bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abundance, diversity, and composition of root-associated microbial communities varied with tall fescue cultivars under water deficit
Authors: Hu Jialin , Miller Grady , Shi Wei
Published: January 2023

The plant breeding program has developed many cultivars of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) with low maintenance and stress tolerance. While the root-associated microbial community helps confer stress tolerance in the host plant, it is still largely unknown how the microbiota varies with plant cultivars under water stress. The study aimed to characterize drought-responsive bacteria and fungi in the roots and rhizosphere of different tall fescue cultivars. Intact grass-soil cores were collected from six cultivars grown in a field trial under no-irrigation for 3 years. Tall fescue under irrigation was also sampled from an adjacent area as the contrast. Bacterial and fungal communities in roots, rhizosphere, and bulk soil were examined for abundance, diversity, and composition using quantitative-PCR and high-throughput amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA gene and ITS regions, respectively. Differences in microbial community composition and structure between non-irrigated and irrigated samples were statistically significant in all three microhabitats. No-irrigation enriched Actinobacteria in all three microhabitats, but mainly enriched Basidiomycota in the root endosphere and only Glomeromycota in bulk soil. Tall fescue cultivars slightly yet significantly modified endophytic microbial communities. Cultivars showing better adaptability to drought encompassed more relatively abundant Actinobacteria, Basidiomycota, or Glomeromycota in roots and the rhizosphere. PICRUSt2-based predictions revealed that the relative abundance of functional genes in roots related to phytohormones, antioxidant enzymes, and nutrient acquisition was enhanced under no-irrigation. Significant associations between Streptomyces and putative drought-ameliorating genes underscore possible mechanics for microbes to confer tall fescue with water stress tolerance. This work sheds important insight into the potential use of endophytic microbes for screening drought-adaptive genotypes and cultivars.
Development and validation of an interpretable radiomic nomogram for severe radiation proctitis prediction in postoperative cervical cancer patients
Authors: Wei Chaoyi , Xiang Xinli , Zhou Xiaobo , Ren Siyan , Zhou Qingyu , Dong Wenjun , Lin Haizhen , Wang Saijun , Zhang Yuyue , Lin Hai , He Qingzu , Lu Yuer , Jiang Xiaoming , Shuai Jianwei , Jin Xiance , Xie Congying
Published: January 2023

Background

Radiation proctitis is a common complication after radiotherapy for cervical cancer. Unlike simple radiation damage to other organs, radiation proctitis is a complex disease closely related to the microbiota. However, analysis of the gut microbiota is time-consuming and expensive. This study aims to mine rectal information using radiomics and incorporate it into a nomogram model for cheap and fast prediction of severe radiation proctitis prediction in postoperative cervical cancer patients.

Methods

The severity of the patient’s radiation proctitis was graded according to the RTOG/EORTC criteria. The toxicity grade of radiation proctitis over or equal to grade 2 was set as the model’s target. A total of 178 patients with cervical cancer were divided into a training set (n = 124) and a validation set (n = 54). Multivariate logistic regression was used to build the radiomic and non-raidomic models.

Results

The radiomics model [AUC=0.6855(0.5174-0.8535)] showed better performance and more net benefit in the validation set than the non-radiomic model [AUC=0.6641(0.4904-0.8378)]. In particular, we applied SHapley Additive exPlanation (SHAP) method for the first time to a radiomics-based logistic regression model to further interpret the radiomic features from case-based and feature-based perspectives. The integrated radiomic model enables the first accurate quantitative assessment of the probability of radiation proctitis in postoperative cervical cancer patients, addressing the limitations of the current qualitative assessment of the plan through dose-volume parameters only.

Conclusion

We successfully developed and validated an integrated radiomic model containing rectal information. SHAP analysis of the model suggests that radiomic features have a supporting role in the quantitative assessment of the probability of radiation proctitis in postoperative cervical cancer patients.
Metabolism of eriocitrin in the gut and its regulation on gut microbiota in mice
Authors: Meng Xia , Wu Hongchen , Xiong Jiayi , Li Yongquan , Chen Lin , Gu Qing , Li Ping
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Eriocitrin, found in lemon fruit, has shown a wide range of biological properties. Herein, we investigated the intestinal metabolic profile of eriocitrin in colon, and the regulation of dietary intervention of eriocitrin on gut microbiota.

Methods

We performed ultra performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS), 16S rDNA gene sequencing and gas chromatography-mass (GC-MS) on colon contents from the eriocitrin group (n=6), and compared them with control participants (n=6).

Results

A total of 136 flavonoids were found in colon contents, including eriocitrin and its six metabolites (eriodictyol, homoeriodictyol, hesperetin, eriodictyol-3′-O-glucoside, hesperetin-7-O-glucoside and eriodictyol-7-O-(6″-O-galloyl) glucoside). Moreover, dietary intervention of eriocitrin significantly alters the beta diversity of the gut microbiota, the probiotics such as Lachnospiraceae_UCG_006 were significantly enriched, and the production of butyrate, valerate and hexanoate in the colon pool of short-chain fatty acids were significant increased. The spearman’s association analysis performed some intestinal bacteria may be involved in the metabolism of eriocitrin.

Discussion

Collectively, our results preliminarily suggest the metabolism of eriocitrin in the gut, demonstrating alterations of eriocitrin in gut microbiota, which warrants further investigation to determine its potential use in food and biomedical applications.
Quantitative proteomics of differentiated primary bronchial epithelial cells from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and control identifies potential novel host factors post-influenza A virus infection
Authors: Nakayama Misako , Marchi Hannah , Dmitrieva Anna M. , Chakraborty Ashesh , Merl-Pham Juliane , Hennen Elisabeth , Le Gleut Ronan , Ruppert Clemens , Guenther Andreas , Kahnert Kathrin , Behr Jürgen , Hilgendorff Anne , Hauck Stefanie M. , Adler Heiko , Staab-Weijnitz Claudia A.
Published: January 2023

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) collectively refers to chronic and progressive lung diseases that cause irreversible limitations in airflow. Patients with COPD are at high risk for severe respiratory symptoms upon influenza virus infection. Airway epithelial cells provide the first-line antiviral defense, but whether or not their susceptibility and response to influenza virus infection changes in COPD have not been elucidated. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the susceptibility of COPD- and control-derived airway epithelium to the influenza virus and assess protein changes during influenza virus infection by quantitative proteomics.

Materials and methods

The presence of human- and avian-type influenza A virus receptor was assessed in control and COPD lung sections as well as in fully differentiated primary human bronchial epithelial cells (phBECs) by lectin- or antibody-based histochemical staining. PhBECs were from COPD lungs, including cells from moderate- and severe-stage diseases, and from age-, sex-, smoking, and history-matched control lung specimens. Protein profiles pre- and post-influenza virus infection in vitro were directly compared using quantitative proteomics, and selected findings were validated by qRT-PCR and immunoblotting.

Results

The human-type influenza receptor was more abundant in human airways than the avian-type influenza receptor, a property that was retained in vitro when differentiating phBECs at the air–liquid interface. Proteomics of phBECs pre- and post-influenza A virus infection with A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (PR8) revealed no significant differences between COPD and control phBECs in terms of flu receptor expression, cell type composition, virus replication, or protein profile pre- and post-infection. Independent of health state, a robust antiviral response to influenza virus infection was observed, as well as upregulation of several novel influenza virus-regulated proteins, including PLSCR1, HLA-F, CMTR1, DTX3L, and SHFL.

Conclusion

COPD- and control-derived phBECs did not differ in cell type composition, susceptibility to influenza virus infection, and proteomes pre- and post-infection. Finally, we identified novel influenza A virus-regulated proteins in bronchial epithelial cells that might serve as potential targets to modulate the pathogenicity of infection and acute exacerbations.
Differences in structural MRI and diffusion tensor imaging underlie visuomotor performance declines in older adults with an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Rogojin Alica , Gorbet Diana J. , Hawkins Kara M. , Sergio Lauren E.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Visuomotor impairments have been demonstrated in preclinical AD in individuals with a positive family history of dementia and APOE e4 carriers. Previous behavioral findings have also reported sex-differences in performance of visuomotor tasks involving a visual feedback reversal. The current study investigated the relationship between grey and white matter changes and non-standard visuomotor performance, as well as the effects of APOE status, family history of dementia, and sex on these brain-behavior relationships.

Methods

Older adults (n = 49) with no cognitive impairments completed non-standard visuomotor tasks involving a visual feedback reversal, plane-change, or combination of the two. Participants with a family history of dementia or who were APOE e4 carriers were considered at an increased risk for AD. T1-weighted anatomical scans were used to quantify grey matter volume and thickness, and diffusion tensor imaging measures were used to quantify white matter integrity.

Results

In APOE e4 carriers, grey and white matter structural measures were associated with visuomotor performance. Regression analyses showed that visuomotor deficits were predicted by lower grey matter thickness and volume in areas of the medial temporal lobe previously implicated in visuomotor control (entorhinal and parahippocampal cortices). This finding was replicated in the diffusion data, where regression analyses revealed that lower white matter integrity (lower FA, higher MD, higher RD, higher AxD) was a significant predictor of worse visuomotor performance in the forceps minor, forceps major, cingulum, inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (IFOF), inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF), superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), and uncinate fasciculus (UF). Some of these tracts overlap with those important for visuomotor integration, namely the forceps minor, forceps major, SLF, IFOF, and ILF.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that measuring the dysfunction of brain networks underlying visuomotor control in early-stage AD may provide a novel behavioral target for dementia risk detection that is easily accessible, non-invasive, and cost-effective. The results also provide insight into the structural differences in inferior parietal lobule that may underlie previously reported sex-differences in performance of the visual feedback reversal task.
Continuous theta burst stimulation-induced suppression of the right fronto-thalamic-cerebellar circuit accompanies improvement in language performance in poststroke aphasia: A resting-state fMRI study
Authors: Zheng Kai , Xu Xinlei , Ji Yingying , Fang Hui , Gao Fanglan , Huang Guilan , Su Bin , Bian Li , Zhang Guofu , Ren Caili
Published: January 2023

Background

Continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) is a specific paradigm of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) with an inhibitory effect on cortical excitability for up to 60 min after less than 1 min of stimulation. The right posterior superior temporal gyrus (pSTG), homotopic to Wernicke’s area in the left hemisphere, may be a potential stimulation target based on its critical role in semantic processing. The objective of this study was to explore whether cTBS over the right pSTG can promote language improvements in aphasic patients and the underlying mechanism.

Methods

A total of 34 subjects with aphasia were randomly assigned to undergo 15 sessions of either 40-s inhibitory cTBS over the right pSTG (the cTBS group) or sham stimulation (the sham group), followed by 30 min of speech and language therapy. Subjects underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), and the aphasia quotient (AQ) of the Chinese version of the Western Aphasia Battery (WAB) was calculated before and after the intervention. This randomized controlled trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (No. ChiCTR210052962).

Results

After treatment, the language performance of the cTBS group was higher than that of the sham group in terms of the WAB-AQ score (p = 0.010) and the WAB scores for auditory comprehension (p = 0.022) and repetition (p = 0.035). The fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) was significantly decreased in the pars triangularis of the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), right middle frontal gyrus, right thalamus, and left cerebellar crus I. Clusters in the left orbitofrontal cortex exhibited increased fALFF. The change in WAB comprehension scores were significantly correlated with the change in the fALFF of the right IFG pars triangularis in both groups. Greatly increased functional connectivity was observed between the right pars triangularis and left paracingulate gyrus and between the right pSTG and right angular gyrus and the posterior cingulate gyrus with pre-and post-treatment between the two groups.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that cTBS of the right pSTG may improve language production by suppressing intrinsic activity of the right fronto-thalamic-cerebellar circuit and enhancing the involvement of the right temporoparietal region.
Ethosomes and their monotonous effects on Skin cancer disruption
Authors: Shinde Prafull , Page Amit , Bhattacharya Sankha
Published: January 2023

Skin cancer is one of the most prominent diseases, affecting all continents worldwide, and has shown a significant rise in mortality and prevalence. Conventional therapy, including chemotherapy and surgery, has a few drawbacks. The ethosomal systems would be thoroughly reviewed in this compilation, and they would be classified based on constituents: classical ethosomes, binary ethosomes, and transethosomes. Ethosomes systems are model lipid vesicular carriers with a substantial portion of ethanol. The impacts of ethosomal system components, preparation techniques, and their major roles in selecting the final characteristics of these nanocarriers are comprehensively reviewed in this chapter. The special techniques for ethosomes, including the cold approach, hot approach, injection method, mechanical dispersion method, and conventional method, are explained in this chapter. Various evaluation parameters of ethosomes were also explained. Furthermore, ethosomal gels, patches, and creams can be emphasised as innovative pharmaceutical drug formulations. Some hybrid ethosomal vesicles possessing combinatorial cancer therapy using nanomedicine could overcome the current drug resistance of specific cancer cells. Through the use of repurpose therapy, phytoconstituents may be delivered more effectively. A wide range of in vivo models are employed to assess their effectiveness. Ethosomes have provided numerous potential skin cancer therapeutic approaches in the future.
Spatial memory deficits in Alzheimer’s disease and their connection to cognitive maps’ formation by place cells and grid cells
Authors: Silva Azul , Martínez María Cecilia
Published: January 2023

Whenever we navigate through different contexts, we build a cognitive map: an internal representation of the territory. Spatial navigation is a complex skill that involves multiple types of information processing and integration. Place cells and grid cells, collectively with other hippocampal and medial entorhinal cortex neurons (MEC), form a neural network whose activity is critical for the representation of self-position and orientation along with spatial memory retrieval. Furthermore, this activity generates new representations adapting to changes in the environment. Though there is a normal decline in spatial memory related to aging, this is dramatically increased in pathological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). AD is a multi-factorial neurodegenerative disorder affecting mainly the hippocampus-entorhinal cortex (HP-EC) circuit. Consequently, the initial stages of the disease have disorientation and wandering behavior as two of its hallmarks. Recent electrophysiological studies have linked spatial memory deficits to difficulties in spatial information encoding. Here we will discuss map impairment and remapping disruption in the HP-EC network, as a possible circuit mechanism involved in the spatial memory and navigation deficits observed in AD, pointing out the benefits of virtual reality as a tool for early diagnosis and rehabilitation.
Prevalence, risk factor and outcome in middle-aged and elderly population affected by hemiplegic shoulder pain: An observational study
Authors: Li Yaomei , Yang Siqi , Cui Lijun , Bao Yong , Gu Lin , Pan Huijuan , Wang Jixian , Xie Qing
Published: January 2023

Background

Hemiplegic shoulder pain is the most common complication after stroke. It usually occurs during the critical period of stroke recovery and hinders the rehabilitation of upper extremity motor function. However, there are few studies on the risk factors, the development and prognosis of shoulder pain after stroke.

Objectives

This study aimed to observe the prevalence of post-stroke shoulder pain in the middle-aged and elderly population, find out the risk factors for post-stroke shoulder pain, and explore its effect on stroke outcome.

Methods

Eligible patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain in the rehabilitation unit were recruited and followed up at 2 and 4 months. The basic clinical information including age, gender, hypertension and atrial fibrillation history, stroke types, stroke location was recorded. Range of motion for shoulder, glenohumeral subluxation, muscle tension, activity of daily living of upper limb were measured. Data from blood test and shoulder ultrasonography were collected.

Results

480 stroke patients were screened within 1 year, and 239 patients were included in the statistical analysis. The prevalence of hemiplegic shoulder pain was 55.6% (133/239) at admission, 59.4% (142/239) after 2 months, and 55.1% (130/236) after 4 months. We found that shoulder pain was more likely to occur in women, patients with large-area stroke, increased tension of biceps brachii or triceps brachii, subluxation and limited passive range of motion of the shoulder. And the ability of daily living of patients with shoulder pain was significantly lower than that of patients without shoulder pain. Shoulder ultrasonography showed that the most common lesion in patients with shoulder pain was supraspinatus tendon thickening, and the thickness of supraspinatus tendon in the hemiplegic side of patients with shoulder pain was significantly higher than that of unaffected side. In addition, the hospitalization rate of patients with shoulder pain after 2 months and 4 months was significantly higher than that without shoulder pain.

Conclusions

Hemiplegic shoulder pain has a high prevalence and can last for several months. Multiple risk factors are involved. Moreover, hemiplegic shoulder pain affects the readmission rate of patients. Therefore, we should pay more attention to this problem in our clinical work. The application of various means to relieve shoulder pain will be conducive to the recovery of upper limb motor function and shorten the in-hospital rehabilitation time.
Resting state network mapping in individuals using deep learning
Authors: Luckett Patrick H. , Lee John J. , Park Ki Yun , Raut Ryan V. , Meeker Karin L. , Gordon Evan M. , Snyder Abraham Z. , Ances Beau M. , Leuthardt Eric C. , Shimony Joshua S.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Resting state functional MRI (RS-fMRI) is currently used in numerous clinical and research settings. The localization of resting state networks (RSNs) has been utilized in applications ranging from group analysis of neurodegenerative diseases to individual network mapping for pre-surgical planning of tumor resections. Reproducibility of these results has been shown to require a substantial amount of high-quality data, which is not often available in clinical or research settings.

Methods

In this work, we report voxelwise mapping of a standard set of RSNs using a novel deep 3D convolutional neural network (3DCNN). The 3DCNN was trained on publicly available functional MRI data acquired in n = 2010 healthy participants. After training, maps that represent the probability of a voxel belonging to a particular RSN were generated for each participant, and then used to calculate mean and standard deviation (STD) probability maps, which are made publicly available. Further, we compared our results to previously published resting state and task-based functional mappings.

Results

Our results indicate this method can be applied in individual subjects and is highly resistant to both noisy data and fewer RS-fMRI time points than are typically acquired. Further, our results show core regions within each network that exhibit high average probability and low STD.

Discussion

The 3DCNN algorithm can generate individual RSN localization maps, which are necessary for clinical applications. The similarity between 3DCNN mapping results and task-based fMRI responses supports the association of specific functional tasks with RSNs.
Reduced quality of life in myasthenia gravis patients: A study on 185 patients from China
Authors: Wu Xuan , Li Run Yun , Ye Xiao Bin , Wang Ning
Published: January 2023

Aims

To explore the quality of life (QOL) in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) and factors associated with QOL.

Methods

This observational study included patients with MG diagnosed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University between January 2020 and March 2022. The QOL of patients was evaluated with the 15-item Myasthenia Gravis Quality of Life (MG-QOL15). Current MG severity was evaluated with MGFA grade, MG-ADL score, MGC score, and MGFA Postintervention Status. The data about gender, age of onset, subgroup, antibodies, age, duration, education, employment state, marital status, skeletal muscle affected, thymic histology, and current treatment methods of the patient were collected.

Results

A total of 185 patients [72 males (38.9%), aged 45.2 years (14–77)] with MG were enrolled. Age at onset was 38.3 ± 17.9 years, and disease duration was 87.9 months (0–672). The median MG-QOL15 score was 12.5 (0–58). The item “have trouble using my eyes” was the highest scoring item in both ocular and generalized patients with MG. The MG-QOL15 score was significantly different among patients with OMG (9.2 ± 9.4, n = 63), GMG (9.0 ± 8.8, n = 22), and BMG (15.4 ± 14.2, n = 100) (P = 0.018). Patients with BMG had higher MG-QOL15 scores than OMG (P = 0.001) and GMG (P = 0.009), but there was no significant difference between OMG and GMG (P = 0.467). The MG-QOL15 score was significantly lower in patients who had undergone thymectomy (9.7 ± 9.8, n = 58) compared to those who had not (13.8 ± 13.4, n = 127, P = 0.022). MG-QOL15 score was significantly lower in patients who underwent thymectomy compared to those who did not (9.7 ± 9.8, n = 58 vs. 13.8 ± 13.4, n = 127, P = 0.022). MG-QOL15 score was different among MGFA grades (Remission: 5.2 ± 5.4, n = 41; I: 11.3 ± 10, n = 61; II: 11.6 ± 11.1, n = 40; III: 18.1 ± 12.1, n = 29; and IVa: 30.1 ± 20, n = 14, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between patients in MGFA grade I and II (P = 0.896), and there was no significant difference between patients in MGFA grade III and IVa (P = 0.052). MG-ADL (P < 0.001) and MGC (P < 0.001) were positively correlated with MG-QOL15. Men had higher MG-QOL15 than women (P = 0.094), and LOMG had higher MG-QOL15 than EOMG (P = 0.072). Multivariate linear regression identified that higher MG-ADL (P < 0.001), higher MGC (P = 0.02), and poor employment status (P = 0.045) were independently associated with higher MG-QOL15.

Conclusion

Having trouble using the eyes accounted for the highest score in MG-QOL15, eye symptoms affect QOL more than limb weakness in MG. Daily life activity, disease severity, and employment status were associated with patients' QOL. Adequate treatment should be applied to improve QOL, while mild symptoms can be accepted. Men and patients over the age of 50 years of onset may need more attention.
The compensatory mechanism and clinical significance of hydrocephalus after cranioplasty
Authors: Qiu Xiansheng , Wang Dong , Chen Li , Huang Guanlin , Zhou Xiaoping , Chen Qiang , Wang Zhanxiang
Published: January 2023

Objective

Cranioplasty (CP) and ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) are procedures required after decompression of the flap (DC) to protect the cranial frame and prevent hydrocephalus. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of different surgical sequences of CP and VPS after DC and identified risk factors for necessary permanent VPS.

Methods

From January 2017 to December 2021, valid follow-up data were collected in 192 cases. The observation group preferred CP, and then evaluated whether to receive VPS according to the progress of hydrocephalus. the control group was prioritized for VPS and continued with CP after 1 week. The improvement of hydrocephalus symptoms, follow-up outcomes, and post-operative complications before and after surgery were compared between the two groups, and univariate analysis was used to determine the risk factors for necessary permanent risk factors for VPS.

Results

There were 86 cases (44.8%) in the observation group, who received CP first, while 106 cases (55.2%) in the control group received VPS and CP, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups according to Barthel index, FMAS, Mrs, GCS, and Evans index, and there was no statistical difference in complications between the two groups. However, in the observation group, hydrocephalus disappeared after CP operation in 29 cases (33.7%), and finally avoided VPS. Univariate analysis showed that the main etiology was related to the size of the skull defect, the distance of the talus margin relative to the flap to the midline, and lumbar puncture pressure was a predictor of the need for permanent VPS.

Conclusion

This study provides detailed information on the efficacy and complications of different sequences of preferential CP or VPS after DC surgery. We found that priority CP reduced the incidence of VPS surgery without affecting surgical outcomes and complications.
Hemilaminectomy for the removal of the spinal tumors: An analysis of 901 patients
Authors: Liao Dengyong , Li Dan , Wang Ruoran , Xu Jianguo , Chen Haifeng
Published: January 2023

Objective

We report our experience with the use of hemilaminectomy approach for the removal of benign intraspinal tumors.

Method

A retrospective review of 1,067 patients who underwent hemilaminectomy in our hospital between 2013 and 2019 was analyzed. Baseline medical data were collected. One hundred sixteen patients were excluded due to degenerative diseases, spinal bone tumors, and malignant tumors. The remaining 901 patients (916 tumors) were enrolled. The Dennis Pain Scale (DPS) was used to assess improvement in pain before surgery and during long-term follow-up. Neurological status was assessed using the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale.

Results

The age of the patients was 48.7 ± 15.3 years, the duration of symptoms was 16.5 ± 32.0 months, and the tumor size was 2.6 ± 1.4 cm. Three hundred two tumors were located in the cervical region, 42 in the cervicothoracic region, 234 in the thoracic region, 57 in the thoracolumbar region, and 281 in the lumbar and lumbosacral region. Twenty-three tumors were ventrally located, 677 were dorsal or dorsolateral, 63 were intramedullary, 87 were epidural, and the rest were dumbbell-shaped. The most common pathologies were schwannomas (601, 66.7%) and meningiomas (172, 19.1%). Total excision was achieved at 97.8%. The operative time was 94.3 ± 32.6 min and the blood loss during surgery was 96.9 ± 116.5 ml. The symptom of pain improved in 87.0% of patients during long-term follow-up, neurological function improved in 68.3% and remained unchanged at 30.5%.

Conclusion

The hemilaminectomy approach was a rapid and safe procedure to remove intradural and extradural tumors. This approach has offered several advantages. It could be used for the resection of most extradural or intradural extramedullary lesions, even some intramedullary tumors.
The experience of sensorimotor integration of a lower limb sensory neuroprosthesis: A qualitative case study
Authors: Schmitt Melissa S. , Wright John D. , Triolo Ronald J. , Charkhkar Hamid , Graczyk Emily L.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Lower limb prosthesis users often struggle to navigate uneven terrain or ambulate in low light conditions where it can be challenging to rely on visual cues for balance and walking. Sensory feedback about foot-floor interactions may allow users to reduce reliance on secondary sensory cues and improve confidence and speed when navigating difficult terrain. Our group has developed a Sensory Neuroprosthesis (SNP) to restore sensation to people with lower limb amputation by pairing electrical stimulation of nerves in the residual limb applied via implanted neurotechnology with pressure sensors in the insole of a standard prosthesis. Stimulation applied to the nerves evoked sensations perceived as originating on the missing leg and foot.

Methods

This qualitative case study reports on the experiences of a 68-year-old with a unilateral trans-tibial amputation who autonomously used the SNP at home for 31 weeks. Interview data collected throughout the study period was analyzed using a grounded theory approach with constant comparative methods to understand his experience with this novel technology and its impacts on his daily life.

Results

A conceptual model was developed that explained the experience of integrating SNP-provided sensory feedback into his body and motor plans. The model described the requirements of integration, which were a combination of a low level of mental focus and low stimulation levels. While higher levels of stimulation and focus could result in distinct sensory percepts and various phantom limb experiences, optimal integration was associated with SNP-evoked sensation that was not readily perceivable. Successful sensorimotor integration of the SNP resulted in improvements to locomotion, a return to a more normal state, an enhancement of perceived prosthesis utility, and a positive outlook on the experience.

Discussion

These outcomes emerged over the course of the nearly 8 month study, suggesting that findings from long-term home studies of SNPs may differ from those of short-term in-laboratory tests. Our findings on the experience of sensorimotor integration of the SNP have implications for the optimal training of SNP users and the future deployment of clinical SNP systems for long-term home use.
A functional MRI pre-processing and quality control protocol based on statistical parametric mapping (SPM) and MATLAB
Authors: Di Xin , Biswal Bharat B.
Published: January 2023

Functional MRI (fMRI) has become a popular technique to study brain functions and their alterations in psychiatric and neurological conditions. The sample sizes for fMRI studies have been increasing steadily, and growing studies are sourced from open-access brain imaging repositories. Quality control becomes critical to ensure successful data processing and valid statistical results. Here, we outline a simple protocol for fMRI data pre-processing and quality control based on statistical parametric mapping (SPM) and MATLAB. The focus of this protocol is not only to identify and remove data with artifacts and anomalies, but also to ensure the processing has been performed properly. We apply this protocol to the data from fMRI Open quality control (QC) Project, and illustrate how each quality control step can help to identify potential issues. We also show that simple steps such as skull stripping can improve coregistration between the functional and anatomical images.
Computational methods and points for attention in absolute configuration determination
Authors: Zhu Huajie , Wang Yufang , Nafie Laurence A.
Published: January 2023

With the rapid development of high performance computers and computational methods, including software, an increasing number of experimental chemists have tried to use computational methods such as optical rotation (OR, including the matrix model), optical rotatory dispersion (ORD), electronic circular dichroism (ECD or CD), vibrational circular dichroism (VCD), and magnetic shielding constants—nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)—to explain and/or assign absolute configuration (AC) for various compounds. Such reports in the field of natural products have increased dramatically. However, every method has its range of application. This leads, in some cases, to incorrect conclusions by researchers who are not familiar with these methods. In this review, we provide experimental chemists and researchers with more computational details and suitable suggestions, and especially hope that this experience may help readers avoid computational pitfalls. Finally, we discuss the use of simplified models to replace original complex structures with a long side chain. The fundamental basis for using models to represent complex chiral compounds, such as in OR calculations, is the existence of conformation pairs with near canceling conformer contributions that justify the use of models rather than the original compounds. Using examples, we here introduce the transition state (TS) calculation, which may benefit readers in this area for use and mastery for their AC study. This review will summarize the general concepts involved in the study of AC determinations.
Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) differentially modifies the in vitro gut microbiota in an age-dependent manner
Authors: Mahalak Karley K. , Firrman Jenni , Narrowe Adrienne B. , Hu Weiming , Jones Steven M. , Bittinger Kyle , Moustafa Ahmed M. , Liu LinShu
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are well-known carbohydrates that promote healthy gut microbiota and have been previously demonstrated to enhance levels of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. Its bifidogenic properties are associated with positive health outcomes such as reduced obesity and anti-inflammatory properties, and, therefore, is in use as a prebiotic supplement to support healthy gut microbiota. However, the gut microbiota changes with age, which may lead to differential responses to treatments with prebiotics and other dietary supplements.

Methods

To address this concern, we implemented a 24-h in vitro culturing method to determine whether FOS treatment in three different adult age groups would have a differential effect. The age groups of interest ranged from 25 to 70 years and were split into young adults, adults, and older adults for the purposes of this analysis. Metagenomics and short-chain fatty acid analysis were performed to determine changes in the structure and function of the microbial communities.

Results

These analyses found that FOS created a bifidogenic response in all age groups, increased overall SCFA levels, decreased alpha diversity, and shifted the communities to be more similar in beta diversity metrics. However, the age groups differed in which taxa were most prevalent or most affected by FOS treatment.

Discussion

Overall, the results of this study demonstrate the positive effects of FOS on the gut microbiome, and importantly, how age may play a role in the effectiveness of this prebiotic.
Development and validation of risk prediction model for identifying 30-day frailty in older inpatients with undernutrition: A multicenter cohort study
Authors: Liu Hongpeng , Li Cheng , Jiao Jing , Wu Xinjuan , Zhu Minglei , Wen Xianxiu , Jin Jingfen , Wang Hui , Lv Dongmei , Zhao Shengxiu , Nicholas Stephen , Maitland Elizabeth , Zhu Dawei
Published: January 2023

Objective

To develop and externally validate a frailty prediction model integrating physical factors, psychological variables and routine laboratory test parameters to predict the 30-day frailty risk in older adults with undernutrition.

Methods

Based on an ongoing survey of geriatrics syndrome in elder adults across China (SGSE), this prognostic study identified the putative prognostic indicators for predicting the 30-day frailty risk of older adults with undernutrition. Using multivariable logistic regression analysis with backward elimination, the predictive model was subjected to internal (bootstrap) and external validation, and its calibration was evaluated by the calibration slope and its C statistic discriminative ability. The model derivation and model validation cohorts were collected between October 2018 and February 2019 from a prospective, large-scale cohort study of hospitalized older adults in tertiary hospitals in China. The modeling derivation cohort data (n = 2,194) were based on the SGSE data comprising southwest Sichuan Province, northern Beijing municipality, northwest Qinghai Province, northeast Heilongjiang Province, and eastern Zhejiang Province, with SGSE data from Hubei Province used to externally validate the model (validation cohort, n = 648).

Results

The incidence of frailty in the older undernutrition derivation cohort was 13.54% and 13.43% in the validation cohort. The final model developed to estimate the individual predicted risk of 30-day frailty was presented as a regression formula: predicted risk of 30-day frailty = [1/(1+e−riskscore)], where riskscore = −0.106 + 0.034 × age + 0.796 × sex −0.361 × vision dysfunction + 0.373 × hearing dysfunction + 0.408 × urination dysfunction – 0.012 × ADL + 0.064 × depression – 0.139 × nutritional status – 0.007 × hemoglobin – 0.034 × serum albumin – 0.012 × (male: ADL). Area under the curve (AUC) of 0.71 in the derivation cohort, and discrimination of the model were similar in both cohorts, with a C statistic of nearly 0.7, with excellent calibration of observed and predicted risks.

Conclusion

A new prediction model that quantifies the absolute risk of frailty of older patients suffering from undernutrition was developed and externally validated. Based on physical, psychological, and biological variables, the model provides an important assessment tool to provide different healthcare needs at different times for undernutrition frailty patients.

Clinical trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry [ChiCTR1800017682].
Nurturing by nutrition: On the future of gut microbiota management strategies for autoimmune disease
Authors: Larsen Olaf F. A.
Published: January 2023

The incidence of autoimmune disease continues to rise, which urges for new prevention and treatment modalities. The composition of the gut microbiota is associated with both susceptibility and progression of disease. Nutrition significantly shapes the gut microbial composition, and poses as such a modality for both prevention and treatment/adjuvant therapy. At very young age, nutritional intervention targeting the gut microbiota is still possible within a one-size-fits all regime, accompanied by a relatively high effect size. As ageing results in higher interindividual variation induced by cumulative exposome factors, a more personalized approach is needed, having a higher effect size than that of current nutritional intervention. As such, supplementation of microbial consortia consisting of keystone taxa and microbial guilds that are involved in the pathophysiology seem a promising direction to lower the burden of autoimmune disease.
DUSP10 upregulation is a poor prognosticator and promotes cell proliferation and migration in glioma
Authors: Zhou Fang , Zeng Lingfeng , Chen Xi , Zhou Fan , Zhang Zhen , Yuan Yixiao , Wang Heping , Yao Huayi , Tian Jintao , Liu Xujie , Zhao Jinxi , Huang Xiaobin , Pu Jun , Cho William C. , Cao Jianxiong , Jiang Xiulin
Published: January 2023

Dual-specificity phosphatase 10 (DUSP10) correlates with inflammation, cytokine secretion, cell proliferation, survival, and apoptosis. However, its role in glioma is unclear. Herein, we sought to examine the expression and the underlying carcinogenic mechanisms of DUSP10 action in glioma. DUSP10 expression in glioma was significantly higher than that in normal brain tissues. High DUSP10 expression indicated adverse clinical outcomes in glioma patients. Increased DUSP10 expression correlated significantly with clinical features in glioma. Univariate Cox analysis showed that high DUSP10 expression was a potential independent marker of poor prognosis in glioma. Furthermore, DUSP10 expression in glioma correlated negatively with its DNA methylation levels. DNA methylation level of DUSP10 also correlated negatively with poor prognosis in glioma. More importantly, DUSP10 expression correlated positively with the infiltration of B cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells in glioma. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis confirmed that DUSP10 participated in signaling pathways involved in focal adhesion, TNF cascade, Th17 cell differentiation, and NF-kappa B cascade. Finally, we uncovered that DUSP10 was dramatically upregulated in glioblastoma (GBM) cells and that the knockdown of DUSP10 inhibited glioma cell proliferation and migration. Our findings suggested that DUSP10 may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker in glioma.
Breast cancer and physical activity: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Fresno-Alba S. , Denche-Zamorano Á. , Pastor-Cisneros R. , Pereira-Payo D. , Franco-García J. M. , Jiménez-Castuera R.
Published: January 2023

Breast cancer is a pathology suffered by millions of women worldwide, affecting the mental health, quality of life (QoL), physical functioning, cognitive functioning, and social and work life of surviving patients. Moreover, breast cancer is associated with weight gain, muscle atrophy, and weakness. Physical exercise appears to be an effective non-pharmacological treatment to improve short-term self-esteem, QoL, fatigue, and psychological factors such as depression, anxiety, happiness, and body image. The practice of physical activity is also associated with a reduction in the side effects of treatment. This bibliometric analysis analyzed the trend followed by publications on breast cancer and physical activity. The Web of Science database was used, and bibliometric laws were applied to identify the most prolific authors, the journals most involved in the field, and the countries, institutions, and keywords most used by the authors. Breast cancer and physical activity have an exponential trend in the number of publications, with Psycho-Oncology being the journal with the highest number of publications.
Efficacy and safety evaluation of neoadjuvant immunotherapy plus chemotherapy for resectable non–small cell lung cancer in real world
Authors: Fang Min , Hang Qingqing , Jiang Haitao , Cai Lei , Hu Jinlin , Ying Hangjie , Gu Qing , Yu Xiaofu , Liu Jinshi , Lai Xiaojing
Published: January 2023

Objectives

The combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy has shown great efficacy in stage IV non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and is now widely used in clinical treatment strategy. This study retrospectively analyzed the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant immunotherapy plus chemotherapy for resectable NSCLC in real world.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients with NSCLC who received neoadjuvant immunotherapy plus chemotherapy and underwent complete tumor resection in Zhejiang Cancer Hospital between January 2019 and January 2021. Tumor staging was based on the eighth TNM classification system of the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging criteria. The safety and toxicity (including operative and postoperative complications) and the efficacy [including objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), tumor major pathological remission (MPR), and pathological complete response (pCR)] were evaluated.

Results

In total, 368 patients with NSCLC were administered with neoadjuvant immunotherapy. Of them, 211 patients were included in this retrospective study. Most patients had stage II–III disease, with 75 (35.5%) and 88 (41.7%) patients diagnosed with clinical stages IIB and IIIA, respectively. A total of 206 patients (97.6%) received at least two doses of neoadjuvant immunotherapy plus chemotherapy. In addition, 121 patients (57.3%) have achieved MPR, and 80 patients (37.9%) have achieved pCR, with ORR at 69.2% and DCR at 97.7%. Treatment-related adverse events occurred in 46.4% of patients, and the incidence rate of grade 3 or 4 treatment-related adverse events was 13.3% (13/98). Moreover, adverse events of any grade of surgical complication occurred in 15.6% of patients. One-year disease-free survival was 80.6% (170/211).

Conclusions

Neoadjuvant immunotherapy plus chemotherapy has significant efficacy with a high pCR and tolerable adverse effects for patients with resectable stage II–III NSCLC in real world.
Genetic and clinical profiles of 160 papillary thyroid cancers with lateral neck lymph node metastasis
Authors: Fang Yiqiao , Zheng Xun , Zou Xiuhe , Ye Zi , Liu Jiaye , Lei Jianyong , Li Zhihui
Published: January 2023

Background

Lymph node metastasis is widespread in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Patients are more vulnerable than those with central lymph node metastasis if they have lateral neck lymph node metastasis (LLNM). There are few researches focus on the correlation between clinical characteristics and genetic profile of PTC with LLNM. In this study, we aimed to analyze the clinical and genetic features of PTC with LLNM.

Methods

A total of 160 primary tumor samples derived from PTC patients with LLNM were involved. Targeted next-generation sequencing was carried out on all samples with 57 known thyroid-cancer-related genes. The associations between genomic alternations and clinical characteristics of PTC with LLNM were statistically evaluated.

Results

The median age of patients was 37 years, ranging from 5 to 77 years and the female/male ratio was 1.86. The most frequently altered genes in our series were BRAF mutation (68%), followed by RET fusion (17%), TERT promoter mutation (5%) and PIK3CA mutation (2%). To be noted, all PTC patients with LLNM of TERT promoter mutations appeared along with BRAF mutations (8/8) and half of them experienced a relapse. Intriguingly, we found more metastatic lymph nodes in patients with RET fusion, but there was no statistically significant difference in metastatic lymph node ratio than those with BRAF mutation or without mutation. A high rate of gene fusion (70%) was found in the pediatric population, with aggressive late-onset disease.

Conclusions

PTC patients with LLNM is characterized by a high rate of BRAF mutation. Due to the observed clinicopathological differences in those patients among different alterations, further prospective studies are needed to verify our results and to evaluate the most suitable treatment strategies.