bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of tidal control gates in flood-prone areas during high tide appearances
Authors: Yasmin Mohd Nazri , Mohd Razali Siti Fatin , Sharil Suraya , Wan Mohtar Wan Hanna Melini , Saadon Khairul Adzim
Published: November 2022

Managing floods in low-lying coastal plains are challenging because of the complexity of the underlying physical processes and the combination of factors such as high tides and, severe storm events. In Malaysia, there were concerns from local people about the construction of a tidal control gate that is believed to contribute to the causes of local flooding. The performance of tidal control gates as flood control structures was studied to determine their significance and importance. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of tidal control gates in reducing the impact of floods during high tide with severe storm events. The methodology of the study requires the usage of the hydrodynamic model using design rainfall for three scenarios with land use changes in 2015 and 2020. Three feasible scenarios were identified and further investigated. Scenario 1: without a tidal control gate; Scenario 2: with the existing tidal control gate fully open; and Scenario 3: with the existing tidal control gate fully closed. The simulation result clearly shows that the floodplain is smaller in 2015 as compared to the land use changes in 2020 because of land use permeability. In addition, the floodplain for Scenarios 2 and 3 in 2015 and 2020 is 2%–3%, respectively, smaller than that of Scenario 1 for the 20-year average recurrence interval and 3%–8%, respectively, smaller for the 100-year average recurrence interval. The results showed the influence of heavy rainfall whereby the maximum downstream discharge increment varied from 4.06% to 4.28% during high tide. Whereas the flow level for the 100-year average recurrence interval shows an increment from 0.52% to 1.53%. If the tidal control gate is not operated properly it will cause the tidal water to flow back into the upstream areas thus exposing to an increased floodplain area ranging from 2.3% to 8.4%. Which emphasizes the importance of operational methods for tidal control gate in determining its efficiency. However, further studies should also be done on the reduction of damage value involved with the construction of tidal control gate, its value in saving lives, property and in other parts of the world having different tidal variations.
Integrative analyses of potential biomarkers and pathways for non-obstructive azoospermia
Authors: Zhong Yucheng , Chen Xiaoqing , Zhao Jun , Deng Hao , Li Xiaohang , Xie Zhongju , Zhou Bingyu , Xian Zhuojie , Li Xiaoqin , Luo Guoqun , Li Huan
Published: November 2022

Background: Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is the most severe form of male infertility. Currently, the molecular mechanisms underlying NOA pathology have not yet been elucidated. Hence, elucidation of the mechanisms of NOA and exploration of potential biomarkers are essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment of this disease. In the present study, we aimed to screen for biomarkers and pathways involved in NOA and reveal their potential molecular mechanisms using integrated bioinformatics.

Methods: We downloaded two gene expression datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in NOA and matched the control group tissues were identified using the limma package in R software. Subsequently, Gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, gene-microRNAs network, and transcription factor (TF)-hub genes regulatory network analyses were performed to identify hub genes and associated pathways. Finally, we conducted immune infiltration analysis using CIBERSORT to evaluate the relationship between the hub genes and the NOA immune infiltration levels.

Results: We identified 698 common DEGs, including 87 commonly upregulated and 611 commonly downregulated genes in the two datasets. GO analysis indicated that the most significantly enriched gene was protein polyglycylation, and KEGG pathway analysis revealed that the DEGs were most significantly enriched in taste transduction and pancreatic secretion signaling pathways. GSEA showed that DEGs affected the biological functions of the ribosome, focaladhesion, and protein_expor. We further identified the top 31 hub genes from the PPI network, and friends analysis of hub genes in the PPI network showed that NR4A2 had the highest score. In addition, immune infiltration analysis found that CD8+ T cells and plasma cells were significantly correlated with ODF3 expression, whereas naive B cells, plasma cells, monocytes, M2 macrophages, and resting mast cells showed significant variation in the NR4A2 gene expression group, and there were differences in T cell regulatory immune cell infiltration in the FOS gene expression groups.

Conclusion: The present study successfully constructed a regulatory network of DEGs between NOA and normal controls and screened three hub genes using integrative bioinformatics analysis. In addition, our results suggest that functional changes in several immune cells in the immune microenvironment may play an important role in spermatogenesis. Our results provide a novel understanding of the molecular mechanisms of NOA and offer potential biomarkers for its diagnosis and treatment.
Tumor immunomodulatory effects of polyphenols
Authors: Wang Qin , Yang Bin , Wang Nan , Gu Jian
Published: November 2022

Polyphenols, commonly found in various plants, have attracted enormous attention due to their potential pharmacological activity, especially antitumor activity dependent on immune function. In recent years, the development of nanomedicine can counteract the low bioavailability of polyphenols and improve the effect of tumor treatment. Among them, metal-phenolic networks (MPNs), which utilize various metal ions and phenolic ligands for coordination binding, have now become candidates for polyphenol-based nanomedicine treatment of tumors. In this mini-review, we described the classification of polyphenols and their mechanisms in antitumor immune responses, and provided suggestions for the next steps of treating tumors with polyphenols.
Long-term mean circulation in the Japan Sea as reproduced by multiple eddy-resolving ocean circulation models
Authors: Wang Haodi , Ren Kaijun , Lina Ma , Yu Chen , Chen Wen , Zhang Wen
Published: November 2022

The capacity of four eddy-resolving ocean circulation models—HYCOM (HYbrid Coordinate Ocean Model), MRI.COM (Meteorological Research Institute Community Ocean Model), OFES (Ocean General Circulation Model for the Earth Simulator), and NEMO (Nucleus for European Modeling of the Ocean)—to simulate the long-term mean hydrographic conditions and circulation patterns in the Japan Sea is investigated in this study. The assessment of this study includes the evaluation of mean vertical profiles and time series of temperature and salinity at the representative monitoring stations. Different model products from 1993 to 2015 are compared with in situ measurements provided by historical cruises and monitoring stations. After that, we compared the observed and simulated surface current velocities over the basin and volume transports through the key straits in the Japan Sea. Simulated current velocities are validated against 15 years of Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) measurements near the longshore and offshore branches of the East Korea Warm Current (EKWC). Furthermore, the atmospheric forcing data of the four ocean circulation models are validated against the satellite wind product. We found that the vertical profiles and long-term variations of temperature and salinity reproduced by MRI.COM and HYCOM are closer to in situ measurements. All models simulate temperature well in upper ocean, but salinity simulations are of lower quality from OFES and NEMO at several stations. Simulated current velocities predominantly lie within the standard deviation of ADCP measurements at two locations. However, the sea surface currents are underestimated by four models compared with Drifter data. Although simulated hydrographic profiles agree well with in situ observations, the mean circulation patterns greatly differ between the models, which highlight the need for additional evaluation and corrections based on the long-term current measurements. Because of the lack of ocean current measurements, only the baroclinic velocities simulated by each model are reliable. The substantial part of the differences in barotropic velocities among the simulate result of four models is explained by the differing wind velocities from the corresponding atmospheric forcing datasets.
A comprehensive threat analysis to support the red list of marine and coastal ecosystems of Colombia
Authors: Uribe Edwin S. , Etter Andrés , Luna-Acosta Andrea , Diazgranados María Claudia , Alonso David , Chasqui Luis , Osorno Adriana , Acosta Alberto , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Alexandra , Ricaurte-Villota Constanza , Escobar Luisa , Giraldo Alan
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Human activities represent a growing threat to biodiversity, increasing species extinction and leading ecosystems to collapse. The knowledge of the spatial distribution of threats to ecosystems is fundamental to understanding their risk of collapse as defined by the Red List of Ecosystems, an International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) global standard to guide conservation and management actions. Colombia is a megadiverse country; almost half of its territory is marine, and its ecosystems are subject to anthropogenic and climatic threats.

Methodology

This study provides a quantitative map assessment for a set of relevant anthropic and climatic threats and impacts on the marine and coastal areas of Colombia, intending to perform the threat description component of the Red List assessment protocol. A cumulative impact assessment was applied to analyze the threat levels (TLs) and impact levels of 12 anthropogenic and climatic pressures.

Results

The observed TL patterns meet spatial expectations, revealing that the assessment units in the Caribbean Sea are more threatened than those in the Pacific Ocean, and continental areas are more threatened than the oceanic ones. Habitat transformation and sea warming were the threats with the most impact on coastal and marine ecosystems, respectively. Climatic threats were widely extended throughout the study area, occurring even in the most pristine zones (e.g., Malpelo Island).

Discussion

Climate threats are challenging to national conservation strategies since these pressures are not completely manageable at local scales as they depend mainly on global efforts. Recommendations drawn from this work can guide actions for the conservation of the ecosystems of Colombia.
Coral reef carbonate accretion rates track stable gradients in seawater carbonate chemistry across the U.S. Pacific Islands
Authors: Barkley Hannah C. , Oliver Thomas A. , Halperin Ariel A. , Pomeroy Noah V. , Smith Joy N. , Weible Rebecca M. , Young Charles W. , Couch Courtney S. , Brainard Russell E. , Samson Jennifer C.
Published: November 2022

The U.S. Pacific Islands span a dramatic natural gradient in climate and oceanographic conditions, and benthic community states vary significantly across the region’s coral reefs. Here we leverage a decade of integrated ecosystem monitoring data from American Samoa, the Mariana Archipelago, the main and Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, and the U.S. Pacific Remote Island Areas to evaluate coral reef community structure and reef processes across a strong natural gradient in pH and aragonite saturation state (Ωar). We assess spatial patterns and temporal trends in carbonate chemistry measured in situ at 37 islands and atolls between 2010 and 2019, and evaluate the relationship between long-term mean Ωar and benthic community cover and composition (benthic cover, coral genera, coral morphology) and reef process (net calcium carbonate accretion rates). We find that net carbonate accretion rates demonstrate significant sensitivity to declining Ωar, while most benthic ecological metrics show fewer direct responses to lower-Ωar conditions. These results indicate that metrics of coral reef net carbonate accretion provide a critical tool for monitoring the long-term impacts of ocean acidification that may not be visible by assessing benthic cover and composition alone. The perspectives gained from our long-term, in situ, and co-located coral reef environmental and ecological data sets provide unique insights into effective monitoring practices to identify potential for reef resilience to future ocean acidification and inform effective ecosystem-based management strategies under 21st century global change.
Analysis of synthesized doped vertical silicon nanowire arrays for effective sensing of nitrogen dioxide: As gas sensors
Authors: Kashyap Vikas , Pawar Hariom , Kumar Chandra , Chaudhary Neeru , Saxena Kapil
Published: November 2022

In the present study, the controllable fabrication of silicon nanowires (Si NWs) with vertical alignment was accomplished using metal assisted chemical etching (MACE). The different characteristics, such as structural, morphological, chemical, optical, and dielectric properties were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), Raman spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS), and LCR [inductance (L), capacitance (C), and resistance (R)] meter (volume of the gas-sensing chamber is 650 mm3). It was revealed from the morphological study i.e., from the FESEM that p-type Si NWs are smaller in size than n-type Si NWs which is attributable to the energy band gap. The optical band gap (Eg) is observed to increase from 1.64 to 1.89 eV with the decreasing of the crystallite size and the optical reflection spectra of the Si NWs show a shift toward a lower wavelength (blue shift). Moreover, Raman spectra verified the red-shifted, asymmetrically broadened Raman line-shapes, which provides information about the size confinement effect in Si NWs. The MACE approach is excellent for synthesizing nanowire structures for use in gas-sensing applications due to its flexibility. The sensitivity of synthesized Si NWs was tested for NO2 gas. The sensor method is unique based on the testing of the device in the presence of a test gas because the use of the gas-sensing setup has the potential to measure the change in resistance by varying frequency, temperature, and time.
Cervical human papillomavirus genotypes in a high HIV setting: A scoping review of a decade of human papillomavirus epidemiological research in Botswana
Authors: Tawe Leabaneng , Ramatlho Pleasure , Ketlametswe Rebecca , Koobotse Moses , Robertson Erle S. , Grover Surbhi , Ramogola-Masire Doreen , Paganotti Giacomo M.
Published: November 2022

Cervical cancer burden is still high in low- and middle-income countries, including Botswana. Persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the leading cause of cervical cancer. Accurate knowledge of HPV diversity associated to cervical cancer in sub-Saharan Africa may provide accurate understanding of the natural history of HPV infection in these contexts. The goal of this review was to consolidate existing evidence on cervical HPV infection and to conduct a pooled analysis of data from all eligible Botswana studies. After a successful review of twelve studies on cervical HPV genotypes that met the inclusion criteria, HPV-16 genotype was the most frequently discovered in women with pre-cancerous and cancer lesions, followed by HPV-18. HPV-16 in HIV-positive women with precancerous lesions to cancer is between 45% and 47.7%, and between 4.5% and 26.1% for HPV-18. With reference to other HPV genotypes, the proportion of HPV-35 and HPV-58 (13-16%) seems relatively consistent among the studies, however HPV-58 appears to be more common in HIV-positive subjects compared to HIV-negative women. Indeed, HPV-45 seems to be frequently detected in women with cervical cancer compared to women with precancerous lesions. Regarding the low-risk HPV genotypes, an appropriate breakdown has been provided. In conclusion, the current prophylactic vaccines against HPV-16 and HPV-18, which have demonstrated good immunogenicity in HIV-infected populations, may still prevent infection and ultimately cancer.
Depth wide distribution and metabolic potential of chemolithoautotrophic microorganisms reactivated from deep continental granitic crust underneath the Deccan Traps at Koyna, India
Authors: Mandal Sunanda , Bose Himadri , Ramesh Kheerthana , Sahu Rajendra Prasad , Saha Anumeha , Sar Pinaki , Kazy Sufia Khannam
Published: November 2022

Characterization of inorganic carbon (C) utilizing microorganisms from deep crystalline rocks is of major scientific interest owing to their crucial role in global carbon and other elemental cycles. In this study we investigate the microbial populations from the deep [up to 2,908 meters below surface (mbs)] granitic rocks within the Koyna seismogenic zone, reactivated (enriched) under anaerobic, high temperature (50°C), chemolithoautotrophic conditions. Subsurface rock samples from six different depths (1,679–2,908 mbs) are incubated (180 days) with CO2 (+H2) or HCO3− as the sole C source. Estimation of total protein, ATP, utilization of NO3- and SO42− and 16S rRNA gene qPCR suggests considerable microbial growth within the chemolithotrophic conditions. We note a better response of rock hosted community towards CO2 (+H2) over HCO3−. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing shows a depth-wide distribution of diverse chemolithotrophic (and a few fermentative) Bacteria and Archaea. Comamonas, Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia, Ralstonia, Klebsiella, unclassified Burkholderiaceae and Enterobacteriaceae are reactivated as dominant organisms from the enrichments of the deeper rocks (2335–2,908 mbs) with both CO2 and HCO3−. For the rock samples from shallower depths, organisms of varied taxa are enriched under CO2 (+H2) and HCO3−. Pseudomonas, Rhodanobacter, Methyloversatilis, and Thaumarchaeota are major CO2 (+H2) utilizers, while Nocardioides, Sphingomonas, Aeromonas, respond towards HCO3−. H2 oxidizing Cupriavidus, Hydrogenophilus, Hydrogenophaga, CO2 fixing Cyanobacteria Rhodobacter, Clostridium, Desulfovibrio and methanogenic archaea are also enriched. Enriched chemolithoautotrophic members show good correlation with CO2, CH4 and H2 concentrations of the native rock environments, while the organisms from upper horizons correlate more to NO3−, SO42−, Fe and TIC levels of the rocks. Co-occurrence networks suggest close interaction between chemolithoautotrophic and chemoorganotrophic/fermentative organisms. Carbon fixing 3-HP and DC/HB cycles, hydrogen, sulfur oxidation, CH4 and acetate metabolisms are predicted in the enriched communities. Our study elucidates the presence of live, C and H2 utilizing Bacteria and Archaea in deep subsurface granitic rocks, which are enriched successfully. Significant impact of depth and geochemical controls on relative distribution of various chemolithotrophic species enriched and their C and H2 metabolism are highlighted. These endolithic microorganisms show great potential for answering the fundamental questions of deep life and their exploitation in CO2 capture and conversion to useful products.
Vesicular stomatitis virus-based vaccine targeting plasmodium blood-stage antigens elicits immune response and protects against malaria with protein booster strategy
Authors: Sun Yifan , Shi Xiaodan , Lu Feng , Fu Haitian , Yin Yi , Xu Jiahui , Jin Cheng , Han Eun-taek , Huang Xuan , Chen Yongquan , Dong Chunsheng , Cheng Yang
Published: November 2022

Merozoite invasion of the erythrocytes in humans is a key step in the pathogenesis of malaria. The proteins involved in the merozoite invasion could be potential targets for the development of malaria vaccines. Novel viral-vector-based malaria vaccine regimens developed are currently under clinical trials. Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) is a single-stranded negative-strand RNA virus widely used as a vector for virus or cancer vaccines. Whether the VSV-based malarial vaccine is more effective than conventional vaccines based on proteins involved in parasitic invasion is still unclear. In this study, we have used the reverse genetics system to construct recombinant VSVs (rVSVs) expressing apical membrane protein 1 (AMA1), rhoptry neck protein 2 (RON2), and reticulocyte-binding protein homolog 5 (RH5), which are required for Plasmodium falciparum invasion. Our results showed that VSV-based viral vaccines significantly increased Plasmodium-specific IgG levels and lymphocyte proliferation. Also, VSV-PyAMA1 and VSV-PyRON2sp prime-boost regimens could significantly increase the levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ-producing by CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and suppress invasion in vitro. The rVSV prime-protein boost regimen significantly increase Plasmodium antigen-specific IgG levels in the serum of mice compared to the homologous rVSV prime-boost. Furthermore, the protective efficacy of rVSV prime protein boost immunization in the mice challenged with P. yoelii 17XL was better compared to traditional antigen immunization. Together, our results show that VSV vector is a novel strategy for malarial vaccine development and preventing the parasitic diseases.
Transcriptome profiling of transcription factors in Ganoderma lucidum in response to methyl jasmonate
Authors: Xu Xiaolan , Zhu Fengli , Zhu Yuxuan , Li Yujie , Zhou Hao , Chen Shilin , Ruan Junshan
Published: November 2022

Ganoderma lucidum is a traditional Chinese medicine and its major active ingredients are ganoderma triterpenoids (GTs). To screen for transcription factors (TFs) that involved in the biosynthetic pathway of GTs in G. lucidum, the chemical composition in mycelia, primordium and fruiting body were analyzed, and the transcriptomes of mycelia induced by methyl jasmonate (MeJA) were analyzed. In addition, the expression level data of MeJA-responsive TFs in mycelia, primordia and fruiting body were downloaded from the database, and the correlation analysis was carried out between their expression profiles and the content of total triterpenoids. The results showed that a total of 89 components were identified, and the content of total triterpenoids was the highest in primordium, followed by fruiting body and mycelia. There were 103 differentially expressed TFs that response to MeJA-induction including 95 upregulated and 8 downregulated genes. These TFs were classified into 22 families including C2H2 (15), TFII-related (12), HTH (9), fungal (8), bZIP (6), HMG (5), DADS (2), etc. Correlation analysis showed that the expression level of GL23559 (MADS), GL26472 (HTH), and GL31187 (HMG) showed a positive correlation with the GTs content, respectively. While the expression level of GL25628 (fungal) and GL26980 (PHD) showed a negative correlation with the GTs content, respectively. Furthermore, the over expression of the Glmhr1 gene (GL25628) in Pichia pastoris GS115 indicated that it might be a negative regulator of GT biosynthesis through decreasing the production of lanosterol. This study provided useful information for a better understanding of the regulation of TFs involved in GT biosynthesis and fungal growth in G. lucidum.
Effect of naturally-occurring mutations on the stability and function of cancer-associated NQO1: Comparison of experiments and computation
Authors: Pacheco-Garcia Juan Luis , Cagiada Matteo , Tienne-Matos Kelly , Salido Eduardo , Lindorff-Larsen Kresten , L. Pey Angel
Published: November 2022

Recent advances in DNA sequencing technologies are revealing a large individual variability of the human genome. Our capacity to establish genotype-phenotype correlations in such large-scale is, however, limited. This task is particularly challenging due to the multifunctional nature of many proteins. Here we describe an extensive analysis of the stability and function of naturally-occurring variants (found in the COSMIC and gnomAD databases) of the cancer-associated human NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1). First, we performed in silico saturation mutagenesis studies (>5,000 substitutions) aimed to identify regions in NQO1 important for stability and function. We then experimentally characterized twenty-two naturally-occurring variants in terms of protein levels during bacterial expression, solubility, thermal stability, and coenzyme binding. These studies showed a good overall correlation between experimental analysis and computational predictions; also the magnitude of the effects of the substitutions are similarly distributed in variants from the COSMIC and gnomAD databases. Outliers in these experimental-computational genotype-phenotype correlations remain, and we discuss these on the grounds and limitations of our approaches. Our work represents a further step to characterize the mutational landscape of NQO1 in the human genome and may help to improve high-throughput in silico tools for genotype-phenotype correlations in this multifunctional protein associated with disease.
Oligodendroglial primary cilium heterogeneity during development and demyelination/remyelination
Authors: Delfino Giada , Bénardais Karelle , Graff Julien , Samama Brigitte , Antal Maria Cristina , Ghandour M. Said , Boehm Nelly
Published: November 2022

The primary cilium (PC) has emerged as an indispensable cellular antenna essential for signal transduction of important cell signaling pathways. The rapid acquisition of knowledge about PC biology has raised attention to PC as a therapeutic target in some neurological and psychiatric diseases. However, the role of PC in oligodendrocytes and its participation in myelination/remyelination remain poorly understood. Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) give rise to oligodendrocytes during central nervous system (CNS) development. In adult, a small percentage of OPCs remains as undifferentiated cells located sparsely in the different regions of the CNS. These cells can regenerate oligodendrocytes and participate to certain extent in remyelination. This study aims characterize PC in oligodendrocyte lineage cells during post-natal development and in a mouse model of demyelination/remyelination. We show heterogeneity in the frequency of cilium presence on OPCs, depending on culture conditions in vitro and cerebral regions in vivo during development and demyelination/remyelination. In vitro, Lithium chloride (LiCl), Forskolin and Chloral Hydrate differentially affect cilium, depending on culture environment and PC length correlates with the cell differentiation state. Beside the role of PC as a keeper of cell proliferation, our results suggest its involvement in myelination/remyelination.
Anterior cervical decompression and fusion surgery for cervicogenic headache: A multicenter prospective cohort study
Authors: Yang Liang , Li Yongchao , Dai Chen , Pang Xiaodong , Li Duanming , Wu Ye , Chen Xiongsheng , Peng Baogan
Published: November 2022

Background

Cervicogenic headache (CEH) has long been recognized as a referred pain deriving from pathological changes in the upper cervical nerves. However, previous clinical studies found that anterior lower cervical discectomy for the treatment of cervical myelopathy and/or radiculopathy can also help relieve associated headaches. To date, there is still a lack of large sample and prospective study to investigate the effect of anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) on CEH associated with cervical spondylosis.

Methods

A total of 656 patients with cervical radiculopathy and/or myelopathy were enrolled in three spinal centers. Among them, 221 patients who were diagnosed with CEH were collected in this study, and 204 completed a 1-year follow-up. The primary endpoint was headache intensity during a 12-month follow-up period measured by the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS). The secondary outcome measures included headache frequency, headache duration, and the neck disability index (NDI).

Results

Among all 204 patients with CEH who completed a 1-year follow-up, 166 received anterior cervical surgery (surgery group) and 38 received conservative treatment (conservative group). There were statistically significant lower NPRS in the surgical group during follow-up. Between-group differences showed that NPRS in the surgery group was significantly greater improvement at 1 month (2.8, 95% CI: 2.0, 3.6), 3 months (2.6, 95% CI: 1.8, 3.4), 6 months (2.4, 95% CI: 1.6, 3.2), and 12 months (1.5, 95% CI: 0.7, 2.4) (p < 0.05 for all). There were statistically significant lower NDI, less frequent headaches, and lower headache duration in the surgery group during follow-up (p < 0.05 for all).

Conclusion

This study indicates that ACDF can effectively relieve CEH associated with cervical myelopathy and/or radiculopathy.
Improving the detection of new lesions in multiple sclerosis with a cascaded 3D fully convolutional neural network approach
Authors: Salem Mostafa , Ryan Marwa Ahmed , Oliver Arnau , Hussain Khaled Fathy , Lladó Xavier
Published: November 2022

Longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has an important role in multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis and follow-up. Specifically, the presence of new lesions on brain MRI scans is considered a robust predictive biomarker for the disease progression. New lesions are a high-impact prognostic factor to predict evolution to MS or risk of disability accumulation over time. However, the detection of this disease activity is performed visually by comparing the follow-up and baseline scans. Due to the presence of small lesions, misregistration, and high inter-/intra-observer variability, this detection of new lesions is prone to errors. In this direction, one of the last Medical Image Computing and Computer Assisted Intervention (MICCAI) challenges was dealing with this automatic new lesion quantification. The MSSEG-2: MS new lesions segmentation challenge offers an evaluation framework for this new lesion segmentation task with a large database (100 patients, each with two-time points) compiled from the OFSEP (Observatoire français de la sclérose en plaques) cohort, the French MS registry, including 3D T2-w fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (T2-FLAIR) images from different centers and scanners. Apart from a change in centers, MRI scanners, and acquisition protocols, there are more challenges that hinder the automated detection process of new lesions such as the need for large annotated datasets, which may be not easily available, or the fact that new lesions are small areas producing a class imbalance problem that could bias trained models toward the non-lesion class. In this article, we present a novel automated method for new lesion detection of MS patient images. Our approach is based on a cascade of two 3D patch-wise fully convolutional neural networks (FCNNs). The first FCNN is trained to be more sensitive revealing possible candidate new lesion voxels, while the second FCNN is trained to reduce the number of misclassified voxels coming from the first network. 3D T2-FLAIR images from the two-time points were pre-processed and linearly co-registered. Afterward, a fully CNN, where its inputs were only the baseline and follow-up images, was trained to detect new MS lesions. Our approach obtained a mean segmentation dice similarity coefficient of 0.42 with a detection F1-score of 0.5. Compared to the challenge participants, we obtained one of the highest precision scores (PPVL = 0.52), the best PPVL rate (0.53), and a lesion detection sensitivity (SensL of 0.53).
An update on the therapeutic implications of long-chain acyl-coenzyme A synthetases in nervous system diseases
Authors: Wu Zhimin , Sun Jun , Liao Zhi , Qiao Jia , Chen Chuan , Ling Cong , Wang Hui
Published: November 2022

Long-chain acyl-coenzyme A synthetases (ACSLs) are a family of CoA synthetases that activate fatty acid (FA) with chain lengths of 12–20 carbon atoms by forming the acyl-AMP derivative in an isozyme-specific manner. This family mainly includes five members (ACSL1, ACSL3, ACSL4, ACSL5, and ACSL6), which are thought to have specific and different functions in FA metabolism and oxidative stress of mammals. Accumulating evidence shows that the dysfunction of ACSLs is likely to affect cell proliferation and lead to metabolic diseases in multiple organs and systems through different signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms. Hence, a central theme of this review is to emphasize the therapeutic implications of ACSLs in nervous system disorders.
Advances in brain-heart syndrome: Attention to cardiac complications after ischemic stroke
Authors: Wang Min , Peng Ya
Published: November 2022

Neurocardiology is an emerging field that studies the interaction between the brain and the heart, namely the effects of heart injury on the brain and the effects of brain damage on the heart. Acute ischemic stroke has long been known to induce heart damage. Most post-stroke deaths are attributed to nerve damage, and cardiac complications are the second leading cause of death after stroke. In clinical practice, the proper interpretation and optimal treatment for the patients with heart injury complicated by acute ischemic stroke, recently described as stroke-heart syndrome (SHS), are still unclear. Here, We describe a wide range of clinical features and potential mechanisms of cardiac complications after ischemic stroke. Autonomic dysfunction, microvascular dysfunction and coronary ischemia process are interdependent and play an important role in the process of cardiac complications caused by stroke. As a unique comprehensive view, SHS can provide theoretical basis for research and clinical diagnosis and treatment.
A low carbohydrate diet high in fish oil and soy protein delays inflammation, hematopoietic stem cell depletion, and mortality in miR-146a knock-out mice
Authors: Elisia Ingrid , Kowalski Sara , Yeung Michelle , Wong Jennifer , Grants Jennifer M. , Karsan Aly , Krystal Gerald
Published: November 2022

Since our previous studies found a low carbohydrate (CHO) diet containing soy protein and fish oil (15%Amylose/Soy/FO) significantly reduced lung and breast cancer in mice we asked herein if this low CHO diet could also delay the onset of myeloid malignancies. To test this we employed a miR-146a knock-out (KO) mouse model and found the 15%Amylose/Soy/FO diet increased their median lifespan by 8.5 month, compared to these mice on a Western diet. This was associated with increased lymphocytes and reduced monocytes, granulocytes, blood glucose and insulin levels. Inflammatory cytokine/chemokine studies carried out with 6-month-old mice, before any signs of illness, revealed the 15%Amylose/Soy/FO diet significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines. This low CHO diet also led to an increase in plasma β-hydroxybutyrate and in liver fatty acid synthase levels. This, together with higher liver carnitine palmitoyltransferase I levels suggested that the 15%Amylose/Soy/FO diet was causing a systemic metabolic shift from glucose to fatty acids as an energy source. Lastly, we found the 15%Amylose/Soy/FO diet resulted in significantly higher numbers of primitive hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in the bone marrow of 6-month-old mice than those fed a Western diet. Taken together, these results suggest a 15%Amylose/Soy/FO diet reduces chronic inflammation and increases fatty acid oxidation and that this, in turn, may prevent HSC proliferation and exhaustion, thereby delaying myeloid malignancy-induced death of miR-146a KO mice. We suggest a low CHO diet containing soy protein and fish oil could be beneficial in reducing the risk of myeloid malignancies in patients with low miR-146a levels.
Causal effects of B vitamins and homocysteine on obesity and musculoskeletal diseases: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Fu Liwan , Wang Yuquan , Hu Yue-Qing
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Although homocysteine (Hcy) increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, its effects on obesity and musculoskeletal diseases remain unclear. We performed a Mendelian randomization study to estimate the associations between Hcy and B vitamin concentrations and their effects on obesity and musculoskeletal-relevant diseases in the general population.

Methods

We selected independent single nucleotide polymorphisms of Hcy (n = 44,147), vitamin B12 (n = 45,576), vitamin B6 (n = 1864), and folate (n = 37,465) at the genome-wide significance level as instruments and applied them to the studies of summary-level data for fat and musculoskeletal phenotypes from the UK Biobank study (n = 331,117), the FinnGen consortium (n = 218,792), and other consortia. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approaches were utilized in this study. The inverse variance weighting (IVW) was adopted as the main analysis. MR-PRESSO, MR-Egger, the weighted median estimate, bidirectional MR, and multivariable MR were performed as sensitivity methods.

Results

Higher Hcy concentrations were robustly associated with an increased risk of knee osteoarthritis [odds ratio (OR) 1.119; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.032–1.214; P = 0.007], hospital-diagnosed osteoarthritis (OR 1.178; 95% CI 1.012–1.37; P = 0.034), osteoporosis with pathological fracture (OR 1.597; 95% CI 1.036–2.46; P = 0.034), and soft tissue disorder (OR 1.069; 95% CI 1.001–1.141; P = 0.045) via an inverse variance weighting method and other MR approaches. Higher vitamin B12 levels were robustly associated with decreased body fat percentage and its subtypes (all P < 0.05). Bidirectional analyses showed no reverse causation. Multivariable MR analyses and other sensitivity analyses showed directionally similar results.

Conclusions

There exist significant causal effects of vitamin B12 in the serum and Hcy in the blood on fat and musculoskeletal diseases, respectively. These findings may have an important insight into the pathogenesis of obesity and musculoskeletal diseases and other possible future therapies.
Brevibacillus laterosporus BL1, a promising probiotic, prevents obesity and modulates gut microbiota in mice fed a high-fat diet
Authors: Weng Guangying , Huang Jian , Ma Xianyong , Song Min , Yin Yulong , Deng Dun , Deng Jinping
Published: November 2022

Scope

Probiotics are a potential preventive strategy for obesity. However, with discrete efficacy and limited species of probiotics, there is a demand for novel strains with excellent anti-obesity properties. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Brevibacillus laterosporus BL1 on preventing obesity in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice.

Methods and results

C57BL/6 male mice were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 10) and fed a control diet, HFD, HFD plus B. laterosporus BL1, and HFD plus supernatant of B. laterosporus BL1, respectively for 8 weeks. The results showed that prophylactic B. laterosporus BL1 treatment reduced body weight gain by 41.26% in comparison to the HFD group, and this difference was accompanied by a reduction in body fat mass and the weight of inguinal white adipose tissues and epididymal white adipose tissue (−33.39%, −39.07%, and −43.75%, respectively). Moreover, the B. laterosporus BL1-mediated improvements in lipid profile, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation were associated with the regulation of gene expression related to lipid metabolism and enhancement of brown adipose tissue thermogenesis. Particularly, B. laterosporus BL1 intervention significantly improved HFD-induced gut flora dysbiosis, as evidenced by a reverse in the relative abundance of Bacillota and Bacteroidota, as well as an increase in the relative abundance of bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which in turn increased SCFAs levels.

Conclusion

Our findings found for the first time that B. laterosporus BL1 may be a promising probiotic for prevention of obesity associated with the regulation of gut microbiota.
Dietary diversity is associated with nutrient adequacy, blood biomarkers and anthropometric status among preschool children in poor ethnic minority area of Northwest China
Authors: Hu Binshuo , Tang Shihua , Wang Zhuo , Chen Youhai , Chen Xiaohui , Zhao Qian , Jiang Yu , Shen Minghui , Zhang Chong , Kaliszewski Catherine , Wang Liang , Zhang Ying
Published: November 2022

Introduction

This study aimed to evaluate the status of dietary diversity, nutrient adequacy, blood biomarkers of nutrients, and anthropometric status, as well as to determine the predictors of dietary diversity score (DDS) and mean adequacy ratio (MAR) among preschool children in poor ethnic minority areas of northwest China.

Methods

A total of 578 healthy preschool children aged 3–6 from 17 kindergartens were selected to assess dietary intake, anthropometric status (height-for-age z-score (HAZ), weight-for-age z-score (WAZ), weight-for-height z-score (WHZ), and blood biomarkers. DDS and nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR) were adopted to assess dietary diversity and micronutrient adequacy, respectively.

Results

The mean DDS (ranging from 1 to 9) was relatively low (4.67 ± 1.56). Most participants consumed starchy staples, but few participants consumed organ meat. DDS was associated with serum potassium, serum iron, WAZ, HAZ, all NARs, and MAR (all p < 0.05). Living in urban areas (β = 0.158), higher household wealth (β = 0.116), and more caregivers’ nutritional knowledge (β = 0.022) were positively associated with DDS (all p < 0.01), while living in urban areas (β = 0.031), higher education of caregivers (β = 0.0.027), and higher DDS (β = 0.049) were positively associated with MAR (all p < 0.01).

Discussion

In conclusion, dietary diversity was associated with nutrient adequacy and other health outcomes. Nutritional education and poverty alleviation are integral to improving the nutritional status of preschool children.
Near-infrared-dye labeled tumor vascular-targeted dimer GEBP11 peptide for image-guided surgery in gastric cancer
Authors: Tian Zuhong , Liang Shuhui , Zhou Xinmin , Luo Hui , Tian Miaomiao , Zhang Xianghan , Guo Changcun , Zhang Jing
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Positive resection margins occur in about 2.8%-8.2% gastric cancer surgeries and is associated with poor prognosis. Intraoperative guidance using Nearinfrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging is a promising technique for tumor detection and margin assessment. The goal of this study was to develop a tumor-specific probe for real-time intraoperative NIR fluorescence imaging guidance.

Methods

The tumor vascular homing peptide specific for gastric cancer, GEBP11, was conjugated with a near-infrared fluorophore, Cy5.5. The binding specificity of the GEBP11 probes to tumor vascular endothelial cells were confirmed by immunofluorescent staining. The ability of the probe to detect tumor lesions was evaluated in two xenograft models. An orthotopic gastric cancer xenograft model was used to evaluate the efficacy of the GEBP11 NIR probes in real-time surgical guidance.

Results

In vitro assay suggested that both mono and dimeric GEBP11 NIR probes could bind specifically to tumor vascular epithelial cells, with dimeric peptides showed better affinity. In tumor xenograft mice, live imaging suggested that comparing with free Cy5.5 probe, significantly stronger NIR signals could be detected at the tumor site at 24-48h after injection of mono or dimeric GEBP11 probes. Dimeric GEBP11 probe showed prolonged and stronger NIR signals than mono GEBP11 probe. Biodistribution assay suggested that GEBP11 NIR probes were enriched in gastric cancer xenografts. Using dimeric GEBP11 NIR probes in real-time surgery, the tumor margins and peritoneal metastases could be clearly visualized. Histological examination confirmed the complete resection of the tumor.

Conclusion

(GEBP11)2-ACP-Cy5.5 could be a potential useful probe for intraoperative florescence guidance in gastric cancer surgery.
Identification of necroptosis-related genes for predicting prognosis and exploring immune infiltration landscape in colon adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Ye , Lin Ming-gui , Meng Lei , Chen Zhang-ming , Wei Zhi-jian , Ying Song-cheng , Xu Aman
Published: November 2022

Background

Necroptosis is a recently discovered form of cell death that plays an important role in the occurrence and development of colon adenocarcinoma (COAD). Our study aimed to construct a risk score model to predict the prognosis of patients with COAD based on necroptosis-related genes.

Methods

The gene expression data of COAD and normal colon samples were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx). The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analysis was used to calculate the risk score based on prognostic necroptosis-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Based on the risk score, patients were classified into high- and low-risk groups. Then, nomogram models were built based on the risk score and clinicopathological features. Otherwise, the model was verified in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Additionally, the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the level of immune infiltration were evaluated by “ESTIMATE” and single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA). Functional enrichment analysis was carried out to explore the potential mechanism of necroptosis in COAD. Finally, the effect of necroptosis on colon cancer cells was explored through CCK8 and transwell assays. The expression of necroptosis-related genes in colon tissues and cells treated with necroptotic inducers (TNFα) and inhibitors (NEC-1) was evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

Results

The risk score was an independent prognostic risk factor in COAD. The predictive value of the nomogram based on the risk score and clinicopathological features was superior to TNM staging. The effectiveness of the model was well validated in GSE152430. Immune and stromal scores were significantly elevated in the high-risk group. Moreover, necroptosis may influence the prognosis of COAD via influencing the cancer immune response. In in-vitro experiments, the inhibition of necroptosis can promote proliferation and invasion ability. Finally, the differential expression of necroptosis-related genes in 16 paired colon tissues and colon cancer cells was found.

Conclusion

A novel necroptosis-related gene signature for forecasting the prognosis of COAD has been constructed, which possesses favorable predictive ability and offers ideas for the necroptosis-associated development of COAD.