bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plume Layer Influences the Amazon Reef Sponge Microbiome Primary Producers
Authors: Pinto Otávio H. B. , Bornemann Till L. V. , Oliveira Rafael S. , Frederico Tayna D. , Quirino Betania F. , Probst Alexander J. , de Freitas Mayanne A. M. , Thompson Fabiano L. , Kruger Ricardo H.
Published: May 2022

Symbiont relationships between corals and photosynthetic microorganisms sustain coral reef existence. However, the Great Amazon Reef System (GARS) stays under a plume layer that attenuates the entry of light, and instead of corals, sponges are the major reef epifauna, for which little is known about the function of the associated microbiome. Here, we used genome-resolved metagenomics to investigate how the sponge microbiome supports its host and overcomes the reduced light availability, recovering 205 MAGs from Agelas and Geodia sponges with completeness >70% and contamination <10%. Beta diversity estimates based on the 16S rRNA genes indicated the microbiomes of Amazon and Caribbean sponges to be distinct (P<0.01), with heterotrophic lifestyles being prevalent in Amazon sponge microbiomes (P<0.05). Nevertheless, genes indicating the carbon fixation pathways 3-Hydroxypropionate/4-Hydroxybutyrate cycle, 3-Hydroxypropionate bicycle, Reductive Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle, and Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle could be recovered in low abundance. The presence of Cyanobacteria, represented by both 16S rRNA analyses and low-quality MAGs indicated light incidence on the reef. The metabolic profile shows that the GARS sponge microbiome had genes for sulfate reduction, sulfur oxidation, nitric oxide reduction, ammonia oxidation, nitrate reduction, nitrite ammonification, nitrite oxidation, and nitrite reduction, indicating that the microbiome might play a role in detoxification of the holobiont. We conclude, that neither the plume-limited photosynthesis of the sponge microbiome nor the primary producers sustain the organic carbon input for the sponges, which likely live off plume-associated organic carbon and their heterotrophic microbiota.
Pathway-Centric Analysis of Microbial Metabolic Potential and Expression Along Nutrient and Energy Gradients in the Western Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Cavaco Maria A. , Bhatia Maya P. , Hawley Alyse K. , Torres-Beltrán Monica , Johnson Winifred M. , Longnecker Krista , Konwar Kishori , Kujawinski Elizabeth B. , Hallam Steven J.
Published: May 2022

Microbial communities play integral roles in driving nutrient and energy transformations in the ocean, collectively contributing to fundamental biogeochemical cycles. Although it is well known that these communities are stratified within the water column, there remains limited knowledge of how metabolic pathways are distributed and expressed. Here, we investigate pathway distribution and expression patterns from surface (5 m) to deep dark ocean (4000 m) at three stations along a 2765 km transect in the western South Atlantic Ocean. This study is based on new data, consisting of 43 samples for 16S rRNA gene sequencing, 20 samples for metagenomics and 19 samples for metatranscriptomics. Consistent with previous observations, we observed vertical zonation of microbial community structure largely partitioned between light and dark ocean waters. The metabolic pathways inferred from genomic sequence information and gene expression stratified with depth. For example, expression of photosynthetic pathways increased in sunlit waters. Conversely, expression of pathways related to carbon conversion processes, particularly those involving recalcitrant and organic carbon degradation pathways (i.e., oxidation of formaldehyde) increased in dark ocean waters. We also observed correlations between indicator taxa for specific depths with the selective expression of metabolic pathways. For example, SAR202, prevalent in deep waters, was strongly correlated with expression of the methanol oxidation pathway. From a biogeographic perspective, microbial communities along the transect encoded similar metabolic potential with some latitudinal stratification in gene expression. For example, at a station influenced by input from the Amazon River, expression of pathways related to oxidative stress was increased. Finally, when pairing distinct correlations between specific particulate metabolites (e.g., DMSP, AMP and MTA) and both the taxonomic microbial community and metatranscriptomic pathways across depth and space, we were able to observe how changes in the marine metabolite pool may be influenced by microbial function and vice versa. Taken together, these results indicate that marine microbial communities encode a core repertoire of widely distributed metabolic pathways that are differentially regulated along nutrient and energy gradients. Such pathway distribution patterns are consistent with robustness in microbial food webs and indicate a high degree of functional redundancy.
Changes in the Bacterial Community Associated With Experimental Symbiont Loss in the Mucus Layer of Cassiopea xamachana Jellyfish
Authors: Carabantes Natalia , Cerqueda-García Daniel , García-Maldonado José Q. , Thomé Patricia E.
Published: May 2022

Cassiopea xamachana is a model system for studies in animal symbiosis with algal symbionts. This medusa is also associated with a microbial community that can impact its health, but this community has not been thoroughly studied. Shifts in the bacterial community following the loss of symbionts involving stress, environmental changes, or seasonal fluctuations can be complex, as the role of symbionts in structuring this community is not well established. To understand the interplay among microbial associates with this host, we explored the experimental diminishing of algal symbionts, and the influence of seasonal fluctuations over the structure of the bacterial community, through 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing. Results showed that Gammaproteobacteria, Bacteroidia, and Alphaproteobacteria were dominant in all the mucus samples at the beginning of the experiments. However, after 28 days, bleached medusas showed a marked increase in Gammaproteobacteria, specifically in the genus Vibrio, as evidenced by Linear Discriminant Analysis of Effect Size (LEfSe). Seasons also resulted in shifts of the bacterial community, although bacterial genera were distinct from those found in bleached medusas, suggesting temporal associations with the host. According to PERMANOVA analysis, seasonal fluctuations affected the dominant bacterial members (p = 0.07), but symbiont presence was a more significant driver (p=0.001). We found the bacterial community of C. xamachana is like that of other jellyfish and corals, which furthers the interest in this animal as a study model. Defining relevant bacterial genera can help us understand the functional role of the holobiont members that assemble and maintain a healthy microbial community. Also, studies in other regions where C. xamachana distributes can help us define a core bacterial community for this medusa.
Benthic–Pelagic Coupling in the Oligotrophic Eastern Mediterranean: A Synthesis of the HYPOXIA Project Results
Authors: Dimitriou Panagiotis D. , Santi Ioulia , Moraitis Manos L. , Tsikopoulou Irini , Pitta Paraskevi , Karakassis Ioannis
Published: May 2022

Benthic–pelagic coupling studies have shown that the response of the benthic system to eutrophication is subject to complex nonlinear dynamics with specific thresholds beyond which abrupt changes in the response of the ecosystem occur and time lags between inputs and responses. The “HYPOXIA: Benthic–pelagic coupling and regime shifts” project aimed to investigate how nutrient input in the water column results in ecological processes of eutrophication, which may lead to significant, irreversible changes in the eastern Mediterranean marine ecosystems within a short period of time. The project included analysis of historical water and benthic data, field sampling, and mesocosm experiments. From the project results, it can be concluded that nutrient inputs are quickly capitalized by small phytoplankton species in the water column resulting in the bloom of specific species with high nutrient uptake capabilities. When Eutrophic Index values (calculated using nutrient and chlorophyll-a concentrations) cross the moderate-to-poor threshold, the precipitating organic matter can cause observable effects on the benthic system. Depending on eutrophication intensity and persistence, the effects can start from microbenthos, meiofauna, and macrofauna increase in abundance and biomass to significant changes in the community structure. The latter includes the proliferation of macrofaunal opportunistic species, an increase in deposit feeders, and the high risk of ecosystem quality degradation. However, contrary to other regions of the world, no water hypoxia or benthic dead zones were observed as chlorophyll-a and O2 concentrations showed a positive correlation. This is caused by the high photosynthetic activity of the phytoplankton and microphytobenthos, the increased bioturbation of macrofauna, and the increased abundance of sediment deposit-feeding species, which quickly consume the excess organic matter. Eastern Mediterranean coastal ecosystems show high resilience to the adverse effects of eutrophication, preventing hypoxia and azoic conditions when eutrophication is the only source of environmental disturbance.
Functionalization of Frustules of the Diatom Staurosirella pinnata for Nickel (Ni) Adsorption From Contaminated Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Savio Saverio , Farrotti Serena , Di Giulio Andrea , De Santis Serena , Ellwood Neil Thomas William , Ceschin Simona , Congestri Roberta
Published: May 2022

The structural characteristics of diatom cell walls (frustules) has led to their widespread use in diverse biotechnological applications, some of which can be further improved by surface chemical modification (functionalization). The use of coating agents can significantly increase surface binding capacity for target compounds. Frustules of the diatom Staurosirella pinnata used here were a by-product after applying a cascade-extraction process (for other products) to mass cultures. The protocol for the cleaning and functionalization of raw frustules using 3-Mercaptopropyl-trimethoxysilane and 3-Aminopropyl-trimethoxysilane was optimized and reported. Functionalization efficacy was observed using Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Optimally functionalized frustules were evaluated for nickel removal from aqueous solutions. Incubations of 10 min, using 1 g/L of frustules, gave almost complete Ni removal with functionalized frustules compared to 3% removal by raw frustules. The proposed protocol represents a reproducible and efficient alternative for Ni removal from contaminated water.
Corrosion Inhibition and Adsorption Process of 3-Amino-5-Mercapto-1,2,4-Triazole on Aluminium Alloy: Experimental and Theoretical Studies
Authors: Guo Xin , Wang Jinke , Huang Luyao , Wang Yajie , Ma Li , Zhang Dawei , Ma Lingwei
Published: May 2022

The corrosion inhibition effect of 3-amino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole (AMT) on AA2024 aluminium alloy in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution was investigated, and the corrosion inhibition mechanism was revealed. The influence of AMT concentration on the corrosion inhibition performance was evaluated by potentiodynamic polarization curve and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Surface analysis and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra were used to study the adsorption process and corrosion inhibition mechanism of AMT on the alloy surface. Polarization curve and EIS results showed that when the AMT concentration was 1.5 g/L, the corrosion current density (icorr) was the lowest and the resistance of adsorption film (Rf) was the largest, illustrating the highest corrosion inhibition efficiency. Moreover, the adsorption kinetics process of AMT was revealed by SERS measurement, and a positive correlation between the SERS intensity and Rf values of AMT after different immersion time was achieved. It indicated that the efficient adsorption of corrosion inhibitors significantly enhanced the corrosion inhibition performance. Density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics simulations were used to give further insight into the adsorption and inhibition mechanism of AMT on the aluminium alloy surface.
Flexible La0.67Sr0.33MnO3:ZnO Nanocomposite Thin Films Integrated on Mica
Authors: Zhang Xiong , Yang Hui , Wang Guoliang , Zhang Yi , Huang Jijie
Published: May 2022

The integration of functional oxide thin films on flexible substrates is critical for their application in flexible electronics. Here, to achieve flexible perovskite manganite oxide film with excellent low-field magnetoresistance (LFMR) effect, textured La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 (LSMO):ZnO nanocomposite film was deposited on a flexible mica substrate with ZnO buffer using pulsed laser deposition (PLD). Compared to the polycrystalline LSMO:ZnO nanocomposite film directly deposited on mica without buffer, the LSMO:ZnO/ZnO/mica sample exhibits larger saturation magnetization (164 emu/cm3) and higher Curie temperature (∼319 K), which results from the crystallinity and strain in the LSMO phase. In addition, the LSMO:ZnO/ZnO/mica film presents a high MR value of ∼39% at 10 K under 1 T. Furthermore, the good mechanical stretchability and property stability of the nanocomposite thin films have been demonstrated with mechanical bending.
Influenza Vaccination and Risk of Stroke in Women With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Nationwide, Population-Based, Propensity-Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Chen Chun-Chao , Lin Cheng-Hsin , Chiu Chun-Chih , Yang Tsung Yeh , Hsu Min-Huei , Wang Yuan-Hung , Lei Meng-Huan , Yeh Hsien Tang , Fang Yu-Ann , Hao Wen-Rui , Liu Ju-Chi
Published: May 2022

Backgrounds

The risk of stroke is higher among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) than among the healthy population. Moreover, women generally have worse long-term stroke outcomes than men.

Methods

The data of 6681 women with COPD (aged ≥ 65 years) registered in Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database were retrospectively analyzed from January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2011. After 1:1 propensity score matching, the patients were divided into vaccinated and unvaccinated groups.

Results

In total, 5102 women were enrolled. The vaccinated group had a significantly lower risk of total, hemorrhagic, and ischemic stroke than the unvaccinated group (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.54–0.67; aHR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.43–0.83; and aHR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.52–0.68, respectively). A lower risk of stroke was observed among the women aged 65–74 and ≥75 years, and the association was dose-dependent in all types of stroke (aHR: 1.08, 95% CI: 0.92–1.26; aHR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.60–0.82; and aHR: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.26–0.38 for those vaccinated 1, 2 to 3, and ≥4 times, respectively, during the follow-up period). Women with a CHA2DS2-VASc score (conditions and characteristics included congestive heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, stroke, vascular disease, age, and sex) of 2–3 and ≥4 had a significantly lower risk of ischemic stroke while receiving more vaccinations. A smaller significant lower risk of hemorrhagic stroke after more than 4 times of vaccination was noted in the women with a CHA2DS2-VASc score of ≥4. Both interrupted and non-interrupted vaccination was associated with lower risk of stroke occurrence.

Conclusion

Influenza vaccination is associated with a lower risk of total, hemorrhagic, and ischemic stroke among women with COPD, and the association is dose-dependent. However, the findings may be limited by unmeasurable confounders. Further investigations on this subject are warranted.
Trends in Worldwide Research in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Over the Period 2012–2021: A Bibliometric Study
Authors: Li Kemin , Feng Chenzhe , Chen Haolin , Feng Yeqian , Li Jingnan
Published: May 2022

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a continuously increasing and worldwide disease, and the number of publications of IBD has been expanding in the past 10 years. The purpose of this study is to analyze the published articles of IBD in the past decade via machine learning and text analysis and get a more comprehensive understanding of the research trends and changes in IBD in the past 10 years.

Method

In November 2021, we downloaded the published articles related to IBD in PubMed for the past 10 years (2012–2021). We utilized Python to extract the title, publication date, MeSH terms, and abstract from the metadata of each publication for bibliometric assessment. Latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) was used to the abstracts to identify publications' research topics with greater specificity.

Result

We finally identified and analyzed 34,458 publications in total. We found that publications in the last 10 years were mainly focused on treatment and mechanism. Among them, publications on biological agents and Gastrointestinal Microbiome have a significant advantage in terms of volume and rate of publications. In addition, publications related to IBD and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have increased sharply since the outbreak of the worldwide pandemic caused by novel β-coronavirus in 2019. However, researchers seem to pay less attention to the nutritional and psychological status of patients with IBD.

Conclusion

IBD is still a worldwide disease of concern with the publication of IBD-related research has expanded continuously over the past decade. More research related nutritional and psychological status of patients with IBD is needed in the future. Besides, it is worth noting that the management of chronic diseases such as IBD required additional attention during an infectious disease epidemic.
Low Dose Interleukin-2 Ameliorates Sjögren’s Syndrome in a Murine Model
Authors: Wang Yifan , Feng Ruiling , Cheng Gong , Huang Bo , Tian Jiayi , Gan Yuzhou , Jin Yuebo , Miao Miao , Zhang Xia , Sun Xiaolin , He Jing , Li Zhanguo
Published: May 2022

Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is a systemic autoimmune disease with no efficient treatment, and it is associated with dysregulated immune cells and impaired interleukin (IL)-2 signaling. IL-2 is critical for the development and maintenance of Treg cells. The use of low dose of IL-2 (LDIL-2) in the treatment of autoimmune diseases is promising, but the efficacy and mechanism in SS therapy are still to be confirmed. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effect of LDIL-2 on SS in NOD (non-obese diabetic) mice. NOD mice (female, 8 weeks old) were randomly assigned into three groups (n = 8). Low dose of IL-2 (LDIL-2), high dose of IL-2 (HDIL-2), and isometric sterile water (control) were administered subcutaneously daily from week 8 to week 16. LDIL-2 administration significantly recovered the reduction in saliva flow and suppressed lymphocyte inflammation of the submandibular glands (SMGs) when compared with those treated with sterile water as controls (p < 0.05). SS related biomarkers including ANA, Anti-SSA/Ro, and Anti-SSB/La also declined (p < 0.05). In the low dose of IL-2 treated group, the proportion of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Tregs in both spleen and cervical-lymph-node were higher than control mice (p < 0.05). Furthermore, CD4+Bcl-6+PD-1+CXCR5+Tfh cells, CD4+IFN-γ+Th1 cells, and CD4+IL-17A+Th17 cells were significantly reduced in LDIL-2 group (p < 0.05). Analysis of the SMGs biopsies showed significantly decreased inflammation scores after LDIL-2 administration and an increase of Tregs with immunohistochemical staining. Our findings provide in vivo evidence that LDIL-2 was an effective therapeutic intervention for SS observed in NOD mice and may restore immune balance through the promotion of Treg and suppression of germinal center (GC) B cells and effector T cells.
Case Report: Two Is Not (Always) Better Than One: Pyloric Gland Adenoma of the Gastric Cardia and Concurrent Neuroendocrine Cell Dysplasia Arising From Autoimmune Gastritis
Authors: Guerini Camilla , Lenti Marco Vincenzo , Rossi Chiara , Arpa Giovanni , Peri Andrea , Gallotti Anna , Di Sabatino Antonio , Vanoli Alessandro
Published: May 2022

Autoimmune gastritis is a chronic immune-mediated disorder characterized by varied clinical manifestations and that should be endoscopically managed over time, as the gastric atrophy contributes to microenvironmental alterations of the stomach milieu, and an increased cancer risk has been linked to this condition. Here, we report the unusual case of a woman who developed a cardiac high-grade pyloric adenoma in a context of previously undiagnosed autoimmune gastritis with synchronous neuroendocrine cell hyperplastic and dysplastic lesions.
Bacterial Resistance Toward Antimicrobial Ionic Liquids Mediated by Multidrug Efflux Pumps
Authors: Gundolf Tobias , Kalb Roland , Rossmanith Peter , Mester Patrick
Published: May 2022

The effective elimination of foodborne pathogens through cleaning and disinfection measures is of great importance to the food processing industry. As food producers rely heavily on disinfectants to control pathogenic bacteria in their facilities, the increasing spread of tolerant, often even multidrug resistant, strains is of particular concern. In addition to efforts to prevent or at least reduce development and spread of strains resistant to disinfectants and sanitizers, there is an urgent need for new and effective antimicrobials. One new class of promising antimicrobials is ionic liquids (ILs), which have been reported to be effective against resistant strains as they interact with bacterial cells in multiple ways, but investigations of their effectivity against MDR bacteria or specific defense mechanisms are still limited. This study investigates the role of multidrug efflux pumps of the Resistance Nodulation-Division family (RND) on the resistance of bacterial pathogens Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium toward 10 antimicrobial active ILs. Results reveal that, while known structure–activity relationships (SARs), such as the side-chain effect, were found for all strains, antimicrobial ILs with one elongated alkyl side chain were significantly affected by the RND efflux pump, highlighting the importance of efflux pumps for future IL toxicity studies. In case of antimicrobial ILs with multiple side chains and different cationic head groups, two ILs were identified that were highly active against all investigated strains with little to no effect of the efflux pump. The results obtained in this study for RND efflux pumps can serve as a starting point for identifying and designing antimicrobial ILs as effective biocides against MDR bacteria.
Diarrhea-Causing Bacteria and Their Antibiotic Resistance Patterns Among Diarrhea Patients From Ghana
Authors: Afum Theophilus , Asandem Diana Asema , Asare Prince , Asante-Poku Adwoa , Mensah Gloria Ivy , Musah Abdul Basit , Opare David , Taniguchi Kiyosi , Guinko Nuhu Muniru , Aphour Thelma , Arhin Doris , Ishikawa Koichi , Matano Tetsuro , Mizutani Taketoshi , Asiedu-Bekoe Franklin , Kiyono Hiroshi , Anang Abraham Kwabena , Koram Kwadwo Ansah , Yeboah-Manu Dorothy
Published: May 2022

Diarrheal disease remains a major global health problem particularly in children under 5 years and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of causative pathogens could slow control efforts, particularly in settings where treatment options are limited. This surveillance study conducted in Ghana aimed to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of diarrhea-causing bacteria. This was a cross-sectional study carried out in five health facilities in the Ga West Municipality of Ghana between 2017 and 2021. Diarrheic stool samples from patients were collected and cultured on standard differential/selective media and isolates identified by standard biochemical tests, MALDI-TOF assay, and serological analysis. The antibiogram was determined using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion and Microscan autoScan4 MIC panels which were used for extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) detection. Bacteria were isolated from 97.5% (772/792) of stool samples, and 167 of the isolates were diarrheagenic and met our inclusion criteria for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) analysis. These included Escherichia coli (49.1%, 82/167), Salmonella species (23.9%, 40/167), Vibrio species (16.8%, 28/167), and Shigella species (10.2%, 17/167). Among 24 Vibrio species, we observed resistances to cefotaxime (21/24, 87.5%), ceftriaxone (20/24, 83.3%), and ciprofloxacin (6/24, 25%), including four multi-drug resistant isolates. All 13 Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolates were resistant to cefazolin. All 17 Shigella isolates were resistant to tetracycline with resistance to shigellosis drugs such as norfloxacin and ciprofloxacin. Salmonella isolates were highly susceptible to norfloxacin (40/40, 100%) and tetracycline (12/34, 35%). Two ESBL-producing E. coli were also identified with marked susceptibility to gentamicin (66/72, 91.7%) and amikacin (57/72, 79.2%) prescribed in the treatment of E. coli infections. This study showed the different bacteria implicated in diarrhea cases in Ghana and the need for differential diagnoses for better treatment outcomes. Escherichia coli, Shigella, Salmonella, and Vibrio have all been implicated in diarrhea cases in Ghana. The highest prevalence was E. coli and Salmonella with Shigella the least prevalent. Resistance to commonly used drugs found in these isolates may render bacteria infection treatment in the near future nearly impossible. Routine antimicrobial susceptibility testing, effective monitoring, and nationwide surveillance of AMR pathogens should be implemented to curb the increase of antimicrobial resistance in Ghana.
Altered Brain Volume, Microstructure Metrics and Functional Connectivity Features in Multiple System Atrophy
Authors: Ge Yunxiang , Zheng Weimin , Li Yujia , Dou Weibei , Ren Shan , Chen Zhigang , Wang Zhiqun
Published: May 2022

In order to deeply understand the specific patterns of volume, microstructure, and functional changes in Multiple System Atrophy patients with cerebellar ataxia syndrome (MSA-c), we perform the current study by simultaneously applying structural (T1-weighted imaging), Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), functional (BOLD fMRI) and extended Network-Based Statistics (extended-NBS) analysis. Twenty-nine MSA-c type patients and twenty-seven healthy controls (HCs) were involved in this study. First, we analyzed the whole brain changes of volume, microstructure, and functional connectivity (FC) in MSA-c patients. Then, we explored the correlations between significant multimodal MRI features and the total Unified Multiple System Atrophy Rating Scale (UMSARS) scores. Finally, we searched for sensitive imaging biomarkers for the diagnosis of MSA-c using support vector machine (SVM) classifier. Results showed significant grey matter atrophy in cerebellum and white matter microstructural abnormalities in cerebellum, left fusiform gyrus, right precentral gyrus and lingual gyrus. Extended-NBS analysis found two significant different connected components, featuring altered functional connectivity related to left and right cerebellar sub-regions, respectively. Moreover, the reduced fiber bundle counts at right Cerebellum_3 (Cbe3) and decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) values at bilateral Cbe9 were negatively associated with total UMSARS scores. Finally, the significant features at left Cbe9, Cbe1, and Cbe7b were found to be useful as sensitive biomarkers to differentiate MSA-c from HCs according to the SVM analysis. These findings advanced our understanding of the neural pathophysiological mechanisms of MSA from the perspective of multimodal neuroimaging.
Synuclein Motor Dysfunction Composite Scale for the Discrimination of Dementia With Lewy Bodies From Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Chen Ying-Tsung , Orimo Satoshi , Wei Cheng-Yu , Hung Guang-Uei , Yang Shieh-Yueh , Chiu Pai-Yi
Published: May 2022

Background

An abnormal increase of α-synuclein in the brain is the hallmark of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). However, the diagnostic power of plasma α-synuclein in DLB is not yet confirmed. Parkinsonism is highly associated with and is one of the core clinical features of DLB. We studied plasma α-synuclein and developed a novel tool that combined plasma α-synuclein level and Motor Dysfunction Questionnaire (MDQ), namely Synuclein Motor Dysfunction Composite Scale (SMDCS), for the clinical discrimination of DLB from Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Methods

This cross-sectional study analyzed participants’ demographical data, plasma α-synuclein level, MDQ, structured clinical history questionnaire, neuropsychological and motor function tests, and neuroimaging studies. The power of plasma α-synuclein level, MDQ, and SMDCS for discriminating DLB from non-demented controls (NC) or AD were compared.

Results

Overall, 121 participants diagnosed as 58 DLB, 31 AD, and 31 NC were enrolled. Patients with DLB had significantly higher mean plasma α-synuclein level (0.24 ± 0.32 pg/ml) compared to the NC group (0.08 ± 0.05 pg/ml) and the AD group (0.08 ± 0.05 pg/ml). The DLB group demonstrated higher MDQ (2.95 ± 1.60) compared to the NC (0.42 ± 0.98) or AD (0.44 ± 0.99) groups. The sensitivity/specificity of plasma α-synuclein level, MDQ, and SMDCS for differentiating DLB from non-DLB were 0.80/0.64, 0.83/0.89, and 0.88/0.93, respectively.

Conclusion

Both plasma α-synuclein and MDQ were significantly higher in patients with DLB compared to the NC or AD groups. The novel SMDCS, significantly improved accuracy for the clinical differentiation of DLB from AD or NC.
Biomarkers of Tuberculous Meningitis and Pediatric Human Immunodeficiency Virus on the African Continent
Authors: Teunissen Charlotte Elisabeth , Rohlwink Ursula , Pajkrt Dasja , Naudé Petrus J. W.
Published: May 2022

Biomarkers in body fluids are helpful objective tools in diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of (therapeutic) responses of many neurological diseases. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers are part of the diagnostic toolbox for infectious neurological diseases. Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) and Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), are important burdens of disease in Africa and can negatively affect brain health. Two thirds of the world's population of people living with HIV reside in sub-Saharan Africa and 25% of the global burden of tuberculosis (TB) is carried by the African continent. Neuroinflammation and damage of specific neuronal cell types are key constituents in the pathophysiology of these central nervous system (CNS) diseases, and important potential sources of circulating biomarkers. In this review, we summarize current research in the use of biomarkers in TBM and pediatric HIV as case demonstrations for high prevalence neurological diseases in Africa. Inflammatory molecules, primarily when detected in CSF, appear to have diagnostic value in these diseases, especially when measured as profiles. Brain injury molecules, such as S100, Neuron specific enolase and glial fibrillary acidic protein may have prognostic value in TBM, but more studies are needed. There is a need for more cost-economic and high sensitivity technologies to drive further biomarker discoveries and translate into healthcare improvements for these important healthcare problems in a globally fair way.
Altered Intrinsic Regional Spontaneous Brain Activity in Patients With Severe Obesity and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: A Resting-State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Authors: Liu Yi , Tan Sheng-Xing , Wu Yu-Kang , Shen Yan-Kun , Zhang Li-Juan , Kang Min , Ying Ping , Pan Yi-Cong , Shu Hui-Ye , Shao Yi
Published: May 2022

Purpose

To evaluate potential regional homogeneity (ReHo) cerebrum function lesions in people with severe obesity and meibomian gland dysfunction (SM) and probe the connection between aberrant cerebrum activity and clinical manifestations.

Patients and Methods

An aggregation of 12 patients with SM, and 12 healthy controls (HCs) closely matched in age and gender were enrolled. We applied corneal confocal microscopy and fundus angiography to compare imaging distinctions between the two groups. SMs were required to carefully fill out the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS) forms, and a correlation analysis was performed. ReHo was also utilized to appraise partial differences in spontaneous cerebrum function. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were created to partition ReHo values between patients with SM and the HCs.

Results

ReHo values for the left cerebellum (LC), right fusiform gyrus (RFG), left inferior temporal gyrus (LITG), left rectus gyrus (LRG), right thalamus (RT), right caudate (RC), left insula (LI), and left thalamus (LT) of subjects with SM were notably higher than those of the HCs (P < 0.05). ReHo values of the right middle frontal gyrus (RMFG) in subjects with SM were decreased notably compared to the HCs (P < 0.05). ReHo values for the RMFG showed a negative correlation with the anxiety scores (ASs; r = −0.961, P < 0.001) and ReHo values for the RFG showed a positive correlation with the depression scores (DSs; r = 0.676, P = 0.016). The areas under the ROC curve were 1.000 (P < 0.001) for the RMFG, LC, LITG, LRG, RC, LI, and LT and 0.993 (P < 0.001) for the RFG and RT. The results from the ROC curve analysis indicated that changes in the ReHo values of some brain regions may help diagnose SM.

Conclusion

Our research emphasized that patients with SM had lesions in synchronized neural activity in many encephalic areas. Our discoveries may provide beneficial information for exploring the neuromechanics of SM.
The Predictive Values of Changes in Local and Remote Brain Functional Connectivity in Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma Patients According to Support Vector Machine Analysis
Authors: Fu Qiang , Liu Hui , Zhong Yu Lin
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) is an irreversible blinding eye disease in the world. Previous neuroimaging studies demonstrated that PACG patients were associated with cerebral changes. However, the effect of optic atrophy on local and remote brain functional connectivity in PACG patients remains unknown.

Materials and Methods

In total, 23 patients with PACG and 23 well-matched Health Controls (HCs) were enrolled in our study and underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scanning. The regional homogeneity (ReHo) method and functional connectivity (FC) method were used to evaluate the local and remote brain functional connectivity. Moreover, support vector machine (SVM) method was applied to constructing PACG classification model.

Results

Compared with the HC, PACG patients showed increased ReHo values in right cerebellum (CER)_8, left CER_4-5, and right CER_8. In contrast, PACG patients showed decreased ReHo values in the bilateral lingual gyrus (LING)/calcarine (CAL)/superior occipital gyrus (SOG) and right postcentral gyrus (PostCG). The ReHo value exhibited an accuracy of 91.30% and area under curve (AUC) of 0.95 for distinguishing the PACG patients from HC.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that the PACG patients showed abnormal ReHo value in the cerebellum, visual cortex, and supplementary motor area, which might be reflect the neurological mechanisms underlying vision loss and eye pain in PACG patients. Moreover, the ReHo values can be used as a useful biomarker for distinguishing the PACG patients from HCs.
Preliminary Results on the Long-Term Effects of Dextromethorphan on MDMA-Mediated Serotonergic Deficiency and Volumetric Changes in Primates Based on 4-[18F]-ADAM PET/MRI
Authors: Yeh Skye Hsin-Hsien , Kuo Yu-Yeh , Huang Wen-Sheng , Chiu Chuang-Hsin , Yu Tsung-Hsun , II Leo Garcia Flores , Tsai Chi-Jung , Cheng Cheng-Yi , Ma Kuo-Hsing
Published: May 2022

Alterations to the serotonergic system due to 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) (ecstasy) consumption have been extensively documented. However, knowledge of the reversibility of these neurotoxic effects based on in vivo evaluations of serotonin transport (SERT) availability remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term neurotoxicity of MDMA after 66 months abstinence and explored whether Dextromethorphan, a non-competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, could attenuate MDMA-induced neurotoxicity using 4-[18F]-ADAM, an imaging ligand that selectively targets SERT, with positron emission tomography technology (PET). Nine monkeys (Macaca cyclopis) were used in this study: control, MDMA, and DM + MDMA. Static 4-[18F]-ADAM PET was performed at 60 and 66 months after drug treatment. Serotonin transport (SERT) availability was presented as the specific uptake ratios (SURs) of 4-[18F]-ADAM in brain regions. Voxel-based region-specific SERT availability was calculated to generate 3D PET/MR images. Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) volumetric analysis was also conducted at 60 months. Significantly decreased 4-[18F]-ADAM SURs were observed in the striatum and thalamus of the MDMA group at 60 and 66 months compared to controls; the midbrain and frontal cortex SURs were similar at 60 and 66 months in the MDMA and control groups. All eleven brain regions showed significantly lower (∼13%) self-recovery rates over time; the occipital cortex and cingulate recovered to baseline by 66 months. DM attenuated MDMA-induced SERT deficiency on average, by ∼8 and ∼1% at 60 and 66 months, respectively; whereas significant differences were observed between the thalamus and amygdala of the MDMA and DM + MDMA groups at 66 months. Compared to controls, the MDMA group exhibited significantly increased (∼6.6%) gray matter volumes in the frontal cortex, occipital cortex, caudate nucleus, hippocampus, midbrain, and amygdala. Moreover, the gray matter volumes of the occipital cortex, hippocampus and amygdala correlated negatively with the 4-[18F]-ADAM SURs of the same regions. DM (n = 2) did not appear to affect MDMA-induced volumetric changes. The 4-[18F]-ADAM SURs, lower self-recovery rate and increased volumetric values indicate the occipital cortex, hippocampus and amygdala still exhibit MDMA-induced neurotoxicity after 66 months’ abstinence. Moreover, DM may prevent MDMA-induced serotonergic deficiency, as indicated by increased 4-[18F]-ADAM SURs and SERT availability, but not volumetric changes.
A Multi-Scale Densely Connected Convolutional Neural Network for Automated Thyroid Nodule Classification
Authors: Wang Luoyan , Zhou Xiaogen , Nie Xingqing , Lin Xingtao , Li Jing , Zheng Haonan , Xue Ensheng , Chen Shun , Chen Cong , Du Min , Tong Tong , Gao Qinquan , Zheng Meijuan
Published: May 2022

Automated thyroid nodule classification in ultrasound images is an important way to detect thyroid nodules and to make a more accurate diagnosis. In this paper, we propose a novel deep convolutional neural network (CNN) model, called n-ClsNet, for thyroid nodule classification. Our model consists of a multi-scale classification layer, multiple skip blocks, and a hybrid atrous convolution (HAC) block. The multi-scale classification layer first obtains multi-scale feature maps in order to make full use of image features. After that, each skip-block propagates information at different scales to learn multi-scale features for image classification. Finally, the HAC block is used to replace the downpooling layer so that the spatial information can be fully learned. We have evaluated our n-ClsNet model on the TNUI-2021 dataset. The proposed n-ClsNet achieves an average accuracy (ACC) score of 93.8% in the thyroid nodule classification task, which outperforms several representative state-of-the-art classification methods.
Exogenous Arginine Treatment Maintains the Appearance and Nutraceutical Properties of Hard- and Soft-Seed Pomegranates in Cold Storage
Authors: Shi Jiangli , Gao Huifang , Wang Sa , Wu Wenjiang , Tong Ruiran , Wang Sen , Li Ming , Jian Zaihai , Wan Ran , Hu Qingxia , Zheng Xianbo , Chen Yanhui
Published: May 2022

Arginine is a natural preservative; however, its effects on the storage of different cultivars of pomegranates have not been investigated extensively. Therefore, the fruit quality of soft-seed Tunisia and hard-seed Yudazi pomegranates was investigated after treatment with arginine at four concentrations during cold storage for 80 days. Pomegranates treated with 1.0 mM arginine exhibited a relatively lower loss of vitamin C, soluble solid, total phenol, and anthocyanin contents in arils, together with a better fruit appearance. Combined with principal component analysis (PCA), the storage life of fruits treated with 1.0 mM arginine showed a higher correlation with antioxidant enzyme activity (e.g., superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and catalase (CAT)) during the first 40 days of cold storage, whereas after 40 days of cold storage, storage life was more dependent on the integrity of the cell membrane affected by malondialdehyde (MDA) content, electrolyte leakage (EL), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) accumulation. Arginine treatment contributed significantly to the appearance and inner quality of the hard-seed pomegranate cv. Yudazi fruit during cold storage compared to those of soft-seed Tunisia. Taken together, arginine application combined with cold storage enhanced the nutraceutical properties and marketability of pomegranate fruits.
Association of Dietary Magnesium Intake With Leukocyte Telomere Length in United States Middle-Aged and Elderly Adults
Authors: Hu Lihua , Bai Yi , Hu Guiping , Zhang Yan , Han Xiaoning , Li Jianping
Published: May 2022

Aim

Magnesium supplementation may extend the life span; however, the biological mechanism is still unknown. Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is a marker of cell aging and biological health in humans. Data concerning whether magnesium supplementation can maintain telomere length, thus prolonging life are limited. We aimed to investigate the association between dietary magnesium intake and LTL in United States middle-aged and elderly adults.

Methods

A total of 4,039 United States adults aged ≥ 45 years from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2002). Dietary magnesium intake was collected by a trained interviewer using 24-h dietary recall method and LTL was obtained using the quantitative polymerase chain reaction method. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the crude and adjusted association of dietary magnesium intake with LTL.

Results

The overall mean (SD) of LTL was 5.6 (0.6) kp. After adjusting potential confounders, every 1 mg increase in log-transformed dietary magnesium intake was associated with 0.20 kp (95% confidence intervals: 0.05–0.34) longer LTL. Participants with the highest tertile (≥299 mg) of dietary magnesium intake had statistically significant longer LTL (β = 0.07, P = 0.038) compared with the lowest tertile (<198 mg), with significant linear trends across tertiles. Moreover, the association between dietary magnesium intake and LTL was significantly stronger in participants with higher levels of education (≥high school compared with < high school, P for interaction = 0.002). E-value analysis suggested robustness to unmeasured confounding.

Conclusion

Our findings showed that increased dietary magnesium intake was associated with longer LTL, which suggested that magnesium was conducive to a longer life expectancy.
Bacillus velezensis EEAM 10B Strengthens Nutrient Metabolic Process in Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens) via Changing Gut Microbiome and Metabolic Pathways
Authors: Pei Yaxin , Zhao Sijie , Chen Xiang , Zhang Jiran , Ni Hongyuhang , Sun Mengxiao , Lin Hui , Liu Xinyu , Chen Hongge , Yang Sen
Published: May 2022

Insects are a potential alternative protein source to solve the food shortage crisis. Previous studies have illustrated that probiotics can improve the substrate conversion efficiency of insects and increase insect protein content. However, the effects of probiotics on insect physiology and nutrient metabolism are still not well understood. Here, the black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), was used as a study subject to deeply investigate the specific interaction among a novel probiotic, Bacillus velezensis EEAM 10B (10B), intestinal microbiota, and the host. In this study, the effects of 10B on the survival and physiology of BSFL were first analyzed. It shows that 10B significantly elevated the substrate conversion rate, average dry weight, and protein content of BSFL by 5%, 0.13 g/pc, and 8%, respectively. Then, we assessed the effect of 10B on the microbial community composition in the gut and frass of BSFL using Illumina Miseq sequencing. It shows that 10B significantly altered the microbial composition of the gut, but not that of the frass. Pearson’s correlation analysis further showed that the Bacillus, unclassified_of_Caloramatoraceae, and Gracilibacillus were positively correlated with the survival rate, crude protein content, and substrate conversion rate of BSFL. To further investigate the effect of 10B on host metabolism, metabolic analyses on germ-free BSFL, monobacterial intestinal BSFL, and natural BSFL were also performed. The results proved that 10B (i) played a vital role in the survival of BSFL; and (ii) regulated the amino acid synthetic and metabolic process of BSFL, thus leading to the rise of the protein content of BSFL. In addition, vitamin backfill assays verified that the BSFL survival rate was significantly improved by supplying the germ-free BSFL with riboflavin, which further suggests that 10B determines the survival of BSFL via delivering riboflavin. Overall, this study provides a reference for understanding the comprehensive contribution of a specific probiotic to its host.
Preservation of Anti-cytomegalovirus Activity in Human Milk Following High-Pressure Processing Compared to Holder Pasteurization
Authors: Kothari Akash , Pitino Michael A. , Unger Sharon , Perreault Véronique , Doyen Alain , Pouliot Yves , McGeer Allison J. , Stone Debbie , O’Connor Deborah L.
Published: May 2022

Pasteurized donor human milk is recommended for hospitalized preterm infants when mother’s own milk is unavailable. Our aim was to compare the antiviral activity of human milk processed by Holder pasteurization (HoP) or high-pressure processing (HPP) against representative enveloped and non-enveloped viruses including cytomegalovirus and hepatitis A virus. Expressed milk from 20 donors collected from the Ontario Milk Bank was combined into 10 pools, each from two unique donors. Each pool was processed by HoP (62.5°C, 30 min) or HPP (500 MPa, 8 min, 4°C) and subsequently inoculated with cytomegalovirus or hepatitis A virus to achieve a final concentration of 5-log plaque-forming units/mL. Plaque reduction assays were used to quantify detectable virus after 30 min incubation (room temperature). Post hoc experiments using a 4 h incubation time were conducted if reductions were detected at 30 min. Irrespective of processing, cytomegalovirus concentrations declined in all pools after 30 min incubation (P < 0.0001). Milk processed by HoP exhibited significantly less reduction compared to raw milk (P = 0.0069). In post hoc experiments, anti-cytomegalovirus activity was maintained at 4 h, with high inter-pool variability. Hepatitis A virus concentration remained unchanged after 30 min incubation in raw and processed milk. Anti-cytomegalovirus activity in human milk is preserved following HoP and HPP, persisting up to 4 h post-inoculation; anti-hepatitis A virus activity was not observed in raw or processed milk. Further research is needed to understand how HoP or promising alternative processing methods affect the antiviral activity of donated milk, given its potential importance to recipient infants.