bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Causal association between metabolic syndrome and cholelithiasis: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhu Qi , Xing Yawei , Fu Yunfeng , Chen Xiaqin , Guan Langyi , Liao Foqiang , Zhou Xiaodong
Published: June 2023

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been associated with digestive system diseases, and recent observational studies have suggested an association between MetS and cholelithiasis. However, the causal relationship between them remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the causal effect of MetS on cholelithiasis using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.

Methods

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of MetS and its components were extracted from the public genetic variation summary database. The inverse variance weighting method (IVW), weighted median method, and MR-Egger regression were used to evaluate the causal relationship. A sensitivity analysis was performed to ensure the stability of the results.

Results

IVW showed that MetS increased the risk of cholelithiasis (OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.13–1.46, P = 9.70E−05), and the weighted median method had the same result (OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.22–1.83, P = 5.68E−05). In exploring the causal relationship between MetS components and cholelithiasis, waist circumference (WC) was significantly associated with cholelithiasis. IVW analysis (OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.34–1.65, P = 1.15E−13), MR-Egger regression (OR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.15–2.28, P = 0.007), and weighted median (OR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.47–2.04, P = 1.62E−11) all found the same results.

Conclusion

Our study indicated that MetS increases the incidence of cholelithiasis, especially in MetS patients with abdominal obesity. Control and treatment of MetS can effectively reduce the risk of gallstone formation.
Application of smart grid and non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm in adaptive energy-saving control of building lighting
Authors: Wang Yingrui , Huang Shengjie , Guo Chong
Published: June 2023

Introduction: In the wave of urbanization, the increase of public lighting equipment in buildings has brought about more prominent problems of energy saving and consumption reduction.

Methods: In order to solve the above problems, this paper designs a set of intelligent lighting solutions for digital buildings by combining the smart grid and non-dominant sorting genetic algorithms. Firstly, an intelligent lighting monitoring solution is constructed through ZigBee ad hoc network and sensor technology to monitor the relevant environment and lighting control of the laboratory building. Secondly, this paper uses the DIALux software network to build a public lighting light distributiona public lighting light distribution model in the building, and deeply studies the dimming control strategy of the system under the principle of making full use of sunlight and natural light.

Results: The purpose ofself-adaptive intelligent control of desktop illuminance, finally using this scheme to achieve the optimal balance of desktop lighting.

Discussion: The simulation experiment counts the power data of the intelligent lighting system under different weather conditions. The experimental results verify that the intelligent lighting control scheme can effectively reduce the output luminous flux of the lamps, thereby reducing power consumption.
Methods used for concentrating oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp., spores Encephalitozoon spp. and Enterocytozoon spp. and their occurrence in Slovak water samples
Authors: Sučik Monika , Valenčáková Alexandra
Published: June 2023

The number of outbreaks of water-borne diseases caused by parasites seems to have increased in recent years. Nevertheless, the occurrence of these pathogens in water generally pays little attention. Waterborne transmission is a major route in the epidemiology of the parasite and therefore poses a serious public health problem. Cryptosporidium spp., Encephalitozoon spp. and Enterocytozoon spp. parasites are recognised worldwide as a common cause of diarrhoea. In most cases, it is a dilapidated or poorly maintained standard sanitation and water supply. It is important to perform periodic tests on protozoa, which are often lacking in small laboratories. Since it is necessary to filter large volumes of water for reliable diagnostics and consequently, it is difficult to concentrate them in a large volume of filtrate, it is not easy to detect their presence in the water. Various filtration methods are used to filter these pathogens from water, but cryptosporidial oocysts and microsporidia spores still occur in most of the world’s and Slovak recreational waters. Therefore, it would be appropriate to use the abilities of gill-breathing aquatic animals that filter cryptosporidial oocysts and microsporidia spores from the water by absorbing them with food. Zeolite can also purify water by capturing high concentrations of contaminants, including cryptosporidial oocysts and microsporidial spores.
SETD2-H3K36ME3: an important bridge between the environment and tumors
Authors: He Jiahui , Xu Tangpeng , Zhao Fangrui , Guo Jin , Hu Qinyong
Published: June 2023

Epigenetic regulation plays an important role in the occurrence, development and treatment of tumors. The histone methyltransferase SET-domain-containing 2 (SETD2) plays a key role in mammalian epigenetic regulation by catalyzing histone methylation and interacting with RNA polymerase II to mediate transcription elongation and mismatch repair. As an important bridge between the environment and tumors, SETD2-H3K36me3 plays an important role in the occurrence and development of tumors. Many tumors, including renal cancer, gastric cancer, lung cancer, are closely related to SETD2 gene mutations. As a key component of common tumor suppressor mechanisms, SETD2-H3K36me3is an important target for clinical disease diagnosis and treatment. Here, we reviewed the structure and function of the SETD2 and how SETD2-H3K36me3 functions as a bridge between the environment and tumors to provide an in-depth understanding of its role in the occurrence and development of various tumors, which is of great significance for future disease diagnosis and treatment.
PD-1 blockade attenuates surgery-mediated immunosuppression and boosts Th1 immunity perioperatively in oesophagogastric junctional adenocarcinoma
Authors: Davern Maria , Gaughan Caoimhe , O’ Connell Fiona , Moran Brendan , Mylod Eimear , Sheppard Andrew D. , Ramjit Sinead , Yun-Tong Kung Jasmine , Phelan James J. , Davey Matthew G. , Ryan Eanna J. , Butler Christine , Quinn Laura , Howard Claudine , Tone Emily , Phoenix Eimear , Butt Waqas T. , Lynam-Lennon Niamh , Maher Stephen G. , Ravi Narayanasamy , Donohoe Claire L. , Reynolds John V. , Lysaght Joanne , Donlon Noel E.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

This timely study assesses the immunosuppressive effects of surgery on cytotoxic Th1-like immunity and investigates if immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) can boost Th1-like immunity in the perioperative window in upper gastrointestinal cancer (UGI) patients.

Methods

PBMCs were isolated from 11 UGI patients undergoing tumour resection on post-operative days (POD) 0, 1, 7 and 42 and expanded ex vivo using anti-CD3/28 and IL-2 for 5 days in the absence/presence of nivolumab or ipilimumab. T cells were subsequently immunophenotyped via flow cytometry to determine the frequency of T helper (Th)1-like, Th1/17-like, Th17-like and regulatory T cell (Tregs) subsets and their immune checkpoint expression profile. Lymphocyte secretions were also assessed via multiplex ELISA (IFN-γ, granzyme B, IL-17 and IL-10). The 48h cytotoxic ability of vehicle-, nivolumab- and ipilimumab-expanded PBMCs isolated on POD 0, 1, 7 and 42 against radiosensitive and radioresistant oesophageal adenocarcinoma tumour cells (OE33 P and OE33 R) was also examined using a cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay to determine if surgery affected the killing ability of lymphocytes and whether the use of ICB could enhance cytotoxicity.

Results

Th1-like immunity was suppressed in expanded PBMCs in the immediate post-operative setting. The frequency of expanded circulating Th1-like cells was significantly decreased post-operatively accompanied by a decrease in IFN-γ production and a concomitant increase in the frequency of expanded regulatory T cells with an increase in circulating levels of IL-10. Interestingly, PD-L1 and CTLA-4 immune checkpoint proteins were also upregulated on expanded Th1-like cells post-operatively. Additionally, the cytotoxic ability of expanded lymphocytes against oesophageal adenocarcinoma tumour cells was abrogated post-surgery. Of note, the addition of nivolumab or ipilimumab attenuated the surgery-mediated suppression of lymphocyte cytotoxicity, demonstrated by a significant increase in tumour cell killing and an increase in the frequency of Th1-like cells and Th1 cytokine production.

Conclusion

These findings support the hypothesis of a surgery-mediated suppression in Th1-like cytotoxic immunity and highlights a rationale for the use of ICB within the perioperative setting to abrogate tumour-promoting effects of surgery and ameliorate the risk of recurrence.
Elucidating the role of ubiquitination and deubiquitination in osteoarthritis progression
Authors: Zheng Chenxiao , Chen Jiayi , Wu Yurui , Wang Xiaochao , Lin Yongan , Shu Lilu , Liu Wenjun , Wang Peter
Published: June 2023

Osteoarthritis is non-inflammatory degenerative joint arthritis, which exacerbates disability in elder persons. The molecular mechanisms of osteoarthritis are elusive. Ubiquitination, one type of post-translational modifications, has been demonstrated to accelerate or ameliorate the development and progression of osteoarthritis via targeting specific proteins for ubiquitination and determining protein stability and localization. Ubiquitination process can be reversed by a class of deubiquitinases via deubiquitination. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the multifaceted role of E3 ubiquitin ligases in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. We also describe the molecular insight of deubiquitinases into osteoarthritis processes. Moreover, we highlight the multiple compounds that target E3 ubiquitin ligases or deubiquitinases to influence osteoarthritis progression. We discuss the challenge and future perspectives via modulation of E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinases expression for enhancement of the therapeutic efficacy in osteoarthritis patients. We conclude that modulating ubiquitination and deubiquitination could alleviate the osteoarthritis pathogenesis to achieve the better treatment outcomes in osteoarthritis patients.
Dissociating the processing of empty categories in raising and control sentences: a self-paced reading study in Japanese
Authors: Yamaguchi Koki , Ohta Shinri
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Theoretical linguistics has proposed different types of empty categories (ECs), i.e., unpronounced words with syntactic characteristics. ECs are a key to elucidating the computational system of syntax, algorithms of language processing, and their neural implementation. Here we examined the distinction between raising and control sentences in Japanese and whether ECs are psychologically real.

Methods

We recruited 254 native speakers of Japanese in the present internet-based experiment. We used a self-paced reading and a probe recognition priming technique. To investigate whether raising and control sentences have different ECs (i.e., Copy and PRO) and whether these ECs cause a reactivation effect, behavioral data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models.

Results

We found two striking results. First, we demonstrate that the reading times of raising and control sentences in Japanese were better explained by the linear mixed-effects model considering the differences of ECs, i.e., Copy and PRO. Secondly, we found a significant reactivation effect for raising and control sentences, which have ECs, and reflexive sentences without ECs. These results indicate that ECs are processed similarly to reflexive pronouns (e.g., himself ).

Discussion

Based on these results, we conclude that raising and control sentences in Japanese have different ECs, i.e., Copy and PRO, and that ECs have psychological reality. Our results demonstrate that behavioral experiment based on theoretical linguistics, which is the first step for developing linking hypotheses connecting theoretical linguistics and experimental neuroscience, is indeed necessary for testing hypotheses proposed in theoretical linguistics.
What does integrated ecosystem assessment mean to policy-makers and scientists working in the Atlantic? Implications for ocean science diplomacy
Authors: Polejack Andrei , Ramírez-Monsalve Paulina , Wisz Mary S.
Published: June 2023

An important goal of Integrated Ecosystem Assessment (IEA) is to be an inclusive, evidence-based process to engage stakeholders, in support of ecosystem-based management. IEA is resource intensive, requiring the engagement of personnel, experts from many disciplines, public and private institutions, and including issues of technology, infrastructure, capacity building, etc. Stakeholders such as policy-makers and scientists in influential decision-making roles often determine the level of investment when committing to an IEA. It is thus critical to understand how these specific stakeholders understand and perceive IEA, as well as their motivations for engagement. We interviewed government officials, science managers and scientists whose decisions are critical for mobilizing resources (time, expertise and funding) in support of ecosystem based management (and potentially IEA) in the Atlantic Ocean. The interviews aimed at documenting their perceptions of IEA, and their motivations to engage in the process. Our results show that most of these research and policy stakeholders are generally unaware of, or have misconceptions about IEA concepts. Those who expressed awareness of IEA considered IEA as unfit to address most policy and managerial goals. We propose that the IEA process could be improved by promoting inclusivity and applying ocean science diplomacy. We see that these two aspects (inclusivity and science diplomacy) can help research and policy stakeholders understand the true meaning of IEA through negotiating, and by strengthening and diversifying the involvement of international stakeholders. We advocate that the scoping phase of an IEA is of critical importance and should be core to the whole process. It is during the scoping phase that stakeholders are identified and engaged. With their involvement, there is a need to make their interests visible and respected. During the scoping phase, a safe and open space needs to be secured, so these interests can be negotiated and mutual understanding on concepts, roles in the process and the possible outcomes are achieved. This article is part of the Mission Atlantic Project (Horizon 2020) which is designed to conduct IEAs in the Atlantic Ocean.
Atmosphere and room temperature plasma alters the m6A methylome profiles and regulates gene expression associated with color mutation in clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)
Authors: He Li-Bin , Luo Hui-Yu , Zheng Le-Yun
Published: June 2023

Since the release of the movie Finding Nemo, clownfish have been known and loved by many people. Clownfish have a very vivid skin color and extreme ornamental value. However, there are few species of clownfish, which greatly limits the breeding of new varieties. In this study, the Atmosphere and room temperature plasma (ARTP) method was used to treat clownfish-fertilized eggs and successfully screened out mutants that exhibited a skin color change from black to red in their offspring. To elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying this color mutation, more than 17,000 methylated peaks were obtained via m6A-specific methylated RNA immunoprecipitation with next-generation sequencing (MeRIP-seq). These modification sites were mainly distributed around stop codons, and the number of corresponding genes exceeded 10,000. Further RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of clownfish before and after the mutation was performed identified 883 genes that exhibited significant differences between the two samples, among which 152 interaction genes showed significant differences in the m6A methylated level and gene expression level. The results of a functional analysis showed that the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-serine/threoninekinase (Akt) pathway and its related signal pathways may play an important role in skin color change. In particular, genes such as mitogen activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MAP2K1), insulin―like growth factor―l (IGF1), and fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) may play key roles in the accumulation of melanin in clownfish, and the homeobox-protein-encoding empty spiracles homeobox 2 (EMX2) and mesenchyme homeobox (MEOX2) genes may be important for determining the regions of accumulation of this skin pigment. Our results provide a new reference for the genetic breeding of clownfish and lay a foundation for further understanding the molecular mechanism underlying body color changes in clownfish.
Biochemical analyses of a novel acidophilic GH5 β-mannanase from Trichoderma asperellum ND-1 and its application in mannooligosaccharides production from galactomannans
Authors: Zheng Fengzhen , Basit Abdul , Wang Jiaqiang , Zhuang Huan , Chen Jun , Zhang Jianfen
Published: June 2023

In this study, an acidophilic GH5 β-mannanase (TaMan5) from Trichoderma asperellum ND-1 was efficiently expressed in Pichia pastoris (a 2.0-fold increase, 67.5 ± 1.95 U/mL). TaMan5 displayed the highest specificity toward locust bean gum (Km = 1.34 mg/mL, Vmax = 749.14 μmol/min/mg) at pH 4.0 and 65°C. Furthermore, TaMan5 displayed remarkable tolerance to acidic environments, retaining over 80% of its original activity at pH 3.0–5.0. The activity of TaMan5 was remarkably decreased by Cu2+, Mn2+, and SDS, while Fe2+/Fe3+ improved the enzyme activity. A thin-layer chromatography (TLC) analysis of the action model showed that TaMan5 could rapidly degrade mannan/MOS into mannobiose without mannose via hydrolysis action as well as transglycosylation. Site-directed mutagenesis results suggested that Glu205, Glu313, and Asp357 of TaMan5 are crucial catalytic residues, with Asp152 playing an auxiliary function. Additionally, TaMan5 and commercial α-galactosidase displayed a remarkable synergistic effect on the degradation of galactomannans. This study provided a novel β-mannanase with ideal characteristics and can be considered a potential candidate for the production of bioactive polysaccharide mannobiose.
Qing-Kai-Ling oral liquid alleviated pneumonia via regulation of intestinal flora and metabolites in rats
Authors: Chen Hongying , Li Siju , Pan Biyan , Liu Kun , Yu Hansheng , Ma Chong , Qi Huiyuan , Zhang Yuefeng , Huang Xinyi , Ouyang Dongsheng , Xie Zhiyong
Published: June 2023

Background

Qing-Kai-Ling (QKL) oral liquid, evolving from a classical Chinese formula known as An-Gong-Niu-Huang pills, is a well-established treatment for pneumonia with its mechanism remaining muddled. Studies have shown that the regulation of both intestinal flora and host-microbiota co-metabolism may contribute to preventing and treating pneumonia. The study aimed to investigate the potential mechanism by which QKL alleviates pneumonia from the perspective of ‘microbiota-metabolites-host’ interaction.

Methods

We evaluated the therapeutic effects of QKL on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pneumonia rats. To explore the protective mechanism of QKL treatment, a multi-omics analysis that included 16S rDNA sequencing for disclosing the key intestinal flora, the fecal metabolome to discover the differential metabolites, and whole transcriptome sequencing of lung tissue to obtain the differentially expressed genes was carried out. Then, a Spearman correlation was employed to investigate the association between the intestinal flora, the fecal metabolome and inflammation-related indices.

Results

The study demonstrated that pneumonia symptoms were significantly attenuated in QKL-treated rats, including decreased TNF-α, NO levels and increased SOD level. Furthermore, QKL was effective in alleviating pneumonia and provided protection equivalent to that of the positive drug dexamethasone. Compared with the Model group, QKL treatment significantly increased the richness and αlpha diversity of intestinal flora, and restored multiple intestinal genera (e.g., Bifidobacterium, Ruminococcus_torques_group, Dorea, Mucispirillum, and Staphylococcus) that were correlated with inflammation-related indices. Interestingly, the intestinal flora demonstrated a strong correlation with several metabolites impacted by QKL. Furthermore, metabolome and transcriptome analyses showed that enrichment of several host-microbiota co-metabolites [arachidonic acid, 8,11,14-eicosatrienoic acid, LysoPC (20:0/0:0), LysoPA (18:0e/0:0), cholic acid, 7-ketodeoxycholic acid and 12-ketodeoxycholic acid] levels and varying lung gene (Pla2g2a, Pla2g5, Alox12e, Cyp4a8, Ccl19, and Ccl21) expression were observed in the QKL group. Moreover, these metabolites and genes were involved in arachidonic acid metabolism and inflammation-related pathways.

Conclusion

Our findings indicated that QKL could potentially modulate intestinal flora dysbiosis, improve host-microbiota co-metabolism dysregulation and regulate gene expression in the lungs, thereby mitigating LPS-induced pneumonia in rats. The study may provide new ideas for the clinical application and further development of QKL.
Home-cage behavior is impacted by stress exposure in rats
Authors: Eraslan Evren , Castelhano-Carlos Magda João , Amorim Liliana , Soares-Cunha Carina , Rodrigues Ana João , Sousa Nuno
Published: June 2023

Being social animals, rats exhibit a range of social behaviors that help them build social bonds and maintain group cohesion. Behavior is influenced by multiple factors, including stress exposure, and the expression of the impact of stress on both social and non-social behaviors may also be affected by the living conditions of rats. In this study, we explored the physiological and behavioral effects of chronic unpredictable stress on group-housed rats in the PhenoWorld (PhW), a socially and physically enriched environment closer to real-life conditions. Two independent experiments were performed: one in the control condition (PhW control, n = 8) and one in the stress condition (PhW stress, n = 8). Control animals remained undisturbed except for cage cleaning and daily handling procedures. Stress group animals were all exposed to chronic unpredictable stress. Data confirm that stress exposure triggers anxiety-like behavior in the PhW. In terms of home-cage behaviors, we found that stress affects social behaviors (by decreased playing and increased huddling behaviors) and non-social behaviors (as shown by the decrease in rearing and walking behaviors). These results are of relevance to expand our knowledge on the influence of stress on social and non-social behaviors, which are of importance to understand better species-typical behaviors.
A robotic treadmill system to mimic overground walking training with body weight support
Authors: Kim Jongbum , Oh Seunghue , Jo Yongjin , Moon James Hyungsup , Kim Jonghyun
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Body weight support overground walking training (BWSOWT) is widely used in gait rehabilitation. However, existing systems require large workspace, complex structure, and substantial installation cost for the actuator, which make those systems inappropriate for the clinical environment. For wide clinical use, the proposed system is based on a self-paced treadmill, and uses an optimized body weight support with frame-based two-wire mechanism.

Method

The Interactive treadmill was used to mimic overground walking. We opted the conventional DC motors to partially unload the body weight and modified pelvic type harness to allow natural pelvic motion. The performance of the proposed system on the measurement of anterior/posterior position, force control, and pelvic motion was evaluated with 8 healthy subjects during walking training.

Results

We verified that the proposed system was the cost/space-effective and showed the more accurate anterior/posterior position than motion sensor, comparable force control performance, and natural pelvic motion.

Discussion

The proposed system is cost/space effective, and able to mimic overground walking training with body weight support. In future work, we will improve the force control performance and optimize the training protocol for wide clinical use.
Microglia in the context of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Zhang Xue , Chen Fang , Sun Mingyue , Wu Nan , Liu Bin , Yi Xiangming , Ge Ruli , Fan Xueli
Published: June 2023

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease that commonly results in nontraumatic disability in young adults. The characteristic pathological hallmark of MS is damage to myelin, oligodendrocytes, and axons. Microglia provide continuous surveillance in the CNS microenvironment and initiate defensive mechanisms to protect CNS tissue. Additionally, microglia participate in neurogenesis, synaptic refinement, and myelin pruning through the expression and release of different signaling factors. Continuous activation of microglia has been implicated in neurodegenerative disorders. We first review the lifetime of microglia, including the origin, differentiation, development, and function of microglia. We then discuss microglia participate in the whole processes of remyelination and demyelination, microglial phenotypes in MS, and the NF-κB/PI3K-AKT signaling pathway in microglia. The damage to regulatory signaling pathways may change the homeostasis of microglia, which would accelerate the progression of MS.
Effect of the physical rehabilitation program based on self-care ability in patients with acute ischemic stroke: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Li Ying , Wang Qian , Liu Xiao-Ling , Hui Rong , Zhang Yin-Ping
Published: June 2023

Introduction

It is the most practical goal of limb rehabilitation for stroke patients to make the upper limb, trunk, and lower limb joints link together as a whole and restore the ability to self-care. However, many previous studies focused on the single joint or single muscle group movement of stroke patients and did not integrate self-care ability training into the whole process of rehabilitation, which lacks accuracy, integrity, and systematization.

Methods

A quasi-experimental study was conducted in a tertiary hospital. Eligible patients were recruited according to the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria and then divided into an experimental group (n = 80) and a control group (n = 80) by the medical district. The control group received the routine physical rehabilitation intervention. The experimental group adopted the physical rehabilitation program based on self-care ability led by the nurses specializing in stroke rehabilitation to carry out the multi-joint coordinated exercise based on the control group. The training time and frequency were the same in both groups (45 min per session, one session per day for three consecutive months). The primary outcome was myodynamia. Secondary outcomes were the modified Barthel Index (MBI) and Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QOL). The primary and secondary outcomes were assessed before the intervention and at 1 and 3 months of intervention. In this study, the TREND checklist was followed for non-randomized controlled trials.

Results

A total of 160 participants completed the study. The physical rehabilitation program based on self-care ability was better than the routine rehabilitation program. With the prolongation of intervention time, all outcomes improved gradually in the experimental group (P < 0.05), and the myodynamia of lower limbs recovered faster than that of upper limbs. In the control group, the myodynamia of the affected limb was not significantly improved (P > 0.05), with only a small increase in MBI and SS-QOL scores (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The physical rehabilitation program based on self-care ability after stroke was beneficial for acute ischemic stroke patients and improved the patient's myodynamia, quality of life, and self-care ability within the third month.
Investigating the association between neoplasms and MOG antibody-associated disease
Authors: Trentinaglia Milena , Dinoto Alessandro , Carta Sara , Chiodega Vanessa , Ferrari Sergio , Andreone Vincenzo , Maniscalco Giorgia Teresa , Mariotto Sara
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The association of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody associated disease (MOGAD) and tumors has seldom been reported. We aim to investigate the occurrence of tumors in a cohort of patients with MOGAD and to describe their clinical features, in addition to previously reported cases.

Methods

We retrospectively identified patients with MOGAD (i.e., compatible clinical phenotype and positive MOG antibodies analysed with a live cell-based assay) from 1/1/2015 to 1/1/2023 who had a neoplasm diagnosed within 2  years from MOGAD onset. Furthermore, we performed systematic review of literature to identify previously reported cases. Clinical, paraclinical and oncological findings were collected and reported as median (range) or number (percentage).

Results

Two of 150 MOGAD patients (1%) had a concomitant neoplasm in our cohort. Fifteen additional cases were retrieved from literature. Median age was 39 (16–73) years-old, 12 patients were female. ADEM (n= 4;23.5%), encephalomyelitis (n= 3;17.6%), and monolateral optic neuritis (n= 2;11.8%) were the most frequent phenotypes. Median number of treatments was 1 (range 1–4), improvement was reported in 14/17 cases (82.4%). Oncological accompaniments were teratoma (n= 4), CNS (n= 3), melanoma (n= 2), lung (n= 2), hematological (n= 2), ovary (n= 1), breast (n= 1), gastrointestinal (n= 1), and thymic (n= 1) neoplasms. Median time from tumor diagnosis to MOGAD onset was 0 (range − 60 to 20) months. MOG expression in neoplastic tissue was reported in 2/4 patients. Median PNS-CARE score was 3 (range 0–7): 11 patients were classified as “non-PNS,” 5 as “possible PNS,” and 1 as “probable PNS.”

Discussion

Our study confirms that MOG is a low-risk antibody for paraneoplastic neurological syndromes and that the clinical presentation and oncological accompaniments are extremely variable. Most of these patients were classified as non-PNS, whereas only a minority was diagnosed with possible/probable PNS, frequently in association with ovarian teratoma. These findings support the notion that MOGAD is not a paraneoplastic disease.
Enhanced motor imagery of digits within the same hand via vibrotactile stimulation
Authors: Ramu Vadivelan , Lakshminarayanan Kishor
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of vibrotactile stimulation prior to repeated complex motor imagery of finger movements using the non-dominant hand on motor imagery (MI) performance.

Methods

Ten healthy right-handed adults (4 females and 6 males) participated in the study. The subjects performed motor imagery tasks with and without a brief vibrotactile sensory stimulation prior to performing motor imagery using either their left-hand index, middle, or thumb digits. Mu- and beta-band event-related desynchronization (ERD) at the sensorimotor cortex and an artificial neural network-based digit classification was evaluated.

Results

The ERD and digit discrimination results from our study showed that ERD was significantly different between the vibration conditions for the index, middle, and thumb. It was also found that digit classification accuracy with-vibration (mean ± SD = 66.31 ± 3.79%) was significantly higher than without-vibration (mean ± SD = 62.68 ± 6.58%).

Conclusion

The results showed that a brief vibration was more effective at improving MI-based brain-computer interface classification of digits within a single limb through increased ERD compared to performing MI without vibrotactile stimulation.
Torsional nystagmus recognition based on deep learning for vertigo diagnosis
Authors: Li Haibo , Yang Zhifan
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Detection of torsional nystagmus can help identify the canal of origin in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Most currently available pupil trackers do not detect torsional nystagmus. In view of this, a new deep learning network model was designed for the determination of torsional nystagmus.

Methods

The data set comes from the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat (Eye&ENT) Hospital of Fudan University. In the process of data acquisition, the infrared videos were obtained from eye movement recorder. The dataset contains 24521 nystagmus videos. All torsion nystagmus videos were annotated by the ophthalmologist of the hospital. 80% of the data set was used to train the model, and 20% was used to test.

Results

Experiments indicate that the designed method can effectively identify torsional nystagmus. Compared with other methods, it has high recognition accuracy. It can realize the automatic recognition of torsional nystagmus and provides support for the posterior and anterior canal BPPV diagnosis.

Discussion

Our present work complements existing methods of 2D nystagmus analysis and could improve the diagnostic capabilities of VNG in multiple vestibular disorders. To automatically pick BPV requires detection of nystagmus in all 3 planes and identification of a paroxysm. This is the next research work to be carried out.
The mechanical, optical, and thermal properties of graphene influencing its pre-clinical use in treating neurological diseases
Authors: Ye Ting , Yang Yi , Bai Jin , Wu Feng-Ying , Zhang Lu , Meng Long-Yue , Lan Yan
Published: June 2023

Rapid progress in nanotechnology has advanced fundamental neuroscience and innovative treatment using combined diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The atomic scale tunability of nanomaterials, which can interact with biological systems, has attracted interest in emerging multidisciplinary fields. Graphene, a two-dimensional nanocarbon, has gained increasing attention in neuroscience due to its unique honeycomb structure and functional properties. Hydrophobic planar sheets of graphene can be effectively loaded with aromatic molecules to produce a defect-free and stable dispersion. The optical and thermal properties of graphene make it suitable for biosensing and bioimaging applications. In addition, graphene and its derivatives functionalized with tailored bioactive molecules can cross the blood–brain barrier for drug delivery, substantially improving their biological property. Therefore, graphene-based materials have promising potential for possible application in neuroscience. Herein, we aimed to summarize the important properties of graphene materials required for their application in neuroscience, the interaction between graphene-based materials and various cells in the central and peripheral nervous systems, and their potential clinical applications in recording electrodes, drug delivery, treatment, and as nerve scaffolds for neurological diseases. Finally, we offer insights into the prospects and limitations to aid graphene development in neuroscience research and nanotherapeutics that can be used clinically.
Nutritional and nutraceutical potential of rice bean (Vigna umbellata) –a legume with hidden potential
Authors: Katoch Rajan , Sanadya Sanjay Kumar , Pathania Kiran , Chaudhary H. K.
Published: June 2023

In the recent years there has been paradigm shift in global agriculture for the exploration of different underutilized crops as future potential crops. Rice bean [Vigna umbellata (Thunb.) Ohwi and Ohashi] one of the lesser known pulses among Vigna species has gained attention during last decade as food and nutritional security crop. Rice bean seeds are well-balanced source of beneficial constituents such as protein, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and anti-oxidants for health benefits and combating malnourishment in human. In the present investigation, seeds of 15 diverse rice bean accessions from north-western Himalayan region were analyzed for nutrients, anti-nutrients and nutraceutical traits. Significant differences were observed among genotypes for different traits. The rice bean genotypes revealed variation for major quality traits including total carbohydrates (50.56–56.87%), crude protein content (22.56–25.97%) and lipid content (1.87 to 3.17%) with the higher proportion of linolenic acid followed by linoleic acid which are nutritionally desirable PUFAs. The genotype IC-548758 revealed higher proportion of desirable quality traits. Among protein fractions, globulins and albumins constituted major seed storage protein fraction in rice bean seeds. The wide range variation was also observed for anti-nutrients like including raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs), phenolics, tannins, trypsin inhibitor (TI), phytic acid, lipoxygenase activity and saponin content among genotypes. Insignificant correlation among iron, zinc, magnesium and manganese revealed good selection accuracy for genetic biofortification program in rice bean. In summary, the genotype IC-548757, IC-548760 and IC-548770 revealed lower proportion of anti-nutrients, whereas, the genotype IC-548759 and IC-548757 revealed higher level of free radical scavenging activity indicating nutritional and nutraceutical superiority of these genotypes. Overall, the study revealed nutritional superiority of genotype IC-548770, IC-548758 and IC-548760 with balanced proportions of nutrients and anti-nutrients. Rice bean legume has the potential to support more sustainable and resilient food and nutritional security in future. Our study highlights the potential of different rice bean genotypes as functional ingredients for future food and nutritional security programmes.
A rare case report of panuveitis with retinochoroidal involvement, retinitis, and retinal vasculitis due to extensive tinea corporis
Authors: Konana Vinaya Kumar , Babu Kalpana
Published: June 2023

A 40-year-old Asian Indian woman, diagnosed as having idiopathic panuveitis (elsewhere) 3 years earlier and being treated with oral steroids (20 mg/day) and methotrexate (25 mg/week), presented to us with worsening vision in both eyes. Her best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was perception of light in her right eye and counting fingers close to face in her left eye. A slit lamp examination showed an anterior chamber (AC) reaction (1+) in both eyes with posterior synechia, a total cataract in her right eye, and pseudophakia in her left eye. The left fundus showed vitritis, vitreous membranes, chorioretinitis, multifocal areas of retinitis, and retinal vascular sheathing. A systemic examination showed extensive multifocal areas of tinea corporis on the hands and torso. Owing to the leukocytosis (22,000 cells/mm3), diagnostic vitrectomy was initially deferred and 100 mg of oral itraconazole was given twice a day for 3 months. The vitritis improved a little and her total white blood cell (WBC) count improved with treatment of the skin infection. Following a diagnostic vitrectomy later in her left eye, resolving areas of retinitis were seen. Complete resolution of eye inflammation was seen at the end of 6 weeks. At the 6-month follow-up, her BCVA was 6/18 in left eye and she was off oral steroids and methotrexate, with no recurrence of inflammation. We speculate a probable association between the ocular inflammation and extensive tinea corporis based on the therapeutic response to itraconazole.
Association between the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and platelet transfusion: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chioma Roberto , Ghirardello Stefano , Włodarczyk Krzysztof , Ulan-Drozdowska Joanna , Spagarino Antonio , Szumska Marta , Krasuska Klaudia , Seliga-Siwecka Joanna , Philip Roy K. , Al Assaf Niazy , Pierro Maria
Published: June 2023

Background

There is a lack of consensus on the management of thrombocytopenia in preterm infants, and the threshold for prophylactic platelet transfusion varies widely among clinicians and institutions. Reports in animal models suggested that platelets may play a relevant role in lung alveolarization and regeneration. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a severe respiratory condition with a multifactorial origin that affects infants born at the early stages of lung development. Recent randomized controlled trials on the platelets count threshold for prophylactic transfusions in preterm infants with thrombocytopenia suggest that a higher exposition to platelet transfusion may increase the risk of BPD. Here, we report a protocol for a systematic review, which aims to assist evidence-based clinical practice and clarify if the administration of platelet products may be associated with the incidence of BPD and/or death in preterm infants.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane databases, and sources of gray literature for conference abstracts and trial registrations will be searched with no time or language restrictions. Case–control studies, cohort studies, and nonrandomized or randomized trials that evaluated the risk for BPD and/or death in preterm infants exposed to platelet transfusion will be included. Data from studies that are sufficiently similar will be pooled as appropriate. Data extraction forms will be developed a priori. Observational studies and nonrandomized and randomized clinical trials will be analyzed separately. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI) for dichotomous outcomes and the mean difference (95% CI) for continuous outcomes will be combined. The expected heterogeneity will be accounted for using a random-effects model. Subgroup analysis will be performed based on a priori-determined covariate of interest. In case of sufficient homogeneity of interventions and outcomes evaluated, results from subgroups of studies will be pooled together in a meta-analysis.

Discussion

This systematic review will investigate the association of BPD/death with platelet components administration in preterm infants, and, consequently, it will provide reliable indications for the evidence-based management of premature patients with thrombocytopenia.
Respiratory mechanics and gas exchange in an ovine model of congenital heart disease with increased pulmonary blood flow and pressure
Authors: Soares Joao Henrique N. , Raff Gary W. , Fineman Jeffrey R. , Datar Sanjeev A.
Published: June 2023

In a model of congenital heart disease (CHD), we evaluated if chronically increased pulmonary blood flow and pressure were associated with altered respiratory mechanics and gas exchange. Respiratory mechanics and gas exchange were evaluated in 6 shunt, 7 SHAM, and 7 control age-matched lambs. Lambs were anesthetized and mechanically ventilated for 15 min with tidal volume of 10 mL/kg, positive end-expiratory pressure of 5 cmH2O, and inspired oxygen fraction of 0.21. Respiratory system, lung and chest wall compliances (Crs, CL and Ccw, respectively) and resistances (Rrs, RL and Rcw, respectively), and the profile of the elastic pressure-volume curve (%E2) were evaluated. Arterial blood gases and volumetric capnography variables were collected. Comparisons between groups were performed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey-Kramer test for normally distributed data and with Kruskal–Wallis test followed by Steel-Dwass test for non-normally distributed data. Average Crs and CL in shunt lambs were 30% and 58% lower than in control, and 56% and 68% lower than in SHAM lambs, respectively. Ccw was 52% and 47% higher and Rcw was 53% and 40% lower in shunt lambs compared to controls and SHAMs, respectively. No difference in %E2 was identified between groups. No difference in respiratory mechanics was observed between control and SHAM lambs. In shunt lambs, Rcw, Crs and CL were decreased and Ccw was increased when compared to control and SHAM lambs. Pulmonary gas exchange did not seem to be impaired in shunt lambs when compared to controls and SHAMs.
Dystrophic cardiomyopathy: role of the cardiac myofilaments
Authors: George Thomas G. , Hanft Laurin M. , Krenz Maike , Domeier Timothy L. , McDonald Kerry S.
Published: June 2023

Dystrophic cardiomyopathy arises from mutations in the dystrophin gene. Dystrophin forms part of the dystrophin glycoprotein complex and is postulated to act as a membrane stabilizer, protecting the sarcolemma from contraction-induced damage. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most severe dystrophinopathy, caused by a total absence of dystrophin. Patients with DMD present with progressive skeletal muscle weakness and, because of treatment advances, a cardiac component of the disease (i.e., dystrophic cardiomyopathy) has been unmasked later in disease progression. The role that myofilaments play in dystrophic cardiomyopathy is largely unknown and, as such, this study aimed to address cardiac myofilament function in a mouse model of muscular dystrophy. To assess the effects of DMD on myofilament function, isolated permeabilized cardiomyocytes of wild-type (WT) littermates and Dmdmdx-4cv mice were attached between a force transducer and motor and subjected to contractile assays. Maximal tension and rates of force development (indexed by the rate constant, ktr) were similar between WT and Dmdmdx-4cv cardiac myocyte preparations. Interestingly, Dmdmdx-4cv cardiac myocytes exhibited greater sarcomere length dependence of peak power output compared to WT myocyte preparations. These results suggest dystrophin mitigates length dependence of activation and, in the absence of dystrophin, augmented sarcomere length dependence of myocyte contractility may accelerate ventricular myocyte contraction-induced damage and contribute to dystrophic cardiomyopathy. Next, we assessed if mavacamten, a small molecule modulator of thick filament activation, would mitigate contractile properties observed in Dmdmdx-4cv permeabilized cardiac myocyte preparations. Mavacamten decreased maximal tension and ktr in both WT and Dmdmdx-4cv cardiac myocytes, while also normalizing the length dependence of peak power between WT and Dmdmdx-4cv cardiac myocyte preparations. These results highlight potential benefits of mavacamten (i.e., reduced contractility while maintaining exquisite sarcomere length dependence of power output) as a treatment for dystrophic cardiomyopathy associated with DMD.
A genetic programming-based optimal sensor placement for greenhouse monitoring and control
Authors: Ajani Oladayo S. , Aboyeji Esther , Mallipeddi Rammohan , Dooyum Uyeh Daniel , Ha Yushin , Park Tusan
Published: June 2023

Optimal sensor location methods are crucial to realize a sensor profile that achieves pre-defined performance criteria as well as minimum cost. In recent times, indoor cultivation systems have leveraged on optimal sensor location schemes for effective monitoring at minimum cost. Although the goal of monitoring in indoor cultivation system is to facilitate efficient control, most of the previously proposed methods are ill-posed as they do not approach optimal sensor location from a control perspective. Therefore in this work, a genetic programming-based optimal sensor placement for greenhouse monitoring and control is presented from a control perspective. Starting with a reference micro-climate condition (temperature and relative humidity) obtained by aggregating measurements from 56 dual sensors distributed within a greenhouse, we show that genetic programming can be used to select a minimum number of sensor locations as well as a symbolic representation of how to aggregate them to efficiently estimate the reference measurements from the 56 sensors. The results presented in terms of Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) and three error-related metrics demonstrate that the proposed model achieves an average r of 0.999 for both temperature and humidity and an average RMSE value of 0.0822 and 0.2534 for temperate and relative humidity respectively. Conclusively, the resulting models make use of only eight (8) sensors, indicating that only eight (8) are required to facilitate the efficient monitoring and control of the greenhouse facility.