Long‐Term Cognitive Outcome in Anti–N‐Methyl‐D‐Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis

Objective: Cognitive dysfunction is a core symptom of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis, but detailed studies on prevalence, characteristics of cognitive deficits, and the potential for recovery are missing. Here, we performed a prospective longitudinal study to assess cognitive long-term outcome and identify clinical predictors. Methods: Standardized comprehensive neuropsychological assessments were performed in 43 patients with NMDAR encephalitis 2.3 years and 4.9 years (median) after disease onset. Cognitive assessments covered executive function, working memory, verbal/visual episodic memory, attention, subjective complaints, and depression and anxiety levels. Cognitive performance of patients was compared to that of 30 healthy participants matched for age, sex, and education. Results: All patients had persistent cognitive deficits 2.3 years after onset, with moderate or severe impairment in >80% of patients. Core deficits included memory and executive function. After 4.9 years, significant improvement of cognitive function was observed, but moderate to severe deficits persisted in two thirds of patients, despite favorable functional neurological outcomes (median modified Rankin Scale = 1). Delayed treatment, higher disease severity, and longer duration of the acute phase were predictors for impaired cognitive outcome. The recovery process was time dependent, with greater gains earlier after the acute phase, although improvements were possible for several years after disease onset. Interpretation: Cognitive deficits are the main contributor to long-term morbidity in NMDAR encephalitis and persist beyond functional neurological recovery. Nonetheless, cognitive improvement is possible for several years after the acute phase and should be supported by continued cognitive rehabilitation. Cognition should be included as an outcome measure in future clinical studies

Long‐Term Cognitive Outcome in Anti–N‐Methyl‐D‐Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis

Objective Cognitive dysfunction is a core symptom of anti–N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis, but detailed studies on prevalence, characteristics of cognitive deficits, and the potential for recovery are missing. Here, we performed a prospective longitudinal study to assess cognitive long‐term outcome and identify clinical predictors. Methods Standardized comprehensive neuropsychological assessments were performed in 43 patients with NMDAR encephalitis 2.3 years and 4.9 years (median) after disease onset. Cognitive assessments covered executive function, working memory, verbal/visual episodic memory, attention, subjective complaints, and depression and anxiety levels. Cognitive performance of patients was compared to that of 30 healthy participants matched for age, sex, and education. Results All patients had persistent cognitive deficits 2.3 years after onset, with moderate or severe impairment in >80% of patients. Core deficits included memory and executive function. After 4.9 years, significant improvement of cognitive function was observed, but moderate to severe deficits persisted in two thirds of patients, despite favorable functional neurological outcomes (median modified Rankin Scale = 1). Delayed treatment, higher disease severity, and longer duration of the acute phase were predictors for impaired cognitive outcome. The recovery process was time dependent, with greater gains earlier after the acute phase, although improvements were possible for several years after disease onset. Interpretation Cognitive deficits are the main contributor to long‐term morbidity in NMDAR encephalitis and persist beyond functional neurological recovery. Nonetheless, cognitive improvement is possible for several years after the acute phase and should be supported by continued cognitive rehabilitation. Cognition should be included as an outcome measure in future clinical studies. ANN NEUROL 2021;90:949–961Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100002347Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100001659Peer Reviewe

OPTICAL DESIGN AND BREADBOARD OF THE RAMAN SPECTROMETER FOR MMX

This paper reports the laboratory confirmation of an optical design for a 0.2 numerical aperture confocal miniaturized, ruggedized Raman visible light spectroscope (RAX) to be borne by an autonomous rover landed on the martian moon, Phobos

A meta-analysis of genome-wide data from five European isolates reveals an association of COL22A1, SYT1, and GABRR2 with serum creatinine level

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Serum creatinine (S_CR) is the most important biomarker for a quick and non-invasive assessment of kidney function in population-based surveys. A substantial proportion of the inter-individual variability in S_CRlevel is explicable by genetic factors.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We performed a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies of S_CRundertaken in five population isolates ('discovery cohorts'), all of which are part of the European Special Population Network (EUROSPAN) project. Genes showing the strongest evidence for an association with S_CR(candidate loci) were replicated in two additional population-based samples ('replication cohorts').</p> <p>Results</p> <p>After the discovery meta-analysis, 29 loci were selected for replication. Association between S_CRlevel and polymorphisms in the collagen type XXII alpha 1 (<it>COL22A1</it>) gene, on chromosome 8, and in the synaptotagmin-1 (<it>SYT1</it>) gene, on chromosome 12, were successfully replicated in the replication cohorts (p value = 1.0 × 10^-6and 1.7 × 10^-4, respectively). Evidence of association was also found for polymorphisms in a locus including the gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor rho-2 (<it>GABRR2</it>) gene and the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2-J1 (<it>UBE2J1</it>) gene (replication p value = 3.6 × 10^-3). Previously reported findings, associating glomerular filtration rate with SNPs in the uromodulin (<it>UMOD</it>) gene and in the schroom family member 3 (<it>SCHROOM3</it>) gene were also replicated.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>While confirming earlier results, our study provides new insights in the understanding of the genetic basis of serum creatinine regulatory processes. In particular, the association with the genes <it>SYT1 </it>and <it>GABRR2 </it>corroborate previous findings that highlighted a possible role of the neurotransmitters GABA_Areceptors in the regulation of the glomerular basement membrane and a possible interaction between GABA_Areceptors and synaptotagmin-I at the podocyte level.</p

Entrepreneurs’ achieved success: developing a multi-faceted measure

Firm performance is typically measured via objective financial indicators. However, researchers increasingly acknowledge that entrepreneurs do not measure their success solely in financial terms but that a range of often subjective indicators matter to them. This article contributes to the debate on entrepreneurial performance by studying how entrepreneurs assess their achieved success. ‘Entrepreneurs’ achieved success’ was conceptualized as a multi-faceted construct that includes entrepreneurs’ self-reported achievement of firm performance, workplace relationships, personal fulfilment, community impact, and personal financial rewards. It was measured via the Subjective Entrepreneurial Success–Achievement Scale (SES-AS). Over the course of three studies (N = 390) the factorial structure of ‘entrepreneurs’ achieved success’ was established and largely replicated in two cultures. Based on a nomological network, we documented relationships among ‘entrepreneurs’ achieved success’, quasi-objective indicators of firm performance, and entrepreneurs’ financial satisfaction, creativity, and health. Based on our research, we propose a new conceptual framework to study performance in the context of entrepreneurship. This framework acknowledges both the success criteria that entrepreneurs wish to achieve and those that they actually achieve, and extends our understanding of firm performance

RAX: The Raman Spectrometer for the MMX Phobos Rover

We present the Raman Spectrometer onboard JAXA’s Martian Moons Exploration (MMX) mission. As part of the MMX Rover, the RAX instrument is built to measure and identify the surface mineralogy of Phobos. This is realized by acquiring Raman spectra in-situ, surveying the geology beneath the Rover body. The RAX data supports the MMX top-level science by providing ground truth information of Phobos, complementary to the samples returned to Earth by the MMX spacecraft. RAX is a very lightweight and highly compact Raman spectrometer with a mass of 1.5 kg and a volume of only approximately 1 dm³. The spectrometer is equipped with a miniaturized and highly sensitive optical assembly, that allows for measuring rather weak Raman signals and enables the identification of water-bearing minerals. The Raman excitation (λ = 532 nm) is realized via a separate laser module based on the Raman Laser Spectrometer (RLS) laser developed for the ExoMars2022 mission. In order to focus the laser onto the Phobos ground below the Rover, the spectrometer includes an autofocus mechanism. The RAX instrument covers a spectral range of 535 to 680 nm, corresponding to a Raman shift of approximately 90 to 4000 cm−1. The spectral resolution over the whole spectral range is about 10 cm−1. This paper presents the design and development of the RAX instrument. The optical performance of the spectrometer is demonstrated using Raman spectra recorded on the physical hardware models. The RAX flight model has been delivered to the MMX Phobos Rover in August 2022. The MMX mission is to be launched in 2024. First RAX data obtained from Phobos are expected in 2027. The RAX instrument is a joint contribution by the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aerospacial (INTA) and JAXA

Towards Martian Moons Exploration: micro-Raman and VIS-MIR reflection spectroscopy of the Phobos surface simulants

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)’ Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) remote sensing, robotic and sample return mission, scheduled to be launched in 2024 and to return in 2029, will have a strong focus on studying Phobos, including close-up surface analysis and collecting samples for Earth return. A rover, provided by CNES and DLR, will be deployed to Phobos. Its payload includes the Raman spectrometer (RAX) for in-situ characterization of the surface composition. Characterization of payload instrumentation by measurements of planetary simulants is a crucial test for performance and prediction of scientific yield. Controversial conclusions on similarity of infrared reflection and imaging of Phobos to those of low-albedo asteroids imply that combined optical spectroscopy studies will prepare a set of possible clues shortly before the MMX mission. Different Phobos simulants were selected and have been used for Raman and broad range (visible-to-mid-infrared) reflection spectroscopy in order to provide critical parameters on detectivity of mineral phases in the sample matrix as well as to compare the close-up spectroscopy with the known remote sensing of Phobos surface by previous Earth-based observatories and planetary missions