Changing memories by interference: the effect of emotional dimensions in reconsolidation of episodic memories

Episodes with an emotional component preoccupy memory formation and this advantage facilitates their preservation and mitigates the impact of interfering episodes. The present study examined the relation of the emotional dimensions of original and interfering episodes to the memory outcome, using a reconsolidation paradigm. In a between-subjects design, 102 healthy young adults were presented with an emotional or neutral image and learned either an emotional or neutral story, respectively (day 1). On day 2, experimental groups were presented with an image of the opposite emotionality, reactivated the original story, and learned a story of the opposite emotionality. On day 3, experimental and control groups were tested for their memory on target and filler clues of the original story and rated both stories for arousal and valence. Overall, there was evidence of interference on the long-term retention of target clues only for the neutral story (i.e. when the interfering story was emotional), and of filler clues for both types of stories. Moreover, individual target clue retention rates correlated with the arousal ratings for both the original neutral story and the interfering emotional story, while they were not related to arousal ratings for the original emotional story or the interfering neutral one

Challenges in the Multivariate Analysis of Mass Cytometry Data: The Effect of Randomization

Cytometry by time-of-flight (CyTOF) has emerged as a high-throughput single cell technology able to provide large samples of protein readouts. Already, there exists a large pool of advanced high-dimensional analysis algorithms that explore the observed heterogeneous distributions making intriguing biological inferences. A fact largely overlooked by these methods, however, is the effect of the established data preprocessing pipeline to the distributions of the measured quantities. In this article, we focus on randomization, a transformation used for improving data visualization, which can negatively affect multivariate data analysis methods such as dimensionality reduction, clustering, and network reconstruction algorithms. Our results indicate that randomization should be used only for visualization purposes, but not in conjunction with high-dimensional analytical tools

Vulnerability and Protective Factors for PTSD and Depression Symptoms Among Healthcare Workers During COVID-19: A Machine Learning Approach

Background: Healthcare workers are at high risk for developing mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is an urgent need to identify vulnerability and protective factors related to the severity of psychiatric symptoms among healthcare workers to implement targeted prevention and intervention programs to reduce the mental health burden worldwide during COVID-19. // Objective: The present study aimed to apply a machine learning approach to predict depression and PTSD symptoms based on psychometric questions that assessed: (1) the level of stress due to being isolated from one's family; (2) professional recognition before and during the pandemic; and (3) altruistic acceptance of risk during the COVID-19 pandemic among healthcare workers. // Methods: A total of 437 healthcare workers who experienced some level of isolation at the time of the pandemic participated in the study. Data were collected using a web survey conducted between June 12, 2020, and September 19, 2020. We trained two regression models to predict PTSD and depression symptoms. Pattern regression analyses consisted of a linear epsilon-insensitive support vector machine (ε-SVM). Predicted and actual clinical scores were compared using Pearson's correlation coefficient (r), the coefficient of determination (r2), and the normalized mean squared error (NMSE) to evaluate the model performance. A permutation test was applied to estimate significance levels. // Results: Results were significant using two different cross-validation strategies to significantly decode both PTSD and depression symptoms. For all of the models, the stress due to social isolation and professional recognition were the variables with the greatest contributions to the predictive function. Interestingly, professional recognition had a negative predictive value, indicating an inverse relationship with PTSD and depression symptoms. // Conclusions: Our findings emphasize the protective role of professional recognition and the vulnerability role of the level of stress due to social isolation in the severity of posttraumatic stress and depression symptoms. The insights gleaned from the current study will advance efforts in terms of intervention programs and public health messaging

Computational modelling of EEG and fMRI paradigms indicates a consistent loss of pyramidal cell synaptic gain in schizophrenia

Background Diminished synaptic gain – the sensitivity of postsynaptic responses to neural inputs – may be a fundamental synaptic pathology in schizophrenia. Evidence for this is indirect, however. Furthermore, it is unclear whether pyramidal cells or interneurons (or both) are affected, or how these deficits relate to symptoms. Methods Participants with schizophrenia diagnoses (PScz, n=108), their relatives (n=57), and controls (n=107) underwent three electroencephalography (EEG) paradigms – resting, mismatch negativity, and 40 Hz auditory steady-state response – and resting functional magnetic resonance imaging. Dynamic causal modelling was used to quantify synaptic connectivity in cortical microcircuits. Results Classic group differences in EEG features between PScz and controls were replicated, including increased theta and other spectral changes (resting EEG), reduced mismatch negativity, and reduced 40 Hz power. Across all four paradigms, characteristic PScz data features were all best explained by models with greater self-inhibition (decreased synaptic gain), in pyramidal cells. Furthermore, disinhibition in auditory areas predicted abnormal auditory perception (and positive symptoms) in PScz, in three paradigms. Conclusions First, characteristic EEG changes in PScz in three classic paradigms are all attributable to the same underlying parameter change: greater self-inhibition in pyramidal cells. Second, psychotic symptoms in PScz relate to disinhibition in neural circuits. These findings are more commensurate with the hypothesis that in PScz, a primary loss of synaptic gain on pyramidal cells is then compensated by interneuron downregulation (rather than the converse). They further suggest that psychotic symptoms relate to this secondary downregulation

Computational Modeling of Electroencephalography and Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Paradigms Indicates a Consistent Loss of Pyramidal Cell Synaptic Gain in Schizophrenia

BACKGROUND: Diminished synaptic gain-the sensitivity of postsynaptic responses to neural inputs-may be a fundamental synaptic pathology in schizophrenia. Evidence for this is indirect, however. Furthermore, it is unclear whether pyramidal cells or interneurons (or both) are affected, or how these deficits relate to symptoms. METHODS: People with schizophrenia diagnoses (PScz) (n = 108), their relatives (n = 57), and control subjects (n = 107) underwent 3 electroencephalography (EEG) paradigms-resting, mismatch negativity, and 40-Hz auditory steady-state response-and resting functional magnetic resonance imaging. Dynamic causal modeling was used to quantify synaptic connectivity in cortical microcircuits. RESULTS: Classic group differences in EEG features between PScz and control subjects were replicated, including increased theta and other spectral changes (resting EEG), reduced mismatch negativity, and reduced 40-Hz power. Across all 4 paradigms, characteristic PScz data features were all best explained by models with greater self-inhibition (decreased synaptic gain) in pyramidal cells. Furthermore, disinhibition in auditory areas predicted abnormal auditory perception (and positive symptoms) in PScz in 3 paradigms. CONCLUSIONS: First, characteristic EEG changes in PScz in 3 classic paradigms are all attributable to the same underlying parameter change: greater self-inhibition in pyramidal cells. Second, psychotic symptoms in PScz relate to disinhibition in neural circuits. These findings are more commensurate with the hypothesis that in PScz, a primary loss of synaptic gain on pyramidal cells is then compensated by interneuron downregulation (rather than the converse). They further suggest that psychotic symptoms relate to this secondary downregulation

Elective cancer surgery in COVID-19-free surgical pathways during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: An international, multicenter, comparative cohort study

PURPOSE As cancer surgery restarts after the first COVID-19 wave, health care providers urgently require data to determine where elective surgery is best performed. This study aimed to determine whether COVID-19–free surgical pathways were associated with lower postoperative pulmonary complication rates compared with hospitals with no defined pathway. PATIENTS AND METHODS This international, multicenter cohort study included patients who underwent elective surgery for 10 solid cancer types without preoperative suspicion of SARS-CoV-2. Participating hospitals included patients from local emergence of SARS-CoV-2 until April 19, 2020. At the time of surgery, hospitals were defined as having a COVID-19–free surgical pathway (complete segregation of the operating theater, critical care, and inpatient ward areas) or no defined pathway (incomplete or no segregation, areas shared with patients with COVID-19). The primary outcome was 30-day postoperative pulmonary complications (pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, unexpected ventilation). RESULTS Of 9,171 patients from 447 hospitals in 55 countries, 2,481 were operated on in COVID-19–free surgical pathways. Patients who underwent surgery within COVID-19–free surgical pathways were younger with fewer comorbidities than those in hospitals with no defined pathway but with similar proportions of major surgery. After adjustment, pulmonary complication rates were lower with COVID-19–free surgical pathways (2.2% v 4.9%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.62; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.86). This was consistent in sensitivity analyses for low-risk patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists grade 1/2), propensity score–matched models, and patients with negative SARS-CoV-2 preoperative tests. The postoperative SARS-CoV-2 infection rate was also lower in COVID-19–free surgical pathways (2.1% v 3.6%; aOR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.76). CONCLUSION Within available resources, dedicated COVID-19–free surgical pathways should be established to provide safe elective cancer surgery during current and before future SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks

Elective Cancer Surgery in COVID-19-Free Surgical Pathways During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: An International, Multicenter, Comparative Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: As cancer surgery restarts after the first COVID-19 wave, health care providers urgently require data to determine where elective surgery is best performed. This study aimed to determine whether COVID-19-free surgical pathways were associated with lower postoperative pulmonary complication rates compared with hospitals with no defined pathway. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This international, multicenter cohort study included patients who underwent elective surgery for 10 solid cancer types without preoperative suspicion of SARS-CoV-2. Participating hospitals included patients from local emergence of SARS-CoV-2 until April 19, 2020. At the time of surgery, hospitals were defined as having a COVID-19-free surgical pathway (complete segregation of the operating theater, critical care, and inpatient ward areas) or no defined pathway (incomplete or no segregation, areas shared with patients with COVID-19). The primary outcome was 30-day postoperative pulmonary complications (pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, unexpected ventilation). RESULTS: Of 9,171 patients from 447 hospitals in 55 countries, 2,481 were operated on in COVID-19-free surgical pathways. Patients who underwent surgery within COVID-19-free surgical pathways were younger with fewer comorbidities than those in hospitals with no defined pathway but with similar proportions of major surgery. After adjustment, pulmonary complication rates were lower with COVID-19-free surgical pathways (2.2% v 4.9%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.62; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.86). This was consistent in sensitivity analyses for low-risk patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists grade 1/2), propensity score-matched models, and patients with negative SARS-CoV-2 preoperative tests. The postoperative SARS-CoV-2 infection rate was also lower in COVID-19-free surgical pathways (2.1% v 3.6%; aOR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.76). CONCLUSION: Within available resources, dedicated COVID-19-free surgical pathways should be established to provide safe elective cancer surgery during current and before future SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks

Outcomes from elective colorectal cancer surgery during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

This study aimed to describe the change in surgical practice and the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on mortality after surgical resection of colorectal cancer during the initial phases of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

Alveolar ridge alterations in the maxillary anterior region after tooth extraction through orthodontic forced eruption for implant site development: a clinical CBCT study

Objective: To investigate the effects of orthodontic forced eruption (OFE) with the straight-wire appliance in the dimensions of the alveolar process when used for extracting compromised maxillary anterior teeth and implant site development. Material and methods: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 7 patients needing extraction of 17 maxillary anterior teeth were obtained before and immediately after OFE. Alveolar plate height and thickness measurements were performed on the buccal and palatal socket walls in CBCT sagittal cross sections. Statistical analysis included sample size calculation, paired t-test, and Wilcoxon test to evaluate alveolar plate dimensional changes and linear regression analysis to assess whether bone changes and the feasibility of implant insertion were associated to tooth type and root length, baseline alveolar plate thickness, and age. Results: OFE caused statistically significant reduction of the buccal alveolar plate height (1.95 ± 1.83 mm) and significant increase of the palatal alveolar plate height (1.31 ± 2.41 mm) in the central tooth socket areas. Buccal reduction was associated positively to the baseline root length and negatively to the thickness of the corresponding plate in the apical level. A non-significant increase was noted in both buccal (0.23 ± 0.93 mm) and palatal (0.63 ± 1.59 mm) proximal bone. Inadequate buccal bone support hindered immediate implant placement in six sockets; however, all inserted implants showed adequate and gradually increasing stability from insertion to final restoration. Conclusions: OFE resulted in favourable increase in the heights of the palatal and proximal alveolar bone and significant reduction in the buccal plate height, which inhibited implant placement in 35% of the treated sockets

Predictive significance of preoperative serum VEGF-C and VEGF-D, independently and combined with Ca19-9, for the presence of malignancy and lymph node metastasis in patients with gastric cancer

Background Cumulative evidence demonstrate that lymphangiogenic vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF)-C and -D are over-expressed and associated to lymph node metastasis (LNM) in gastric cancer. The aim of this study is to investigate whether preoperative serum levels of VEGF-C and VEGF-D could be useful tumor markers in patients with operable gastric adenocarcinoma. Methods We prospectively examined serum samples from 40 patients and 40 non-cancer controls using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Logistic regression analysis was implemented. VEGF-C and VEGF-D were studied independently and in combination with Ca19-9. Results In gastric cancer patients, preoperative VEGF-C was significantly lower as compared to controls and to postoperative VEGF-C (P < 0.001); preoperative VEGF-D was significantly higher as compared to controls and to postoperative VEGF-D (P < 0.001). ROC curve analysis identified a VEGF-C/VEGF-D cut-off value of <2.7 for the presence of gastric cancer, with 83% sensitivity and 75% specificity (P < 0.001). Backward stepwise selection modeling including sex, age, VEGF-D and Ca19-9, predicted the presence of LNM with 86% sensitivity and 82% specificity (P < 0.001). Conclusion Circulating levels of VEGF-C and VEGF-D could play a role as biomarkers for serological detection and staging in gastric cancer. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc