Mapping the Memory Structure of High-Knowledge Students: A Longitudinal Semantic Network Analysis.

Standard learning assessments like multiple-choice questions measure what students know but not how their knowledge is organized. Recent advances in cognitive network science provide quantitative tools for modeling the structure of semantic memory, revealing key learning mechanisms. In two studies, we examined the semantic memory networks of undergraduate students enrolled in an introductory psychology course. In Study 1, we administered a cumulative multiple-choice test of psychology knowledge, the Intro Psych Test, at the end of the course. To estimate semantic memory networks, we administered two verbal fluency tasks: domain-specific fluency (naming psychology concepts) and domain-general fluency (naming animals). Based on their performance on the Intro Psych Test, we categorized students into a high-knowledge or low-knowledge group, and compared their semantic memory networks. Study 1 (N = 213) found that the high-knowledge group had semantic memory networks that were more clustered, with shorter distances between concepts-across both the domain-specific (psychology) and domain-general (animal) categories-compared to the low-knowledge group. In Study 2 (N = 145), we replicated and extended these findings in a longitudinal study, collecting data near the start and end of the semester. In addition to replicating Study 1, we found the semantic memory networks of high-knowledge students became more interconnected over time, across both domain-general and domain-specific categories. These findings suggest that successful learners show a distinct semantic memory organization-characterized by high connectivity and short path distances between concepts-highlighting the utility of cognitive network science for studying variation in student learning.

Metabolic blood profile and response to treatment with the pyruvate kinase activator mitapivat in patients with sickle cell disease.

Mitapivat is an investigational, oral, small-molecule allosteric activator of pyruvate kinase (PK). PK is a regulatory glycolytic enzyme that is key in providing the red blood cell (RBC) with sufficient amounts of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). In sickle cell disease (SCD), decreased 2,3-DPG levels increase the oxygen affinity of hemoglobin, thereby preventing deoxygenation and polymerization of sickle hemoglobin. The PK activator mitapivat has been shown to decrease levels of 2,3-DPG and increase levels of ATP in RBCs in patients with SCD. In this phase 2, investigator-initiated, open-label study (https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ NL8517; EudraCT 2019-003438-18), untargeted metabolomics was used to explore the overall metabolic effects of 8-week treatment with mitapivat in the dose-finding period. In total, 1773 unique metabolites were identified in dried blood spots of whole blood from ten patients with SCD and 42 healthy controls (HCs). The metabolic phenotype of patients with SCD revealed alterations in 139/1773 (7.8%) metabolites at baseline when compared to HCs (false discovery rate-adjusted p < 0.05), including increases of (derivatives of) polyamines, purines, and acyl carnitines. Eight-week treatment with mitapivat in nine patients with SCD altered 85/1773 (4.8%) of the total metabolites and 18/139 (12.9%) of the previously identified altered metabolites in SCD (unadjusted p < 0.05). Effects were observed on a broad spectrum of metabolites and were not limited to glycolytic intermediates. Our results show the relevance of metabolic profiling in SCD, not only to unravel potential pathophysiological pathways and biomarkers in multisystem diseases but also to determine the effect of treatment.

Phylobook: a tool for display, clade annotation and extraction of sequences from molecular phylogenies.

As the volume of sequence data from variable pathogens increases, means of analyzing, annotating and extracting specific taxa for study becomes more difficult. To meet these challenges for datasets with hundreds to thousands of taxa, 'Phylobook' was developed. Starting with a sequence alignment file, Phylobook generates and displays phylogenetic trees adjacent to highlighter plots showing the position of mutations, and allows the user to identify lineages and recombinants, annotate and export selected subsets of sequences for downstream analysis. Accurate lineage assignment, which is difficult to automate, is aided using annotations created by different clustering methods. Phylobook provides web-based display combined with automated clustering and manual editing to allow for expert assessment and correction of lineage assignments and extraction for downstream analysis.

Predictive performance of pharmacokinetic-guided prophylactic dosing of factor concentrates in hemophilia A and B.

Background: Pharmacokinetic (PK)-guided dosing is used to individualize factor (F)VIII and FIX replacement therapy. Objectives: This study investigates the reliability and feasibility of PK-guided prophylactic dosing of factor concentrates in hemophilia A and B. Methods: In this multicenter, prospective cohort study, people of all ages with hemophilia received prophylactic treatment with factor concentrates based on individual PK parameters. During follow-up, at least 4 measured FVIII/FIX levels per patient were compared with corresponding predicted levels obtained by Bayesian forecasting. Predictive performance was defined as adequate when ≥80% of measured FVIII/FIX levels were within ±25% of prediction (relative error). Additionally, mean absolute error and mean error were calculated. In post hoc analyses, predictive performance was assessed allowing maximum absolute errors of 1 (trough), 5 (mid), and 15 (peak) IU/dL. Five-point scale questionnaires addressed feasibility of PK guidance. Results: We included 50 patients (median age, 19 years; range: 2-72 years). Median follow-up was 36 weeks. Seventy-one percent of levels (58% trough, 83% mid, and 80% peak) were within ±25% of prediction. Mean absolute errors were 0.8 (trough), 2.0 (mid), and 8.6 (peak) IU/dL. In post hoc analyses, 81% (trough), 96% (mid), and 82% (peak) of levels were within set limits. Patients reported low burden and high satisfaction. Conclusion: PK-guided dosing was reliable according to post hoc analyses, based on low absolute errors that were regarded as clinically irrelevant in most cases. The predefined predictive performance was achieved in mid and peak factor levels but not in trough factor levels due to measurement inaccuracy. PK guidance also seemed feasible.

Navigating the challenges: a case report on managing a complicated postpartum course in type 3 von Willebrand disease with alloantibodies.

Background: Von Willebrand disease (VWD) type 3 is characterized by a complete deficiency of von Willebrand factor (VWF), resulting in a severe bleeding phenotype. Treatment often requires administration of VWF concentrates/factor (F)VIII. However, the development of alloantibodies is a rare complication, resulting in ineffective recovery and allergic reactions. Emicizumab, a bispecific antibody mimicking FVIII function, has emerged as a potential alternative, with promising results reported in several case reports. Key Clinical Question: Description of multiple approaches to control highly severe postpartum hemorrhage in type 3 VWD with alloantibodies, including off-label use of emicizumab. Clinical Approach: Here we present a 28-year-old patient with type 3 VWD and alloantibodies, known to have arthropathy of the right elbow. Previous immune tolerance induction was unsuccessful. Despite receiving negative pregnancy advice during preconception counseling, the patient became pregnant. Delivery was induced at 38 4/7 weeks with prostaglandin, and recombinant FVIIa (rFVIIa) was administered every 2 hours. Despite administration of rFVIIa, bleeding persisted, requiring manual placental removal and insertion of a Bakri balloon. Since bleeding persisted, plasma-derived VWF was administered with an initial excellent recovery and successful embolization of the uterine artery. Twelve days postpartum, she developed endometritis and recurrent vaginal bleeding treated with antibiotics, rFVIIa every 2 hours, and multiple erythrocyte transfusions. Plasma-derived VWF was administered but was complicated by anaphylaxis and no recovery. Due to persistent vaginal bleeding, reembolization of uterine arteries was performed and off-label emicizumab was initiated. Twenty-nine days postpartum, she developed septic shock requiring an abdominal hysterectomy, again complicated by severe bleeding necessitating direct intraabdominal packing after rFVIIa. A computed tomography scan 9 days postsurgery revealed thrombosis in the left iliac vein and asymptomatic pulmonary embolisms. rFVIIa was stopped and prophylactic low-molecular-weight heparin was started. The patient was discharged 2 months after delivery on low-dose low-molecular-weight heparin, emicizumab, and antibiotics for an intra-abdominal abscess. During 2.5 years of emicizumab prophylaxis, she has had no rebleeding in her arthropathic right elbow. Conclusion: The current case emphasizes the postpartum clinical challenges of patients with type 3 VWD and alloantibodies. It underscores the potential role of emicizumab in maintaining hemostatic control.

Insights into the effects of Friedreich ataxia on the left ventricle using T1 mapping and late gadolinium enhancement.

BACKGROUND: The left ventricular (LV) changes which occur in Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) are incompletely understood. METHODS: Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging was performed using a 1.5T scanner in subjects with FRDA who are homozygous for an expansion of an intron 1 GAA repeat in the FXN gene. Standard measurements were performed of LV mass (LVM), LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) and LV ejection fraction (LVEF). Native T1 relaxation time and the extracellular volume fraction (ECV) were utilised as markers of left ventricular (LV) diffuse myocardial fibrosis and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) was utilised as a marker of LV replacement fibrosis. FRDA genetic severity was assessed using the shorter FXN GAA repeat length (GAA1). RESULTS: There were 93 subjects with FRDA (63 adults, 30 children, 54% males), 9 of whom had a reduced LVEF (<55%). A LVEDV below the normal range was present in 39%, a LVM above the normal range in 22%, and an increased LVM/LVEDV ratio in 89% subjects. In adults with a normal LVEF, there was an independent positive correlation of LVM with GAA1, and a negative correlation with age, but no similar relationships were seen in children. GAA1 was positively correlated with native T1 time in both adults and children, and with ECV in adults, all these associations independent of LVM and LVEDV. LGE was present in 21% of subjects, including both adults and children, and subjects with and without a reduced LVEF. None of GAA1, LVM or LVEDV were predictors of LGE. CONCLUSION: An association between diffuse interstitial LV myocardial fibrosis and genetic severity in FRDA was present independently of FRDA-related LV structural changes. Localised replacement fibrosis was found in a minority of subjects with FRDA and was not associated with LV structural change or FRDA genetic severity in subjects with a normal LVEF.

Limited value of testing for factor XIII and α2-antiplasmin deficiency in patients with a bleeding disorder of unknown cause.

INTRODUCTION: In patients with an increased bleeding tendency, extensive diagnostic blood testing is often performed. When results of tier 1 assays of primary haemostasis are normal, protocols recommend additional testing to rule out rare disorders including coagulation factor XIII (FXIII) and α2-antiplasmin (α2AP) deficiency. AIM: To evaluate the added diagnostic value of FXIII and α2AP levels in patients with a bleeding disorder of unknown cause (BDUC). METHODS: A retrospective monocentre cohort study between August 2011 and August 2023 was conducted. In all patients with bleeding tendencies and normal diagnostic tests for von Willebrand disease and platelet function, FXIII and α2AP were measured. RESULTS: We included 158 consecutive patients; mean ISTH-BAT scores were 8.2 (SD ± 3.7) in children, 6.2 (SD ± 2.1) in men and 10.6 (SD ± 3.3) in women. Median age was 37 (range 5-79) years, 88.6% of patients were female. Patients displayed median FXIII activity of 111% (IQR = 97-131) and median α2AP activity of 112% (IQR = 103-119). Three (1.9%) patients had FXIII levels < 50%, respectively 43%, 45% and 46%. Corresponding ISTH-BAT scores were 7, 12 and 14. No α2AP levels < 60% was observed. No significant association was found between FXIII levels and ISTH-BAT scores. CONCLUSION: In our cohort of BDUC patients, no clinical relevant FXIII deficiencies were detected; absolute values were well above the 30% cutoff considered adequate for normal haemostasis. No α2AP deficiencies were detected. These data suggest that in BDUC patients, measuring FXIII or AP activity is of limited value.

Risk of meningomyelocele mediated by the common 22q11.2 deletion.

Meningomyelocele is one of the most severe forms of neural tube defects (NTDs) and the most frequent structural birth defect of the central nervous system. We assembled the Spina Bifida Sequencing Consortium to identify causes. Exome and genome sequencing of 715 parent-offspring trios identified six patients with chromosomal 22q11.2 deletions, suggesting a 23-fold increased risk compared with the general population. Furthermore, analysis of a separate 22q11.2 deletion cohort suggested a 12- to 15-fold increased NTD risk of meningomyelocele. The loss of Crkl, one of several neural tube-expressed genes within the minimal deletion interval, was sufficient to replicate NTDs in mice, where both penetrance and expressivity were exacerbated by maternal folate deficiency. Thus, the common 22q11.2 deletion confers substantial meningomyelocele risk, which is partially alleviated by folate supplementation.

Mood regulation as a shared basis for creativity and curiosity.

We extend the work of Ivancovsky et al. by proposing that in addition to novelty seeking, mood regulation goals - including enhancing positive mood and repairing negative mood - motivate both creativity and curiosity. Additionally, we discuss how the effects of mood on state of mind are context-dependent (not fixed), and how such flexibility may impact creativity and curiosity.

Spatial transcriptomics reveals segregation of tumor cell states in glioblastoma and marked immunosuppression within the perinecrotic niche.

Glioblastoma (GBM) remains an untreatable malignant tumor with poor patient outcomes, characterized by palisading necrosis and microvascular proliferation. While single-cell technology made it possible to characterize different lineage of glioma cells into neural progenitor-like (NPC-like), oligodendrocyte-progenitor-like (OPC-like), astrocyte-like (AC-like) and mesenchymal like (MES-like) states, it does not capture the spatial localization of these tumor cell states. Spatial transcriptomics empowers the study of the spatial organization of different cell types and tumor cell states and allows for the selection of regions of interest to investigate region-specific and cell-type-specific pathways. Here, we obtained paired 10x Chromium single-nuclei RNA-sequencing (snRNA-seq) and 10x Visium spatial transcriptomics data from three GBM patients to interrogate the GBM microenvironment. Integration of the snRNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics data reveals patterns of segregation of tumor cell states. For instance, OPC-like tumor and NPC-like tumor significantly segregate in two of the three samples. Our differentially expressed gene and pathway analyses uncovered significant pathways in functionally relevant niches. Specifically, perinecrotic regions were more immunosuppressive than the endogenous GBM microenvironment, and perivascular regions were more pro-inflammatory. Our gradient analysis suggests that OPC-like tumor cells tend to reside in areas closer to the tumor vasculature compared to tumor necrosis, which may reflect increased oxygen requirements for OPC-like cells. In summary, we characterized the localization of cell types and tumor cell states, the gene expression patterns, and pathways in different niches within the GBM microenvironment. Our results provide further evidence of the segregation of tumor cell states and highlight the immunosuppressive nature of the necrotic and perinecrotic niches in GBM.

Management of an older Marshall-Smith syndrome patient: a review of literature of MSS and craniosynostosis.

Marshall-Smith Syndrome (MSS) is a rare progressive developmental disorder that severely impairs a patient's intellectual development and physical health. The only known cause for MSS is a mutation in the nuclear factor 1 X (NFIX) gene. This mutation affects neuronal development and protein transcription. Historically, most patients with MSS do not survive beyond 3 years of age. Reports of ocular findings are limited. We report a case of a 9-year-old MSS patient with progressive craniosynostosis, elevated intracranial pressure, and catastrophic ocular complications. A comprehensive PubMed literature search from 2018 to August 2022 updating a previous review of older literature produced 72 articles relating to MSS, which are reviewed.

8-Cl-Ado and 8-NH2-Ado synergize with venetoclax to target the methionine-MAT2A-SAM axis in acute myeloid leukemia.

Targeting the metabolic dependencies of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells is a promising therapeutical strategy. In particular, the cysteine and methionine metabolism pathway (C/M) is significantly altered in AML cells compared to healthy blood cells. Moreover, methionine has been identified as one of the dominant amino acid dependencies of AML cells. Through RNA-seq, we found that the two nucleoside analogs 8-chloro-adenosine (8CA) and 8-amino-adenosine (8AA) significantly suppress the C/M pathway in AML cells, and methionine-adenosyltransferase-2A (MAT2A) is one of most significantly downregulated genes. Additionally, mass spectrometry analysis revealed that Venetoclax (VEN), a BCL-2 inhibitor recently approved by the FDA for AML treatment, significantly decreases the intracellular level of methionine in AML cells. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that combining 8CA or 8AA with VEN can efficiently target the Methionine-MAT2A-S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM) axis in AML. Our results demonstrate that VEN and 8CA/8AA synergistically decrease the SAM biosynthesis and effectively target AML cells both in vivo and in vitro. These findings suggest the promising potential of combining 8CA/8AA and VEN for AML treatment by inhibiting Methionine-MAT2A-SAM axis and provide a strong rationale for our recently activated clinical trial.

The spatially resolved transcriptome signatures of glomeruli in chronic kidney disease.

Here, we used digital spatial profiling (DSP) to describe the glomerular transcriptomic signatures that may characterize the complex molecular mechanisms underlying progressive kidney disease in Alport syndrome, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, and membranous nephropathy. Our results revealed significant transcriptional heterogeneity among diseased glomeruli, and this analysis showed that histologically similar glomeruli manifested different transcriptional profiles. Using glomerular pathology scores to establish an axis of progression, we identified molecular pathways with progressively decreased expression in response to increasing pathology scores, including signal recognition particle-dependent cotranslational protein targeting to membrane and selenocysteine synthesis pathways. We also identified a distinct signature of upregulated and downregulated genes common to all the diseases investigated when compared with nondiseased tissue from nephrectomies. These analyses using DSP at the single-glomerulus level could help to increase insight into the pathophysiology of kidney disease and possibly the identification of biomarkers of disease progression in glomerulopathies.

Incidental deep venous thrombosis diagnosed on lower extremity computed tomography is a rare but clinically impactful finding.

BACKGROUND: In the setting of a known thrombotic event, computed tomography (CT) studies provide reasonable sensitivity for the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). However, the incidence and accuracy of a DVT diagnosis on CT studies not targeted for the detection of DVT are not well described. In addition, the clinical impact of DVTs incidentally identified on CT is unknown. METHODS: In this single-institution retrospective study, we queried all contrasted CT studies of the lower extremities performed over a 10-year period. Regular expressions applied to the radiology reports associated with the CT studies identified studies with positive findings associated with DVT. These selected reports were then manually reviewed to confirm the presence of a DVT. Patient demographics and relevant medical and surgical history were obtained through a chart review. Follow-up information was obtained for 1 year after the incident CT and included treatment course, additional imaging, and adverse events. An incidental DVT was one identified in a patient in whom the DVT was not noted in a prior study and for whom the study indication did not include concern for DVT or pulmonary embolism. RESULTS: Of 16,637 lower extremity contrasted CT studies queried, 37 study reports identified a DVT. However, only 13 patients had a finding of an incidental DVT (10-year incidence of 0.08%). Among these 13 patients, 11 underwent additional imaging, including 9 who had a subsequent venous duplex and 2 who had subsequent CT studies. Among those with a subsequent duplex, DVT was not identified in eight cases, whereas in one case, DVT was confirmed. Among those with subsequent CT studies, DVT was not identified in one case and was confirmed in one case. Of the 13 patients with incidental DVTs, 3 were initiated on anticoagulation based on their initial CT findings alone. Among these, two did not experience any complications from their DVT or anticoagulation regimen. One did experience major bleeding complications, requiring additional procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Incidental DVTs are a rare finding in lower extremity CT studies, noted to occur in only 0.08% of studies. Most patients with incidental DVTs receive additional imaging, with negative findings in 80% of cases. This study identified that 23% of patients were initiated on anticoagulation due to the CT findings, with a 33% rate of significant complications. Currently, a CT venogram is not recommended as a first-line modality for the diagnosis of DVT. However, there is no guidance regarding the need for repeat imaging in patients with incidentally diagnosed lower extremity DVTs identified on CT. Additional study is needed to provide evidence for guideline development.

Intrinsic Lipid Curvature and Bilayer Elasticity as Regulators of Channel Function: A Comparative Single-Molecule Study.

Perturbations in bilayer material properties (thickness, lipid intrinsic curvature and elastic moduli) modulate the free energy difference between different membrane protein conformations, thereby leading to changes in the conformational preferences of bilayer-spanning proteins. To further explore the relative importance of curvature and elasticity in determining the changes in bilayer properties that underlie the modulation of channel function, we investigated how the micelle-forming amphiphiles Triton X-100, reduced Triton X-100 and the HII lipid phase promoter capsaicin modulate the function of alamethicin and gramicidin channels. Whether the amphiphile-induced changes in intrinsic curvature were negative or positive, amphiphile addition increased gramicidin channel appearance rates and lifetimes and stabilized the higher conductance states in alamethicin channels. When the intrinsic curvature was modulated by altering phospholipid head group interactions, however, maneuvers that promote a negative-going curvature stabilized the higher conductance states in alamethicin channels but destabilized gramicidin channels. Using gramicidin channels of different lengths to probe for changes in bilayer elasticity, we found that amphiphile adsorption increases bilayer elasticity, whereas altering head group interactions does not. We draw the following conclusions: first, confirming previous studies, both alamethicin and gramicidin channels are modulated by changes in lipid bilayer material properties, the changes occurring in parallel yet differing dependent on the property that is being changed; second, isolated, negative-going changes in curvature stabilize the higher current levels in alamethicin channels and destabilize gramicidin channels; third, increases in bilayer elasticity stabilize the higher current levels in alamethicin channels and stabilize gramicidin channels; and fourth, the energetic consequences of changes in elasticity tend to dominate over changes in curvature.

Efficacy of Installation of Temporary Bathing Transfer Aids by Older Adults.

Grab bars facilitate bathing and reduce the risk of falls during bathing. Suction cup handholds and rim-mounted tub rails are an alternative to grab bars. The objective of this study was to determine whether older adults could install handholds and tub rails effectively to support bathing transfers. Participants installed rim-mounted tub rails and suction cup handholds in a simulated bathroom environment. Installation location and mechanical loading performance were evaluated. Participant perceptions during device installation and a bathing transfer were characterized. While 85% of suction cup handholds met loading requirements, more than half of participants installed the suction cup handhold in an unexpected location based on existing guidance documents. No rim-mounted tub rails were successfully installed. Participants were confident that the devices had been installed effectively. Suction cup handholds and rim mounted tub rails are easy to install, but clients may need additional guidance regarding where, and how to install them.

Rapid response of thyroid eye disease, peripheral edema, and acropathy to teprotumumab infusion.

Purpose: We present a case of rapid improvement in symptoms of thyroid eye disease and amelioration of worsening peripheral edema and acropathy with infusion of teprotumumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor. Observations: A 66 year old female with history of Hashimoto thyroiditis developed progressive thyroid eye disease (TED), peripheral edema, and acropathy attributable to acute Graves disease. Her signs and symptoms, refractory to oral steroid and diuretic therapy, rapidly improved following a standard dosing regimen of teprotumumab (one infusion 10 mg/kg then seven infusions 20 mg/kg) to resolution. Conclusions & importance: Teprotumumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor, is the first medication approved by the FDA for use in TED. Teprotumumab may contribute to the treatment of extraocular manifestations of Graves disease, chief among these peripheral soft tissue manifestations.