bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interannual Variations of D14CTOC and Elemental Contents in the Laminated Sediments of the Santa Barbara Basin During the Past 200 Years
Authors: Li Hong-Chun , Chang Yiwei , Berelson William M. , Zhao Meixun , Misra Satabdi , Shen Tzu-Tsen
Published: July 2022

A 51-cm core (SBB-8-2012) from the depo-center of Santa Barbara Basin (SBB), California has been dated by 210Pb dating and varve counting, spanning a depositional history during 1815-2011 CE. A total of 89 AMS 14C measurements on samples from 66 horizons, including animal cartilage, shell and total organic carbon (TOC) in the sediments show apparent 14C ages between 500 and 4000 yr BP. Among these AMS dates, D14C values measured in 78 samples from 62 horizons vary in the range of -64.3‰ to -383.8‰. The 14CTOC ages much older than predicted from our sedimentation model are influenced by the input of terrigenous sediments, changes in ocean circulation, biological input and carbon remineralization. Three strong old 14CTOC excursions at 1964~69, 1884~87 and 1819~21 CE indicate higher old carbon input caused by some unusual events (e.g., oil spill, flood event and earthquake). On multi-decadal timescales, the D14CTOC shifts in three zones were mainly caused by changes in fossil carbon emission from the seafloor, fraction of marine productivity to terrigenous input of organic carbon (OC) and the atmospheric nuclear bomb testing input of 14C into the SBB. On interannual to decadal timescales, variations of D14CTOC correspond to El Niño-Southern Oscillation effects. During the La Niña period, stronger upwelling and northerly California Current bring nutrient-enriched water into SBB and lead to higher productivity hence more marine OC with higher D14CTOC. In addition, reduced terrigenous input of OC with lower D14C under less coastal rainfall during La Niña could further elevate the D14CTOC. Lower scanning XRF (K+Ti)/2 (indicating lower terrigenous input), higher scanning XRF Sr/Ti as well as acid-leachable elements (reflecting higher biogenic components), and higher D14CTOC occur during La Niña. During the El Niño period, the phenomena are opposite. Spectrum analyses of the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) and the D14CTOC as well as the comparison of SOI and SBB-8-2012 records support our scenarios.
Economic contribution and social welfare of recreational charter boat fisheries in the northeast Atlantic: The cases of Galicia (Spain) and Madeira archipelago (Portugal)
Authors: Pita Pablo , Ainsworth Gillian B. , Antelo Manel , Gouveia Lidia , Martínez-Escauriaza Roi , Tubío Ana , Villasante Sebastián
Published: July 2022

Recreational charter boat fisheries provide alternative economic development to traditional commercial fisheries, especially to coastal communities in warm seas. Charter boat fishing has been little studied in temperate regions, and the factors that trigger its development and social contribution to fishing communities are unknown. We performed an economic analysis of recreational charter boat fisheries in the Eastern North Atlantic to assess their contribution to social welfare. We selected two case studies located in Galicia (NW Spain) and Madeira archipelago (Portugal). The two cases differ in the socioecological attributes in which recreational charter boat fishing is developed (e.g., relevance of commercial fishing, tourism, or targeted species), that were included in the assessment. Up to 7 charter fishing companies were identified in Galicia (10 boats) and 14 in Madeira (18 boats), and information on the costs and benefits of the activity were collected by a questionnaire answered by company managers and skippers. Charter boats in Galicia are operating throughout the year, and anglers mostly engage in bottom fishing targeting demersal predators like ballan wrasse (Labrus bergylta) and European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) that they retain. Despite the strong seasonality of the fishery in Madeira, focused on summers, the fishing effort is higher than in Galicia. On average, charter boats go fishing for 39.3 ± 41.5 (SD) fishing journeys and take 2 500 anglers on board per year in Galicia, while in Madeira they fish 63.7 ± 32.7 journeys and take 3 200 anglers on board. Anglers target in Madeira pelagic top predators like blue marlin (Makaira nigricans), or some tuna species, e.g., bigeye (Thunnus obesus), by trolling in a catch and release fishery. The economic balance of companies was more favorable in Madeira, with an average gross annual profit of € 28 883 ± 30 755, while economic yield in Galicia was € 4 444 ± 7 916. We also applied a travel cost method to assess the recreation demand of recreational fishing trips based on a questionnaire answered by 150 clients in Galicia and 55 in Madeira. We estimated the visitor surplus mean value to be € 1 385 per year in Galicia (95% confidence interval, CI95%= € 1 219 – € 1 550), and € 1 738 in Madeira (CI95%= € 1 433 – 2 043). The social annual recreation value of Galician fishery was worth € 3.4 Million, ranging between € 3.0 M and € 3.8 M, a value well below the annual economic impact generated by commercial fishing (€ 700 M). The recreation value of the charter boat fishery in Madeira, € 6.3 M, ranging between € 5.2 M and € 7.5 M, is comparable to the annual economic impact of commercial fishing, that contributes to the local economy with € 12 M.
High secondary attack rate and persistence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in household transmission study participants, Finland 2020–2021
Authors: Dub Timothée , Solastie Anna , Hagberg Lotta , Liedes Oona , Nohynek Hanna , Haveri Anu , Virta Camilla , Vara Saimi , Lasander Mervi , Ekström Nina , Österlund Pamela , Lind Katja , Valtonen Hanna , Hemmilä Heidi , Ikonen Niina , Lukkarinen Timo , Palmu Arto A. , Melin Merit
Published: July 2022

Background

Household transmission studies offer the opportunity to assess both secondary attack rate (SAR) and persistence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies over time.

Methods

In Spring 2020, we invited confirmed COVID-19 cases and their household members to four visits, where we collected nasopharyngeal and serum samples over 28 days after index case onset. We calculated SAR based on the presence of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies (NAb) and assessed the persistence of NAb and IgG antibodies (Ab) against SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein and nucleoprotein.

Results

SAR was 45% (39/87), including 35 symptomatic secondary cases. During the initial 28-day follow-up, 62% (80/129) of participants developed NAb. Of those that seroconverted, 90% (63/70), 85% (63/74), and 78% (45/58) still had NAb to early B-lineage SARS-CoV-2 3, 6, and 12 months after the onset of the index case. Anti-spike IgG Ab persisted in 100% (69/69), 97% (72/74), and 93% (55/59) of seroconverted participants after 3, 6, and 12 months, while anti-nucleoprotein IgG Ab levels waned faster, persisting in 99% (68/69), 78% (58/74), and 55% (39/71) of participants, respectively.

Conclusion

Following detection of a COVID-19 case in a household, other members had a high risk of becoming infected. NAb to early B-lineage SARS-CoV-2 persisted for at least a year in most cases.
Whole genome sequencing of the multidrug-resistant Chryseobacterium indologenes isolated from a patient in Brazil
Authors: Damas Marcelo Silva Folhas , Ferreira Roumayne Lopes , Campanini Emeline Boni , Soares Gabriela Guerrera , Campos Leslie Camelo , Laprega Pedro Mendes , Soares da Costa Andrea , Freire Caio César de Melo , Pitondo-Silva André , Cerdeira Louise Teixeira , Cunha Anderson Ferreira da , Pranchevicius Maria-Cristina da Silva
Published: July 2022

Chryseobacterium indologenes is a non-glucose-fermenting Gram-negative bacillus. This emerging multidrug resistant opportunistic nosocomial pathogen can cause severe infections in neonates and immunocompromised patients. This study aimed to present the first detailed draft genome sequence of a multidrug-resistant C. indologenes strain isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid of an infant hospitalized at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Brazilian Tertiary Hospital. We first analyzed the susceptibility of C. indologenes strain to different antibiotics using the VITEK 2 system. The strain demonstrated an outstanding resistance to all the antibiotic classes tested, including β-lactams, aminoglycosides, glycylcycline, and polymyxin. Next, C. indologenes was whole-genome-sequenced, annotated using Prokka and Rapid Annotation using Subsystems Technology (RAST), and screened for orthologous groups (EggNOG), gene ontology (GO), resistance genes, virulence genes, and mobile genetic elements using different software tools. The draft genome contained one circular chromosome of 4,836,765 bp with 37.32% GC content. The genomic features of the chromosome present numerous genes related to cellular processes that are essential to bacteria. The MDR C. indologenes revealed the presence of genes that corresponded to the resistance phenotypes, including genes to β-lactamases (blaIND–13, blaCIA–3, blaTEM–116, blaOXA–209, blaVEB–15), quinolone (mcbG), tigecycline (tet(X6)), and genes encoding efflux pumps which confer resistance to aminoglycosides (RanA/RanB), and colistin (HlyD/TolC). Amino acid substitutions related to quinolone resistance were observed in GyrA (S83Y) and GyrB (L425I and K473R). A mutation that may play a role in the development of colistin resistance was detected in lpxA (G68D). Chryseobacterium indologenes isolate harbored 19 virulence factors, most of which were involved in infection pathways. We identified 13 Genomic Islands (GIs) and some elements associated with one integrative and conjugative element (ICEs). Other elements linked to mobile genetic elements (MGEs), such as insertion sequence (ISEIsp1), transposon (Tn5393), and integron (In31), were also present in the C. indologenes genome. Although plasmids were not detected, a ColRNAI replicon type and the most resistance genes detected in singletons were identified in unaligned scaffolds. We provided a wide range of information toward the understanding of the genomic diversity of C. indologenes, which can contribute to controlling the evolution and dissemination of this pathogen in healthcare settings.
The Application of Artificial Intelligence in the Diagnosis and Drug Resistance Prediction of Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Liang Shufan , Ma Jiechao , Wang Gang , Shao Jun , Li Jingwei , Deng Hui , Wang Chengdi , Li Weimin
Published: July 2022

With the increasing incidence and mortality of pulmonary tuberculosis, in addition to tough and controversial disease management, time-wasting and resource-limited conventional approaches to the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of tuberculosis are still awkward issues, especially in countries with high tuberculosis burden and backwardness. In the meantime, the climbing proportion of drug-resistant tuberculosis poses a significant hazard to public health. Thus, auxiliary diagnostic tools with higher efficiency and accuracy are urgently required. Artificial intelligence (AI), which is not new but has recently grown in popularity, provides researchers with opportunities and technical underpinnings to develop novel, precise, rapid, and automated implements for pulmonary tuberculosis care, including but not limited to tuberculosis detection. In this review, we aimed to introduce representative AI methods, focusing on deep learning and radiomics, followed by definite descriptions of the state-of-the-art AI models developed using medical images and genetic data to detect pulmonary tuberculosis, distinguish the infection from other pulmonary diseases, and identify drug resistance of tuberculosis, with the purpose of assisting physicians in deciding the appropriate therapeutic schedule in the early stage of the disease. We also enumerated the challenges in maximizing the impact of AI in this field such as generalization and clinical utility of the deep learning models.
Arterial and venous vascular complications in patients requiring peripheral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Fisser Christoph , Armbrüster Corina , Wiest Clemens , Philipp Alois , Foltan Maik , Lunz Dirk , Pfister Karin , Schneckenpointner Roland , Schmid Christof , Maier Lars S. , Müller Thomas , Lubnow Matthias
Published: July 2022

Introduction

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of arterial and venous complications in patients requiring peripheral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) and its risk factors at the time of cannulation and during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support and to assess vascular complications in association with decannulation.

Material and methods

Between January 2010 to January 2020, out of 1,030 eligible patients requiring VA-ECMO, 427 with analyzable vascular screening were included. Duplex sonography and/or CT scan after decannulation were used to screen for thrombosis and pulmonary embolism as well as arterial complications. Near-infrared spectrometry (NIRS) was established at the time of cannulation and was continuously monitored during the ECMO therapy.

Results

The prevalence of venous complications was 27%. Thrombosis and pulmonary embolism were observed in 21 and 7% of patients, respectively. Pulmonary embolism was more frequently diagnosed in patients with thrombosis (22 vs. 3%, p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, cannulation in the jugular vein was determined as a risk factor for venous thrombosis in contrast to the extent of anticoagulation. The prevalence of arterial complications was 37%, mainly ischemia followed by bleeding, dissection, and compartment syndrome. Vascular surgery was necessary for 19% of the patients, of whome 1% required major amputations. A distal perfusion cannula (DPC) was implanted at cannulation in 24% of patients and secondarily in 16% of patients after cannulation as required during ECMO support. In the multivariate analysis, risk factors for leg ischemia at the time of cannulation were elevated D-dimers, lower NIRS on the cannulated leg, and lack of a DPC. The best discriminative parameter was the difference in NIRS between the non-cannulated leg and the cannulated leg. In contrast, during ECMO support, only the lack of a DPC was associated with leg ischemia. A similar rate of complications associated with decannulation, mainly arterial thrombosis, ischemia, or bleeding, was seen with percutaneous and surgical approaches (18 vs. 17%, p = 0.295).

Conclusion

Patients requiring VA ECMO should be routinely screened for vascular complications. The decision to insert a DPC should be evaluated individually. However, NIRS monitoring of the cannulated leg and the non-cannulated leg is essential to identify the legs at risk for critical ischemia. As complications associated with decannulation were equally distributed between percutaneous and surgical approaches, the applied method may be chosen according to local experience.
Changes to the Gut Microbiome in Young Children Showing Early Behavioral Signs of Autism
Authors: Jones Jacquelyn , Reinke Stacey N. , Mousavi-Derazmahalleh Mahsa , Palmer Debra J. , Christophersen Claus T.
Published: July 2022

The human gut microbiome has increasingly been associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which is a neurological developmental disorder, characterized by impairments to social interaction. The ability of the gut microbiota to signal across the gut-brain-microbiota axis with metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids, impacts brain health and has been identified to play a role in the gastrointestinal and developmental symptoms affecting autistic children. The fecal microbiome of older children with ASD has repeatedly shown particular shifts in the bacterial and fungal microbial community, which are significantly different from age-matched neurotypical controls, but it is still unclear whether these characteristic shifts are detectable before diagnosis. Early microbial colonization patterns can have long-lasting effects on human health, and pre-emptive intervention may be an important mediator to more severe autism. In this study, we characterized both the microbiome and short-chain fatty acid concentrations of fecal samples from young children between 21 and 40 months who were showing early behavioral signs of ASD. The fungal richness and acetic acid concentrations were observed to be higher with increasing autism severity, and the abundance of several bacterial taxa also changed due to the severity of ASD. Bacterial diversity and SCFA concentrations were also associated with stool form, and some bacterial families were found with differential abundance according to stool firmness. An exploratory analysis of the microbiome associated with pre-emptive treatment also showed significant differences at multiple taxonomic levels. These differences may impact the microbial signaling across the gut-brain-microbiota axis and the neurological development of the children.
Within-farm dynamics of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli in dairy cattle: Resistance profiles and molecular characterization by long-read whole-genome sequencing
Authors: Tello Maitane , Ocejo Medelin , Oporto Beatriz , Lavín José Luis , Hurtado Ana
Published: July 2022

A longitudinal study was designed in five dairy cattle farms to assess the within-farm dynamics of ESBL-/AmpC-/carbapenemase-producing E. coli and their resistance profiles, along with the genes conferring the resistance phenotypes. Twelve samplings were performed over a period of 16 months, collecting rectal feces from apparently healthy animals in three age groups (calves, heifers, and lactating cows) that were subjected to selective isolation in cefotaxime-containing media. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined by broth microdilution for 197 cefotaxime-resistant E. coli (1–3 isolates per age group and sampling date), and 41 of them were selected for long-read whole-genome sequencing. Cefotaxime-resistant E. coli were detected in the five farms, but isolation frequency and resistance profiles varied among farms and age groups. The genetic profiling of a selection of isolates recovered in two of the farms was described in full detail, showing the predominance of a few genomic subtypes of E. coli in one farm (F1) and great variability of strains in another one (F4). Two predominant distinct strains carrying the blaCTX-M-1 gene in IncX1 plasmids successively spread and persisted in F1 over a prolonged period. In F4, 13 different MLST types carrying a high diversity of ESBL-encoding genes in 6 different plasmid types were observed, probably as the result of multiple source contamination events. In both farms, the presence of certain plasmid types with the same repertoire of ARGs in different E. coli STs strongly suggested the occurrence of horizontal transfer of such plasmids among strains circulating within the farms. Considering the public health importance of ESBL-producing E. coli both as pathogens and as vectors for resistance mechanisms, the presence of β-lactamase- and other AMR-encoding genes in plasmids that can be readily transferred between bacteria is a concern that highlights the need for One Health surveillance.
Impact of a multidomain lifestyle intervention on regional spontaneous brain activity
Authors: Moon So Young , Shin Seong A. , Jeong Jee Hyang , Hong Chang Hyung , Park Yoo Kyoung , Na Hae Ri , Song Hong-Sun , Park Hee Kyung , Choi Muncheong , Lee Sun Min , Chun Buong-O , Lee Jong-Min , Choi Seong Hye
Published: July 2022

In the SoUth Korean study to PrEvent cognitive impaiRment and protect BRAIN health through lifestyle intervention in at-risk elderly people (SUPERBRAIN), we evaluated the impact of multidomain lifestyle intervention on regional homogeneity (ReHo) in resting-state functional brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. Of 152 participants aged 60–79 years without dementia assigned to either facility-based multidomain intervention (FMI), home-based MI, or controls, we analyzed 56 scanned MRIs at baseline and 24 weeks. ReHo values from regions with significant longitudinal changes were compared between the intervention and control groups and their correlations with the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) or serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were evaluated. ReHo values in the left medial orbitofrontal gyrus and right superior parietal lobule were increased [p = 0.021, correlated positively with serum BDNF changes (r = 0.504, p = 0.047)] and decreased [p = 0.021, correlated negatively with changes in the total (r = −0.509, p = 0.044) and attention (r = −0.562, p = 0.023). RBANS], respectively, in the participants assigned to the FMI group than those of the controls. Our results suggest that facility-based group preventive strategies may have cognitive benefits through neuroplastic changes in functional processing circuits in the brain areas which play a crucial role in the adaptive learning and internally directed cognition.
Distribution and inter-regional relationship of amyloid-beta plaque deposition in a 5xFAD mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Tsui Ka Chun , Roy Jaydeep , Chau Sze Chun , Wong Kah Hui , Shi Lei , Poon Chi Him , Wang Yingyi , Strekalova Tatyana , Aquili Luca , Chang Raymond Chuen-Chung , Fung Man-Lung , Song You-qiang , Lim Lee Wei
Published: July 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. Although previous studies have selectively investigated the localization of amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition in certain brain regions, a comprehensive characterization of the rostro-caudal distribution of Aβ plaques in the brain and their inter-regional correlation remain unexplored. Our results demonstrated remarkable working and spatial memory deficits in 9-month-old 5xFAD mice compared to wildtype mice. High Aβ plaque load was detected in the somatosensory cortex, piriform cortex, thalamus, and dorsal/ventral hippocampus; moderate levels of Aβ plaques were observed in the motor cortex, orbital cortex, visual cortex, and retrosplenial dysgranular cortex; and low levels of Aβ plaques were located in the amygdala, and the cerebellum; but no Aβ plaques were found in the hypothalamus, raphe nuclei, vestibular nucleus, and cuneate nucleus. Interestingly, the deposition of Aβ plaques was positively associated with brain inter-regions including the prefrontal cortex, somatosensory cortex, medial amygdala, thalamus, and the hippocampus. In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive morphological profile of Aβ deposition in the brain and its inter-regional correlation. This suggests an association between Aβ plaque deposition and specific brain regions in AD pathogenesis.
Horse odor exploration behavior is influenced by pregnancy and age
Authors: Rørvang Maria Vilain , Nicova Klára , Yngvesson Jenny
Published: July 2022

In spite of a highly developed olfactory apparatus of horses, implying a high adaptive value, research on equine olfaction is sparse. Our limited knowledge on equine olfaction poses a risk that horse behavior does not match human expectations, as horses might react fearful when exposed to certain odors, which humans do not consider as frightening. The benefit of acquiring more knowledge of equine olfaction is therefore twofold; (1) it can aid the understanding of horse behavior and hence reduce the risk of dangerous situations, and (2) there may be unexplored potential of using odors in several practical situations where humans interact with horses. This study investigated behavior and olfactory sensitivity of 35 Icelandic horses who were presented with four odors: peppermint, orange, lavender and cedar wood in a Habituation/Dishabituation paradigm. The response variables were sniffing duration per presentation and behavioral reaction (licking, biting, snorting, and backing), and data were analyzed for potential effects of age, sex and pregnancy. Results showed that habituation occurred between successive odor presentations (1st vs. 2nd and 2nd vs. 3rd presentations: P < 0.001), and dishabituation occurred when a new odor was presented (1st vs. 3rd presentations: P < 0.001). Horses were thus able to detect and distinguish between all four odors, but expressed significantly longer sniffing duration when exposed to peppermint (peppermint vs. orange, lavender and cedar wood: P < 0.001). More horses expressed licking when presented to peppermint compared to cedar wood and lavender (P = 0.0068). Pregnant mares sniffed odors less than non-pregnant mares (P = 0.030), young horses (age 0-5 years) sniffed cedar wood for longer than old horses (P = 0.030), whereas sex had no effect (P > 0.050). The results show that horses’ odor exploration behavior and interest in odors varies with age and pregnancy and that horses naïve to the taste of a substrate, may be able to link smell with taste, which has not been described before. These results can aid our understanding of horses’ behavioral reactions to odors, and in the future, it may be possible to relate these to the physiology and health of horses.
Role of Dectin-1 in peripheral nerve injury
Authors: Hsu Angela Yu-Huey , Hsieh Sung-Tsang
Published: July 2022

Dectin-1, a C-type lectin receptor, plays a role in nerve injury in the central nervous system. However, whether it plays a role in the peripheral nervous system is not well understood. Our study showed the expression of Dectin-1 on the membrane of macrophages. We also used a sciatic nerve crushing injury model to demonstrate that there was a delay in nerve degeneration-related processes such as breakdown of injured myelinated nerve fibers and formation of myelin ovoid in groups injected with whole glucan particle soluble (WGPS), a Dectin-1 antagonist. There were also fewer intraneural blood vessels in the Dectin-1 antagonist treated group. Our study suggested inhibiting Dectin-1 delayed debris clearance, nerve degeneration, and angiogenesis after peripheral nerve injury.
Noise-tuned bursting in a Hedgehog burster
Authors: Zhu Jinjie , Nakao Hiroya
Published: July 2022

Noise can shape the firing behaviors of neurons. Here, we show that noise acting on the fast variable of the Hedgehog burster can tune the spike counts of bursts via the self-induced stochastic resonance (SISR) phenomenon. Using the distance matching condition, the critical transition positions on the slow manifolds can be predicted and the stochastic periodic orbits for various noise strengths are obtained. The critical transition positions on the slow manifold with non-monotonic potential differences exhibit a staircase-like dependence on the noise strength, which is also revealed by the stepwise change in the period of the stochastic periodic orbit. The noise-tuned bursting is more coherent within each step while displaying mixed-mode oscillations near the boundaries between the steps. When noise is large enough, noise-induced trapping of the slow variable can be observed, where the number of coexisting traps increases with the noise strength. It is argued that the robustness of SISR underlies the generality of the results discovered in this paper.
Response Predictors of Repetitive Neuromuscular Magnetic Stimulation in the Preventive Treatment of Episodic Migraine
Authors: Börner Corinna , Renner Tabea , Trepte-Freisleder Florian , Urban Giada , Schandelmaier Paul , Lang Magdalena , Lechner Matthias F. , Koenig Helene , Klose Birgit , Albers Lucia , Krieg Sandro M. , Baum Thomas , Heinen Florian , Landgraf Mirjam N. , Sollmann Nico , Bonfert Michaela V.
Published: July 2022

Background

Repetitive neuromuscular magnetic stimulation (rNMS) of the trapezius muscles showed beneficial effects in preventing episodic migraine. However, clinical characteristics that predict a favorable response to rNMS are unknown. The objective of this analysis is to identify such predictors.

Methods

Thirty participants with a diagnosis of episodic migraine (mean age: 24.8 ± 4.0 years, 29 females), who were prospectively enrolled in two non-sham-controlled studies evaluating the effects of rNMS were analyzed. In these studies, the interventional stimulation of the bilateral trapezius muscles was applied in six sessions and distributed over two consecutive weeks. Baseline and follow-up assessments included the continuous documentation of a headache calendar over 30 days before and after the stimulation period, the Migraine Disability Assessment Score (MIDAS) questionnaire (before stimulation and 90 days after stimulation), and measurements of pain pressure thresholds (PPTs) above the trapezius muscles by algometry (before and after each stimulation session). Participants were classified as responders based on a ≥25% reduction in the variable of interest (headache frequency, headache intensity, days with analgesic intake, MIDAS score, left-sided PPTs, right-sided PPTs). Post-hoc univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results

Lower headache frequency (P = 0.016) and intensity at baseline (P = 0.015) and a migraine diagnosis without a concurrent tension-type headache component (P = 0.011) were significantly related to a ≥25% reduction in headache frequency. Higher headache frequency (P = 0.052) and intensity at baseline (P = 0.014) were significantly associated with a ≥25% reduction in monthly days with analgesic intake. Lower right-sided PPTs at baseline were significantly related to a ≥25% increase in right-sided PPTs (P = 0.015) and left-sided PPTs (P =0.030). Performance of rNMS with higher stimulation intensities was significantly associated with a ≥25% reduction in headache intensity (P = 0.046).

Conclusions

Clinical headache characteristics at baseline, the level of muscular hyperalgesia, and stimulation intensity may inform about how well an individual patient responds to rNMS. These factors may allow an early identification of patients that would most likely benefit from rNMS.
Short Report of Longitudinal CGRP-Measurements in Migraineurs During a Hypoxic Challenge
Authors: Frank Florian , Kaltseis Katharina , Messlinger Karl , Broessner Gregor
Published: July 2022

Background

Calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) plays a key role in the pathophysiology of migraine and is therefore considered a potential biomarker for primary headache disorders. The challenge remaining is establishing standardized protocols for its assessment in various extracellular compartments and identifying pathological situations associated with an increase in CGRP.

Methods

We performed longitudinal measurements of CGRP plasma levels in 30 volunteers with the diagnosis of episodic migraine with and without aura under controlled circumstances during an induced migraine attack under a hypoxic challenge. Blood samples were collected from a cubital vein and CGRP plasma levels measured using ELISA.

Results

CGRP levels varied significantly between the subjects at baseline (15.48–1,889.31 pg/ml) but were neither associated with socio-demographic data nor with headache/migraine frequency or intensity collected before hypoxic exposure. CGRP levels during hypoxia fluctuated around baseline and increased with prolonged hypoxia but did not differ significantly in subjects with migraine or headache compared to those without. However, subjects experiencing migraine without aura showed significantly higher levels than those with aura. Ictal CGRP levels were increased in females, in subjects with a negative family history regarding headaches, in those older than 30 years of age or with a recent headache attack before the experiment (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

CGRP plasma levels seem to be highly variable even at baseline in migraine patients and increased during hypoxic challenge and migraine attacks. This is the first in human longitudinal measurement of peripheral CGRP levels during induced migraine attacks using a highly standardized protocol.
Update in autoimmune and paraneoplastic myelopathies: Newly described antigen targets and antibody testing
Authors: Passeri Michlene , Matthews Elizabeth , Kammeyer Ryan , Piquet Amanda L.
Published: July 2022

Myelopathy is an increasingly recognized presentation of many antibody-mediated neuroinflammatory disorders. While specific features of certain autoimmune myelopathies such as aquaporin-4 antibody associated neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein associated disorder (MOGAD) are well-characterized, other less commonly seen antibody-associated myelopathies are not as well-defined. These include but are not limited to, Hu/ANNA1, anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), anti-CV2/collapsin response mediator protein (CRMP5), and amphiphysin. Here, we review the mentioned more common antibody mediated myelopathies as well those that as less common, followed by a review of differentials that may mimic these disorders.
Review on the roles of specific cell-derived exosomes in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Zou Yutong , Mu Danni , Ma Xiaoli , Wang Danchen , Zhong Jian , Gao Jing , Yu Songlin , Qiu Ling
Published: July 2022

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the sixth leading cause of death worldwide and cannot be effectively cured or prevented; thus, early diagnosis, and intervention are important. The importance of exosomes, membrane-bound extracellular vesicles produced in the endosome of eukaryotic cells, in the development, diagnosis, and treatment of AD has been recognized; however, their specific functions remain controversial and even unclear. With the development of exosome extraction, isolation, and characterization, many studies have focused on exosomes derived from different cells and body fluids. In this study, we summarized the roles of exosomes derived from different body fluids and cells, such as neuron, glial, stem, and endothelial cells, in the development, diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of AD. We also emphasize the necessity to focus on exosomes from biological fluids and specific cells that are less invasive to target. Moreover, aside from the concentrations of classic and novel biomarkers in exosomes, the size and number of exosomes may also influence early and differential diagnosis of AD.
Developing a digital archive system for imperial Chinese robe in the Qing Dynasty
Authors: Su Miao , Li Saiquan , Lu Yan , Yang Limei , Duan Yiting , Xiao Kaida , Pointer Michael , Luo Ming Ronnier , Liu Xiaoxuan
Published: July 2022

The digital archive of cultural heritage provides new opportunities for the protection of the cultural heritage and the development of online museums. One of the essential requirements for the digitization is to achieve accurate color reproduction. Taking the Imperial Chinese robes in the Qing Dynasty as an example, this study aims to develop a digital achieve system to digitize the robes using a high-end imaging system and accurately reproduce their color properties on a display. Currently, there has been very limited study focused on the color reproduction of silk fabrics or other textile materials. The conventional color management process using a traditional color chart, however, may not be suitable for the reproduction of silk fabrics because they have very high gloss. To address this difficulty, a unique “Qianlong Palette” color chart, consisting of 210 silk fabric samples, has been specifically produced for optimizing the color reproduction of silk fabrics and a color image reproduction system has been developed for the digitization and archiving of the clothing fabric for the royal court. Color characterization models using both the “Qianlong Palette” color chart and the traditional color chart, and different mapping methods, are compared and the model with highest accuracy used in a self-programmed interface for automatically processing textile images in the future. Finally, the digital archive system has been validated using six garments of silk fabric relics. The color differences after the color image reproduction are all less than 3.00ΔE*ab, indicating acceptable color reproduction of the system. The images after color reproduction have also been evaluated subjectively by experts from the museum and the results are considered satisfactory. Our results show that the newly designed “Qianlong Palette” color chart exhibits superior performance over the conventional color chart in effectively predicting the color of the silk fabrics. The self-programmed graphical user interface for image color management can serve as a powerful tool to truly reproduce the color of various silk fabric relics in museums in the future and digitally archive those valuable cultural relics for different uses.
Stroboscopic lighting with intensity synchronized to rotation velocity alleviates motion sickness gastrointestinal symptoms and motor disorders in rats
Authors: Mao Yuqi , Pan Leilei , Li Wenping , Xiao Shuifeng , Qi Ruirui , Zhao Long , Wang Junqin , Cai Yiling
Published: July 2022

Motion sickness (MS) is caused by mismatch between conflicted motion perception produced by motion challenges and expected “internal model” of integrated motion sensory pattern formed under normal condition in the brain. Stroboscopic light could reduce MS nausea symptom via increasing fixation ability for gaze stabilization to reduce visuo-vestibular confliction triggered by distorted vision during locomotion. This study tried to clarify whether MS induced by passive motion could be alleviated by stroboscopic light with emitting rate and intensity synchronized to acceleration–deceleration phase of motion. We observed synchronized and unsynchronized stroboscopic light (SSL: 6 cycle/min; uSSL: 2, 4, and 8 cycle/min) on MS-related gastrointestinal symptoms (conditioned gaping and defecation responses), motor disorders (hypoactivity and balance disturbance), and central Fos protein expression in rats receiving Ferris wheel-like rotation (6 cycle/min). The effects of color temperature and peak light intensity were also examined. We found that SSL (6 cycle/min) significantly reduced rotation-induced conditioned gaping and defecation responses and alleviated rotation-induced decline in spontaneous locomotion activity and disruption in balance beam performance. The efficacy of SSL against MS behavioral responses was affected by peak light intensity but not color temperature. The uSSL (4 and 8 cycle/min) only released defecation but less efficiently than SSL, while uSSL (2 cycle/min) showed no beneficial effect in MS animals. SSL but not uSSL inhibited Fos protein expression in the caudal vestibular nucleus, the nucleus of solitary tract, the parabrachial nucleus, the central nucleus of amygdala, and the paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus, while uSSL (4 and 8 cycle/min) only decreased Fos expression in the paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus. These results suggested that stroboscopic light synchronized to motion pattern might alleviate MS gastrointestinal symptoms and motor disorders and inhibit vestibular-autonomic pathways. Our study supports the utilization of motion-synchronous stroboscopic light as a potential countermeasure against MS under abnormal motion condition in future.
Effects of intramuscular fat on meat quality and its regulation mechanism in Tan sheep
Authors: Zhang Xueying , Liu Chongyang , Kong Yuanyuan , Li Fadi , Yue Xiangpeng
Published: July 2022

Intramuscular fat (IMF) contributes importantly to various aspects of meat quality, and genetic regulation is an effective pathway to improve IMF deposition in sheep. In this study, we systematically explored the effect of IMF content on meat quality in Tan sheep and investigated the regulatory mechanism of flavor precursors metabolism and IMF deposition. The results revealed that IMF significantly affected meat color, total muscle fiber numbers, and muscle fiber types in Tan sheep. Widely-targeted metabolomic analysis showed that amino acids were the main differential flavor precursors between lambs with different IMF content. Importantly, the comparison of fatty acid profiles revealed that saturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids are beneficial for IMF deposition. Furthermore, integrated analysis between metabolome and transcriptome indicated that MME is a key gene resulting in the reduction of amino acids in lambs with high IMF content; and the joint analysis between fatty acid profiles and transcript profiles showed that ADIPOQ, FABP4, PLIN1, PPARGC1A, SLC2A1 accelerated IMF deposition through positive regulation of saturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids metabolism. These results revealed key changes in meat quality affected by IMF content and the corresponding genetic mechanism, which may provide a new insight for understanding the IMF differential deposition and for improving meat quality in Tan sheep.
Dregs of Cardamine hupingshanensis as a feed additive to improve the egg quality
Authors: Yu Feike , Yu Xiaohan , Liu Rongchen , Guo Dawei , Deng Qian , Liang Bingbing , Liu Xiaoye , Dong Hong
Published: July 2022

Natural plant herbs have many active compounds to prevent poultry diseases and improve poultry products. However, most herbs are supplied for human medicine. Thus, for economic and sustainable development purposes, the dregs of Cardamine hupingshanensis (DCH) were developed as a feed additive to improve the egg quality of laying hens in this work. Results showed that the contents of selenium in hen serum and eggs were increased under DCH feeding. Subsequently, DCH also promotes the antioxidant capacity and immunity of laying hens through the increase of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and immunoglobulin G (IgG) by ELISA detection. Finally, production performance and egg quality were further graded by monitoring the product condition and scoring the indexes of egg quality, which also displayed that DCH as a feed additive significantly improved the egg quality by enhancing yolk color, eggshell thickness, and egg shape index.
“Expert persuasion” can decrease willingness to pay for sugar-containing food
Authors: Ntoumanis Ioannis , Panidi Ksenia , Grebenschikova Yaroslava , Shestakova Anna N. , Kosonogov Vladimir , Jääskeläinen Iiro P. , Kadieva Dzerassa , Baran Sofia , Klucharev Vasily
Published: July 2022

Recent studies have revealed types of eating nudges that can steer consumers toward choosing healthier options. However, most of the previously studied interventions target individual decisions and are not directed to changing consumers’ underlying perception of unhealthy food. Here, we investigate how a healthy eating call—first-person narrative by a health expert—affects individuals’ willingness to pay (WTP) for sugar-free and sugar-containing food products. Participants performed two blocks of a bidding task, in which they had to bid on sweets labeled either as “sugar- free” or as “sugar-containing.” In-between the two blocks, half of the participants listened to a narrative by a dietary specialist emphasizing the health risks of sugar consumption, whereas the remaining participants listened to a control narrative irrelevant to food choices. We demonstrate that the health expert’s narrative decreased individuals’ WTP for sugar-containing food, but did not modulate their WTP for sugar- free food. Overall, our findings confirm that consumers may conform to healthy eating calls by rather devaluating unhealthy food products than by increasing the value of healthy ones. This paves the way for an avenue of innovative marketing strategies to support individuals in their food choices.
Luteolin alleviates methionine–choline-deficient diet-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis by modulating host serum metabolome and gut microbiome
Authors: Guo Wei , Luo Lianxiang , Meng Yan , Chen Wen , Yu Lixiu , Zhang Cong , Qiu Zhenpeng , Cao Peng
Published: July 2022

Background and purpose

Previous studies have indicated the protective effects of luteolin against non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), but the definite underlying mechanism still remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the metabolomic and metagenomic signatures of NASH with luteolin supplementation.

Experimental approach

Mice were fed with a methionine–choline-deficient (MCD) diet containing 0.05% luteolin for 6 weeks. NASH severity was determined based on the liver histological observations, serum and hepatic biochemical measurements. Targeted metabolomics was conducted to identify differential metabolites in mice serum. 16S rRNA sequencing was conducted to assess the gut microbiota composition and function in mice colon.

Results

In detail, luteolin treatment significantly alleviated MCD diet-induced hepatic lipid deposition, liver function damage, and oxidative stress. Targeted plasma metabolomics revealed that 5-hydroxyindole, LPE (0:0/22:5), indole 3-phosphate, and N-phenylacetylphenylalanine were remarkably elevated, and homogentisic acid, thiamine, KN-93, PC (16:1e/8, 9-EpETE), carnitine C9:1-OH, FFA (18:4) and carnitine C8:1 were significantly decreased in NASH group as compared to normal group, which could be profoundly reversed after luteolin treatment. 16S rRNA sequencing indicated that luteolin supplementation significantly increased Erysipelatoclostridium and Pseudomonas as well as decreased Faecalibaculum at genus level. Most importantly, a negative association between thiamine and Faecalibaculum was observed based on Spearman's correlation analysis, which may play an important role in the preventive effects of luteolin against NASH.

Conclusion

Collectively, luteolin may alleviate the NASH by modulating serum metabolome and gut microbiome, which supports its use as a dietary supplement for NASH prevention.
Reduction in residual cyantraniliprole levels in spinach after various washing and blanching methods
Authors: Park Minsoo , Kim Hyeonjun , Kim Myungheon , Im Moo-hyeog
Published: July 2022

Pesticides are used to protect crops from pests and diseases. However, as many pesticides are toxic to humans, it is necessary to assess methods that can remove pesticide residues from agricultural products before human consumption. Spinach is consumed immediately after a relatively simple washing and heating process in the Republic of Korea. Cyantraniliprole is used as a systemic insecticide during spinach cultivation, which means it might remain in the crop after processing. Consequently, it is important to assess whether residues can be reduced to levels that are harmless to the human body after processing. This study investigated lowering the residual cyantraniliprole levels in spinach after washing and blanching. The amount of cyantraniliprole residue in the spinach samples sprayed with cyantraniliprole during cultivation was analyzed using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS). The time of each washing and blanching method was set at 1, 3, and 5 min. The residual levels of cyantraniliprole decreased by 15.1–54.6% and 60.1–93.5% based on the washing and blanching methods employed. The most effective washing method to lower residual cyantraniliprole levels was steeping with a neutral detergent, resulting in cyantraniliprole reduction by 42.9–54.6%. When spinach was blanched after steeping washing with a neutral detergent, the largest removal rates of 77.9 and 91.2% were observed after 1 and 3 min of blanching, respectively. Blanching for 5 min after steeping and running washing exhibited the highest reduction rate of 93.5%. Therefore, a considerable amount of cyantraniliprole residue in spinach could be removed by washing or blanching. Based on the results of this study, blanching after steeping washing can be implemented as an effective method of lowering pesticide concentrations in spinach and other crops, thereby reducing their potential toxicity to humans upon consumption.