bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial Distribution and Abundance of Small Cetaceans in the Pacific Waters of Guatemala
Authors: Quintana-Rizzo Ester , Cabrera Andrea A. , Ortiz-Wolford Jenniffer , Dávila Vanessa
Published: June 2021

The establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs) requires a thorough assessment of the abundance, distribution, and habitat preferences of a variety of marine species. Small cetacean spatial distribution and abundance were examined in the Pacific waters of Guatemala to provide this information. Boat surveys were conducted for 38 months between January 2008 and June 2012. A total of 64,678 cetaceans in 505 sightings from nine Delphinidae species were recorded. Three species, referred to as common species, accounted for 90% (n= 456) of all sightings. They includedTursiops truncatus(56%,n= 278),Stenella attenuata(29%,n= 143), andStenella longirostris(7%,n= 35). Group size was significantly different among the common species (p< 0.001).S. longirostrishad the largest group size (444 ± 75 dolphins), followed byS. attenuata(28 ± 5 dolphins), andT.truncatus(15 ± 2 dolphins).T. truncatuswas the most common in the study area (0.02 ± 0.002 sightings/km of survey effort), andS. attenuata(0.37 ± 0.16 dolphins/km) andS. longirostris(1.62 ± 0.41 dolphins/km) were the most abundant in the neritic (≤200 m depth) and oceanic zones (≥200 m depth), respectively. The wide-ranging distribution ofT. truncatusoverlapped with the distribution ofS. attenuatain the neritic zone andS. longirostrisin the oceanic zone. Little overlap was observed in the distribution ofS. attenuataandS. longirostris. Most hot spots (∼66%) were in the oceanic zone and no hot spots were near or in the MPAs. Hot spots were identified along the 200 m isobath, the Middle America trench, and the San José Canyon. These could be areas of high productivity where dolphins concentrate to feed. To the north of the San José Canyon, five species of small cetaceans were observed in a stretch of the neritic zone including three MPAs. No other section of this zone had such high diversity. Results need to be taken with caution given the small sample size. Our results suggest that the protection of small cetaceans needs to consider the creation of oceanic MPAs that should be integrated into the existing network.
Increased Prevalence of Alloimmunization in Sickle Cell Disease? Should We Restore Blood Donation in French Guiana?
Authors: Conrath Salomé , Vantilcke Vincent , Parisot Mickael , Maire Françoise , Selles Pierre , Elenga Narcisse
Published: June 2021

Patients with sickle cell disease often undergo frequent blood transfusions. This increases their exposure to red blood cell alloantigens of donor units, thus making it more likely that they produce alloantibodies. This cross-sectional study aimed to describe the prevalence of allo-immunization in patients with sickle cell disease who were monitored at Cayenne Hospital in 2016. Of the 451 patients recruited during the study period, 238 (52.8%) were female. There were 262 (58.1%) homozygous sickle cell and 151 (33.5%) compound heterozygous sickle cell patients. The median age of the participants was 23.09 years (range, 0.5–68). We noted different red blood cell extended phenotypes: -in the Duffy system, the Fya- Fyb–profile was found in 299 patients (66%);—for the Kidd system, the most represented profile was Jka+ Jkb-, with 213 patients (47%). The Jka antigen was present in 355 patients;—in the MNS system, the S-s+ profile was found in 297 patients (66%);—the Lea antigen of the Lewis system was absent in 319 patients. The most frequent Rh phenotype in our patients was D+ C- E- c+ e+ K-, representing 51% of the patients. A total of 6,834 transfused packed red blood cell units were recorded. Sixty-eight patients (23%; 95% confidence interval, 20–25%) had detectable RBC alloantibodies. In multivariate logistic regression, only the mean number of single transfusions was statistically higher for the alloimmunized patients (p < 0.04). Thirteen (19%) of the patients with alloimmunization developed a delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction, thus representing 4.4% of the total number of transfused patients. Whether differences between donors from France vs. recipients from French Guiana could explain this high prevalence of alloimmunization to be examined. In conclusion, careful transfusion strategies for patients with RBC alloantibodies should allow further reduction of the rate of alloimmunization.
Disruption of Traditional Grazing and Fire Regimes Shape the Fungal Endophyte Assemblages of the Tall-Grass Brachypodium rupestre
Authors: Durán María , San Emeterio Leticia , Múgica Leire , Zabalgogeazcoa Iñigo , Vázquez de Aldana Beatriz R. , Canals Rosa María
Published: June 2021

The plant microbiome is likely to play a key role in the resilience of communities to the global climate change. This research analyses the culturable fungal mycobiota of Brachypodium rupestre across a sharp gradient of disturbance caused by an intense, anthropogenic fire regime. This factor has dramatic consequences for the community composition and diversity of high-altitude grasslands in the Pyrenees. Plants were sampled at six sites, and the fungal assemblages of shoots, rhizomes, and roots were characterized by culture-dependent techniques. Compared to other co-occurring grasses, B. rupestre hosted a poorer mycobiome which consisted of many rare species and a few core species that differed between aerial and belowground tissues. Recurrent burnings did not affect the diversity of the endophyte assemblages, but the percentages of infection of two core species -Omnidemptus graminis and Lachnum sp. -increased significantly. The patterns observed might be explained by (1) the capacity to survive in belowground tissues during winter and rapidly spread to the shoots when the grass starts its spring growth (O. graminis), and (2) the location in belowground tissues and its resistance to stress (Lachnum sp.). Future work should address whether the enhanced taxa have a role in the expansive success of B. rupestre in these anthropized environments.
N6-Methyladenosine RNA Methylation Regulator-Related Alternative Splicing (AS) Gene Signature Predicts Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Prognosis
Authors: Zhao Zhenyu , Cai Qidong , Zhang Pengfei , He Boxue , Peng Xiong , Tu Guangxu , Peng Weilin , Wang Li , Yu Fenglei , Wang Xiang
Published: June 2021

Aberrant N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation regulatory genes and related gene alternative splicing (AS) could be used to predict the prognosis of non–small cell lung carcinoma. This study focused on 13 m6A regulatory genes (METTL3, METTL14, WTAP, KIAA1429, RBM15, ZC3H13, YTHDC1, YTHDC2, YTHDF1, YTHDF2, HNRNPC, FTO, and ALKBH5) and expression profiles in TCGA-LUAD (n = 504) and TCGA-LUSC (n = 479) datasets from the Cancer Genome Atlas database. The data were downloaded and bioinformatically and statistically analyzed, including the gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses. There were 43,948 mRNA splicing events in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and 46,020 in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC), and the data suggested that m6A regulators could regulate mRNA splicing. Differential HNRNPC and RBM15 expression was associated with overall survival (OS) of LUAD and HNRNPC and METTL3 expression with the OS of LUSC patients. Furthermore, the non–small cell lung cancer prognosis-related AS events signature was constructed and divided patients into high- vs. low-risk groups using seven and 14 AS genes in LUAD and LUSC, respectively. The LUAD risk signature was associated with gender and T, N, and TNM stages, but the LUSC risk signature was not associated with any clinical features. In addition, the risk signature and TNM stage were independent prognostic predictors in LUAD and the risk signature and T stage were independent prognostic predictors in LUSC after the multivariate Cox regression and receiver operating characteristic analyses. In conclusion, this study revealed the AS prognostic signature in the prediction of LUAD and LUSC prognosis.
Whole-Slide Image Analysis of Human Pancreas Samples to Elucidate the Immunopathogenesis of Type 1 Diabetes Using the QuPath Software
Authors: Apaolaza Paola S. , Petropoulou Peristera-Ioanna , Rodriguez-Calvo Teresa
Published: June 2021

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic disease of the pancreas characterized by the loss of insulin-producing beta cells. Access to human pancreas samples for research purposes has been historically limited, restricting pathological analyses to animal models. However, intrinsic differences between animals and humans have made clinical translation very challenging. Recently, human pancreas samples have become available through several biobanks worldwide, and this has opened numerous opportunities for scientific discovery. In addition, the use of new imaging technologies has unraveled many mysteries of the human pancreas not merely in the presence of disease, but also in physiological conditions. Nowadays, multiplex immunofluorescence protocols as well as sophisticated image analysis tools can be employed. Here, we described the use of QuPath—an open-source platform for image analysis—for the investigation of human pancreas samples. We demonstrate that QuPath can be adequately used to analyze whole-slide images with the aim of identifying the islets of Langerhans and define their cellular composition as well as other basic morphological characteristics. In addition, we show that QuPath can identify immune cell populations in the exocrine tissue and islets of Langerhans, accurately localizing and quantifying immune infiltrates in the pancreas. Therefore, we present a tool and analysis pipeline that allows for the accurate characterization of the human pancreas, enabling the study of the anatomical and physiological changes underlying pancreatic diseases such as type 1 diabetes. The standardization and implementation of these analysis tools is of critical importance to understand disease pathogenesis, and may be informative for the design of new therapies aimed at preserving beta cell function and halting the inflammation caused by the immune attack.
Correlation Between Gait and Near-Infrared Brain Functional Connectivity Under Cognitive Tasks in Elderly Subjects With Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Liu Ying , Huo Congcong , Lu Kuan , Liu Qianying , Xu Gongcheng , Ji Run , Zhang Tengyu , Shang Pan , Lv Zeping , Li Zengyong
Published: June 2021

Older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) have a high risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Gait performance is a potential clinical marker for the progression of MCI into dementia. However, the relationship between gait and brain functional connectivity (FC) in older adults with MCI remains unclear. Forty-five subjects [MCI group, n = 23; healthy control (HC) group, n = 22] were recruited. Each subject performed a walking task (Task 01), counting backward–walking task (Task 02), naming animals–walking task (Task 03), and calculating–walking task (Task 04). The gait parameters and cerebral oxygenation signals from the left prefrontal cortex (LPFC), right prefrontal cortex (RPFC), left motor cortex (LMC), right motor cortex (RMC), left occipital leaf cortex (LOL), and right occipital leaf cortex (ROL) were obtained simultaneously. Wavelet phase coherence was calculated in two frequency intervals: low frequency (interval I, 0.052–0.145 Hz) and very low frequency (interval II, 0.021–0.052 Hz). Results showed that the FC of RPFC–RMC is significantly lower in interval I in Task 03 compared with that in Task 02 in the MCI group (p = 0.001). Also, the right relative symmetry index (IDpsR) is significantly lower in Task 03 compared with that in Task 02 (p = 0.000). The IDpsR is positively correlated with the FC of RPFC–RMC in interval I in the MCI group (R = 0.205, p = 0.041). The gait symmetry such as left relative symmetry index (IDpsL) and IDpsR is significantly lower in the dual-task (DT) situation compared with the single task in the two groups (p < 0.05). The results suggested that the IDpsR might reflect abnormal change in FC of RPFC–RMC in interval I in the MCI population during Task 03. The gait symmetry is affected by DTs in both groups. The findings of this study may have a pivotal role in the early monitoring and intervention of brain dysfunction among older adults with MCI.
Elevated HDL Levels Linked to Poorer Cognitive Ability in Females With Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Bakeberg Megan C. , Gorecki Anastazja M. , Kenna Jade E. , Jefferson Alexa , Byrnes Michelle , Ghosh Soumya , Horne Malcolm K. , McGregor Sarah , Stell Rick , Walters Sue , Mastaglia Frank L. , Anderton Ryan S.
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Cholesterol levels have been associated with age-related cognitive decline, however, such an association has not been comprehensively explored in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). To address this uncertainty, the current cross-sectional study examined the cholesterol profile and cognitive performance in a cohort of PD patients.

Methods

Cognitive function was evaluated using two validated assessments (ACE-R and SCOPA-COG) in 182 people with PD from the Australian Parkinson’s Disease Registry. Total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and Triglyceride (TRG) levels were examined within this cohort. The influence of individual lipid subfractions on domain-specific cognitive performance was investigated using covariate-adjusted generalised linear models.

Results

Females with PD exhibited significantly higher lipid subfraction levels (TC, HDL, and LDL) when compared to male counterparts. While accounting for covariates, HDL levels were strongly associated with poorer performance across multiple cognitive domains in females but not males. Conversely, TC and LDL levels were not associated with cognitive status in people with PD.

Conclusion

Higher serum HDL associates with poorer cognitive function in females with PD and presents a sex-specific biomarker for cognitive impairment in PD.
Analysis of Age-Dependent Alterations in Excitability Properties of CA1 Pyramidal Neurons in an APPPS1 Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Vitale Paola , Salgueiro-Pereira Ana Rita , Lupascu Carmen Alina , Willem Michael , Migliore Rosanna , Migliore Michele , Marie Hélène
Published: June 2021

Age-dependent accumulation of amyloid-β, provoking increasing brain amyloidopathy, triggers abnormal patterns of neuron activity and circuit synchronization in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) as observed in human AD patients and AD mouse models. Recent studies on AD mouse models, mimicking this age-dependent amyloidopathy, identified alterations in CA1 neuron excitability. However, these models generally also overexpress mutated amyloid precursor protein (APP) and presenilin 1 (PS1) and there is a lack of a clear correlation of neuronal excitability alterations with progressive amyloidopathy. The active development of computational models of AD points out the need of collecting such experimental data to build a reliable disease model exhibiting AD-like disease progression. We therefore used the feature extraction tool of the Human Brain Project (HBP) Brain Simulation Platform to systematically analyze the excitability profile of CA1 pyramidal neuron in the APPPS1 mouse model. We identified specific features of neuron excitability that best correlate either with over-expression of mutated APP and PS1 or increasing Aβ amyloidopathy. Notably, we report strong alterations in membrane time constant and action potential width and weak alterations in firing behavior. Also, using a CA1 pyramidal neuron model, we evidence amyloidopathy-dependent alterations in Ih. Finally, cluster analysis of these recordings showed that we could reliably assign a trace to its correct group, opening the door to a more refined, less variable analysis of AD-affected neurons. This inter-disciplinary analysis, bringing together experimentalists and modelers, helps to further unravel the neuronal mechanisms most affected by AD and to build a biologically plausible computational model of the AD brain.
Platelet Derived Growth Factor-AA Correlates With Muscle Function Tests and Quantitative Muscle Magnetic Resonance in Dystrophinopathies
Authors: Alonso-Jiménez Alicia , Fernández-Simón Esther , Natera-de Benito Daniel , Ortez Carlos , García Carme , Montiel Elena , Belmonte Izaskun , Pedrosa Irene , Segovia Sonia , Piñol-Jurado Patricia , Carrasco-Rozas Ana , Suárez-Calvet Xavier , Jimenez-Mallebrera Cecilia , Nascimento Andrés , Llauger Jaume , Nuñez-Peralta Claudia , Montesinos Paula , Alonso-Pérez Jorge , Gallardo Eduard , Illa Isabel , Díaz-Manera Jordi
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Duchenne (DMD) and Becker (BMD) muscular dystrophy are X-linked muscular disorders produced by mutations in the DMD gene which encodes the protein dystrophin. Both diseases are characterized by progressive involvement of skeletal, cardiac, and respiratory muscles. As new treatment strategies become available, reliable biomarkers and outcome measures that can monitor disease progression are needed for clinical trials.

Methods: We collected clinical and functional data and blood samples from 19 DMD patients, 13 BMD patients, and 66 healthy controls (8 pediatric and 58 adult controls), and blood samples from 15 patients with dysferlinopathy (DYSF) and studied the serum concentration of 4 growth factors involved in the process of muscle fibrosis. We correlated the serum concentration of these growth factors with several muscle function tests, spirometry results and fat fraction identified by quantitative Dixon muscle MRI.

Results: We found significant differences in the serum concentration of Platelet Derived Growth Factor-AA (PDGF-AA) between DMD patients and pediatric controls, in Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF) between BMD patients and adult controls, and in and Transforming Growth Factor- β1 (TGF-β1) between BMD and DYSF patients. PDGF-AA showed a good correlation with several muscle function tests for both DMD and BMD patients and with thigh fat fraction in BMD patients. Moreover, PDGF-AA levels were increased in muscle biopsies of patients with DMD and BMD as was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry and Real-Time PCR studies.

Conclusion: Our study suggests that PDGF-AA should be further investigated in a larger cohort of DMD and BMD patients because it might be a good biomarker candidate to monitor the progression of these diseases.
Epilepsy Associated With Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy, Lactic Acidosis, and Stroke-Like Episodes
Authors: Li Jiaai , Zhang Wuqiong , Cui Zhitao , Li Zhaoran , Jiang Ting , Meng Hongmei
Published: June 2021

Objectives: The present study explored the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of epilepsy in patients with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS).

Methods: Thirty-four MELAS patients were included in the present study. They were diagnosed by clinical characteristics, genetic testing, muscle biopsy, and retrospective analysis of other clinical data. The patients were divided into three groups according to the effects of treatment after at least 2 years of follow-up.

Results: Epilepsy was more common in male MELAS patients than in females (20/14). The age of onset ranged from 0.5 to 57 years, with an average of 22.6 years. Patients with epilepsy and MELAS had various forms of seizures. Focal seizures were the most common type affecting 58.82% of patients, and some patients had multiple types of seizures. The abnormal EEG waves were mainly concentrated in the occipital (69.57%), frontal (65.22%) and temporal lobes (47.83%). Overall, the prognosis of patients with epilepsy and MELAS was poor. Poor prognosis was associated with brain atrophy (P = 0.026), status epilepticus (P < 0.001), and use of anti-seizure medications with high mitochondrial toxicity (P = 0.015).

Interpretation: Avoiding the application of anti-seizure medications with high mitochondrial toxicity, controlling seizures more actively and effectively, and delaying the occurrence and progression of brain atrophy as much as possible are particularly important to improve the prognosis of patients with MELAS and epilepsy.
Evaluation of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Basilar Occlusion in a State-Wide Prospective Stroke Registry
Authors: Gruber Katharina , Misselwitz Björn , Steinmetz Helmuth , Pfeilschifter Waltraud , Bohmann Ferdinand O.
Published: June 2021

Context: Despite overwhelming evidence for endovascular therapy in anterior circulation ischemic stroke due to large-vessel occlusion, data regarding the treatment of acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) are still equivocal. The BASICS trial failed to show an advantage of endovascular therapy (EVT) over best medical treatment (BMT). In contrast, data from the recently published BASILAR registry showed a better outcome in patients receiving EVT.

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of EVT plus BMT vs. BMT alone in acute BAO.

Methods: We analyzed the clinical course and short-term outcomes of patients with radiologically confirmed BAO dichotomized by BMT plus EVT or BMT only as documented in a state-wide prospective registry of consecutive patients hospitalized due to acute stroke. The primary endpoint was a favorable functional outcome (mRS 0–3) at hospital discharge assessed as common odds ratio using binary logistic regression. Secondary subgroup analyses and propensity score matching were added. Safety outcomes included mortality, the rate of intracerebral hemorrhages, and complications during hospitalization.

Results: We included 403 patients with acute BAO (2017–2019). A total of 270 patients (67%) were treated with BMT plus EVT and 133 patients (33%) were treated with BMT only. A favorable outcome (mRS 0–3) was observed in 33.8% of the BMT and 26.7% of the BMT plus EVT group [OR.770, CI (0.50–1.2)]. Subgroup analyses for patients with a NIHSS score > 10 at admission to the hospital revealed a benefit from EVT [OR 3.05, CI (1.03–9.01)].

Conclusions: In this prospective, quasi population-based registry of patients hospitalized with acute BAO, BMT plus EVT was not superior to BMT alone. Nevertheless, our results suggest that severely affected BAO patients are more likely to benefit from EVT.
Oscillatory Correlates of Selective Restudy
Authors: Wirth Michael , Pastötter Bernhard , Bäuml Karl-Heinz T.
Published: June 2021

Prior behavioral work has shown that selective restudy of some studied items leaves recall of the other studied items unaffected when lag between study and restudy is short, but improves recall of the other items when lag is prolonged. The beneficial effect has been attributed to context retrieval, assuming that selective restudy reactivates the context at study and thus provides a retrieval cue for the other items (Bäuml, 2019). Here the results of two experiments are reported, in each of which subjects studied a list of items and then, after a short 2-min or a prolonged 10-min lag, restudied some of the list items. Participants' electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded during both the study and restudy phases. In Experiment 2, but not in Experiment 1, subjects engaged in a mental context reinstatement task immediately before the restudy phase started, trying to mentally reinstate the study context. Results of Experiment 1 revealed a theta/alpha power increase from study to restudy after short lag and an alpha/beta power decrease after long lag. Engagement in the mental context reinstatement task in Experiment 2 eliminated the decrease in alpha/beta power. The results are consistent with the view that the observed alpha/beta decrease reflects context retrieval, which became obsolete when there was preceding mental context reinstatement.
Whole-Brain Imaging of Subvoxel T1-Diffusion Correlation Spectra in Human Subjects
Authors: Avram Alexandru V. , Sarlls Joelle E. , Basser Peter J.
Published: June 2021

T1 relaxation and water mobility generate eloquent MRI tissue contrasts with great diagnostic value in many neuroradiological applications. However, conventional methods do not adequately quantify the microscopic heterogeneity of these important biophysical properties within a voxel, and therefore have limited biological specificity. We describe a new correlation spectroscopic (CS) MRI method for measuring how T1 and mean diffusivity (MD) co-vary in microscopic tissue environments. We develop a clinical pulse sequence that combines inversion recovery (IR) with single-shot isotropic diffusion encoding (IDE) to efficiently acquire whole-brain MRIs with a wide range of joint T1-MD weightings. Unlike conventional diffusion encoding, the IDE preparation ensures that all subvoxel water pools are weighted by their MDs regardless of the sizes, shapes, and orientations of their corresponding microscopic diffusion tensors. Accordingly, IR-IDE measurements are well-suited for model-free, quantitative spectroscopic analysis of microscopic water pools. Using numerical simulations, phantom experiments, and data from healthy volunteers we demonstrate how IR-IDE MRIs can be processed to reconstruct maps of two-dimensional joint probability density functions, i.e., correlation spectra, of subvoxel T1-MD values. In vivo T1-MD spectra show distinct cerebrospinal fluid and parenchymal tissue components specific to white matter, cortical gray matter, basal ganglia, and myelinated fiber pathways, suggesting the potential for improved biological specificity. The one-dimensional marginal distributions derived from the T1-MD correlation spectra agree well with results from other relaxation spectroscopic and quantitative MRI studies, validating the T1-MD contrast encoding and the spectral reconstruction. Mapping subvoxel T1-diffusion correlations in patient populations may provide a more nuanced, comprehensive, sensitive, and specific neuroradiological assessment of the non-specific changes seen on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and diffusion-weighted MRIs (DWIs) in cancer, ischemic stroke, or brain injury.
Correlation Between Circulating Tumor Cell DNA Genomic Alterations and Mesenchymal CTCs or CTC-Associated White Blood Cell Clusters in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Chunming , Luo Qiong , Huang Wenbin , Zhang Cheng , Liao Hangyu , Chen Kunling , Pan MingXin
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Liquid biopsy is attracting attention as a method of real-time monitoring of patients with tumors. It can be used to understand the temporal and spatial heterogeneity of tumors and has good clinical application prospects. We explored a new type of circulating tumor cell (CTC) enrichment technology combined with next-generation sequencing (NGS) to analyze the correlation between genomic alterations in circulating tumor cells of hepatocellular carcinoma and the counts of mesenchymal CTCs and CTC-associated white blood cell (CTC-WBC) clusters.

Methods

We collected peripheral blood samples from 29 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma from January 2016 to December 2019. We then used the CanPatrol™ system to capture and analyze mesenchymal CTCs and CTC-WBC clusters for all the patients. A customized Illumina panel was used for DNA sequencing and the Mann–Whitney U test was used to test the correlation between mesenchymal CTCs, CTC-WBC cluster counts, and specific genomic changes.

Results

At least one somatic hotspot mutation was detected in each of the 29 sequenced patients. A total of 42 somatic hot spot mutations were detected in tumor tissue DNA, and 39 mutations were detected in CTC-DNA, all of which included common changes in PTEN, MET, EGFR, RET, and FGFR3. The number of mesenchymal CTCs was positively correlated with the somatic genomic alterations in the PTEN and MET genes (PTEN, P = 0.021; MET, P  = 0.008, Mann–Whitney U test) and negatively correlated with the somatic genomic alterations in the EGFR gene (P = 0.006, Mann–Whitney U test). The number of CTC-WBC clusters was positively correlated with the somatic genomic alterations in RET genes (P  = 0.01, Mann–Whitney U test) and negatively correlated with the somatic genomic alterations in FGFR3 (P = 0.039, Mann–Whitney U test).

Conclusions

We report a novel method of a CTC enrichment platform combined with NGS technology to analyze genetic variation, which further demonstrates the potential clinical application of this method for spatiotemporal heterogeneity monitoring of hepatocellular carcinoma. We found that the number of peripheral blood mesenchymal CTCs and CTC-WBC clusters in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma was related to a specific genome profile.
Risks and Protective Factors Associated With Mental Health Symptoms During COVID-19 Home Confinement in Italian Children and Adolescents: The #Understandingkids Study
Authors: Oliva Salvatore , Russo Giusy , Gili Renata , Russo Luigi , Di Mauro Antonio , Spagnoli Alessandra , Alunni Fegatelli Danilo , Romani Maria , Costa Anna , Veraldi Silvio , Manti Filippo
Published: June 2021

Objective: To identify risk and protective factors for mental health symptoms associated with lifestyle changes caused by home confinement in pediatric subjects and in children and adolescents with a neuropsychiatric disorder.

Study design: This was a prospective, cross-sectional study conducted from May 10 to May 31, 2020. Two online anonymous surveys were developed: population-based and clinical-based (children with neuropsychiatric disorders). Outcomes included emotional and behavioral symptoms, as assessed by psychometric scales (BPSC, PPSC, PSC, CES-DC and SCARED, respectively), and lifestyle changes during home confinement (i.e., physical activity, screen time, home schooling, reading).

Results: The sample included 9,688 pediatric subjects, and 289 children and adolescents with a neuropsychiatric disorder. The presence of siblings was a protective factor in all ages. In pre- and school children: male sex, a diagnosis of autism, residency in highly affected areas, high parental educational level or job loss, and screen time (>2 h/day) were risk factors. Physical activity, home-schooling, reading, talking with other people were protective factors. Residency in highly affected areas, a diagnosis of mood disorder, parental job loss, and screen time, were associated with a worsening of the depressive symptoms, whereas physical activity, talking with other people, playing with parents were protective activities. Screen time was also a risk factor for anxiety symptoms, while physical activity, reading and talking with other people were protective factors.

Conclusions: This study identified risk and protective factors for mental health symptoms associated with lifestyle changes caused by COVID-19 home confinement to promote mental well-being in pediatrics during pandemic times.
Abnormal Orientation of the Superior Mesenteric Vessels Detected in Asymptomatic Infants: What Is Its Destiny?
Authors: Son Joonhyuk , Lee Sanghoon , Kim Wontae , Jung Soo-Min , Jeon Tae Yeon , Yoo So-Young , Kim Ji Hye , Seo Jeong-Meen
Published: June 2021

Background: Ultrasonography (USG) has been described as an alternative diagnostic tool for malrotation that evaluates the orientation of the superior mesenteric vessels. However, literature concerning the management of patients who do not have abdominal symptoms is limited. We aimed to review the clinical course of infants showing abnormal orientation of the superior mesenteric vessels on USG who were asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis.

Methods: Seventy asymptomatic infants with abnormal orientation of the superior mesenteric vessels in a single center between 2014 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed.

Results: The 70 patients, 21 underwent upper gastrointestinal series (UGIS) and 11 underwent abdominal surgery for other surgical conditions. Among the 32 (45.7%) patients who underwent UGIS or abdominal surgery, 11 were proven to have malrotation. Of the 38 (54.3%) patients who did not undergo UGIS or abdominal surgery, six patients were too unstable to undergo UGIS, five died due to cardiac complications, and the remaining patient developed midgut volvulus and died 3 days after emergency surgery. The remaining 32 patients who did not undergo UGIS or abdominal surgery were discharged without additional tests, and all were asymptomatic until their last follow-up. In the multivariate analysis, history of heart surgery and the presence of more than three anomalies were significantly associated with malrotation.

Conclusion: A significant number of malrotation were diagnosed in asymptomatic infants with abnormal orientation of the superior mesenteric vessels on USG. Infants with major cardiac or multiple anomalies need special attention and should undergo UGIS in a promptly manner to confirm malrotation.
Efficacy of CytoSorb in a Pediatric Case of Severe Multisystem Infammatory Syndrome (MIS-C): A Clinical Case Report
Authors: Bottari Gabriella , Confalone Valerio , Cotugno Nicola , Guzzo Isabella , Perdichizzi Salvatore , Manno Emma C. , Stoppa Francesca , Cecchetti Corrado
Published: June 2021

Background:Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) has emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic as a new SARS-CoV-2-related entity, potentially responsible for a life-threatening clinical condition associated with myocardial dysfunction and refractory shock.

Case:We describe for the first time in a 14-year-old girl with severe MIS-C the potential benefit of an adjuvant therapy based on CytoSorb hemoperfusion and continuous renal replacement therapy with immunomodulatory drugs.

Conclusions:We show in our case that, from the start of extracorporeal blood purification, there was a rapid and progressive restoration in cardiac function and hemodynamic parameters in association with a reduction in the most important inflammatory biomarkers (interleukin 6, interleukin 10, C-reactive protein, ferritin, and D-dimers). Additionally, for the first time, we were able to show with analysis of the sublingual microcirculation a delayed improvement in most of the important microcirculation parameters in this clinical case of MIS-C.
LaPT2 Gene Encodes a Flavonoid Prenyltransferase in White Lupin
Authors: Liu Jinyue , Xia Yaying , Jiang Wenbo , Shen Guoan , Pang Yongzhen
Published: June 2021

Legume plants are rich in prenylated flavonoid compounds, which play an important role in plant defense and human health. In the present study, we identified a prenyltransferase (PT) gene, named LaPT2, in white lupin (Lupinus albus), which shows a high identity and close relationship with the other known PT genes involved in flavonoid prenylation in planta. The recombinant LaPT2 protein expressed in yeast cells exhibited a relatively strong activity toward several flavonols (e.g., kaempferol, quercetin, and myricetin) and a relatively weak activity toward flavanone (naringenin). In addition, the recombinant LaPT2 protein was also active toward several other types of flavonoids, including galangin, morin, 5-deoxyquercetin, 4'-O-methylkaempferol, taxifolin, and aromadendrin, with distinct enzymatic affinities. The LaPT2 gene was preferentially expressed in the roots, which is consistent with the presence of prenylated flavonoid kaempferol in the roots. Moreover, we found that the expression level of LaPT2 paralleled with those of LaF3H1 and LaFLS2 genes that were relatively higher in roots and lower in leaves, suggesting that they were essential for the accumulation of prenylated flavonoid kaempferol in roots. The deduced full-length LaPT2 protein and its signal peptide fused with a green fluorescent protein (GFP) are targeted to plastids in the Arabidopsis thaliana protoplast. Our study demonstrated that LaPT2 from white lupin is responsible for the biosynthesis of prenylated flavonoids, in particular flavonols, which could be utilized as phytoalexin for plant defense and bioactive flavonoid compounds for human health.
Investigating a Selection of Methods for the Prediction of Total Soluble Solids Among Wine Grape Quality Characteristics Using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index Data From Proximal and Remote Sensing
Authors: Kasimati Aikaterini , Espejo-Garcia Borja , Vali Eleanna , Malounas Ioannis , Fountas Spyros
Published: June 2021

The most common method for determining wine grape quality characteristics is to perform sample-based laboratory analysis, which can be time-consuming and expensive. In this article, we investigate an alternative approach to predict wine grape quality characteristics by combining machine learning techniques and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data collected at different growth stages with non-destructive methods, such as proximal and remote sensing, that are currently used in precision viticulture (PV). The study involved several sets of high-resolution multispectral data derived from four sources, including two vehicle-mounted crop reflectance sensors, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-acquired data, and Sentinel-2 (S2) archived imagery to estimate grapevine canopy properties at different growth stages. Several data pre-processing techniques were employed, including data quality assessment, data interpolation onto a 100-cell grid (10 × 20 m), and data normalization. By calculating Pearson’s correlation matrix between all variables, initial descriptive statistical analysis was carried out to investigate the relationships between NDVI data from all proximal and remote sensors and the grape quality characteristics in all growth stages. The transformed dataset was then ready and applied to statistical and machine learning algorithms, firstly trained on the data distribution available and then validated and tested, using linear and nonlinear regression models, including ordinary least square (OLS), Theil–Sen, and the Huber regression models and Ensemble Methods based on Decision Trees. Proximal sensors performed better in wine grapes quality parameters prediction in the early season, while remote sensors during later growth stages. The strongest correlations with the sugar content were observed for NDVI data collected with the UAV, Spectrosense+GPS (SS), and the CropCircle (CC), during Berries pea-sized and the Veraison stage, mid-late season with full canopy growth, for both years. UAV and SS data proved to be more accurate in predicting the sugars out of all wine grape quality characteristics, especially during a mid-late season with full canopy growth, in Berries pea-sized and the Veraison growth stages. The best-fitted regressions presented a maximum coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.61.
Response of Root Growth and Development to Nitrogen and Potassium Deficiency as well as microRNA-Mediated Mechanism in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Li Lijie , Li Qian , Davis Kyle E. , Patterson Caitlin , Oo Sando , Liu Wanying , Liu Jia , Wang Guo , Fontana Julia Elise , Thornburg Thomas Elliott , Pratt Isaac Seth , Li Fei , Zhang Zhiyong , Zhou Yanzhong , Pan Xiaoping , Zhang Baohong
Published: June 2021

The mechanism of miRNA-mediated root growth and development in response to nutrient deficiency in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is still unclear. In the present study, we found that both nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) deficiency resulted in a significant reduction in plant growth, as indicated by the significantly decreased dry weight of both shoot and root tissues under N or K deficiency. Both N and K deficiency significantly reduced the root length, root surface area, root volume, root vitality, and weakened root respiration, as indicated by the reduced O2 consuming rate. N deficiency significantly decreased primary root length and lateral root number, which might be associated with the upregulation of miR160, miR167, miR393, and miR396, and the downregulation of AFB3 and GRF. The primary and lateral root responses to K deficiency were opposite to that of the N deficiency condition. The upregulated miR156, miR390, NAC4, ARF2, and AFB3, and the downregulated miR160, miR164, miR393, and SPL10 may have contributed to the growth of primary roots and lateral roots under K deficiency. Overall, roots responded differently to the N or K deficiency stresses in peanuts, potentially due to the miRNA-mediated pathway and mechanism.
Taqsīm as a Creative Musical Process in Arabic Music
Authors: Alkaei Zaher , Küssner Mats B.
Published: June 2021

Creativity plays a major role in various musical contexts including composition, performance and education. Although numerous studies have revealed how creativity is involved in processes of listening, improvising and composing, relatively little is known about the particularities of transcultural creative processes in music. In this article, we aim to shed light on the creative musical processes underlying taqsīm performance in Arabic music. To that end, qualitative interviews have been conducted with three Berlin-based oud players from Syria. Results of a thematic content analysis show that taqsīm encompasses multiple components (e.g., a flexible form and dependency on maqam as well as tonal music) and serves various functions such as developing artistic individuality. Moreover, taqsīm is affected by interactions between tradition and novelty. We discuss the interview data within the cross-cultural experiential model of musical creativity developed by Hill (2018), offering a fresh approach to studying taqsīm which goes beyond established concepts such as the improvisation-composition continuum.
Just Open Your Mind? A Randomized, Controlled Study on the Effects of Meditation on Creativity
Authors: Bashmakova Iana , Shcherbakova Olga
Published: June 2021

Creativity is a crucial prerequisite for innovation, successful problem solving, and self-expression, but how do we affect creative thinking in a positive way? The present study investigated the effects of open monitoring meditation (OMM) on creativity. We proposed that OMM will benefit creativity in metaphor production by cognitive flexibility (CF) enhancement. In the main study, participants were randomly assigned to one of the three groups: meditation, active, and passive controls. The first two groups performed an audio-guided task (real meditation or a narrative on house plants) for 2 weeks, and the third one had no task. Pre- and post-tests included measures of metaphor production, CF, state, sustained attention, attention shifting, and intelligence. We found no significant intra- or intergroup differences that would suggest OMM effects on creativity. Further, no links were found between measures of metaphor creativity and CF. Findings reveal potential challenges of using meditation as a cognitive enhancement tool. Methodological issues concerning meditation research, as well as creativity and CF measures, are discussed.
A Cross-Sectional Study on Mental Health Problems of Medical and Nonmedical Students in Shandong During the COVID-19 Epidemic Recovery Period
Authors: Zheng Xiaolei , Guo Yuji , Yang Hui , Luo Liyan , Ya Bailiu , Xu Hong , Xue Zhiwei , Li Qing , Shi Jiale , Bi Jianzhong , Ma Wen , Wang Ping
Published: June 2021

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in a plethora of psychological problems worldwide since its onset in December 2019. In the upheaval period, compared with medical college students, nonmedical students' psychological state deserves additional concern due to their lack of medical knowledge. Although the epidemic in China has been largely controlled for several months, the mental health problems resulting from the COVID-19 epidemic persist to this day. In this study, we assessed the mental health problems and associated risk factors experienced by nonmedical vs. medical college students in universities of Shandong Province during the COVID-19 epidemic recovery period.

Methods: An online survey was conducted over the period from 17 to 19 December 2020. A total of 954 Chinese college students (486 nonmedical and 468 medical students) from three universities of Shandong Province participated in the survey. Mental health variables were assessed with use of Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI).

Results: Compared with medical students, nonmedical college students had higher prevalence rates of depression (53.9 vs. 46.4%; p = 0.020) and insomnia (28.0 vs. 22.4%, p = 0.049), as well as higher total scores on the PHQ-9 (p = 0.03) and ISI (p < 0.01). Among nonmedical college students, being female and native of non-Shandong were risk factors for anxiety and depression (p < 0.01), while only native of non-Shandong for insomnia (p < 0.01). Among medical students, age (p < 0.01) and living in rural areas (p = 0.04) were risk factors for depression, while only age (p < 0.05) was a risk factor for anxiety and insomnia.

Conclusion: Nonmedical college students in the universities of Shandong Province had more mental health problems and more risk factors for developing them during the COVID-19 epidemic recovery period than medical students. These nonmedical students require additional attention and recovery programs to alleviate the increased incidence of psychological problems related to COVID-19.
Reinfection or Reactivation of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tang Xiujuan , Musa Salihu S. , Zhao Shi , He Daihai
Published: June 2021

As the pandemic continues, individuals with re-detectable positive (RP) SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA among recovered COVID-19 patients have raised public health concerns. It is imperative to investigate whether the cases with re-detectable positive (RP) SARS-CoV-2 might cause severe infection to the vulnerable population. In this work, we conducted a systematic review of recent literature to investigate reactivation and reinfection among the discharged COVID-19 patients that are found positive again. Our study, consisting more than a total of 113,715 patients, indicates that the RP-SARS-CoV-2 scenario occurs plausibly due to reactivation, reinfection, viral shedding, or testing errors. Nonetheless, we observe that previously infected individuals have significantly lower risk of being infected for the second time, indicating that reactivation or reinfection of SARS-CoV-2 likely have relatively less impact in the general population than the primary infection.