bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Infection in Children From a Third-Level Hospital in Mexico: Clinical Characteristics and Molecular Epidemiology
Authors: Castillo Bejarano José Iván , Llaca Díaz Jorge , e la O Cavazos Manuel Enrique , Sánchez Alanís Hugo , Mascareñas de los Santos Abiel Homero , Espinosa-Villaseñor Fernando , Aguayo Samaniego Rebeca , Siller Rodríguez Daniel , Casillas Vega Nestor
Published: July 2023

Background

Acinetobacter baumannii has emerged as a threat to public health due to the high prevalence of multidrug-resistant isolates. Information regarding the clinical and molecular characterization of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CRAB) infections in children is scarce. Our study aimed to describe the clinical and molecular characteristics of CRAB infections in children from a third-level center in Mexico.

Methods

Consecutive cases of CRAB infections were documented during 2017–2022. Clinical and demographic data were collected from clinical records. Mass spectrometry was used for the identification of the isolates. The identification of A. baumannii strains was confirmed by conducting a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting the gyrB sequence. In addition, the carbapenemase-encoding resistance genes were detected by PCR.

Results

Twenty-one cases of CRAB infections were documented: 76% female and 62% were neonates. The median hospital length of stay at the time of positive culture was 37 days (interquartile range, 13–54). Sixty-four percent of the isolates were recovered from bronchial secretions. A co-resistance rate greater than 60% was observed for most groups of antibiotics. All carbapenem-resistant isolates carried blaOXA-24 genes. BlaIMP genes were detected in half of the cases, with all strains co-harboring blaOXA-24 genes.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated a high proportion of CRAB infections in the neonatal population, a high prevalence of co-resistance to antibiotics, and a high rate of isolates carrying blaOXA-24 and blaIMP genes. CRAB is a significant concern due to the mortality rate and the lack of therapeutic alternatives; implementing infection prevention and control programs is urgent to stop the spread of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii.
Managing thyroid cancer in Steinert's disease: the role of radiofrequency ablation
Authors: Solis-Pazmino Paola , Carvajal Mishel A , García Mikaela , Godoy Richard , Pazmino-Chavez Camila , Garcia Cristhian
Published: July 2023

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive, non-surgical technique used to treat benign or microcarcinoma thyroid nodules (TN) that provides an alternative for patients considered high-risk candidates for surgery. Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), also known as Steinert's Disease, is a multisystem disorder that affects various organs and tissues, including the thyroid. In this case, we presented a male patient diagnosed with DM1 who incidentally discovered a left TN with features indicative of thyroid cancer. Due to the patient's increased surgical risk associated with DM1, we opted for RFA as the treatment approach. In the follow-up, the TN decreased by 76.92% in size. The patient's thyroid function remained standard, with no reported complications or adverse effects post-treatment.
‘A Light in Sound, A Sound-Like Power in Light’: Coleridge’s Phenomenal Invisible
Authors: Rogers Abigail
Published: July 2023

In a reading of ‘The Eolian Harp’ that draws briefly on ‘Frost at Midnight’, this article discusses Coleridge’s quest to do justice to the epiphanic potentialities of visual experience. In response to critical accounts of his metaphysics as imposed heavy-handedly upon reality, I reread Coleridge’s speculative reflections as both heuristic and responsive to something unequivocally real. Across these two poems, Coleridge transcribes his wonderstruck attunement to the visible world as replete with intimations of God. In doing so, the poet seeks a way of speaking about God that neither synonymises him with the world nor places him beyond the realm of phenomenal experience altogether.
Raining rocks: an analytical formulation for collision time-scales in planetary systems
Authors: Torres Santiago , Naoz Smadar , Li Gongjie , Rose Sanaea C
Published: July 2023

The dynamical interaction of minor bodies (such as comets or asteroids) with planets plays an essential role in the planetary system’s architecture and evolution. As a result of these interactions, structures such as the Kuiper belt and the Oort cloud can be created. In particular, the collision of minor bodies with planets can drastically change the planet’s internal and orbital evolution. We present an analytical formulation to determine the collision time-scale for a minor body to impact a planet for arbitrary geometry. By comparing with a suite of detailed N-body simulations and an analytical method for collision time-scales in the Solar system, we confirmed the accuracy of our analytical formulation. As a proof of concept, we focused on the collision time-scales of minor bodies similar to the Jupiter-family comets and the long-period comets with a Jupiter-like planet. We show that our analytical method yields in good agreement with the numerical simulations. The formalism presented here thus provides a succinct and accurate alternative to numerical calculations.
The profiles of bars in spiral galaxies
Authors: Erwin Peter , Debattista Victor P , Anderson Stuart Robert
Published: July 2023

We present an analysis of major-axis surface-brightness profiles of bars in a volume-limited sample of 182 barred spiral galaxies, using Spitzer 3.6 $\mu$m images. Unlike most previous studies, we use the entire bar profile, and we classify profiles into four categories. These are ‘Peak+Shoulders’ (P+Sh) – updating the classic ‘flat bar’ profile – and three subtypes of the classic ‘exponential’ profile: (true) Exponential, ‘Two-Slope’ (shallow inner slope + steeper outer slope), and ‘Flat-Top’ (constant inner region, steep outer slope). P+Sh profiles are preferentially found in galaxies with high stellar masses, early Hubble types, red colours, and low gas fractions; the most significant factor is stellar mass, and previous correlations with Hubble type can be explained by the tendency of higher-mass galaxies to have earlier Hubble types. The most common type of non-P+Sh profile is Exponential, followed by Flat-Top profiles; all non-P+Sh profiles appear to have similar distributions of stellar mass, Hubble type, colour, and gas fraction. We also morphologically classify the bars of an inclined subsample into those with and without boxy/peanut-shaped (B/P) bulges; as previously reported, the presence of a B/P bulge is very strong function of stellar mass. Essentially all bars with B/P bulges have P+Sh profiles; we associate the profile shoulders with the outer, vertically thin part of the bar. We find a small number of P+Sh profiles in bars without clear B/P bulges, which may indicate that P+Sh formation precedes the formation of B/P bulges.
An Adjudication Protocol for Severe Pneumonia
Authors: Pickens Chiagozie I , Gao Catherine A , Bodner Justin , Walter James M , Kruser Jacqueline M , Donnelly Helen K , Donayre Alvaro , Clepp Katie , Borkowski Nicole , Wunderink Richard G , Singer Benjamin D ,   The NU SCRIPT Study Investigators
Published: July 2023

Background

Clinical end points that constitute successful treatment in severe pneumonia are difficult to ascertain and vulnerable to bias. The utility of a protocolized adjudication procedure to determine meaningful end points in severe pneumonia has not been well described.

Methods

This was a single-center prospective cohort study of patients with severe pneumonia admitted to the medical intensive care unit. The objective was to develop an adjudication protocol for severe bacterial and/or viral pneumonia. Each episode of pneumonia was independently reviewed by 2 pulmonary and critical care physicians. If a discrepancy occurred between the 2 adjudicators, a third adjudicator reviewed the case. If a discrepancy remained after all 3 adjudications, consensus was achieved through committee review.

Results

Evaluation of 784 pneumonia episodes during 593 hospitalizations achieved only 48.1% interobserver agreement between the first 2 adjudicators and 78.8% when agreement was defined as concordance between 2 of 3 adjudicators. Multiple episodes of pneumonia and presence of bacterial/viral coinfection in the initial pneumonia episode were associated with lower interobserver agreement. For an initial episode of bacterial pneumonia, patients with an adjudicated day 7–8 clinical impression of cure (compared with alternative impressions) were more likely to be discharged alive (odds ratio, 6.3; 95% CI, 3.5–11.6).

Conclusions

A comprehensive adjudication protocol to identify clinical end points in severe pneumonia resulted in only moderate interobserver agreement. An adjudicated end point of clinical cure by day 7–8 was associated with more favorable hospital discharge dispositions, suggesting that clinical cure by day 7–8 may be a valid end point to use in adjudication protocols.
Circulating biomarkers in perioperative management of cancer patients
Authors: Huang Qiyuan , Zhou Ruihao , Hao Xuechao , Zhang Weiyi , Chen Guo , Zhu Tao
Published: July 2023

Owing to the advances in surgical technology, most solid tumours can be controlled by surgical excision. The priority should be tumour control, while some routine perioperative management might influence cancer progression in an unnoticed way. Moreover, it is increasingly recognized that effective perioperative management should include techniques to improve postoperative outcomes. These influences are elucidated by the different functions of circulating biomarkers in cancer patients. Here, circulating biomarkers with two types of clinical functions were reviewed: (i) circulating biomarkers for cancer progression monitoring, for instance, those related to cancer cell malignancy, tumour microenvironment formation, and early metastasis, and (ii) circulating biomarkers with relevance to postoperative outcomes, including systemic inflammation, immunosuppression, cognitive dysfunction, and pain management. This review aimed to provide new perspectives for the perioperative management of patients with cancer and highlight the potential clinical translation value of circulating biomarkers in improving outcomes.
Jasmonate biosynthesis enzyme allene oxide cyclase 2 mediates cold tolerance and pathogen resistance
Authors: Yang Lei , Sun Qiguo , Geng Bohao , Shi Jia , Zhu Haifeng , Sun Yanmei , Yang Qian , Yang Bo , Guo Zhenfei
Published: July 2023

Allene oxide cyclase (AOC) is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of jasmonic acid (JA), which is involved in plant growth and development as well as adaptation to environmental stresses. We identified the cold- and pathogen-responsive AOC2 gene from Medicago sativa subsp. falcata (MfAOC2) and its homolog MtAOC2 from Medicago truncatula. Heterologous expression of MfAOC2 in M. truncatula enhanced cold tolerance and resistance to the fungal pathogen Rhizoctonia solani, with greater accumulation of JA and higher transcript levels of JA downstream genes than in wild-type plants. In contrast, mutation of MtAOC2 reduced cold tolerance and pathogen resistance, with less accumulation of JA and lower transcript levels of JA downstream genes in the aoc2 mutant than in wild-type plants. The aoc2 phenotype and low levels of cold-responsive C-repeat-binding factor (CBF) transcripts could be rescued by expressing MfAOC2 in aoc2 plants or exogenous application of methyl jasmonate. Compared with wild-type plants, higher levels of CBF transcripts were observed in lines expressing MfAOC2 but lower levels of CBF transcripts were observed in the aoc2 mutant under cold conditions; superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate–peroxidase activities as well as proline concentrations were higher in MfAOC2-expressing lines but lower in the aoc2 mutant. These results suggest that expression of MfAOC2 or MtAOC2 promotes biosynthesis of JA, which positively regulates expression of CBF genes and antioxidant defense under cold conditions and expression of JA downstream genes after pathogen infection, leading to greater cold tolerance and pathogen resistance.
The Body Recovery From Water Study: The application of science to missing person search
Authors: Dennison-Wilkins Lorna , Hackman Lucina , Hayatdavoodi Masoud
Published: July 2023

Missing person behaviour datasets indicate that a significant proportion of those reported missing are subsequently found deceased in water. Despite this, information about how human bodies move in an aquatic environment is limited. Created by a serving police officer and police search advisor, this study involved the collection and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data relating to deceased human bodies found in inland water. The analysis of this data was further enhanced by experimentation. The research aimed to identify factors that might affect body movement in water and to establish if these variables could determine search parameters more effectively and increase the chances of successful search operations and associated investigations. In this manuscript, the search and investigation approach is introduced and the key findings and implications of the application of natural sciences for police practice are discussed.
Physical and psychosocial characteristics differ between individuals with knee pain and different knee osteoarthritis diagnostic criteria
Authors: Tan Guo Jeng , Kioh Sheng Hui , Mat Sumaiyah , Chan Shirley H L , Lee Jacintha M Y , Tan Yee Wen , Tan Maw Pin
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Knee pain and osteoarthritis (OA) are common and often lead to disability among older adults. Existing published evidence, however, utilizes differing criteria to define studies’ knee OA populations. We, therefore, aimed to determine whether differences exist in the characteristics of individuals with the presence of knee pain and different diagnostic criteria for knee OA.

Methods

The Promoting Independence in Seniors with Arthritis (PISA) study is a longitudinal observational study of individuals with and without knee pain and knee OA recruited from the orthopaedics clinic of the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre and the local hospital catchment. Patients were diagnosed with OA based on the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria, the presence of knee pain, and a history of physician-diagnosed knee OA. Psychosocial parameters were measured using validated measures for social participation, independence, and ability to perform activities of daily living, and life satisfaction.

Results

Of the 230 included participants, mean age was 66.9 years (standard deviation: 7.2) and 166 (72.2%) were women. Kappa agreement between ACR criteria and knee pain was 0.525 and for ACR and physician-diagnosed OA it was 0.325. Binomial logistic regression analysis showed that weight, anxiety, and handgrip strength (HGS) were predictive of ACR OA. Knee pain was only predicted by HGS but not weight and anxiety. Physician-diagnosed OA was predicted by weight and HGS but not anxiety. HGS was predictive of ACR OA, knee pain, and physician-diagnosed OA.

Conclusion

Our study showed that the characteristics of patients with OA are different, physically and psychosocially, depending on the criteria used. Poor agreement was observed between radiological diagnosis and the other diagnostic criteria. Our findings have important implications for the interpretation and comparison of published studies using different OA criteria.

Key messages

What is already known on this topic

What this study adds

How this study might affect research, practice, or policy
Using geospatial mapping to predict and compare gambling harm hotspots in urban, rural and coastal areas of a large county in England
Authors: Saunders Mike , Rogers Jim , Roberts Amanda , Gavens Lucy , Huntley Phil , Midgley Sarah
Published: July 2023

Background

Disordered gambling is a public health problem with interconnections with health and social inequality, and adverse impacts on physical and mental health. Mapping technologies have been used to explore gambling in the UK, though most were based in urban locations.

Methods

We used routine data sources and geospatial mapping software to predict where gambling related harm would be most prevalent within a large English county, host to urban, rural and coastal communities.

Results

Licensed gambling premises were most concentrated in areas of deprivation, and in urban and coastal areas. The aggregate prevalence of disordered gambling associated characteristics was also greatest in these areas.

Conclusions

This mapping study links the number of gambling premises, deprivation, and risk factors for disordered gambling, and highlights that coastal areas see particularly high density of gambling premises. Findings can be applied to target resources to where they are most needed.
The impact of floor space allowance and dietary energy level on finishing pigs, from 65 to 120 kg, on growth performance
Authors: Hagen Chloe S , Peterson Beau , Parr Eric , Estrada Jorge , Silva Gustavo , Greiner Laura L
Published: July 2023

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the impact of lowering floor space allowance in finishing hogs from 65 to 120 kg when fed high- vs. low-energy diets on growth performance. Eighty-eight mixed-sex pens with 24 ± 1 pigs per pen were randomly assigned by weight in a complete block design to one of eight treatments in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement with two energy levels: low (LE, 3267 ± 15 kcal/kg) vs. high (HE, 3389 ± 15 kcal/kg) accomplished through fat inclusion; and four floor space allowances: 0.6, 0.63, 0.65, and 0.67 m2/pig. Assigned floor space was accomplished by moveable gates in the rear of the pen which were adjusted at each pig removal until the marketing phase. Pen weight was measured at days 0, 29, and 48, with feed disappearance measured at days 29 and 48 to calculate average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and gain-to-feed ratio (GF). Data were analyzed by pen (SAS 9.4, Cary, NC), as repeated measures, with the fixed effects of floor space allowance, dietary energy level, and the interaction between floor space allowance and energy level. For the overall experiment, decreased floor space had no effect (P > 0.1) on ADG, ADFI, or GF. Energy had a significant effect (P < 0.01) on ADFI (3.17 vs. 3.12 kg for LE and HE, respectively) and GF (0.35 and 0.36 for LE and HE, respectively), and tended to impact (P = 0.08) ADG (1.12 vs. 1.13 kg, for LE and HE, respectively). In conclusion, reducing space allowance from 0.67 m2 down to 0.6 m2 did not affect the growth performance of pigs from 65 to 120 kg. Pigs fed LE consumed more than the HE diets but had generally similar growth and no difference in body weight.
The effects of a nutritional packet (live yeast, vitamins C and B1, and electrolytes) offered to steers in a calf-fed system on growth performance, nutrient digestion, feeding behavior, carcass characteristics, and ruminal variables
Authors: Rush Camron J , Sarturi Jhones O , Huerta-Leidenz Nelson O , Woerner Dale R , Crossland Whitney L , Henry Darren D , Silva Kaliu G S , Lopez Alejandra M
Published: July 2023

Effects of a nutritional packet strategically offered to calf-fed system steers on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, feeding behavior, ruminal variables, and carcass characteristics were evaluated. Angus crossbred steer-calves (N = 60; body weight [BW] = 234 ± 4 kg) were used in a randomized complete block design (block = BW) and stratified into two treatments: 1) control; and 2) 30 g/steer-daily (dry matter [DM] basis) of a nutritional packet containing (steer-daily basis): Live yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae; 1.7 × 1010 CFU), vitamin C (Ascorbic acid, 162 mg), vitamin B1 (thiamin hydrochloride, 400 mg), sodium chloride (2.4 g), and potassium chloride (2.4 g). Animals were offered (electronic feed-bunks [SmartFeed, C-Lock Inc., Rapid City, SD]), a steam-flaked corn-based finishing diet to ad libitum (individual intake), once daily for 233 d. Treatments were offered during the first and last 60 days on feed (DOF). The GLIMMIX procedure of SAS was used, with steer as the experimental unit, treatment and phase (for feeding behavior and digestibility) as fixed effects, and BW-block as a random effect. Steers offered the nutritional packet had 14% less (P < 0.01) intake and 18% greater (P = 0.01) feed efficiency during the initial 30 DOF. Intake (days 0 to 233) was 6% greater (P = 0.02) for steers offered the nutritional packet, while BW gain was not different (P ≥ 0.44). Greater (P = 0.02) dressing percent (61.1% vs. 62%) for steers offered the packet was observed, while other carcass variables were not different (P ≥ 0.33). Digestibility of DM, organic matter, and fiber were greater (P < 0.01) for steers offered the packet. Steers offered the packet spent 13% less time eating during the first 60 DOF, while during the last 60 DOF a 14% greater meal frequency and 12.3% smaller mean meal size (treatment × phase interaction, P < 0.02) were observed. Steers offered the packet had a reduced (P ≤ 0.01) mean meal duration during both phases. Regardless of treatment, a decreased rumination (P ≤ 0.03) and chewing (P ≤ 0.01) activities were observed for the last 60 DOF compared to the first 60 DOF. Ruminal papillae area was 30% greater (P = 0.02) and the total volatile fatty acid (VFA) tended (P = 0.09) to be greater for steers offered the nutritional packet. The nutritional packet offered to calf-fed steers improved feed efficiency during the initial 30 d after arrival, while inducing superior overall intake, nutrient digestibility, dressing percentage, ruminal papillae area, and total ruminal VFA.
An extraordinary case of elytra loss in Coleoptera (Elateroidea: Lycidae): discovery and placement of the first anelytrous adult male beetle
Authors: Ferreira Vinicius S , Barbosa Felipe Francisco , Bocakova Milada , Solodovnikov Alexey
Published: July 2023

Insects are one of the few groups of animals that developed the ability of active flight. Such mobility allowed the group to successfully explore and thrive in nearly all kinds of ecological niches. At the same time, during the evolutionary history of insects, due to high costs of wing development, flight was lost independently in many groups. In beetles, the reduction or complete loss of hind wings has been reported in multiple lineages, especially in several extreme paedomorphic and larviform females, mainly in Elateroidea, in which not only the hind wings but also the elytra are lost. However, the complete absence of elytra in adult males was hitherto unknown, despite nearly half a million described species in Coleoptera. In this study, we report the discovery of Xenomorphon baranowskii gen. et sp. nov., the first completely anelytrous and wingless adult male beetle, belonging to the family Lycidae (Coleoptera: Elateroidea). Xenomorphon baranowskii is illustrated, described, and provisionally placed in Calopterini, based on our morphology-based phylogenetic analyses. We discuss the possible scenarios that could lead to such a rare event, when a beetle loses its elytra, and its evolutionary consequences.
Impact of dietary vitamin A on striatal function in adult rats
Authors: Marie Anaïs , Kinet Rémi , Helbling Jean‐Christophe , Darricau Morgane , Alfos Serge , Di Miceli Mathieu , Angelo Maria‐Florencia , Foury Aline , Richard Emmanuel , Trifilieff Pierre , Mallet Nicolas P. , Bosch‐Bouju Clementine
Published: July 2023

The striatum is a brain structure involved in the control of voluntary movement. Striatum contains high amounts of retinoic acid, the active metabolite of vitamin A, as well as retinoid receptors, RARβ and RXRγ. Previous studies revealed that disruption of retinoid signaling initiated during development is deleterious for striatal physiology and related motor functions. However, the alteration of retinoid signaling, and the importance of vitamin A supply during adulthood on striatal physiology and function has never been established. In the present study, we investigated the impact of vitamin A supply on striatal function. Adult Sprague–Dawley rats were fed with three specific diets, either sub‐deficient, sufficient, or enriched in vitamin A (0.4, 5, and 20 international units [IU] of retinol per g of diet, respectively) for 6 months. We first validated that vitamin A sub‐deficient diet in adult rats constitutes a physiological model of retinoid signaling reduction in the striatum. We then revealed subtle alterations of fine motor skills in sub‐deficient rats using a new behavioral apparatus specifically designed to test forepaw reach‐and‐grasp skills relying on striatal function. Finally, we showed using qPCR analysis and immunofluorescence that the striatal dopaminergic system per se was not affected by vitamin A sub‐deficiency at adult age. Rather, cholinergic synthesis in the striatum and μ‐opioid receptor expression in striosomes sub‐territories were the most affected by vitamin A sub‐deficiency starting at adulthood. Taken together these results revealed that retinoid signaling alteration at adulthood is associated with motor learning deficits together with discrete neurobiological alterations in the striatum.
Safely Reducing Unnecessary Radiographs in Suspected Pediatric Musculoskeletal Injuries
Authors: Lander Sarah , Obudzinski Sarah , Michels Julie , Brayer Anne , D'amore Taylor , Chess Mitchel , Cook Christopher P. , Wakeman Derek , Sanders James
Published: July 2023

Background

While radiographs are a critical component of diagnosing musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries, they are associated with radiation exposure, patient discomfort, and financial costs. Our study initiative was to develop a system to diagnose pediatric MSK injuries efficiently while minimizing unnecessary radiographs.

Methods

This was a quality improvement trial performed prospectively at a single level one trauma center. A multidisciplinary team with leaders from pediatric orthopedics, trauma surgery, emergency medicine, and radiology created an algorithm delineating which x-rays should be obtained for pediatric patients presenting with MSK injuries. The intervention was performed in the following 3 stages: stage 1: retrospective validation of the algorithm, stage 2: implementation of the algorithm, and stage 3: sustainability evaluation. Outcomes measured included number of extra radiographs per pediatric patient and any missed injuries.

Results

In stage 1, 295 patients presented to the pediatric emergency department with MSK injuries. A total of 2148 radiographs were obtained, with 801 not indicated per the protocol, for an average of 2.75 unnecessary radiographs per patient. No injuries would have been missed using the protocol. In stage 2, 472 patients had 2393 radiographs with 339 not indicated per protocol, averaging 0.72 unnecessary radiographs per patient, a significant reduction from stage 1 (P < 0.001). There were no missed injuries identified on follow-up. In stage 3, improvement was sustained for the subsequent 8 months with an average of 0.34 unnecessary radiographs per patient (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Sustained reduction of unnecessary radiation to pediatric patients with suspected MSK injuries was accomplished through the development and implementation of a safe and effective imaging algorithm. The multidisciplinary approach, widespread education of pediatric providers, and standardized order sets improved buy-in and is generalizable to other institutions.

Level of Evidence: III
Use of Intraosseous Access in Neonatal and Pediatric Retrieval—Neonatal and Pediatric Emergency Transfer Service, New South Wales
Authors: Joerck Carsten , Wilkinson Robert , Angiti Rajeshwar Reddy , Lutz Tracey , Scerri Laura , Carmo Kathryn Browning
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Pediatric patients who are critically unwell require rapid access to central vasculature for administration of life-saving medications and fluids. The intraosseous (IO) route is a well-described method of accessing the central circulation. There is a paucity of data surrounding the use of IO in neonatal and pediatric retrieval. The aim of this study was to review the frequency, complications, and efficacy of IO insertion in neonatal and pediatric patients in retrieval.

Methods

A retrospective review of cases referred to neonatal and pediatric emergency transfer service, New South Wales over the epoch 2006 to 2020. Medical records documenting IO use were audited for patient demographic data, diagnosis, treatment details, IO insertion and complication statistics, and mortality data.

Results

Intraosseous access was used in 467 patients (102 neonatal/365 pediatric). The most common indications were sepsis, respiratory distress, cardiac arrest, and encephalopathy. The main treatments were fluid bolus, antibiotics, maintenance fluids, and resuscitation drugs. Return of spontaneous circulation after resuscitation drugs occurred in 52.9%; perfusion improved with fluid bolus in 73.1%; blood pressure improved with inotropes in 63.2%; seizures terminated with anticonvulsants in 88.7%. Prostaglandin E1 was given to eight patients without effect. Intraosseous access–related injury occurred in 14.2% of pediatric and 10.8% of neonatal patients. Neonatal and pediatric mortality rates were 18.6% and 19.2%, respectively.

Conclusions

Survival in retrieved neonatal and pediatric patients who required IO is higher than previously described in pediatric and adult cohorts. Early insertion of an IO facilitates early volume expansion, delivery of critical drugs, and allows time for retrieval teams to gain more definitive venous access. In this study, prostaglandin E1 delivered via a distal limb IO had no success in reopening the ductus arteriosus.
Perception of energy production from biomass: A Mexican population pilot survey
Authors: Mascorro-Guzmán J. A. , Vásquez-Olmos J. , Zúñiga-Sánchez O. , Monteros-Curiel E. , Durand-Moreno L. C. , Flores-Payan V. , Angulo-Sherman A. A.
Published: July 2023

The term biomass may be used in different contexts, one of which is related to energy production from biomass sources, especially wastes. Mexico is considered a country with a high potential to exploit renewable energy sources, particularly biomass. Still, according to studies about energy consumption in Mexican homes, biomass is one of the least used, compared to conventional sources or even other renewable sources. It is not understood how aware the country’s population is of the potential of biomass, or if they recognize it as a renewable energy source. This study presents a pilot survey performed on a small adult population that has or is receiving professional education and designed to identify how biomass is perceived among other renewable energy sources and whether the population considers it relevant to inform themselves about this topic. The results obtained indicate that people recognize mostly wind (99%) and solar (88%) power, but when it comes to biomass only 36% of the population knows energy may be obtained from it. When it comes to its use only 5.8% of the population indicates using it. Besides understanding the population’s perception these results may help to develop more educational policies about renewable energies by universities.
Decision-consistent bias mediated by drift dynamics of human visual working memory
Authors: Gu Hyunwoo , Lee Joonwon , Kim Sungje , Lim Jaeseob , Lee Hyang-Jung , Lee Heeseung , Choe Minjin , Yoo Dong-Gyu , Ryu Jun Hwan (Joshua) , Lim Sukbin , Lee Sang-Hun
Published: July 2023

To adapt to dynamic surroundings, we need to reliably maintain sensory experiences while making accurate decisions about them. Nonetheless, humans tend to bias their ongoing actions toward their past decisions, a phenomenon dubbed decision-consistent bias. Efforts to explain this seemingly irrational bias have been limited to the sensory readout account. Here, by putting the bias in the context of mnemonic maintenance, we uncover its previously unidentified source: the interplay of decision-making with the drift dynamics of visual working memory. By taking behavioral snapshots of human visual working memory while concurrently tracking their cortical signals during a prolonged delay, we show that mnemonic representations transition toward a few stable points while initially biasing decisions and continuously drifting afterward in the direction consistent with the decisional bias. Task-optimized recurrent neural networks with drift dynamics reproduce the human data, offering a neural mechanism underlying the decision-consistent bias.
Heterogeneous complement and microglia activation mediates stress-induced synapse loss
Authors: Soteros Breeanne M. , Tillmon Haven , Wollet Mackenna , General Julianne , Chin Hanna , Lee John Beichen , Carreno Flavia R. , Morilak David A. , Kim Jun Hee , Sia Gek Ming
Published: July 2023

Spatially heterogeneous synapse loss is a characteristic of many psychiatric and neurological disorders, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, we show that spatially-restricted complement activation mediates stress-induced heterogeneous microglia activation and synapse loss localized to the upper layers of the mouse medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Single cell RNA sequencing also reveals a stress-associated microglia state marked by high expression of the apolipoprotein E gene (ApoEhigh) localized to the upper layers of the mPFC. Mice lacking complement component C3 are protected from stress-induced layer-specific synapse loss, and the ApoEhighmicroglia population is markedly reduced in the mPFC of these mice. Furthermore, C3 knockout mice are also resilient to stress-induced anhedonia and working memory behavioral deficits. Our findings suggest that region-specific complement and microglia activation can contribute to the disease-specific spatially restricted patterns of synapse loss and clinical symptoms found in many brain diseases.
A spatial map of human liver cirrhosis reveals the patho-architecture and gene signatures associated with cell state transitions during liver disease
Authors: Hammond Nigel L , Baker Syed Murtuza , Georgaka Sokratia , Al-Anbaki Ali , Jokl Elliot , Simpson Kara , Athwal Varinder S , Siriwardena Ajith K , Spiers Harry VM , Dixon Mike J , Bobola Nicoletta , Sharrocks Andrew D , Hanley Neil A , Rattray Magnus , Hanley Karen Piper
Published: July 2023

Liver fibrosis is a major cause of death worldwide. As a progressive step in chronic liver disease, fibrosis is almost always diagnosed too late with limited treatment options. Here, we uncover the spatial transcriptional landscape driving human liver fibrosis using single nuclei RNA and Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin (ATAC) sequencing to deconvolute multi-cell spatial transcriptomic profiling in human liver cirrhosis. Through multi-modal data integration, we define molecular signatures driving cell state transitions in liver disease and define an impaired cellular response and directional trajectory from hepatocytes to cholangiocytes associated with disease remodelling. We identify pro-fibrogenic signatures in non-parenchymal cell subpopulations co-localised within the fibrotic niche and localise transitional cell states at the scar interface. This combined approach provides a spatial atlas of gene regulation and defines molecular signatures associated liver disease for targeted therapeutics or as early diagnostic markers of progressive liver disease.
Learning better with Dale’s Law: A Spectral Perspective
Authors: Li Pingsheng , Cornford Jonathan , Ghosh Arna , Richards Blake
Published: July 2023

Most recurrent neural networks (RNNs) do not include a fundamental constraint of real neural circuits: Dale’s Law, which implies that neurons must be excitatory (E) or inhibitory (I). Dale’s Law is generally absent from RNNs because simply partitioning a standard network’s units into E and I populations impairs learning. However, here we extend a recent feedforward bio-inspired EI network architecture, named Dale’s ANNs, to recurrent networks, and demonstrate that good performance is possible while respecting Dale’s Law. This begs the question: What makes some forms of EI network learn poorly and others learn well? And, why does the simple approach of incorporating Dale’s Law impair learning? Historically the answer was thought to be the sign constraints on EI network parameters, and this was a motivation behind Dale’s ANNs. However, here we show the spectral properties of the recurrent weight matrix at initialisation are more impactful on network performance than sign constraints. We find that simple EI partitioning results in a singular value distribution that is multimodal and dispersed, whereas standard RNNs have an unimodal, more clustered singular value distribution, as do recurrent Dale’s ANNs. We also show that the spectral properties and performance of partitioned EI networks are worse for small networks with fewer I units, and we present normalised SVD entropy as a measure of spectrum pathology that correlates with performance. Overall, this work sheds light on a long-standing mystery in neuroscience-inspired AI and computational neuroscience, paving the way for greater alignment between neural networks and biology.
Estimation of heritabilities and genetic correlations by time slices using predictivity in large genomic models
Authors: Misztal Ignacy
Published: July 2023

Under genomic selection, genetic parameters may change rapidly from generation to generation. Unless genetic parameters used for a selection index are current, the expected genetic gain may be unrealistic, possibly with a decline for antagonistic traits. Existing methods for parameter estimation are computationally unfeasible with large genomic data. We present formulas for estimating heritabilities and genetic correlations applicable for large models with any number of genotyped individuals. Heritabilities are calculated by combining 2 formulas for genomic accuracies: one that relies on predictivity and another that depends on the number of independent chromosome segments. Genetic correlations are calculated from predictivities across traits. Both formulas include approximate standard errors. The formula for heritabilities was evaluated based on information for 4 commercial data sets extracted from published studies. Calculated heritabilities were close to those used initially, except for a much lower new heritability for one single case; that heritability was later confirmed as valid. Formulas for genetic correlations were tested with simulated data and 1,000 replicates. The formula-based estimates were always close to the values assumed for simulation. Standard errors were high with 1,000 validation animals but small with 10,000. The proposed formulas can be used routinely as a check on the evaluation system whenever the number of validation individuals is large enough. If excessive changes are detected from generation to generation, the selection index can be modified appropriately.
Transferrin Receptor 1 is Required for CD4+ T Cell Iron-Dependent Response During AcuteToxoplasma gondiiInfection
Authors: Denton Stephen L. , Roy Tathagato , Keplinger Hunter K. , Ng Sai K. , Gigley Jason P.
Published: July 2023

Elemental iron is an essential nutrient involved in many biological processes including infection and immunity. How iron impactsToxoplasma gondii(T. gondii)in vivoand development of immunity during infection is unclear. We found that although iron is required for parasite proliferationin vitro,paradoxically, iron restrictionin vivoincreased parasite burdens during acute and persistent infection stages and decreased survival of mice. Iron restriction lowered IL-12 and IFNγin spleen and serum, but ratios of myeloid cells and the number and function of Natural Killer cells were unchanged. Iron restriction significantly impaired the development of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses toT. gondiiduring replicating type II and attenuated vaccine straincps1-1infection. Low iron conditions reduced the percent and absolute numbers of antigen experienced CD11a+CD49d+, functional IFNγ+, and CD62L-KLRG1+ effector T cells. Iron restriction also decreased vaccine efficacy ofcps1-1strain against secondary lethal challenge. Antigen experienced CD4+ and CD8+ T cells both upregulated their iron transporter Transferrin receptor 1 (CD71) during infection regardless of iron restriction. Mice whose CD4+ T cells were deficient in CD71 had reduced CD4+ T cell antigen experience and polyfunctionality, yet CD8+ T cell responses remained intact, and their long term survival was not affected compared to wild type litter mate controls. This study highlights that iron acquisition by T cells is required for activation and vaccine induced long-term protection againstT. gondii. Understanding how iron affects multiple immune compartments will be essential to define iron regulation of immunity toT. gondii.
High germline mutation rates but not extreme population size outbreaks influence genetic diversity in crown-of-thorns sea stars
Authors: Popovic Iva , Bergeron Lucie A. , Bozec Yves-Marie , Waldvogel Ann-Marie , Howitt Samantha M. , Damjanovic Katarina , Patel Frances , Cabrera Maria G. , Wörheide Gert , Uthicke Sven , Riginos Cynthia
Published: July 2023

Lewontin’s paradox, the observation that levels of genetic diversity (π) among animals do not scale linearly with variation in census population sizes (Nc), is an evolutionary conundrum, where the most extreme mismatches between π andNcare found for highly abundant marine invertebrates. Yet, whether new mutations influence π relative to extrinsic processes remains unknown for most taxa. Here, we provide the first direct germline mutation rate (μ) estimate for a marine invertebrate, using high-coverage (60x) whole-genome sequencing of wild-caughtAcanthastercf.solariscrown-of-thorns sea stars (Echinodermata). We also provide empirical estimates of adultNcin Australia’s Great Barrier Reef to jointly examine the determinants of π. Based on direct observations of 63de novomutations across 14 parent-offspring trios, theA.cf.solarismeanμwas 9.13 x 10-09mutations per-site per-generation (95% CI: 6.51 x 10-09to 1.18 x 10-08). This value exceeds estimates for other invertebrates, showing greater concordance with reported vertebrate germline mutation rates. Lower-than-expectedNe(∼70,000-180,000) and lowNe/Ncvalues (0.0047-0.048) indicated significant genetic drift and weak influences of contemporary population outbreaks on long-term π. Our findings of elevatedμand lowNeinA.cf.solarismay help explain high mutational loads and extreme polymorphism levels observed in some marine invertebrate taxa and are consistent withμevolving in response toNe(drift-barrier hypothesis). This study advances our understanding of the processes controlling levels of natural genetic variation and provides new data valuable for further testing hypotheses about mutation rate evolution across animal phyla.
Visualizing alpha-synuclein and iron deposition in M83 mouse model of Parkinson’s diseasein vivo
Authors: Straumann Nadja , Combes Benjamin F. , Ben Xose Luis Dean , Sternke-Hoffmann Rebecca , Gerez Juan A. , Dias Ines , Chen Zhenyue , Watts Benjamin , Rostami Iman , Shi Kuangyu , Rominger Axel , Baumann Christian R , Luo Jinghui , Noain Daniela , Nitsch Roger M. , Okamura Nobuyuki , Razansky Daniel , Ni Ruiqing
Published: July 2023

Background

Abnormal alpha-synuclein and iron accumulation in the brain play an important role in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Herein, we aim at visualizing alpha-synuclein inclusions and iron deposition in the brains of M83 (A53T) mouse models of PDin vivo.

Methods

Fluorescently labelled pyrimidoindole-derivative THK-565 was characterized by using recombinant fibrils and brains from 10-11 months old M83 mice, which subsequently underwentin vivoconcurrent wide-field fluorescence and volumetric multispectral optoacoustic tomography (vMSOT) imaging. Thein vivoresults were verified against structural and susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 9.4 Tesla and scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) of perfused brains. Brain slice immunofluorescence and Prussian blue staining were further performed to validate the detection of alpha-synuclein inclusions and iron deposition in the brain, respectively.

Results

THK-565 showed increased fluorescence upon binding to recombinant alpha-synuclein fibrils and alpha-synuclein inclusions in post-mortem brain slices from patients with Parkinson’s disease and M83 mice.i.v.administration of THK-565 in M83 mice showed higher cerebral retention at 20 and 40 minutes post-injection by wide-field fluorescence compared to non-transgenic littermate mice, in congruence with the vMSOT findings. SWI/phase images and Prussian blue indicated the accumulation of iron deposits in the brains of M83 mice, presumably in the Fe3+form, as evinced by the STXM results.

Conclusion

We demonstratedin vivomapping of alpha-synuclein by means of non-invasive epifluorescence and vMSOT imaging assisted with a targeted THK-565 label and SWI/STXM identification of iron deposits in M83 mouse brainsex vivo.
Age-Related Differences in Alpha Power for Distractor Inhibition During Visual Working Memory
Authors: Sghirripa Sabrina , Graetz Lynton , Semmler John G. , Sutton Rebecca , Williams Ellen E.R. , Goldsworthy Mitchell R.
Published: July 2023

As visual working memory (WM) is limited in capacity, it is important to direct neural resources towards task-relevant information and away from task-irrelevant information. Neural oscillations in the alpha frequency band (8-12 Hz) have been suggested to play a role in the inhibition of distracting information during WM retention in younger adults, but it is unclear if alpha power modulation also supports distractor inhibition in older adults. Here, we recorded electroencephalography (EEG) while 24 younger (aged 18-35) and 24 older (aged 60-86) adults completed a modified delay match-to-sample task in which distractors of varying strength appeared during the retention period. We found: (1) strong distractors impaired WM performance compared with weak and no distractors in both age groups, but there were no age-differences in WM performance; (2) while younger adults demonstrated significant increases in alpha power prior to the onset of the distractor in all conditions, decreases in alpha power were seen in all distractor conditions in older adults; (3) there was no difference in alpha power between the strong and no distractor conditions; and (4) alpha power in anticipation of the distractor was only associated with task performance in younger adults. Our results suggest that younger adults, but not older adults, modulate alpha power in anticipation of distractors during the visual WM retention period.