bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heuristic adaptive threshold detection method for neuronal spikes
Authors: Zhao Dechun , Jiao Shuyang , Chen Huan , Hou Xiaorong
Published: April 2023

In recent years, the development of microelectrode arrays and multichannel recordings has provided opportunities for high‐precision detection in signal processing. The study of neuronal frontal potentials has been rapidly emerging as an important component in brain‐computer interface and neuroscience research. Neuronal spike detection provides a basis for neuronal discharge analysis and nucleus cluster identification; its accuracy depends on feature extraction and classification, which affect neuronal decoding analysis. However, improving the detection accuracy of spike potentials in highly noisy signals remains a problem. IThe authors propose a heuristic adaptive threshold spike‐detection algorithm that removes noise and reduces the phase shift using a zero‐phase Butterworth infinite impulse response filter. Next, heuristic thresholding is applied to obtain spike points, remove repetitions, and achieve robust spike detection. The proposed algorithm achieved an average accuracy of 95.40% using extracellular spiked datasets and effectively detected spikes.
Bilateral Implantation of Multifocal Intraocular Lenses: 10-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Giglio Rosa , De Giacinto Chiara , Inferrera Leandro , Fanni Daniela , Milan Serena , Cuna Alessandra , Toro Mario Damiano , Zweifel Sandrine , Ravalico Giuseppe , Tognetto Daniele
Published: April 2023

Purpose To evaluate and compare the long-term results after bilateral implantation of different multifocal intraocular lenses (MIOLs).

Methods This retrospective comparative study included 42 patients who underwent cataract surgery with bilateral MIOL implantation. Patients were divided into 5 groups: Group 1
received a refractive ReZoom NGX1 IOL (AMO), Group 2 a diffractive Acrysof ReSTOR SA60D3 IOL (Alcon), and Group 3 a diffractive Tecnis ZM900 IOL (AMO). Group 4 and Group 5 were implanted
using the mix and match approach with refractive ReZoom-diffractive ReSTOR IOL and refractive ReZoom-diffractive Tecnis ZM900 IOL, respectively. Primary outcome measures were distance, near,
and intermediate distance visual acuity measured 6 months (T0) and 10 years (T1) after surgery. Secondary outcomes were defocus curves, contrast sensitivity, patientsʼ satisfaction, and
spectacle independence.

Results All patients achieved best-corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA) greater than 0.11 logMAR and uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCDVA) greater than 0.14 logMAR at both
time points. A decrease in contrast sensitivity was evident, particularly at high spatial frequencies; at T1, Group 4 reported statistically higher values than Group 2 at 12 cycles/degree
and 18 cycles/degree and statistically higher values than Group 3 at 18 cycles/degree. Great overall satisfaction was reported even in the presence of dysphotopsia. Tecnis ZM900 IOL showed
the lowest incidence of posterior capsular opacification.

Conclusion MIOLs could provide adequate functional vision and patient satisfaction, despite the incidence of side effects, in carefully selected patients desiring spectacle
independence.
The Influence of Age on Eye Movements during Reading in Early Elementary School Children
Authors: Wertli Jason , Schötzau Andreas , Palmowski-Wolfe Anja
Published: April 2023

Purpose Eye movement disorders have been observed in many eye diseases, such as amblyopia and developmental dyslexia. The detection of pathological eye movement behaviour is
difficult and requires more data for comparison. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of age, school level, gender, and mother tongue on eye movements
while reading.

Methods One hundred and twenty-seven normally sighted children aged 7 – 12 were recruited from grades 2 – 5. The children were asked to read aloud two texts of The New International
Reading Speed Text (IReST) of similar difficulty. Eye movements while reading were recorded by eyetracking technology (SMI RED 250, SensoMotoric Instruments, Teltow, Germany). The eye
movement parameters were obtained from 118 children, and reading speed (words/minute), number of saccades, number of fixations, reading errors, and influence of school grade were
analyzed.

Results We showed a significant influence of age in all eye movement parameters. The main finding of this study is that younger children performed more saccades, a higher number of
fixations per word, and more reading errors while taking more time to read the text than older children in higher grades. In early grades, non-native German speakers read more slowly and
performed more saccades and fixations, but no more differences were seen by grade 5. Overall, there was no significant influence of gender or school system on reading parameters.

Conclusion This study highlights the need for an age-appropriate normative database for eye movements during reading.
Resident Vitreoretinal Procedure Volume: Effect of Intravitreal Injections, Region, Program Size, and Vitreoretinal Fellowship and Veterans Affairs Affiliation
Authors: Justin Grant A. , Purt Boonkit , Abousy Mya , Qiu Mary , Fekrat Sharon , Woreta Fasika A. , Vajzovic Lejla
Published: April 2023

Purpose To analyze resident vitreoretinal procedure volume across Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accredited ophthalmology residency programs. We assessed the effect of the increase in intravitreal injections (IVI), geographic region, program size, and Veterans Affairs (VA) and vitreoretinal fellowship affiliation on vitreoretinal procedures.

Methods A request was sent to all residency programs in 2018 for their graduating residents' ACGME case logs. Vitreoretinal procedures were defined by ACGME case log categories and included vitreoretinal surgery, peripheral retinal lasers, and IVI. Procedures were categorized by Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code. Programs were studied by geographic region, program size, and by VA and vitreoretinal fellowship affiliation.

Results A total of 38 of 115 (33.0%) programs responded, and 167 residents logged 32,860 vitreoretinal procedures. The median number of retina procedures per resident was 146 (range 36–729). Programs with a vitreoretinal fellowship had a higher average number of vitreoretinal procedures per resident (208.3 vs. 125.0; p = 0.002), but there was no difference between the average number of non-IVI vitreoretinal procedures (60.0 vs. 64.2; p = 0.32). For IVI, VA affiliation (146.6 vs. 71.1; p = 0.02) and vitreoretinal fellowship (149.4 vs. 60.8; p < 0.001) were associated with a greater number. More IVI strongly correlated with a larger total volume of retinal procedures (r = 0.98), and there was no difference across programs for total retinal procedures when IVI was removed.

Conclusions The presence of a vitreoretinal fellowship at a residency program had a positive effect on resident total vitreoretinal case volume, but their residents performed more IVI. Programs without vitreoretinal fellowships completed on average more non-IVI procedures.
Review of the Literature on Ramadan Fasting and Health in 2022
Authors: Hafidh Khadija , Khan Maria , Shaikh Tariq G. , Abdurahman Husen , Elamouri Jamila , Beshyah Salem A.
Published: April 2023

Objectives The literature on health and disease during Ramadan fasting (RF) is widely spread in many journals making it not readily accessible to those interested in the subject. Here, we provide an overview of the research on the interplay of RF with various aspects of well-being published in 2022.

Materials and Methods A narrative, nonsystematic review of the international literature from a single major medical online database, PubMed, in one calendar year (2022) was conducted. The search term “Ramadan fasting” was used to retrieve the appropriate records. The relevant literature with substantial data-based content was presented in a concise thematic account, excluding those concerned with diabetes.

Results Themes that emerged from the review included the pathophysiology of metabolic changes during RF, nutritional aspects including body composition and energy metabolism, cardiovascular disease and risk factors, renal function and structure, endocrinology (mainly thyroid), neurological disorders, mental health, pregnancy and fetal life, and infections (including COVID). Some miscellaneous clinical themes were identified, such as patients' and professional perspectives.

Conclusions In 2022, the medical interest in RF was again widely spread across specialties. Cardiovascular disease and risk factors attract the most interest in terms of original articles and professional guidelines. We hope with this review to present a concise summary of the scholarly work on the subject in this year.
Financial returns to corporate brand extensions: does typicality matter?
Authors: Sezen Burcu , Hanssens Dominique
Published: April 2023

News of extensions can cause stock price movements in the parent brand. Marketers extend brands into areas that vary in how typical they are of the parent brand. The degree of extension typicality can be an important cue for investors in their performance expectations of the brand. Integrating insights from Categorization Theory, Behavioral Finance, and Berlyne’s Two-Factor Theory, the authors argue that the impact of typicality on investor reactions depends upon the level of market exposure to a particular brand extension. Our study emphasizes that firms should take critical marketing actions to influence the buzz around the launch, depending on the extension’s typicality level. The results support our hypotheses. Particularly interesting is the finding that more atypical extensions become acceptable the greater market exposure to them (through marketing efforts as advertising and public relations).
Small RNA-mediated silencing of phototropin suppresses the induction of photoprotection in the green alga
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Yamasaki Tomohito , Tokutsu Ryutaro , Sawa Haruhi , Razali Nazifa Naziha , Hayashi Momoka , Minagawa Jun
Published: April 2023

Small RNAs (sRNAs) form complexes with Argonaute proteins and bind to transcripts with complementary sequences to repress gene expression. sRNA-mediated regulation is conserved in a diverse range of eukaryotes and is involved in the control of various physiological functions. sRNAs are present in the unicellular green alga
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
, and genetic analyses revealed that the core sRNA biogenesis and action mechanisms are conserved with those of multicellular organisms. However, the roles of sRNAs in this organism remain largely unknown. Here, we report that
Chlamydomonas
sRNAs contribute to the induction of photoprotection. In this alga, photoprotection is mediated by LIGHT HARVESTING COMPLEX STRESS-RELATED 3 (LHCSR3), whose expression is induced by light signals through the blue-light receptor phototropin (PHOT). We demonstrate here that sRNA-defective mutants showed increased PHOT abundance leading to greater
LHCSR3
expression. Disruption of the precursor for two sRNAs predicted to bind to the
PHOT
transcript also increased PHOT accumulation and
LHCSR3
expression. The induction of
LHCSR3
in the mutants was enhanced by light containing blue wavelengths, but not by red light, indicating that the sRNAs regulate the degree of photoprotection via regulation of
PHOT
expression. Our results suggest that sRNAs are involved not only in the regulation of photoprotection but also in biological phenomena regulated by PHOT signaling.
Construct types in language change
Authors: Schneider Stefan
Published: April 2023

This article combines ideas and concepts deriving from grammaticalization studies, cognitive linguistics and
construction grammar. Specifically, it takes three important ideas developed within grammaticalization research, namely
untypical context, bridging or critical context and isolating or
switch context (Evans & Wilkins 2000, 2006; Heine 2002), and remodels them with the concepts construct and
construction. This enables the definition of three salient construct types present in historical corpora that
are placed in the continuum between individual variation and language change: extensional constructs, ambiguous
constructs and adaptive constructs. Each construct type characterizes a specific phase in language
change. The data presented as illustration of the construct types stem from historical and contemporary corpora of written French,
Italian and Spanish.
Mid-infrared optical properties of non-magnetic-metal/CoFeB/MgO heterostructures
Authors: Flores-Camacho J M , Rana Bivas , Balderas-Navarro R E , Lastras-Martínez A , Otani Yoshichika , Puebla Jorge
Published: April 2023

We report on the optical characterization of non-magnetic metal (NM)/ferromagnetic (Co20Fe60B20)/MgO heterostructures and interfaces by using mid infrared (MIR) spectroscopic ellipsometry at room temperature. We extracted for the MIR range the dielectric function (DF) of Co20Fe60B20, that is lacking in literature, from a multisample analysis. From the optical modeling of the heterostructures we detected and determined the dielectric tensor properties of a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) forming at the NM and the CoFeB interface. These properties comprise independent Drude parameters for the in-plane and out-of plane tensor components, with the latter having an epsilon-near-zero frequency within our working spectral range. A feature assigned to spin–orbit coupling (SOC) is identified. Furthermore, it is found that both, the interfacial properties, 2DEG Drude parameters and SOC strength, and the apparent DF of the MgO layer depend on the type of the underlying NM, namely, Pt, W, or Cu. The results reported here should be useful in tailoring novel phenomena in such types of heterostructures by assessing their optical response noninvasively, complementing existing characterization tools such as angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, and those related to electron/spin transport.
Design and experimental study of a flexible finger rehabilitation robot driven by shape memory alloy
Authors: Zuo Kexin , Zhang Yingru , Liu Kai , Li Jian , Wang Yangwei
Published: April 2023

The importance of hand function is evident in daily human life. However, different degrees of hand motor impairments after damage caused by stroke and other nervous system diseases bring great trouble to patients’ daily life. For this reason, a flexible finger rehabilitation robot driven by shape memory alloy wire was proposed in this paper and was equipped with a range extender of shape memory alloy wire wiring. The structural design was optimized by exploring the movement mechanism of the finger joint to achieve the requirement of imitating the normal motion function of the human finger. Based on the driving model of the finger rehabilitation robot, the prototype was made and tested, in which the total weight of the prototype is 393 g. When the drive voltage is 20 V, the maximum joint angle that the finger rehabilitation robot can achieve is about 85% of that of healthy people, in addition, it can help patients grasp most of the daily objects successfully, and can meet the basic requirements of finger rehabilitation.
The meso-structures analysis of truss-like lightweight materials based on symmetric groups
Authors: Ma Zhenhao , Ma Wensuo , Ma Zhenyu
Published: April 2023

Truss-like lightweight materials (TLLMs) with superior mechanical performance and excellent energy absorption capability are extensively used in aerospace and automobile industries. The performance of TLLM was closely related to its meso-structure, but the lack of innovation and variety in the geometric configuration of TLLM’s meso-structure limits the reinforcement effect and strength enhancement. Hence, it is important to thoroughly study the theoretical design method for TLLM’s meso-structure. Inspired by the symmetric feature of TLLM’s meso-structures, the symmetric groups were applied to describe, classify and design TLLM’s meso-structures. First of all, it was found that the representative volume unit (RVU) of TLLM corresponded to point groups that contained the symmetry of TLLM’s meso-structure. Space groups, which consist of point groups and space lattices, could be used to describe the geometric configuration of TLLM’s meso-structures. Then, TLLM’s meso-structures were classified according to different types of point groups. Finally, a description and design method for TLLM’s meso-structure based on the symmetric group theory was proposed. In addition, a novel TLLM’s meso-structure was deduced through the symmetric operations of space group, which could verify the feasibility of the method. Therefore, the present study provides a basis for the design of high-performance TLLMs.
Flexible planar capacitive devices for hydration and sweat sensing
Authors: Naveed Shayan , Jinzhong Ma , Shahzad Shazrah , Wu Xiaoming , Ren Tianling
Published: April 2023

Skin is one of the most complex structures in the body, with many physiological functions. Skin acts as the barrier or an interface between the external environment and internal organs. Hydration within the skin is varied, known as the skin’s water-loading. Perspiration occurs when watery fluid is secreted through the eccrine and apocrine glands. Flexible epidermal sensors are fabricated, which can be used to measure skin hydration and perspiration (sweat) as these sensors need to be skin-conformable. Polyimide and polydimethylsiloxane are used as they are flexible and skin compliant, and the sensing layer is formed on them. The sensitivity of hydration sensors was in the range of 0.002–0.0046/%, while for sweat sensors, it was in the range of 0.092–0.116 μl−1. Stability tests indicated that external factors such as environment or physical deformation and skin curvature do not affect the performance of the as-prepared sensors. The sensitivity and stability results of the planar capacitor are highly suitable for flexible hydration and sweat-sensing applications. The proposed sensors offer an outstandingly good option for incorporation into wearable systems for physical personal health monitoring. In the future, we plan to integrate these sensors on a single substrate to create a multimodal device.
Quantification of electronic and magnetoelastic mechanisms of first-order magnetic phase transitions from first principles: application to caloric effects in La(Fe x
Si 1−x
)13
Authors: Mendive Tapia Eduardo , Patrick Christopher E , Hickel Tilmann , Neugebauer Jörg , Staunton Julie B
Published: April 2023

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and derived quaternary compounds are well-known for their giant, tunable, magneto- and barocaloric responses around a first-order paramagnetic-ferromagnetic transition near room temperature with low hysteresis. Remarkably, such a transition shows a large spontaneous volume change together with itinerant electron metamagnetic features. While magnetovolume effects are well-established mechanisms driving first-order transitions, purely electronic sources have a long, subtle history and remain poorly understood. Here we apply a disordered local moment picture to quantify electronic and magnetoelastic effects at finite temperature in

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from first-principles. We obtain results in very good agreement with experiment and demonstrate that the magnetoelastic coupling, rather than purely electronic mechanisms, drives the first-order character and causes at the same time a huge electronic entropy contribution to the caloric response.
Nuclear data for fusion: inventory validation successes and future needs
Authors: Gilbert Mark R
Published: April 2023

Nuclear data, describing neutron reaction probabilities (cross sections) and decay behaviour, are critical to the design and operation of fusion experiments and future fusion power plants. Equally vital, are the inventory codes that use the data to predict neutron-induced activation and transmutation of materials, which will define the radiological hazards that must be managed during reactor operation and decommissioning. Transmutation, including gas production, combined with the neutron-induced displacement damage, will also cause the properties of materials to degrade, for example through swelling and embrittlement, eventually limiting the lifetime of components. Thus validated and accurate nuclear data and inventory codes are essential. For data validation there are decay heat measurements performed at FNS in Japan more than 20 years ago. The experiments produced an invaluable database for benchmarking of nuclear data libraries; the latest versions of several international libraries perform well against this data during tests with the FISPACT-II inventory code, although there is still scope for improvement. A recent attempt to provide fusion-relevant validation based on γ-spectroscopy data from neutron-irradiated material samples tests produced predictions for short-lived (several hours or less) radionuclides. The detailed analysis performed for molybdenum demonstrates how these data could eventually provide a new benchmark, and also illustrates the potential benefits of further experiments targeting the longer-lived radionuclides relevant to maintenance and decommissioning timescales. There are also some successful tests of transmutation predictions with FISPACT-II. These direct validations of inventory simulations are critical for lifetime predictions and future experiments should learn lessons from the examples described for tungsten, which demonstrate the importance of an accurate description of the neutron spectrum in experiments. More novel experimental techniques are needed to measure helium production in materials such as Fe and C, but the need to validate the nuclear data evaluations used by simulations should motivate future experimental efforts.
Spiral Waves: Linear and Nonlinear Theory
Authors: Sandstede Björn , Scheel Arnd
Published: April 2023

Spiral waves are striking self-organized coherent structures that organize spatio-temporal dynamics in dissipative, spatially extended systems. In this paper, we provide a conceptual approach to various properties of spiral waves. Rather than studying existence in a specific equation, we study properties of spiral waves in general reaction-diffusion systems. We show that many features of spiral waves are robust and to some extent independent of the specific model analyzed. To accomplish this, we present a suitable analytic framework, spatial radial dynamics, that allows us to rigorously characterize features such as the shape of spiral waves and their eigenfunctions, properties of the linearization, and finite-size effects. We believe that our framework can also be used to study spiral waves further and help analyze bifurcations, as well as provide guidance and predictions for experiments and numerical simulations. From a technical point of view, we introduce non-standard function spaces for the well-posedness of the existence problem which allow us to understand properties of spiral waves using dynamical systems techniques, in particular exponential dichotomies. Using these pointwise methods, we are able to bring tools from the analysis of one-dimensional coherent structures such as fronts and pulses to bear on these inherently two-dimensional defects.
Long-term major adverse cardiovascular events following myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery: meta-analysis
Authors: Strickland Scarlett S , Quintela Ella M , Wilson Matthew J , Lee Matthew J
Published: April 2023

Background

Myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery is diagnosed following asymptomatic troponin elevation in the perioperative interval. Myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery is associated with high mortality rates and significant rates of major adverse cardiac events within the first 30 days following surgery. However, less is known regarding its impact on mortality and morbidity beyond this time. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to establish the rates of long-term morbidity and mortality associated with myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched, and abstracts screened by two reviewers. Observational studies and control arms of trials, reporting mortality and cardiovascular outcomes beyond 30 days in adult patients diagnosed with myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery, were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality in Prognostic Studies tool. A random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis of outcome subgroups.

Results

Searches identified 40 studies. The meta-analysis of 37 cohort studies found a rate of major adverse cardiac events-associated myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery of 21 per cent and mortality following myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery was 25 per cent at 1-year follow-up. A non-linear increase in mortality rate was observed up to 1 year after surgery. Major adverse cardiac event rates were also lower in elective surgery compared with a subgroup including emergency cases. The analysis demonstrated a wide variety of accepted myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery and major adverse cardiac events diagnostic criteria within the included studies.

Conclusion

A diagnosis of myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery is associated with high rates of poor cardiovascular outcomes up to 1 year after surgery. Work is needed to standardize diagnostic criteria and reporting of myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery-related outcomes.

Registration

This review was prospectively registered with PROSPERO in October 2021 (CRD42021283995).
Glymphatic clearance estimated using diffusion tensor imaging along perivascular spaces is reduced after traumatic brain injury and correlates with plasma neurofilament light, a biomarker of injury severity
Authors: Butler Tracy , Zhou Liangdong , Ozsahin Ilker , Wang Xiuyuan Hugh , Garetti Jacob , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Jamison Keith , de Leon Mony J , Li Yi , Kuceyeski Amy , Shah Sudhin A
Published: April 2023

The glymphatic system is a perivascular fluid clearance system, most active during sleep, considered important for clearing the brain of waste products and toxins. Glymphatic failure is hypothesized to underlie brain protein deposition in neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. Preclinical evidence suggests that a functioning glymphatic system is also essential for recovery from traumatic brain injury, which involves release of debris and toxic proteins that need to be cleared from the brain. In a cross-sectional observational study, we estimated glymphatic clearance using diffusion tensor imaging along perivascular spaces, an MRI-derived measure of water diffusivity surrounding veins in the periventricular region, in 13 non-injured controls and 37 subjects who had experienced traumatic brain injury ∼5 months previously. We additionally measured the volume of the perivascular space using T2-weighted MRI. We measured plasma concentrations of neurofilament light chain, a biomarker of injury severity, in a subset of subjects. Diffusion tensor imaging along perivascular spaces index was modestly though significantly lower in subjects with traumatic brain injury compared with controls when covarying for age. Diffusion tensor imaging along perivascular spaces index was significantly, negatively correlated with blood levels of neurofilament light chain. Perivascular space volume did not differ in subjects with traumatic brain injury as compared with controls and did not correlate with blood levels of neurofilament light chain, suggesting it may be a less sensitive measure for injury-related perivascular clearance changes. Glymphatic impairment after traumatic brain injury could be due to mechanisms such as mislocalization of glymphatic water channels, inflammation, proteinopathy and/or sleep disruption. Diffusion tensor imaging along perivascular spaces is a promising method for estimating glymphatic clearance, though additional work is needed to confirm results and assess associations with outcome. Understanding changes in glymphatic functioning following traumatic brain injury could inform novel therapies to improve short-term recovery and reduce later risk of neurodegeneration.
Resilient Vector Consensus Over Random Dynamic Networks Under Mobile Malicious Attacks
Authors: Shang Yilun
Published: April 2023

This paper investigates the problem of resilient vector consensus for a group of dynamic agents against mobile malicious attacks. As real networks often operate under random environment and noises, we approach this problem by considering general random dynamic networks with weighted directed topologies. We propose three types of mobile attack models, which differ in the timing of moving of attackers and the capability of detecting such moving. By employing distributed discrete-time algorithms, the Lyapunov theory and martingale convergence theorem, resilient vector consensus is shown to be reached for all three models when the underlying network satisfies certain stochastic robustness conditions.
Telomere-to-telomere genome assembly of matsutake (Tricholoma matsutake)
Authors: Kurokochi Hiroyuki , Tajima Naoyuki , Sato Mitsuhiko P , Yoshitake Kazutoshi , Asakawa Shuichi , Isobe Sachiko , Shirasawa Kenta
Published: April 2023

Here, we report the first telomere-to-telomere genome assembly of matsutake (Tricholoma matsutake), which consists of 13 sequences (spanning 161.0 Mb) and a 76 kb circular mitochondrial genome. All the 13 sequences were supported with telomeric repeats at the ends. GC-rich regions are located at the middle of the sequences and are enriched with long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs). Repetitive sequences including long-terminal repeats (LTRs) and LINEs occupy 71.6% of the genome. A total of 21,887 potential protein-coding genes were predicted. The genomic data reported in this study served not only matsutake gene sequences but also genome structures and intergenic sequences. The information gained would be a great reference for exploring the genetics, genomics, and evolutionary study of matsutake in the future, and ultimately facilitate the conservation of this vulnerable genetic resource.
Detection of tandem repeats in the Capsicum annuum genome
Authors: Rudenko Valentina , Korotkov Eugene
Published: April 2023

In this study, we modified the multiple alignment method based on the generation of random position weight matrices (RPWMs) and used it to search for tandem repeats (TRs) in the Capsicum annuum genome. The application of the modified (m)RPWM method, which considers the correlation of adjusting nucleotides, resulted in the identification of 908,072 TR regions with repeat lengths from 2 to 200 bp in the C. annuum genome, where they occupied ~29%. The most common TRs were 2 and 3 bp long followed by those of 21, 4, and 15 bp. We performed clustering analysis of TRs with repeat lengths of 2 and 21 bp and created position-weight matrices (PWMs) for each group; these templates could be used to search for TRs of a given length in any nucleotide sequence. All detected TRs can be accessed through publicly available database (http://victoria.biengi.ac.ru/capsicum_tr/). Comparison of mRPWM with other TR search methods such as Tandem Repeat Finder, T-REKS, and XSTREAM indicated that mRPWM could detect significantly more TRs at similar false discovery rates, indicating its superior performance. The developed mRPWM method can be successfully applied to the identification of highly divergent TRs, which is important for functional analysis of genomes and evolutionary studies.
A Mediterranean Diet Pattern Improves Intestinal Inflammation Concomitant with Reshaping of the Bacteriome in Ulcerative Colitis: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Haskey Natasha , Estaki Mehrbod , Ye Jiayu , Shim Rachel K , Singh Sunny , Dieleman Levinus A , Jacobson Kevan , Gibson Deanna L
Published: April 2023

Background and Aims

Dietary patterns are important in managing ulcerative colitis [UC], given their influence on gut microbiome-host symbiosis and inflammation. We investigated whether the Mediterranean Diet Pattern [MDP] vs the Canadian Habitual Diet Pattern [CHD] would affect disease activity, inflammation, and the gut microbiome in patients with quiescent UC.

Methods

We performed a prospective, randomised, controlled trial in adults [65% female; median age 47 years] with quiescent UC in an outpatient setting from 2017 to 2021. Participants were randomised to an MDP [n = 15] or CHD [n = 13] for 12 weeks. Disease activity [Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index] and faecal calprotectin [FC] were measured at baseline and week 12. Stool samples were analysed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing.

Results

The diet was well tolerated by the MDP group. At week 12, 75% [9/12] of participants in the CHD had an FC >100 μg/g, vs 20% [3/15] of participants in the MDP group. The MDP group had higher levels of total faecal short chain fatty acids [SCFAs] [p = 0.01], acetic acid [p = 0.03], and butyric acid [p = 0.03] compared with the CHD. Furthermore, the MDP induced alterations in microbial species associated with a protective role in colitis [Alistipes finegoldii and Flavonifractor plautii], as well as the production of SCFAs [Ruminococcus bromii].

Conclusions

An MDP induces gut microbiome alterations associated with the maintenance of clinical remission and reduced FC in patients with quiescent UC. The data support that the MDP is a sustainable diet pattern that could be recommended as a maintenance diet and adjunctive therapy for UC patients in clinical remission. ClinicalTrials.gov no: NCT0305371
Weathering of 3-component synthetic food cones: effects on residual amount, release rate, and field capture of 3 pest species of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Shelly Todd E , Kurashima Rick , Mesa Martin Rodolfo , Fezza Thomas , Bazelet Corinna
Published: April 2023

Food-based baits are an important component of trapping networks designed to detect invasive tephritid fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae). An aqueous solution of torula yeast plus borax (TYB) is widely used, but synthetic food lures have been developed to facilitate field procedures, ensure standard composition, and lengthen the interval of bait attractiveness. Cone-shaped dispensers, containing ammonium acetate, putrescine, and trimethylamine (so-called 3C food cones), are currently being used in some large-scale trapping systems (e.g., Florida). Prior work in Hawaii showed that traps baited with 3C food cones capture similar numbers of Mediterranean fruit flies (medflies), Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), as TYB-baited traps after 1–2 wk of weathering but capture fewer medflies thereafter. In addition, 3C food cones attract fewer oriental fruit flies, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), and melon flies, Zeugodacuscucurbitae (Coquillett) than TYB even when the food cones are freshly deployed. The current study describes an additional trapping experiment that expands upon earlier work by (i) presenting 3C food cones either unbagged (as done previously) or in nonporous or breathable bags to possibly reduce volatilization and lengthen bait effectiveness and (ii) measuring the content of the 3 components over time to potentially associate fruit fly captures with the loss of these food cone constituents. Implications of these findings for fruit fly surveillance programs are discussed.
Hepatic encephalopathy due to aorto-right ventricular fistula responsive to percutaneous repair: a case report
Authors: Craig Kemper W , Sertich Anthony
Published: April 2023

Background

Encephalopathy due to hyperammonemia is most often found in a setting of cirrhosis. However, it can also result from increased hepatic venous pressures, which can damage zone three hepatocytes and result in elevated serum ammonia.

Case summary

This report focuses on the unique case of a 43-year-old woman, who presented with confusion in the setting of hyperammonemia due to congestive hepatopathy from an iatrogenic aorto-right ventricular fistula. The patient underwent percutaneous repair of the fistula with resolution of encephalopathy and notable improvement in symptoms. The patient attended all follow-up appointments and was contacted five and eight months after admittance for updates regarding her recovery and permission to publish this case.

Discussion

This exceedingly rare case has not been reported in the literature and highlights the historically narrow differential for hyperammonemic encephalopathy given the prevalence of cirrhosis and potential reversibility of such a case.
Bobo–Newton acute myocarditis caused by Capnocytophaga canimorsus: a case report
Authors: Le Breton Camille , El Braidy Bernard , Durup Florence , Garot Jérôme
Published: April 2023

Background

Capnocytophaga canimorsus is a Gram-negative bacillus commensal of the oral cavities of dogs and cats that can cause human infection after a bite or scratch. Cardiovascular manifestations have included endocarditis, heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, mycotic aortic aneurysm and prosthetic aortitis.

Case summary

A 37-year-old male presented septic manifestations, ST-segment alterations on the electrocardiogram and troponin rise, 3 days after a dog bite. N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide was elevated and transthoracic echocardiography revealed mild diffuse left ventricular (LV) hypokinesia. Coronary computed tomography angiography showed normal coronary arteries. Two aerobic blood cultures grew Capnocytophaga canimorsus. On Day 5, cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), showed all diagnostic criteria of acute myocarditis, including focal areas of subepicardial oedema in the LV inferolateral wall, early hyperenhancement, nodular or linear foci of late gadolinium enhancement, increased T2-times and extracellular volume fraction. The outcome was favourable with amoxicillin.

Discussion

Four cases of myocardial infarction caused by Capnocytophaga canimorsus had been reported and coronary angiography showed normal coronary arteries in 3 cases. Herein, we report a case of documented acute myocarditis associated with Capnocytophaga canimorsus infection. Myocarditis was demonstrated by comprehensive CMR revealing all established diagnostic criteria. Acute myocarditis should be ruled out in patients with Capnocytophaga canimorsus infection and a clinical presentation of “acute myocardial infarction”, especially in those with unobstructed coronary arteries.
Myocarditis in a young male affected with monkeypox infection: a case report
Authors: Luengo Pérez Sergio , Abdala Lizarraga Julián , Jaén Ferrer Esther , Ridocci Soriano Francisco
Published: April 2023

Background

Concerns on monkeypox as a disease impacting global public health first emerged in May, 2022, and, since that time, has been identified in more than 50 countries. The condition mainly affects men who have sex with other men. Cardiac disease is a rare complication of monkeypox infection. Here, we describe a case of myocarditis in a young male subsequently diagnosed with monkeypox infection.

Case summary

A 42-year-old male reported engaging in high-risk sexual behaviours with another male 10 days before presenting to the emergency department with chest pain, fever, maculopapular rash, and a necrotic chin lesion. Electrocardiography revealed diffuse concave ST-segment elevation associated with elevated cardiac biomarkers. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed normal biventricular systolic function without wall motion abnormalities. We excluded other sexually transmitted diseases or viral infections. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings suggested myopericarditis involving the lateral wall and adjacent pericardium. The results of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests of pharyngeal, urethral, and blood samples were positive for monkeypox. The patient was treated with high-dose non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and colchicine and he recovered soon.

Discussion

Monkeypox infections are generally self-limited, with most patients experiencing benign clinical outcomes, no hospitalizations, and few complications. This is a rare report of monkeypox complicated with myopericarditis. Management with high-dose NSAIDs and colchicine relieved our patient’s symptoms, suggesting a similar clinical outcome as other idiopathic or virus-related myopericarditis.
Over 8-year survival after ascending endovascular repair of type A intramural haematoma
Authors: Mosbahi Selim , Desai Nimesh D , Bavaria Joseph E , Szeto Wilson Y
Published: April 2023

Acute type A aortic syndromes are catastrophic events whose management relies primarily on conventional surgery. For several years, various endovascular attempts have been described; however, long-term data are inexistent. We describe a case of stenting of the ascending aorta for a type A intramural haematoma with survival and freedom from reintervention at >8 years postoperatively.
Unclean Cooking Fuel Use and Slow Gait Speed Among Older Adults From 6 Countries
Authors: Smith Lee , López Sánchez Guillermo F , Pizzol Damiano , Rahmati Masoud , Yon Dong Keon , Morrison Andrew , Samvelyan Jasmine , Veronese Nicola , Soysal Pinar , Tully Mark A , Butler Laurie , Barnett Yvonne , Shin Jae Il , Koyanagi Ai
Published: April 2023

Background

Outdoor air pollution has been reported to be associated with frailty (including slow gait speed) in older adults. However, to date, no literature exists on the association between indoor air pollution (eg, unclean cooking fuel use) and gait speed. Therefore, we aimed to examine the cross-sectional association between unclean cooking fuel use and gait speed in a sample of older adults from 6 low- and middle-income countries (China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia, and South Africa).

Methods

Cross-sectional, nationally representative data from the World Health Organization Study on global AGEing and adult health were analyzed. Unclean cooking fuel use referred to the use of kerosene/paraffin, coal/charcoal, wood, agriculture/crop, animal dung, and shrubs/grass based on self-report. Slow gait speed referred to the slowest quintile based on height, age, and sex-stratified values. Multivariable logistic regression and meta-analysis were done to assess associations.

Results

Data on 14 585 individuals aged ≥65 years were analyzed (mean [standard deviation] age 72.6 [11.4] years; 45.0% males). Unclean cooking fuel use (vs clean cooking fuel use) was significantly associated with higher odds for slow gait speed (odds ratio = 1.45; 95% confidence interval: 1.14–1.85) based on a meta-analysis using country-wise estimates. The level of between-country heterogeneity was very low (I2 = 0%).

Conclusions

Unclean cooking fuel use was associated with slower gait speed among older adults. Future studies of longitudinal design are warranted to provide insight into the underlying mechanisms and possible causality.
Withania somnifera seed oil exhibits antibiofilm properties against drug-resistant Candida auris clinical isolate through modulation in cell permeability
Authors: Balkrishna Acharya , Kharayat Bhawana , Rastogi Shubhangi , Kabdwal Manisha , Haldar Swati , Varshney Anurag
Published: April 2023

Aim

Candida auris, fast evolving drug-resistant fungus, poses an imminent global health threat. Alternative drug-resistance nonevoking treatment options are necessary. This study explored the antifungal and antibiofilm efficacies of Withania somnifera seed oil extracted using super critical CO2 (WSSO) against clinically isolated Fluconazole-resistant C. auris and its putative mode-of-action.

Methods and Results

Effects of WSSO on C. auris were tested by broth microdilution method, with observed IC50 at 5.96 mg ml−1. Time-kill assay revealed that WSSO is fungistatic. Mechanistically, ergosterol binding and sorbitol protection assays showed that C. auris cell membrane and cell wall are the targets for WSSO. Lactophenol: Cotton-Blue: Trypan-Blue staining confirmed loss of intracellular contents by WSSO treatment. Candida auris biofilm formation was disrupted by WSSO (BIC50: 8.52 mg ml−1). Additionally, WSSO exhibited dose and time-dependent mature biofilm eradication property with 50% efficacies at 23.27, 19.28, 18.18, and 7.22 mg ml−1 over 24, 48, 72, and 96 h, respectively. Biofilm eradication by WSSO was further substantiated through scanning electron microscopy. Standard-of-Care Amphotericin B, at its break-point concentration, (2 μg ml−1) was found to be inefficient as an antibiofilm agent.

Conclusions

WSSO is a potent antifungal agent effective against planktonic C. auris and its biofilm.
Effects of corn hardness and drying temperature on digestibility of energy and nutrients in diets fed to growing pigs
Authors: Espinosa Charmaine D , Cabañas-Ojeda Joaquin , Oviedo-Rondón Edgar O , Stein Hans H
Published: April 2023

Two experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that corn kernel hardness and drying temperature influence the ileal digestibility of starch and amino acids (AA), as well as apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of gross energy (GE) and total dietary fiber (TDF) in diets for growing pigs. Two corn varieties with average or hard endosperm were grown and harvested under similar conditions, and after harvest, each variety was divided into 2 batches that were dried at 35 and 120 °C, respectively. Therefore, four batches of corn were used. In experiment 1, 10 pigs (67.00 ± 2.98 kg) with a T-cannula installed in the distal ileum were allotted to a replicated 5 × 5 Latin square design with 5 diets and 5 periods giving 10 replicates per diet. A nitrogen-free diet and four diets containing each source of corn as the only AA source were formulated. Results indicated that neither variety of corn nor drying temperature influenced apparent ileal digestibility of starch in the grain. The standardized ileal digestibility of most AA was less (P < 0.05) in corn dried at 120 °C compared with corn dried at 35 °C resulting in concentrations of most standardized ileal digestible AA being less (P < 0.05) in corn dried at 120 °C than in corn dried at 35 °C. In experiment 2, 40 pigs (20.82 ± 1.74 kg) were housed in metabolism crates and allotted to 4 diets with 10 replicate pigs per diet. The four corn-based diets used in experiment 1 were also used in experiment 2. Feces and urine were collected using the marker-to-marker approach with 5-d adaptation and 4-d collection periods. Results indicated that diets containing hard endosperm corn had greater (P < 0.05) ATTD of TDF than diets containing average endosperm corn. The ATTD of GE in hard endosperm corn was also greater (P < 0.05), and concentrations of digestible energy and metabolizable energy in hard endosperm corn were greater (P < 0.01) than in average endosperm corn. Diets containing corn dried at 120 °C had greater (P < 0.05) ATTD of TDF compared with diets containing corn dried at 35 °C; however, drying temperature did not influence the ATTD of GE. In conclusion, endosperm hardness did not influence the digestibility of AA and starch; however, drying corn at 120 °C reduced digestible AA concentrations. Hard endosperm corn had greater ATTD of GE and TDF, but drying temperature did not influence energy digestibility.