bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a mediated isothermal amplification for visual detection of Phytophthora sojae
Authors: Guo Yufang , Xia Hongming , Dai Tingting , Liu Tingli
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Phytophthora sojae is among the most devastating pathogens of soybean (Glycine max) and severely impacts soybean production in several countries. The resulting disease can be difficult to diagnose and other Phytophthora species can also infect soybean. Accurate diagnosis is important for management of the disease caused by P. sojae.

Methods

In this study, recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) in combination with the CRISPR/Cas12a system were used for detection of P. sojae. The assay was highly specific to P. sojae.

Results

The test results were positive for 29 isolates of P. sojae, but negative for 64 isolates of 29 Phytophthora species, 7 Phytopythium and Pythium species, 32 fungal species, and 2 Bursaphelenchus species. The method was highly sensitive, detecting as little as 10 pg.µL−1 of P. sojae genomic DNA at 37°C in 20 min. The test results were visible under UV light and readout coming from fluorophores. In addition, P. sojae was detected from natural inoculated hypocotyls of soybean seedlings using this novel assay. The rapidity and accuracy of the method were verified using 30 soybean rhizosphere samples.

Discussion

In conclusion, the RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a detection assay developed here is sensitive, efficient, and convenient, and has potential for further development as a kit for monitoring root rot of soybean in the field.
Perivascular adipose tissue in vascular pathologies—a novel therapeutic target for atherosclerotic disease?
Authors: Adachi Yusuke , Ueda Kazutaka , Takimoto Eiki
Published: May 2023

Most blood vessels are surrounded by adipose tissues known as perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT). Emerging experimental data have implicated the potential involvement of PVAT in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease: PVAT might be a source of inflammatory mediators under pathological conditions such as metabolic disorders, chronic inflammation, and aging, leading to vascular pathologies, while having vasculo-protective roles in a healthy state. PVAT has been also gaining attention in human disease conditions. Recent integrative omics approaches have greatly enhanced our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the diverse functions of PVAT. This review summarizes recent progress in PVAT research and discusses the potential of PVAT as a target for the treatment of atherosclerosis.
Genome-wide detection of m6A-associated SNPs in atrial fibrillation pathogenesis
Authors: Huang Yan , Tan Yuqian , Yao Yuan , Gu Linglong , Huang Liusong , Song Tao
Published: May 2023

Objective

N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) modification is of great importance in both the pathological conditions and physiological process. The m6A single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with cardiovascular diseases including coronary artery disease, heart failure. However, it is unclear whether m6A-SNPs are involved in atrial fibrillation (AF). Here, we aimed to explore the relationship between m6A-SNPs and AF.

Method

The relationship between m6A-SNPs and AF was evaluated by analyzing the AF genome-wide association study (GWAS) and m6A-SNPs annotated by the m6AVar database. Further, eQTL and gene differential expression analysis were performed to confirm the association between these identified m6A-SNPs and their target genes in the development of AF. Moreover, we did the GO enrichment analysis to figure out the potential functions of these m6A-SNPs affected genes.

Result

Totally, 105 m6A-SNPs were identified to be significantly associated with AF (FDR < 0.05), among which 7 showed significant eQTL signals on local genes in the atrial appendage. By using four public AF gene expression datasets, we identified genes SYNE2, USP36, and THAP9 containing SNPs rs35648226, rs900349, and rs1047564 were differentially expressed in AF population. Further, SNPs rs35648226 and rs1047564 are potentially associated with AF by affecting m6A modification and both of them might have an interaction with RNA-binding protein, PABPC1.

Conclusion

In summary, we identified m6A-SNPs associated with AF. Our study provided new insights into AF development as well as AF therapeutic target.
Approaches to improve the cultural capabilities of teachers engaging with culturally and linguistically diverse students and their families: a scoping review
Authors: Bobongie-Harris Francis , Youse Zia
Published: May 2023

This scoping review is the first of three publications that are part of a research project funded by the Queensland Department of Education through their 2021 Horizon Grant funding scheme. This scoping review provides an analysis of contemporary literature that identifies approaches currently being used by educators to successfully engage with culturally and linguistically diverse and Indigenous students, families, and their communities to increase their cultural capabilities. A systemic selection process delivered 21 articles that were included in this Scoping Review. The first four Stages of the study identify and discuss four common areas in which educators can improve cultural capabilities: (i) eldership; (ii) connections; (iii) relationships; (iv) practice. In Stage 5 aspects of these four areas are analyzed in a series of case studies along with an in-depth summary of the literature presented in the scoping review. The literature from this scoping review will inform an engagement strategy that will help improve upon the cultural capabilities of educators working with students in Australian South Sea Islander Communities.
Educational strategies to reduce the achievement gap: a systematic review
Authors: Cabral-Gouveia Carmo , Menezes Isabel , Neves Tiago
Published: May 2023

Despite continuous efforts, the educational achievement gap is still, in most societies, a significant obstacle to ensuring more equity and social justice. Much of this inequality derives from belonging to historically discriminated groups. Indeed, coming from a lower socioeconomic status (SES), of an immigrant, or descendant situation, being Black, Hispanic, Gypsy, or any other racialized condition, still strongly influences academic attainment, school dropout and career choices. However, many innovative strategies and policies have been implemented to minimize this bias. This investigation proposes to gather, assess, and analyze these most recent interventions and perceive which of these present a better level of efficacy. Using the PRISMA guidelines, this Systematic Review of Literature yielded 27 studies that fit the inclusion criteria. The analysis considered the level of efficacy, intervention method and scope. Results show that targeted strategies, such as working on reading abilities and school subjects' focused interventions are more effective in improving minorities' and lower SES students' attainment. Other beneficial initiatives include whole-school, state and community-based projects, innovative pedagogies, and, finally, programs that deal with the psycho-social consequences of racism and discrimination, e.g., the internalization of negative perceptions and expectations. Overall, there is a strong need to develop mixed-method and longitudinal designs that will further our knowledge about what type of measure works, while considering a situated and contextual perspective, instead of a one-size-fits-all approach.
Advanced glycation end products and their soluble receptor (sRAGE) in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis on levothyroxine substitution
Authors: Csiha Sára , Molnár István , Halmi Sándor , Hutkai Dávid , Lőrincz Hajnalka , Somodi Sándor , Katkó Mónika , Harangi Mariann , Paragh György , Nagy Endre V. , Berta Eszter , Bodor Miklós
Published: May 2023

Background

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are heterogenous group of irreversible chemical moieties originated from non-enzymatic glycation and oxidation of proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids. The engagement of AGEs with their chief cellular receptor (RAGE) activates a myriad of signaling pathways contributing to the progression of chronic diseases like autoimmune thyroiditis, type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications. Soluble RAGE (sRAGE) prevents AGE-RAGE interaction in a competitive manner.

Objective

We investigated the association between serum AGE, sRAGE and thyroid function in 73 Hashimoto thyroiditis patients (HT) on levothyroxine substitution, and in 83 age, BMI and gender-matched healthy controls.

Methods

The serum AGEs levels were determined by autofluorescence on a multi-mode microplate reader, and the serum sRAGE levels by ELISA method.

Results

Mean AGE level was lower (10.71 vs 11.45 AU/µg protein; p=0.046), while mean sRAGE level was higher (923 vs 755 pg/mL; p<0.0005) in the serum of HT patients than the controls. AGE correlated with age, while sRAGE correlated negatively with BMI in both groups. We found negative correlation between AGE and fT3 levels (r=-0.32; p=0.006) and sRAGE and TSH levels (r=-0.27; p=0.022) in HT patients, while we failed to find association between AGE, sRAGE and parameters of thyroid function in the control group. Median AGE/sRAGE ratio was lower in HT patients than in controls (2.4, IQR 1.9 – 3.1 vs 3.3, IQR 2.3 – 4.1 AU/pg; p < 0.001). In HT patients, the AGE/sRAGE ratio correlated positively with BMI and correlated negatively with fT3.

Conclusion

According to our results in HT patients lower TSH and higher fT3 levels within the reference range is accompanied by a favorable AGE/RAGE balance. Further investigations are needed to confirm these results.
Multiphysics modeling of a reactivity insertion transient at different fidelity levels in support to the safety assessment of a SMART-like small modular reactor
Authors: Mercatali Luigi , Huaccho Gianfranco , Sanchez-Espinoza Victor-Hugo
Published: May 2023

Typical design basis accidents such as the control Rod Ejection Accident (REA) will need to be evaluated during the safety analysis in support the licensing processes for most of the current Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) designs. In this paper a study related to the neutronic and thermal-hydraulic coupled modelling of a REA transient for a boron-free SMART-like core at different fidelity levels is presented. Two different solutions for the core at hot zero power state (HZP) are provided; the first one is based on the standard nodal two-steps approach using the diffusion approximation and the second one is characterized by a more accurate high-fidelity scheme based on Monte Carlo neutronics coupled to subchannel-level thermal-hydraulics allowing performing full core pin-by-pin transient analysis. In the paper the details of the two different modelling approaches are presented and the corresponding results are compared one to each other, allowing on one side to verify the results of the high-fidelity modelling against a standard nodal-based solution and on the other side to highlight the added value when using a better resolution which allows to compute safety parameters at the local level with the consequent possibility to reduce the safety margins.
Uncertainty quantification in the techno-economic analysis of emission reduction technologies: a tutorial case study on CO2 mineralization
Authors: Strunge Till , Renforth Phil , Van der Spek Mijndert
Published: May 2023

The pathways toward net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 should be designed based on solid scientific evidence.Ex antesystem analysis tools, such as techno-economic assessments (TEAs), are key instruments to guide decision-makers. Asex anteTEAs of CO2mitigation technologies embody a high level of uncertainty, the informed use of uncertainty analysis becomes crucial for meaningful interpretation and communication of TEA outputs. To foster enhanced appreciation and the use of uncertainty analysis, we compare multiple uncertainty analysis methods forex anteTEAs, using a case study on CO2mineralization in the cement industry. We show that local sensitivity analysis tools such as one-way analysis, which are most often used by TEA practitioners, may not suffice for deriving reliable conclusions and provide guidance on how to apply global sensitivity analysis methods, such as variance-based indicators for TEAs in this field.
Resting heart rate (variability) and cognition relationships reveal cognitively healthy individuals with pathological amyloid/tau ratio
Authors: Molloy Cathleen , Choy Elizabeth H. , Arechavala Rebecca J. , Buennagel David , Nolty Anne , Spezzaferri Mitchell R. , Sin Caleb , Rising Shant , Yu Jeremy , Al-Ezzi Abdulhakim , Kleinman Michael T. , Kloner Robert A. , Arakaki Xianghong
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Resting heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) have been linked with cognition in the general population and in older individuals. The knowledge of this aspect of heart-brain relationship is relatively absent in older individuals with early Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. This study explores relationships of the HR, HRV, and cognition in cognitively healthy individuals with pathological amyloid/tau ratio (CH-PATs) in cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) compared to those with normal ratio (CH-NATs).

Methods

We examined the relationships between 1) resting HR and Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE); 2) resting HR and brain processing during Stroop interference; and 3) resting vagally mediated HRV (vmHRV) and task switching performance.

Results

Our studies showed that compared to CH-NATs, those CH-PATs with higher resting HR presented with lower MMSE, and less brain activation during interference processing. In addition, resting vmHRV was significantly correlated with task switching accuracy in CH-NATs, but not in CH-PATs.

Discussion

These three different tests indicate dysfunctional heart-brain connections in CH-PATs, suggesting a potential cardio-cerebral dysfunctional integration.
Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates from atopic or healthy skin have opposite effect on skin cells: potential implication of the AHR pathway modulation
Authors: Landemaine Leslie , Da Costa Gregory , Fissier Elsa , Francis Carine , Morand Stanislas , Verbeke Jonathan , Michel Marie-Laure , Briandet Romain , Sokol Harry , Gueniche Audrey , Bernard Dominique , Chatel Jean-Marc , Aguilar Luc , Langella Philippe , Clavaud Cecile , Richard Mathias L.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Staphylococcus epidermidis is a commensal bacterium ubiquitously present on human skin. This species is considered as a key member of the healthy skin microbiota, involved in the defense against pathogens, modulating the immune system, and involved in wound repair. Simultaneously, S. epidermidis is the second cause of nosocomial infections and an overgrowth of S. epidermidis has been described in skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis. Diverse isolates of S. epidermidis co-exist on the skin. Elucidating the genetic and phenotypic specificities of these species in skin health and disease is key to better understand their role in various skin conditions. Additionally, the exact mechanisms by which commensals interact with host cells is partially understood. We hypothesized that S. epidermidis isolates identified from different skin origins could play distinct roles on skin differentiation and that these effects could be mediated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathway.

Methods

For this purpose, a library of 12 strains originated from healthy skin (non-hyperseborrheic (NH) and hyperseborrheic (H) skin types) and disease skin (atopic (AD) skin type) was characterized at the genomic and phenotypic levels.

Results and discussion

Here we showed that strains from atopic lesional skin alter the epidermis structure of a 3D reconstructed skin model whereas strains from NH healthy skin do not. All strains from NH healthy skin induced AhR/OVOL1 path and produced high quantities of indole metabolites in co-culture with NHEK; especially indole-3-aldehyde (IAld) and indole-3-lactic acid (ILA); while AD strains did not induce AhR/OVOL1 path but its inhibitor STAT6 and produced the lowest levels of indoles as compared to the other strains. As a consequence, strains from AD skin altered the differentiation markers FLG and DSG1. The results presented here, on a library of 12 strains, showed that S. epidermidis originated from NH healthy skin and atopic skin have opposite effects on the epidermal cohesion and structure and that these differences could be linked to their capacity to produce metabolites, which in turn could activate AHR pathway. Our results on a specific library of strains provide new insights into how S. epidermidis may interact with the skin to promote health or disease.
Helicobacter pylori infection may influence prevalence and disease course in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody associated disorder (MOGAD) similar to MS but not AQP4-IgG associated NMOSD
Authors: Malli Chaithra , Pandit Lekha , D’Cunha Anita , Sudhir Akshatha
Published: May 2023

Background

Helicobacter pylori (Hp) persists after colonizing the gut in childhood, and potentially regulates host immune system through this process. Earlier studies have shown that Hp infection in childhood, may protect against MS in later life. Such an association was not seen with AQP4-IgG positive NMOSD, while the association with MOGAD is unclear.

Objective

To evaluate frequency of Hp IgG among patients with MOGAD, MS, NMOSD and matched controls and its effect on disease course. To ascertain whether childhood socio economic factors were linked to prevalence of Hp infection.

Methods

In all, 99 patients diagnosed to have MOGAD, 99 AQP4 IgG+ NMOSD, 254MS and 243 matched controls were included. Patient demographics, diagnosis, age at disease onset, duration and the last recorded expanded disability status scale (EDSS) were obtained from our records. Socioeconomic and educational status was queried using a previously validated questionnaire. Serum HpIgG was detected using ELISA kits (Vircell, Spain).

Result

Frequency of Hp IgG was significantly lower among MOGAD (28.3% vs 44%, p-0.007) and MS (21.2% vs 44%, p-0.0001) but not AQP4-IgG+ NMOSD patients (42.4% vs 44%, p-0.78) when compared to controls. Frequency of Hp IgG in MOGAD & MS patients combined (MOGAD-MS) was significantly lower than those with NMOSD (23.2% vs 42.4%, p- 0.0001). Seropositive patients with MOGAD- MS were older (p-0.001. OR -1.04, 95% CI- 1.01- 1.06) and had longer disease duration (p- 0.04, OR- 1.04, 95% CI- 1.002- 1.08) at time of testing. Educational status was lower among parents/caregivers of this study cohort (p- 0.001, OR -2.34, 95% CI- 1.48-3.69) who were Hp IgG+.

Conclusions

In developing countries Hp infection may be a significant environmental factor related to autoimmune demyelinating CNS disease. Our preliminary data suggests that Hp may exert a differential influence - a largely protective role for MS-MOGAD but not NMOSD and may influence disease onset and course. This differential response maybe related to immuno-pathological similarities between MOGAD and MS in contrast to NMOSD. Our study further underscores the role of Hp as a surrogate marker for poor gut hygiene in childhood and its association with later onset of autoimmune diseases.
HDAC inhibitors enhance the anti-tumor effect of immunotherapies in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shen Chen , Li Mei , Duan Yujuan , Jiang Xin , Hou Xiaoming , Xue Fulai , Zhang Yinan , Luo Yao
Published: May 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common liver malignancy with a poor prognosis and increasing incidence, remains a serious health problem worldwide. Immunotherapy has been described as one of the ideal ways to treat HCC and is transforming patient management. However, the occurrence of immunotherapy resistance still prevents some patients from benefiting from current immunotherapies. Recent studies have shown that histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) can enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy in a variety of tumors, including HCC. In this review, we present current knowledge and recent advances in immunotherapy-based and HDACi-based therapies for HCC. We highlight the fundamental dynamics of synergies between immunotherapies and HDACis, further detailing current efforts to translate this knowledge into clinical benefits. In addition, we explored the possibility of nano-based drug delivery system (NDDS) as a novel strategy to enhance HCC treatment.
The macrophage infectivity potentiator of Trypanosoma cruzi induces innate IFN-γ and TNF-α production by human neonatal and adult blood cells through TLR2/1 and TLR4
Authors: Ait Djebbara Sarra , Mcheik Saria , Percier Pauline , Segueni Noria , Poncelet Antoine , Truyens Carine
Published: May 2023

We previously identified the recombinant (r) macrophage (M) infectivity (I) potentiator (P) of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi (Tc) (rTcMIP) as an immuno-stimulatory protein that induces the release of IFN-γ, CCL2 and CCL3 by human cord blood cells. These cytokines and chemokines are important to direct a type 1 adaptive immune response. rTcMIP also increased the Ab response and favored the production of the Th1-related isotype IgG2a in mouse models of neonatal vaccination, indicating that rTcMIP could be used as a vaccine adjuvant to enhance T and B cell responses. In the present study, we used cord and adult blood cells, and isolated NK cells and human monocytes to investigate the pathways and to decipher the mechanism of action of the recombinant rTcMIP. We found that rTcMIP engaged TLR1/2 and TLR4 independently of CD14 and activated the MyD88, but not the TRIF, pathway to induce IFN-γ production by IL-15-primed NK cells, and TNF-α secretion by monocytes and myeloid dendritic cells. Our results also indicated that TNF-α boosted IFN-γ expression. Though cord blood cells displayed lower responses than adult cells, our results allow to consider rTcMIP as a potential pro-type 1 adjuvant that might be associated to vaccines administered in early life or later.
Comparative effects of temperature and salinity on growth of four harmful Chattonella spp. (Raphidophyceae) from tropical Asian waters
Authors: Lum Wai Mun , Sakamoto Setsuko , Yuasa Koki , Takahashi Kazuya , Kuwata Koyo , Kodama Taketoshi , Katayama Tomoyo , Leaw Chui Pin , Lim Po Teen , Takahashi Kazutaka , Iwataki Mitsunori
Published: May 2023

In Asia, four harmful raphidophyte species, Chattonella malayana, C. marina, C. subsalsa, and C. tenuiplastida, coexist in the tropical waters but only C. marina was detected in temperate waters. This occurrence pattern pointed to a potentially distinct ecophysiological niche occupancy and possible species dispersion. The growth physiology of these species isolated from tropical Southeast Asia was investigated using unialgal cultures in ten temperatures (13.0–35.5°C) and five salinities (15–35) to better understand the factors driving their distribution. The highest maximum specific growth rates were observed in C. subsalsa (0.65 ± 0.01 d-1), followed by C. malayana (0.47 ± 0.03 d-1), C. marina (0.45 ± 0.02 d-1), and C. tenuiplastida (0.39 ± 0.01 d-1). Their optimal temperatures were 28.0, 30.5, 25.5, and 30.5°C, respectively, of which C. marina preferred colder water. C. subsalsa exhibited a wider growth temperature range (20.5–35.5°C), followed by C. marina (20.5–30.5°C), C. tenuiplastida (23.0–33.0°C), and C. malayana (25.5–33.0°C). Optimal salinities were similar between C. subsalsa and C. malayana (30), and between C. marina and C. tenuiplastida (25), but C. subsalsa and C. marina exhibited a similar growth salinity range of 15–35, while C. malayana and C. tenuiplastida was 20–35. High values of Fv/Fm were observed in C. subsalsa and C. marina (> 0.5) in all tested conditions, but Fv/Fm of C. malayana and C. tenuiplastida were significantly lower at 20.5°C. All four species achieved a maximum cell density of > 104 cells mL-1 in their optimal conditions. Optimal temperatures in C. subsalsa and C. marina were identical to previous reports. The high adaptability of C. subsalsa in various temperatures and salinities suggests its high competitiveness and bloom potential. The high adaptability of C. marina in colder waters compared to other species likely contributes to its wide distribution in the temperate Asian waters. The narrow temperature window of C. malayana and C. tenuiplastida suggests their endemicity and limited distribution in the tropical waters. This study provides evidence about the occurrences and bloom potential of Chattonella spp. in Asia, but the endemicity versus dispersion issue remains unresolved.
Additive manufacturing of metal-polymer hybrid parts: the influence of as-printed LPBF surface roughness on the joint strength
Authors: Belei C. , Effertz P. S. , Meier B. , Amancio-Filho S. T.
Published: May 2023

As-printed Laser-Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) surfaces can provide anchoring spots for the infiltration of polymer printed by Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), enhancing metal-polymer joint strength. This work evaluates the influence of the as-printed LPBF surface roughness and FFF parameters on the strength of Ti-6Al-4V/PA-CF joints produced by this process combination. A three-point bending testing method based on ISO 14679:1997 was deployed, whereby the energy dissipated by the joint interface was measured. Roughness was varied by 3D-printing the substrate with different inclination angles; Height and printing speed of the coating layer (the polymer layer in direct contact with the metal) were also varied. Data was interpreted using a combination between Decision Tree and Gradient Boosting Regression, ultimately suggesting that printing speed is the prominent parameter followed by inclination angle for joint strength. Additionally, the combined effect of low printing speed and inclination angle resulted in the highest energy absorption at the interface (>200 J).
Casticin as potential anticancer agent: recent advancements in multi-mechanistic approaches
Authors: Carbone Katya , Gervasi Fabio , Kozhamzharova Latipa , Altybaeva Nazgul , Sönmez Gürer Eda , Sharifi-Rad Javad , Hano Christophe , Calina Daniela
Published: May 2023

Plants, with their range of pharmacologically active molecules, represent the most promising source for the production of new anticancer drugs and for the formulation of adjuvants in chemotherapy treatments to reduce drug content and/or counteract the side effects of chemotherapy. Casticin is a major bioactive flavonoid isolated from several plants, mainly from the Vitex species. This compound is well known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which are mainly exploited in traditional medicine. Recently, the antineoplastic potential of casticin has attracted the attention of the scientific community for its ability to target multiple cancer pathways. The purpose of this review is, therefore, to present and critically analyze the antineoplastic potential of casticin, highlighting the molecular pathways underlying its antitumor effects. Bibliometric data were extracted from the Scopus database using the search strings “casticin” and “cancer” and analyzed using VOSviewer software to generate network maps to visualize the results. Overall, more than 50% of the articles were published since 2018 and even more recent studies have expanded the knowledge of casticin’s antitumor activity by adding interesting new mechanisms of action as a topoisomerase IIα inhibitor, DNA methylase 1 inhibitor, and an upregulator of the onco-suppressive miR-338-3p. Casticin counteracts cancer progression through the induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and metastasis arrest, acting on several pathways that are generally dysregulated in different types of cancer. In addition, they highlight that casticin can be considered as a promising epigenetic drug candidate to target not only cancer cells but also cancer stem-like cells.
Physical activity and lifestyle modifications in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Santiago Jose A. , Potashkin Judith A.
Published: May 2023

Neurodegenerative diseases have reached alarming numbers in the past decade. Unfortunately, clinical trials testing potential therapeutics have proven futile. In the absence of disease-modifying therapies, physical activity has emerged as the single most accessible lifestyle modification with the potential to fight off cognitive decline and neurodegeneration. In this review, we discuss findings from epidemiological, clinical, and molecular studies investigating the potential of lifestyle modifications in promoting brain health. We propose an evidence-based multidomain approach that includes physical activity, diet, cognitive training, and sleep hygiene to treat and prevent neurodegenerative diseases.
Palmprint recognition based on gating mechanism and adaptive feature fusion
Authors: Zhang Kaibi , Xu Guofeng , Jin Ye Kelly , Qi Guanqiu , Yang Xun , Bai Litao
Published: May 2023

As a type of biometric recognition, palmprint recognition uses unique discriminative features on the palm of a person to identify his/her identity. It has attracted much attention because of its advantages of contactlessness, stability, and security. Recently, many palmprint recognition methods based on convolutional neural networks (CNN) have been proposed in academia. Convolutional neural networks are limited by the size of the convolutional kernel and lack the ability to extract global information of palmprints. This paper proposes a framework based on the integration of CNN and Transformer-GLGAnet for palmprint recognition, which can take advantage of CNN's local information extraction and Transformer's global modeling capabilities. A gating mechanism and an adaptive feature fusion module are also designed for palmprint feature extraction. The gating mechanism filters features by a feature selection algorithm and the adaptive feature fusion module fuses them with the features extracted by the backbone network. Through extensive experiments on two datasets, the experimental results show that the recognition accuracy is 98.5% for 12,000 palmprints in the Tongji University dataset and 99.5% for 600 palmprints in the Hong Kong Polytechnic University dataset. This demonstrates that the proposed method outperforms existing methods in the correctness of both palmprint recognition tasks. The source codes will be available on https://github.com/Ywatery/GLnet.git.
Increased central auditory gain in 5xFAD Alzheimer’s disease mice as an early biomarker candidate for Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis
Authors: Na Daxiang , Zhang Jingyuan , Beaulac Holly J. , Piekna-Przybylska Dorota , Nicklas Paige R. , Kiernan Amy E. , White Patricia M.
Published: May 2023

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative illness without a cure. All current therapies require an accurate diagnosis and staging of AD to ensure appropriate care. Central auditory processing disorders (CAPDs) and hearing loss have been associated with AD, and may precede the onset of Alzheimer’s dementia. Therefore, CAPD is a possible biomarker candidate for AD diagnosis. However, little is known about how CAPD and AD pathological changes are correlated. In the present study, we investigated auditory changes in AD using transgenic amyloidosis mouse models. AD mouse models were bred to a mouse strain commonly used for auditory experiments, to compensate for the recessive accelerated hearing loss on the parent background. Auditory brainstem response (ABR) recordings revealed significant hearing loss, a reduced ABR wave I amplitude, and increased central gain in 5xFAD mice. In comparison, these effects were milder or reversed in APP/PS1 mice. Longitudinal analyses revealed that in 5xFAD mice, central gain increase preceded ABR wave I amplitude reduction and hearing loss, suggesting that it may originate from lesions in the central nervous system rather than the peripheral loss. Pharmacologically facilitating cholinergic signaling with donepezil reversed the central gain in 5xFAD mice. After the central gain increased, aging 5xFAD mice developed deficits for hearing sound pips in the presence of noise, consistent with CAPD-like symptoms of AD patients. Histological analysis revealed that amyloid plaques were deposited in the auditory cortex of both mouse strains. However, in 5xFAD but not APP/PS1 mice, plaque was observed in the upper auditory brainstem, specifically the inferior colliculus (IC) and the medial geniculate body (MGB). This plaque distribution parallels histological findings from human subjects with AD and correlates in age with central gain increase. Overall, we conclude that auditory alterations in amyloidosis mouse models correlate with amyloid deposits in the auditory brainstem and may be reversed initially through enhanced cholinergic signaling. The alteration of ABR recording related to the increase in central gain prior to AD-related hearing disorders suggests that it could potentially be used as an early biomarker of AD diagnosis.
Differences in the neural basis and transcriptomic patterns in acute and persistent pain-related anxiety-like behaviors
Authors: Fang Shunchang , Qin Yuxin , Yang Shana , Zhang Hongyang , Zheng Jieyan , Wen Songhai , Li Weimin , Liang Zirui , Zhang Xiaomin , Li Boxing , Huang Lianyan
Published: May 2023

Background

Both acute and persistent pain is associated with anxiety in clinical observations, but whether the underlying neural mechanisms differ is poorly understood.

Methods

We used formalin or complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) to induce acute or persistent pain. Behavioral performance was assessed by the paw withdrawal threshold (PWT), open field (OF), and elevated plus maze (EPM) tests. C-Fos staining was used to identify the activated brain regions. Chemogenetic inhibition was further performed to examine the necessity of brain regions in behaviors. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to identify the transcriptomic changes.

Results

Both acute and persistent pain could lead to anxiety-like behavior in mice. The c-Fos expression indicates that the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is activated only in acute pain, whereas the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is activated only in persistent pain. Chemogenetic manipulation reveals that the activation of the BNST excitatory neurons is required for acute pain-induced anxiety-like behaviors. In contrast, the activation of the prelimbic mPFC excitatory neurons is essential for persistent pain-induced anxiety-like behaviors. RNA-seq reveals that acute and persistent pain induces differential gene expression changes and protein–protein interaction networks in the BNST and prelimbic mPFC. The genes relevant to neuronal functions might underline the differential activation of the BNST and prelimbic mPFC in different pain models, and be involved in acute and persistent pain-related anxiety-like behaviors.

Conclusion

Distinct brain regions and gene expression patterns are involved in acute and persistent pain-related anxiety-like behaviors.
Primary cardiac tumor: a case report of right atrial angiosarcoma and review of the literature
Authors: Guo Yujian , Liu Qianzhen , Wu Haibo
Published: May 2023

Primary cardiac angiosarcoma is a relatively rare tumor with early metastasis and poor prognosis. Radical resection of the primary tumor remains the primary approach for the optimal survival of patients with early-stage cardiac angiosarcoma without evidence of metastasis. This case involves a 76-year-old man with symptoms of chest tightness, fatigue, pericardial effusion, and arrhythmias who achieved good results after surgery to treat the angiosarcoma in the right atrium. In addition, literature analysis showed that surgery remains an effective way of treating primary early angiosarcoma.
State of the art review on machine learning and artificial intelligence in the study of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis
Authors: McElroy Steven J. , Lueschow Shiloh R.
Published: May 2023

Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the leading causes of gastrointestinal emergency in preterm infants. Although NEC was formally described in the 1960's, there is still difficulty in diagnosis and ultimately treatment for NEC due in part to the multifactorial nature of the disease. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) techniques have been applied by healthcare researchers over the past 30 years to better understand various diseases. Specifically, NEC researchers have used AI and ML to predict NEC diagnosis, NEC prognosis, discover biomarkers, and evaluate treatment strategies. In this review, we discuss AI and ML techniques, the current literature that has applied AI and ML to NEC, and some of the limitations in the field.
RedTell: an AI tool for interpretable analysis of red blood cell morphology
Authors: Sadafi Ario , Bordukova Maria , Makhro Asya , Navab Nassir , Bogdanova Anna , Marr Carsten
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Hematologists analyze microscopic images of red blood cells to study their morphology and functionality, detect disorders and search for drugs. However, accurate analysis of a large number of red blood cells needs automated computational approaches that rely on annotated datasets, expensive computational resources, and computer science expertise. We introduce RedTell, an AI tool for the interpretable analysis of red blood cell morphology comprising four single-cell modules: segmentation, feature extraction, assistance in data annotation, and classification.

Methods: Cell segmentation is performed by a trained Mask R-CNN working robustly on a wide range of datasets requiring no or minimum fine-tuning. Over 130 features that are regularly used in research are extracted for every detected red blood cell. If required, users can train task-specific, highly accurate decision tree-based classifiers to categorize cells, requiring a minimal number of annotations and providing interpretable feature importance.

Results: We demonstrate RedTell’s applicability and power in three case studies. In the first case study we analyze the difference of the extracted features between the cells coming from patients suffering from different diseases, in the second study we use RedTell to analyze the control samples and use the extracted features to classify cells into echinocytes, discocytes and stomatocytes and finally in the last use case we distinguish sickle cells in sickle cell disease patients.

Discussion: We believe that RedTell can accelerate and standardize red blood cell research and help gain new insights into mechanisms, diagnosis, and treatment of red blood cell associated disorders.
Organ donation: psychosocial factors of the decision-making process
Authors: Carola Valeria , Morale Chiara , Vincenzo Cristina , Cecchi Valentina , Errico Livia , Nicolais Giampaolo
Published: May 2023

Organ donation has a crucial impact on patient care and survival, of which the worldwide gap between organ demand and supply is currently one of the most challenging issues. Brain-dead patients are the main source of organs that can be donated, but donation requires the consent of family members—a choice that is often complex and stressful and leads to refusal of consent. This mini-review aims to provide an overview of the current knowledge on the impact of certain psychosocial factors on the decision-making process with regard to organ donation by family members. In particular, the influence of several aspects is emphasized, such as sociodemographic factors, knowledge of the organ donation process, religious beliefs, concerns that are related to the choice to donate, and mode of communication. Consistent with this evidence, we emphasize the need to examine these aspects further through interventions and guidelines that improve the organ donation application process and ensure a positive experience for the family that has to make the decision.
Study protocol: the pragmatic, exploratory DELTA-JU trial of the group-based multimodal DELTA intervention for abstinent adolescents with substance use disorders living in youth welfare institutions
Authors: Kuitunen-Paul Sören , Basedow Lukas A. , Roessner Veit , Golub Yulia
Published: May 2023

Background

The DELTA intervention contains 16 weekly group sessions plus additional individual sessions and educational session for parents. It aims to reduce substance use and related problems such as substance use disorders (SUD) in adolescents. Recent results indicated positive effects in psychiatric outpatients. Conducting DELTA in youth welfare settings seems feasible, however, organizational and content adjustments such as smoking cessation elements should be added in order to reduce relapse risks and to prevent negative health consequences.

Methods/design

The pre-registered DELTA-JU study (German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00027913) is separated into three stages: In the adjustment stage during months 1–4, we will revise the DELTA manual based on semi-structured interviews (n = 10) with personnel from youth welfare institutions specialized in serving adolescents with SUD in the study region, analyzed with content analysis. In the sampling stage during months 5–22, participants qualifying for a SUD and willing to regularly participate in the 16 weekly DELTA-JU group sessions will be enrolled to either one of two arms (cluster randomization: immediate intervention, waitlist with subsequent intervention 16 weeks later). Adolescents will be assessed at baseline and follow-up (16 weeks after first group session) with an additional pre-assessment (16 weeks before intervention starts) for the waitlist group. Assessment procedures include questionnaires and clinical interviews among others. At the same time, institutional personnel will receive a 1-day workshop on SUD-relevant topics based on the DELTA parental education group and on feedback from the qualitative interviews. Personnel will also be assessed twice with questionnaires. In the dissemination stage during months 23–24, final study evaluation results will be prepared and submitted for publication.

Discussion

This study will create a setting-specific manual for vulnerable adolescents suffering from SUDs, and, in many cases, from co-occurring mental disorders. If shown to be effective, DELTA-JU can be disseminated within other institutions of youth welfare.
The effects of childhood maltreatment on adolescent non-suicidal self-injury behavior: mediating role of impulsivity
Authors: Li Xi , Liu Xiao-Li , Wang Yu-Jing , Zhou Dong-Sheng , Yuan Ti-Fei
Published: May 2023

Background

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) severely challenges mental health in adolescents. Childhood maltreatment experience acts as high-risk factor for adolescents to engage in NSSI behaviors. On the other hand, impulsivity or loss of control sets the threshold for NSSI execution. Here we examined the effects of childhood maltreatment on adolescent NSSI-related clinical outcomes and the potential role of impulsivity.

Methods

We assessed the clinical data of 160 hospitalized NSSI adolescents and recruited 64 age-matched healthy subjects as a control group. The clinical symptoms of NSSI are expressed by the NSSI frequency, depression, and anxiety measured by the Ottawa Self-Injury Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Childhood maltreatment and impulsivity were assessed with Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale.

Results

The results showed that when compared to HC group, NSSI group is more likely to experience childhood maltreatment. Notably, NSSI group with Childhood maltreatment accompanies higher trait impulsivity and exacerbated clinical outcomes, such as NSSI frequency, depression and anxiety symptoms. Mediation analyses indicated that the association between childhood maltreatment and NSSI-related clinical outcomes was partially explained by impulsivity.

Conclusion

We found that NSSI adolescents have a higher proportion of childhood maltreatment. Impulsivity plays a mediating role between childhood maltreatment and NSSI behaviors.
A higher number of SARS-COV-2 infections in quilombola communities than in the local population in Brazil
Authors: Martins Aline Fagundes , de Souza Daniela Raguer Valadão , de Rezende Neto José Melquiades , Santos Aryanne Araujo , da Invenção Grazielly Bispo , Matos Igor Leonardo Santos , dos Santos Kezia Alves , de Jesus Pamela Chaves , da Silva Francilene Amaral , de Almeida Fernando Henrique Oliveira , do Vale Fernando Yuri Nery , Fonseca Dennyson Leandro M. , Schimke Lena F. , Matos Saulo Santos , Oliveira Brenda Morais , Ferreira Cyntia Silva , de Paula Dias Bruna , dos Santos Samara Mayra Soares Alves , Barbosa Camila Cavadas , de Carvalho Barreto Ikaro Daniel , Moreno Ana Karolina Mendes , Gonçalves Ricardo Lemes , de Mello Silva Breno , Cabral-Marques Otavio , Borges Lysandro Pinto
Published: May 2023

The historical and social vulnerability of quilombola communities in Brazil can make them especially fragile in the face of COVID-19, considering that several individuals have precarious health systems and inadequate access to water. This work aimed to characterize the frequency of SARS-COV-2 infections and the presence of IgM and IgG SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in quilombola populations and their relationship with the presence of risk factors or preexisting chronic diseases in the quilombola communities. We analyzed the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, serological status, comorbidities, and symptoms of 1,994 individuals (478 males and 1,536 females) from 18 Brazilian municipalities in the State of Sergipe of quilombola communities, which were evaluated at different epidemiological weeks, starting at the 32nd (August 6th) and ending at the 40th (October 3rd) epidemiological week. More than 70% of studied families live in rural areas and they have an extreme poverty social status. Although we found a higher number of SARS-COV-2 infections in quilombola communities than in the local population, their SARS-CoV-2 reactivity and IgM and IgG positivity varied across the communities investigated. Arterial hypertension was the most risk factor, being found in 27.8% of the individuals (9.5% in stage 1, 10.8% in stage 2, and 7.5% in stage 3). The most common COVID-19 symptoms and comorbidities were headache, runny nose, flu, and dyslipidemia. However, most individuals were asymptomatic (79.9%). Our data indicate that mass testing must be incorporated into public policy to improve the health care system available to quilombola populations during a future pandemic or epidemic.