bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemerin plasma levels are increased in COVID-19 patients and are an independent risk factor of mortality
Authors: Lavis Philomène , Morra Sofia , Orte Cano Carmen , Albayrak Nurhan , Corbière Véronique , Olislagers Véronique , Dauby Nicolas , Del Marmol Véronique , Marchant Arnaud , Decaestecker Christine , Mascart Françoise , De Vos Nathalie , Van de Borne Philippe , Salmon Isabelle , Remmelink Myriam , Parmentier Marc , Cardozo Alessandra Kupper , Bondue Benjamin
Published: August 2022

Background

Chemerin is an extracellular protein with chemotactic activities and its expression is increased in various diseases such as metabolic syndrome and inflammatory conditions. Its role in lung pathology has not yet been extensively studied but both known pro- and anti-inflammatory properties have been observed. The aim of our study was to evaluate the involvement of the chemerin/ChemR23 system in the physiopathology of COVID-19 with a particular focus on its prognostic value.

Methods

Blood samples from confirmed COVID-19 patients were collected at day 1, 5 and 14 from admission to Erasme Hospital (Brussels – Belgium). Chemerin concentrations and inflammatory biomarkers were analyzed in the plasma. Blood cells subtypes and their expression of ChemR23 were determined by flow cytometry. The expression of chemerin and ChemR23 was evaluated on lung tissue from autopsied COVID-19 patients by immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Results

21 healthy controls (HC) and 88 COVID-19 patients, including 40 in intensive care unit (ICU) were included. Plasma chemerin concentration were significantly higher in ICU patients than in HC at all time-points analyzed (p<0.0001). Moreover, they were higher in deceased patients compared to survivors (p<0.05). Logistic univariate regression and multivariate analysis demonstrated that chemerin level at day 14 of admission was an independent risk factor for death. Accordingly, chemerin levels correlated with inflammatory biomarkers such as C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor α. Finally, IHC analysis revealed a strong expression of ChemR23 on smooth muscle cells and chemerin on myofibroblasts in advanced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Discussion

Increased plasma chemerin levels are a marker of severity and may predict death of COVID-19 patients. However, multicentric studies are needed, before chemerin can be considered as a biomarker of severity and death used in daily clinical practice. Further studies are also necessary to identify the precise mechanisms of the chemerin/ChemR23 system in ARDS secondary to viral pneumonia.
Complement lectin pathway components MBL and MASP-1 promote haemostasis upon vessel injury in a microvascular bleeding model
Authors: Golomingi Murielle , Kohler Jessie , Jenny Lorenz , Hardy Elaissa T. , Dobó József , Gál Péter , Pál Gábor , Kiss Bence , Lam Wilbur A. , Schroeder Verena
Published: August 2022

Background

Complement lectin pathway components, in particular mannan-binding lectin (MBL) and MBL-associated serine proteases (MASPs) have been shown to interact with coagulation factors and contribute to clot formation. Here we investigated the role of MBL and MASP-1 in the haemostatic response following mechanical vessel injury in a human microfluidic bleeding model.

Methods

We studied haemostasis in a microvascular bleeding model in the presence of human endothelial cells and human whole blood under flow conditions. We monitored incorporation of proteins into the clot with fluorescently labelled antibodies and studied their effects on clot formation, platelet activation, and bleeding time with specific inhibitors. Platelet activation was also studied by flow cytometry.

Results

Upon vessel injury, MBL accumulated at the injury site in a well-defined wall-like structure. MBL showed partial colocalisation with fibrin, and strong colocalisation with von Willebrand factor and (activated) platelets. Flow cytometry ruled out direct binding of MBL to platelets, but confirmed a PAR4- and thrombin-dependent platelet-activating function of MASP-1. Inhibiting MBL during haemostasis reduced platelet activation, while inhibiting MASP-1 reduced platelet activation, fibrin deposition and prolonged bleeding time.

Conclusion

We show in a microvascular human bleeding model that MBL and MASP-1 have important roles in the haemostatic response triggered by mechanical vessel injury: MBL recognises the injury site, while MASP-1 increases fibrin formation, platelet activation and shortens bleeding time. While the complement lectin pathway may be harmful in the context of pathological thrombosis, it appears to be beneficial during the physiological coagulation response by supporting the crucial haemostatic system.
M2 Macrophages promote IL-33 expression, ILC2 expansion and mucous metaplasia in response to early life rhinovirus infections
Authors: Han Mingyuan , Breckenridge Haley A. , Kuo Shiuhyang , Singh Shilpi , Goldsmith Adam G. , Li Yiran , Kreger Jordan E. , Bentley J. Kelley , Hershenson Marc B.
Published: August 2022

Wheezing-associated rhinovirus (RV) infections are associated with asthma development. We have shown that infection of immature mice with RV induces type 2 cytokine production and mucous metaplasia which is dependent on IL-33 and type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) and intensified by a second heterologous RV infection. We hypothesize that M2a macrophages are required for the exaggerated inflammation and mucous metaplasia in response to heterologous RV infection. Wild-type C57Bl/6J mice and LysMCre IL4Rα KO mice lacking M2a macrophages were treated as follows: (1) sham infection on day 6 of life plus sham on day 13 of life, (2) RV-A1B on day 6 plus sham on day 13, (3) sham on day 6 and RV-A2 on day 13, or (4) RV-A1B on day 6 and RV-A2 on day 13. Lungs were harvested one or seven days after the second infection. Wild-type mice infected with RV-A1B at day 6 showed an increased number of Arg1- and Retnla-expressing lung macrophages, indicative of M2a polarization. Compared to wild-type mice infected with RV on day 6 and 13 of life, the lungs of LysMCre IL4Rα KO mice undergoing heterologous RV infection showed decreased protein abundance of the epithelial-derived innate cytokines IL-33, IL-25 and TSLP, decreased ILC2s, decreased mRNA expression of IL-13 and IL-5, and decreased PAS staining. Finally, mRNA analysis and immunofluorescence microscopy of double-infected LysMCre IL4Rα KO mice showed reduced airway epithelial cell IL-33 expression, and treatment with IL-33 restored the exaggerated muco-inflammatory phenotype.

Conclusion

Early-life RV infection alters the macrophage response to subsequent heterologous infection, permitting enhanced IL-33 expression, ILC2 expansion and intensified airway inflammation and mucous metaplasia.
Hyperthermia combined with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in the treatment of primary and metastatic tumors
Authors: Yang Ximing , Gao Miaozhi , Xu Runshi , Tao Yangyang , Luo Wang , Wang Binya , Zhong Wenliang , He Lan , He Yingchun
Published: August 2022

According to the difference in temperature, thermotherapy can be divided into thermal ablation and mild hyperthermia. The main advantage of thermal ablation is that it can efficiently target tumors in situ, while mild hyperthermia has a good inhibitory effect on distant metastasis. There are some similarities and differences between the two therapies with respect to inducing anti-tumor immune responses, but neither of them results in sustained systemic immunity. Malignant tumors (such as breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and brain cancer) are recurrent, highly metastatic, and highly invasive even after treatment, hence a single therapy rarely resolves the clinical issues. A more effective and comprehensive treatment strategy using a combination of hyperthermia and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapies has gained attention. This paper summarizes the relevant preclinical and clinical studies on hyperthermia combined with ICI therapies and compares the efficacy of two types of hyperthermia combined with ICIs, in order to provide a better treatment for the recurrence and metastasis of clinically malignant tumors.
Spectrum and trigger identification of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in adults: A single-center analysis of 555 cases
Authors: Miao Yi , Zhang Jing , Chen Qingqing , Xing Lingxiao , Qiu Tonglu , Zhu Huayuan , Wang Li , Fan Lei , Xu Wei , Li Jianyong
Published: August 2022

Limited data are available about the underlying causes of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in adults. We collected and analyzed the data of 555 cases of adult HLH. HLH in 242 patients were malignancies-related and lymphoid malignancies (42.0%, 233/555) were the most common causes. Aggressive natural killer-cell leukemia, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type were the most common specified pathological subtypes. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) (69.0%, 100/145) was the most common pathogen among the cases of infections-related HLH (26.1%, 145/555). Malignancies-related HLH showed male preponderance, more common splenomegaly, more severe anemia and thrombocytopenia, and significantly elevated soluble CD25. In patients with abnormal lymphoid cells in the bone marrow (BM) and increased EBV DNA copy number, 48.9% (45/92) of them were aggressive natural killer-cell leukemia. In patients with abnormal lymphoid cells in the BM and normal EBV DNA copy number, 66.2% (47/71) of them were B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In patients with elevated EBV DNA copy number but no abnormal lymphoid cells in the BM, 71.0% (98/138) of these cases were EBV infection. In conclusion, lymphoid malignancy is the most common underlying cause of adult HLH, followed by EBV infection. Based on the BM morphology and EBV load, we developed a diagnostic flow for rapid determination of the triggers for HLH.
Using the canine microbiome to bridge translation of cancer immunotherapy from pre-clinical murine models to human clinical trials
Authors: Kleber Kara T. , Iranpur Khurshid R. , Perry Lauren M. , Cruz Sylvia M. , Razmara Aryana M. , Culp William T. N. , Kent Michael S. , Eisen Jonathan A. , Rebhun Robert B. , Canter Robert J.
Published: August 2022

The microbiome has clearly been established as a cutting-edge field in tumor immunology and immunotherapy. Growing evidence supports the role of the microbiome in immune surveillance, self-tolerance, and response to immune checkpoint inhibitors such as anti PD-L1 and CTLA-4 blockade (1–6). Moreover, recent studies including those using fecal microbial transplantation (FMT) have demonstrated that response to checkpoint immunotherapies may be conferred or eliminated through gut microbiome modulation (7, 8). Consequently, studies evaluating microbiota-host immune and metabolic interactions remain an area of high impact research. While observations in murine models have highlighted the importance of the microbiome in response to therapy, we lack sufficient understanding of the exact mechanisms underlying these interactions. Furthermore, mouse and human gut microbiome composition may be too dissimilar for discovery of all relevant gut microbial biomarkers. Multiple cancers in dogs, including lymphoma, high grade gliomas, melanomas and osteosarcoma (OSA) closely resemble their human analogues, particularly in regard to metastasis, disease recurrence and response to treatment. Importantly, dogs with these spontaneous cancers also have intact immune systems, suggesting that microbiome analyses in these subjects may provide high yield information, especially in the setting of novel immunotherapy regimens which are currently expanding rapidly in canine comparative oncology (9, 10). Additionally, as onco-microbiotic therapies are developed to modify gut microbiomes for maximal responsiveness, large animal models with intact immune systems will be useful for trialing interventions and monitoring adverse events. Together, pre-clinical mechanistic studies and large animal trials can help fully unlock the potential of the microbiome as a diagnostic and therapeutic target in cancer.
Cerebrospinal fluid cytokine and chemokine patterns correlate with prognosis of HIV-uninfected cryptococcal meningitis: A prospective observational study
Authors: Jiang Ying-Kui , Wang Rui-Ying , Zhou Ling-Hong , Cheng Jia-Hui , Luo Yu , Zhu Rong-Sheng , Qiu Wen-Jia , Zhao Hua-Zhen , Wang Xuan , Harrison Thomas Stephen , Zhu Li-Ping
Published: August 2022

The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) immune responses in HIV-uninfected cryptococcal meningitis (CM) have not been well studied. In this study, we aimed to explore the phenotype of CSF immune response during the course of disease and to examine relationships between phenotypes and disease severity. We profiled the CSF immune response in 128 HIV-uninfected CM and 30 pulmonary cryptococcosis patients using a 27-plex Luminex cytokine kit. Principal component analyses (PCA) and logistic regression model were performed. Concentrations of 23 out of 27 cytokines and chemokines in baseline CSF were significantly elevated in CM patients compared with pulmonary cryptococcosis cases. In CM patients with Cryptococcus neoformans infection, IL-1ra, IL-9, and VEGF were significantly elevated in immunocompetent cases. Cytokine levels usually reached peaks within the first 2 weeks of antifungal treatment and gradually decreased over time. PCA demonstrated a co-correlated CSF cytokine and chemokine response consisting of Th1, Th2, and Th17 type cytokines. Prognostic analysis showed that higher scores for the PCs loading pro-inflammatory cytokines, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-12; and anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-4; and chemokines, Eotaxin, FGF-basis, and PDGF-bb; as well as lower scores for the PCs loading RANTES were associated with disease severity, as defined by a Glasgow Coma Scale of <15 or death. In conclusion, combined inflammatory responses in CSF involving both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines are upregulated in HIV-uninfected CM, and associated with disease severity.
Underestimation of biogenic silica sinking flux due to dissolution in sediment traps: A case study in the South China Sea
Authors: Liang Wen , Ran Lihua , Yang Zhi , Wiesner Martin G. , Liang Yuzhao , Sun Lin , Chen Jianfang
Published: August 2022

The dissolved silicate concentrations in the supernatant of sediment trap sampling bottles retrieved from deep water (1000-3000 m) at four stations in the South China Sea (SCS) were measured to calculate the underestimated flux of biogenic silica (bSi) in sinking particles due to bSi dissolution. High dissolved silicate concentrations in the supernatant, ranging from 122.6 to 1365.8 μmol/L, indicated significant dissolution of particulate bSi in the sampling bottles. Underestimation of the bSi flux in the SCS by ~2% to ~34% (average: ~10%) due to bSi dissolution was revealed, and the degree of underestimation increased with decreasing total bSi flux. The amount of bSi dissolved within the sampling series at each station was generally positively correlated with dissolution time and to a certain extent influenced by the bSi amount collected by the sampling bottles under a low bSi sinking flux. Apparently stronger bSi dissolution was found at two of the four stations due to relatively high bSi dissolution rates, which were possibly related to a higher reactive surface area of the bSi or bacterial activity. Overall, our results demonstrated that the considerable bSi dissolution in sediment trap sampling bottles should not be ignored, especially in the low-productivity oligotrophic ocean, and bSi flux calibration via measurement of the dissolved silicate in sampling bottles is necessary. To reduce bSi flux underestimation due to the deployment of time-series sediment traps, larger-volume sampling bottles should be avoided in the oligotrophic open ocean, and sinking particle samples should be analyzed as soon as the sediment traps are recovered.
Evaluation of sulfonated chitosan-g-sulfonated polyvinyl alcohol/polyethylene oxide/sulfated zirconia composite polyelectrolyte membranes for direct borohydride fuel cells: Solution casting against the electrospun membrane fabrication technique
Authors: Gouda Marwa H. , Elessawy Noha A. , Elnouby Mohamed , Ghorab Mohamed A. , Radwan Islam Othman , Hashim Ali , Youssef M. Elsayed , Santos Diogo M. F.
Published: August 2022

To improve the mechanical properties of proton exchange membranes, consequently improving the performance of direct borohydride fuel cells, the present study prepared sulfonated chitosan-g-sulfonated polyvinyl alcohol/polyethylene oxide doped with sulfated zirconia composite (SCS-g-SPVA/PEO/SZrO2) polyelectrolyte membranes. Two fabrication techniques were followed, solution casting and electrospinning, to have the membranes in film and fiber forms and study the effect of the different forms on the membrane’s physicochemical properties. For the casting technique, different concentrations of SZrO2 (1-3 wt%) were used, while the optimum concentration of SZrO2 (3 wt%) was used in the electrospun one (SCS-g-SPVA/PEO/SZrO2-CF). SCS-g-SPVA/PEO/SZrO2-C membranes were prepared in a single step. The grafting and the crosslinking were carried out using glutaraldehyde and sulfosuccinic acid as sulfonating agents for chitosan and PVA and coupling agents simultaneously using click chemistry. On the other hand, SCS-g-SPVA/PEO/SZrO2-CF membranes were prepared in two steps. They were fabricated with electrospinning and then dipped into the coupling and crosslinking solutions. The casting membranes’ physicochemical properties were improved by increasing the SZrO2 content. The experimental results further show that the fabrication procedure significantly influences the physicochemical properties of the membranes. For instance, the composite fiber membrane demonstrated higher selectivity and higher ion exchange capacity (IEC) than the casting membrane. Furthermore, by using the response surface methodology model, the effects of ion exchange capacity, water uptake, and oxidative stability were optimized as three independent variables that affected the ionic conductivity of SCS-g-SPVA/PEO/SZrO2-3C. The optimized ionic conductivity of the SCS-g-SPVA/PEO/SZrO2-3C membrane was 13.6 mS cm−1, achieved at the maximum point of the polynomial model, with an IEC of 0.74 meq g−1, ∼92% water uptake, and about 93% oxidative stability.
Evaluation of coupling coordination relationship between different habitat materials and vegetation system in the engineering disturbed area
Authors: Zhao Bingqin , Shen Yuanyang , Hu Xinkai , Wu Yuhang , Zhang Lun , Xia Dong , Xu Wennian , Gao Ruzhang
Published: August 2022

In order to explore the coupling coordination relationship between habitat materials and vegetation system in the engineering disturbed area, six different vegetation restoration patterns in Xiangjiaba engineering disturbed region were utilized as research objects. An evaluation system of 14 habitat materials indicators and 10 vegetation indicators was established. The weight of each indicator was determined by Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and the interrelationship between habitat material and vegetation system was investigated using the Partial Least Square Path model (PLS-PM). Finally, a model for the degree of coupling coordination between habitat materials and vegetation system under different vegetation restoration modes was constructed. The results showed that: 1) habitat materials and vegetation system are closely related, and the habitat materials have a stronger impact on ecosystem restoration. Artificial vegetation restoration technologies can effectively improve soil conditions in engineering disturbed areas, allowing for vegetation restoration in a healthy environment. 2) Under different vegetation restoration patterns, the habitat materials and vegetation coupling coordination index of natural forest plots, frame beam filling soil plots, thick layer base material spraying plots, guest external soil spray seeding plots, vegetation concrete plots, and abandon slag slope plots was 0.767, 0.673, 0.669, 0.625, 0.557, and 0.400, respectively. The development of habitat materials and vegetation in guest external soil spray seeding plots was of a synchronous type. The vegetation development lagged behind habitat materials in thick layer base material spraying plots, vegetation concrete plots, and abandon slag slope plots, while habitat materials lagged behind vegetation development in natural forest plots, frame beam filling soil plots. The model for the degree of coupling coordination between habitat materials and vegetation constructed in this study can serve as a scientific reference for evaluating the impact of ecological restoration engineering in other similar projects.
Ovulation induction techniques in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Vyrides Andreas A. , El Mahdi Essam , Giannakou Konstantinos
Published: August 2022

Anovulation is very common and has several different clinical manifestations, including amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea and abnormal uterine bleeding. Various mechanisms can cause anovulation. The clinical consequences and commonest chronic anovulatory disorder, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), has a prevalence that ranges between 6 to 10% of the global population. While multiple causes can eventually result in PCOS, various methods have been described in the literature for its management, often without ascertaining the underlying cause. Ovulation Induction (OI) is a group of techniques that is used in women with PCOS who are looking to conceive and are unbale to do so with natural means. This narrative review presents a summary of the current evidence and available techniques for OI in women with PCOS, highlighting their performance and applicability.
B.1.1.7 (Alpha) variant is the most antigenic compared to Wuhan strain, B.1.351, B.1.1.28/triple mutant and B.1.429 variants
Authors: Bhattacharya Manojit , Sharma Ashish Ranjan , Mallick Bidyut , Lee Sang-Soo , Seo Eun-Min , Chakraborty Chiranjib
Published: August 2022

The rapid spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its variants has created a catastrophic impact worldwide. Several variants have emerged, including B.1.351 (Beta), B.1.1.28/triple mutant (P.1), B.1.1.7 (Alpha), and B.1.429 (Epsilon). We performed comparative and comprehensive antigenicity mapping of the total S-glycoprotein using the Wuhan strain and the other variants and identified 9-mer, 15-mer, and 20-mer CTL epitopes through in silico analysis. The study found that 9-mer CTL epitope regions in the B.1.1.7 variant had the highest antigenicity and an average of the three epitope types. Cluster analysis of the 9-mer CTL epitopes depicted one significant cluster at the 70% level with two nodes (KGFNCYFPL and EGFNCYFPL). The phage-displayed peptides showed mimic 9-mer CTL epitopes with three clusters. CD spectra analysis showed the same band pattern of S-glycoprotein of Wuhan strain and all variants other than B.1.429. The developed 3D model of the superantigen (SAg)-like regions found an interaction pattern with the human TCR, indicating that the SAg-like component might interact with the TCR beta chain. The present study identified another partial SAg-like region (ANQFNSAIGKI) from the S-glycoprotein. Future research should examine the molecular mechanism of antigen processing for CD8+ T cells, especially all the variants’ antigens of S-glycoprotein.
Establishment of a polymerase chain reaction-based method for strain-level management of Enterococcus faecalis EF-2001 using species-specific sequences identified by whole genome sequences
Authors: Hamamoto Hiroshi , Ogasawara Akihiko Ano , Iwasa Masahiro , Sekimizu Kazuhisa
Published: August 2022

In the development and manufacture of fermented foods, it is crucial to control and manage the bacterial species used in the products. We previously reported a complete genome sequence analysis of the Enterococcus faecalis EF-2001 strain that was used for supplements. By comparing this sequence to the publicly available complete genome sequence of E. faecalis strains, we were able to identify specific sequences of the EF-2001 strain. We designed primer sets to amplify these specific regions and performed a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We confirmed that the DNA fragments were specifically amplified in the genome of the EF-2001 strain, but not those of other lactic acid bacteria (LABs) or strains of the same genus. Furthermore, these primers amplified DNA fragments even in genomic DNA extracted from heat-treated bacteria at 121°C and foods containing the EF-2001 strain. These results suggest that this method allows for simple and highly accurate identification of specific fermentation strains, such as LABs at the strain level, which will be useful for controlling the quality of fermented foods.
Microbiota and COVID-19: Long-term and complex influencing factors
Authors: Gang Jiaqi , Wang Haiyu , Xue Xiangsheng , Zhang Shu
Published: August 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). According to the World Health Organization statistics, more than 500 million individuals have been infected and more than 6 million deaths have resulted worldwide. Although COVID-19 mainly affects the respiratory system, considerable evidence shows that the digestive, cardiovascular, nervous, and reproductive systems can all be involved. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (AEC2), the target of SARS-CoV-2 invasion of the host is mainly distributed in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract. Studies found that microbiota contributes to the onset and progression of many diseases, including COVID-19. Here, we firstly conclude the characterization of respiratory, gut, and oral microbial dysbiosis, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Then we explore the potential mechanisms of microbial involvement in COVID-19. Microbial dysbiosis could influence COVID-19 by complex interactions with SARS-CoV-2 and host immunity. Moreover, microbiota may have an impact on COVID-19 through their metabolites or modulation of ACE2 expression. Subsequently, we generalize the potential of microbiota as diagnostic markers for COVID-19 patients and its possible association with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS) and relapse after recovery. Finally, we proposed directed microbiota-targeted treatments from the perspective of gut microecology such as probiotics and prebiotics, fecal transplantation and antibiotics, and other interventions such as traditional Chinese medicine, COVID-19 vaccines, and ACE2-based treatments.
Soil microbial communities shift along an urban gradient in Berlin, Germany
Authors: Whitehead James , Roy Julien , Hempel Stefan , Rillig Matthias C.
Published: August 2022

The microbial communities inhabiting urban soils determine the functioning of these soils, in regards to their ability to cycle nutrients and support plant communities. In an increasingly urbanized world these properties are of the utmost importance, and the microbial communities responsible are worthy of exploration. We used 53 grassland sites spread across Berlin to describe and explain the impacts of urbanity and other environmental parameters upon the diversity and community composition of four microbial groups. These groups were (i) the Fungi, with a separate dataset for (ii) the Glomeromycota, (iii) the Bacteria, and (iv) the protist phylum Cercozoa. We found that urbanity had distinct impacts on fungal richness, which tended to increase. Geographic distance between sites and soil chemistry, in addition to urbanity, drove microbial community composition, with site connectivity being important for Glomeromycotan communities, potentially due to plant host communities. Our findings suggest that many microbial species are well adapted to urban soils, as supported by an increase in diversity being a far more common result of urbanity than the reverse. However, we also found distinctly separate distributions of operational taxonomic unit (OTU)s from the same species, shedding doubt of the reliability of indicator species, and the use of taxonomy to draw conclusion on functionality. Our observational study employed an extensive set of sites across an urbanity gradient, in the region of the German capital, to produce a rich microbial dataset; as such it can serve as a blueprint for other such investigations.
Endophytic Klebsiella aerogenes HGG15 stimulates mulberry growth in hydro-fluctuation belt and the potential mechanisms as revealed by microbiome and metabolomics
Authors: Ou Ting , Gao Haiying , Jiang Kun , Yu Jing , Zhao Ruolin , Liu Xiaojiao , Zhou Zeyang , Xiang Zhonghuai , Xie Jie
Published: August 2022

Growth promotion and stress tolerance induced by endophytes have been observed in various plants, but their effects on mulberry regularly suffering flood in the hydro-fluctuation belt are less understood. In the present study, endophytic Klebsiella aerogenes HGG15 was screened out from 28 plant growth promotion (PGP) bacteria as having superior PGP traits in vitro and in planta as well as biosafety for silkworms. K. aerogenes HGG15 could actively colonize into roots of mulberry and subsequently transferred to stems and leaves. The 16S ribosomal RNA (V3–V4 variable regions) amplicon sequencing revealed that exogenous application of K. aerogenes HGG15 altered the bacterial community structures of mulberry roots and stems. Moreover, the genus of Klebsiella was particularly enriched in inoculated mulberry roots and was positively correlated with mulberry development and soil potassium content. Untargeted metabolic profiles uncovered 201 differentially abundant metabolites (DEMs) between inoculated and control mulberry, with lipids and organo-heterocyclic compounds being particularly abundant DEMs. In addition, a high abundance of abiotic stress response factors and promotion growth stimulators such as glycerolipid, sphingolipid, indole, pyridine, and coumarin were observed in inoculated mulberry. Collectively, the knowledge gained from this study sheds light on potential strategies to enhance mulberry growth in hydro-fluctuation belt, and microbiome and metabolite analyses provide new insights into the growth promotion mechanisms used by plant-associated bacteria.
The UBC9/SUMO pathway affects E-cadherin cleavage in HPV-positive head and neck cancer
Authors: Sabatini Maria Elisa , Compagnoni Micaela , Maffini Fausto , Miccolo Claudia , Pagni Fabio , Lombardi Mariano , Brambilla Virginia , Lepanto Daniela , Tagliabue Marta , Ansarin Mohssen , Citro Simona , Chiocca Susanna
Published: August 2022

Functional loss of E-cadherin is frequent during tumor progression and occurs through a variety of mechanisms, including proteolytic cleavage. E-cadherin downregulation leads to the conversion of a more malignant phenotype promoting Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). The UBC9/SUMO pathway has been also shown to be involved in the regulation of EMT in different cancers. Here we found an increased expression of UBC9 in the progression of Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) and uncovered a role for UBC9/SUMO in hampering the HPV-mediated E-cadherin cleavage in HNC.
Paving the way for precise diagnostics of antimicrobial resistant bacteria
Authors: Wang Hao , Jia Chenhao , Li Hongzhao , Yin Rui , Chen Jiang , Li Yan , Yue Min
Published: August 2022

The antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis from bacterial pathogens is frequently emerging and rapidly disseminated during the sustained antimicrobial exposure in human-dominated communities, posing a compelling threat as one of the biggest challenges in humans. The frequent incidences of some common but untreatable infections unfold the public health catastrophe that antimicrobial-resistant pathogens have outpaced the available countermeasures, now explicitly amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nowadays, biotechnology and machine learning advancements help create more fundamental knowledge of distinct spatiotemporal dynamics in AMR bacterial adaptation and evolutionary processes. Integrated with reliable diagnostic tools and powerful analytic approaches, a collaborative and systematic surveillance platform with high accuracy and predictability should be established and implemented, which is not just for an effective controlling strategy on AMR but also for protecting the longevity of valuable antimicrobials currently and in the future.
Late-onset seizures and epilepsy: Electroclinical features suggestive of autoimmune etiology
Authors: Morano Alessandra , Cerulli Irelli Emanuele , Salamone Enrico Michele , Orlando Biagio , Fanella Martina , Tinelli Emanuele , Ruffolo Gabriele , Zuliani Luigi , Fattouch Jinane , Manfredi Mario , Giallonardo Anna Teresa , Di Bonaventura Carlo
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Late-onset epilepsy (LOE) has recently become a topic of intense research. Besides stroke, tumors, and dementia, autoimmune encephalitis (AE) has emerged as another possible cause of recurrent seizures in the elderly, and may account for a proportion of cases of LOE of unknown origin (LOEUO). This 24-h ambulatory electroencephalography (AEEG)-based study compared patients with LOEUO and AE to identify features suggestive of immune-mediated seizures in the elderly.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively reviewed 232 AEEG examinations performed in patients over 55 years with ≥6-month follow-up, and selected 21 subjects with AE and 25 subjects with LOEUO. Clinical charts and AEEG recordings were carefully analyzed.

Results

Twenty-five patients with LOEUO (12 women, mean age at onset 67.9 years) and 21 AE subjects (8 women, mean age at onset 65.7 years) were enrolled. High-frequency seizures were reported in 20/21 AE and 7/25 LOEUO cases (p < 0.00001). Focal aware seizures were more common in AE (14/21 vs. 6/25, p = 0.00058), whereas “isolated” focal-to-bilateral tonic-clonic seizures occurred in 5/25 patients with LOEUO only (p = 0.053). AE subjects reported ictal autonomic manifestations more frequently (p = 0.0033). Three-hundred-seventy and 24 seizures were recorded in 13/21 patients with AE and 3/25 patients with LOEUO, respectively (p = 0.0006). Interictal epileptiform discharges were observed in 70% of both groups, but their sleep activation was more common in AE (p = 0.06).

Conclusion

Our study shows that high-frequency focal seizures with autonomic manifestations should raise the suspicion of AE in the elderly with new-onset seizures. It also highlights the relevant contribution of AEEG, which might reduce the diagnostic delay and provide useful clues to recognize AE.
Thresholds for vestibular and cutaneous perception and oculomotor response induced by galvanic vestibular stimulation
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Tin , Kang Jin-Ju , Oh Sun-Young
Published: August 2022

Objectives

In this study, the specific threshold intensities and response characteristics of galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) on vestibular (conscious) and cutaneous (detrimental) perception as well as oculomotor nystagmus (reflex) were determined.

Methods

The threshold intensities for vestibular and cutaneous perception and oculomotor response induced by GVS were determined in 25 right-handed healthy subjects (32.6 ± 7.2 years of age; 56% female). The subjects were seated upright, and eye movements were recorded while a direct GVS current was applied with paradigms of cathode on the right and anode on the left (CRAL) and also cathode on the left and anode on the right (CLAR).

Results

Subjects experienced dizziness, sense of spinning, or fall tendency, which was more frequently directed to the cathode (76%) than the anode (24%, p < 0.001, chi-square one-variable test) at mean current greater than 0.98 ± 0.29 mA (mean vestibular threshold). The current also triggered a more frequent mild tingling sensation at the cathode (56%) than the anode (30%) or on both sides (14%; p = 0.001, chi-square one-variable test) when above the mean cutaneous threshold of 0.9 ± 0.29 mA. Above the mean oculomotor threshold of 1.61 ± 0.35 mA, combined horizontal and torsional nystagmus was more frequent toward the cathode (86%) than toward the anode (p < 0.001, chi-square one-variable test). The mean oculomotor threshold was significantly higher than both the vestibular (p < 0.001, Mann–Whitney U-test) and cutaneous (p < 0.001, Mann–Whitney U-test) thresholds, which were comparable (p = 0.317, Mann–Whitney U-test). There was no significant disparity in these specific thresholds between the two GVS paradigms. The vestibular threshold was significantly higher in males than in females [1 (0.5–1.25) mA vs. 0.75 (0.625–1.125) mA, Z = −2.241, p = 0.025, Mann–Whitney U-test]. However, the thresholds of cutaneous perception and oculomotor response did not differ by sex.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that thresholds for vestibular and somatosensory perception are lower than the oculomotor threshold. Therefore, a strategy to reduce GVS current intensity to the level of vestibular or somatosensory perception threshold could elicit beneficial vestibular effects while avoiding undesirable effects such as oculomotor consequences.
Structure and function of retinal ganglion cells in subjects with a history of repeated traumatic brain injury
Authors: Klimo Kelly R. , Stern-Green Elizabeth A. , Shelton Erica , Day Elizabeth , Jordan Lisa , Robich Matthew , Racine Julie , McDaniel Catherine E. , VanNasdale Dean A. , Yuhas Phillip T.
Published: August 2022

This study tested whether repeated traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) alter the objective structure or the objective function of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in human subjects recruited from an optometry clinic. Case subjects (n= 25) with a history of repeated TBIs (4.12 ± 2.76 TBIs over 0–41 years) and healthy pair-matched control subjects (n= 30) were prospectively recruited. Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness was quantified with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, and scanning laser polarimetry measured RNFL phase retardation. Measurements of the photopic negative response were made using full-field flash electroretinography. There was no statistically significant difference (p= 0.42) in global RNFL thickness between the case cohort (96.6 ± 9.4 microns) and the control cohort (94.9 ± 7.0 microns). There was no statistically significant difference (p= 0.80) in global RNFL phase retardation between the case cohort (57.9 ± 5.7 nm) and the control cohort (58.2 ± 4.6 nm). There were no statistically significant differences in the peak time (p= 0.95) of the PhNR or in the amplitude (p= 0.11) of the PhNR between the case cohort (69.9 ± 6.9 ms and 24.1 ± 5.1 μV, respectively) and the control cohort (70.1 ± 8.9 ms and 27.8 ± 9.1 μV, respectively). However, PhNR amplitude was more variable (p< 0.025) in the control cohort than in the case cohort. Within the case cohort, there was a strong positive (r= 0.53), but not statistically significant (p= 0.02), association between time since last TBI and PhNR amplitude. There was also a modest positive (r= 0.45), but not statistically significant (p= 0.04), association between time since first TBI and PhNR amplitude. Our results suggest that there were no statistically significant differences in the objective structure or in the objective function of RGCs between the case cohort and the control cohort. Future large, longitudinal studies will be necessary to confirm our negative results and to more fully investigate the potential interaction between PhNR amplitude and time since first or last TBI.
Frontal alpha asymmetry interaction with an experimental story EEG brain-computer interface
Authors: Krogmeier Claudia , Coventry Brandon S. , Mousas Christos
Published: August 2022

Although interest in brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) from researchers and consumers continues to increase, many BCIs lack the complexity and imaginative properties thought to guide users toward successful brain activity modulation. We investigate the possibility of using a complex BCI by developing an experimental story environment with which users interact through cognitive thought strategies. In our system, the user's frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA) measured with electroencephalography (EEG) is linearly mapped to the color saturation of the main character in the story. We implemented a user-friendly experimental design using a comfortable EEG device and short neurofeedback (NF) training protocol. In our system, seven out of 19 participants successfully increased FAA during the course of the study, for a total of ten successful blocks out of 152. We detail our results concerning left and right prefrontal cortical activity contributions to FAA in both successful and unsuccessful story blocks. Additionally, we examine inter-subject correlations of EEG data, and self-reported questionnaire data to understand the user experience of BCI interaction. Results suggest the potential of imaginative story BCI environments for engaging users and allowing for FAA modulation. Our data suggests new research directions for BCIs investigating emotion and motivation through FAA.
The bacteria inside human cancer cells: Mainly as cancer promoters
Authors: Zhu Wei , Wang Jing-Zi , Liu Zhixian , Wei Ji-Fu
Published: August 2022

The roles of the microbiome in human beings have become clearer with the development of next-generation sequencing techniques. Several pieces of evidence showed strong correlations between the microbiome and human health and disease, such as metabolic disorders, infectious diseases, digestive system diseases, and cancers. Among these diverse microbiomes, the role of bacteria in human cancers, especially in cancer cells, has received extensive attention. Latest studies found that bacteria widely existed in cancers, mainly in cancer cells and immune cells. In this review, we summarize the latest advances in understanding the role of bacteria in human cancer cells. We also discuss how bacteria are transported into cancer cells and their physiological significance in cancer progression. Finally, we present the prospect of bacterial therapy in cancer treatment.
Image quality and whole-lesion histogram and texture analysis of diffusion-weighted imaging of breast MRI based on advanced ZOOMit and simultaneous multislice readout-segmented echo-planar imaging
Authors: Sun Kun , Zhu Hong , Xia Bingqing , Li Xinyue , Chai Weimin , Fu Caixia , Thomas Benkert , Liu Wei , Grimm Robert , Elisabeth Weiland , Yan Fuhua
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To investigate the image quality and diagnostic capability a of whole-lesion histogram and texture analysis of advanced ZOOMit (A-ZOOMit) and simultaneous multislice readout-segmented echo-planar imaging (SMS-RS-EPI) to differentiate benign from malignant breast lesions.

Study design

From February 2020 to October 2020, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) using SMS-RS-EPI and A-ZOOMit were performed on 167 patients. Three breast radiologists independently ranked the image datasets. The inter-/intracorrelation coefficients (ICCs) of mean image quality scores and lesion conspicuity scores were calculated between these three readers. Histogram and texture features were extracted from the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps, respectively, based on a WL analysis. Student’s t-tests, one-way ANOVAs, Mann–Whitney U tests, and receiver operating characteristic curves were used for statistical analysis.

Results

The overall image quality scores and lesion conspicuity scores for A-ZOOMit and SMS-RS-EPI showed statistically significant differences (4.92 ± 0.27 vs. 3.92 ± 0.42 and 4.93 ± 0.29 vs. 3.87 ± 0.47, p < 0.0001). The ICCs for the image quality and lesion conspicuity scores had good agreements among the three readers (all ICCs >0.75). To differentiate benign and malignant breast lesions, the entropy of ADCA-Zoomit had the highest area (0.78) under the ROC curve.

Conclusions

A-ZOOMit achieved higher image quality and lesion conspicuity than SMS-RS-EPI. Entropy based on A-ZOOMit is recommended for differentiating benign from malignant breast lesions.
Bone metastases in newly diagnosed patients with thyroid cancer: A large population-based cohort study
Authors: Zhang Ruiguo , Zhang Wenxin , Wu Cailan , Jia Qiang , Chai Jinyan , Meng Zhaowei , Zheng Wei , Tan Jian
Published: August 2022

Background

Population-based estimates of the incidence and prognosis of bone metastases (BM) stratified by histologic subtype at diagnosis of thyroid cancer are limited.

Methods

Using multivariable logistic and Cox regression analyses, we identified risk factors for BM and investigated the prognostic survival of BM patients between 2010 and 2015 via the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database.

Results

Among 64,083 eligible patients, a total of 347 patients with BM at the time of diagnosis were identified, representing 0.5% of the entire cohort but 32.4% of the subset with metastases. BM incidence was highest (11.6%) in anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC), which, nevertheless, was highest (61.5%) in follicular thyroid cancer (FTC) among the subset with metastases. The median overall survival among BM patients was 40.0 months, and 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 65.2%, 51.3%, and 38.7%, respectively. Compared with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), FTC (aOR, 6.33; 95% CI, 4.72–8.48), medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) (aOR, 6.04, 95% CI, 4.09–8.92), and ATC (aOR, 6.21; 95% CI, 4.20–9.18) significantly increased the risk of developing BM. However, only ATC (aHR, 6.07; 95% CI, 3.83–9.60) was independently associated with worse survival in multivariable analysis. Additionally, patients with BM alone (56.5%) displayed the longest median survival (66.0 months), compared with those complicated with one extraskeletal metastatic site (lung, brain, or liver) (35.2%; 14.0 months) and two or three sites (8.3%; 6.0 months). The former 5-year overall survival rate was 52.6%, which, however, drastically declined to 23.0% in patients with one extraskeletal metastatic site and 9.1% with two or three sites.

Conclusion

Closer bone surveillance should be required for patients with FTC, MTC, and ATC, and extraskeletal metastases at initial diagnosis frequently predict a poorer prognosis.
Matricellular protein tenascin C: Implications in glioma progression, gliomagenesis, and treatment
Authors: Fu Zaixiang , Zhu Ganggui , Luo Chao , Chen Zihang , Dou Zhangqi , Chen Yike , Zhong Chen , Su Sheng , Liu Fuyi
Published: August 2022

Matricellular proteins are nonstructural extracellular matrix components that are expressed at low levels in normal adult tissues and are upregulated during development or under pathological conditions. Tenascin C (TNC), a matricellular protein, is a hexameric and multimodular glycoprotein with different molecular forms that is produced by alternative splicing and post-translational modifications. Malignant gliomas are the most common and aggressive primary brain cancer of the central nervous system. Despite continued advances in multimodal therapy, the prognosis of gliomas remains poor. The main reasons for such poor outcomes are the heterogeneity and adaptability caused by the tumor microenvironment and glioma stem cells. It has been shown that TNC is present in the glioma microenvironment and glioma stem cell niches, and that it promotes malignant properties, such as neovascularization, proliferation, invasiveness, and immunomodulation. TNC is abundantly expressed in neural stem cell niches and plays a role in neurogenesis. Notably, there is increasing evidence showing that neural stem cells in the subventricular zone may be the cells of origin of gliomas. Here, we review the evidence regarding the role of TNC in glioma progression, propose a potential association between TNC and gliomagenesis, and summarize its clinical applications. Collectively, TNC is an appealing focus for advancing our understanding of gliomas.