bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the correlation of muscle function tests and sarcomere organization in C. elegans
Authors: Lesanpezeshki Leila , Qadota Hiroshi , Norouzi Darabad Masoud , Kashyap Karishma , Lacerda Carla M. R. , Szewczyk Nathaniel J. , Benian Guy M. , Vanapalli Siva A.
Published: April 2021

Background

Caenorhabditis elegans has been widely used as a model to study muscle structure and function due to many genes having human homologs. Its body wall muscle is functionally and structurally similar to vertebrate skeletal muscle with conserved molecular pathways contributing to sarcomere structure, and muscle function. However, a systematic investigation of the relationship between muscle force and sarcomere organization is lacking. Here, we investigate the contribution of various sarcomere proteins and membrane attachment components to muscle structure and function to introduce C. elegans as a model organism to study the genetic basis of muscle strength.

Methods

We employ two recently developed assays that involve exertion of muscle forces to investigate the correlation of muscle function to sarcomere organization. We utilized a microfluidic pillar-based platform called NemaFlex that quantifies the maximum exertable force and a burrowing assay that challenges the animals to move in three dimensions under a chemical stimulus. We selected 20 mutants with known defects in various substructures of sarcomeres and compared the physiological function of muscle proteins required for force generation and transmission. We also characterized the degree of sarcomere disorganization using immunostaining approaches.

Results

We find that mutants with genetic defects in thin filaments, thick filaments and M-lines are generally weaker, and our assays are successful in detecting the functional changes in response to each sarcomere location tested. We find that the NemaFlex and burrowing assays are functionally distinct informing on different aspects of muscle physiology. Specifically, the burrowing assay has a larger bandwidth in phenotyping muscle mutants, because it could pick ten additional mutants impaired while exerting normal muscle force in NemaFlex. This enabled us to combine their readouts to develop an integrated muscle function score that was found to correlate with the score for muscle structure disorganization.

Conclusions

Our results highlight the suitability of NemaFlex and burrowing assays for evaluating muscle physiology of C. elegans. Using these approaches, we discuss the importance of the studied sarcomere proteins for muscle function and structure. The scoring methodology we have developed lays the foundation for investigating the contribution of conserved sarcomere proteins and membrane attachment components to human muscle function and strength.
Auditory attention detection with EEG channel attention
Authors: Su Enze , Cai Siqi , Li Peiwen , Xie Longhan , Li Haizhou
Published: April 2021

Auditory attention detection (AAD) seeks to detect the attended speech from EEG signals in a multi-talker scenario, i.e. cocktail party. As the EEG channels reflect the activities of different brain areas, a task-oriented channel selection technique improves the performance of brain-computer interface applications. In this study, we propose a soft channel attention mechanism, instead of hard channel selection, that derives an EEG channel mask by optimizing the auditory attention detection task. The neural AAD system consists of a neural channel attention mechanism and a convolutional neural network (CNN) classifier. We evaluate the proposed framework on a publicly available database. We achieve 88.3% and 77.2% for 2-second and 0.1-second decision windows with 64-channel EEG; and 86.1% and 83.9% for 2-second decision windows with 32-channel and 16-channel EEG, respectively. The proposed framework outperforms other competitive models by a large margin in all test cases.
Multipotent progenitors and hematopoietic stem cells arise independently during the endothelial to hematopoietic transition in the early mouse embryo
Authors: Dignum Tessa , Varnum-Finney Barbara , Srivatsan Sanjay , Dozono Stacey , Waltner Olivia , Heck Adam , Nourigat-McKay Cynthia , Jackson Dana L. , Rafii Shahin , Trapnell Cole , Bernstein Irwin D. , Hadland Brandon
Published: April 2021

During embryogenesis, waves of hematopoietic progenitors develop from hemogenic endothelium (HE) prior to the emergence of self-renewing hematopoietic stem cells (HSC). Although previous studies have shown that yolk sac-derived erythromyeloid progenitors and HSC emerge from distinct populations of HE, it remains unknown whether the earliest lymphoid-competent progenitors, multipotent progenitors, and HSC originate from common HE. Here we demonstrate by clonal assays and single cell transcriptomics that rare HE with functional HSC potential in the early murine embryo are distinct from more abundant HE with multilineage hematopoietic potential that fail to generate HSC. Specifically, HSC-competent HE are characterized by expression of CXCR4 surface marker and by higher expression of genes tied to arterial programs regulating HSC dormancy and self-renewal. Together, these findings suggest a revised model of developmental hematopoiesis in which the initial populations of multipotent progenitors and HSC arise independently from HE with distinct phenotypic and transcriptional properties.
Ancient DNA reveals that few GWAS loci have been strongly selected during recent human history
Authors: Simonti Corinne N. , Lachance Joseph
Published: April 2021

Genetic data from ancient humans has provided new evidence in the study of loci thought to be under historic selection, and thus is a powerful tool for identifying instances of selection that might be missed by methods that use present-day samples alone. Using a curated set of disease-associated variants from the NHGRI-EBI GWAS Catalog, we provide an analysis to identify disease-associated variants that bear signatures of selection over time. After accounting for the fact that not every ancient individual contributed equally to modern genomes, a Bayesian inference method was used to infer allele frequency trajectories over time and determine which disease-associated loci exhibit signatures of natural selection. Of the 2,709 variants analyzed in this study, 895 show at least a weak signature of selection (|s| > 0.001), including multiple variants that are introgressed from Neanderthals. However, only nine disease-associated variants show a signature of strong selection (|s| > 0.01). Additionally, we find that many risk-associated alleles have increased in frequency during the past 10,000 years. Overall, we find that disease-associated variants from GWAS are governed by nearly neutral evolution. Exceptions to this broad pattern include GWAS loci that protect against asthma and variants in MHC genes. Ancient samples allow us an unprecedented look at how our species has changed over time, and our results represent an important early step in using this new source of data to better understand the evolution of hereditary disease risks.
Genome stability is in the eye of the beholder: recent retrotransposon activity varies significantly across avian diversity
Authors: Galbraith James D. , Kortschak R. Daniel , Suh Alexander , Adelson David L.
Published: April 2021

Since the sequencing of the zebra finch genome it has become clear the avian genome, while largely stable in terms of chromosome number and gene synteny, is more dynamic at an intrachromosomal level. A multitude of intrachromosomal rearrangements and significant variation in transposable element content have been noted across the avian tree. Transposable elements (TEs) are a source of genome plasticity, because their high similarity enables chromosomal rearrangements through non-allelic homologous recombination, and they have potential for exaptation as regulatory and coding sequences. Previous studies have investigated the activity of the dominant TE in birds, CR1 retrotransposons, either focusing on their expansion within single orders, or comparing passerines to non-passerines. Here we comprehensively investigate and compare the activity of CR1 expansion across orders of birds, finding levels of CR1 activity vary significantly both between and with orders. We describe high levels of TE expansion in genera which have speciated in the last 10 million years including kiwis, geese and Amazon parrots; low levels of TE expansion in songbirds across their diversification, and near inactivity of TEs in the cassowary and emu for millions of years. CR1s have remained active over long periods of time across most orders of neognaths, with activity at any one time dominated by one or two families of CR1s. Our findings of higher TE activity in species-rich clades and dominant families of TEs within lineages mirror past findings in mammals.

Author Summary

Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile, self replicating DNA sequences within a species’ genome, and are ubiquitous sources of mutation. The dominant group of TEs within birds are chicken repeat 1 (CR1) retrotransposons, making up 7-10% of the typical avian genome. Because past research has examined the recent inactivity of CR1s within model birds such as the chicken and the zebra finch, this has fostered an erroneous view that all birds have low or no TE activity on recent timescales. Our analysis of numerous high quality avian genomes across multiple orders identified both similarities and significant differences in how CR1s expanded. Our results challenge the established view that TEs in birds are largely inactive and instead suggest that their variation in recent activity may contribute to lineage-specific changes in genome structure. Many of the patterns we identify in birds have previously been seen in mammals, highlighting parallels between the evolution of birds and mammals.
Using high effective risk of Adult-Senior duo in multigenerational homes to prioritize COVID-19 vaccination
Authors: Saraswat Brijesh , Ansumali Santosh , Prakash Meher K.
Published: April 2021

Universal vaccination on an urgent basis is a way of controlling the COVID-19 infections and deaths. Shortages of vaccine supplies and practical deployment rates on the field necessitate prioritization. The global strategy has been to prioritize those with a high personal risk due to their age or comorbidities and those who constitute the essential workforce of the society. Rather than a systematic age-based roll-down, assigning the next priority requires a local strategy based on the vaccine availability, the effectiveness of these specific vaccines, the population size as well as its age-demographics, the scenario of how the pandemic is likely to develop. The Adult (ages 20-60) – Senior (ages over 60) duo from a multigenerational home presents a high-risk demographic, with an estimated “effective age” of an adult living with a grandparent that is not vaccinated to be 40 years more. Our model suggests that strategically vaccinating the Adults from multigenerational homes in India may be effective in saving the lives of around 70,000 to 200,000 of Seniors, under the different epidemiological scenarios possible with or without strict lockdowns.
Mechanisms of biodiversity betweenCampylobactersequence types in a flock of broiler-breeder chickens
Authors: Rawson Thomas , Colles Frances M. , Terry J. Christopher D. , Bonsall Michael B.
Published: April 2021

A long-term study ofCampylobactersequence types was used to investigate the competitive framework of theCampylobactermetacommunity, and understand how multiple sequence types simultaneously co-occur in a flock of chickens. A combination of matrix and patch-occupancy models were used to estimate parameters describing the competition, transmission, and mortality of each sequence type. It was found thatCampylobactersequence types form a strong hierarchical framework within a flock of chickens, and occupied a broad spectrum of transmission-mortality trade-offs. Upon further investigation of how biodiversity is thus maintained within the flock, it was found that the demographic capabilities ofCampylobacter, such as mortality and transmission, could not explain the broad biodiversity of sequence types seen, suggesting that external factors such as host-bird health and seasonality are important elements in maintaining biodiversity ofCampylobactersequence types.
Remembering the gist of an event over a lifetime depends on the hippocampus
Authors: Atucha Erika , Ku Shih-Pi , Lippert Michael T. , Sauvage Magdalena M.
Published: April 2021

A well–accepted view in memory research is that retrieving the gist of a memory over time depends on the cortex, typically the prefrontal cortex, while retrieving its precision relies on the hippocampus. More recent advances indicate that the hippocampal subfield CA1, as opposed to CA3, remains engaged even for retrieving very remote memories and that this engagement coincides with a maximal recruitment of parahippocampal cortical areas (LEC, MEC, PER and POR)1. Using a time-window comparable to that used in human long-term memory studies, here we show that CA1 is necessary for retrieving the gist of a memory independently of its age while memory precision specifically depends on CA3 in a time-dependent manner. The precision for the memory of a context-footshock association was tested in mice after one day or very remotely (i.e. after 6 months or one year) allowing for the natural fading of the memory trace. Retrieving recent memories engaged both CA1 and CA3 in control mice as revealed by high levels of RNA of the immediate-early geneArc, strongly tied to synaptic plasticity and memory function. Optogenetic inhibition of CA3 cell firing led to the loss of memory precision, i.e. the retrieval of the gist memory selectively supported by CA1. In contrast, CA1 inhibition abolished memory retrieval and reduced both CA1 and CA3’s activity. At very remote tests, controls retrieved only the gist of the event by recruiting CA1 and parahippocampal areas. Retrieving this gist was selectively abrogated upon CA1 optogenetic inactivation that dramatically reduced parahippocampal activity. Our findings indicate that the hippocampus, specifically CA1, is required for gist memory retrieval even for very remote memories that were previously reported to be hippocampal-independent, while CA3 is necessary for recalling precise memories in a time-dependent manner.
Structure and function of the chromatin remodeler SMARCAD1 with its nucleosome substrate
Authors: Markert Jonathan , Zhou Keda , Luger Karolin
Published: April 2021

The ATP-dependent chromatin remodeler SMARCAD1 acts on nucleosomes during DNA repair and transcription, but despite its implication in disease, information on its structure and function is scarce. Chromatin remodelers use a variety of ways to engage nucleosomes, and outcomes of the ATP-dependent reactions vary widely. Here we show that SMARCAD1 transfers the entire histone octamer from one DNA segment to another in an ATP-dependent manner but is also capable ofde novonucleosome assembly from histone octamer, due to its ability to bind all histones simultaneously. We describe the cryoEM structure of SMARCAD1 in complex with a nucleosome and show that it engages its substrate unlike any other chromatin remodeler. Our combined data allow us to put forward a testable model for SMARCAD1 mechanism.

One-Sentence Summary

The single subunit chromatin remodeler SMARCAD1 engages nucleosomes in a unique manner and transfers the entire histone octamer.
Novel experimental setup for megahertz X-ray diffraction in a diamond anvil cell at the High Energy Density (HED) instrument of the European X-ray Free-Electron Laser (EuXFEL)
Authors: Liermann H. P. , Konôpková Z. , Appel K. , Prescher C. , Schropp A. , Cerantola V. , Husband R. J. , McHardy J. D. , McMahon M. I. , McWilliams R. S. , Pépin C. M. , Mainberger J. , Roeper M. , Berghäuser A. , Damker H. , Talkovski P. , Foese M. , Kujala N. , Ball O. B. , Baron M. A. , Briggs R. , Bykov M. , Bykova E. , Chantel J. , Coleman A. L. , Cynn H. , Dattelbaum D. , Dresselhaus-Marais L. E. , Eggert J. H. , Ehm L. , Evans W. J. , Fiquet G. , Frost M. , Glazyrin K. , Goncharov A. F. , Hwang H. , Jenei Zs. , Kim J.-Y. , Langenhorst F. , Lee Y. , Makita M. , Marquardt H. , McBride E. E. , Merkel S. , Morard G. , O'Bannon E. F. , Otzen C. , Pace E. J. , Pelka A. , Pigott J. S. , Prakapenka V. B. , Redmer R. , Sanchez-Valle C. , Schoelmerich M. , Speziale S. , Spiekermann G. , Sturtevant B. T. , Toleikis S. , Velisavljevic N. , Wilke M. , Yoo C.-S. , Baehtz C. , Zastrau U. , Strohm C.
Published: April 2021

The high-precision X-ray diffraction setup for work with diamond anvil cells (DACs) in interaction chamber 2 (IC2) of the High Energy Density instrument of the European X-ray Free-Electron Laser is described. This includes beamline optics, sample positioning and detector systems located in the multipurpose vacuum chamber. Concepts for pump–probe X-ray diffraction experiments in the DAC are described and their implementation demonstrated during the First User Community Assisted Commissioning experiment. X-ray heating and diffraction of Bi under pressure, obtained using 20 fs X-ray pulses at 17.8 keV and 2.2 MHz repetition, is illustrated through splitting of diffraction peaks, and interpreted employing finite element modeling of the sample chamber in the DAC.
Analysis of partially coherent light propagation through the soft X-ray interference lithography beamline at SSRF
Authors: Meng Xiangyu , Yu Huaina , Wang Yong , Ren Junchao , Xue Chaofan , Yang Shuimin , Guo Zhi , Zhao Jun , Wu Yanqing , Tai Renzhong
Published: April 2021

The mutual optical intensity (MOI) model is extended to the simulation of the interference pattern produced by extreme ultraviolet lithography with partially coherent light. The partially coherent X-ray propagation through the BL08U1B beamline at Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility is analysed using the MOI model and SRW (Synchrotron Radiation Workshop) method. The fringe intensity at the exposure area is not uniform but has similar envelope lines to Fresnel diffraction, which is explained by the diffraction from the finite grating modelled as a single aperture. By balancing the slit size and photon stop size, the fringe visibility, photon flux and intensity slope can be optimized. Further analysis shows that the effect of pink light on the aerial images is negligible, whereas the third-harmonic light should be considered to obtain a balance between high fringe visibility and high flux. Two grating interference exposure experiments were performed in the BL08U1B beamline. The aerial image depth showed that the polymethyl methacrylate photoresist depth was determined by the X-ray coherence properties.
Metabolic differences between a wild and a wine strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae during fermentation unveiled by multi‐omic analysis
Authors: Minebois Romain , Lairón‐Peris María , Barrio Eladio , Pérez‐Torrado Roberto , Querol Amparo
Published: April 2021

Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a widespread yeast present both in the wild and in fermentative processes, like winemaking. During the colonization of these human‐associated fermentative environments, certain strains of S. cerevisiae acquired differential adaptive traits that enhanced their physiological properties to cope with the challenges imposed by these new ecological niches. The advent of omics technologies allowed unveiling some details of the molecular bases responsible for the peculiar traits of S. cerevisiae wine strains. However, the metabolic diversity within yeasts remained poorly explored, in particular that existing between wine and wild strains of S. cerevisiae. For this purpose, we performed a dual transcriptomic and metabolomic comparative analysis between a wild and a wine S. cerevisiae strains during wine fermentations performed at high and low temperatures. By using this approach, we could correlate the differential expression of genes involved in metabolic pathways, such as sulfur, arginine and thiamine metabolisms, with differences in the amounts of key metabolites that can explain some important differences in the fermentation performance between the wine and wild strains.
Delivering the discipline: Teaching geography and planning during COVID‐19
Authors: Fuller Sara , Ruming Kristian , Burridge Andrew , Carter‐White Richard , Houston Donna , Kelly Linda , Lloyd Kate , McGregor Andrew , McLean Jessica , Miller Fiona , O'Gorman Emily , Suchet‐Pearson Sandie , Taylor Hollis , Walkerden Greg , Williams Miriam , Ziller Alison
Published: April 2021

COVID‐19 has radically changed the higher education sector in Australia and beyond. Restrictions on student movement (especially for international students) and on gatherings (which limited on‐campus sessions) saw universities transition to fully online teaching modes almost overnight. In this commentary, we reflect on this transition and consider the implications for teaching the disciplines of geography and planning. Reflecting on experiences at the Department of Geography and Planning at Macquarie University, we explore a series of challenges, responses and opportunities for teaching core disciplinary skills and knowledge across three COVID‐19 moments: transition, advocacy, and hybridity. Our focus is on the teaching of core disciplinary skills and knowledge and specifically on geographical theory, methods, and fieldwork and professional practice skills. In drawing on this case from Macquarie University, we offer insights for the future of teaching geography and planning in universities more broadly.
Microsurgical reconstruction of Stensen's duct using autologous vein graft and venous coupler after ablative head and neck surgery
Authors: Irawati Nina , Clark Jonathan R
Published: April 2021

We describe our technique which is simple and feasible to reconstruct the parotid duct orifice after cancer ablative surgery.
Tipless transseptal cannula concept combines improved hemodynamic properties and risk‐reduced placement: An in silico proof‐of‐concept
Authors: Hugenroth Kristin , Neidlin Michael , Engelmann Ulrich M. , Kaufmann Tim A. S. , Steinseifer Ulrich , Heilmann Torsten
Published: April 2021

As a leading cause of death worldwide, heart failure is a serious medical condition in which many critically ill patients require temporary mechanical circulatory support (MCS) as a bridge‐to‐recovery or bridge‐to‐decision. In many cases, the TandemHeart system is used to unload the left heart by draining blood from the left atrium (LA) to the femoral artery via a transseptal multistage cannula. However, even though the correct positioning of the cannula is crucial for a safe treatment, the long cannula tip currently used in transseptal cannulas complicates positioning, making the cannula vulnerable to displacement during MCS. To overcome these limitations, we propose the development of a new tipless transseptal cannula with improved hemodynamic properties. We discuss the tipless cannula concept by comparing it to the common multistage cannula concept using computational fluid dynamics simulations and assess the flow field in the LA, the wall shear stresses (WSS), and the pressure loss. Across the two distinct time points of end‐systole and end‐diastole and two drainage flow rates of 3.5 and 5.0 L/min, we find a more homogeneous inlet flow pattern for the tipless cannula concept, accompanied by a remarkably reduced area of platelet‐activating WSS (up to 10‐times smaller area compared to the multistage cannula). Moreover, pressure loss is up to 14.5% lower in the tipless cannula concept, confirming overall improved hemodynamic properties of the tipless cannula concept. Finally, a diameter‐dependent study reveals that lower WSS and pressure losses can be further reduced by large‐lumen designs for any simulation setting. Overall, our results suggest that a tipless cannula concept remedies the crucial disadvantages of a long‐tip multistage cannula by reducing the risk of misplacement, and it furthermore promotes optimized hemodynamics. With this successful proof‐of‐concept, we underscore the potential for and encourage the realization of further experimental investigations regarding the development of a tipless transseptal cannula for MCS.
Molecular genetics of inherited retinal degenerations in Icelandic patients
Authors: Thorsteinsson Daniel A. , Stefansdottir Vigdis , Eysteinsson Thor , Thorisdottir Sigridur , Jonsson Jon J.
Published: April 2021

The study objective was to delineate the genetics of inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) in Iceland, a small nation of 364.000 and a genetic isolate. Benefits include delineating novel pathogenic genetic variants and defining genetically homogenous patients as potential investigative molecular therapy candidates. The study sample comprised patients with IRD in Iceland ascertained through national centralized genetic and ophthalmological services at Landspitali, a national social support institute, and the Icelandic patient association. Information on patients' disease, syndrome, and genetic testing was collected in a clinical registry. Variants were reevaluated according to ACMG/AMP guidelines. Overall, 140 IRD patients were identified (point prevalence of 1/2.600), of which 70 patients had a genetic evaluation where two‐thirds had an identified genetic cause. Thirteen disease genes were found in patients with retinitis pigmentosa, with the RLBP1 gene most common (n = 4). The c.1073 + 5G > A variant in the PRPF31 gene was homozygous in two RP patients. All tested patients with X‐linked retinoschisis (XLRS) had the same possibly unique RS1 pathogenic variant, c.441G > A (p.Trp147X). Pathologic variants and genes for IRDs in Iceland did not resemble those described in ancestral North‐Western European nations. Four variants were reclassified as likely pathogenic. One novel pathogenic variant defined a genetically homogenous XLRS patient group.
Cover Image
Authors: Linkevicius Tomas , Linkevicius Rokas , Gineviciute Evelina , Alkimavicius Jonas , Mazeikiene Asta , Linkeviciene Laura
Published: April 2021

The cover image is based on the Original Article Influence of new immediate tissue level abutment on crestal bone stability of subcrestally placed implants. A 1‐year randomised controlled clinical trial by Tomas Linkevicius et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/cid.12979.

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Incomplete penetrance of a novel SDHD variation causing familial head and neck paraganglioma
Authors: Koenighofer Martin , Parzefall Thomas , Frohne Alexandra , Frei Elisabeth , Schoefer Christian , Laccone Franco , Feil Patricia , Frei Klemens , Lucas Trevor
Published: April 2021

Objective

Identification of variations in tumour suppressor genes encoding the tetrameric succinate dehydrogenase (SDHx) mitochondrial enzyme complex may lead to personalised therapeutic concepts for the orphan disease, familial paraganglioma (PGL) type 1‐5. We undertook to determine the causative variation in a family suffering from idiopathic early‐onset (22 ± 2 years) head and neck PGL by PCR and Sanger sequencing.

Design

Prospective genetic study.

Setting

Tertiary Referral Otolaryngology Centre.

Participants

Twelve family members.

Main outcome measures

Main outcomes were clinical analysis and SDH genotyping

Results and Conclusions

A novel heterozygous c.298delA frameshift variation in exon 3 of SDH subunit D (SDHD) was associated with a paternal transmission pattern of PGL in affected family members available to the study. Family history over five generations in adulthood indicated a variable penetrance for PGL inheritance in older generations. The c.298delA variant would cause translation of a 34‐residue C‐terminus distal to lysine residue 99 in the predicted transmembrane domain II of the full‐length sequence p.(Thr100LeufsTer35) and would affect the translation products of all protein‐coding SDHD isoforms containing transmembrane topologies required for positional integration in the inner mitochondrial membrane and complex formation. These results underly the importance of genetic screening for PGL also in cases of unclear inheritance, and variation carriers should benefit from screening and lifelong follow‐up.
Clear cell thyroid carcinoma in a patient with clear cell renal cell carcinoma: Not as clear as it seems
Authors: Rosell Alejandra , Muñoz de Nova José L. , Lahera Marcos , Mingo Alberto , Jiménez‐Heffernan José A.
Published: April 2021

A case of clear cell thyroid follicular carcinoma in a patient with an antecedent of clear cell renal cell carcinoma is described. Despite the awkward coincidence that led to misdiagnosis, cytology offers clues for specific recognition.
NMDA receptor‐dependent and ‐independent effects of natural compounds and crude drugs on synaptic states as revealed by drebrin imaging analysis
Authors: Koganezawa Noriko , Sekino Yuko , Kawakami Hitomi , Fuchino Hiroyuki , Kawahara Nobuo , Shirao Tomoaki
Published: April 2021

Effective drugs that can cure cognitive impairments remain elusive. Because synaptic dysfunction has been correlated with cognitive impairments, drug development to target synaptic dysfunction is important. Recently, natural compounds and crude drugs have emerged as potential therapeutic agents for cognitive disorders. However, their effects on synaptic function remain unclear, because of lack of evaluation system with high reproducibility. We have recently developed highly reproducible in vitro high‐content imaging analysis system for evaluation of synaptic function using drebrin as a marker for synaptic states. Therefore, we aimed to examine the direct effects of well‐known natural compounds and crude drugs on synaptic states using this system. Rat hippocampal neurons were treated using natural compounds (nobiletin, diosgenin and tenuifolin) and crude drugs (Uncaria Hook [UH], Bezoar Bovis [BB], Coptis Rhizome [CR], Phellodendron Bark [PB] and Polygala Root [PR]). Immunocytochemical analysis was performed, and dendrite lengths and drebrin cluster densities were automatically quantified. We found that diosgenin, tenuifolin, CR, PB and PR decreased drebrin cluster densities, and the effects of PB and PR were partially dependent on N‐methyl‐D‐aspartic acid‐type glutamate receptors (NMDARs). Nobiletin and UH did not show any effects, whereas low‐dose BB treatment increased drebrin cluster densities. Our results showed that diosgenin, tenuifolin, BB, CR, PB and PR appeared to directly change synaptic states. Particularly, the NMDAR dependency of PB and PR appears to affect synaptic plasticity.
Different roles of subcortical inputs in V1 responses to luminance and contrast
Authors: Tang Rendong , Chen Wenzhen , Wang Yi
Published: April 2021

Cells in the primary visual cortex (V1) generally respond weakly to large uniform luminance stimuli. Only a subset of V1 cells is thought to encode uniform luminance information. In natural scenes, local luminance is an important feature for defining an object that varies and coexists with local spatial contrast. However, the strategies used by V1 cells to encode local mean luminance for spatial contrast stimuli remain largely unclear. Here, using extracellular recordings in anesthetized cats, we investigated the responses of V1 cells by comparing with those of retinal ganglion (RG) cells and lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) cells to simultaneous and rapid changes in luminance and spatial contrast. Almost all V1 cells exhibited a strong monotonic increasing luminance tuning when they were exposed to high spatial contrast. Thus, V1 cells encode the luminance carried by spatial contrast stimuli with the monotonically increasing response function. Moreover, high contrast decreased luminance tuning of OFF cells but increased that of in ON cells in RG and LGN. The luminance and contrast tunings of LGN ON cells were highly separable as V1 cells, whereas those of LGN OFF cells were lowly separable. These asymmetrical effects of spatial contrast on ON/OFF channels might underlie the robust ability of V1 cells to perform luminance tuning when exposed to spatial contrast stimuli.
Prospective nursing care certification using the 25‐question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale
Authors: Ide Koichiro , Yamato Yu , Hasegawa Tomohiko , Yoshida Go , Yasuda Tatsuya , Banno Tomohiro , Arima Hideyuki , Oe Shin , Mihara Yuki , Ushirozako Hiroki , Yamada Tomohiro , Watanabe Yuh , Nakai Keiichi , Hoshino Hironobu , Niwa Haruo , Togawa Daisuke , Matsuyama Yukihiro
Published: April 2021

Aim

The 25‐question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale (hereafter, “GLFS‐25”) is a simple screening tool to detect elderly individuals at high risk of locomotive syndrome and promote interventions. This cohort study aimed to clarify if it can predict the need for nursing care certification in the near future.

Methods

Participants were 531 Japanese adults aged ≥65 years who had undergone a healthcare checkup in 2012 and never received nursing care certification until 2012. We collected baseline information and conducted a physical examination in 2012. We investigated the presence of nursing care certification and care need level from 2013 to 2018. Relationships of these factors with nursing care certification after 6 years were assessed. A receiver operating characteristic curve for both the GLFS‐25 and physical examination were used to determine optimal threshold value.

Results

From 2013 to 2018, 114 volunteers (21.4%) applied for nursing care certification and 29 volunteers died. The group with nursing care certification (over support level 1) had an average age of 79.9 years and a mean score of 17.8 on the scale. Those without nursing care certification had an average age of 74.1 years and a mean score of 8.7. When the GLFS‐25 score was 12.5, sensitivity was 0.658 and specificity was 0.760. The area under the curve was 0.736 (95% confidence interval 0.682–0.789).

Conclusions

The GLFS‐25 has enabled early detection of individuals with locomotive syndrome who are more likely to need nursing care certification in the near future. We propose using a cutoff score of 13 for the scale. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 492–497.
Relationship between patient safety culture and safety performance in nursing: The role of safety behaviour
Authors: Hu Shao Hua , Wang Ting , Ramalho Nelson Campos , Zhou Dian , Hu Xing , Zhao Hong
Published: April 2021

Aim

The aim of this work is to test the mediator role of patient safety behaviour between safety culture and safety performance among nurses.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was carried out between September and December 2017 in the nursing units of 10 primary hospitals, two secondary hospitals and two tertiary hospitals in Anhui Province, China.

Results

The study participants comprised 79 RNs from primary hospitals, 147 RNs from secondary hospitals and 242 RNs from tertiary hospitals. Most were female (97.6%) and married (73.1%), and their ages ranged from less than 25 years to retirement age. The sample included nurses working in several departments, including medicine (27.1%), surgery (14.3%), emergency (11.5%) and ICU (9%). Structural equation model analysis results showed that espoused values directly affected safety performance, and practised values affected safety performance through safety behaviour.

Conclusion

Our hypothetical model noted that safety behaviour is a positive mediating factor of practised safety values affecting safety performance, suggesting that Chinese nursing managers should construct a patient safety culture that is guided and driven by appropriate values, which will ultimately be externalized as nurses' daily behaviour.
A comparative analysis of the discrimination of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) based on the cross‐section and seed textures determined using image processing
Authors: Ropelewska Ewa , Szwejda‐Grzybowska Justyna
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study was to develop the models based on the texture parameters of images of selected parts of pepper fruit for cultivar discrimination. This study was aimed to compare the usefulness of textures from cross‐sections (slices) and seeds of pepper for distinguishing the different cultivars using the discriminative classifiers. The textures from the cross‐sections and seeds were calculated based on images converted to individual color channels. The texture selections and discriminant analyzes were performed separately for color spaces RGB, Lab, XYZ and color channels R, G, B, L, a, b, X, Y, Z. In the case of pepper cross‐sections, the discriminant models built for color space RGB, color channel G, color space Lab, color channel L, color space XYZ and color channel Y provided the total accuracies reaching 100%. In the case of pepper seeds, the total accuracies reached 89% for models built based on textures selected from color space RGB, 90% for color space Lab and 82% for color space XYZ. Among the color channels from individual color spaces, the highest total accuracies were determined for color channel R (84%), color channel L (81%), and color channel X (83%).

Practical Applications

The developed discrimination models can be practically applied for the identification of pepper cultivars in a fast, objective and inexpensive way. Both, in the case of pepper cross‐sections and pepper seeds, the cultivar may be distinguished with a very high probability. In order to increase the range of use of the developed procedure, the research may be extended to other cultivars. It may allow to avoid adulteration of pepper fruit and seeds.
Geometric parameters on MRA source images to differentiate small Proximal Posterior communicating artery aneurysms from Infundibular dilation
Authors: Kim Yun Ji , Yoon Dae Young , Kim Eun Soo , Yun Eun Joo , Jeon Hong Jun , Lee Jong Young , Cho Byung‐Moon
Published: April 2021

Background and Purpose

We aimed to assess the accuracy of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in the differentiation of small aneurysms versus infundibular dilations (IDs) at the internal carotid artery‐posterior communicating artery (ICA‐PComA) junction, emphasizing the role of MRA axial source images.

Methods

This retrospective study consisted of 83 focal arterial protrusions at ICA‐PComA junction in 76 patients who underwent both MRA and digital subtraction angiography (DSA)/3‐dimensional rotational angiography (3DRA). The diagnostic performance of MRA for differential diagnosis of aneurysm from ID was calculated using DSA/3DRA interpretation as the standard of reference. In addition, long‐axis diameter, short‐axis diameter, long‐axis diameter/short‐axis diameter (L/S) ratio, and angle of lesion (angle of the long‐axis of lesion with respect to the x‐axis) measured on MRA source images were compared between aneurysms and IDs.

Results

Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MRA for distinguishing aneurysms from IDs were 74.4% (57.9‐87.0%) to 76.9% (60.7‐88.9%), 93.2% (81.3‐98.6%) to 95.5% (84.5‐99.4%), and 85.5% (76.1‐92.3%), respectively. Significant differences were found for the long‐axis diameter (P < .001), short‐axis diameter (P < .001), L/S ratio (P < .05), and angle of the lesion (P < .001) on MRA axial source images between aneurysms and IDs. The angle of the lesion had the highest discriminatory ability (area under the curve = .966 [.902‐.994]) to differentiate aneurysms from IDs. An angle of lesion >60° was 89.7% (75.8‐97.1%) sensitive and 100% (92.0‐100.0%) specific for diagnosis of aneurysm.

Conclusions

MRA is a useful imaging modality for distinguishing between aneurysm and ID at the ICA‐PComA junction. Furthermore, geometric parameters on MRA axial source images can provide added value in their differentiation.
Two new species of Litostigma (Gesneriaceae) from the China–Vietnam border area based on morphological and molecular data, adding new stigma characters for the genus
Authors: You‐Sheng Chen , Huang Yun‐Feng , Xu Lian‐Sheng , Wang Bing‐Mou
Published: April 2021

Litostigma is a recently described small genus with two species confined to limestone karsts in southwestern China and adjacent Vietnam. During the course of field works on the limestone karsts of the China–Vietnam border area, two unknown species of Litostigma were collected. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear ITS sequences strongly confirm the placements of the two new species in Litostigma. However, these two new species can be distinguished from the previously known species by distinct morphological characters. Thus, Litostigma pingbianense and L. napoense are recognized as two new species. This adds to the morphological variability of the genus. Most importantly, both simple and divided stigmas does occur in this genus.
Nail changes in children with idiopathic congenital clubfoot deformity
Authors: Lampasi Manuele , Bandinelli Diletta , Abati Caterina Novella , Bettuzzi Camilla , Salvatori Giada , Bassi Andrea , Filippeschi Cesare , Oranges Teresa
Published: April 2021

Background/Objectives

Nail alterations are commonly seen in cases of idiopathic clubfoot and may cause parental concern. The nature of and whether these changes are congenital or develop secondary to treatment has been poorly investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate toenail morphology in clubfoot patients at presentation, to re‐evaluate them during the course of treatment for the clubfoot, and to analyze findings in the light of the few literature reports for healthy children of the same age.

Methods

Thirty infants (21 males and 9 females) with idiopathic clubfoot were prospectively enrolled at the Anna Meyer Children's University Hospital. Nails of affected and non‐affected feet were evaluated by a team of pediatric dermatologists at presentation and re‐evaluated once per patient during the bracing period of Ponseti treatment.

Results

Toenails of affected (47) and non‐affected (13) feet were abnormal at presentation in 43.3% of patients, in both clubfeet (40.4%) and non‐affected feet (38.5%), but most changes were physiologic or transitory alterations, commonly found in healthy children, with nail concavity (koilonychia) being the most common finding (29.7%). Changes were not related to clubfoot severity or laterality (P > .05). In most (76.9%) unilateral cases, there was concordance of nail changes between clubfoot and non‐affected foot. At re‐evaluation (follow‐up time 410 ± 207 days), nail problems were more frequent (53.3%); ingrown toenail was the most common (21.6%).

Conclusions

The presence of nail alterations seems not to be caused by clubfoot pathology and could be related to unfavorable local condition in the brace.
Gender differences in geriatric syndromes as mental illness and nervous system diseases in hospitalized Thai older patients
Authors: Suanrueang Passakorn , Shen Yong‐Jiang , Lin Hsiao‐Fang , Er Tze‐Kiong , Suen Mein‐Woei , Shieh Fu‐An
Published: April 2021

Background

Older persons are affected by mental and neurological disorders differently, and gender plays a significant role influencing geriatric disorder differentiation. Accordingly this study characterized gender differences in geriatric syndromes among hospitalized elderly Thai patients.

Methods

Probabilities of disease occurrence reflecting gender differences were calculated using historical data obtained from the Ministry of Public Health website, Thailand. We selected older patients aged 60 years and above admitted to inpatient departments in public hospitals with mental disorders and nervous system diseases from 2014 to 2018, counting over 160 000 cases each year. Descriptive statistics and odds ratios (ORs) were used to analyse and demonstrate gender differences.

Results

Compared to older females, older males had higher occurrences of four mental disorders revealed by OR and 95% confidence interval (CI) values: substance abuse (5.74, 5.08–6.49), alcohol use (5.66, 5.44–5.89), behavioural problems (1.34, 1.31–1.37), and schizophrenia (1.10, 1.06–1.14). Lower incidences for older males were seen in the same values for three mental disorders: neurotic issues (0.46, 0.44–0.49), mood disorders (0.58, 0.56–0.60), and dementia (0.91, 0.88–0.94). For neurological disorders, men had similar higher incidences for epilepsy (1.67, 1.63–1.72), cerebral palsy (1.61, 1.57–1.65), nervous system inflammatory diseases (1.53, 1.46–1.60), ischaemic attacks (1.42, 1.36–1.48), miscellaneous other nervous disorders (1.20; 1.18–1.22), and Parkinson's disease (1.15, 1.12–1.19). By contrast, older men had lower incidences of multiple sclerosis (0.55, 0.35–0.86), migraines (0.66, 0.62–0.70), and Alzheimer's disease (0.75, 0.71–0.78).

Conclusion

Accurate characterization of gender differences in geriatric syndromes can better inform policies for appropriate early detection and prevention, and contribute to the development of treatment and intervention for various issues affecting elderly men and women's health.
Animal models and COVID‐19: Mechanism and comorbidities
Authors: Alberca Ricardo Wesley
Published: April 2021

See related Reply
Choice and opportunity on the welfare care market: An experimental evaluation of decision‐making in a context of individual funding policy
Authors: Dursin Wouter , Benoot Toon , Roose Rudi , Verschuere Bram
Published: April 2021

Individual funding schemes are increasingly implemented to organize public welfare services and can be considered as a prime example of the marketization of social care. Clients receive a budget and can “shop” on the welfare market. Current knowledge about the impact of individual funding schemes on choice opportunities for people with an intellectual disability is inconclusive. We conducted a vignette experiment in the context of the Flemish (Belgian) individual funding scheme for people with a disability, using 610 close relatives of people with an intellectual disability as subjects. The respondents were presented with hypothetical situations in which they had to express their intention to change current care provision into care via personal assistance. We find that dissatisfaction with services and having a supportive network increases the intention to change care. Professional support from the incumbent provider does not have a significant impact. We conclude that the promise of choice, as assumed with marketized public services, is likely to be fulfilled only under particular conditions. This entails risks in terms of equal opportunities for clients receiving public services in the context of welfare markets.
Context of a Contested Landscape
Authors: Evans Jocelyn J. , Lees William B.
Published: April 2021

Objective

This piece outlines the historical contours of Confederate memorialization in the South, drawing attention to major types of monuments and the timing of their erection. It also identifies the agents of commemoration, groups who invested significant time and resources in forging the Lost Cause narrative, and sets these efforts within the context of broader patterns of historical memory and civic celebration throughout the South.

Method

We review the scholarly literature across disciplines on Confederate memorialization and tease out themes of group agency, memory and identity, cultural narrative, and symbolism.

Results

We reveal a periodization of memorialization marked by key moments and events, a systematic effort by civic associations, a typology of monuments, a deployment of neoclassical style in service to Lost Cause culture, and a lingering reference to Civil War era flags and symbols.

Conclusion

Providing context for examination of Confederate memorialization in the South grounds academic and popular discourse on these public spaces as tools of racial marginalization and scenes of political contestation.