Neonatal brain inflammation enhances methamphetamine-induced reinstated behavioral sensitization in adult rats analyzed with explainable machine learning

Neonatal brain inflammation produced by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) results in long-lasting brain dopaminergic injury and motor disturbances in adult rats. The goal of the present work is to investigate the effect of neonatal systemic LPS exposure (1 or 2 mg/kg, i.p. injection in postnatal day 5, P5, male rats)-induced dopaminergic injury to examine methamphetamine (METH)-induced behavioral sensitization as an indicator of drug addiction. On P70, subjects underwent a treatment schedule of 5 once daily subcutaneous (s.c.) administrations of METH (0.5 mg/kg) (P70-P74) to induce behavioral sensitization. Ninety-six hours following the 5th treatment of METH (P78), the rats received one dose of 0.5 mg/kg METH (s.c.) to reintroduce behavioral sensitization. Hyperlocomotion is a critical index caused by drug abuse, and methamphetamine administration has been shown to produce remarkable locomotor-enhancing effects. Therefore, a random forest model was used as the detector to extract the feature interaction patterns among the collected high-dimensional locomotor data. Our approaches identified neonatal systemic LPS exposure dose and METH-treated dates as features significantly associated with METH-induced behavioral sensitization, reinstated behavioral sensitization, and perinatal inflammation in this experimental model of drug addiction. Overall, the analysis suggests that the implementation of machine learning strategies is sensitive enough to detect interaction patterns in locomotor activity. Neonatal LPS exposure also enhanced METH-induced reduction of dopamine transporter expression and [3H]dopamine uptake, reduced mitochondrial complex I activity, and elevated interleukin-1β and cyclooxygenase-2 concentrations in the P78 rat striatum. These results indicate that neonatal systemic LPS exposure produces a persistent dopaminergic lesion leading to a long-lasting change in the brain reward system as indicated by the enhanced METH-induced behavioral sensitization and reinstated behavioral sensitization later in life. These findings indicate that early-life brain inflammation may enhance susceptibility to drug addiction development later in life, which provides new insights for developing potential therapeutic treatments for drug addiction.

Impact of recipient and donor pretransplantation body mass index on early postosperative complications after lung transplantation

BACKGROUND

Prior studies have assessed the impact of the pretransplantation recipient body mass index (BMI) on patient outcomes after lung transplantation (LT), but they have not specifically addressed early postoperative complications. Moreover, the impact of donor BMI on these complications has not been evaluated. The first aim of this study was to assess complications during hospitalization in the ICU after LT according to donor and recipient pretransplantation BMI.

METHODS

All the recipients who underwent LT at Bichat Claude Bernard Hospital, Paris, between January 2016 and August 2022 were included in this observational retrospective monocentric study. Postoperative complications were analyzed according to recipient and donor BMIs. Univariate and multivariate analyses were also performed. The 90-day and one-year survival rates were studied. P < 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. The Paris-North Hospitals Institutional Review Board approved the study.

RESULTS

A total of 304 recipients were analyzed. Being underweight was observed in 41 (13%) recipients, a normal weight in 130 (43%) recipients, and being overweight/obese in 133 (44%) recipients. ECMO support during surgery was significantly more common in the overweight/obese group (p = 0.021), as were respiratory complications (primary graft dysfunction (PGD) (p = 0.006), grade 3 PDG (p = 0.018), neuroblocking agent administration (p = 0.008), prone positioning (p = 0.007)), and KDIGO 3 acute kidney injury (p = 0.036). However, pretransplantation overweight/obese status was not an independent risk factor for 90-day mortality. An overweight or obese donor was associated with a decreased PaO2/FiO2 ratio before organ donation (p < 0.001), without affecting morbidity or mortality after LT.

CONCLUSION

Pretransplantation overweight/obesity in recipients is strongly associated with respiratory and renal complications during hospitalization in the ICU after LT.

Pth1r in Neural Crest Cells Regulates Nasal Cartilage Differentiation

Neural crest cells (NCC) arise from the dorsal margin of the neural plate border and comprise a unique cell population that migrates to and creates the craniofacial region. Although factors including Shh, Fgf8, and bone morphogenetic proteins have been shown to regulate these biological events, the role of parathyroid hormone 1 receptor (Pth1r) has been less studied. We generated an NCC-specific mouse model for Pth1r and researched gene expression, function, and interaction focusing on nasal cartilage framework and midfacial development. Wnt1-Cre;Pth1rfl/fl;Tomatofl/+ mice had perinatal lethality, but we observed short snout and jaws, tongue protrusion, reduced NCC-derived cranial length, increased mineralization in nasal septum and hyoid bones, and less bone mineralization at interfrontal suture in mutants at E18.5. Importantly, the mutant nasal septum and turbinate cartilage histologically revealed gradual, premature accelerated hypertrophic differentiation. We then studied the underlying molecular mechanisms by performing RNA seq analysis and unexpectedly found that expression of Ihh and related signaling molecules was enhanced in mutant nasomaxillary tissues. To see if Pth1r and Ihh signaling are associated, we generated a Wnt1-Cre; Ihhfl/fl;Pth1rfl/fl;Tomatofl/+ (DKO) mouse and compared the phenotypes to those of each single knockout mouse: Wnt1-Cre; Ihhfl/fl;Pth1rfl/+;Tomatofl/+ (Ihh-CKO) and Wnt1-Cre;Ihhfl/+;Pth1rfl/fl;Tomatofl/+ (Pth1r-CKO). Ihh-CKO mice displayed a milder effect. Of note, the excessive hypertrophic conversion of the nasal cartilage framework observed in Pth1r-CKO was somewhat rescued DKO embryos. Further, a half cAMP responsive element and the 4 similar sequences containing 2 mismatches were identified from the promoter to the first intron in Ihh gene. Gli1-CreERT2;Pth1rfl/fl;Tomatofl/+, a Pth1r-deficient model targeted in hedgehog responsive cells, demonstrated the enlarged hypertrophic layer and significantly more Tomato-positive chondrocytes accumulated in the nasal septum and ethmoidal endochondral ossification. Collectively, the data suggest a relevant Pth1r/Ihh interaction. Our findings obtained from novel mouse models for Pth1r signaling illuminate previously unknown aspects in craniofacial biology and development.

Search for a τ^{+}τ^{-} Resonance in e^{+}e^{-}→μ^{+}μ^{-}τ^{+}τ^{-} Events with the Belle II Experiment

We report the first search for a nonstandard-model resonance decaying into τ pairs in e^{+}e^{-}→μ^{+}μ^{-}τ^{+}τ^{-} events in the 3.6-10  GeV/c^{2} mass range. We use a 62.8  fb^{-1} sample of e^{+}e^{-} collisions collected at a center-of-mass energy of 10.58 GeV by the Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB collider. The analysis probes three different models predicting a spin-1 particle coupling only to the heavier lepton families, a Higgs-like spin-0 particle that couples preferentially to charged leptons (leptophilic scalar), and an axionlike particle, respectively. We observe no evidence for a signal and set exclusion limits at 90% confidence level on the product of cross section and branching fraction into τ pairs, ranging from 0.7 to 24 fb, and on the couplings of these processes. We obtain world-leading constraints on the couplings for the leptophilic scalar model for masses above 6.5  GeV/c^{2} and for the axionlike particle model over the entire mass range.

Measurement of CP Violation in B^{0}→K_{S}^{0}π^{0} Decays at Belle II

We report a measurement of the CP-violating parameters C and S in B^{0}→K_{S}^{0}π^{0} decays at Belle II using a sample of 387×10^{6}  BB[over ¯] events recorded in e^{+}e^{-} collisions at a center-of-mass energy corresponding to the ϒ(4S) resonance. These parameters are determined by fitting the proper decay-time distribution of a sample of 415 signal events. We obtain C=-0.04_{-0.15}^{+0.14}±0.05 and S=0.75_{-0.23}^{+0.20}±0.04, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic.

Relationship of Higher-level Functional Capacity With Long-term Mortality in Japanese Older People: NIPPON DATA90

BACKGROUND

Basic and instrumental activities of daily living (BADL and IADL, respectively) are known predictors of mortality. However, the relationship between higher-level functional capacity (HLFC) and mortality and related sex differences have rarely been investigated.

METHODS

A prospective population-based cohort study was conducted in 1,824 older residents (≥65 years) with independent BADL from 300 randomly selected areas in Japan from 1995, and the participants were followed up until 2010. Using the Cox proportional hazards model, the relationship between HLFC and mortality risk was investigated, with adjustment for possible confounders. HLFC was assessed using the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence. Baseline data were collected using a questionnaire or by home-visit interviews.

RESULTS

During an average 12.2-year follow-up, all-cause death was observed in 836 (45.8%) participants. Impaired HLFC was significantly associated with mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-1.65). Lower social role was significantly associated with higher mortality risk in men (HR 1.38; 95% CI, 1.13-1.68). Lower IADL and intellectual activity were significantly associated with higher mortality risk in women (HR 1.50; 95% CI, 1.15-1.95 and HR 1.46; 95% CI, 1.19-1.79, respectively). The relationship between HLFC and mortality risk showed a similar tendency among cardiovascular diseases, stroke, cancer, and pneumonia.

CONCLUSION

Impaired HLFC was associated with a high risk of all-cause mortality among community-dwelling older people with independent BADL. In particular, social role in men and IADL and intellectual activity in women were associated with long-term mortality risk.

Formation and evolution of carbonaceous asteroid Ryugu: Direct evidence from returned samples

Samples of the carbonaceous asteroid Ryugu were brought to Earth by the Hayabusa2 spacecraft. We analyzed 17 Ryugu samples measuring 1 to 8 millimeters. Carbon dioxide-bearing water inclusions are present within a pyrrhotite crystal, indicating that Ryugu's parent asteroid formed in the outer Solar System. The samples contain low abundances of materials that formed at high temperatures, such as chondrules and calcium- and aluminum-rich inclusions. The samples are rich in phyllosilicates and carbonates, which formed through aqueous alteration reactions at low temperature, high pH, and water/rock ratios of <1 (by mass). Less altered fragments contain olivine, pyroxene, amorphous silicates, calcite, and phosphide. Numerical simulations, based on the mineralogical and physical properties of the samples, indicate that Ryugu's parent body formed ~2 million years after the beginning of Solar System formation.

Measurement of the Λ_{c}^{+} Lifetime

An absolute measurement of the Λ_{c}^{+} lifetime is reported using Λ_{c}^{+}→pK^{-}π^{+} decays in events reconstructed from data collected by the Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB asymmetric-energy electron-positron collider. The total integrated luminosity of the data sample, which was collected at center-of-mass energies at or near the ϒ(4S) resonance, is 207.2  fb^{-1}. The result, τ(Λ_{c}^{+})=203.20±0.89±0.77  fs, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic, is the most precise measurement to date and is consistent with previous determinations.

Search for a Dark Photon and an Invisible Dark Higgs Boson in μ^{+}μ^{-} and Missing Energy Final States with the Belle II Experiment

The dark photon A^{'} and the dark Higgs boson h^{'} are hypothetical particles predicted in many dark sector models. We search for the simultaneous production of A^{'} and h^{'} in the dark Higgsstrahlung process e^{+}e^{-}→A^{'}h^{'} with A^{'}→μ^{+}μ^{-} and h^{'} invisible in electron-positron collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 10.58 GeV in data collected by the Belle II experiment in 2019. With an integrated luminosity of 8.34  fb^{-1}, we observe no evidence for signal. We obtain exclusion limits at 90% Bayesian credibility in the range of 1.7-5.0 fb on the cross section and in the range of 1.7×10^{-8}-200×10^{-8} on the effective coupling ϵ^{2}×α_{D} for the A^{'} mass in the range of 4.0  GeV/c^{2}<M_{A^{'}}<9.7  GeV/c^{2} and for the h^{'} mass M_{h^{'}}<M_{A^{'}}, where ϵ is the mixing strength between the standard model and the dark photon and α_{D} is the coupling of the dark photon to the dark Higgs boson. Our limits are the first in this mass range.

Regression of venous thrombus after trans-sphenoidal hypophysectomy for pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism in a dog

An 8.0-kg 8-year-old male dachshund was presented for surgical treatment of suspected pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism with portal vein thrombosis. Advanced diagnostic imaging revealed a thrombus in the splenic and portal veins. For the portal vein thrombus, CT angiography showed an enhanced timing delay in the lateral right and caudate liver lobes. Blood tests showed a marked increase in the liver panel, including total bile acid. Brain MRI revealed a pituitary mass, suggesting pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism. The mass was completely resected. The preoperative antithrombotic therapy of rivaroxaban (0.66 mg/kg, PO, once per day) and clopidogrel sulphate (1.66 mg/kg, PO, once per day) was continued postoperatively. Six months after resection of the pituitary mass, the thrombus had disappeared. Further studies are required to prove a causal association between the disappearance of the thrombus and the treatments provided.

Effect of real-time remote-based cardiac rehabilitation on subjective satisfaction and objective performance during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic

Background

Real-time remote-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programmes improve exercise capacity. However, satisfaction and performance improvements after remote-based CR remain unclear. In addition to physical function, subjective satisfaction and objective performance may be adversely affected during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Purpose

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of real-time remote-based CR versus hospital-based CR in improving physical function, subjective satisfaction, and objective performance (i.e., activity limitations and participation restrictions).

Methods

We conducted a quasi-randomised controlled trial and recruited 38 patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The patients participated in 4 weeks of hospital-based CR, followed by 12 weeks of remote or hospital-based CR based on quasi-randomised allocation. We assessed the participants at baseline and after 12 weeks of remote or hospital-based CR using the shortened version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life scale (WHOQOL-BREF) for subjective satisfaction, the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0) for objective performance, and peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2) using the cardiopulmonary exercise test, for physical function. We evaluated individual results by measuring baseline to post-CR changes (i.e., delta [Δ]) (paired t-test) and then compared the remote and hospital-based CR programmes (unpaired t-test).

Results

Sixteen patients (72.2±10.4 years) completed remote-based CR and fifteen patients (77.3±4.8 years) completed hospital-based CR. Seven patients were excluded owing to other health complications (n=2) and inability to attend hospital based-CR (n=5). In the remote-based CR group, the peak VO2 (before: 12.0±2.7 mL min^–1 kg^–1; after: 14.9±3.9 mL min^–1 kg^–1; p<0.05) and the WHOQOL-BREF score (before: 77.4±12.8 points; after: 93.9±12.9 points; p<0.001) were significantly higher, whereas the WHODAS 2.0 score was significantly lower (before: 19.9±13.2 points; after: 11.3±6.8 points; p<0.05) after rehabilitation than at baseline. The post-CR physical function differed significantly between the two groups (Δpeak VO2, remote: 2.8±3.0 mL min^–1 kg^–1; hospital: 0.84±1.8 mL min^–1 kg^–1; p<0.05). The post-CR change in the WHOQOL-BREF score was not significantly different between the groups. The post-CR change in the WHODAS 2.0 score was significantly lower in the remote-based CR group than in the hospital-based CR group. (ΔWHODAS 2.0 score, remote: –8.56±14.2 points; hospital: 2.14±7.6 points; p<0.01).

Conclusions

Remote-based CR significantly improved physical function and objective performance in patients with CVD. Remote-based CR could be an effective treatment for stable patients who are unable to visit the hospital during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. In the future, risk stratification according to severity of illness is needed.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Sanei Medicis company.

PREMATURE MENOPAUSE AND OBESITY DUE TO OOCYTE LOSS IN FEMALE MICE CHRONICALLY EXPOSED TO LOW DOSE-RATE γ-RAYS

In previous reports, the authors showed a significant overall increase in neoplasms originating from the ovaries (2007) and increased body weights (2007, 2010) in female B6C3F1 mice chronically exposed to low dose-rate γ-rays at 20 mGy/day (total doses = 8 (2007) or 6 Gy (2010)), as well as significant increases in serum leptin, total cholesterol, adipose tissue deposits and liver lipid content (2010). The present study chronicles the progression of ovarian failure in relation to obesity and dyslipidemia in female B6C3F1 mice chronically exposed to low dose-rate of γ-rays from 9 to 43 weeks of age (total dose = 4.8 Gy). We monitored changes in body weights, estrus cycles, ovarian follicle counts, serum cholesterol and serum leptin. The number of mice with irregular estrus cycles and increased body weights (with increased fat deposits) significantly increased from 30-36 weeks of age. Depletion of oocytes in ovaries from irradiated mice at 30 weeks of age (accumulated dose = 3 Gy) was also observed. Findings suggest that obesity in female B6C3F1 mice continuously irradiated with low dose-rate of γ-rays at 20 mGy/day is a consequence of premature menopause due to radiation-induced oocyte depletion.

AB0095 CHARACTERISTICS OF TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR-ALPHA AND INTERLEUKIN-6-INDUCED OSTEOCLASTS IN PERIPHERAL BLOOD AND BONE TISSUE FROM PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background

We have previously reported that stimulation of mouse bone marrow–derived macrophages with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) induces differentiation of osteoclast-like cells having bone resorption ability1. Recently, we have shown that the combination of TNF-α and IL-6 can induce osteoclasts from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) via RANKL-independent pathways, and that there are functional differences between TNF-α and IL-6-induced osteoclasts (T6-OCs) and RANKL-induced, conventional osteoclasts (cOCs). In particular, the number of T6-OCs differentiated from PBMCs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) positively correlated with the modified total Sharp score (mTSS)2. On the other hands, no such correlation was observed between the number of cOCs from RA and mTSS.

Objectives

Objectives of this study were to compare the differentiational potential into T6-OCs of PBMCs from RA patients with those from healthy donors, to clarify mRNA and protein expressions of T6-OCs derived from PBMCs from patients with RA, and to identify tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP) positive multinuclear cells with the same characters as T6-OCs histologically in the sub-chondral bone tissues from patients with RA and osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

PBMCs and CD14+ monocytes derived from RA patients and healthy volunteers were stimulated with TNF-α and IL-6 or RANKL. Real-time quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence staining were used to measure expression levels of osteoclast-associated mRNA and protein. Consecutive sections of the proximal tibial bone tissue from patients with RA and OA (n=6 each) were stained by TRACP, and analyzed expression levels of osteoclast-associated molecules by immunohistochemistry.

Results

The number of T6-OCs differentiated from PBMCs in RA patients was significantly increased compared to that in healthy volunteers. Expression levels of RANK mRNA and protein were clearly up-regulated in cOCs differentiated from CD14+ monocytes and were down-regulated in T6-OCs. In contrast, expression levels of MMP-3 mRNA and protein were obviously up-regulated in T6-OCs and down-regulated in cOCs. Therefore, we believe T6-OCs and cOCs were differently identified on bone tissue as TRACP+RANK-/MMP-3+ cells and TRACP+RANK+/MMP-3- cells, respectively. The numbers of TRACP+ osteoclasts in subchondral cancellous bone were significantly increased in RA patients compared to those in OA patients. Interestingly, numerous TRACP+/RANK-/MMP-3+ osteoclasts were present in the subchondral bone from patients with RA, on the other hands, no such cells observed in OA patients.

Conclusion

The PBMCs of RA patients have definitely increased differentiation capacity into T6-OCs, which have potential of degrading chondral tissue. Additionally, cells having same characteristics with T6-OCs are observed in subchondral bone of patients with RA. These results suggest that novel T6-OCs may be involved in the pathogenic mechanisms of inflammatory bone destruction in patients with RA.

References

[1]Yokota K, Sato K, Miyazaki T, Kitaura H, Kayama H, Miyoshi F, Araki Y, Akiyama Y, Takeda K, Mimura T. Combination of Tumor Necrosis Factor α and Interleukin-6 Induces Mouse Osteoclast-like Cells With Bone Resorption Activity Both in Vitro and In Vivo. Arthritis & Rheumatology Jan;66(1):121-9, 2014.

[2]Yokota K, Sato K, Miyazaki T, Aizaki Y, Tanaka S, Sekikawa M, Kozu N, Kadono Y, Oda H, Mimura T. Characterization and Function of Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha and Interleukin-6-Induced Osteoclasts in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Arthritis & Rheumatology Jul;73(7):1145-1154, 2021.

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to H. Kajiyama and Y. Araki (Saitama Medical University) for helpful discussion.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

The cumulative incidence of and risk factors for morphometric severe vertebral fractures in Japanese men and women: the ROAD study third and fourth surveys

This population-based cohort study with a 3-year follow-up revealed that the annual incidence rates of vertebral fracture (VF) and severe VF (sVF) were 5.9%/year and 1.7%/year, respectively. The presence of mild VF at the baseline was a significant risk factor for incident sVF in participants without prevalent sVF.

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to estimate the incidence of morphometric vertebral fracture (VF) and severe VF (sVF) in men and women and clarify whether the presence of a mild VF (mVF) increases the risk of incident sVF.

METHODS

Data from the population-based cohort study, entitled the Research on Osteoarthritis/Osteoporosis Against Disability (ROAD) study, were analyzed. In total, 1190 participants aged ≥ 40 years (mean age, 65.0 ± 11.2) years completed whole-spine lateral radiography both at the third (2012-2013, baseline) and fourth surveys performed 3 years later (2015-2016, follow-up). VF was defined using Genant's semi-quantitative (SQ) method: VF as SQ ≥ 1, mVF as SQ = 1, and sVF as SQ ≥ 2. Cumulative incidence of VF and sVF was estimated. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate risk factors for incident sVF.

RESULTS

The baseline prevalence of mVF and sVF were 16.8% and 6.0%, respectively. The annual incidence rates of VF and sVF were 5.9%/year and 1.7%/year, respectively. The annual incidence rates of sVF in participants without prevalent VF, with prevalent mVF, and with prevalent sVF were 0.6%/year, 3.8%/year, and 11.7%/year (p < 0.001), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analyses in participants without prevalent sVF showed that the adjusted odds ratios for incident sVF were 4.12 [95% confident interval 1.85-9.16] and 4.53 [1.49-13.77] if the number of prevalent mVF at the baseline was 1 and ≥ 2, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The annual incidence rates of VF and sVF were 5.9%/year and 1.7%/year, respectively. The presence of prevalent mVF was an independent risk factor for incident sVF.

Hemodynamic Monitoring Using a Pulmonary Artery Catheter Versus the Vigileo/FloTrac System during Elective Cardiac Surgery Based on Real-world Data in Japan

BACKGROUND

The controversy concerning the benefits of pulmonary artery catheter (PAC)-based hemodynamic monitoring in cardiac surgeries has not been adequately addressed. This study aims to compare the all-cause mortality between the PAC with venous oxygen saturation monitoring and the Vigileo/FloTrac (FloTrac) system with central venous oxygen saturation monitoring in cardiac surgeries.

METHODS

This nationwide retrospective study includes adult patients who underwent elective cardiac surgeries between April 2010 and October 2014, based on the Japanese health insurance claims database. The main outcome was 30-day all-cause mortality. Propensity scores (PS) were used to adjust for the confounding factors. Treatment effects were estimated using multivariable logistic regression analysis, including PS.

RESULTS

A total of 5,838 patients were included in this study. The crude 30-day mortality rates were 2.4% (8/334) and 1.7% (96/5,504) in the FloTrac and PAC groups, respectively. After PS matching, the ORs for 30-day all-cause mortality, in-hospital mortality after PAC placement (vs. FloTrac) were 0.36 (95% CI: 0.05-2.37; p = 0.28) and 0.59 (95% CI: 0.16-2.20; p = 0.43), respectively. The amount of dobutamine was larger in the PAC group (281 ± 31 mg vs 155 ± 19 mg; p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the amounts of other inotropes, the volume of fluids, or blood transfusions.

CONCLUSIONS

The association between PAC (with venous oxygen saturation monitoring) and mortality in patients who underwent elective cardiac surgeries was unclear compared to FloTrac (with central venous oxygen saturation monitoring). Additional investigation is needed to evaluate the benefits of PAC-specific hemodynamic parameters in this population.

Pebbles and sand on asteroid (162173) Ryugu: In situ observation and particles returned to Earth

The Hayabusa2 spacecraft investigated the C-type (carbonaceous) asteroid (162173) Ryugu. The mission performed two landing operations to collect samples of surface and subsurface material, the latter exposed by an artificial impact. We present images of the second touchdown site, finding that ejecta from the impact crater was present at the sample location. Surface pebbles at both landing sites show morphological variations ranging from rugged to smooth, similar to Ryugu's boulders, and shapes from quasi-spherical to flattened. The samples were returned to Earth on 6 December 2020. We describe the morphology of >5 grams of returned pebbles and sand. Their diverse color, shape, and structure are consistent with the observed materials of Ryugu; we conclude that they are a representative sample of the asteroid.

Clinical implications of troponin-T elevations following TAVR

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Baseline and post-procedural elevations in serum troponin-T levels are associated with increased morbidity and mortality following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). However, the prognostic impact of change in serum troponin-T level following TAVR remains unknown.

Methods

Among the patients with severe aortic stenosis who underwent TAVR, those with baseline serum troponin-T level ≥51.5 ng/L were excluded. The impact of increases in serum troponin-T level to an abnormally high range (≥51.5 ng/L) following TAVR on 2-year cardiovascular death or heart failure readmissions was investigated.

Results

Among 189 included patients (median 86 years old, 28% men), serum troponin-T level increased in 79 patients following TAVR. An increase in serum troponin-T was associated with a higher rate of 30-day adverse events, predominantly due to pacemaker implantation for complete atrio-ventricular block, and a higher 2-year cumulative incidence of the primary endpoint (hazard ratio 3.97, 95% confidence interval 1.51-10.4, p = 0.005) adjusted for the use of balloon-expandable valve and post-TAVR pacemaker implantation (Figure 1).

Conclusion

Post-procedural increase in serum troponin-T level was associated with adverse clinical outcomes following TAVR. Abstract Figure. Cumulative incidence of endpoint

Asymbiotic mass production of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus clarus

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis is a mutually beneficial interaction between fungi and land plants and promotes global phosphate cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. AM fungi are recognised as obligate symbionts that require root colonisation to complete a life cycle involving the production of propagules, asexual spores. Recently, it has been shown that Rhizophagus irregularis can produce infection-competent secondary spores asymbiotically by adding a fatty acid, palmitoleic acid. Furthermore, asymbiotic growth can be supported using myristate as a carbon and energy source for their asymbiotic growth to increase fungal biomass. However, the spore production and the ability of these spores to colonise host roots were still limited compared to the co-culture of the fungus with plant roots. Here we show that a combination of two plant hormones, strigolactone and jasmonate, induces the production of a large number of infection-competent spores in asymbiotic cultures of Rhizophagus clarus HR1 in the presence of myristate and organic nitrogen. Inoculation of asymbiotically-generated spores promoted the growth of host plants, as observed for spores produced by symbiotic culture system. Our findings provide a foundation for the elucidation of hormonal control of the fungal life cycle and the development of inoculum production schemes.

Increased plasma drug concentration and decreased additional insulin secretion following oral administration of glimepiride in Spontaneously Diabetic Torii rats

We aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacological effects of glimepiride in the Spontaneously Diabetic Torii (SDT) rat, which is a non-obese model of type 2 diabetes. After oral administration of glimepiride (10 mg/kg), the maximum plasma concentrations and the area under the curve from 0 to 6 h of glimepiride in SDT rats were significantly higher than those in age-matched Sprague-Dawley rats. Whereas, additional insulin secretion following glimepiride treatment was markedly reduced in SDT rats. Thus, the SDT rat can be regarded as a model that reflects type 2 diabetes with reduced insulin secretory capacity. Our findings suggested that glimepiride could be ineffective in sever type 2 diabetic patients.

Effects of episodic slow slip on seismicity and stress near a subduction-zone megathrust

Slow slip phenomena deep in subduction zones reveal cyclic processes downdip of locked megathrusts. Here we analyze seismicity within a subducting oceanic slab, spanning ~50 major deep slow slip with tremor episodes over 17 years. Changes in rate, b-values, and stress orientations of in-slab seismicity are temporally associated with the episodes. Furthermore, although stress orientations in the slab below these slow slips may rotate slightly, in-slab orientations 20–50 km updip from there rotate farther, suggesting that previously-unrecognized transient slow slip occurs on the plate interface updip. We infer that fluid pressure propagates from slab to interface, promoting episodes of slow slip, which break mineral seals, allowing the pressure to propagate tens of km further updip along the interface where it promotes transient slow slips. The proposed methodology, based primarily on in-slab seismicity, may help monitor plate boundary conditions and slow slip phenomena, which can signal the beginning stages of megathrust earthquakes.

Large slow slip earthquakes and tremor occur in subduction zones near the locked megathrust. Combined analysis of changes in slab seismicity and stress field near the times of such slow slip events highlights the role of fluid in promoting slow slip.

Neurological outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest occurring in Tokyo train and subway stations

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to identify a relationship between the background environment, bystander and emergency medical services intervention, and favourable neurological outcomes (CPC1-2) one-month after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) occurred at Tokyo train and subway stations.

Methods

This retrospective observational study used OHCA data between 2014 and 2018 that occurred at train stations in Tokyo. The eligible 954 patients were analysed for correlation between background, time frame, and location. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate factors associated with CPC1-2 in patients with cardiogenic OHCA.

Results

A total of 886 OHCA cases, cardiogenic (n=562) and non-cardiogenic (n=324), met the inclusion criteria. Of the cardiogenic cases, 71.9% occurred at the platform and on-a-train. One-month CPC1-2 was achieved in 32.0% of cardiogenic OHCAs, which included 47.3% during morning rush hour, 24.7% during daytime hours, 40.2% during evening rush hour, and 20.5% during night-time/early morning hours. CPC1-2 had significant correlation with morning rush hour (adjusted odds ratio [AOR],4.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09–18.78), evening rush hour (AOR, 6.85; 95% CI, 1.51–31.15), public access defibrillation (AOR, 5.19; 95% CI, 1.38–19.51), and ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (AOR, 7.56; 95% CI, 1.35–42.43).

Conclusion

A total of 71.9% of cardiogenic OHCAs occurred at platforms and on trains. To improve neurological outcomes of OHCAs at stations, AED installations on train platforms are necessary. Additionally, using artificial intelligence-based platform monitoring for early detection of OHCAs and offering CPR training are required.