Cyberful—Virtual reality in arm and hand rehabilitation

Zusammenfassung Die Umsetzung der spezialisierten Nachbehandlung von Funktions- und Schmerzstörungen des Arms und der Hand ist eine Herausforderung. Im Rahmen eines Verbundprojekts des Bundesministeriums für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF) wurde ein Virtual-Reality(VR)-System entwickelt. Durch eine innovative, nichtinvasive, orts- und infrastrukturunabhängige Visualisierungstechnologie führt es hochspezialisierte, etablierte Therapieansätze wie geführte Bewegungsübungen, Motor Imagery und Spiegeltherapie für eine nahtlose, hochspezifische und erfolgreiche sensomotorische Rehabilitation zusammen. Neben Amputationen und Nervenverletzungen adressiert diese VR-Therapie gleichermaßen weitere traumatische sowie neurologische Funktions- und Sensibilitätsstörungen der oberen Extremität und damit verbundene Schmerzphänomene. Dieser Beitrag beleuchtet die Grundlagen des Systems, seine therapeutischen Anwendungen und das Potenzial dieser innovativen Technologie zur Verbesserung der gegenwärtigen sensomotorischen Rehabilitation und Lebensqualität von Betroffenen.Abstract The implementation of specialized follow-up treatment of functional disorders and associated pain of the arm and hand is a challenge. As part of a collaborative project funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), an innovative and noninvasive visualization technology was developed that is independent of the location and infrastructure. The virtual reality (VR) system NeuroXR integrates highly specialized and established treatment approaches, such as guided movement exercises, motor imagery and mirror therapy for successful seamless and highly specific sensorimotor rehabilitation. This VR treatment addresses not only amputations and nerve injuries but also other traumatic and neurological functional and sensory disorders of the upper extremities, along with associated pain phenomena. This article explores the fundamental principles of the system, its therapeutic applications and the potential of this innovative technology to improve current sensorimotor rehabilitation practices and improve the quality of life for affected individuals.Zusammenfassung Die Umsetzung der spezialisierten Nachbehandlung von Funktions- und Schmerzstörungen des Arms und der Hand ist eine Herausforderung. Im Rahmen eines Verbundprojekts des Bundesministeriums für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF) wurde ein Virtual-Reality(VR)-System entwickelt. Durch eine innovative, nichtinvasive, orts- und infrastrukturunabhängige Visualisierungstechnologie führt es hochspezialisierte, etablierte Therapieansätze wie geführte Bewegungsübungen, Motor Imagery und Spiegeltherapie für eine nahtlose, hochspezifische und erfolgreiche sensomotorische Rehabilitation zusammen. Neben Amputationen und Nervenverletzungen adressiert diese VR-Therapie gleichermaßen weitere traumatische sowie neurologische Funktions- und Sensibilitätsstörungen der oberen Extremität und damit verbundene Schmerzphänomene. Dieser Beitrag beleuchtet die Grundlagen des Systems, seine therapeutischen Anwendungen und das Potenzial dieser innovativen Technologie zur Verbesserung der gegenwärtigen sensomotorischen Rehabilitation und Lebensqualität von Betroffenen.Abstract The implementation of specialized follow-up treatment of functional disorders and associated pain of the arm and hand is a challenge. As part of a collaborative project funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), an innovative and noninvasive visualization technology was developed that is independent of the location and infrastructure. The virtual reality (VR) system NeuroXR integrates highly specialized and established treatment approaches, such as guided movement exercises, motor imagery and mirror therapy for successful seamless and highly specific sensorimotor rehabilitation. This VR treatment addresses not only amputations and nerve injuries but also other traumatic and neurological functional and sensory disorders of the upper extremities, along with associated pain phenomena. This article explores the fundamental principles of the system, its therapeutic applications and the potential of this innovative technology to improve current sensorimotor rehabilitation practices and improve the quality of life for affected individuals

Multi-modal dataset creation for federated learning with DICOM-structured reports

Abstract Purpose Federated training is often challenging on heterogeneous datasets due to divergent data storage options, inconsistent naming schemes, varied annotation procedures, and disparities in label quality. This is particularly evident in the emerging multi-modal learning paradigms, where dataset harmonization including a uniform data representation and filtering options are of paramount importance. Methods DICOM-structured reports enable the standardized linkage of arbitrary information beyond the imaging domain and can be used within Python deep learning pipelines with . Building on this, we developed an open platform for data integration with interactive filtering capabilities, thereby simplifying the process of creation of patient cohorts over several sites with consistent multi-modal data. Results In this study, we extend our prior work by showing its applicability to more and divergent data types, as well as streamlining datasets for federated training within an established consortium of eight university hospitals in Germany. We prove its concurrent filtering ability by creating harmonized multi-modal datasets across all locations for predicting the outcome after minimally invasive heart valve replacement. The data include imaging and waveform data (i.e., computed tomography images, electrocardiography scans) as well as annotations (i.e., calcification segmentations, and pointsets), and metadata (i.e., prostheses and pacemaker dependency). Conclusion Structured reports bridge the traditional gap between imaging systems and information systems. Utilizing the inherent DICOM reference system arbitrary data types can be queried concurrently to create meaningful cohorts for multi-centric data analysis. The graphical interface as well as example structured report templates are available at https://github.com/Cardio-AI/fl-multi-modal-dataset-creation .Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislaufforschung http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/100010447Klaus Tschira Stiftung http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100007316Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100002347Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/10000756

Spatio-temporal patterns and potential trade-offs in the promotion of aphid and seed predation in agroforestry systems

Abstract Agricultural intensification and simplification compromise biodiversity and can destabilize populations of important ecosystem service providers. By promoting invertebrate and vertebrate predators that deliver important ecosystem services such as pest and weed control, agroforestry systems may reconcile ecological benefits and agriculture productivity, making them a promising land-use system for the transition towards sustainable agriculture. However, the spatio-temporal regulation of ecosystem services and potential disservices provided by predators in agroforestry systems remains poorly studied. We compared aphid, weed seed, and crop seed predation in the crop rows between temperate alley cropping systems and open croplands without trees. In addition, we analyzed the extent to which effects of tree rows extended into the crop rows at two different time periods in spring. Aphid predation was higher at sampling locations close to the tree rows. Seed predation was spatially more variable but showed, similar to aphid predation, particularly low rates in open croplands. The distance-dependence of aphid and crop seed predation changed in magnitude across sampling periods, while weed seed predation was more temporally constant. Moreover, crop seeds were consumed nearly twice as much as weed seeds, indicating varying food preferences among invertebrate and vertebrate seed predators and a potential trade-off between ecosystem services and disservices. Our results suggest that alley cropping agroforestry benefits pest and weed control. However, differences in spatio-temporal patterns of aphid and seed predation indicate varying dependencies of different predator groups on the tree rows, while high crop seed predation suggests a concurrent promotion of a disservice. Our study emphasizes that understanding the spatial and temporal patterns of predation-related ecosystem services and disservices is needed to develop management practices promoting natural pest control and reducing the amount of plant protection products used in agriculture. Therefore, knowing how and when to support beneficial organisms and at the same time control pests is key for the development of sustainable agricultural systems.German Federal Ministry of Education and ResearchGeorg-August-Universität Göttingen http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/50110000338

Internal in-frame translation generates Cas11b, which is important for effective interference in an archaeal CRISPR-Cas system

CRISPR-Cas is a sophisticated defence system used by bacteria and archaea to fend off invaders. CRISPR-Cas systems vary in their Cas protein composition and have therefore been divided into different classes and types. Type I systems of bacteria have been shown to contain the small protein Cas11 as part of the interference complex known as Cascade. Here we show for the first time that an archaeal CRISPR-Cas type I-B system also contains a homolog of Cas11. The Cas11b protein, encoded by the cas8b gene in Haloferax volcanii , represents the first known case of an internal in-frame translation of an archaeal protein. Translation initiation at an internal methionine of the cas8b open reading frame results in synthesis of Cas11b. Cas11b is required for an effective CRISPR-Cas interference reaction, and in its absence fewer Cascade complexes are formed. Comparison of transcriptomes from wild type and a Cas11b-less strain shows that the depletion of Cas11b also results in differential transcript abundance of many genes, presumably affecting their regulation. Taken together, Cas11b is important for the defence reaction of the type I-B CRISPR-Cas system and seems to play an additional cellular role

Paradoxical combination of osteosclerosis and osteopenia in an adult woman with biallelic TNFRSF11A loss-of-function variants escaping nonsense-mediated decay

Abstract Osteoclasts are essential for bone resorption, playing a crucial role in skeletal development, homeostasis, and remodeling. Their differentiation depends on the RANK receptor encoded by the TNFRSF11A gene, with defects in this gene linked to osteoclast-poor sclerosing skeletal dysplasias. This report presents a 37-yr-old woman with normal height, valgus deformities that were treated surgically, frequent fractures, scoliosis, mildly elevated BMD, sclerotic diaphyseal bone, and metaphyseal widening. Initially suspected of having dysosteosclerosis, her diagnosis shifted toward Pyle disease due to the valgus deformity and prominent metaphyseal widening and translucency. Genetic analysis identified 2 pathogenic TNFRSF11A variants: a nonsense mutation c.1093G>T, p.(Glu365*) and a frameshift mutation c.1266_1268delinsCC, p.(Leu422Phefs*104). Thus, genetic and clinical assessment converged on the diagnosis of a mild form of dysosteosclerosis. Both mutations introduced premature stop codons but escaped complete nonsense-mediated decay, potentially permitting residual protein function. Analysis of patient-derived osteoclasts cultured on glass surfaces showed partial differentiation. However, in vitro resorptive function was strongly impaired, which was clinically reflected by reduced serum concentration of the bone resorption marker CTx. Despite this impairment, the retained residual resorptive function likely explains the patient’s relatively mild clinical presentation. These findings underscore the complex genetic interactions that affect osteoclast function, leading to a spectrum of phenotypes in osteoclast-related bone disorders

Electric charge and salting in/out effects on glucagon's dipole moments and polarizabilities using the GruPol database

This work demonstrates the use of the GruPol database to predict the functional group dipole moments and polarizabilities of glucagon in the presence of NaCl, simulating an electric charge distribution on the protein's backbone. A new feature of the database allows for the inclusion of ions on the protein backbone, effectively simulating a protein salt and predicting the impact on electrical properties. Glucagon was selected as a proof-of-concept molecule due to its relatively small chain, which enabled benchmarking against quantum mechanical calculations. Firstly, we simulated 70 different ionic configurations, varying the number of Na + and Cl − ions from zero to four NaCl moieties. Additionally, we investigated the effects of solvation under two distinct conditions: one involving just the peptide and water, and the other also including NaCl at a concentration of approximately 4.2 mol L −1 . Regarding the ab initio results, GruPol showed good accuracy, with an angular direction error of around 10° and a 15% difference in the magnitude of the dipole moments. However, the error in polarizability values was higher, most likely due to the lack of an augmented basis set in the ab initio quantum calculations (M06-HF/cc-pVDZ). The database entries were generated using the same functional along with the aug-cc-pVDZ basis set. In solution, a high ionic concentration lowered the overall dipole moment, while the main components of polarizability increased.Infrastruktura PL-Grid https://doi.org/10.13039/501100011089Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais https://doi.org/10.13039/501100004901Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico https://doi.org/10.13039/50110000359

Optimization of sparse phenotyping strategy in multi-environmental trials in maize

Abstract Key message The relatedness between the genotypes of the training and the testing set using sparse phenotyping experiments helps optimize the line allocation by utilizing the relationship measurements to reduce cost without compromising the genetic gain. Abstract The phenotyping needs to be optimized and aims to achieve desired precision at low costs because selection decisions are mainly based on multi-environmental trials. Optimization of sparse phenotyping is possible in plant breeding by applying relationship measurements and genomic prediction. Our research utilized genomic data and relationship measurements between the training (full testing genotypes) and testing sets (sparse testing genotypes) to optimize the allocation of genotypes to subsets in sparse testing. Different sparse phenotyping designs were mimicked based on the percentage (%) of lines in the full set, the number of partially tested lines, the number of tested environments, and balanced and unbalanced methods for allocating the lines among the environments. The eight relationship measurements were utilized to calculate the relatedness between full and sparse set genotypes. The results demonstrate that balanced and allocating 50% of lines to the full set designs have shown a higher Pearson correlation in terms of accuracy measurements than assigning the 30% of lines to the full set and balanced sparse methods. By reducing untested environments per sparse set, results enhance the accuracy of measurements. The relationship measurements exhibit a low significant Pearson correlation ranging from 0.20 to 0.31 using the accuracy measurements in sparse phenotyping experiments. The positive Pearson correlation shows that the maximization of the accuracy measurements can be helpful to the optimization of the line allocation on sparse phenotyping designs

Ca2+-triggered (de)ubiquitination events in synapses

501100001659 German Research Foundatio

First application of three‐dimensional light sheet fluorescence microscopy to human testicular tumors: New perspectives in histopathology

Abstract Background Testicular tumors are among the most frequently diagnosed cancers in young men. The consequences of this diagnosis are orchiectomies, severely restricting fertility. For these young patients, a comprehensive diagnostics would be desirable, achieving a refined diagnosis and improved therapeutic patient stratification. Objective The aim of this study was to use three‐dimensional (3D) light sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) to analyze a complete testicular tumor punch at subcellular resolution—allowing a detailed diagnostic assessment of the entire punch. Materials and methods Tissue punches (3  and 5 mm diameter) were taken from paraffin blocks of four miscellaneous testicular tumors. After deparaffinization and clearing using benzoic acid/benzyl benzoate, a label‐free LSFM autofluorescence imaging was performed. In addition, TO‐PRO‐3 nuclear stain was applied to several punches. After the scan, the samples were embedded in paraffin again and physically sectioned for conventional planar histology. Results Based on the specific autofluorescence, not only the general morphology of the tumor tissue was identified in LSFM datasets, but also diagnostic features like infiltrations, papillary and pagetoid tumor cell formations, germ cell neoplasia in situ and azoospermia. Subcellular characteristics such as vacuolated cytoplasm and pleomorphic nuclei could be detected at maximum magnification. After nuclear staining, virtual H&E sections were reconstructed from the LSFM data and tomographically visualized across the entire punch. Subsequent histology and immunohistochemistry after LSFM analyses is possible. Discussion LSFM analysis of testicular tumors enables the detailed 2D/3D analysis of an entire tumor punch for assessment of relevant tumor characteristics due to its intrinsic fluorescence or with specific nuclear staining. Conclusion LSFM provides the technical basis for the analyses of complete testicular tumor biopsies, thus maximizing the spatial morphological and anatomical information. The subcellular 3D imaging of the tumor has the potential to identify new cancer imaging biomarkers that have additional diagnostic and prognostic value for patients.Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft https://doi.org/10.13039/501100001659Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft https://doi.org/10.13039/50110000165