurate positioning of the spinal cord stimulators and design of smaller generators. Moreover, preoperative optimization of patients could result in lower complication rate, lower reoperations rate, and subsequently better clinical outcomes.
The Interplay Between Fiscal Institutions and the Great Recession: Evidence From U.S. School Districts
Authors: Buerger Christian , Lofton Michelle L.
Published: August 2023

Recessions may disproportionally affect school districts, especially with established fiscal institutions and policies including balanced budget requirements, tax and expenditure limitations, and school finance reforms. Analyzing the Great Recession and school districts in the United States between 2003 and 2016, we estimated difference-in-differences models leveraging variation in state recession severity to evaluate revenue and expenditure impacts as well as to measure differential recession effects for districts exposed to and not exposed to fiscal institutions and policies. Although revenues and expenditures increased relative to pre-recession levels in all districts, increases were much larger in school districts with less severe than more severe recessions. Balanced budget requirements exacerbated recession effects for low-income districts, and local tax and expenditure limitations intensified recession effects for high-income districts. School finance reforms worsened recession effects for all districts. Our findings can aid districts in understanding potential recessionary impacts, given their prior established fiscal policies and institutions.
Grip strength cut-points from the Swiss DO-HEALTH population
Authors: Gagesch Michael , Wieczorek Maud , Abderhalden Lauren A. , Lang Wei , Freystaetter Gregor , Armbrecht Gabriele , Kressig Reto W. , Vellas Bruno , Rizzoli René , Blauth Michael , Orav E. John , Egli Andreas , Bischoff-Ferrari Heike A.
Published: August 2023

Background

While grip strength (GS) is commonly assessed using a Dynamometer, the Martin Vigorimeter was proposed as an alternative method especially in older adults. However, its reference values for Swiss older adults are missing. We therefore aimed to derive sex- and age-specific GS cut-points for the dominant and non-dominant hand (DH; NDH) using the Martin Vigorimeter. Additionally, we aimed to identify clinically relevant weakness and assess convergent validity with key markers of physical function and sarcopenia in generally healthy Swiss older adults.

Methods

This cross-sectional analysis includes baseline data from Swiss participants enrolled in DO-HEALTH, a 3-year randomized controlled trial in community-dwelling adults age 70 + . For both DH and NDH, 4 different definitions of weakness to derive GS cut-points by sex and age category (≤ 75 vs. > 75 years) were used: i) GS below the median of the 1st quintile, ii) GS below the upper limit of the 1st quintile, iii) GS below 2-standard deviation (SD) of the sex- and age-specific mean in DO-HEALTH Swiss healthy agers (i.e. individuals without major chronic diseases, disabilities, cognitive impairment or mental health issues) and iv) GS below 2.5-SD of the sex- and age-specific mean in DO-HEALTH Swiss healthy agers. To assess the proposed cut-points’ convergent validity, we assessed their association with gait speed, time to complete the 5 Times Sit-To-Stand (5TSTS) test, and present sarcopenia.

Results

In total, 976 participants had available GS at the DH (mean age 75.2, 62% women). According to the 4 weakness definitions, GS cut-points at the DH ranged from 29–42 and 25–39 kPa in younger and older women respectively, and from 51–69 and 31–50 kPa in younger and older men respectively. Overall, weakness prevalence ranged from 2.0% to 19.3%. Definitions of weakness using the median and the upper limit of the 1st GS quintile were most consistently associated with markers of physical performance. Weak participants were more likely to have lower gait speed, longer time to complete the 5TSTS, and sarcopenia, compared to participants without weakness.

Conclusions

In generally healthy Swiss older adults, weakness defined by the median or the upper limit of the 1st GS quintile may serve as reference to identify clinically relevant weakness. Additional research is needed in less healthy populations in order to derive representative population-based cut-points.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01745263.
Inductive line tunneling FET using epitaxial tunnel layer with Ge-source and charge enhancement insulation
Authors: Lin Jyi-Tsong , Chang Yen-Chen
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we propose an inductive line tunneling FET using Epitaxial Tunnel Layer with Ge-Source and Charge Enhancement Insulation (CEI ETL GS-iTFET). The CEI ETL GS-iTFET allows full overlap between the gate and source regions, thereby enhancing the line tunneling. In addition, a germanium layer is introduced on the source side to form a heterojunction, effectively improving the device's conduction current. An ETL is incorporated to combat point tunneling leakage, resulting in a steeper subthreshold swing. Furthermore, a CEI consisting of Si3N4 is introduced between the germanium source and the Schottky metal, which effectively reduces carrier losses in the inversion layer and improves the overall device performance. This study presents a calibration-based approach to simulations, taking into account practical process considerations. Simulation results show that at VD = 0.2 V, the CEI ETL GS-iTFET achieves an average subthreshold swing (SSavg) of 30.5 mV/dec, an Ion of 3.12 × 10–5 A/μm and an Ion/Ioff ratio of 1.81 × 1010. These results demonstrate a significantly low subthreshold swing and a high current ratio of about 1010. In addition, the proposed device eliminates the need for multiple implantation processes, resulting in significant manufacturing cost reductions. As a result, the CEI ETL GS-iTFET shows remarkable potential in future low-power device competition.
Cumulative effects of exercise training and consumption of propolis on managing diabetic dyslipidemia in adult women: a single-blind, randomized, controlled trial with pre–post-intervention assessments
Authors: Moayedi Fatemeh , Taghian Farzaneh , Jalali Dehkordi Khosro , Hosseini Seyed Ali
Published: August 2023

Dyslipidemia is an imbalance of various lipids, and propolis, as a natural resinous viscos mixture made by Apis mellifera L. could improve in this condition. In this single-blind, randomized trial, 60 women with type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia were divided into four groups: (1) the patients who did not apply the combined training and 500 mg propolis capsules supplement (Control group); (2) subjects performed combined training, including aerobic and resistance training (EXR); (3) subjects received the 500 mg propolis supplement capsules (SUPP); (4) Subjects performed combined training along with receiving the 500 mg propolis supplement capsules (EXR + SUPP). We evaluated the concentration of CTRP12, SFRP5, interleukin-6 (IL6), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), adiponectin, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) before and after the intervention. MDA, TAC, IL6, CTRP12, SFRP5 IL6, adiponectin, and lipid profile levels ameliorated in the EXR + SUPP group. We found that 8 weeks of treatment by combined exercise training and propolis supplement decreased inflammation activity and increased antioxidant defense in women with diabetic dyslipidemia.

Trial registration This study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials; IRCT code: IRCT20211229053561N1
Temporal transcriptomic profiling elucidates sorghum defense mechanisms against sugarcane aphids
Authors: Puri Heena , Grover Sajjan , Pingault Lise , Sattler Scott E. , Louis Joe
Published: August 2023

Background

The sugarcane aphid (SCA; Melanaphis sacchari) has emerged as a key pest on sorghum in the United States that feeds from the phloem tissue, drains nutrients, and inflicts physical damage to plants. Previously, it has been shown that SCA reproduction was low and high on sorghum SC265 and SC1345 plants, respectively, compared to RTx430, an elite sorghum male parental line (reference line). In this study, we focused on identifying the defense-related genes that confer resistance to SCA at early and late time points in sorghum plants with varied levels of SCA resistance.

Results

We used RNA-sequencing approach to identify the global transcriptomic responses to aphid infestation on RTx430, SC265, and SC1345 plants at early time points 6, 24, and 48 h post infestation (hpi) and after extended period of SCA feeding for 7 days. Aphid feeding on the SCA-resistant line upregulated the expression of 3827 and 2076 genes at early and late time points, respectively, which was relatively higher compared to RTx430 and SC1345 plants. Co-expression network analysis revealed that aphid infestation modulates sorghum defenses by regulating genes corresponding to phenylpropanoid metabolic pathways, secondary metabolic process, oxidoreductase activity, phytohormones, sugar metabolism and cell wall-related genes. There were 187 genes that were highly expressed during the early time of aphid infestation in the SCA-resistant line, including genes encoding leucine-rich repeat (LRR) proteins, ethylene response factors, cell wall-related, pathogenesis-related proteins, and disease resistance-responsive dirigent-like proteins. At 7 days post infestation (dpi), 173 genes had elevated expression levels in the SCA-resistant line and were involved in sucrose metabolism, callose formation, phospholipid metabolism, and proteinase inhibitors.

Conclusions

In summary, our results indicate that the SCA-resistant line is better adapted to activate early defense signaling mechanisms in response to SCA infestation because of the rapid activation of the defense mechanisms by regulating genes involved in monolignol biosynthesis pathway, oxidoreductase activity, biosynthesis of phytohormones, and cell wall composition. This study offers further insights to better understand sorghum defenses against aphid herbivory.
Identifying novel regulatory effects for clinically relevant genes through the study of the Greek population
Authors: Rouskas Konstantinos , Katsareli Efthymia A. , Amerikanou Charalampia , Dimopoulos Alexandros C. , Glentis Stavros , Kalantzi Alexandra , Skoulakis Anargyros , Panousis Nikolaos , Ongen Halit , Bielser Deborah , Planchon Alexandra , Romano Luciana , Harokopos Vaggelis , Reczko Martin , Moulos Panagiotis , Griniatsos Ioannis , Diamantis Theodoros , Dermitzakis Emmanouil T. , Ragoussis Jiannis , Dedoussis George , Dimas Antigone S.
Published: August 2023

Background

Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) studies provide insights into regulatory mechanisms underlying disease risk. Expanding studies of gene regulation to underexplored populations and to medically relevant tissues offers potential to reveal yet unknown regulatory variants and to better understand disease mechanisms. Here, we performed eQTL mapping in subcutaneous (S) and visceral (V) adipose tissue from 106 Greek individuals (Greek Metabolic study, GM) and compared our findings to those from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) resource.

Results

We identified 1,930 and 1,515 eGenes in S and V respectively, over 13% of which are not observed in GTEx adipose tissue, and that do not arise due to different ancestry. We report additional context-specific regulatory effects in genes of clinical interest (e.g. oncogene ST7) and in genes regulating responses to environmental stimuli (e.g. MIR21, SNX33). We suggest that a fraction of the reported differences across populations is due to environmental effects on gene expression, driving context-specific eQTLs, and suggest that environmental effects can determine the penetrance of disease variants thus shaping disease risk. We report that over half of GM eQTLs colocalize with GWAS SNPs and of these colocalizations 41% are not detected in GTEx. We also highlight the clinical relevance of S adipose tissue by revealing that inflammatory processes are upregulated in individuals with obesity, not only in V, but also in S tissue.

Conclusions

By focusing on an understudied population, our results provide further candidate genes for investigation regarding their role in adipose tissue biology and their contribution to disease risk and pathogenesis.
Chromosome-level genome assemblies of two parasitoid biocontrol wasps reveal the parthenogenesis mechanism and an associated novel virus
Authors: Inwood Sarah N. , Skelly John , Guhlin Joseph G. , Harrop Thomas W.R. , Goldson Stephen L. , Dearden Peter K.
Published: August 2023

Background

Biocontrol is a key technology for the control of pest species.Microctonusparasitoid wasps (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) have been released in Aotearoa New Zealand as biocontrol agents, targeting three different pest weevil species. Despite their value as biocontrol agents, no genome assemblies are currently available for theseMicroctonuswasps, limiting investigations into key biological differences between the different species and strains.

Methods and findings

Here we present high-quality genomes forMicroctonus hyperodaeandMicroctonus aethiopoides, assembled with short read sequencing and Hi-C scaffolding. These assemblies have total lengths of 106.7 Mb forM. hyperodaeand 129.2 Mb forM. aethiopoides, with scaffold N50 values of 9 Mb and 23 Mb respectively. With these assemblies we investigated differences in reproductive mechanisms, and association with viruses betweenMicroctonuswasps. Meiosis-specific genes are conserved in asexualMicroctonus, within-situhybridisation validating expression of one of these genes in the ovaries of asexualMicroctonus aethiopoides. This implies asexual reproduction in theseMicroctonuswasps involves meiosis, with the potential for sexual reproduction maintained. Investigation of viral gene content revealed candidate genes that may be involved in virus-like particle production inM. aethiopoides, as well as a novel virus infectingM. hyperodae, for which a complete genome was assembled.

Conclusion and significance

These are the first published genomes forMicroctonuswasps which have been deployed as biocontrol agents, in Aotearoa New Zealand. These assemblies will be valuable resources for continued investigation and monitoring of these biocontrol systems. Understanding the biology underpinningMicroctonusbiocontrol is crucial if we are to maintain its efficacy, or in the case ofM. hyperodaeto understand what may have influenced the significant decline of biocontrol efficacy. The potential for sexual reproduction in asexualMicroctonusis significant given that empirical modelling suggests this asexual reproduction is likely to have contributed to biocontrol decline. Furthermore the identification of a novel virus inM. hyperodaehighlights a previously unknown aspect of this biocontrol system, which may contribute to premature mortality of the host pest. These findings have potential to be exploited in future in attempt to increase the effectiveness ofM. hyperodaebiocontrol.
Characterization and genomics identification of key genes involved in denitrification-DNRA-nitrification pathway of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (Serratia marcescens OK482790)
Authors: Hamada Marwa A. , Soliman Elham R. S.
Published: August 2023

Background

A wide variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, live in the rhizosphere zone of plants and have an impact on plant development both favorably and adversely. The beneficial outcome is due to the presence of rhizobacteria that promote plant growth (PGPR).

Results

In this study, a bacterial strain was isolated from lupin rhizosphere and identified genetically as Serratia marcescens (OK482790). Several biochemically and genetically characteristics were confirmed in vitro and in vivo to determine the OK482790 strain ability to be PGPR. The in vitro results revealed production of different lytic enzymes (protease, lipase, cellulase, and catalase), antimicrobial compounds (hydrogen cyanide, and siderophores), ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate and its ability to reduce nitrate to nitrite. In silico and in vitro screening proposed possible denitrification-DNRA-nitrification pathway for OK482790 strain. The genome screening indicated the presence of nitrite and nitrate genes encoding Nar membrane bound sensor proteins (NarK, NarQ and NarX). Nitrate and nitrite reductase encoding genes (NarI, NarJ, NarH, NarG and NapC/NirT) and (NirB, NirC, and NirD) are also found in addition to nitroreductases (NTR) and several oxidoreductases. In vivo results on wheat seedlings confirmed that seedlings growth was significantly improved by soil inoculation of OK482790 strain.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence for participation of S. marcescens OK482790 in nitrogen cycling via the denitrification-DNRA-nitrification pathway and for its ability to produce several enzymes and compounds that support the beneficial role of plant-microbe interactions to sustain plant growth and development for a safer environment.
Higher serum lipocalin 2 is associated with post-stroke depression at discharge
Authors: Liu Yufeng , Liu Lu , Zhi Zhongwen , Chen Rui , Wang Qing , Wang Mengchao , Wang Yuqian , Zhao Liandong
Published: August 2023

Background and aims

Post-stroke depression (PSD), as one of the common complications after stroke, seriously affects the physical and mental health and functional prognosis of patients. Previous studies have shown that the increase of inflammatory mediators is associated with the occurrence of PSD. Lipocalin 2 (LCN2), as an acute phase protein, is involved in the development of acute ischemic stroke (AIS), and its expression is up-regulated in patients with depression, suggesting that there is a potential correlation between serum LCN2 and depression. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between serum LCN2 at admission and PSD at discharge.

Methods

A total of 358 AIS patients were retrospectively included. All patients had fasting venous blood taken within 24 h of admission to detect serum LCN2. The patients were evaluated by 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) before discharge. Patients with HAMD score > 7 were diagnosed with PSD. The correlation between serum LCN2 and PSD was tested using binary logistic regression analysis.

Results

In our study, 92 (25.7%) patients were diagnosed with PSD at discharge. According to the serum LCN2 value, the patients were divided into three layers (Tertile1 ≤ 105.24ng/ml; Tertile2: 105.24-140.12ng/ml; Tertile3 ≥ 140.12ng/ml), with T1 layer (the lowest levels) as a reference, after adjusting for multiple potential confounding factors, T3 layer (the highest levels) was independently associated with the occurrence of PSD (odds ratio [OR] = 2.639, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.317–5.287, P = 0.006). Similar results were found when the serum LCN2 was analyzed as a continuous variable. The optimal cut-off value of serum LCN2 at admission to predict PSD at discharge was 117.60ng/ml, at this threshold, the sensitivity was 77.2%, and the specificity was 53.4%.

Conclusions

High serum LCN2 levels at admission are an independent risk factor for PSD in patients with AIS at discharge.
Tear biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease screening and diagnosis (the TearAD study): design and rationale of an observational longitudinal multicenter study
Authors: van de Sande Nienke , Ramakers Inez H. G. B. , Visser Pieter Jelle , Verhey Frans R. J. , Verbraak Frank D. , Bouwman Femke H. , Berendschot Tos T. J. M. , Nuijts Rudy M. M. A. , Webers Carroll A. B. , Gijs Marlies
Published: August 2023

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, and due to increasing life expectancy the number of patients is expected to grow. The diagnosis of AD involves the use of biomarkers determined by an amyloid PET scan or cerebrospinal fluid analyses that are either invasive or expensive, and not available in each hospital, thus limiting their usage as a front-line screener. The TearAD study aims to use tear fluid as a potential source for AD biomarkers. In previous reports, we demonstrated that AD biomarkers amyloid-beta and tau, are measurable in tear fluid and are associated with disease severity and neurodegeration. This study aims to validate previous results in a larger cohort and evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of tear biomarkers to discriminate between individuals with and without neurodegeneration as determined by hippocampal atrophy.

Methods

The TearAD study is an observational longitudinal multi-center study that will enroll 50 cognitively healthy controls, 50 patients with subjective cognitive decline, 50 patients with mild cognitive impairment and 50 patients with AD dementia from the memory clinic. Participants will be examined at baseline, after one year, and after two years follow-up. Study assessments include neuropsychological tests and ophthalmic examination. All participants will receive a MRI scan, and a subset of the study population will undergo cerebral spinal fluid collection and an amyloid PET scan. Tear fluid will be collected with Schirmer strips and levels of Aβ38, Aβ40, Aβ42, t-tau and p-tau in tear fluid will be determined using multiplex immunoassays. Blood samples will be collected from all participants. Images of the retina will be obtained with a standard, hyperspectral and ultra-wide field fundus camera. Additionally, macular pigment optical density will be measured with the macular pigment reflectometer, and cross-sectional images of the retina will be obtained through optical coherence tomography imaging.

Discussion

The TearAD study will provide insight into the potential diagnostic use of tear biomarkers as a minimally invasive and low cost tool for the screening and diagnosis of AD.

Trial registration

Retrospectively registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05655793).
Comparative yield of molecular diagnostic algorithms for autism spectrum disorder diagnosis in India: evidence supporting whole exome sequencing as first tier test
Authors: Sheth Frenny , Shah Jhanvi , Jain Deepika , Shah Siddharth , Patel Harshkumar , Patel Ketan , Solanki Dhaval I , Iyer Anand S , Menghani Bhargavi , Mhatre Priti , Mehta Sanjiv , Bajaj Shruti , Patel Vishal , Pandya Manoj , Dhami Deepak , Patel Darshan , Sheth Jayesh , Sheth Harsh
Published: August 2023

Background

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects 1 in 100 children globally with a rapidly increasing prevalence. To the best of our knowledge, no data exists on the genetic architecture of ASD in India. This study aimed to identify the genetic architecture of ASD in India and to assess the use of whole exome sequencing (WES) as a first-tier test instead of chromosomal microarray (CMA) for genetic diagnosis.

Methods

Between 2020 and 2022, 101 patient-parent trios of Indian origin diagnosed with ASD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th edition, were recruited. All probands underwent a sequential genetic testing pathway consisting of karyotyping, Fragile-X testing (in male probands only), CMA and WES. Candidate variant validation and parental segregation analysis was performed using orthogonal methods.

Results

Of 101 trios, no probands were identified with a gross chromosomal anomaly or Fragile-X. Three (2.9%) and 30 (29.7%) trios received a confirmed genetic diagnosis from CMA and WES, respectively. Amongst diagnosis from WES, SNVs were detected in 27 cases (90%) and CNVs in 3 cases (10%), including the 3 CNVs detected from CMA. Segregation analysis showed 66.6% (n = 3 for CNVs and n = 17 for SNVs) and 16.6% (n = 5) of the cases had de novo and recessive variants respectively, which is in concordance with the distribution of variant types and mode of inheritance observed in ASD patients of non-Hispanic white/ European ethnicity. MECP2 gene was the most recurrently mutated gene (n = 6; 20%) in the present cohort. Majority of the affected genes identified in the study cohort are involved in synaptic formation, transcription and its regulation, ubiquitination and chromatin remodeling.

Conclusions

Our study suggests de novo variants as a major cause of ASD in the Indian population, with Rett syndrome as the most commonly detected disorder. Furthermore, we provide evidence of a significant difference in the diagnostic yield between CMA (3%) and WES (30%) which supports the implementation of WES as a first-tier test for genetic diagnosis of ASD in India.