bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing Direct-to-Consumer Devices to Hearing Aids: Amplification Accuracy for Three Types of Hearing Loss
Authors: Sheffield Sterling W. , Jacobs Molly , Ellis Charles , Gerasimchik Amber
Published: December 2023

Purpose:

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration finalized regulations for over-the-counter hearing aids (OTC-HAs) on August 17, 2022. Little is known about the comparative performance of OTC-HAs and prescription HAs. This study compared amplification accuracy of prescription HAs and direct-to-consumer devices (DTCDs, including personal sound amplification products [PSAPs] and OTC-HAs).

Method:

Eleven devices were programmed to meet prescriptive targets in an acoustic manikin for three degrees of hearing loss. Devices consisted of high- and low-end HAs, PSAPS, and OTC-HAs. Each was tested, and deviations from target measured with an HA analyzer at every combination of 10 frequencies and low-, average-, and high-level inputs. Accuracy was compared using a multilevel Poisson model with device-specific intercepts controlling for input level, frequency, and device type.

Results:

For mild–moderate hearing loss, deviations from targets were not statistically different between high- and low-end HAs, but PSAPs (5.50 dB,
SE
= 0.92 dB) and OTC-HAs (8.83 dB,
SE
= 1.10 dB) had larger differentials. For flat moderate hearing loss, compared to high-end HAs, average differentials were larger for all device types at all input levels and frequencies (Low HA: 3.82 dB,
SE
= 1.10 dB; PSAP: 9.24 dB,
SE
= 1.22 dB; OTC-HA: 8.61 dB,
SE
= 1.19 dB). For mild sloping to severe hearing loss, compared to high-end HAs, OTC-HAs (9.72 dB,
SE
= 1.20 dB) and PSAPs (7.34 dB,
SE
= 1.07 dB) had larger differentials and significant variability at the highest and lowest frequencies. Half (three) of the PSAPs and OTC-HAs met most targets within ±5 dB.

Conclusions:

DTCDs were unable to meet prescriptive targets for severe types of hearing loss but could meet them for mild hearing loss. This study provides an examination of current hearing devices. More research is needed to determine whether meeting prescriptive targets provides any benefit in the outcomes and performance with DTCD devices.
Pitch Variation Skills in Cantonese Speakers With Apraxia of Speech After Stroke: Preliminary Findings of Acoustic Analyses
Authors: Wong Eddy C. H. , Wong Min Ney , Chen Si , Lin Joyce Y. W.
Published: December 2023

Purpose:

Literature on apraxia of speech (AOS) in Chinese speakers is sparse compared to the English literature. This study aims to examine the pitch variation skills of Cantonese adults with AOS poststroke in terms of perceptual tone accuracy, acoustic fundamental frequency (
f
o
) changes, and repetition durations on items with different syllable structures, lexical status, and tone syllables in various positions in a sequencing context.

Method:

Six Cantonese adults with AOS poststroke (AOS group), six adults without AOS poststroke (nAOS group), and six healthy controls (HC group) performed the tone sequencing task (TST), which was adapted from oral diadochokinetic tasks, with three different tone syllables. Tone accuracy,
f
o
values across 10 time points, and acoustic repetition durations were compared within and between the groups.

Results:

The AOS group produced significantly lower tone accuracy and different
f
o
changes on the three Cantonese tone syllables compared with the control groups and significantly longer repetition durations than the HC group. The AOS group showed more difficulty with the tone syllables with the consonant–vowel structure, while a priming effect was observed on the T2 (high-rising) syllables with lexical meanings. A unique lowering of
f
o
in the final syllable of the trisyllabic items was observed only in the AOS group.

Conclusions:

The AOS group showed degraded pitch variation skills. The effects of the three linguistic elements were discussed. Future investigations are called for to adapt the TST in other tonal languages to determine if degraded pitch variation skills are present in other tonal language speakers with AOS.
Identifying and Treating Functional “Nonnative [Foreign] Accent Syndrome”: Perspectives From the Patient and Speech-Language Pathologist
Authors: Utianski Rene L. , Bridge Michael J.
Published: December 2023

Purpose:

When nonnative speaking patterns emerge following neurologic insult or injury, it has often been referred to as foreign, or nonnative, accent syndrome (FAS). In many other cases, FAS can occur as a manifestation of a functional speech disorder (FSD). The purpose of this clinical focus article is to (a) describe the methods utilized in identifying and managing a functional communication disorder characterized by nonnative speech, language, and nonverbal communication intrusions, accompanied by a functional movement disorder and (b) describe the patient's lived experience.

Method and Results:

The patient is a 59-year-old monolingual English-speaking gentleman with a remote history of episodic stuttering, who later developed an abrupt onset of a nonnative speaking style that changed in quality over time. He also developed gait difficulties that, after visiting with several neurologists, were judged to reflect a functional neurological disorder. During the speech evaluation session, an “Eastern European accent” was noted, along with nonnative word use and word order. A diagnosis of FSD characterized by foreign accent was made, and intervention was undertaken as detailed in the clinical focus article and demonstrated in the accompanying video. With behavioral intervention, the patient was able to correct sound-level changes in structured tasks such as reading and repetition and then in conversation. Language dialect–like changes resolved without direct intervention. The nonspeech movement disorder was addressed with intensive occupational and physical therapy.

Conclusions:

The patient presented with functional FAS, which was effectively managed with symptomatic, targeted behavioral intervention. His experience demonstrates the importance of patient advocacy in acquiring an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management recommendations.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.24653430
What's New in Ototoxicity Management?
Authors: Fernandez Katharine A. , Garinis Angela , Knight Kristin , Konrad-Martin Dawn , Morata Thais , Poling Gayla L. , Reavis Kelly M. , Sanchez Victoria A. , Dreisbach Laura
Published: December 2023

Purpose:

Ototoxic medications and chemical agents in the workplace can put individuals' hearing and vestibular health at risk for permanent injury. Proactive ototoxicity management (OtoM) strategies aim to minimize exposure, avoid onset of symptoms, provide ongoing monitoring, and manage auditory and vestibular changes as the clinical needs of the patient evolve. During a 2021 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Special Interest Groups Open House, members of the International Ototoxicity Management Group discussed how best to integrate OtoM into routine clinical practice, what tools to use, and what special considerations need to be understood to best support patients and their families. Here, we have summarized their viewpoints to encourage widespread adoption of improved OtoM services for at-risk individuals.

Conclusions:

The field of audiology needs to move to a place where we better understand the full extent of ototoxicity and can agree on expanding minimum guidelines that can be implemented more universally to mitigate, detect, and manage the damage from ototoxic exposures. Only recently has our field seen a therapeutic drug that can protect against ototoxicity; however, the population served is restricted only to children receiving treatment for nonmetastatic carcinoma. This is hopefully just the beginning of future therapeutic interventions to come, but, in the meantime, ototoxicity resulting from other medications in different patient populations and chemical agents persists.
Psychische Störungen im Alter und ihre psychotherapeutische
Behandlung
Authors: Thoma Myriam V. , Salas Castillo Aileen N. , Maercker Andreas
Published: December 2023

In den westlichen Ländern nimmt zwar der Anteil von älteren und
hochbetagten Menschen aufgrund der verbesserten medizinischen Versorgung stetig
zu, jedoch existiert vergleichsweise wenig Wissen über psychische
Störungen im Alter. Der Beitrag gibt einen Überblick
über die häufigsten psychischen Störungen im Alter,
inklusive deren klinische Präsentation und psychotherapeutische
Behandlung, mit Fokus auf verhaltenstherapeutischen Ansätzen.
Kein Schreiberling, aber Lehrer mit großem rhetorischem und diagnostischem Talent
Authors: Koehler Ulrich , Degerli Mikail Aykut , Conradt Regina
Published: December 2023

By the second half of the 19th century at the latest, the scientific methods of physiology, clinical chemistry and physics formed a new basis for clinical diagnostics. The transformation of the hospital in Germany is essentially linked to the name of Johann Lukas Schönlein. Schönlein initiated and accomplished the transition from a natural-philosophical to a scientific approach to medicine. He was the first in Germany to use and teach auscultation and percussion. Schönlein not only introduced physical diagnostics, but also promoted microscopic, chemical and physiological research at the bedside. After years of successful work in Würzburg and Zurich, Schönlein was appointed to Berlin in 1890 on the recommendation of Johannes Müller. With Schönlein and Müller as well as their numerous students, a new generation of scientifically oriented physicians was established.
Die Glücksgruppe – einfach wirksam
Authors: Köckritz Alexandra
Published: December 2023

Glück ist kein Konzept, Glück ist ein Gefühl. Letztlich wünschen sich alle Menschen, glücklich zu sein und versuchen, ihr Glück auf unterschiedlichen Wegen zu finden. Was aber bedeutet Glück für jede*n Einzelne*n und was können wir selbst dafür tun, um ein wenig mehr Zufriedenheit in unserem Leben zu finden? Gerade für Menschen mit psychischen Erkrankungen rückt das eigene Glück manchmal in weite Ferne. Die Glücksgruppe kann Betroffenen dabei helfen, dass auch für sie das kleine Glück wieder greifbar wird, sie so Hoffnung erleben und eine positivere Haltung einnehmen können.
Was brauchen homo- und bisexuelle Menschen in der Psychiatrie?
Authors: Biechele Ulli
Published: December 2023

Queere Menschen haben ein höheres Risiko für psychische Erkrankungen, weil sie unter anderem sehr häufig Diskriminierung und Gewalt, Stigmatisierung und Ausgrenzung erfahren. Was hilft ihnen und was wünschen sie sich von den Mitarbeitenden in der Psychiatrie?
„In Schönheit“ – Suizid auf der Bühne
Authors: Pfennig Ralf
Published: December 2023

Manchmal hilft der Blick über den Tellerrand, um neue Denkanstöße zu erhalten. Deshalb machen wir hier einen Abstecher von der praktischen psychiatrischen Pflege und beleuchten das Thema Suizid in der Bühnenliteratur. In vielen Werken geht es um die psychische Verfassung der Protagonist*innen, ihre Persönlichkeit, ihre Motive und die daraus folgenden Handlungen. Was können wir von den Dramatiker*innen der Weltliteratur und ihren Bühnenfiguren lernen?
Maßnahmen zur Gewaltprävention
Authors: Leder Nadine
Published: December 2023

Gewalt gehört häufig zum beruflichen Alltag professionell Pflegender. Welche Präventionsmaßnahmen sollten Führungspersonen und Arbeitgebende ergreifen, um ihre Mitarbeitenden (noch) besser vor Gewalt zu schützen?
Wie vielfältig ist die Psychiatrie in der Behandlung von Menschen der LGBTIAQ+-Community?
Authors: Spengler Laura Lina
Published: December 2023

LGBTIAQ+-Patient*innen werden häufig nicht nur von der Gesellschaft diskriminiert, sondern auch im Rahmen ihrer psychiatrischen Behandlung stigmatisiert. Pflegende können diese Patient*innen unterstützen, indem sie wertschätzend und respektvoll mit ihnen umgehen und einen geschützten Raum bieten.
Ginkgo biloba Extracts Like EGb 761® for Treatment of
Non Common Indications – A Selection of Clinical Studies
Authors: Pfuhlmann Katrin , Koch Anna K. , Langhorst Jost
Published: December 2023

Extracts of Ginkgo biloba L. are one of the most commonly applied herbal
medicines. The active constituents are flavonol glycosides and terpene
trilactones in particular. The special extract EGb 761® is mentioned in
the German S3 clinical guideline “Demenzen” as treatment option
(“kann” recommendation). Some small- and large-scale clinical
studies for Ginkgo biloba leaf extracts are summarized in this
publication for the indications: Tardive dyskinesia, vitiligo,
anxiety/anxiety disorder, visual impairment, mountain sickness, sudden
hearing loss, attention deficient hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and
fatigue. The studies are of different quality and show variable results. More
research is warranted to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of Ginkgo
biloba extracts for those indications.
Ganz sicher nicht – oder vielleicht doch?
Authors: Bracher Gaby
Published: December 2023

Im Alltag treffen wir Entscheidungen häufig unbewusst. Unser
Bauchgefühl, die moralische Intuition, sagt uns, was wir als richtig
erachten. Bei Unsicherheiten und strittigen Entscheidungen hilft ethische
Reflexion, relevante Wertekonflikte aufzudecken und zu reflektieren. Kenntnisse
über relevante Normensysteme und die 4 biomedizinischen Prinzipien als
inhaltliche Orientierung unterstützen einen strukturierten, gut
begründeten Entscheid.
A Broader Scope – Bio-psycho-soziale Medizin im globalen
Fokus
Authors: Zipfel Stephan , Stengel Andreas , Erschens Rebecca , Becker Ruth , Giel Katrin
Published: December 2023

Nach 1983 in Hamburg findet der ICPM-Weltkongress für Psychosomatische
Medizin vom 19. bis 21. September 2024 zum zweiten Mal in Deutschland statt, und
zwar in Tübingen. Der 27. Weltkongress des International College of
Psychosomatic Medicine (ICPM) steht unter dem Motto „Advancing
Psychosomatic Medicine in a Challenging World“. Der letzte
ICPM-Kongress fand 2022 an der Wiege der bio-psycho-sozialen Medizin in Rochester,
USA statt. Die dortige Abteilung, gegründet von George Engel – dem
Begründer des biopsychosozialen Modells – und John Romano, feierte
zugleich ihr 75-jähriges Jubiläum. Auch wir in Tübingen
feiern einen runden Geburtstag – das 20-jährige Bestehen der neu
gegründeten Abteilung für Psychosomatische Medizin und
Psychotherapie an der Medizinischen Universitätsklinik – und wollen
zu diesem Anlass insbesondere auch die einzigartige Entwicklung der
Psychosomatischen Medizin und Psychotherapie in Deutschland mit ihren
Stärken in Krankenversorgung, Forschung und Lehre aufzeigen (Hans-Christoph
Friederich und Johannes Kruse).
Infestación por miasis después de cirugía electiva de la mano: Reporte de un caso
Authors: Oliveira Ricardo Kaempf de , Brunelli João Pedro Farina , Aita Márcio Aurelio , Delgado Pedro J.
Published: December 2023

Abstracto

Miasis es un término de origen griego (myia = mosca) que describe las infestaciones causadas por gusanos del orden Diptera. Puede presentarse en innumerables formas pero generalmente lo hace en forma cutánea con larvas migratorias que infestan la piel. Tratamos a una paciente de dos años de edad que presentó sindactilia por bandas de constricción congénita (Fig. 1). En el postoperatorio desarrolló un caso atípico de infestación por miasis. La infestación parasitaria por insectos del orden dípteros (miasis) es un acontecimiento aterrador para los pacientes e incluso para el equipo sanitario que los asiste. A pesar de no ser tan frecuentes se debe considerar el potencial de complicaciones como infección bacteriana secundaria y enfermedad invasiva que pueden provocar la muerte de modo que no se pueda minimizar la gravedad de la afección.
Mitarbeiterorientierung: Betriebliches Gesundheitsmanagement in der Krankenhauslogistik
Authors: Kriegel Johannes
Published: December 2023

Die Mitarbeiter in der Krankenhauslogistik sind in besonderer Weise physischen Belastungen ausgesetzt. Mittels eines betrieblichen Gesundheitsmanagements (BGM) gilt es daher, die Arbeitsleistung, die Organisation und das Verhalten am Arbeitsplatz gesundheitsförderlich zu gestalten.
Unternehmerische Verantwortung als Chance: Compliance als Bestandteil moderner Unternehmensführung
Authors: Ludwig Andreas
Published: December 2023

Ein wirksames Compliance-Management hilft Unternehmen nicht nur, Risiken zu identifizieren, zu bewerten und zu bewältigen, sondern auch in Ausschreibungen zu überzeugen. Eine entsprechende Zertifizierung gibt Auftraggebern Orientierung.
Was Müssen Einkäufer und Logistiker Können?
Authors: Eltzholtz Lennart , Stachel Kerstin
Published: December 2023

Einkauf und Logistik sind hochkomplexe Bereiche. Wenn sie gut funktionieren, sind sie unsichtbar: Waren und Dienstleistungen sind wie von Geisterhand zur richtigen Zeit in der richtigen Qualität am richtigen Ort.
Interview mit Bünyamin Saatci: Saubere Stammdaten sind die Basis für effiziente Prozesse
Authors: Pott Ariane
Published: December 2023

Im Interview mit Klinik Einkauf berichtet der Geschäftsführer der Prospitalia GmbH, Bünyamin Saatci, wie wichtig das Thema Nachhaltigkeit für die Einkaufsgemeinschaft ist und dass die Effekte der MDR die Versorgung von unterrepräsentierten Patientengruppen gefährden.
Klimaschutz in AEMP und OP: Ein klares Plus für Mehrweg
Authors: Bauer Andreas
Published: December 2023

Sterilisationsvliese oder Sterilcontainer – was ist aus Umweltsicht besser, um chirurgische Instrumente zu sterilisieren? Diese Frage hat ein Forschungsteam erstmals untersucht und klare Schlussfolgerungen gezogen.
Automatisierung der Bettenlogistik: Modernisierung der Bettenlogistik im Leopoldina Krankenhaus Schweinfurt
Authors: Köhler Wolfgang , Otten Hubert
Published: December 2023

Nachdem die Pflegebetten und die für den vertikalen Transport installierte Bettenfördertechnik in die Jahre gekommen waren, wurde im Leopoldina-Krankenhaus Schweinfurt eine Modernisierung geplant. Seit dem Frühjahr 2023 verfügt die Klinik über einen modernen, homogenen Bettenpool und eine dazu passende, innovative Bettenfördertechnik.
Endothelial cells can regulate the spread of breast cancer
Authors: McConnon Aili
Published: December 2023

Glycolytic metabolism plays a major role in the invasion of tumor cells towards adjacent blood vessels.
Quality of life after melphalan percutaneous hepatic perfusion for patients with metastatic uveal melanoma
Authors: Vigneswaran Ganesh , Malalasekera Weeratunge , Smith Victoria , Gibson Tom , Patel Shian , Wheater Matthew , Karydis Ioannis , Gupta Sanjay , Stedman Brian , Modi Sachin
Published: December 2023

Background

Recent studies indicate that melphalan percutaneous hepatic perfusion (M-PHP) for liver metastases from ocular melanoma (mUM) improves survival. Importantly, this benefit must be carefully balanced with changes in a patient‘s quality of life (QoL). This study examines the QoL changes post-M-PHP.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of the change in QoL using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) with mUM patients receiving M-PHP (n = 20). The FACT-G scores, which comprise physical (PWB), social (SWB), emotional (EWB) and functional (FWB) wellbeing were measured pre-procedure and at day 1, day of discharge (mean = 2.4 days), 7, 14 and 28 days after M-PHP therapy. Wilcoxon signed-rank test gauged QoL domain changes.

Results

Baseline FACT-G median (IQR) scores were 101.8 (21.8). QoL scoring significantly decreased immediately after the procedure [day 1; 85 (27.5); P = 0.002] and gradually improved over time. By day 28, QoL almost returned to pre-procedure levels [100.3 (13.8); P = 0.31]. Subscore analysis revealed that the initial drop in QoL at day 1 post-procedure was attributable to the PWB (28 vs. 24; P = 0.001) and FWB domains (26 vs. 18.5; P < 0.001). By day 28 there was a statistically significant improvement in EWB (P = 0.01).

Conclusion

QoL following M-PHP decreases immediately after therapy and is not significantly different from baseline by the day of discharge. By day 28 there is improved emotional well-being. This study could help to optimize the time between treatment cycles when combined with toxicity data and blood count recovery.
The double-edged sword of mesh use in pelvic organ prolapse surgery: a case report
Authors: Alibrahim Fawaz Khalid , AlMohaisen Sarah M. , Almajed Wael Sulaiman , Alzughaibi Mohand Ali , Alasiry Abeer , Alghafees Mohammad , Sabbah Belal Nedal
Published: December 2023

Introduction:

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a prevalent condition among parous women, often warranting surgical intervention. This case accentuates the complications associated with mesh in POP surgeries, iterating the imperative need for an evidence-based approach towards its utilization and exhaustive patient counselling.

Case presentation:

A 60-year-old female, post-mesh-augmented POP repair, embarked on a 13-year journey characterized by persistent pelvic pain and multiple interventions. Despite undergoing several surgeries across different countries, involving mesh and stone removals, her symptoms, notably pelvic pain and dyspareunia, persisted. Clinical examinations revealed mesh erosion into the perivesical tissue, bladder, and associated stones, which were addressed through multiple interventions, albeit with transient success.

Discussion:

The complex journey of this patient exemplifies the intricate challenges mesh poses in POP surgeries. While mesh application offers a minimally invasive approach and has proven successful in numerous cases, it simultaneously opens a Pandora’s box of potential severe complications, necessitating thorough patient counselling and post-surgery management.

Conclusion:

The case delineates the challenging path that clinicians and patients tread when navigating through mesh-associated complications post-POP repair. Although mesh has been heralded as a revolutionary approach in POP surgeries, its potential drawbacks necessitate judicious application, ensuring clinicians are well-versed with its associated risks and are adept in managing ensuing complications.
Primary Adenosquamous Carcinoma of the Prostate With Multiple Heterogenic Metastases Demonstrated on 68Ga-PSMA and 18F-FDG PET/CT Imaging
Authors: Yang Jinhui , Xiao Ling , Gao Xiaomei , Tang Yongxiang , Hu Shuo
Published: December 2023

A 54-year-old man presented with a 2-month history of urination disturbances. Serum prostate-specific antigen level was 4.96 ng/mL, and a possibility of benign prostate hyperplasia was raised by outside medical CT. Histopathology revealed adenosquamous carcinoma. Staging workup showed large areas of high PSMA uptake and focal intense hypermetabolism in the prostate, multiple lymphatics, bone, and pulmonary heterogenic metastases on 68Ga-PSMA and 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging.
11C-Acetate PET/CT for Reactive Astrogliosis Outperforms 11C-Methionine PET/CT in Glioma Classification and Survival Prediction
Authors: Kim Dongwoo , Yi Ju Hyeon , Park Youngjoo , Kim Sun Jung , Kang Seok-Gu , Kim Se Hoon , Chun Joong-Hyun , Chang Jong Hee , Yun Mijin
Published: December 2023

Purpose

11C-acetate (ACE) PET/CT visualizes reactive astrogliosis in tumor microenvironment. This study compared 11C-ACE and 11C-methionine (MET) PET/CT for glioma classification and predicting patient survival.

Patients and Methods

In this prospective study, a total of 142 patients with cerebral gliomas underwent preoperative MRI, 11C-MET PET/CT, and 11C-ACE PET/CT. Tumor-to-contralateral cortex (TNRMET) and tumor-to-choroid plexus ratios (TNRACE) were calculated for 11C-MET and 11C-ACE. The Kruskal-Wallis test and Bonferroni post hoc analysis were used to compare the differences in 11C-TNRMET and 11C-TNRACE. The Cox proportional hazards regression analysis and classification and regression tree models were used to assess progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

The median 11C-TNRMET and 11C-TNRACE for oligodendrogliomas (ODs), IDH1-mutant astrocytomas, IDH1-wildtype astrocytomas, and glioblastomas were 2.75, 1.40, 2.30, and 3.70, respectively, and 1.40, 1.20, 1.77, and 2.87, respectively. The median 11C-TNRMET was significantly different among the groups, except between ODs and IDH1-wildtype astrocytomas, whereas the median 11C-TNRACE was significantly different among all groups. The classification and regression tree model identified 4 risk groups (IDH1-mutant with 11C-TNRACE ≤ 1.4, IDH1-mutant with 11C-TNRACE > 1.4, IDH1-wildtype with 11C-TNRACE ≤ 1.8, and IDH1-wildtype with 11C-TNRACE > 1.8), with median PFS of 52.7, 44.5, 25.9, and 8.9 months, respectively. Using a 11C-TNRACE cutoff of 1.4 for IDH1-mutant gliomas and a 11C-TNRACE cutoff of 2.0 for IDH1-wildtype gliomas, all gliomas were divided into 4 groups with median OS of 52.7, 46.8, 27.6, and 12.0 months, respectively. Significant differences in PFS and OS were observed among the 4 groups after correcting for multiple comparisons.

Conclusions

11C-ACE PET/CT is better for glioma classification and survival prediction than 11C-MET PET/CT, highlighting its potential role in cerebral glioma patients.
Novel Biodistribution of PSMA Radiotracer in the Uvula of Patients Undergoing PSMA PET/CT
Authors: Philbrook Phaethon , Casano Kelsey R. , Lee Daniel J.
Published: December 2023

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET/CT is an imaging technique that detects primary and metastatic prostate cancer and evaluates treatment effectiveness. The radioligands for PSMA PET/CT are known to have physiological off-target uptake in various tissues. These include the well-known off-target major and minor salivary glands. We report that, in addition to this location, radioligand uptake can be seen in the uvula, which we suggest is from salivary tissue in this location. PSMA uptake in the uvula is not reported in the literature and is a rare, but normal location for tracer biodistribution in some patients.
Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia With the Dominantly Affected Caudate Nucleus in 18F-FP-CIT PET/CT
Authors: Lee Yeongjoo , Byun Seonjeong , Na Sae Jung
Published: December 2023

Frontotemporal dementia is a clinical syndrome that is characterized by a progressive deterioration in behavior, personality, and/or language, with relative preservation of memory, and its phenotype and molecular basis are heterogeneous. We present a case of a 62-year-old female patient who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT and 18F-FP-CIT PET/CT for differential diagnosis of psychiatric disease and types of dementia. 18F-FDG PET/CT image showed a compatible finding for frontotemporal dementia, and 18F-FP-CIT PET/CT image showed dominantly decreased dopamine transporter activity in the bilateral caudate nucleus.
Indwelling central venous catheter infection with Chryseobacterium shandongense – successful eradication in a 5-year-old with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Rowan Anthony , Verbruggen Tiarnan Fallon , O'Connell Nuala H. , Stapleton Patrick J. , Dunne Colum P. , Linnane Barry , Butler Daryl
Published: December 2023

Introduction.

Chryseobacterium shandongense

is a Gram-negative

Flavobacterium

bacillus with intrinsic multidrug-resistant properties.

Case Presentation. Herein, we present the first case report of human

C. shandongense

infection, relating to an implantable portal and catheter (port-a-cath) central line in a 5-year-old female with cystic fibrosis. The infection was identified using a Bruker MALDI-TOF Biotyper with BDAL (v12) of blood, which was cultured due to pyrexia and rigour following port-a-cath access. This report details the effective eradication of

C. shandongense

infection from the port-a-cath device using initial empirical gentamicin followed by targeted ciprofloxacin locks and systemic antibiotics.

Conclusion. We demonstrated successful eradication of

C. shandongense

from a port-a-cath device, including the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) required in this case. The result was eradication of central access infection, preventing progression to bacteraemia/septicaemia and preserving central access in a child with cystic fibrosis and established respiratory disease.
Pseudodonghicola flavimaris sp. nov. and Sedimentitalea xiamensis sp. nov., two novel species belonging to the family Roseobacteraceae
Authors: Huang Jiamei , Wang Jianning , Li Guangyu , Lai Qiliang , Zhu Xuying , Wang Shanshan , Liu Xiupian , Shao Zongze , Wang Liping
Published: December 2023

Two Gram-stain-negative, chemoheterotrophic, aerobic bacteria, designated IC7T and JM2-8T, were isolated from seawater of the Yellow Sea of China and rhizosphere soil of mangroves in Xiamen, Fujian, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene and genome sequences showed that these two novel strains belonged to the family

Roseobacteraceae

. Strain IC7T formed a coherent lineage within the genus

Pseudodonghicola

, showing 98.05 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to

Pseudodonghicola xiamenensis

Y-2T. Strain JM2-8T was most closely related to members of the genus

Sedimentitalea

, showing 96.51 and 96.73 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to

Sedimentitalea nanhaiensis

NH52FT and

Sedimentitalea todarodis

KHS03T, respectively. The two novel strains contained Q-10 as the major quinone, and phosphatidylethanolamine, aminophospholipid, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylcholine as the principal polar lipids. The main fatty acid of strain IC7T was C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c, while the fatty acid profile JM2-8T was dominated by summed feature 8 containing C18 : 1
 ω7c and/or C18 : 1
 ω6c. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between these two novel isolates and their closely related species were below the cut-off values of 95–96 and 70 %, respectively. The combined genotypic and phenotypic data show that strain IC7T represents a novel species of the genus

Pseudodonghicola

, for which the name Pseudodonghicola flavimaris sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain IC7T (=MCCC 1A02763T=KCTC 82844T), and strain JM2-8T represents a novel species of the genus

Sedimentitalea

, for which the name Sedimentitalea xiamensis sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain JM2-8T (=MCCC 1A17756T=KCTC 82846T).
Microbial Primer: In vivo biofilm
Authors: Rumbaugh Kendra P. , Bjarnsholt Thomas
Published: December 2023

In this primer on biofilms and their role in infections, we trace the historical roots of microbial understanding from Van Leeuwenhoek’s observations to Bill Costerton’s groundbreaking work, which solidified biofilms' significance in infections. In vivo biofilm research, investigating patient samples and utilizing diverse host models, has yielded invaluable insights into these complex microbial communities. However, it comes with several challenges, particularly regarding replicating biofilm infections accurately in the laboratory. In vivo biofilm analyses involve various techniques, revealing biofilm architecture, composition, and behaviour, while gaps in knowledge persist regarding infection initiation and source, diversity, and the Infectious Microenvironment (IME). Ultimately, the study of biofilms in infections remains a dynamic and evolving field poised to transform our approach to combat biofilm-associated diseases.
ThermoLink: Bridging Disulfide Bond and Enzyme Thermostability through Database Construction and Machine Learning Prediction
Authors: Xu Ran , Ye Yilin , Xin Minghui , Wang Zechen , Wang Sheng , Li Weifeng , Wei Yanjie , Zheng Liangzhen , Guo Jingjing
Published: December 2023

Disulfide bonds (SS bonds), covalently formed by sulfur atoms in cysteine residues, play a crucial role in protein folding and structure stability. Due to their significance, artificial disulfide bonds are often introduced to enhance the thermostability of proteins. Although an increasing number of tools can assist with this task, significant amounts of time and resources were often wasted due to inadequate consideration. To enhance the accuracy and efficiency of designing disulfide bonds for protein thermostability improvement, we first collected disulfide-bond data with protein thermostability data from extensive literature sources. Then, various sequence- and structure-based features were extracted, and machine learning models were constructed to predict whether a disulfide bond could improve protein thermostability. Among all models, the neighborhood context model using the Adaboost-DT algorithm performs the best, and the AUC-ROC score and accuracy are 0.773 and 0.714, respectively. Alongside this, we also found that AlphaFold2 exhibits a high superiority in predicting disulfide bonds, and the coevolutionary relationship between residue pairs, to some extent, could also guide artificial disulfide-bond design. The SS-bond data has been integrated into an online server, named ThermoLink, available at guolab.mpu.edu.mo/thermoLink.
ggPlantmap: an R package for creation of informative and quantitative ggplot maps derived from plant images
Authors: Jo Leonardo , Kajala Kaisa
Published: December 2023

As plant research generates an ever-growing volume of spatial quantitative data, the need for decentralized and user-friendly visualization tools to explore large and complex datasets tools becomes crucial. Existing resources, such as the Plant eFP (electronic Fluorescent Pictograph) browsers, have played a pivotal role on the communication of gene expression data across many plant species. However, although widely used by the plant research community, the Plant eFP browser lacks open and user-friendly tools for the creation of customized expression maps independently. Plant biologists with less coding experience can often encounter challenges when attempting to explore ways to communicate their own spatial quantitative data. We present ‘ggPlantmap’ an open-source R package designed to address this challenge by providing an easy and user-friendly method for the creation of ggplot representative maps from plant images. ggPlantmap is built in R, one of the most used languages in biology to empower plant scientists to create and customize eFP-like browsers tailored to their experimental data. Here, we provide an overview of the package and tutorials that are accessible even to users with minimal R programming experience. We hope that ggPlantmap can assist the plant science community, fostering innovation and improving our understanding of plant development and function.

Highlight

ggPlantmap, a new addition to the plant data visualization toolbox, allows users to create graphical maps from plant images for the representation of spatial quantitative data in R.
Measurement precision bounds on aberrated single molecule emission patterns
Authors: Fang Li , Huang Fang
Published: December 2023

Single-Molecule Localization Microscopy (SMLM) has revolutionized the study of biological phenomena by providing exquisite nanoscale spatial resolution. However, optical aberrations induced by sample and system imperfections distort the single molecule emission patterns (i.e. PSFs), leading to reduced precision and resolution of SMLM, particularly in three-dimensional (3D) applications. While various methods, both analytical and instrumental, have been employed to mitigate these aberrations, a comprehensive analysis of how different types of commonly encountered aberrations affect single molecule experiments and their image formation remains missing. In this study, we addressed this gap by conducting a quantitative study of the theoretical precision limit for position and wavefront distortion measurements in the presence of aberrations. Leveraging Fisher information and Cramér-Rao lower bound (CRLB), we quantitively analyzed and compared the effects of different aberration types, including index mismatch aberrations, on localization precision in both biplane and astigmatism 3D modalities as well as 2D SMLM imaging. Furthermore, we studied the achievable wavefront estimation precision from aberrated single molecule emission patterns, a pivot step for successful adaptive optics in SMLM through thick specimens. This analysis lays a quantitative foundation for the development and application of SMLM in whole-cells, tissues and with large field of view, providing in-depth insights into the behavior of different aberration types in single molecule imaging and thus generating theoretical guidelines for developing highly efficient aberration correction strategies and enhancing the precision and reliability of 3D SMLM.
Prostate cancer-induced endothelial-to-osteoblast transition generates an immunosuppressive bone tumor microenvironment
Authors: Yu Guoyu , Corn Paul G. , Mak Celia Sze Ling , Liang Xin , Zhang Miao , Troncoso Patricia , Song Jian H. , Lin Song-Chang , Song Xingzhi , Liu Jingjing , Zhang Jianhua , Logothetis Christopher J. , Melancon Marite P. , Panaretakis Theocharis , Wang Guocan , Lin Sue-Hwa
Published: December 2023

Immune checkpoint therapy has limited efficacy for patients with bone metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (bmCRPC). In this study, we revealed a novel mechanism that may account for the relative resistance of bmCRPC to immune checkpoint therapy. We found that prostate cancer (PCa)-induced bone via endothelial-to-osteoblast (EC-to-OSB) transition causes an ingress of M2-like macrophages, leading to an immunosuppressive bone tumor microenvironment (bone-TME). Analysis of a bmCRPC RNA-seq dataset revealed shorter overall survival in patients with an M2-high versus M2-low signature. Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis showed CD206+M2-like macrophages were enriched in bmCRPC specimens compared with primary tumors or lymph node metastasis. In osteogenic PCa xenografts, CD206+macrophages were enriched adjacent to tumor-induced bone. FACS analysis showed an increase in CD206+cells in osteogenic tumors compared to non-osteogenic tumors. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of the EC-to-OSB transition reduced aberrant bone and M2-like macrophages in osteogenic tumors. RNAseq analysis of tumor-associated macrophages from osteogenic (bone-TAMs) versus non-osteogenic (ctrl-TAMs) tumors showed high expression of an M2-like gene signature, canonical and non-canonical Wnt pathways, and a decrease in an M1-like gene signature. Isolated bone-TAMs suppressed T-cell proliferation while ctrl-TAMs did not. Mechanistically, EC-OSB hybrid cells produced paracrine factors, including Wnts, CXCL14 and LOX, which induced M2 polarization and recruited M2-like TAMs to bone-TME. Our study thus links the unique EC-to-OSB transition as an “upstream” event that drives “downstream” immunosuppression in the bone-TME. These studies suggest that therapeutic strategies that inhibit PCa-induced EC-to-OSB transition may reverse immunosuppression to promote immunotherapeutic outcomes in bmCRPC.

Significance

The insight that prostate cancer-induced bone generates an immunosuppressive bone tumor microenvironment offers a strategy to improve responses to immunotherapy approaches in patients with bone metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer.
The functional evolution of collembolan Ubx on the regulation of abdominal appendage formation
Authors: Liang Yan , Luan Yun-Xia
Published: December 2023

Folsomia candidais a tiny soil-living arthropod belonging to the Collembola, which is an outgroup to Insecta. It resembles insects as having a pair of antennae and three pairs of thorax legs, while it also possesses three abdominal appendages: a ventral tube located in the first abdominal segment (A1), retinaculum in A3 and furca in A4. Collembolan Ubx and AbdA specify abdominal appendages, but they are unable to repress appendage marker geneDll. The genetic basis of collembolan appendage formation and the mechanisms by which Ubx and AbdA regulateDlltranscription and appendage development remain unknown. In this study, we analysed the developmental transcriptomes ofF. candidaand identified candidate appendage formation genes, includingUbx(FcUbx). Expression data revealed the dominance ofDlloverUbxduring the embryonic 3.5 and 4.5 days, suggesting Ubx is deficient in suppressingDllat early appendage formation stages. Furthermore, via electrophoretic mobility shift assays and dual luciferase assays, we found that the binding and repression capacity of FcUbx onDrosophila Dllresembles those of the longest isoform ofDrosophilaUbx (DmUbx_Ib), while the regulatory mechanism of the C-terminus of FcUbx onDllrepression is similar to that of crustaceanArtemia franciscanaUbx (AfUbx), demonstrating that the function of collembolan Ubx is intermediate between that of Insecta and Crustacea. In summary, our study provides novel insights into collembolan appendage formation and sheds light on the functional evolution of Ubx. Additionally, we propose a model that collembolan Ubx regulates abdominal segments in a context- specific manner.
The Use of a SOX10 Reporter Towards Ameliorating Oligodendrocyte Lineage Differentiation from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Piscopo Valerio E.C. , Chapleau Alexandra , Blaszczyk Gabriela J. , Sirois Julien , You Zhipeng , Soubannier Vincent , Bernard Geneviève , Antel Jack P. , Durcan Thomas M.
Published: December 2023

Oligodendrocytes (OLs) are key players in the central nervous system, critical for the formation and maintenance of the myelin sheaths insulating axons, ensuring efficient neuronal communication. In the last decade, the use of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has become essential for recapitulating and understanding the differentiation and role of OLsin vitro. Current methods include overexpression of transcription factors for rapid OL generation, neglecting the complexity of OL lineage development. Alternatively, growth factor-based protocols offer physiological relevance but struggle with efficiency and cell heterogeneity. To address these issues, we created a novel SOX10-P2A-mOrange iPSC reporter line to track and purify oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). Using this reporter cell line, we analyzed an existing differentiation protocol and shed light on the origin of glial cell heterogeneity. Additionally, we have modified the differentiation protocol, towards enhancing reproducibility, efficiency, and terminal maturity. Our approach not only advances OL biology but holds promise to accelerate research and translational work with iPSC-derived OLs.

Main Points

The differentiation of iPSCs in Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells (OPCs) and Oligodendrocytes (OLs) is a notoriously difficult technique and often displays variable efficiency and cellular heterogeneity.

We engineered a novel reporter line carrying the fluorescent protein mOrange under the control of the OL-specific transcription factor SOX10 to track, purify and characterize OLs.

By experimenting with diverse differentiation media, we improved the generation of SOX10-positive cells. Consequently, these cells exhibited increased consistency and effectiveness in evolving into myelinating OLs.
Visual working memories are abstractions of percepts
Authors: Duan Ziyi , Curtis Clayton E.
Published: December 2023

Pioneering studies demonstrating that the contents of visual working memory (WM) can be decoded from the patterns of multivoxel activity in early visual cortex transformed not only how we study WM, but theories of how memories are stored. For instance, the ability to decode the orientation of memorized gratings is hypothesized to depend on the recruitment of the same neural encoding machinery used for perceiving orientations. However, decoding evidence cannot be used to test the so-calledsensory recruitment hypothesiswithout understanding the underlying nature of what is being decoded. Although unknown during WM, during perception decoding the orientation of gratings does not simply depend on activities of orientation tuned neurons. Rather, it depends on complex interactions between the orientation of the grating, the aperture edges, and the topographic structure of the visual map. Here, our goals are to 1) test how these aperture biases described during perception may affect WM decoding, and 2) leverage carefully manipulated visual stimulus properties of gratings to test how sensory-like are WM codes. For memoranda, we used gratings multiplied by radial and angular modulators to generate orthogonal aperture biases despite having identical orientations. Therefore, if WM representations are simply maintained sensory representations, they would have similar aperture biases. If they are abstractions of sensory features, they would be unbiased and the modulator would have no effect on orientation decoding. Results indicated that fMRI patterns of delay period activity while maintaining the orientation of a grating with one modulator (eg, radial) were interchangeable with patterns while maintaining a grating with the other modulator (eg, angular). We found significant cross-classification in visual and parietal cortex, suggesting that WM representations are insensitive to aperture biases during perception. Then, we visualized memory abstractions of stimuli using a population receptive field model of the visual field maps. Regardless of aperture biases, WM representations of both modulated gratings were recoded into a single oriented line. These results provide strong evidence that visual WM representations are abstractions of percepts, immune to perceptual aperture biases, and compel revisions of WM theory.
N-terminal acetylation separately promotes nuclear localization and host shutoff activity of the influenza A virus ribonuclease PA-X
Authors: Daly Raecliffe E. , Myasnikov Idalia , Gaglia Marta Maria
Published: December 2023

To counteract host antiviral responses, influenza A virus triggers a global reduction of cellular gene expression, a process termed “host shutoff.” A key effector of influenza A virus host shutoff is the viral endoribonuclease PA-X, which degrades host mRNAs. While many of the molecular determinants of PA-X activity remain unknown, a previous study found that N-terminal acetylation of PA-X is required for its host shutoff activity. However, it remains unclear how this co-translational modification promotes PA-X activity. Here, we report that PA-X N-terminal acetylation has two functions that can be separated based on the position of the acetylation, i.e. on the first amino acid, the initiator methionine, or the second amino acid following initiator methionine excision. Modification at either site is sufficient to ensure PA-X localization to the nucleus. However, modification of the second amino acid is not sufficient for host shutoff activity of ectopically expressed PA-X, which specifically requires N-terminal acetylation of the initiator methionine. Interestingly, during infection N-terminal acetylation of PA-X at any position results in host shutoff activity, which is in part due to a functional interaction with the influenza protein NS1. This result reveals an unexpected role for another viral protein in PA-X activity. Our studies uncover a multifaceted role for PA-X N-terminal acetylation in regulation of this important immunomodulatory factor.
LSD1/KDM1A is essential for neural stem cell differentiation in mice
Authors: Falkenberry E.C. , Reeves M. , Scott A. , Myrick D.A , Fallini C. , Bassell G.J. , Katz D.J.
Published: December 2023

The proper regulation of neural stem cell differentiation is required for the proper specification of the central nervous system. Here we investigated the function of the H3K4me1/2 demethylase LSD1/KDM1A during neural stem differentiation in mice. Conditional deletion of LSD1 innestin -positive neural stem cells results in 100% perinatal lethality after birth with severe motor coordination deficits, retarded growth and defects in brain morphology. Despite these severe defects, motor neuron progenitors and the initial motor neuron population are specified normally and motor neurons with normal morphology can be cultured from these micein vitro. However, motor neurons cultured from mice lacking LSD1 in neural stem cells continue to inappropriately maintain critical neural stem cell proteins. Taken together these results suggest that, as in other mouse stem cell populations, LSD1 is required to deactivate the stem cell program to enable normal neural stem cell differentiation. However, unlike in other mouse stem cell populations, the inappropriate maintenance of the stem cell program during neural stem cell differentiation may compromise neuronal function rather than neuronal specification.