bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconstructing the thermal history of fish juveniles using stable oxygen isotope analysis of otoliths
Authors: Morat Fabien , Blamart Dominique , Bounket Bernadette , Argillier Christine , Carrel Georges , Maire Anthony
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Characterizing the thermal habitat of fish is key to understanding their ecological requirements in order to make appropriate management plans for the preservation of fish populations in the context of climate change. Little is known about the thermal habitat of the early life stages of fish (larvae and juveniles), as most methods have been designed for large, easily handled individuals. In particular, the study of otoliths holds great promise for unveiling the early thermal history of fish, although it is challenging to implement due to the very small size of the biological material.

Methods: The stable oxygen isotope content (δ18O) of biogenic carbonates (such as otoliths) can be used to reconstruct the life temperature of fish individuals. However, relationships between δ18O of otoliths and ambient temperature are scarce and mainly developed for commercial species. In this study, we assessed the δ18O of juvenile European chub (Squalius cephalus, Linnaeus 1758) living in a section of the lower Rhône River in France.

Results: The δ18O of otoliths showed significant relationship with ambient temperature [δ18Ooto(VPDB)- δ18Ow(VPDB) = 33.391 – 0.2641 * T (°C)], and the relationship between temperature and the fractionation factor (α) was 1,000 ln α = −43.472 + 21.205 [1,000/T(K)].

Discussion: As expected, back-calculated temperatures from these equations were in much better agreement with the measured in situ temperatures than previously published equations. This equation is the first to be developed for leuciscid fish in Europe and the second in the world.
Impact of pesticide outsourcing services on farmers’ low-carbon production behavior
Authors: Yang Yifan , Yu Yanli , Li Ruining , Jiang Debang
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Promoting low-carbon development in agriculture is crucial for achieving agricultural modernization. One practical issue worth studying is whether outsourcing services can encourage farmers to adopt low-carbon production practices. This study analyzes the impact of pesticide outsourcing services on the low-carbon production behavior of farmers to provide China with practical recommendations.

Methods: This empirical study investigates the impact of pesticide outsourcing services on farmers’ low-carbon production behavior using survey data from 450 rice growers in the Ningxia and Shaanxi provinces by endogenous switching regressions (ESR) model.

Results and Discussion: Results showed that 1) outsourcing services have a significant negative impact on farmers’ manual weeding behavior, leading to a reduction in the frequency of manual weeding; 2) outsourcing services have a significant positive impact on farmers’ herbicide application behavior. In other words, participation in outsourcing leads to excessive pesticide application; 3) outsourcing services do not support a green and low-carbon production model where manual weeding replaces herbicide application. Due to the imperfect development of the outsourcing market in China, especially in the northwest region, the construction of outsourcing service system is lagging, and it is difficult for non-professional outsourcing services to play a driving role in green and low-carbon production for farmers, who will often choose the lower-cost mechanical application for maximum profit. The policy implication of this study is the need for a comprehensive and objective understanding of the impact and role of pesticide outsourcing services on farmers’ low-carbon production behavior. This understanding can help improve the market, policy, and other external environments for farmers to participate in outsourcing, ultimately promoting the sustainable development of green and low-carbon agriculture. This paper adds to the discussion of pesticide outsourcing services and farmers’ low-carbon production by drawing different conclusions from previous studies, providing a fresh foundation for policy-making.
Metabolomics acts as a powerful tool for comprehensively evaluating vaccines approved under emergency: a CoronaVac retrospective study
Authors: Liu Xinyu , Xiao Congshu , Guan Pengwei , Chen Qianqian , You Lei , Kong Hongwei , Qin Wangshu , Dou Peng , Li Qi , Li Yanju , Jiao Ying , Zhong Zhiwei , Yang Jun , Wang Xiaolin , Wang Qingqing , Zhao Jinhui , Xu Zhiliang , Zhang Hong , Li Rongkuan , Gao Peng , Xu Guowang
Published: July 2023

Introduction

To control the COVID-19 pandemic, great efforts have been made to realize herd immunity by vaccination since 2020. Unfortunately, most of the vaccines against COVID-19 were approved in emergency without a full-cycle and comprehensive evaluation process as recommended to the previous vaccines. Metabolome has a close tie with the phenotype and can sensitively reflect the responses to stimuli, rendering metabolomic analysis have the potential to appraise and monitor vaccine effects authentically.

Methods

In this study, a retrospective study was carried out for 330 Chinese volunteers receiving recommended two-dose CoronaVac, a vaccine approved in emergency in 2020. Venous blood was sampled before and after vaccination at 5 separate time points for all the recipients. Routine clinical laboratory analysis, metabolomic and lipidomic analysis data were collected.

Results and discussion

It was found that the serum antibody-positive rate of this population was around 81.82%. Most of the laboratory parameters were slightly perturbated within the relevant reference intervals after vaccination. The metabolomic and lipidomic analyses showed that the metabolic shift after inoculation was mainly in the glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle, amino acid metabolism, urea cycle, as well as microbe-related metabolism (bile acid metabolism, tryptophan metabolism and phenylalanine metabolism). Time-course metabolome changes were found in parallel with the progress of immunity establishment and peripheral immune cell counting fluctuation, proving metabolomics analysis was an applicable solution to evaluate immune effects complementary to traditional antibody detection. Taurocholic acid, lysophosphatidylcholine 16:0 sn-1, glutamic acid, and phenylalanine were defined as valuable metabolite markers to indicate the establishment of immunity after vaccination. Integrated with the traditional laboratory analysis, this study provided a feasible metabolomics-based solution to relatively comprehensively evaluate vaccines approved under emergency.
Immune-related adverse events associated with nab-paclitaxel/paclitaxel combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Hao Wenjing , Zhang Jun , Wang Yunxia , Fang Boyu , Jin Shasha , Yuan Jing , Cai Weimin
Published: July 2023

Objective

The combination of nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-PTX)/paclitaxel (PTX) with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has demonstrated significant efficacy in cancer patients. However, the safety of these combination regimens remains conflicting in former researches. Therefore, in order to address this issue, we performed a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) to evaluate and compare the safety profile.

Methods

We performed a systematic review by searching randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Web of Science up to August 15, 2022. The primary outcomes were all‐grade (grade 1‐5) and high‐grade (grade 3‐5) immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Secondary outcomes were all‐grade (grade 1‐5) and high‐grade (grade 3‐5) irAEs of subgroups of ICIs.

Results

There were 22 RCTs included in the NMA, involving a total of 15 963 patients diagnosed with any type of cancer. ICIs+nab-PTX was associated with a noticeably decreased risk of grade 3-5 pneumonitis (odds ratio [OR]=0.28, 95% credible interval [CrI]: 0.09,0.90) compared to ICI monotherapy; ICIs+PTX showed a lower risk of grade 1-5 hyperthyroidism (OR=0.46, 95% CrI: 0.22-0.96) and grade 1-5 hypothyroidism (OR=0.49, 95% CrI: 0.26-0.93) than ICIs. Compared with PD-1, PD-1+PTX was associated with a statistically significantly lower risk of grade 1-5 pneumonitis (OR=0.32, 95% CrI: 0.11-0.92). PD-L1 resulted in a noticeably lower risk of grade 1-5 hypothyroidism (OR=0.34, 95% CrI: 0.12-1.00) than PD-L1+PTX. Nearly all treatment regimens containing ICIs demonstrated significantly higher risks of irAEs compared to the standard chemotherapy groups.

Conclusion

Nab-PTX/PTX+ICIs demonstrated an approach leading to decreased risk of irAEs compared with ICI monotherapy. This finding supports that ICIs+nab-PTX/PTX may be a safer treatment strategy. Moreover, we also found that the combination regimens containing ICIs had a higher risk of irAEs than standard chemotherapy. Additionally, ICIs+nab-PTX demonstrated a decreased risk of irAEs compared to ICIs+PTX. PD-1 inhibitors were associated with a higher risk of irAEs than PD-L1 inhibitors.
Optimizing animal models of autoimmune encephalitis using active immunization
Authors: Linnoila Jenny , Jalali Motlagh Negin , Jachimiec Grace , Lin Chih-Chung Jerry , Küllenberg Enrico , Wojtkiewicz Gregory , Tanzi Rudolph , Chen John W.
Published: July 2023

Background and objectives

Encephalitis is a devastating neurologic disorder with high morbidity and mortality. Autoimmune causes are roughly as common as infectious ones. N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis (NMDARE), characterized by serum and/or spinal fluid NMDAR antibodies, is the most common form of autoimmune encephalitis (AE). A translational rodent NMDARE model would allow for pathophysiologic studies of AE, leading to advances in the diagnosis and treatment of this debilitating neuropsychiatric disorder. The main objective of this work was to identify optimal active immunization conditions for NMDARE in mice.

Methods

Female C57BL/6J mice aged 8 weeks old were injected subcutaneously with an emulsion of complete Freund’s adjuvant, killed and dessicated Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and a 30 amino acid peptide flanking the NMDAR GluN1 subunit N368/G369 residue targeted by NMDARE patients’ antibodies. Three different induction methods were examined using subcutaneous injection of the peptide emulsion mixture into mice in 1) the ventral surface, 2) the dorsal surface, or 3) the dorsal surface with reimmunization at 4 and 8 weeks (boosted). Mice were bled biweekly and sacrificed at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 14 weeks. Serum and CSF NMDAR antibody titer, mouse behavior, hippocampal cell surface and postsynaptic NMDAR cluster density, and brain immune cell entry and cytokine content were examined.

Results

All immunized mice produced serum and CSF NMDAR antibodies, which peaked at 6 weeks in the serum and at 6 (ventral and dorsal boosted) or 8 weeks (dorsal unboosted) post-immunization in the CSF, and demonstrated decreased hippocampal NMDAR cluster density by 6 weeks post-immunization. In contrast to dorsally-immunized mice, ventrally-induced mice displayed a translationally-relevant phenotype including memory deficits and depressive behavior, changes in cerebral cytokines, and entry of T-cells into the brain at the 4-week timepoint. A similar phenotype of memory dysfunction and anxiety was seen in dorsally-immunized mice only when they were serially boosted, which also resulted in higher antibody titers.

Discussion

Our study revealed induction method-dependent differences in active immunization mouse models of NMDARE disease. A novel ventrally-induced NMDARE model demonstrated characteristics of AE earlier compared to dorsally-induced animals and is likely suitable for most short-term studies. However, boosting and improving the durability of the immune response might be preferred in prolonged longitudinal studies.
Transition practice for primary immunodeficiency diseases in Southeast Asia: a regional survey
Authors: Chan Chee Mun , Abdul Latiff Amir Hamzah , Noh Lokman Mohd , Ismail Intan Hakimah , Abd Hamid Intan Juliana , Liew Woei Kang , Zhong Youjia , Suratannon Narissara , Nantanee Rapisa , Santos-Ocampo Fatima Johanna , Castor Mary Anne R. , Nguyen-Ngoc-Quynh Le , Van Nguyen Anh Thi , Thuc Huyen Thanh , Tuan Nguyen Minh , Muktiarti Dina , Amalia Rizqi , Chean Sophâl , Try Lytheang , Ali Adli
Published: July 2023

Introduction

With increased diagnostic capabilities and treatment modalities in the field of primary immunodeficiencies (PID), many pediatric patients survive beyond childhood and experience a change of care to the adult-oriented healthcare system. Unfortunately, the transition pathways for PID are less clearly defined, resulting in deterioration of quality of care in adulthood. Hence, this is the first regional study to address PID clinicians’ opinions on practices and challenges of transition care in 7 Southeast Asia (SEA) countries.

Methods

We adopted a cross-sectional study design through an online survey platform to enquire opinions of transition practices from expert representatives in 7 SEA countries.

Results

Regionally, 3 out 7 countries reported having no practice of transition care. Among cited challenges were reluctant adaptation by patients and caregivers to unfamiliarized adult healthcare systems, inadequate ratio of adult immunologists to patients and lack of facilities for transfer.

Discussion and conclusion

Our study provides evidence to advocate policy makers on the importance of standardized integration of transition practice towards betterment of transiting PID patients into adulthood.
Complete genome sequence of Vibrio gazogenes PB1: an estuarine bacterium capable of producing prodigiosin from starch or cellulose
Authors: Baby Bincy , Vijay Dhanya , Philip Pretty S. , Alnuaimi Afra A. , Almansoori Hessa M. , Areidat Sarah O. , Khan Gulfaraz , Vijayan Ranjit , Akhtar M. Kalim
Published: July 2023

Vibrio is a genus of gram-negative, rod-shaped, motile bacteria commonly found in saltwater. One species in particular, Vibrio gazogenes PB1, sourced from an estuarine environment, is known to produce the secondary metabolite, prodigiosin. This high-value compound has potential uses as an antibiotic, a fungicide, and an anti-cancer agent. To further explore its metabolic and genetic features for biotechnological purposes, the complete genome sequence of V. gazogenes PB1 was determined by Illumina and Pacbio sequencing. Two chromosomes were assembled with a mean coverage of 293x. Chromosome 1 is 3.5 Mbp in size with 45.3% GC content and chromosome 2 is 1.2 Mbp in size with 45.1% GC content. The entire genome harbours 4178 genes, of which 3988 are protein-coding and 114 are RNA-coding. A total of 55 virulence-related genes, 38 antimicrobial resistance genes, 48 transposase sequences, 2 intact prophage regions, and 10 genomic islands were present within the genome. Six genes associated with the degradation of cellulose and starch were also identified within the genome. Four of them were strongly up-regulated, as confirmed by RT-qPCR, thus providing strong evidence for their involvement in starch and cellulose degradation. Quite importantly, we demonstrate for the first time that starch and cellulose is associated with the synthesis of prodigiosin in a native prodigiosin-producing bacterium. The prodigiosin titres obtained in the presence of cellulose were on par with glucose as the carbon source which lends further support in the use of V. gazogenes PB1 as a biotechnological host for prodigiosin production.
Analysis of the global shipping traffic for the feasibility of a structural recovery program of Argo floats
Authors: González-Santana Alberto , Oosterbaan Marijn , Clavelle Tyler , Maze Guillaume , Notarstefano Giulio , Poffa Noe , Vélez-Belchí Pedro
Published: July 2023

The Argo observation network is made up of approximately 4,000 drifting floats, which provide valuable information about the ocean and its role in the climate system. Each one of these floats work in continuous cycles, until their batteries run out. Due to its importance in operational forecasting and climate research, the Argo community continually assesses the status of the sensors mounted on each of the floats. Recovering floats would offer a great opportunity to gain insight into sensor performance and stability, although the economic and environmental costs of dedicating a ship exclusively to recover Argo floats make it unsustainable. In this work, the potential of world shipping traffic as float retrievers has been evaluated through an analysis of encounters based on the Automatic Identification System (AIS) of ships and the location of Argo floats in the years 2019 and 2020. About 18,500 and 28,500 encounters happened for both years, respectively. The Mediterranean Sea hosted the most encounters, and fishing ships were the most suitable type of ship aimed for potential recoveries. A total of 298 and 373 floats interacted with the world shipping traffic in favorable weather conditions in 2019 and 2020, respectively, a figure equivalent to 25% of the annual replacement rate of the Argo network. The same approach was applied to 677 floats affected by abrupt salinity drift (ASD), an issue that has recently come to the attention of the Argo community. It turned out that 59 and 103 ASD-affected floats interacted with ships of opportunity in both years.
Case report: A novel 10.8-kb deletion identified in the β-globin gene through the long-read sequencing technology in a Chinese family with abnormal hemoglobin testing results
Authors: Shao Mingkun , Wan Yaoyao , Cao Weipeng , Yang Juan , Cui Di , Ma Minhui , Hu Wanqin
Published: July 2023

Background

Thalassemia is a common inherited hemoglobin disorder caused by a deficiency of one or more globin subunits. Substitution variants and deletions in the HBB gene are the major causes of β-thalassemia, of which large fragment deletions are rare and difficult to be detected by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods.

Case report

In this study, we reported a 26-year-old Han Chinese man, whose routine blood parameters were found to be abnormal. Hemoglobin testing was performed on the proband and his family members, of whom only the proband's mother had normal parameters. The comprehensive analysis of thalassemia alleles (CATSA, a long-read sequencing-based approach) was performed to identify the causative variants. We finally found a novel 10.8-kb deletion including the β-globin (HBB) gene (Chr11:5216601-5227407, GRch38/hg38) of the proband and his father and brother, which were consistent with their hemoglobin testing results. The copy number and exact breakpoints of the deletion were confirmed by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and gap-polymerase chain reaction (Gap-PCR) as well as Sanger sequencing, respectively.

Conclusion

With this novel large deletion found in the HBB gene in China, we expand the genotype spectrum of β-thalassemia and show the advantages of long-read sequencing (LRS) for comprehensive and precise detection of thalassemia variants.
Impact of transgenerational host switch on gut bacterial assemblage in generalist pest, Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Roy Amit , Houot Benjamin , Kushwaha Sandeep , Anderson Peter
Published: July 2023

Diet composition is vital in shaping gut microbial assemblage in many insects. Minimal knowledge is available about the influence of transgenerational diet transition on gut microbial community structure and function in polyphagous pests. This study investigated transgenerational diet-induced changes in Spodoptera littoralis larval gut bacteriome using 16S ribosomal sequencing. Our data revealed that 88% of bacterial populations in the S. littoralis larval gut comprise Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. The first diet transition experiment from an artificial diet (F0) to a plant diet (F1), cabbage and cotton, caused an alteration of bacterial communities in the S. littoralis larval gut. The second transgenerational diet switch, where F1 larvae feed on the same plant in the F2 generation, displayed a significant variation suggesting further restructuring of the microbial communities in the Spodoptera larval gut. F1 larvae were also challenged with the plant diet transition at the F2 generation (cabbage to cotton or cotton to cabbage). After feeding on different plant diets, the microbial assemblage of F2 larvae pointed to considerable differences from other F2 larvae that continued on the same diet. Our results showed that S. littoralis larval gut bacteriome responds rapidly and inexplicably to different diet changes. Further experiments must be conducted to determine the developmental and ecological consequences of such changes. Nevertheless, this study improves our perception of the impact of transgenerational diet switches on the resident gut bacteriome in S. littoralis larvae and could facilitate future research to understand the importance of symbiosis in lepidopteran generalists better.
Amplification of microbial DNA from bacterial extracellular vesicles from human placenta
Authors: Menon Ramkumar , Khanipov Kamil , Radnaa Enkhtuya , Ganguly Esha , Bento Giovana Fernanda Cosi , Urrabaz-Garza Rheanna , Kammala Ananth Kumar , Yaklic Jerome , Pyles Richard , Golovko George , Tantengco Ourlad Alzeus G.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The placenta is essential for fetal growth and survival and maintaining a successful pregnancy. The sterility of the placenta has been challenged recently; however, the presence of a placental microbiome has been controversial. We tested the hypothesis that the bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) from Gram-negative bacteria as an alternate source of microbial DNA, regardless of the existence of a microbial community in the placenta.

Methods

Placentae from the term, not in labor Cesareans deliveries, were used for this study, and placental specimens were sampled randomly from the fetal side. We developed a protocol for the isolation of BEVs from human tissues and this is the first study to isolate the BEVs from human tissue and characterize them.

Results

The median size of BEVs was 130–140 nm, and the mean concentration was 1.8–5.5 × 1010 BEVs/g of the wet placenta. BEVs are spherical and contain LPS and ompA. Western blots further confirmed ompA but not human EVs markers ALIX confirming the purity of preparations. Taxonomic abundance profiles showed BEV sequence reads above the levels of the negative controls (all reagent controls). In contrast, the sequence reads in the same placenta were substantially low, indicating nothing beyond contamination (low biomass). Alpha-diversity showed the number of detected genera was significantly higher in the BEVs than placenta, suggesting BEVs as a likely source of microbial DNA. Beta-diversity further showed significant overlap in the microbiome between BEV and the placenta, confirming that BEVs in the placenta are likely a source of microbial DNA in the placenta. Uptake studies localized BEVs in maternal (decidual) and placental cells (cytotrophoblast), confirming their ability to enter these cells. Lastly, BEVs significantly increased inflammatory cytokine production in THP-1 macrophages in a high-dose group but not in the placental or decidual cells.

Conclusion

We conclude that the BEVs are normal constituents during pregnancy and likely reach the placenta through hematogenous spread from maternal body sites that harbor microbiome. Their presence may result in a low-grade localized inflammation to prime an antigen response in the placenta; however, insufficient to cause a fetal inflammatory response and adverse pregnancy events. This study suggests that BEVs can confound placental microbiome studies, but their low biomass in the placenta is unlikely to have any immunologic impact.
Trematode Cercariae from Lymnaea gedrosiana in the Caspian Sea Littoral in Iran: a one health concern
Authors: Eslahi Aida Vafae , Aligolzadeh Armin , Pirestani Majid , Gharibi Zahra , Abdoli Amir , Hatam-Nahavandi Kareem , Bijani Behzad , Badri Milad , Ketzis Jennifer K.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Lymnaea gedrosiana snails are hosts to a variety of trematode cercaria of public and veterinary health importance. In Guilan Province, Iran, a region with a high level of fish and bird farming and wetlands important for migratory birds, little is known about the trematode cercaria from L. gedrosiana.

Methods

From April 2020 to October 2021, six freshwater sites in Guilan Province were sampled for Lymnaeidae snails three times per season (spring, summer, autumn and winter). Snails were exposed to light and heat to induce cercaria shedding and shredded cercaria were identified morphologically and molecularly.

Results

In total, 5,712 Lymnaeidae snails were collected of which 3,288 (57.6%) were identified to be L. gedrosiana with 54.3% containing trematode cercaria. Snail and cercaria recovery were highest in the spring and summer. Trematode cercaria identified included Telorchis assula, Hypoderaeum conoideum, Apharyngostrigea pipientis, Sanguinicola cf. inermis, Opisthioglyphe ranae, Diplostomum pseudospathaceum, and Australapatemon burti.

Discussion

The four trematodes D. pseudospathaceum, S. inermis, A. burti, and A. pipientis have not been previously reported in Iran; all four of these can infect migratory birds. The most common cercaria found, H. conoideum (18.3% of the snails) is of zoonotic importance. The third most common cercaria found, S. inermis (10.0% of the snails) is detrimental to fish production. Given the importance of the wetlands in the region for wildlife and migratory birds as well as the number of fish and bird farms in the area, efforts to control L. gedrosiana snails are needed to protect wildlife and human health. In addition, monitoring programs should be implemented to identify and prevent introductions of new trematode species.
Alterations of gut microbiota are associated with brain structural changes in the spectrum of Alzheimer's disease: the SILCODE study in Hainan cohort
Authors: He Beiqi , Sheng Can , Yu Xianfeng , Zhang Liang , Chen Feng , Han Ying
Published: July 2023

Background

The correlation between gut microbiota and Alzheimer's disease (AD) is increasingly being recognized by clinicians. However, knowledge about the gut–brain–cognition interaction remains largely unknown.

Methods

One hundred and twenty-seven participants, including 35 normal controls (NCs), 62 with subjective cognitive decline (SCD), and 30 with cognitive impairment (CI), were included in this study. The participants underwent neuropsychological assessments and fecal microbiota analysis through 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) Illumina Miseq sequencing technique. Structural MRI data were analyzed for cortical anatomical features, including thickness, sulcus depth, fractal dimension, and Toro's gyrification index using the SBM method. The association of altered gut microbiota among the three groups with structural MRI metrics and cognitive function was evaluated. Furthermore, co-expression network analysis was conducted to investigate the gut–brain–cognition interactions.

Results

The abundance of Lachnospiraceae, Lachnospiracea_incertae_sedis, Fusicatenibacter, and Anaerobutyricum decreased with cognitive ability. Rikenellaceae, Odoribacteraceae, and Alistipes were specifically enriched in the CI group. Mediterraneibacter abundance was correlated with changes in brain gray matter and cerebrospinal fluid volume (p = 0.0214, p = 0.0162) and significantly with changes in cortical structures in brain regions, such as the internal olfactory area and the parahippocampal gyrus. The three colonies enriched in the CI group were positively correlated with cognitive function and significantly associated with changes in cortical structure related to cognitive function, such as the precuneus and syrinx gyrus.

Conclusion

This study provided evidence that there was an inner relationship among the altered gut microbiota, brain atrophy, and cognitive decline. Targeting the gut microbiota may be a novel therapeutic strategy for early AD.
Post-traumatic olfactory dysfunction: a scoping review of assessment and rehabilitation approaches
Authors: De Luca Rosaria , Bonanno Mirjam , Rifici Carmela , Quartarone Angelo , Calabrò Rocco Salvatore
Published: July 2023

Post-traumatic Olfactory Dysfunction (PTOD) consists of a complete or partial loss of olfactory function that may occur after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). PTOD may be linked to some neuropsychiatric features, such as social, cognitive and executive dysfunction, as well as behavioral symptoms, especially when TBI involves the orbito-frontal cortex. The diagnosis of PTOD is based on medical history and clinical data and it is supported by psychometric tests (i.e., subjective tools) as well as electrophysiological and neuroimaging measures (i.e., objective methods). The assessment methods allow monitoring the changes in olfactory function over time and help to establish the right therapeutic and rehabilitative approach. In this context, the use of the olfactory training (OT), which is a non-pharmacological and non-invasive treatment option, could promote olfactory function through top-down (central) and bottom-up (peripheral) processes. To better manage patients with TBI, PTOD should be detected early and properly treated using the various therapeutic rehabilitative possibilities, both conventional and advanced, also taking into consideration the emerging neuromodulation approach.
The confound of hemodynamic response function variability in human resting-state functional MRI studies
Authors: Rangaprakash D. , Barry Robert L. , Deshpande Gopikrishna
Published: July 2023

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is an indirect measure of neural activity with the hemodynamic response function (HRF) coupling it with unmeasured neural activity. The HRF, modulated by several non-neural factors, is variable across brain regions, individuals and populations. Yet, a majority of human resting-state fMRI connectivity studies continue to assume a non-variable HRF. In this article, with supportive prior evidence, we argue that HRF variability cannot be ignored as it substantially confounds within-subject connectivity estimates and between-subjects connectivity group differences. We also discuss its clinical relevance with connectivity impairments confounded by HRF aberrations in several disorders. We present limited data on HRF differences between women and men, which resulted in a 15.4% median error in functional connectivity estimates in a group-level comparison. We also discuss the implications of HRF variability for fMRI studies in the spinal cord. There is a need for more dialogue within the community on the HRF confound, and we hope that our article is a catalyst in the process.
A comparison of the impact on neuronal transcriptome and cognition of rAAV5 transduction with three different doses in the mouse hippocampus
Authors: Liu Yi-Si , Wang Meng-Ling , Hu Neng-Yuan , Li Zi-Ming , Wu Jia-Li , Li Hao , Li Jing-Ting , Li Xiao-Wen , Yang Jian-Ming , Gao Tian-Ming , Chen Yi-Hua
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) are widely used in genetic therapeutics. AAV5 has shown superior transduction efficiency, targeting neurons and glial cells in primate brains. Nonetheless, the comprehensive impact of AAV5 transduction on molecular and behavioral alterations remains unexplored. This study focuses on evaluating the effects of AAV5 transduction in the hippocampus, a critical region for memory formation and emotional processes.

Methods

In this experiment, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) was utilized to isolate the mCherry-labeled pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus of CaMkIIα-cre mice following three different doses rAAV5-mCherry infusion after 3 weeks, which were then subjected to RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to assess gene expression profiles. The cytokines concentration, mRNA expression, and glial response in hippocampi were confirmed by ELASA, digital droplet PCR and immunohistochemistry respectively. Locomotion and anxiety-like behaviors were elevated by Open Field Test and Elevated Plus Maze Test, while the Y-Maze were used to assessed spatial working memory. Recognition memory and fear responses were examined by the Novel Object Recognition Test and Fear Conditioning Test, respectively.

Results

We found that 2.88 × 1010 v.g rAAV5 transduction significantly upregulated genes related to the immune response and apoptosis, and downregulated genes associated with mitochondrial function and synaptic plasticity in hippocampal pyramidal neurons, while did not induce neuronal loss and gliosis compared with 2.88 × 109 v.g and 2.88 × 108 v.g. Furthermore, the same doses impaired working memory and contextual fear memory, without effects on locomotion and anxiety-related behaviors.

Discussion

Our findings highlight the detrimental impact of high-dose administration compared to median-dose or low-dose, resulting in increased neural vulnerability and impaired memory. Therefore, when considering the expression effectiveness of exogenous genes, it is crucial to also take potential side effects into account in clinical settings. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying these drawbacks of high-dose rAAV5-mCherry still require further investigation in future studies.
Regulation of cerebellar network development by granule cells and their molecules
Authors: Kim Muwoong , Jun Soyoung , Park Heeyoun , Tanaka-Yamamoto Keiko , Yamamoto Yukio
Published: July 2023

The well-organized cerebellar structures and neuronal networks are likely crucial for their functions in motor coordination, motor learning, cognition, and emotion. Such cerebellar structures and neuronal networks are formed during developmental periods through orchestrated mechanisms, which include not only cell-autonomous programs but also interactions between the same or different types of neurons. Cerebellar granule cells (GCs) are the most numerous neurons in the brain and are generated through intensive cell division of GC precursors (GCPs) during postnatal developmental periods. While GCs go through their own developmental processes of proliferation, differentiation, migration, and maturation, they also play a crucial role in cerebellar development. One of the best-characterized contributions is the enlargement and foliation of the cerebellum through massive proliferation of GCPs. In addition to this contribution, studies have shown that immature GCs and GCPs regulate multiple factors in the developing cerebellum, such as the development of other types of cerebellar neurons or the establishment of afferent innervations. These studies have often found impairments of cerebellar development in animals lacking expression of certain molecules in GCs, suggesting that the regulations are mediated by molecules that are secreted from or present in GCs. Given the growing recognition of GCs as regulators of cerebellar development, this review will summarize our current understanding of cerebellar development regulated by GCs and molecules in GCs, based on accumulated studies and recent findings, and will discuss their potential further contributions.
Quantifying time perception during virtual reality gameplay using a multimodal biosensor-instrumented headset: a feasibility study
Authors: Moinnereau Marc-Antoine , Oliveira Alcyr A. , Falk Tiago H.
Published: July 2023

We have all experienced the sense of time slowing down when we are bored or speeding up when we are focused, engaged, or excited about a task. In virtual reality (VR), perception of time can be a key aspect related to flow, immersion, engagement, and ultimately, to overall quality of experience. While several studies have explored changes in time perception using questionnaires, limited studies have attempted to characterize them objectively. In this paper, we propose the use of a multimodal biosensor-embedded VR headset capable of measuring electroencephalography (EEG), electrooculography (EOG), electrocardiography (ECG), and head movement data while the user is immersed in a virtual environment. Eight gamers were recruited to play a commercial action game comprised of puzzle-solving tasks and first-person shooting and combat. After gameplay, ratings were given across multiple dimensions, including (1) the perception of time flowing differently than usual and (2) the gamers losing sense of time. Several features were extracted from the biosignals, ranked based on a two-step feature selection procedure, and then mapped to a predicted time perception rating using a Gaussian process regressor. Top features were found to come from the four signal modalities and the two regressors, one for each time perception scale, were shown to achieve results significantly better than chance. An in-depth analysis of the top features is presented with the hope that the insights can be used to inform the design of more engaging and immersive VR experiences.
A whole-food, plant-based program in an African American faith-based population
Authors: Nyong Faith A. , Barnett Ted D. , Garver Beth , Dewhirst Maria , Pollock Bruce , Friedman Susan M.
Published: July 2023

Background

The African American (AA) population is disproportionately impacted by chronic disease as well as many of the leading causes of preventable death, including hypertension, obesity, heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. In the AA community of Kane County, Illinois, the incidence of chronic disease is particularly high. A standardized Zoom-based group program that gives participants the knowledge, skills, and support to adopt a whole-food plant-based diet has been shown to rapidly improve health. The results of a cohort analysis were analyzed to assess the effectiveness of this program within an AA community characterized by a high burden of chronic illnesses.

Methods

Participants were recruited from a network of 12 AA churches in Illinois to participate in Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute’s “15-Day Whole-Food Plant-Based (WFPB) Jumpstart” program. The medically-facilitated 15-Day Jumpstart program provided WFPB nutrition education, coaching, and cooking demonstrations during seven 1 and 2-h Zoom sessions. Participants underwent pre- and post- metabolic screenings to assess for changes in their weight, vital signs, blood sugar, and cholesterol measurements. Changes in diet, biometrics, and patient-centered outcomes from baseline to the end of the program were assessed via paired t-tests for the normally distributed measures, and a Wilcoxon signed rank test for measures that were not normally distributed.

Results

Twenty-one AA adults participated. Ten of 16 who provided results had hypertension, 5 had diabetes, 5 had pre-diabetes, and 5 had hyperlipidemia. Participants ate more vegetables (median 2 servings at baseline vs. 3 during the program), greens (1 vs. 3), fruit (2 vs. 3), whole grains (1 vs. 2), and legumes (1 vs. 2). They decreased their consumption of meat, eggs and dairy, added fat, processed foods, and high-fat plant foods (p < 0.05 for each comparison). Participants reported significantly better energy (median 5 at baseline vs. 9 during the program, on a 10-point scale), sleep (7 vs. 8.5), and mood (8 vs. 9). Average weight loss was 5.8 pounds (199.9 to 194.1, p < 0.001), systolic blood pressure dropped from 129.7 to 119.9 (p = 0.02), and total cholesterol dropped from 185.1 to 147.9 (p < 0.001). All participants who provided data reported an intent to continue eating at least a partially WFPB diet following the program.

Conclusion

The 15-Day WFPB Jumpstart program led to significant changes in diet, resulting in improvement in several chronic disease measures in this AA community. This rapid improvement can reinforce behavior change. Further large-scale implementation is needed to confirm these preliminary results and to understand whether behaviors and outcomes are sustained.
Radiomics features of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging for predicting response to transarterial chemoembolization in hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta-analysis
Authors: Feng Lijuan , Chen Qianjuan , Huang Linjie , Long Liling
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To examine the methodological quality of radiomics-related studies and evaluate the ability of radiomics to predict treatment response to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

A systematic review was performed on radiomics-related studies published until October 15, 2022, predicting the effectiveness of TACE for HCC. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using the Radiomics Quality Score (RQS) and Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tools, respectively. Pooled sensitivity, pooled specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) were determined to evaluate the utility of radiomics in predicting the response to TACE for HCC.

Results

In this systematic review, ten studies were eligible, and six of these studies were used in our meta-analysis. The RQS ranged from 7-21 (maximum possible score: 36). The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.89 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.79–0.95) and 0.82 (95% CI = 0.64–0.92), respectively. The overall AUC was 0.93 (95% CI = 0.90–0.95).

Conclusion

Radiomics-related studies evaluating the efficacy of TACE in patients with HCC revealed promising results. However, prospective and multicenter trials are warranted to make radiomics more feasible and acceptable.
Spatial metabolomics in head and neck tumors: a review
Authors: Zheng Ye , Lin Chen , Chu Yidian , Gu Shanshan , Deng Hongxia , Shen Zhisen
Published: July 2023

The joint analysis of single-cell transcriptomics, proteomics, lipidomics, metabolomics and spatial metabolomics is continually transforming our understanding of the mechanisms of metabolic reprogramming in tumor cells. Since head and neck tumor is the sixth most common tumor in the world, the study of the metabolic mechanism of its occurrence, development and prognosis is still undeveloped. In the past decade, this field has witnessed tremendous technological revolutions and considerable development that enables major breakthroughs to be made in the study of human tumor metabolism. In this review, a comprehensive comparison of traditional metabolomics and spatial metabolomics has been concluded, and the recent progress and challenges of the application of spatial metabolomics combined multi-omics in the research of metabolic reprogramming in tumors are reviewed. Furthermore, we also highlight the advances of spatial metabolomics in the study of metabolic mechanisms of head and neck tumors, and provide an outlook of its application prospects.
The pharmacogenomics of carbamazepine-induced cutaneous adverse drug reaction in the South of Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Ai-Hoc , Sukasem Chonlaphat , Nguyen Quy Ngoc , Pham Hong Tham
Published: July 2023

Background: The relationship between HLA-B*15:02 and Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions was rigorously examined in Japanese, Han Chinese, Thais, and Caucasians. However, the number of studies about this topic in Vietnamese population is still limited and mostly focuses on the North of Vietnam.

Objective: This study aims to clarify the genetic culprit of SCARs in Vietnamese population, particularly in the South of Vietnam, and to validate our result by a meta-analysis about this topic in Vietnamese.

Method: A retrospective case-control study with 37 patients treated with carbamazepine monotherapy. Statistical calculation and meta-analysis were performed by R software.

Result:HLA-B*15:02 increases the risk of SJS 12.5 times higher in CBZ-treated patients (p-value = 0.017). However, this allele has no impact on MCARs (Mild Cutaneous Adverse Reactions) of CBZ. The number needed to test and the number needed to genotype is two and nine patients respectively.

Conclusion: This study recommends more investigations about the cost-effectiveness of this test to accelerate the protection of Southern Vietnamese from SCARs.
Hemispheric symmetry and asymmetry of poleward moving radar auroral forms (PMRAFs) and associated polar cap patches during a geomagnetic storm
Authors: Zou Ying , Chen Li-Jen , Walsh Brian M. , Burkholder Brandon , Ma Yuzhang , Bristow William A. , Lyons Larry R. , Liu Jiang , Tian Sheng , Yadav Sneha , Coster Antea J. , McWilliams Kathryn A.
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Magnetopause reconnection is known to impact the dayside ionosphere by driving fast ionospheric flows, auroral transients, and high-density plasma structures named polar cap patches. However, most of the observed reconnection impact is limited to one hemisphere, and a question arises as to how symmetric the impact is between hemispheres.

Methods: We address the question using interhemispheric observations of poleward moving radar auroral forms (PMRAFs), which are a “fossil” signature of magnetopause reconnection, during a geomagnetic storm. We are particularly interested in the temporal repetition and spatial structure of PMRAFs, which are directly affected by the temporal and spatial variation of magnetopause reconnection. PMRAFs are detected and traced using SuperDARN complemented by DMSP, Swarm, and GPS TEC measurements.

Results: The results show that PMRAFs occurred repetitively on time scales of about 10 min. They were one-to-one related to pulsed ionospheric flows, and were collocated with polar cap patches embedded in a Tongue of Ionization. The temporal repetition of PMRAFs exhibited a remarkably high degree of correlation between hemispheres, indicating that PMRAFs were produced at a similar rate, or even in close synchronization, in the two hemispheres. However, the spatial structure exhibited significant hemispherical asymmetry. In the Northern Hemisphere, PMRAFs/patches had a dawn-dusk elongated cigar shape that extended >1,000 km, at times reaching >2,000 km, whereas in the Southern Hemisphere, PMRAFs/patches were 2–3 times shorter.

Conclusion: The interesting symmetry and asymmetry of PMRAFs suggests that both magnetopause reconnection and local ionospheric conditions play important roles in determining the degree of symmetry of PMRAFs/patches.
Sex matters: the frequently overlooked importance of considering sex in computational models
Authors: Burrowes K. S. , Ruppage M. , Lowry A. , Zhao D.
Published: July 2023

Personalised medicine and the development of a virtual human or a digital twin comprises visions of the future of medicine. To realise these innovations, an understanding of the biology and physiology of all people are required if we wish to apply these technologies at a population level. Sex differences in health and biology is one aspect that has frequently been overlooked, with young white males being seen as the “average” human being. This has not been helped by the lack of inclusion of female cells and animals in biomedical research and preclinical studies or the historic exclusion, and still low in proportion, of women in clinical trials. However, there are many known differences in health between the sexes across all scales of biology which can manifest in differences in susceptibility to diseases, symptoms in a given disease, and outcomes to a given treatment. Neglecting these important differences in the development of any health technologies could lead to adverse outcomes for both males and females. Here we highlight just some of the sex differences in the cardio-respiratory systems with the goal of raising awareness that these differences exist. We discuss modelling studies that have considered sex differences and touch on how and when to create sex-specific models. Scientific studies should ensure sex differences are included right from the study planning phase and results reported using sex as a biological variable. Computational models must have sex-specific versions to ensure a movement towards personalised medicine is realised.