bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chest Computerized Tomography Findings in COVID-19 Patients Presenting to the ER with Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Authors: Ali Noreldien Ali hagag , Ali El Hefnawy Suzan Baheeg , Yousef Yousef Ahmed , Mohamed Said Nariman Hussein
Published: July 2024

Background

The world continues to face a life-threatening viral pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 has caused over 98 million cases and 2.2 million deaths since January 2020. Chest Computerized tomography is one of the main modalities in the screening and diagnosis of corona virus disease; yet it must correlate with the clinical and laboratory findings. Among available modalities for detecting COVID19, Chest Computerized tomography was done mainly in symptomatic and in high risk patients showing a sensitivity of 94.6% and specificity of 46.0%.

Purpose of the Study

Detecting COVID19 patients presenting initially or mainly with Gastrointestinal manifestations and to help preventing misdiagnosis and overlooking these patients. In addition to estimating the prevalence of these COVID19 patients presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms only versus those presenting with combined gastrointestinal and respiratory manifestations.

Results

This study included 95 patients recruited from the Ain-shams and Souad Kafafi University Hospitals from August 2021 till March 2022. These patients presented with gastrointestinal symptoms as their initial or main symptoms with positive PCR test. They were investigated by Chest CT and were interpreted by experienced radiologists in reading CT chest. From such patients, (32%) presented with gastrointestinal manifestations only. The rest of the patients were presenting mainly with gastrointestinal symptoms and associated with chest symptoms. A recurrently observed pattern of bilateral peripheral Ground glass opacities with basal predominance was found in gastrointestinal only group CT scans. Bilateral involvement, consolidation, crazy paving and multi lobar affection were statistically significantly higher in combined group in comparison to GIT only group.

Conclusions

Commonest Chest CT pattern was bilateral, peripheral GGO with basal predominance among Gastrointestinal only group. These findings indicate high possibility of COVID 19 even in the absence of chest symptoms. Consequently, a rapid diagnosis and earlier quarantine will assist in better treatment and prognosis.
Validation of LI-RADS Treatment Response Algorithm after Loco-Regional Therapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Mohamed Ezzat Sarah Mohamed , El Gaafary Sahar Mohamed , Kamel Abdelmaksoud Mohamed Hosni , Mohamed Mohamed Yosry
Published: July 2024

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third cause of cancer related death worldwide and liver cirrhosis is the most common predisposing factor for HCC. Loco-regional therapy as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) have very important role as potentially curative or palliative methods for treatment of HCC.

Objective

To investigate the potential application of LI-RADS Treatment Response [LRTR] algorithm in terminology and diagnostic performance after local- regional treatment of hepatic lesions.

Methods

During the period from September 2021 to March 2022, the present study included 31 patients: 26 were males and 5 were females with hepatocellular carcinoma treated by loco-regional therapy including 21 conventional TACE and 10 RF. Their ages ranged between 51 - 80 years with mean age of 70 years old.

Results

There were excellent inter-observer agreements between both reader radiologists regarding the classification of treated HCC: LR-TR viable, LR-TR non- viable and LR-TR equivocal according to major features of LIRADS. DWI and ADC as well as T1 and T2 pre-contrast signal are considered good ancillary features in evaluating post treatment response of treated HCC.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that LIRADS treatment response algorithm is a good reporting system for explaining the outcome of the treated HCC with loco-regional therapy as it doesn’t depend only on APHE and mentions that there is expected post-treatment enhancement pattern that does not denote viability. This isn’t found in modified RECIST criteria.
Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome among Post Living Donor Liver Transplant Egyptian Recipients: Single Center Study
Authors: Khalil Dabbous Hany Mansour , El-Sayed Enaam Ali , Abdel All Nada Ali
Published: July 2024

Background

For more than two decades, liver transplantation (LT) has been accepted as the most effective treatment for end-stage liver disease. However, complications following LT significantly affect the quality of life in long-term survival and metabolic syndrome (MS) is now considered to be the most common long-term complication after LT and has been increasing recently with an incidence of 50-60%.

Aim of the Study

To identify both pre-transplant and post-transplant risk factors which contribute to post-transplant MS (PTMS) among Egyptian recipients.

Methods

This study is retrospective prospective descriptive in nature. It was held at the Ain Shams Center for Organ Transplant (ASCOT), Ain Shams University Specialized Hospital with a total of 233 adult Egyptian patients who underwent living donor liver transplant (LDLT) from January 2010 through December 2020 were enrolled. Their data were extracted in detail from the medical records and were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Our study has demonstrated that the recipient’s age (being old age), the presence of pre-transplant DM, the recipient being overweight prior to transplant, and the etiology of liver disease that served as an indication for liver transplant, especially cryptogenic cirrhosis, as well as the use of immunosuppressive drugs, mTOR inhibitors, in particular, were all strongly associated with the development of PTMS. However, only the presence of pre-transplant DM, the recipient being overweight prior to transplant, and the use of immunosuppressive drugs, mTOR inhibitors (Everolimus/Sirolimus), in particular, were considered independent risk factors of PTMS.

Conclusion

Early recognition and modification of risk factors of metabolic syndrome -if modifiable- would facilitate prevention of PTMS, which may reduce its prevalence among transplanted patients.
Evaluation of the Role of Serum Calprotectin in the Follow Up of Egyptian Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients
Authors: Hamed Waleed Abdelaaty , Alfattah Shamkh Mostafa Abd , Sadek Ibrahim Metwally
Published: July 2024

Background

The term inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) describes disorders in which the intestines be inflamed. It has often been thought that they are due to an autoimmune disease. Two major types of IBD are ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). UC is limited to the colon. CD can involve every part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus.

Objective

To compare between serum and faecal calprotectin regarding their role in follow up of disease activity in inflammatory bowel disease patients.

Patients and Methods

An observational cross-sectional study was conducted on 25 patients admitted to Tropical medicine department, Ain Shams University Hospitals.

Results

Calprotectin is highly resistant to proteolysis and can hold in the stool sample for up to 7 days at room temperature. Higher levels of serum calprotectin were linked to a severe inflammatory state in the colon as well as significant clinical symptoms in UC patients. Also, serum calprotectin, CRP, and ESR levels were compared to IBD activity and it was detected that serum calprotectin levels had more sensitivity and specificity than CRP and ESR in identifying IBD activity. Serum calprotectin levels in patients with IBD activity either UC or CD groups, were considerably more than in remission. SC and FC levels were higher levels in clinically active IBD comparing with inactive IBD.

Conclusion

Serum calprotectin levels are higher in patients with IBD and are related to clinical activity. High serum calprotectin levels can distinguish between patients who are clinically active and those who are in remission in both UC and CD groups. Our findings show that serum calprotectin may be a promising simple diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for IBD however more research is needed to reach a judgment in this regard.
Occurrence and Management of the Emerging Pathogen Epicoccum sorghinum
Authors: Shi Xinchi , Zhang Shiling , Yang Yang , Jia Leyao , Herrera-Balandrano Daniela D. , Wang Suyan , Laborda Pedro
Published: July 2024

Epicoccum sorghinum is a notorious fungal pathogen that causes leaf spot symptoms on a wide range of plants, leading to devastating losses in crop production and quality. Here, to our knowledge, all reports regarding the occurrence and management of E. sorghinum are covered for the first time. E. sorghinum has been detected in tropical and subtropical climate areas during the rainy season, mainly from March to August, since 2016. Although E. sorghinum shows a broad host spectrum, the disease incidence is especially notorious in cereal crops and ornamental plants, suggesting that these plants are especially susceptible. Control methods based on synthetic fungicides, plant extracts, and microbial biocontrol agents have been reported. However, most agents were applied using only in vitro conditions, restricting the information about their actual applicability in field conditions. Additionally, E. sorghinum can colonize cereal grains and synthesize the carcinogenic mycotoxin tenuazonic acid, posing an enormous hazard for human health. Furthermore, although E. sorghinum is an emerging pathogen that is currently causing yield penalties in important crops, there is lack of information about its pathogenic mechanisms and virulence factors, and there is currently no commercial antifungal agent to manage E. sorghinum. Collectively, it is imperative to conduct in vivo studies to determine the efficacy of antifungal agents and the most effective methods of application to develop suitable management strategies against E. sorghinum.
Thriving Together: An Innovative Approach to Cultivating Wellness, Emotional Health, and Lifelong Success in Graduate Nursing Students
Authors: Snow Amy C. , Ledbetter Maria D. , Greenway Mary E.
Published: July 2024

The rigors of graduate nursing education create significant stress for nurse anesthesia students. The taxing background of an intensive care nurse, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, compounds the inherent pressures of doctoral study. Students often experience symptoms of burnout, complicating their ability to learn and retain critical information. We created the Thrive initiative to encourage the development of emotional wellness. Thrive’s success is attributed to the blend of relevant information including emotional intelligence skills and racial sensitivity support, engaged student participation, and the desire to help the next generation of graduate nurses develop sustainable emotional health.
Portable spirometer-based pulmonary function test willingness in China: A nationwide cross-sectional study from the “Happy Breathing Program”
Authors: Qi Weiran , Huang Ke , Chen Qiushi , Jiao Lirui , Yu Fengyun , Yu Yiwen , Niu Hongtao , Li Wei , Fang Fang , Lei Jieping , Chu Xu , Li Zilin , Geldsetzer Pascal , Bärnighausen Till , Chen Simiao , Yang Ting , Wang Chen
Published: July 2024

Background:

Understanding willingness to undergo pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and the factors associated with poor uptake of PFTs is crucial for improving early detection and treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study aimed to understand willingness to undergo PFTs among high-risk populations and identify any barriers that may contribute to low uptake of PFTs.

Methods:

We collected data from participants in the “Happy Breathing Program” in China. Participants who did not follow physicians’ recommendations to undergo PFTs were invited to complete a survey regarding their willingness to undergo PFTs and their reasons for not undergoing PFTs. We estimated the proportion of participants who were willing to undergo PFTs and examined the various reasons for participants to not undergo PFTs. We conducted univariable and multivariable logistic regressions to analyze the impact of individual-level factors on willingness to undergo PFTs.

Results:

A total of 8475 participants who had completed the survey on willingness to undergo PFTs were included in this study. Out of these participants, 7660 (90.4%) were willing to undergo PFTs. Among those who were willing to undergo PFTs but actually did not, the main reasons for not doing so were geographical inaccessibility (n = 3304, 43.1%) and a lack of trust in primary healthcare institutions (n = 2809, 36.7%). Among the 815 participants who were unwilling to undergo PFTs, over half (n = 447, 54.8%) believed that they did not have health problems and would only consider PFTs when they felt unwell. In the multivariable regression, individuals who were ≤54 years old, residing in rural townships, with a secondary educational level, with medical reimbursement, still working, with occupational exposure to dust, and aware of the abbreviation “COPD” were more willing to undergo PFTs.

Conclusions:

Willingness to undergo PFTs was high among high-risk populations. Policymakers may consider implementing strategies such as providing financial incentives, promoting education, and establishing community-based programs to enhance the utilization of PFTs.
Could soluble ST2 levels be used to detect nondipper hypertensive subgroup in newly diagnosed hypertension patients
Authors: Ozdemir Emrah , Stavileci Berna , Ozdemir Bahar , Aksoy Faik Alper , Colakoglu Gevher Ceyla Zeynep , Dogan Ali , Ziyrek Murat
Published: July 2024

Aim

ST2 receptor is a member of toll-like/interleukin-1 receptor family. After the activation of IL-33/ST2 signaling pathway clinically detectable amount of soluble form of ST2 (sST2) is released into the circulation. Previous studies showed that sST2 levels were significantly higher in hypertension patients than in controls. In this prospective study, we aimed to analyze this relation and test the predictive accuracy of the sST2 level in diagnosis of nondipping hypertension in newly diagnosed hypertension patients.

Methods

Three hundred thirty-seven patients (150 normal, 187 hypertension) who presented with symptoms of hypertension were included in the study. All patients underwent 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and sST2 measurement.

Results

Of 187 hypertension patients, 92 of them had nondipping and 95 of them had dipping pattern. sST2 level was significantly higher in nondipping group compared to dipping group and control group (40.79 ± 7.77 vs. 32.47 ± 6.68; P < 0.0001 and 40.79 ± 7.77 vs. 20.09 ± 7.09; P < 0.0001 respectively). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that; only sST2 level was an independent risk factor for hypertension [P < 0.0001, β: 1.258, odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI)): 1.158–1.366]. and also nondipping hypertension [P < 0.0001, β: 1.208, OR (95% CI): 1.108–1.317].

Conclusion

Based on the present study it could be concluded that sST2 level is significantly associated with the newly diagnosed hypertension and nondipping hypertension. Hence it could reliably be used to diagnose hypertension and nondipping hypertension with high sensitivity and specificity.
Cost-effectiveness of lower limb prosthetic devices for mobility in older adults with dysvascular amputations
Authors: Raval Neel , Shah Arjav , Chang Su-Hsin , Grover Prateek
Published: July 2024

Background:

There is limited consensus regarding the economic value of prosthetic devices with advancing age. We aimed to meet this knowledge gap by studying the cost-effectiveness of lower limb prostheses (LLPs) for older adults with dysvascular amputations.

Methods Design:

We constructed a decision analytic model nested with Markov models with a lifetime horizon to compare LLP recipients (LLP) with non-recipients (no-LLP) from a health care sector perspective. A 3% annual rate was applied to obtain the present value of the main outcome measures. One-way sensitivity analyses that modeled clinically extreme scenarios were conducted on LLP cost, change, abandonment rate, fall rate, mortality, and utility.

Data sources:

Model parameters were obtained from literature, with many source studies utilizing Medicare data and focusing on dysvascular amputations. Parameters included the “annual probability” of fall, LLP abandonment and mortality, costs associated with decreased physical inactivity or deconditioning, falls (rate and cost), abandonment (rate), mortality, and “utilities associated” with Markov model health states. All costs were adjusted to 2022 price levels.

Intervention:

Lower limb prosthesis.

Main Outcome Measures:

Lifetime cost, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER).

Results:

The LLP group incurred a lifetime cost of $36,789 and yielded 4.54 QALYs. The no-LLP group incurred a lifetime cost of $23,909 and yielded 2.58 QALYs. The ICER was $6588/QALY, which is below the most conservative willingness-to-pay threshold of $50,000/QALY and indicated that LLP was cost-effective compared with no-LLP. Sensitivity analyses for increasing LLP replacement to annual (ICER = $33,477/QALY), abandonment rate to 22% (ICER=$6367), fall rate to 70% (ICER = $7140/QALY), and increasing No-LLP EuroQol–five-dimension to 0.71 (ICER = $10,819/QALY) were all below the willingness-to-pay as well.

Conclusions:

LLP for older adults with dysvascular amputations was cost-effective for most clinically realistic scenarios.
Overhead and Wheelchair Sport-Related Injuries in Para Athletes
Authors: Dupuy Alexis , Goosey-Tolfrey Vicky L. , Webborn Nick , Rance Mélanie , Ratel Sébastien
Published: July 2024

With the increasing opportunities for people with disabilities to engage in competitive Para sports, it becomes imperative to understand the injury consequences that may impact both sports participation and daily life activities. This narrative review aims to examine the intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors inherent in overhead and wheelchair summer Para sports, while also exploring prospective avenues for implementing prevention strategies. By understanding the injury epidemiology in this cohort of Para athletes, this review aims to explore the intricate interplay between the athletes’ underlying disability with sport-specific factors, such as how wheelchair use might amplify injury susceptibility. Specifically, we highlight the impact of impairment, daily activity, and workload or discipline-induced overuse on injury occurrence, as well as how surveillance methods can be tailored to this population. In this regard, we propose practical injury surveillance methods that encompass a sensitive injury definition, severity assessment, incidence rate calculation, and the recording of adaptive equipment (e.g., type of wheelchair) and workload monitoring. It is worth noting that studies of prospective injury surveillance systems coupled with workload monitoring within a dedicated Para sport web-based platform are scarce. To establish a comprehensive understanding of Para athlete health, the monitoring framework should incorporate regular athlete follow-ups and facilitate knowledge transfer.
Rituximab as Treatment for Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Pimentel-Quiroz Victor R. , Reátegui-Sokolova Cristina , Gamboa-Cárdenas Rocío V. , Elera-Fitzcarrald Claudia , Rodríguez-Bellido Zoila , Pastor-Asurza César A. , Perich-Campos Risto , Alarcón Graciela S. , Ugarte-Gil Manuel F.
Published: July 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the response to rituximab (RTX) as treatment for lupus nephritis (LN) in a Latin American Lupus cohort.

Methods

The medical records from LN patients from a single-center cohort spanning between January 2012 and December 2020 were reviewed. Demographic factors (age at diagnosis and baseline, gender), disease duration, previous and concomitant treatments, serum creatinine, and 24-hour proteinuria (24-HP) levels at baseline, and 6th and 12th months were obtained. Complete response (CR) or responder status was defined according to the LUNAR, AURORA-1, and BLISS-LN trials.

Results

Thirty-six patients received RTX as induction treatment; 32 (88.9%) were women. Their age at baseline and disease duration were 32.6 (11.7) and 7.6 (6.5) years, respectively. The time between renal biopsy and RTX use was 2.64 (4.41) years. At baseline, serum creatinine and 24-HP levels were 1.5 (1.5) mg/dL and 3.4 (2.8) g, respectively. At months 6 and 12, serum creatinine levels were 1.6 (1.6) and 1.6 (1.5) mg/dL, and 24-HP were 2.2 (2.2) and 1.6 (1.5) g, respectively. According to LUNAR and AURORA-1 criteria, CR at 6th and 12th months were 6/34 (17.6%) and 8/30 (26.7%) and 6/34 (17.6%) and 7/31 (22.6%) patients, respectively. According to BLISS-LN criteria, responders at 6th and 12th months were 9/34 (26.5%) and 10/31 (32.3%) patients, respectively.

Conclusions

CR and responder status were reached in less than one third of LN patients treated with RTX, regardless of the criteria used to define them. However, serum creatinine levels did not increase, and there was a decrease in proteinuria levels during the follow-up.
Advances in Three-Dimensional Printing for Craniomaxillofacial Trauma Reconstruction: A Systematic Review
Authors: Oley Mendy Hatibie , Oley Maximillian Christian , Sukarno Vania , Faruk Muhammad
Published: July 2024

Craniomaxillofacial (CMF) fractures present significant challenges for plastic surgeons due to their intricate nature. Conventional methods such as autologous bone grafts have limitations, necessitating advancements in reconstructive surgery techniques. This study reviewed the use of three-dimensional printing for CMF trauma reconstruction using human studies. A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar was conducted in February 2024 for case reports, case series, and clinical trials related to CMF trauma reconstruction using three-dimensional printing technology. The authors’ systematic review included 20 studies and a total of 170 participants with CMF bone defects. In general, the authors observed low bias risk in analyzed case reports and series, serious bias risk in nonrandomized controlled trials, and moderate bias risk in randomized controlled trials. The printed objects included CMF structure model prototypes, patient-specific implants, and other custom surgical devices. Studies reveal successful outcomes, including restored facial symmetry and function, restored orbital occlusion, resolved enophthalmos and diplopia, achieved cosmetically symmetrical lower face reconstruction, and precise fitting of surgical devices, enhancing patient and surgeon comfort. However, complications such as local infection, implant exposure, and persistent diplopia were reported. Three-dimensional printed devices reduced surgery time but increased preparation time and production costs. In-house production options could mitigate these time and cost expenditures. Three-dimensional printing holds potential in CMF trauma reconstruction, addressing both functional and esthetic restoration. Nevertheless, challenges persist in implementing this advanced technology in resource-limited environments.
Evaluation of Antral Biopsies Obtained in Endoscopically Normal Esophagogastroduodenoscopy: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Dinçer Burak , Ömeroğlu Sinan , Güven Onur , Yanar Ceylan , Demir Uygar , Akgün İsmail Ethem
Published: July 2024

Background:

The requirement for routine biopsy sampling in esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with normal endoscopic findings is a subject of debate. In this study, patients who had normal endoscopic findings in EGD and underwent biopsy sampling were retrospectively analyzed.

Methods:

This single-center retrospective cohort study included 671 patients who underwent EGD between 2021 and 2023 in the Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital Surgical Endoscopy Unit. All patients had normal endoscopic findings and a sampling biopsy was performed on all patients included. Patients were evaluated based on demographic and clinicopathologic findings. This study was registered to ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06269380).

Results:

Two hundred sixty patients (38.7%) have abnormal histopathologic findings. Helicobacter pylori positivity was detected in 200 (29.8%) patients. Intestinal metaplasia (IM) was present in 80 of 260 patients (30.8%). The frequency of IM was higher in older age groups and cases with mild gastritis (P<0.001). The frequency and severity of gastritis were associated with increased H. pylori positivity and density (P<0.001).

Conclusions:

The biopsy sampling may contribute to the diagnosis and treatment process in cases where normal endoscopic findings are observed during EGD.
The Public Health Leader Who Brought Antisepsis to William Halsted
Authors: Harris John M
Published: July 2024

William Halsted wrote to aging surgeon, Stephen Smith, in 1919, that he remembered the lessons Smith had taught him, “when I walked with you through the wards of Bellevue Hospital.” Smith was an early advocate of Joseph Lister’s antiseptic method, and because of his public health work, he was also an early advocate of environmental hygiene and microbial control based on the unproved germ theory. Although Lister’s work at the time emphasized germ killing around the operative site with carbolic acid (antisepsis), Smith adopted and encouraged surgical practices at Bellevue that would be hallmarks of the germ-preventing (asepsis) surgical approach that fully developed after German bacteriologic discoveries in the mid-1880s, and with which Halsted is historically identified. Some physicians and historians have emphasized temporal and conceptual differences between Lister’s antisepsis and German asepsis, but Smith and Halsted’s experiences argue that surgical asepsis was the evolutionary outcome of germ theory–based surgical changes that began well before scientific proof arrived.
Social norms and cooperation in higher-order networks
Authors: Ma Yin-Jie , Jiang Zhi-Qiang , Fang Fan-Shu , Perc Matjaž , Boccaletti Stefano
Published: July 2024

Recent research has been focused on understanding how cooperation is fostered through various mechanisms in cognitive settings, particularly through pairwise interactions. However, real-world interactions often extend beyond simple dyads, including multiple cliques with both pairwise and higher-order interactions. These complex interactions influence how individuals perceive and adapt their strategies based on social norms. We here introduce a model that explores the evolution of collective strategies and social norms within a heterogeneous environment, encompassing both dyadic and three-body interactions. We find that social norms play a crucial role in promoting cooperation in comparison with simply imitating the most successful neighbour. We also show that the rise of prosocial norms leads to increased cooperation across various social dilemmas, often resulting in shifts from defective to cooperative behaviour. Additionally, we observe that a moderate level of information privacy helps sustaining prosocial norms and curtails antisocial tendencies, even in situations where mutual defection might seem advantageous. Our research thus offers insights into the evolution of cooperation through the lens of social norm diffusion in higher-order networks.
Streptococcus raffinosi sp. nov., isolated from human breast milk samples
Authors: Nguyen Ha Viet , Trinh Anh Thi Van , Bui Linh Nguyen Hai , Hoang Anh Thi Lan , Tran Quyen Thi Le , Trinh Trung Thanh
Published: July 2024

Novel Gram-positive, catalase-negative, α-haemolytic cocci were isolated from breast milk samples of healthy mothers living in Hanoi, Vietnam. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of these strains varied by 0–2 nucleotide polymorphisms. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of one strain, designated as BME SL 6.1T, showed the highest similarity to those of Streptococcus salivarius NCTC 8618T (99.4 %), Streptococcus vestibularis ATCC 49124T (99.4 %), and Streptococcus thermophilus ATCC 19258T (99.3 %) in the salivarius group. Whole genome sequencing was performed on three selected strains. Phylogeny based on 631 core genes clustered the three strains into the salivarius group, and the strains were clearly distinct from the other species in this group. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) value of strain BME SL 6.1T exhibited the highest identity with S. salivarius NCTC 8618T (88.4 %), followed by S. vestibularis ATCC 49124T (88.3 %) and S. thermophilus ATCC 19258T (87.4 %). The ANI and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain BME SL 6.1T and other species were below the cut-off value (95 and 70 %, respectively), indicating that it represents a novel species of the genus Streptococcus. The strains were able to produce α-galactosidase and acid from raffinose and melibiose. Therefore, we propose to assign the strains to a new species of the genus Streptococcus as Streptococcus raffinosi sp. nov. The type strain is BME SL 6.1T (=VTCC 12812T=NBRC 116368T).
Spatial structure affects the establishment and persistence of closed microbial ecosystems
Authors: Mansour India , Hähnlein Maximilian , Minkewitz Luise , Wilk Emely Noa , Remus-Emsermann Mitja , Antonovics Janis , Rillig Matthias C.
Published: July 2024

Why Earth has remained habitable for billions of years is a question that has long fostered debate in biology and earth sciences. Closed systems approaches have yielded information about the underlying mechanisms, including the persistence of matter recycling. However, the majority of these studies have been conducted under relatively homogenous conditions using aquatic systems. Here, we investigated the effect of spatial structure and heterogeneity on the persistence or failure of closed microbial biospheres. This mimics unsaturated soil-like conditions that were inoculated with a two species producer-decomposer community. Specifically, we investigated how microhabitat physical structure and necromass spatial distribution affected population dynamics and system time-to-failure. We observed strong effects of microhabitat structure, including particle size and moisture level, on persistence at both the population and system levels. Systems containing the smallest substrate particles failed quickly and on average did not support decomposer populations except at high initial cell densities. Persistence was promoted by larger substrate particles, likely due to larger pore sizes resulting in shorter movement distances and better accessibility to resource patches (i.e. necromass). Building on these findings, we manipulated necromass patch distribution and observed that algae clustered around necromass patches when present. Necromass patch distribution had small but significant effects on persistence, with lower persistence in intermediate vs. high or low necromass heterogeneity. Together these findings indicate a limit to the spatial/physical parameter space in which producer-decomposer communities can establish and self-sustain via self-recycling of necromass.
Polyploidy of MDA-MB-231 cells drives increased extravasation with enhanced cell-matrix adhesion
Authors: Hirose Satomi , Osaki Tatsuya , Kamm Roger D.
Published: July 2024

Metastasis, the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, involves a complex cascade of events, including extravasation. Despite extensive research into metastasis, the mechanisms underlying extravasation remain unclear. Molecular targeted therapies have advanced cancer treatment, yet their efficacy is limited, prompting exploration into novel therapeutic targets. Here, we showed the association of polyploidy in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and their extravasation, using microfluidic systems to reproduce the in vivo microvascular environment. We observed enhanced extravasation in polyploid cells alongside upregulated expression of genes involved in cell-substrate adhesion and cell mechanical dynamics. These findings offer insights into the relationship between polyploidy and extravasation, highlighting potential targets for cancer therapy.
A new yeast-based bioreporter for simple, sensitive, and cost-effective detection of dioxin-like compounds
Authors: Liang Yingying , Liu Hailin , Wang Lin , Zhao Jing , Li Shunyi , Yi Li , Jiang Sijing , Lu Zhenghui , Zhang Guimin
Published: July 2024

Dioxin-like compounds (DLCs) are environmental xenobiotics that can activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AhR), thereby imposing a significant threat to human health through biomagnifications processes. In this study, a dioxin-activated nano-luminescentSaccharomyces cerevisiaebioreporter, called DnaSc, was developed for simple and rapid detection of DLCs and AhR agonists. The bioreporter used nano-luciferase NLuc as a signal generator to emit bioluminescent signals in response to DLCs without cell lysis. Through optimizing ARNT expression and engineering the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), the yeast-based bioassay exhibited a detection limit of 10 fM for 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) within 6 h, making it the most sensitive whole-cell biosensor reported to date. Furthermore, the detection capacity of the DnaSc bioassay for DLCs and AhR agonists was characterized. In summary, the yeast-based bioreporter developed in this study provided a simple, sensitive, and cost-effective method for DLCs detection.
Measurement of covalent bond formation in light-curing hydrogels predicts physical stability under flow
Authors: Zatorski Jonathan M. , Lee Isabella L. , Ortiz-Cárdenas Jennifer E. , Ellena Jeffrey F. , Pompano Rebecca R.
Published: July 2024

Photocrosslinking hydrogels are promising for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, but challenges in reaction monitoring often leave their optimization subject to trial and error. The stability of crosslinked gels under fluid flow, as in the case of a microfluidic device, is particularly challenging to predict, both because of obstacles inherent to solid-state macromolecular analysis that prevent accurate chemical monitoring, and because stability is dependent on size of the patterned features. To solve both problems, we obtained1H NMR spectra of cured hydrogels which were enzymatically degraded. This allowed us to take advantage of the high-resolution that solution NMR provides. This unique approach enabled the measurement of degree of crosslinking (DoC) and prediction of material stability under physiological fluid flow. We showed that NMR spectra of enzyme-digested gels successfully reported on DoC as a function of light exposure and wavelength within two classes of photocrosslinkable hydrogels: methacryloyl-modified gelatin and a composite of thiol-modified gelatin and norbornene-terminated polyethylene glycol. This approach revealed that a threshold DoC was required for patterned features in each material to become stable, and that smaller features required a higher DoC for stability. Finally, we demonstrated that DoC was predictive of the stability of architecturally complex features when photopatterning, underscoring the value of monitoring DoC when using light-reactive gels. We anticipate that the ability to quantify chemical crosslinks will accelerate the design of advanced hydrogel materials for structurally demanding applications such as photopatterning and bioprinting.

Abstract Figure
Ultradian rhythms of CRHPVNneuron activity, behaviour and stress hormone secretion
Authors: Zheng Shaojie , Focke Caroline M. B. , Young Calvin K. , Tripp Isaac , Ganeshan Dharshini , Power Emmet M. , Schwenke Daryl O. , Herbison Allan E. , Kim Joon S. , Iremonger Karl J.
Published: July 2024

The stress axis is always active, even in the absence of any threat. This manifests as hourly pulses of corticosteroid stress hormone secretion over the day. Corticotropin-releasing hormone neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (CRHPVN) control both the neuroendocrine stress axis as well as stress-associated behaviours. However, it is currently unclear how the resting activity of these neurons is coordinated with both spontaneous behaviour and ultradian pulses of corticosteroid secretion. To investigate this, we performed fiber photometry recordings of CRHPVNneuron activity inCrh-Ires-Cremice and a newly generated line ofCrh-Ires-Crerats. In both mice and rats, CRHPVNneurons displayed an ultradian rhythm of activity with reoccurring upstates of activity approximately once per hour over the 24-hour day. Upstates in activity were coordinated with increases in animal activity/arousal. Chemogenetic activation of CRHPVNneurons was also sufficient to induce behavioural arousal. In rats, increases in CRH neural activity preceded some pulses of corticosteroid secretion but not others. Thus, while CRHPVNneurons display an ultradian rhythm of activity over the 24-hour day that is coordinated with behavioural arousal, the relationship between CRHPVNactivity and pulses of corticosteroid secretion is not one-to-one.

Significance Statement

Ultradian rhythms are present in many biological systems, however, the underlying neural mechanisms responsible for generating these rhythms is unclear. Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons control corticosteroid levels in the body as well as arousal and behaviour. Here we show that CRH neurons exhibit a pronounced ultradian rhythm in neural activity over the 24-hour day. CRH neural activity was highly correlated with, and predictive of, behavioral arousal. However, CRH neural activity was not as well correlated with pulses of corticosteroid secretion. Together, these data revel the patterns of CRH neuron activity over the 24-hour day and their relationship with behaviour and stress hormone secretion.
Mixed recurrent connectivity architecture in primate prefrontal cortex
Authors: Sigalas Evangelos , Libedinsky Camilo
Published: July 2024

The functional properties of a network depend on its connectivity, which includes the strength of its inputs and the strength of the connections between its units, or recurrent connectivity. Because we lack a detailed description of the recurrent connectivity in the lateral prefrontal cortex of primates, we developed an indirect method to estimate it. This method leverages the elevated noise correlation of mutually-connected units. To estimate the connectivity of prefrontal regions, we trained recurrent neural network models with varying percentages of bump attractor architecture and noise levels to match the noise correlation properties observed in two specific prefrontal regions: the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the frontal eye field. We found that models initialized with approximately 20% and 7.5% bump attractor architecture closely matched the noise correlation properties of the frontal eye field and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, respectively. These findings suggest that the different percentages of bump attractor architecture may reflect distinct functional roles of these brain regions. Specifically, lower percentages of bump attractor units, associated with higher-dimensional representations, likely support more abstract neural representations in more anterior regions.
Reversible ubiquitination of integrated domain controls paired NLR immune receptor complex homeostasis
Authors: Chen Zhiyi , Huang Jianhua , Li Jianyu , Menke Frank L.H. , Jones Jonathan D.G. , Guo Hailong
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Plant intracellular NLR immune receptors can function individually or in pairs to detect pathogen effectors and activate immune responses. NLR homeostasis has to be tightly regulated to ensure proper defense without triggering autoimmunity. However, in contrast to singleton NLRs, the mechanisms controlling the paired NLRs complex homeostasis are less understood. The paired Arabidopsis RRS1/RPS4 immune receptor complex confers disease resistance through effector recognition mediated by the integrated WRKY domain of RRS1. Here, through proximity labelling, we reveal a ubiquitination-deubiquitination cycle that controls the homeostasis of the RRS1/RPS4 complex. E3 ligase RARE directly binds and ubiquitinates RRS1’s WRKY domain to promote its proteasomal degradation, thereby destabilizing RPS4 indirectly and compromising the stability and function of the RRS1/RPS4 complex. Conversely, the deubiquitinating enzymes UBP12/UBP13 deubiquitinate RRS1’s WRKY domain, counteracting RARE’s effects. Interestingly, the abundance of WRKY transcription factors WRKY70 and WRKY41 is also regulated by RARE and UBP12/UBP13. Phylogenetic analysis suggests this regulation likely transferred from WRKY70/WRKY41 to RRS1 upon WRKY domain integration. Our findings improve our understanding of homeostatic regulation of paired NLR complex and uncover a new paradigm whereby domain integration can co-opt preexisting post-translational modification to regulate novel protein functions.
Large transient assemblies of Apaf1 constitute the apoptosome in cells
Authors: Borgeaud Alicia C. , Ganeva Iva , Klein Calvin , Stooss Amandine , Ross-Kaschitza Daniela , Wu Liyang , Riley Joel S. , Tait Stephen W.G. , Lemmin Thomas , Kaufmann Thomas , Kukulski Wanda
Published: July 2024

Upon cell death signals, the apoptotic protease-activating factor Apaf1 and cytochrome c interact to form the apoptosome complex. The apoptosome is crucial for mitochondrial apoptosis, as it activates caspases that dismantle the cell. However, the assembly mechanism and appearance of the apoptosomein vivoremain unclear. We show that upon onset of apoptosis, Apaf1 molecules accumulate into multiple foci per cell. Disassembly of the foci is linked to survival of the cell. Structurally, Apaf1 foci resemble organelle-sized, cloud-like assemblies. Foci form upon specific molecular interactions with cytochrome c and depending on procaspase-9. We propose that Apaf1 foci correspond to the apoptosome in cells. Transientness and ultrastructure of Apaf1 foci suggest that the dynamic spatiotemporal organisation of apoptosome components regulates progression of apoptosis.
Unsilenced inhibitory cortical ensemble gates remote memory retrieval
Authors: Wang Shaoli , Sheng Tao , Su Feng , Yang He , Cao Rui , Wang Qiao , Fang Wei-Qun , Zhang Chen , Lu Wei
Published: July 2024

Acquired information can be consolidated to remote memory for storage but persists in a dormant state until its retrieval. However, it remains unknown how dormant memory is reactivated. Using a combination of simultaneous two-photon calcium imaging and holographic optogenetics in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in vivo, we discover a subset of GABAergic neurons that are specifically associated with dormant memory retrieval. These interneurons display persistent activity and inter-neuronal synchronization at the remote memory stage. In the absence of natural contextual cues, directly activating these interneurons reliably recalls cortical ensembles relevant to remote memory retrieval with context specificity. Conversely, targeted volumetric inactivation of these interneurons suppresses context-induced memory retrieval. Our results reveal an unexpected role of unsilenced inhibitory cortical ensembles in causally gating the retrievability of dormant remote memory.
Contributions of source populations, habitat suitability and trait overlap to benthic invertebrate community assembly in restored urban streams
Authors: Gillmann Svenja M. , Schuwirth Nele , Lorenz Armin W. , Hering Daniel
Published: July 2024

Community development in restored streams is often slow or even absent, but reasons remain obscure. Inadequate restoration measures, catchment-scale pressures, community closure and colonization barriers all may prevent or slow down recovery processes. For initial colonization, dispersal processes are supposed to be most important, which are referred to as dispersal filter. Environmental conditions of a restored reach determine if a dispersing species can successfully establish (environmental filter). Lastly, while available niches at those reaches fill up, biotic interactions, such as competition, become more important (biotic filter). To investigate the importance of these different filters, we compared benthic invertebrate communities of 20 sites in the Boye catchment (Western Germany), a former open sewer system. The sites were grouped, based on the years since restoration, into ‘unimpacted’ (never restored), ‘recently restored’ (< 4 years) and ‘mature restored’ (> 10 years) sites. Data collected at 28 additional sites in the catchment informed us on distances to potential source populations. Habitat suitability describes the fit between environmental conditions (abiotic site data) and species preferences and was used to assess the role of environmental filtering. We evaluated the role of the biotic filter based on trait overlap, referring to possible interspecific competition.

Communities collected at recently restored sites differed from those of mature restored and unimpacted sites. Taxa present at recently restored and mature sites had closer source populations than those of unimpacted sites. Taxa at mature and unimpacted sites had a better fit to the present habitats than those of recently restored sites. The trait overlap did not differ between co-occurring and not co-occurring taxa at any of the site groups. Our findings show that communities of mature restored sites that have been restored more than 10 years ago, resembled those of unimpacted sites. Dispersal was most important in early years of recovery. Taxa occurrences at sites with nearby source populations and low habitat suitability are likely the result of high rates of dispersal from upstream sources (mass effects). These can be caused by hatching events or environmental disturbances. Habitat suitability played a larger role for communities at mature and unimpacted sites which indicates that optimal communities shape over time. We did not find indications that competition played a role for community assembly. Hence, dispersal and habitat suitability were most relevant for species’ occurrences. Competition could be more important on micro scales and the results may differ if species abundances are taken into account.

Graphical Abstract