bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of long-term strength retrogression of silica-enriched Portland cement assessed by quantitative X-ray diffraction analysis
Authors: Qin Jiankun , Pang Xueyu , Li Hailong , Zhang Zhen
Published: October 2022

In order to clarify on the driving force of cement long-term strength retrogression, a comprehensive quantitative X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis were conducted on silica-enriched (60%–80% by weight of cement) cement samples set and cured under the condition of 200°C and 50 MPa with a maximum duration of 180 days. The phase content evolution with time was determined by three different methods on the average of three specimens: the external standard method; the partial or no known crystal structure (PONKCS) method; and the hybrid method. Although the specific phase content estimated by different methods varied slightly, the overall trend of change of all phases were similar. The phase transformation in set cement at high temperature condition is dependent on the slurry composition. In silica-deficient system, tobermorite and amorphous C-S-H were transformed to xonotlite; while in silica-sufficient system, tobermorite and amorphous C-S-H were transformed to gyrolite. These phase transformations involve gradual structural changes of cement hydration products, which may be the driving force of long-term strength retrogression. However, such structural changes can only be detected by XRD once the transformation is complete.
For us by us: Instituting mentorship models that credit minoritized medical faculty expertise and lived experience
Authors: Bath Eraka P. , Brown Kathleen , Harris Christina , Guerrero Alma , Kozman Daniel , Flippen Charles C. , Garraway Isla , Watson Karol , Holly Langston , Godoy Sarah M. , Norris Keith , Wyatt Gail
Published: October 2022

The woefully low proportion of scientists and clinicians underrepresented in medicine (UIM), including members of African-American/Black, Hispanic/Latinx, American Indian/Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander communities, is well characterized and documented. Diversity in medicine is not only just, but it improves quality and outcomes. Yet, diversity in academic medicine remains stagnant, despite national recognition and urgent calls to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion across health sciences. One strategy that has shown to improve diversity in many sectors is high quality mentoring. While many institutions have adopted mentoring programs, there remains a lack of mentorship that is equitable, individualized, and sets a clear timeline for academic milestones that will position UIM mentees at the optimal trajectory for promotion and retention. A barrier to assembling these programs is the small number of UIM among the senior faculty ranks who are able to serve in this role, given the disproportionate burden to serve on a multitude of academic committees, task forces, and workgroups to fulfill institutional mandates to diversify representation. These time-consuming services, documented in the literature as the “minority tax,” are generally uncompensated and unaccounted for in terms of consideration for promotion, leadership positions, and other measures of career advancement. The Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Academic Mentors (JAM) Council represents a novel, culturally responsive, and anti-racist approach to achieve a more equitable and inclusive institutional environment. This approach strategically leverages the intergenerational wisdom and experience of senior UIM faculty via time-protected effort with the overall goals of improving rates of promotion, retention, and career satisfaction of early career UIM colleagues. This community case study describes the rationale, resources needed, processes, and proposed workflow required to launch the JAM Council, as well as the major roles and responsibilities for JAM mentors and mentees, which may be considered by academic medical centers focused on improving diversity among the faculty ranks.
Etiologic characteristics of avian influenza H11 viruses isolated from the live poultry market in southeast coastal region in China
Authors: Jiang Lina , Li Jiaming , Cui Huan , Zhang Cheng , Jin Yifei , Fu Yingying , Ma Ningning , Tang Fei , Zhang Yidun , Zheng Jing , Li Li , Lu Bing , Chen Zehui , Guo Zhendong , Wang Zhongyi
Published: October 2022

Since it was first identified in 1956, the H11 subvariant influenza virus has been reported worldwide. However, due to the low pathogenicity of the H11 subvariant and the absence of its widespread transmission among humans, there are only a few reports on the etiology of the H11 subvariant influenza virus. Therefore, in the present study, we isolated a strain of the H11N3 avian influenza virus (AIV) from poultry feces from the live poultry market in the southeast coastal region of China. Considering that the H11 subvariant is known to cause infections in humans and to enrich the knowledge of the H11 subvariant of the avian influenza virus, the genetics, pathogenicity, and transmissibility of the isolate were studied. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that the H11N3 isolate was of Eurasian origin and carried genes closely related to duck H7N2 and H4N6. The receptor binding analysis revealed that the H11N3 isolate only acquired a binding affinity for avian-derived receptors. In the respiratory system of mice, the isolate could directly cause infection without adaptation. In addition, the results from transmission experiments and antibody detection in guinea pigs demonstrated that H11N3 influenza viruses can efficiently transmit through the respiratory tract in mammalian models. Direct infection of the H11N3 influenza virus without adaptation in the mouse models and aerosol transmission between guinea pig models confirms its pandemic potential in mammals, underscoring the importance of monitoring rare influenza virus subtypes in future studies.
One fold, many functions—M23 family of peptidoglycan hydrolases
Authors: Razew Alicja , Schwarz Jan-Niklas , Mitkowski Paweł , Sabala Izabela , Kaus-Drobek Magdalena
Published: October 2022

Bacterial cell walls are the guards of cell integrity. They are composed of peptidoglycan that provides rigidity to sustain internal turgor and ensures isolation from the external environment. In addition, they harbor the enzymatic machinery to secure cell wall modulations needed throughout the bacterial lifespan. The main players in this process are peptidoglycan hydrolases, a large group of enzymes with diverse specificities and different mechanisms of action. They are commonly, but not exclusively, found in prokaryotes. Although in most cases, these enzymes share the same molecular function, namely peptidoglycan hydrolysis, they are leveraged to perform a variety of physiological roles. A well-investigated family of peptidoglycan hydrolases is M23 peptidases, which display a very conserved fold, but their spectrum of lytic action is broad and includes both Gram- positive and Gram- negative bacteria. In this review, we summarize the structural, biochemical, and functional studies concerning the M23 family of peptidases based on literature and complement this knowledge by performing large-scale analyses of available protein sequences. This review has led us to gain new insight into the role of surface charge in the activity of this group of enzymes. We present relevant conclusions drawn from the analysis of available structures and indicate the main structural features that play a crucial role in specificity determination and mechanisms of latency. Our work systematizes the knowledge of the M23 family enzymes in the context of their unique antimicrobial potential against drug-resistant pathogens and presents possibilities to modulate and engineer their features to develop perfect antibacterial weapons.
Construction of an artificial consortium of Escherichia coli and cyanobacteria for clean indirect production of volatile platform hydrocarbons from CO2
Authors: Cui Yixuan , Rasul Faiz , Jiang Ying , Zhong Yuqing , Zhang Shanfa , Boruta Tomasz , Riaz Sadaf , Daroch Maurycy
Published: October 2022

Ethylene and isoprene are essential platform chemicals necessary to produce polymers and materials. However, their current production methods based on fossil fuels are not very efficient and result in significant environmental pollution. For a successful transition more sustainable economic model, producing these key polymeric building blocks from renewable and sustainable resources such as biomass or CO2 is essential. Here, inspired by the symbiotic relationship of natural microbial communities, artificial consortia composed of E. coli strains producing volatile platform chemicals: ethylene and isoprene and two strains of cyanobacteria phototrophically synthesizing and exporting sucrose to feed these heterotrophs were developed. Disaccharide produced by transgenic cyanobacteria was used as a carbon and electron shuttle between the two community components. The E. coli cscB gene responsible for sucrose transport was inserted into two cyanobacterial strains, Thermosynechococcus elongatus PKUAC-SCTE542 and Synechococcus elongatus PCC7942, resulting in a maximal sucrose yield of 0.14 and 0.07       g/L, respectively. These organisms were co-cultured with E. coli BL21 expressing ethylene-forming enzyme or isoprene synthase and successfully synthesized volatile hydrocarbons. Productivity parameters of these co-cultures were higher than respective transgenic cultures of E. coli grown individually at similar sucrose concentrations, highlighting the positive impact of the artificial consortia on the production of these platform chemicals.
Gut microbiota-dependent adaptor molecule recruits DNA methyltransferase to the TLR4 gene in colonic epithelial cells to suppress inflammatory reactions
Authors: Narabayashi Hikari , Koma Chiharu , Nakata Kazuaki , Ikegami Mion , Nakanishi Yusuke , Ogihara Jun , Tsuda Masato , Hosono Akira , Hanazawa Shigemasa , Takahashi Kyoko
Published: October 2022

The intestine is inhabited by a large number of commensal bacteria that are immunologically non-self, potentially causing inflammation. However, in a healthy intestine, inflammation is strictly controlled at low levels to maintain homeostasis. We previously reported that the gut microbiota induce DNA methylation of the gene encoding Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, a pattern recognition receptor that recognizes lipopolysaccharides of gram-negative bacteria, in colonic epithelial cells, suggesting its role in controlling intestinal inflammation. However, there remains a question of how gut microbiota cause methylation of only specific genes including TLR4, despite the fact that DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) is common to all genes targeted for methylation. Here, we identified RBM14 as an adaptor molecule that recruits DNMT to the TLR4 gene. RBM14 was shown to bind DNMT3 and be expressed at significantly higher levels in an intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) line with hypermethylated TLR4 gene than in an IEC line with hypomethylated TLR4 gene. In addition, RBM14 interacted with DNA regions of the TLR4 gene, and knockdown of RBM14 suppressed DNA methylation of the TLR4 gene in IECs. Furthermore, RBM14 expression was higher in colonic epithelial cells of conventional mice than in those of germ-free mice. Collectively, these results indicate that the gut microbiota induce methylation of the TLR4 gene in colonic epithelial cells by upregulating RBM14, which can recruit DNMT3 to the gene. The regulation of adaptor molecules such as RBM14, which bind to specific target genes and recruit DNMT, can explain, at least in part, how gut microbiota contribute to the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis through epigenetic control of specific gene expression in IECs.
Manganese oxidation counteracts the deleterious effect of low temperatures on biofilm formation in Pseudomonas sp. MOB-449
Authors: Ciancio Casalini Lucila , Piazza Ainelen , Masotti Fiorella , Garavaglia Betiana S. , Ottado Jorgelina , Gottig Natalia
Published: October 2022

Mn removal from groundwater by biological sand filter technology is negatively impacted by low temperatures in winter periods. Therefore, the need to study Mn(II)-oxidizing bacteria (MOB) having the potential to oxidize Mn(II) and form biofilms at low temperatures is imperative. These MOB can have potential as inocula for sand filter bioaugmentation strategies to optimize Mn removal during winter periods. We previously showed that a Pseudomonas sp. MOB-449 (MOB-449), isolated from a Mn biofilter, oxidizes Mn(II) in a biofilm-dependent way at low temperatures. In this work, MOB-449 Mn(II) oxidation and growth capacities were evaluated under planktonic and biofilm conditions at different temperatures. At 18°C, MOB-449 showed enhanced biofilm formation due to the addition of Mn(II) to the medium correlating with Mn(II) oxidation, compared to biofilms grown in control medium. Moreover, this enhancement on biofilm formation due to the addition of Mn(II) was only observed at 18°C. At this temperature, Mn(II) oxidation in membrane fractions collected from biofilms was induced by uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation from the electron transport chain with 2,4-Dinitrophenol. In Pseudomonas, a role for c-type cytochrome in Mn(II) oxidation has been demonstrated. Accordingly, transcriptional profiles of all terminal oxidases genes found in MOB-449 showed an induction of cytochrome c terminal oxidases expression mediated by Mn(II) oxidation at 18°C. Finally, heme peroxidase activity assays and MS analysis revealed that PetC, a cytochrome c5, and also CcmE, involved in the cytochrome c biogenesis machinery, are induced at 18°C only in the presence of Mn(II). These results present evidence supporting that cytochromes c and also the cytochrome c terminal oxidases are activated at low temperatures in the presence of Mn(II). Overall, this work demonstrate that in MOB-449 Mn(II) oxidation is activated at low temperatures to gain energy, suggesting that this process is important for survival under adverse environmental conditions and contributing to the understanding of the physiological role of bacterial Mn(II) oxidation.
Reconstructing neural circuits using multiresolution correlated light and electron microscopy
Authors: Friedrichsen Karl , Ramakrishna Pratyush , Hsiang Jen-Chun , Valkova Katia , Kerschensteiner Daniel , Morgan Josh L.
Published: October 2022

Correlated light and electron microscopy (CLEM) can be used to combine functional and molecular characterizations of neurons with detailed anatomical maps of their synaptic organization. Here we describe a multiresolution approach to CLEM (mrCLEM) that efficiently targets electron microscopy (EM) imaging to optically characterized cells while maintaining optimal tissue preparation for high-throughput EM reconstruction. This approach hinges on the ease with which arrays of sections collected on a solid substrate can be repeatedly imaged at different scales using scanning electron microscopy. We match this multiresolution EM imaging with multiresolution confocal mapping of the aldehyde-fixed tissue. Features visible in lower resolution EM correspond well to features visible in densely labeled optical maps of fixed tissue. Iterative feature matching, starting with gross anatomical correspondences and ending with subcellular structure, can then be used to target high-resolution EM image acquisition and annotation to cells of interest. To demonstrate this technique and range of images used to link live optical imaging to EM reconstructions, we provide a walkthrough of a mouse retinal light to EM experiment as well as some examples from mouse brain slices.
Combined regional T1w/T2w ratio and voxel-based morphometry in multiple system atrophy: A follow-up study
Authors: Ponticorvo Sara , Manara Renzo , Russillo Maria Claudia , Andreozzi Valentina , Forino Lorenzo , Erro Roberto , Picillo Marina , Amboni Marianna , Cuoco Sofia , Di Salle Gianfranco , Di Salle Francesco , Barone Paolo , Esposito Fabrizio , Pellecchia Maria Teresa
Published: October 2022

Several MRI techniques have become available to support the early diagnosis of multiple system atrophy (MSA), but few longitudinal studies on both MSA variants have been performed, and there are no established MRI markers of disease progression. We aimed to characterize longitudinal brain changes in 26 patients with MSA (14 MSA-P and 12 MSA-C) over a 1-year follow-up period in terms of local tissue density and T1w/T2w ratio in a-priori regions, namely, bilateral putamen, cerebellar gray matter (GM), white matter (WM), and substantia nigra (SN). A significant GM density decrease was found in cerebellum and left putamen in the entire group (10.7 and 33.1% variation, respectively) and both MSA subtypes (MSA-C: 15.4 and 33.0% variation; MSA-P: 7.7 and 33.2%) and in right putamen in the entire group (19.8% variation) and patients with MSA-C (20.9% variation). A WM density decrease was found in the entire group (9.3% variation) and both subtypes in cerebellum-brainstem (MSA-C: 18.0% variation; MSA-P: 5% variation). The T1w/T2w ratio increase was found in the cerebellar and left putamen GM (6.6 and 24.9% variation), while a significant T1w/T2w ratio decrease was detected in SN in the entire MSA group (31% variation). We found a more progressive atrophy of the cerebellum in MSA-C with a similar progression of putaminal atrophy in the two variants. T1w/T2w ratio can be further studied as a potential marker of disease progression, possibly reflecting decreased neuronal density or iron accumulation.
Case report: Incidence and prognostic value of brain MRI lesions and elevated cerebrospinal fluid protein in children with Guillain-Barré syndrome
Authors: Pizzo Francesco , Di Nora Alessandra , Di Mari Alessia , Costanza Giuseppe , Testa Elisabetta , Strazzieri Marianna , Greco Filippo , Timpanaro Tiziana , Basile Antonio , Belfiore Giuseppe , Giugno Andrea , Rocca Roberta , Ruggieri Martino , Fiumara Agata , Pavone Piero
Published: October 2022

Background

Guillain-Barrè syndrome (GBS) is an acute immune-mediated disorder affecting peripheral nerves and nerve roots with a variable clinical course and outcome. Epidemiologic analyses have revealed that the incidence of the syndrome increases linearly among the age. The clinical diagnosis of GBS is based on the family history, physical and neurological examination, electrodiagnostic exams, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis with the classical presence of albumin-cytologic dissociation. Prognosis is associated with the severity of clinical signs and the type of peripheral nerves involved.

Methods

This study aims to clarify which clinical features can be used for prognostic purposes. We evaluated the correlation between (1) brain MRI lesions and grade of disability; (2) brain MRI lesions and elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein; and (3) increased levels of CSF protein and grade of disability. Statistical analysis extracted from these data indicated a good correlation to be a prognostic indicator in children affected by GBS. We found little evidence regarding laboratory tests, imaging, and prognosis. We enrolled 12 continuous patients who met the Brighton criteria for GBS in this retrospective study. Each patient was clinically evaluated at the time of disease onset to assess the GBS disability score and after 2 weeks.

Results

We estimated Pearson's correlation index to evaluate the possible correlation between MRI and disability and CSF protein levels and disability. The correlation coefficient was 0.92 and 0.85, respectively. In addition, we developed a graph to see the trend of the disability values, proteins in the CSF, and damage assessed with MRI in the 12 patients. It seems that these parameters have a parallel trend and a good correlation in each patient. Finally, we calculated the correlation between MRI and CSF protein values, with an r-value of 0.87. The values suggest a correlation among the MRI score, CSF protein, and prognosis.

Conclusion

The MRI and CSF laboratory parameters can be important tools for the clinician not only for diagnosis but also to evaluate the possible worsening of general conditions or the need to prepare measures to support life parameters. Patients who need ventilatory support could be established early from patients who have less severe GBS and can begin rehabilitation earlier. We suggest MRI should be performed routinely in children with GBS to be able to estimate the evolution of the clinical condition.
Central sensorimotor integration assessment reveals deficits in standing balance control in people with chronic mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Campbell Kody R. , King Laurie A. , Parrington Lucy , Fino Peter C. , Antonellis Prokopios , Peterka Robert J.
Published: October 2022

Imbalance is common following mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) and can persist months after the initial injury. To determine if mTBI subjects with chronic imbalance differed from healthy age- and sex-matched controls (HCs) we used both the Central SensoriMotor Integration (CSMI) test, which evaluates sensory integration, time delay, and motor activation properties and the standard Sensory Organization Test (SOT). Four CSMI conditions evoked center-of-mass sway in response to: surface tilts with eyes closed (SS/EC), surface tilts with eyes open viewing a fixed visual surround (SS/EO), visual surround tilts with eyes open standing on a fixed surface (VS/EO), and combined surface and visual tilts with eyes open (SS+VS/EO). The mTBI participants relied significantly more on visual cues during the VS/EO condition compared to HCs but had similar reliance on combinations of vestibular, visual, and proprioceptive cues for balance during SS/EC, SS/EO, and SS+VS/EO conditions. The mTBI participants had significantly longer time delays across all conditions and significantly decreased motor activation relative to HCs across conditions that included surface-tilt stimuli with a sizeable subgroup having a prominent increase in time delay coupled with reduced motor activation while demonstrating no vestibular sensory weighting deficits. Decreased motor activation compensates for increased time delay to maintain stability of the balance system but has the adverse consequence that sensitivity to both internal (e.g., sensory noise) and external disturbances is increased. Consistent with this increased sensitivity, SOT results for mTBI subjects showed increased sway across all SOT conditions relative to HCs with about 45% of mTBI subjects classified as having an “Aphysiologic” pattern based on published criteria. Thus, CSMI results provided a plausible physiological explanation for the aphysiologic SOT pattern. Overall results suggest that rehabilitation that focuses solely on sensory systems may be incomplete and may benefit from therapy aimed at enhancing rapid and vigorous responses to balance perturbations.
Case report: Ventricular primary central nervous system lymphoma with partial hypointensity on diffusion-weighted imaging
Authors: Li Xintong , Xiong Hua
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is infrequent and represents 3. 1% of primary brain tumors. And the lesions that are restricted to the ventricular system, particularly the third ventricle, are even rarer. There are few pieces of literature or case reports to date. We report a case of PCNSL with partial hypointense on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) located in the lateral and third ventricles. Then we reviewed almost all case reports of ventricular PCNSLs in the last 20 years, discuss the imaging presentation, other ventricular tumors with similar imaging findings, and primary treatment measures.

Case presentation

A 78-year-old man presented with memory loss and poor responsiveness for one week without obvious precipitating factors. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed lesions in the third ventricle and left lateral ventricles, which were slightly hypointense on T1-weighted imaging (T1WI), and isointense to slightly hypointense on T2-weighted imaging (T2WI). On DWI, the left lateral ventricular lesion was hyperintense, while the third ventricular lesion was hypointense. After the surgical procedure, the pathology and immunohistochemistry revealed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

Conclusions

Ventricular PCNSL is quite rare, and may be confused with other tumors in the same position. However, PCNSL differs from other central nervous system tumors in that it is primarily treated with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. So, it is important to recognize PCNSL and differentiate it from other tumors, considering its implications for management planning.
On the feasibility of simple brain-computer interface systems for enabling children with severe physical disabilities to explore independent movement
Authors: Floreani Erica D. , Rowley Danette , Kelly Dion , Kinney-Lang Eli , Kirton Adam
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Children with severe physical disabilities are denied their fundamental right to move, restricting their development, independence, and participation in life. Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) could enable children with complex physical needs to access power mobility (PM) devices, which could help them move safely and independently. BCIs have been studied for PM control for adults but remain unexamined in children. In this study, we explored the feasibility of BCI-enabled PM control for children with severe physical disabilities, assessing BCI performance, standard PM skills and tolerability of BCI.

Materials and methods

Patient-oriented pilot trial. Eight children with quadriplegic cerebral palsy attended two sessions where they used a simple, commercial-grade BCI system to activate a PM trainer device. Performance was assessed through controlled activation trials (holding the PM device still or activating it upon verbal and visual cueing), and basic PM skills (driving time, number of activations, stopping) were assessed through distance trials. Setup and calibration times, headset tolerability, workload, and patient/caregiver experience were also evaluated.

Results

All participants completed the study with favorable tolerability and no serious adverse events or technological challenges. Average control accuracy was 78.3 ± 12.1%, participants were more reliably able to activate (95.7 ± 11.3%) the device than hold still (62.1 ± 23.7%). Positive trends were observed between performance and prior BCI experience and age. Participants were able to drive the PM device continuously an average of 1.5 meters for 3.0 s. They were able to stop at a target 53.1 ± 23.3% of the time, with significant variability. Participants tolerated the headset well, experienced mild-to-moderate workload and setup/calibration times were found to be practical. Participants were proud of their performance and both participants and families were eager to participate in future power mobility sessions.

Discussion

BCI-enabled PM access appears feasible in disabled children based on evaluations of performance, tolerability, workload, and setup/calibration. Performance was comparable to existing pediatric BCI literature and surpasses established cut-off thresholds (70%) of “effective” BCI use. Participants exhibited PM skills that would categorize them as “emerging operational learners.” Continued exploration of BCI-enabled PM for children with severe physical disabilities is justified.
New lesion segmentation for multiple sclerosis brain images with imaging and lesion-aware augmentation
Authors: Basaran Berke Doga , Matthews Paul M. , Bai Wenjia
Published: October 2022

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and demyelinating neurological disease of the central nervous system. Image-based biomarkers, such as lesions defined on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), play an important role in MS diagnosis and patient monitoring. The detection of newly formed lesions provides crucial information for assessing disease progression and treatment outcome. Here, we propose a deep learning-based pipeline for new MS lesion detection and segmentation, which is built upon the nnU-Net framework. In addition to conventional data augmentation, we employ imaging and lesion-aware data augmentation methods, axial subsampling and CarveMix, to generate diverse samples and improve segmentation performance. The proposed pipeline is evaluated on the MICCAI 2021 MS new lesion segmentation challenge (MSSEG-2) dataset. It achieves an average Dice score of 0.510 and F1 score of 0.552 on cases with new lesions, and an average false positive lesion number nFP of 0.036 and false positive lesion volume VFP of 0.192 mm3 on cases with no new lesions. Our method outperforms other participating methods in the challenge and several state-of-the-art network architectures.
Problematic smartphone use is associated with differences in static and dynamic brain functional connectivity in young adults
Authors: Liu Dayi , Liu Xiaoxuan , Long Yicheng , Xiang Zhibiao , Wu Zhipeng , Liu Zhening , Bian Dujun , Tang Shixiong
Published: October 2022

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate the possible associations between problematic smartphone use and brain functions in terms of both static and dynamic functional connectivity patterns.

Materials and methods

Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were scanned from 53 young healthy adults, all of whom completed the Short Version of the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS-SV) to assess their problematic smartphone use severity. Both static and dynamic functional brain network measures were evaluated for each participant. The brain network measures were correlated the SAS-SV scores, and compared between participants with and without a problematic smartphone use after adjusting for sex, age, education, and head motion.

Results

Two participants were excluded because of excessive head motion, and 56.9% (29/51) of the final analyzed participants were found to have a problematic smartphone use (SAS-SV scores ≥ 31 for males and ≥ 33 for females, as proposed in prior research). At the global network level, the SAS-SV score was found to be significantly positively correlated with the global efficiency and local efficiency of static brain networks, and negatively correlated with the temporal variability using the dynamic brain network model. Large-scale subnetwork analyses indicated that a higher SAS-SV score was significantly associated with higher strengths of static functional connectivity within the frontoparietal and cinguloopercular subnetworks, as well as a lower temporal variability of dynamic functional connectivity patterns within the attention subnetwork. However, no significant differences were found when directly comparing between the groups of participants with and without a problematic smartphone use.

Conclusion

Our results suggested that problematic smartphone use is associated with differences in both the static and dynamic brain network organizations in young adults. These findings may help to identify at-risk population for smartphone addiction and guide targeted interventions for further research. Nevertheless, it might be necessary to confirm our findings in a larger sample, and to investigate if a more applicable SAS-SV cutoff point is required for defining problematic smartphone use in young Chinese adults nowadays.
EEG channel selection based on sequential backward floating search for motor imagery classification
Authors: Tang Chao , Gao Tianyi , Li Yuanhao , Chen Badong
Published: October 2022

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) based on motor imagery (MI) utilizing multi-channel electroencephalogram (EEG) data are commonly used to improve motor function of people with motor disabilities. EEG channel selection can enhance MI classification accuracy by selecting informative channels, accordingly reducing redundant information. The sequential backward floating search (SBFS) approach has been considered as one of the best feature selection methods. In this paper, SBFS is first implemented to select the optimal EEG channels in MI-BCI. Further, to reduce the time complexity of SBFS, the modified SBFS is proposed and applied to left and right hand MI tasks. In the modified SBFS, based on the map of EEG channels at the scalp, the symmetrical channels are selected as channel pairs and acceleration is thus realized by removing or adding multiple channels in each iteration. Extensive experiments were conducted on four public BCI datasets. Experimental results show that the SBFS achieves significantly higher classification accuracy (p < 0.001) than using all channels and conventional MI channels (i.e., C3, C4, and Cz). Moreover, the proposed method outperforms the state-of-the-art selection methods.
Subthreshold repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation suppresses ketamine-induced poly population spikes in rat sensorimotor cortex
Authors: Jiang Wenxuan , Isenhart Robert , Sutherland Robert , Lu Zhouxiao , Xu Huijing , Pace John , Bonaguidi Michael A. , Lee Darrin J. , Liu Charles Y. , Song Dong
Published: October 2022

Cortical oscillations within or across brain regions play fundamental roles in sensory, motor, and memory functions. It can be altered by neuromodulations such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and pharmacological manipulations such as ketamine. However, the neurobiological basis of the effects of rTMS and ketamine, as well as their interactions, on cortical oscillations is not understood. In this study, we developed and applied a rodent model that enabled simultaneous rTMS treatment, pharmacological manipulations, and invasive electrophysiological recordings, which is difficult in humans. Specifically, a miniaturized C-shaped coil was designed and fabricated to deliver focal subthreshold rTMS above the primary somatosensory (S1) and motor (M1) cortex in rats. Multi-electrode arrays (MEA) were implanted to record local field potentials (LFPs) and single unit activities. A novel form of synchronized activities, poly population spikes (PPS), was discovered as the biomarker of ketamine in LFPs. Brief subthreshold rTMS effectively and reversibly suppressed PPS while increasing the firing rates of single unit activities. These results suggest that ketamine and rTMS have convergent but opposing effects on cortical oscillations and circuits. This highly robust phenomenon has important implications to understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of rTMS and ketamine as well as developing new therapeutic strategies involving both neuromodulation and pharmacological agents.
Human stefin B: from its structure, folding, and aggregation to its function in health and disease
Authors: Žerovnik Eva
Published: October 2022

Mutations in the gene for human stefin B (cystatin B) cause progressive myoclonic epilepsy type 1 (EPM1), a neurodegenerative disorder. The most common change is dodecamer repeats in the promoter region of the gene, though missense and frameshift mutations also appear. Human stefin B primarily acts as a cysteine cathepsin inhibitor, and it also exhibits alternative functions. It plays a protective role against oxidative stress, likely via reducing mitochondrial damage and thus generating fewer mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS). Accordingly, lack of stefin B results in increased inflammation and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, producing more ROS. The protein is cytosolic but also has an important role in the nucleus, where it prevents cleavage of the N terminal part of histone 3 by inhibiting cathepsins L and B and thus regulates transcription and cell cycle. Furthermore, it has been shown that stefin B is oligomeric in cells and that it has a specific role in the physiology of the synapse and in vesicular transport. On the basis of my research team’s data on the structure, folding, and aggregation of stefin B, we have proposed that it might regulate proteostasis, possessing a chaperone-like function. In this review, I synthesize these observations and derive some conclusions on possible sources of EPM1 pathology. The interaction partners of stefin B and other gene mutations leading to EPM1-like pathology are discussed and common pathways are pinpointed.
P300 as a neural indicator for setting levels of goal scores in educational gamification applications from the perspective of intrinsic motivation: An ERP study
Authors: Watanabe Hiroki , Naruse Yasushi
Published: October 2022

The challenge level of goal achievement affects intrinsic motivation. Thus, the goal score learners are required to achieve is an important element in gamified educational applications to foster users' intrinsic motivation. However, determining optimal goal scores that enhance the intrinsic motivation of each learner is not easy because individual competence and preferences for the challenge level (e.g., preference for difficult-to-achieve challenges) vary. One approach is to determine the goal score using physiological measurements to estimate when an individual's intrinsic motivation is reinforced. Measurement of event-related potentials (ERPs) is considered useful for this purpose. ERPs time-locked to feedback onset, such as feedback-related negativity and P300, reflect intrinsic motivation. However, it remains unclear whether these ERPs can serve as indicators of optimal goal scores for gamified educational applications in terms of intrinsic motivation. The present study aimed to examine whether ERP measures vary with the challenge levels of the goal score determined by participants' competence (too-easy, moderate and too-hard levels) and/or with their preference for these levels when using a gamified mental arithmetic application. Thirty-three participants solved 64 addition problems in one session in this application and received auditory feedback immediately after each answer entry. Scores were then calculated based on their task performance. Before each session, participants were informed of the goal score and instructed to exceed it as much as possible. Sessions were repeated six times at easy, moderate, and hard levels of goal scores, with two sessions per level. Goal score preferences were quantified based on subjective ratings of the motivation to achieve each level of goal score using a 7-point Likert scale. The mean amplitudes of ERPs were obtained for each participant. Results showed that P300 was significantly related to subjective ratings but not to levels of goal scores, indicating that P300 could be an indicator of participant preference for goal score levels. This study suggests that measurement of P300 may serve as a neural indicator providing an optimal goal score for individual learners that maximizes their intrinsic motivation in gamified learning applications.
Food safety assessments of acrylamide formation and characterizations of flaky rolls enriched with black rice (Oryza sativa)
Authors: Lu Wen-Chien , Cheng Yu-Tsung , Chan Yung-Jia , Li Po-Hsien
Published: October 2022

This study aims to investigate the physicochemical composition, textural parameters, and chemical constituent of flaky rolls incorporated with different proportions of black rice flour. According to farinographic characteristics, the addition of black rice flour could reduce the stability and increase the dough development time and water absorption (%). While for the extensographic properties, addition of black rice flour resulted in significantly different maximum resistance to extension (BU) and extensibility (cm) vs. the control. With the addition of black rice flour in flaky rolls, the crude protein, total dietary fiber (TDF), soluble dietary fiber (SDF), and insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) were significantly improved. Glucose released was much lower with 10 and 20% black rice than the control and 5% black rice because of the higher black rice inclusion. With increasing black rice incorporation, total anthocyanin content, and antioxidant capacity was also improved. The content of asparagine, acrylamide, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), furfural, methylglyoxal, and glyoxal in flaky rolls was also increased. The proper content of black rice flour (5%) could significantly enhance the stability of the dough properties; control the final volume, texture, and appearance; and retain good protein and fiber composition, antioxidant capacity, and overall acceptance of the flaky roll.
S-Equol enhances osteoblastic bone formation and prevents bone loss through OPG/RANKL via the PI3K/Akt pathway in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Xu Zhe , Xu Jing , Li Shuo , Cui Hanqiang , Zhang Guiming , Ni Xiangmin , Wang Jian
Published: October 2022

Background

This study aimed to explore whether S-Equol delays diabetes-induced osteoporosis and the molecular mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects.

Materials and methods

Thirty-five male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomized into five groups. The diabetic osteoporosis (DOP) group and three S-Equol treatment groups were intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin (STZ) to develop a DOP model. After the 12-week intervention, bone transformation indicators were detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit; bone mineral density (BMD) and bone microstructure were obtained using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and microCT; morphological changes in the bone tissue were investigated using HE staining; bone morphogenetic proteins were detected using immunohistochemical staining. ROS17/2.8 cells were cultured in vitro, and Cell Counting Kit-8 was used to test the protective effects of S-Equol in osteoblastic cells in a high-fat and high-glucose environment. Furthermore, the expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), estrogen receptor β(ERβ), phosphorylated Akt (pAKT)/protein kinase B (AKT), and osteocalcin (OC) in bone tissue and ROS17/2.8 cells was assessed using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blotting. To determine whether ERβ and phosphatidylinositol 3’ -kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathways are involved in the process, LY294002 (PI3K signaling pathway inhibitor) and small interfering RNA targeting ERβ mRNA (si-ERβ) were used to verify the function of the ERβ-mediated PI3K/AKT pathway in this process.

Results

After the 12-week intervention, S-Equol enhanced BMD, improved bone microarchitecture in DOP rats (P < 0.05), and improved markers of bone metabolism (P < 0.05). In vitro, 10–6 mmol/L S-Equol was selected to significantly protect osteoblasts from high- and high-glucose environments (P < 0.05). Gene expression of OPG, ERβ, pAKT/AKT, and OC was upregulated compared to the DOP group, and RANKL was downregulated compared to the DOP group (P < 0.05) both in bone tissue and osteoblastic cells. The promotion of OPG and pAKT/AKT is mediated by LY294002 and siERβ.

Conclusion

S-Equol binds to ERβ to regulate OPG/RANKL via the PI3K/AKT pathway and improve DOP. Our results demonstrate the potential role of S-Equol in the treatment of DOP by targeting ERβ. Thus, S-Equol may have the potential to be an adjuvant drug for treating DOP.
Targeting DNA damage response as a potential therapeutic strategy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Lei Huimin , He Ading , Jiang Yingying , Ruan Min , Han Nannan
Published: October 2022

Cells experience both endogenous and exogenous DNA damage daily. To maintain genome integrity and suppress tumorigenesis, individuals have evolutionarily acquired a series of repair functions, termed DNA damage response (DDR), to repair DNA damage and ensure the accurate transmission of genetic information. Defects in DNA damage repair pathways may lead to various diseases, including tumors. Accumulating evidence suggests that alterations in DDR-related genes, such as somatic or germline mutations, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and promoter methylation, are closely related to the occurrence, development, and treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Despite recent advances in surgery combined with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy, there has been no substantial improvement in the survival rate of patients with HNSCC. Therefore, targeting DNA repair pathways may be a promising treatment for HNSCC. In this review, we summarized the sources of DNA damage and DNA damage repair pathways. Further, the role of DNA damage repair pathways in the development of HNSCC and the application of small molecule inhibitors targeting these pathways in the treatment of HNSCC were focused.
Case report: Fulminant extraneural metastasis of glioblastoma through venous sinus
Authors: Kim Yeong Jin , Ahn Kang Hee , Lee Kyung-Hwa , Moon Kyung-Sub
Published: October 2022

Background

Extraneural metastasis (ENM) of glioblastoma are rare. However, as patient overall survival improves, the incidence of ENM has gradually increased. Although several risk factors have been proposed, venous sinus invasion was regarded as a very exceptional route for ENM.

Case description

We report a 60-year-old man with glioblastoma in the temporal lobe, invading the transverse and sigmoid venous sinus. After gross total tumor resection, the patient received the standard chemoradiation therapy. Systemic evaluation for persistent shoulder and back pain revealed widespread metastasis to lymph nodes and multiple bones 9 months after surgery. Despite spine radiation therapy, the patient became paraplegic and died 1 year after surgery.

Conclusions

Venous sinus invasion should be kept in mind by physicians, as a risk factor for glioblastoma ENM. Systemic evaluation of these patients with extracranial symptoms should be performed without hesitation.
Engineered multifunctional nanocarriers for controlled drug delivery in tumor immunotherapy
Authors: Katopodi Theodora , Petanidis Savvas , Tsavlis Drosos , Anestakis Doxakis , Charalampidis Charalampos , Chatziprodromidou Ioanna , Eskitzis Panagiotis , Zarogoulidis Paul , Kosmidis Christoforos , Matthaios Dimitris , Porpodis Konstantinos
Published: October 2022

The appearance of chemoresistance in cancer is a major issue. The main barriers to conventional tumor chemotherapy are undesirable toxic effects and multidrug resistance. Cancer nanotherapeutics were developed to get around the drawbacks of conventional chemotherapy. Through clinical evaluation of thoughtfully developed nano delivery systems, cancer nanotherapeutics have recently offered unmatched potential to comprehend and combat drug resistance and toxicity. In different design approaches, including passive targeting, active targeting, nanomedicine, and multimodal nanomedicine combination therapy, were successful in treating cancer in this situation. Even though cancer nanotherapy has achieved considerable technological development, tumor biology complexity and heterogeneity and a lack of full knowledge of nano-bio interactions remain important hurdles to future clinical translation and commercialization. The recent developments and advancements in cancer nanotherapeutics utilizing a wide variety of nanomaterial-based platforms to overcome cancer treatment resistance are covered in this article. Additionally, an evaluation of different nanotherapeutics-based approaches to cancer treatment, such as tumor microenvironment targeted techniques, sophisticated delivery methods for the precise targeting of cancer stem cells, as well as an update on clinical studies are discussed. Lastly, the potential for cancer nanotherapeutics to overcome tumor relapse and the therapeutic effects and targeted efficacies of modern nanosystems are analyzed.