bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of low-dose ketamine on electroencephalographic spectrum during gynecology surgery under desflurane anesthesia
Authors: Huang Yu-Pin , Lin Shih-Pin , Horng Huann-Cheng , Chang Wen-Kuei , Tsao Cheng-Ming
Published: August 2024

Background:

The perioperative administration of low-dose ketamine has shown potential in postoperative pain management, opioid sparing, and enhancing pain control. This study aimed to investigate the impact of low-dose ketamine on processed electroencephalography (EEG) signals during anesthesia.

Methods:

Forty patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II undergoing elective gynecological surgery were enrolled. EEG monitoring was initiated upon induction of anesthesia. Anesthesia was maintained with desflurane and alfentanil immediately after induction. Fifteen minutes after induction, the ketamine group received a 0.3 mg/kg bolus followed by 0.05 mg/kg/h infusion until completion of surgery. The control group received equivalent saline. Postoperative assessments included pain score (visual analog scale), morphine usage, and quality of recovery.

Results:

The ketamine group had significantly higher Patient State Index (PSi) values at 10, 20, and 30 minutes after ketamine administration compared to the controls. Ketamine administration led to significant alterations in EEG patterns, including reduced relative power in delta and theta frequency bands, and increased relative power in beta and gamma frequency bands at 10 minutes post-administration. Relative power in the alpha frequency band significantly decreased at 10, 20, and 30 minutes post-administration. However, there were no differences in intraoperative alfentanil consumption, postoperative morphine usage, and pain scores between the two groups.

Conclusion:

Low-dose ketamine administration during desflurane anesthesia led to notable changes in EEG patterns and PSi values. These findings provide valuable insights into the impact of ketamine on brain activity, and offer essential information for clinical anesthesiologists.
Associated factors of osteoporosis in Chinese patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Song Zhiming , Fan Liangliang , Wang Hongyan , Cao Jun , Wen Zhifei , Tao Yanmin , Zhang Xiangeng
Published: August 2024

Background:

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the factors associated of osteoporosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in China.

Methods:

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and four Chinese electronic databases were searched for observational studies without language restrictions that reported the factors associated of osteoporosis from inception to February 2023. A modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale evaluated the risk of bias. Statistical heterogeneity among the included studies was analyzed using Cochran Q and I
2 tests. Begg and Egger tests were used to assess the publication bias.

Results:

A total of 15 studies were finally included. The meta-analysis showed that 10 factors were grouped into three themes with statistical significance: (1) demographics theme: age ≥50 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.161; 95% CI, 1.111-1.231; p < 0.001), low body mass index (BMI) (OR = 1.248; 95% CI, 1.192-1.312; p < 0.001), female (OR = 5.174; 95% CI, 3.058-7.290; p < 0.001), and menopause (OR = 4.917; 95% CI, 1.558-15.523; I
2 = 0.0%; p = 0.007); (2) RA-related factor theme: disease duration (OR = 1.083; 95% CI, 1.038-1.127; p < 0.001), and glucocorticoids (OR = 2.740; 95% CI, 2.000-3.750; p < 0.001); (3) relevant physiological indicators or scores theme: low 25(OH)D3 (OR = 1.009; 95% CI, 1.003-1.016; p < 0.001), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (OR = 1.489; 95% CI, 1.041-2.130; p = 0.029), high Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) score (OR = 2.5991; 95% CI, 1.094-6.138; p < 0.001); and β-isomerized C-terminal telopeptide (β-CTx) (OR = 1.009; 95% CI, 1.003-1.016; p = 0.005).

Conclusion:

Osteoporosis in patients with RA is associated with various factors. Therefore, patients with RA should be monitored in a timely manner and targeted interventions should be taken. In addition, further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the direct link between multiple factors and osteoporosis.
Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition cachexia: an inflammation-first approach for the diagnosis of disease-related malnutrition
Authors: McGovern Josh , Skipworth Richard J.E. , Laird Barry J.A. , McMillan Donald C.
Published: August 2024

Purpose of review

The following article examines the rationale for an inflammation-first approach for diagnosing cachexia and how the current Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) framework may be adapted to facilitate this.

Recent findings

Recently, the GLIM have published guidance on the measurement of inflammation in the context of cachexia, advocating that C-reactive protein (CRP) should be utilized for quantification. The inclusion of a systemic inflammatory biomarker for the diagnosis of cachexia questions whether it may be more aptly considered a systemic inflammatory syndrome.

The current consensus of the GLIM is that cachexia is ‘disease-related malnutrition with inflammation’. In line with this definition, the GLIM proposed a two-step diagnostic framework: screening for malnutrition using validated screening tools and then confirming the presence of disease-related malnutrition with phenotypic (nonvolitional weight loss, low BMI, and reduced muscle mass) and aetiologic criterion reduced food intake/assimilation, and inflammation or disease burden). The GLIM are to be commended for guidance on the measurement of systemic inflammation in their current proposal, given the relative importance to clinical outcomes in patients with cancer. However, the use of CRP is somewhat rudimentary and contrasts other cancer cachexia guidelines and contemporary clinical cancer research.
Nurse-Driven Process for the Successful Removal of Urinary Catheters Among Elderly Patients After Hip Fracture Surgery
Authors: Joseph Lissa Vazhayil , SB Koh Joyce , Yatim Juriyah , Kaysar Dr Mamun , Hendrix Cristina C.
Published: August 2024

Background:

Hip fracture is a major health concern and the use of an indwelling urinary catheter (IUC) constitutes a significant burden on elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery.

Local problem:

The institution had a high rate of urinary tract infection (UTI) and IUC reinsertion after hip fracture surgery.

Methods:

A pre/post-implementation design was used for this quality improvement initiative.

Interventions:

A nurse-driven process was developed and implemented to improve the successful removal of IUC among patients after hip fracture surgery.

Results:

There was a significant reduction in post-operative urinary retention (P = .042), UTI rate (P = .047), and IUC reinsertion (P = .042) in the post-implementation group. IUC duration decreased by 1.1 days, however this was not significant (P = .206). Nurse compliance with following the new process was 93.3%.

Conclusion:

The nurse-driven process designed for elderly patients following hip fracture surgery presents a promising approach to reducing IUC reinsertion rates and UTI.
Secondary Traumatic Stress in Nursing Students
Authors: Oakley Kristen N. , Copel Linda Carman , Ross Jennifer Gunberg
Published: August 2024

Background:

Nurses have frequent interactions with traumatized individuals and may develop secondary traumatic stress (STS). Similarly, nursing students are at risk for STS development while completing clinical training.

Purpose:

To critique and synthesize available research on the prevalence, severity, and experience of STS and its associated factors in prelicensure nursing students.

Methods:

The Whittemore and Knafl integrative review methodology was used to perform structured searches of 6 electronic databases.

Results:

Twenty-five studies met the inclusion criteria. Findings revealed a range of STS symptom severity levels and associated factors; however, measurement is hampered by researchers’ use of other concepts, like compassion fatigue.

Conclusions:

Conceptual clarity is needed to improve STS measurement in nursing students; however, students experience STS and are at risk of developing its negative consequences. Educators should implement trauma-informed educational practices targeted at reducing factors associated with STS.
Health Service Utilization Patterns Among Medicaid Enrollees With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications for Pandemic Response and Recovery Efforts
Authors: Kearly Alexandra , Hluchan Madison , Brazeel Caroline , Lane J.T. , Oputa Janet , Baio Jon , Cree Robyn A. , Cheng Qi , Wray Allison , Payne Claire , Gerling Jason , Pham Truc , Ekart Sarah
Published: August 2024

Objectives:

To assess the impact of COVID-19 on health service utilization of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) through an analysis of Medicaid claims data.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study of Medicaid claims.

Setting and Participants:

Medicaid members aged 25 to 64 years from January 1, 2018, to March 31, 2021, from the states of Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming.

Intervention:

We analyzed data from two 12-month time periods (pre-COVID-19 and during COVID-19) and assessed the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health service utilization and service intensity for 3 cohorts: (1) IDD with preexisting mental health diagnoses, (2) IDD without mental health diagnoses, and (3) all other Medicaid members.

Main Outcome Measure:

Health service utilization determined by specific claims data classifications.

Results:

The analysis showed reduced utilization for nonmental health service types with differing utilization patterns for IDD with preexisting mental health diagnoses, IDD without mental health diagnoses, and all other Medicaid members. Change in utilization varied, however, for mental health service types. Measures of service intensity showed decreased numbers of members utilizing services across most service types and increased Medicaid claims per person across most mental health service categories but decreased Medicaid claims per person for most nonmental health services.

Conclusions:

Results suggest a need for mental health services among all Medicaid members during the COVID-19 pandemic. By anticipating these needs, communities may be able to expand outreach to Medicaid members through enhanced case management, medication checks, and telemedicine options.
Enhancing Adaptability: Exploring Structural Empowerment and Systems Thinking Among State Governmental Public Health Nutritionists
Authors: Tagtow Angela M. , Welter Christina R. , Seweryn Steven , Spiker Marie L. , Lange Jill , McDonald Jeneane , Asada Yuka
Published: August 2024

This study explored how structural empowerment and systems thinking enabled public health nutritionists to adapt to complex environments. Interviews with 14 dietitian-prepared nutritionists from state governmental public health agencies elucidated 3 key themes: leveraging relationships was essential to exercising structural empowerment and systems thinking; accessing resources and support were priorities in supporting public health nutrition initiatives; and addressing gaps in formal training, specific to systems thinking, enabled adaptability to work in public health settings. The findings highlight the need for broader examinations into strengthening access to organizational power structures; integrating systems thinking into public health operations; and sustaining professional development for the public health workforce, especially with limited resources. Enhancing access to organizational power structures and applying systems thinking can empower the public health workforce to better adapt to challenges by building relationships, accessing resources and support, and making informed decisions that positively impact population health.
Interpreting and managing preservation fluids positive for Gram-negative bacteria
Authors: Peghin Maddalena , Graziano Elena , Grossi Paolo Antonio
Published: August 2024

Purpose of review

Culturing preservation fluids of solid organs before transplantation is not a standardized procedure. In this review, we aim to describe the state-of-the-art of literature evidence in this debated setting with a special focus on Gram-negative bacteria (GNB).

Recent findings

Contamination of preservation fluids is frequent, but preservation fluids related infections are rare and most commonly caused by high-risk pathogens, including GNB. GNB preservation fluids related infections are characterized by high morbidity and mortality. Recent studies showed improved outcomes in solid organ transplant recipients receiving antibiotic therapy tailored according to preservation fluids cultures especially when multidrug-resistant GNB are found. A robust procurement network is needed to alert recipients’ centers in cases of positivity and the support of transplant infectious diseases specialists is essential to choose the best therapy.

Culturing preservation fluids is a further step into preventing donor-derived infections. Interpreting and managing GNB positivity require a multidisciplinary team with specific skills. Standardized randomized trials are needed for insight into the real utility of preservation fluids cultures, the role of preservation fluids positivity, and the impact of antimicrobial therapy.
A Concise and Accurate Method for Evaluating Alveolar Cleft Reconstruction
Authors: Di Wenjun , Li Kongying , Zhang Mengmeng , Song Tao , Yin Ningbei , Wang Yongqian
Published: August 2024

Currently, there remain unresolved issues in the treatment of alveolar clefts, the resolution of which could greatly benefit many patients with cleft lip and palate. In alveolar cleft treatment research, a reliable tool for pre- and postoperative assessment is crucial. This study presents a concise and accurate method for postoperative evaluations of alveolar treatment, which can rapidly and accurately obtain the shape and volume of the newly formed bone. This study included helical computed tomography (CT) datasets of 20 patients who underwent alveolar bone grafting at our institute. Two observers independently measured the volume of newly formed bone in the patient’s CT images one year postoperatively, with each observer performing the measurement twice. To acquire the volume of the newly formed bone at 1 year postoperatively, the model of the newly formed bone must be constructed first. The acquisition of this model involves Boolean operations on registered preoperative and postoperative cranial 3-dimensional (3D) images. The registration of the preoperative and postoperative models is performed in MIMICS software, and the registration results can be directly confirmed layer by layer on the CT images to ensure accuracy. The mean newly formed bone ratio in this study was 39.81%±17.96%, and the mean processing time was 05:11±01:41 minutes. The intraclass correlation coefficient for bone volume measurements between the two observers was 0.999, indicating high consistency and reproducibility. This method enhances accuracy, is time-efficient, and demonstrates high reliability in evaluating postoperative bone formation.
Delayed-Onset Orbital Abscess After Orbital Blowout Fracture Repair Using Porous Polyethylene Implant
Authors: Han Kwang Eon , Ahn Jung Hyo
Published: August 2024

This study aims at documenting a rare case of delayed-onset orbital abscess following the use of a nonabsorbable porous polyethylene implant in orbital fracture repair, highlighting the potential long-term risks associated with non-biodegradable orbital implants. A 44-year-old man presented with diplopia on down gaze, proptosis, and eyelid edema for 2 weeks. He had undergone repair of an inferior orbital wall fracture with a porous polyethylene implant 5 years ago. Computed tomography (CT) evaluation revealed a significant intraorbital abscess related to implant infection. Surgical interventions included abscess drainage and implant replacement, which led to patient recovery. Nonabsorbable implants, which are beneficial for orbital reconstruction, may pose a risk of occurrence of delayed infections several years following surgery. This report highlights the importance of long-term monitoring to mitigate the risks of potential late complications, which necessitate early diagnosis, appropriate intervention, and management strategies.
Mandibular Distraction in Dual Syndromic Diagnosis
Authors: Shah Nikhil D. , Arowojolu Omotayo A. , Pham Lee D. , Vyas Raj M.
Published: August 2024

Mandibular distraction has variable outcomes in Treacher-Collins syndrome. Dual syndromic diagnosis is a rare occurrence that complicates management. Here, the authors present a patient with Treacher-Collins syndrome and severe retrognathia requiring tracheostomy who failed repeat mandibular distraction and decannulation. A genetic workup later revealed Angelman syndrome with severe developmental delay. We discuss explanations for difficulties encountered during mandibular distraction as well as surgical options for patients with Treacher-Collins who fail multiple attempts at decannulation. Overall, patients with dual diagnoses can exhibit an underlying problem in bone formation and mineralization, which challenges any attempt at craniofacial manipulation.
Substitution of a Traditional Face-to-Face Workshop With Virtual Escape Room in Higher Education
Authors: Krishnan Sunanthiny , Ademi Zanfina , Malone Daniel , Abebe Tamrat Befekadu , Lim Angelina
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Online education games are gaining ground in health profession education, yet there is limited literature on its costs. This study is an economic evaluation of the substitution of a face-to-face (F2F) workshop with an online escape room game teaching the same content.

Methods

A traditional F2F workshop on hepatitis management was conducted with 364 students in 2021 and was compared with a virtual self-run escape room game called Hepatitiscape™, which was used by 417 students in 2022. The outcomes were final examination and objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) scores for hepatitis stations. An incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was used to compare costs and outcomes. Student perceptions of the delivery of Hepatitiscape™ were also captured using an online questionnaire.

Results

Delivering the hepatitis case workshop via Hepatitiscape™ yielded an additional 4.77% increase in the final examination score and a 21.04% increase in the OSCE score at an additional cost of AUD $4212 in the first year compared with F2F delivery. This equated to an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of AUD 883 per additional score of final examination and AUD 200 per additional score of OSCE for hepatitis stations. Hepatitiscape™ became cost saving from the second year onward. Student perception data revealed their recall of content was higher owing to the iterative design of the gaming elements.

Conclusions

Hepatitiscape™ is likely to be a cost-effective strategy to deliver workshops that are routinely delivered F2F to test knowledge-based constructs. In addition, virtual gaming has a logistical advantage over F2F delivery in that it enhances student participation from remote locations and allows for better control and flexibility of content delivery with increasing or decreasing cohort sizes, and can have potential long-term sustainable savings.
Recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Committee II for the Optimization of Surgical Education and Training in the United States
Authors: Johnson Wali R. , Mainali Bigyan B. , Chen Xiaodong , Alobuia Wilson , Anderson Erik M. , Martin Rebecca , Caldwell Katharine E. , Dawson-Amoah Kwesi , Doyle Kathleen , Ellis Danielle , Fazzone Brian , Ghio Michael , Godfrey Caroline M. , Gomes Camilla , Hoefer Lea , Kearse LaDonna , Niehaus Hannah , Phelps Hannah , Riner Andrea N. , Sharon Cimarron , Shin Thomas H. , Yelorda Kirbi , Coleman Julia R.
Published: August 2024

Objective:

This study aims to appraise recommendations from an expert panel of surgical educators on optimizing surgical education and training in the setting of contemporary challenges.

Background:

The Blue Ribbon Committee (BRC II), a group of surgical educators, was convened to make recommendations to optimize surgical training, considering the current changes in the landscape of surgical education. Surgical trainees were recruited to assess their impressions of the recommendations.

Methods:

A mixed-methods study design was employed, with a survey, followed by focus group interviews. Participating residents and fellows were recruited through a purposeful sampling approach. Descriptive statistics were applied to analyze the survey data, and a thematic data analysis on interview transcripts was employed.

Results:

The majority of trainee respondents (n=16) thought that all of the subcommittee recommendations should be included in the final BRC II recommendations and paper. According to the interviews, overall, the feedback from the trainees was positive, with particular excitement around work-life integration, education support and faculty development, and funding pitfalls. Some themes about concerns included a lack of clarity about the recommendations, concern about some recommendations being in conflict with one another, and a disconnect between the initial BRC II survey and the subsequent recommendations.

Conclusions:

The residents gathered for this focus group were encouraged by the thought, effort, and intention that gathered the surgical leaders across the country to make the recommendations. While the trainees wanted clarity on some areas, the overall opinion was in agreement with the recommendations.
Do Prophylactic Postoperative Antibiotics Prevent Sacral Neuromodulation Infections?
Authors: Murillo Ashley J. , Lindsey Caroline , Chermansky Christopher J. , Bradley Megan S.
Published: August 2024

Importance

There are no definitive guidelines for use of postoperative antibiotics after sacral neuromodulation (SNM) leading to practice pattern variation among health care professionals.

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to determine if additional antibiotics beyond preoperative intravenous antibiotics and surgical preparation decrease postoperative infections and to determine if additional antibiotics are associated with other postoperative complications.

Study Design

This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study of all SNM procedures from 2014 to 2023 performed by 12 surgeons. Cohorts were stratified between patients who received preoperative antibiotics only (OnlyPreAbx) and patients who received both preoperative antibiotics and postoperative antibiotics (PrePostAbx) after either insertion of tined lead and/or after insertion of a neurostimulator.

Results

There were 212 patients included in this study: 70 (33.0%) in the OnlyPreAbx group and 142 (67.0%) in the PrePostAbx group. Of patients receiving postoperative antibiotics, 76 (53.5%) received cephalexin, 49 (34.5%) received sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, and 17 (12.0%) received alternative antibiotics. Six patients overall (2.8%) experienced infections after SNM. There was no difference in the rates of infection between groups (4 [1.9%] PrePostAbx vs 2 [0.9%] OnlyPreAbx, P = 0.99). Of the 4 patients with postoperative infections in the PrePostAbx group, 2 had cellulitis requiring antibiotics and 2 required full explantation. Of the 2 patients with postoperative infections in the OnlyPreAbx group, both patients required explantation. In a subanalysis comparing infected and noninfected patients, infected patients (n = 6) had higher rates of hypertension (n = 6, 100%; P = 0.02) and diabetes mellitus (n = 3, 50%; P = 0.05).

Conclusions

Additional postoperative antibiotics did not decrease infection rates in patients undergoing SNM. Similar comparative analyses should be performed with larger sample sizes.
Orientation of birds in radiofrequency fields in the absence of the Earth’s magnetic field: a possible test for the radical pair mechanism of magnetoreception
Authors: Luo Jiate , Benjamin Philip , Gerhards Luca , Hogben Hannah J. , Hore P. J.
Published: August 2024

The magnetic compass sense of migratory songbirds is thought to derive from magnetically sensitive photochemical reactions in cryptochromes located in photoreceptor cells in the birds’ retinas. More specifically, transient radical pairs formed by light-activation of these proteins have been proposed to account for the birds’ ability to orient themselves using the Earth’s magnetic field and for the observation that radiofrequency magnetic fields, superimposed on the Earth’s magnetic field, can disrupt this ability. Here, by means of spin dynamics simulations, we show that it may be possible for the birds to orient in a monochromatic radiofrequency field in the absence of the Earth’s magnetic field. If such a behavioural test were successful, it would provide powerful additional evidence for a radical pair mechanism of avian magnetoreception.
Using old laboratory equipment with modern Web-of-Things standards: a smart laboratory with LabThings Retro
Authors: McDermott Samuel , Kotar Jurij , Collins Joel , Mancini Leonardo , Bowman Richard , Cicuta Pietro
Published: August 2024

There has been an increasing, and welcome, open hardware trend towards science teams building and sharing their designs for new instruments. These devices, often built upon low-cost microprocessors and microcontrollers, can be readily connected to enable complex, automated and smart experiments. When designed to use open communication web standards, devices from different laboratories and manufacturers can be controlled using a single protocol and even communicate with each other. However, science labs still have a majority of old, perfectly functional equipment which tends to use older, and sometimes proprietary, standards for communications. In order to encourage the continued and integrated use of this equipment in modern automated experiments, we develop and demonstrate LabThings Retro. This allows us to retrofit old instruments to use modern Web-of-Things standards, which we demonstrate with closed-loop feedback involving an optical microscope, digital imaging and fluid pumping.
Constrained Bayesian optimization with a cardiovascular application
Authors: Mihaela Paun L. , Fensterseifer Schmidt André , McGinty Sean , Husmeier Dirk
Published: August 2024

The present paper investigates constrained global optimization techniques for computationally expensive black box functions that are globally defined but subject to some a priori unknown taboo regions. This challenge typically arises in healthcare applications, where the goal is to maximize the efficacy of a drug while staying within critical safety limits imposed by an external medical regulator. Motivated by the additional challenge where the constrained global optimum lies along the constraint boundary, we comparatively assess the performance of established optimization methods coupled with different acquisition functions in terms of accuracy and efficiency on the physiological application aforementioned and several benchmark problems representative of the complexity of the physiological application. We find the best method based on an average score computed across all applications. We also propose an ensemble method combining results from individual methods, which vastly outperforms the best average method. Furthermore, our study provides a thorough qualitative analysis of the optimization results, emphasizing the challenges a user may encounter when applying Bayesian optimization on constrained optimization problems.
Cut-off Cq value of GeneXpert in comparison to gold standard RT-PCR for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2: A retrospective study
Authors: William Ashish , Rai Yogita , Rawat Deepti , Gogoi Sanjib , Dhakad Megh Singh , Jais Manoj , Kaur Ravinder
Published: August 2024

Background
The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has highlighted vulnerabilities in healthcare systems and has single-handedly literally brought the world to a standstill. Diagnostic testing for COVID-19 is critical for understanding epidemiology, contact-tracing, case management, and to control the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2. RT-PCR test, the gold standard test, involves fairly complex steps and take nearly 24–48 h for generating the results. GeneXpert is a rapid nucleic-acid-detection-based test approved by ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research), which can shorten the turnaround time significantly.
Aim
The aim of the study was to compare the performance of GeneXpert against the gold standard rRT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2.
 
Materials and methods
This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care centre from 25th March 2020 to 8th December 2020. The Nasopharyngeal/Oropharyngeal swabs that were sent to the VRDL laboratory for testing of SARS-CoV-2 by GeneXpert (CBNAAT) were included for the study. A total 220 samples positive and 50 samples negative for SARS-CoV-2 by GeneXpert were simultaneously tested for rRT-PCR. rRT-PCR was considered as gold standard test (reference) for calculating the sensitivity and specificity of GeneXpert (CBNAAT) test.
Results
Out of 220 samples positive for COVID-19 by GeneXpert, 118 (53.64%) were also positive by rRT-PCR while 102 (46.36%) showed negative results by rRT-PCR. However, 50 GeneXpert negative samples showed 100% agreement with rRT-PCR i.e. they were also negative by rRT-PCR. The GeneXpert sensitivity and specificity for COVID-19 was seen to be 100% (95% CI: 96.92 to 100%) and 32.89% (95% CI: 25.50 to 40.97%) respectively as compared to gold standard RT-PCR test. The positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of GeneXpert for COVID-19 was found to be 53.64% and 100% respectively.
Conclusion
This study highlights that the GeneXpert test is highly sensitive and found to be helpful in emergency and challenging situations, where it can be useful in the early diagnosis and management of COVID-19 infection and thus, prevention of morbidity and mortality.
Dual-Targeted Microbubbles Promote Apoptosis of M1 Macrophages by Inhibiting Telomerase Activity for Atherosclerosis Therapy
Authors: Zeng Wei , Huang Zhengan , Huang Yalan , Xiong Kaifen , Sheng Yuanyuan , Lin Xiaoxuan , Zhong Xiaofang , Ye Jiayu , Guo Yanbin , Arkin Gulzira , Xu Jinfeng , Fei Hongwen , Liu Yingying
Published: August 2024

It is known that M1 macrophages are the dominant phenotype in progressive atherosclerosis (AS). Studies have shown that telomerase in macrophages can be activated during the atherosclerosis formation, but how to regulate the telomerase activity of M1 macrophages is the focus of treatment of AS. Herein, we report a dual-targeted microbubbles delivery system encapsulating the telomerase inhibitor BIBR1532 (Ab-MMB1532), designed for precise targeted therapy of AS. The Ab-MMB1532exhibits excellent biocompatibility and remarkable targeting capability towards M1 macrophages with its targeting advantage notably accentuated under high shear forces. Furthermore, it significantly downregulates telomerase activity. Metabolomics analysis indicates that the decrease in telomerase activity upregulates the expression of aspartic acid, a key protein in the Caspase pathway of apotosis. In vivo, Ab-MMB1532efficiently targeted and accumulated within AS lesions, leading to significantly delay of the AS progression by inhibiting telomerase activity and promoting apoptosis of M1 macrophages after 4-week treatment. In summary, Ab-MMB1532provides a new approach for potentially safer and more effective treatment of AS in the future.
The contrasting flowering-time among coffee genotypes is associated with ectopic and differential expressions of genes related to environment, floral development, and hormonal regulation
Authors: López Marlon Enrique , Oliveira Raphael Ricon de , Azevedo Lillian Magalhães , Santos Iasminy Silva , Ribeiro Thales Henrique Cherubino , Zhang Dapeng , Chalfun-Junior Antonio
Published: August 2024

The molecular pathways underlying floral activation and development are well described in model species, but exhibit significant diversity in plants that is poorly understood in crops with complex cycles, such asCoffea arabicaL. The reproductive development of coffee plants is biannual, and the flowering time is crucial for the coffee productivity and cup quality. In this study, we explored the plasticity of floral development and flowering-time of contrasting coffee genotypes to understand the associated metabolic and regulatory transcriptional profiles. Firstly, we compared the reproductive development of three coffee genotypes, confirming thatAcauãis late flowering,Oeirasis early flowering, and the natural mutantSemperflorens(Sf) exhibits continuous flowering throughout the year. Analysis of sugar and ethylene content revealed quantitative differences between genotypes in both leaves and floral buds. To associate these phenotypic differences with the regulatory developmental pathways, we performed RNA-seq analysis comparing the shoot apical meristems, floral buds and leaves of different genotypes. Our analysis identified 12.478 differentially expressed genes, which showed enriched terms mainly related to hormonal regulation, external stimulus and floral development. Notably, some major players of reproductive development, as homologs ofFLOWERING LOCUS Tand MADS-box genes, showed contrasting expression patterns, generally being ectopically upregulated in theSfmutant. These findings were associated with the phenotypic differences among coffee genotypes. In conclusion, the present study improves the understanding of the divergence of floral development in coffee, providing valuable insights for directing breeding programs and future studies aiming at controlling floral development and enhancing crop production.
Probabilistic modeling reveals coordinated social interaction states and their multisensory bases
Authors: Stednitz Sarah Josephine , Lesak Andrew , Fecker Adeline L , Painter Peregrine , Washbourne Phil , Mazzucato Luca , Scott Ethan K
Published: August 2024

Social behavior across animal species ranges from simple pairwise interactions to thousands of individuals coordinating goal-directed movements. Regardless of the scale, these interactions are governed by the interplay between multimodal sensory information and the internal state of each animal. Here, we investigate how animals use multiple sensory modalities to guide social behavior in the highly social zebrafish (Danio rerio) and uncover the complex features of pairwise interactions early in development. To identify distinct behaviors and understand how they vary over time, we developed a new hidden Markov model with constrained linear-model emissions to automatically classify states of coordinated interaction, using the movements of one animal to predict those of another. We discovered that social behaviors alternate between two interaction states within a single experimental session, distinguished by unique movements and timescales. Long-range interactions, akin to shoaling, rely on vision, while mechanosensation underlies rapid synchronized movements and parallel swimming, precursors of schooling. Altogether, we observe spontaneous interactions in pairs of fish, develop novel hidden Markov modeling to reveal two fundamental interaction modes, and identify the sensory systems involved in each. Our modeling approach to pairwise social interactions has broad applicability to a wide variety of naturalistic behaviors and species and solves the challenge of detecting transient couplings between quasi-periodic time series.

HIGHLIGHTS

Zebrafish exhibit distinct correlated interaction states with unique timescales.

Delayed interactions are visual while synchronization requires mechanosensation.

A new class of hidden Markov model segments social interactions into discrete states.

States alternate within a session, revealing real-time dynamics of social behavior.
Mechano-adaptation: Exercise-driven Piezo1 & Piezo2 augmentation and chondroprotection in articular cartilage
Authors: Jing Xingyu , Kotelsky Alexander , Zhang Yaxin , Dirksen Robert , Mannava Sandeep , Buckley Mark , Lee Whasil
Published: August 2024

Chondrocytes in adult joints are mechanosensitive post-mitotic quiescent cells with robustly expressed both Piezo1 and Piezo2 ion channels. Here, we examined the mechano-adaptation and Piezo modulations in articular chondrocytes using a mouse exercise model. We first found differential expression patterns of PIEZO1 and PIEZO2 in articular chondrocytes of healthy knee joints; chondrocytes in tibial cartilage (T) exhibit significantly higher PIEZO1 and PIEZO2 than femoral chondrocytes (F). Interestingly, a few weeks of exercise caused both PIEZO1 and PIEZO2 augmentation in F and T compared to the sedentary control group. Despite the increased expression levels of these mechanosensors, chondrocytes in exercised cartilage exhibit significantly reduced mechanical susceptibility against 1mJ impact. PIEZO1 modulation was relatively more rapid than PIEZO2 channels post-exercise. We tested the exercise-induced effect using Piezo1-conditional knockout (Pz1-cKO; Agc1CreERT2;Piezo1fl/fl). Pz1-cKO mice exhibit diminished exercise-driven chondroprotection against 1mJ impact, suggesting essential roles of Piezo1-mediated mechanotransduction for physiologic-induced cartilage matrix homeostasis. In addition, using a mouse OA model, we further found the modulated PIEZO1 in chondrocytes, consistent with reports in Ren et al., but without PIEZO2 modulations over OA progression. In summary, our data reveal the distinctly tuned Piezo1 and Piezo2 channels in chondrocytes post-exercise and post-injury, in turn modulating the mechanical susceptibility of chondrocytes. We postulate that Piezo1 is a tightly-regulatedbiphasic biomarker; Piezo1 antagonism may increase cellular survival post-injury and Piezo1 (with Piezo2) agonism to promote cartilage ECM restoration.
An Information Theory Framework for Movement Path Segmentation and Analysis
Authors: Sethi Varun , Spiegel Orr , Salter Richard , Cain Shlomo , Toledo Sivan , Getz Wayne M.
Published: August 2024

Improved animal tracking technologies provide opportunities for novel segmentation of movement tracks/paths into behavioral activity modes (BAMs) critical to understanding the ecology of individuals and the functioning of ecosystems. Current BAM segmentation includes biological change point analyses and hidden Markov models. Here we use an elemental approach to segmenting tracks intoµ-step-long “base segments” andm-base-segment-long “words.” These are respectively clustered intonstatistical movement elements (StaMEs) andk“raw” canonical activity modes (CAMs). Once the words are coded usingmextracted StaME symbols, those encoded by the same string of symbols, after a rectification processes has been implemented to minimize misassigned words, are identified with particular “rectified” CAM types. The percent of reassignment errors, along with information theory measures, are used to compare the efficiencies of coding both simulated and empirical barn owl data for a selection of parameter values and approaches to clustering.
VR HMD color calibration and accurate control of emitted light using Three.js
Authors: Duay Killian , Mizokami Yoko , Nagai Takehiro
Published: August 2024

Virtual Reality (VR) can be used to design and create new types of psychophysical experiments. Its main advantage is that it frees us from the physical limitations of real-life experiments and the hardware and software limitations of experiments running on 2D displays and computer graphics. However, color calibration of the displays is often required in vision science studies. Recent studies have shown that a standard color calibration of a Head-Mounted Display (HMD) can be very challenging and comes with significant drawbacks. In this paper, we introduce a new approach that allows for successful color calibration of an HMD and overcomes the disadvantages associated with other solutions. We utilize a new VR engine, Three.js, which offers several advantages. This paper details our setup and methodology, and provides all the elements required to reproduce the method, including the source code. We also apply our method to evaluate and compare three different HMDs: HTC Vive Pro Eye, Meta Quest Pro, and Meta Quest 3. The results show that the HTC Vive Pro Eye performs excellently, the Meta Quest Pro performs well, and the Meta Quest 3 performs poorly.
Integration of immune cell-target cell conjugate dynamics changes the time scale of immune control of cancer
Authors: Yang Qianci , Traulsen Arne , Altrock Philipp
Published: August 2024

The human immune system can recognize, attack, and eliminate cancer cells, but cancers can escape this immune surveillance. The dynamics of these cancer control mechanisms by cells of the adaptive immune system can be captured by variants of ecological predator-prey models. These dynamical systems can describe the interaction of cancer cells and, e.g., effector T cells to form tumor cell-immune cell conjugates, cancer cell killing, immune cell activation, and T cell exhaustion. Target (tumor) cell-T cell conjugation is integral to the adaptive immune system’s cancer control or immunotherapy dynamics. However, it is incompletely understood whether conjugate dynamics should be explicitly included in mathematical models of cancer-immune interactions. Here, we analyze the dynamics of a cancer-effector T cell system regarding the impact of explicitly modeling the conjugate compartment to elucidate the role of cellular conjugate dynamics. We formulate a deterministic modeling framework to compare possible equilibria and their stability, such as tumor extinction, tumor-immune coexistence (tumor control), or tumor escape. We also formulate the stochastic analog of this system to analyze the impact of demographic fluctuations that arise when cell populations are small. We find that explicit consideration of a conjugate compartment can change long-term steady-state, critically change the time to reach an equilibrium, alter the probability of tumor escape, and lead to very different extinction time distributions. Thus, we demonstrate the importance of the conjugate compartment in defining tumor-effector interactions. Accounting for transitionary compartments of cellular interactions may better capture the dynamics of tumor control and progression.
Knockout of the tomatoHAIRY MERISTEM 4alters phloem-characteristics and impairs development
Authors: Khedia Jackson , Vishwakarma Abhay Pratap , Galsurker Ortal , Corem Shira , Gupta Suresh Kumar , Arazi Tzahi
Published: August 2024

The HAIRY MERISTEM (HAM) gene family encodes Type I and II GRAS domain transcription factors in plants. Type II HAMs, predominantly expressed in meristems and regulated by microRNA171, are essential for maintaining undifferentiated meristems, a role conserved across various species. Conversely, the functions of Type I HAMs have been less characterized. In this study, we investigated the role of SlHAM4, a Type I HAM in tomato. Using publicly available expression data and a GUS reporter gene driven by the nativeSlHAM4promoter, we determined thatSlHAM4is predominantly expressed in phloem tissues. CRISPR-inducedSlHAM4loss-of- function mutations (slham4CR) resulted in a range of shoot and fruit abnormalities, which were fully reversed by reintroducingSlHAM4under its native promoter in the mutant background. Mutant abnormalities included increased anthocyanin pigmentation in the leaf and sepal primordia, reminiscent of the phenotypes observed in certain Arabidopsis mutants with compromised phloem, and development of simpler leaves, which was associated with reduction in external phloem area in the leaf rachis. In addition,slham4CRplants produced significantly smaller fruits of which a fraction of them exhibited catface-like scars, attributed to tears which occurred in the pericarp of mutant ovaries following fruit set. Transcriptome analysis of the wild-type looking mutant ovaries at anthesis revealed specific downregulation of genes implicated in phloem development and functions, in particular those expressed in companion cells (CC). We propose that SlHAM4 is necessary for proper phloem function in part by regulating the expression of a suite of CCs genes that encode essential phloem proteins.

One-sentence summary

SlHAM4is predominantly expressed in the phloem and its knockout alters phloem- characteristics and impair development highlighting its requirement for proper phloem functionality.
Integrated Single-Cell Multiomic Profiling of Caudate Nucleus Suggests Key Mechanisms in Alcohol Use Disorder
Authors: Green Nick , Gao Hongyu , Chu Xiaona , Yuan Qiuyue , McGuire Patrick , Lai Dongbing , Jiang Guanglong , Xuei Xiaoling , Reiter Jill L. , Stevens Julia , Sutherland Greg T. , Goate Alison M. , Pang Zhiping P. , Slesinger Paul A. , Hart Ronald P. , Tischfield Jay A. , Agrawal Arpana , Wang Yue , Duren Zhana , Edenberg Howard J. , Liu Yunlong
Published: August 2024

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) induces complex transcriptional and regulatory changes across multiple brain regions including the caudate nucleus, which remains understudied. Using paired single-nucleus RNA-seq and ATAC-seq on caudate samples from 143 human postmortem brains, including 74 with AUD, we identified 17 distinct cell types. We found that a significant portion of the alcohol-induced changes in gene expression occurred through altered chromatin accessibility. Notably, we identified novel transcriptional and chromatin accessibility differences in medium spiny neurons, impacting pathways such as RNA metabolism and immune response. A small cluster of D1/D2 hybrid neurons showed distinct differences, suggesting a unique role in AUD. Microglia exhibited distinct activation states deviating from classical M1/M2 designations, and astrocytes entered a reactive state partially regulated byJUND, affecting glutamatergic synapse pathways. Oligodendrocyte dysregulation, driven in part byOLIG2, was linked to demyelination and increased TGF-β1 signaling from microglia and astrocytes. We also observed increased microglia-astrocyte communication via the IL-1β pathway. Leveraging our multiomic data, we performed cell type-specific expression quantitative trait loci analysis, integrating that with public genome-wide association studies to identify AUD risk genes such asADALandPPP2R3C, providing a direct link between genetic variants, chromatin accessibility, and gene expression in AUD. These findings not only provide new insights into the genetic and cellular mechanisms in the caudate related to AUD but also demonstrate the broader utility of large-scale multiomic studies in uncovering complex gene regulation across diverse cell types, which has implications beyond the substance use field.