bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reimagining Ocean Stewardship: Arts-Based Methods to ‘Hear’ and ‘See’ Indigenous and Local Knowledge in Ocean Management
Authors: Strand Mia , Rivers Nina , Snow Bernadette
Published: May 2022

Current ocean management approaches are often characterised by economic or environmental objectives, paying limited consideration to social and cultural dimensions, as well as Indigenous and local knowledge. These approaches tend to inhibit ocean stewardship, often marginalising coastal communities or limiting people’s access to spiritual, traditional and recreational uses of the ocean and coast. Piloting arts-based participatory research methods to co-create knowledge with co-researchers in Algoa Bay, South Africa finds that these methods can be useful in highlighting cultural connections to the ocean, and remembering and imagining, or reimagining, ways in which people relate to and care for the ocean and coast. For example, using photography andin situstorytelling often allows people to convey memories and histories of more accessible coastlines, or envisaging a future with more inclusive and participatory ocean management. The study finds that there is a strong sense of exclusion from and lack of access to coastal and ocean areas in Algoa Bay where Indigenous and local communities have depended on for spiritual, cultural and recreational purposes for several generations. Co-creation of knowledge regarding connections, values and priorities of the coast and ocean with Indigenous and local communities should therefore be planned for before the implementation of integrated ocean management approaches and intentionally designed as part of adaptive management processes. Emphasising these cultural connections, and better recognising them in ocean management has the potential to include i people’s awareness of the ocean which could translate into an increased sense of care and stewardship towards the ocean and coast as people feel more connected to their contextual seascapes. This could in turn contribute to a more sustainable sociocultural approach to ocean management which is necessary for equitable and sustainable future ocean social-ecological wellbeing.
Alterations in the Gut Microbiota of Tibetan Patients With Echinococcosis
Authors: Cao Deping , Pang Mingquan , Wu Defang , Chen Gen , Peng Xiaohong , Xu Kai , Fan Haining
Published: May 2022

There are two main types of echinococcosis, namely alveolar echinococcosis (AE) and cystic echinococcosis (CE). They are zoonotic parasitic diseases caused by the metacestodes of Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus granulosus. In order to explore the gut microbiome composition of patients with echinococcosis, we analyzed fecal samples of seven patients with AE, six patients with CE, and 13 healthy individuals from the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China. Using metagenomic next-generation sequencing, we identified fecal bacteria in the patients with AE and CE. The gut microbiota was analyzed by next-generation metagenomic sequencing (mNGS) to compare patients with either AE or CE against healthy individuals. We found there were some differences between them in abundant bacteria. Our results led to five findings: (1) Between patients with echinococcosis and healthy individuals, the differential bacteria were from four phyla: Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria. (2) Rothia mucilaginosa, Veillonella dispar, Veillonella atypica, Streptococcus parasanguinis, Streptococcus salivarius, and Alistipes finegoldii were abundant in the feces of patients with AE. (3) Bacteroides dorei, Parabacteroides distasonis, Escherichia sp_E4742, and Methanobrevibacter smithii were abundant in the feces of the patients with CE. (4) At the phylum and class level, compared to the AE group, the healthy group was characterized by higher numbers of Actinobacteria. (5) At the family level, Lachnospiraceae and Eubacteriaceae were more abundant in the feces of healthy individuals than in AE patients. The genera Coprococcus, Eubacterium, and Bilophia were more abundant in the healthy group, while the genus Rothia was more abundant in the AE group. The results of this study enrich our understanding of the gut microbiome composition of patients with AE and CE in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.
Induction of Systemic Resistance in Maize and Antibiofilm Activity of Surfactin From Bacillus velezensis MS20
Authors: Ali Shireen Adeeb Mujtaba , Sayyed R. Z. , Mir Mohammad I. , Khan M. Y. , Hameeda Bee , Alkhanani Mustfa F. , Haque Shafiul , Mohammad Al Tawaha Abdel Rahman , Poczai Péter
Published: May 2022

Surfactin lipopeptide is an eco-friendly microbially synthesized bioproduct that holds considerable potential in therapeutics (antibiofilm) as well as in agriculture (antifungal). In the present study, production of surfactin by a marine strainBacillus velezensisMS20 was carried out, followed by physico-chemical characterization, anti-biofilm activity, plant growth promotion, and quantitative Reverse Transcriptase—Polymerase Chain Reaction (q RT-PCR) studies. From the results, it was inferred that MS20 was found to produce biosurfactant (3,300 mg L–1) under optimized conditions. From the physicochemical characterization [Thin layer chromatography (TLC), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectroscopy (LC/MS), and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification] it was revealed to be surfactin. From bio-assay and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images, it was observed that surfactin (MIC 50 μg Ml–1) has appreciable bacterial aggregation against clinical pathogensPseudomonas aeruginosaMTCC424,Escherichia coliMTCC43,Klebsiella pneumoniaeMTCC9751, and Methicillin resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) and mycelial condensation property against a fungal phytopathogenRhizoctonia solani. In addition, the q-RTPCR studies revealed 8-fold upregulation (9.34 ± 0.11-fold) ofsrfA-A gene compared to controls. Further, treatment of maize crop (infected withR. solani) with surfactin and MS20 led to the production of defense enzymes. In conclusion, concentration and synergy of a carbon source with inorganic/mineral salts can ameliorate surfactin yield and, application wise, it has antibiofilm and antifungal activities. In addition, it induced systemic resistance in maize crop, which makes it a good candidate to be employed in sustainable agricultural practices.
Genetic Evidence Reveals the Indispensable Role of the rseC Gene for Autotrophy and the Importance of a Functional Electron Balance for Nitrate Reduction in Clostridium ljungdahlii
Authors: Klask Christian-Marco , Jäger Benedikt , Casini Isabella , Angenent Largus T. , Molitor Bastian
Published: May 2022

For Clostridium ljungdahlii, the RNF complex plays a key role for energy conversion from gaseous substrates such as hydrogen and carbon dioxide. In a previous study, a disruption of RNF-complex genes led to the loss of autotrophy, while heterotrophy was still possible via glycolysis. Furthermore, it was shown that the energy limitation during autotrophy could be lifted by nitrate supplementation, which resulted in an elevated cellular growth and ATP yield. Here, we used CRISPR-Cas12a to delete: (1) the RNF complex-encoding gene cluster rnfCDGEAB; (2) the putative RNF regulator gene rseC; and (3) a gene cluster that encodes for a putative nitrate reductase. The deletion of either rnfCDGEAB or rseC resulted in a complete loss of autotrophy, which could be restored by plasmid-based complementation of the deleted genes. We observed a transcriptional repression of the RNF-gene cluster in the rseC-deletion strain during autotrophy and investigated the distribution of the rseC gene among acetogenic bacteria. To examine nitrate reduction and its connection to the RNF complex, we compared autotrophic and heterotrophic growth of our three deletion strains with either ammonium or nitrate. The rnfCDGEAB- and rseC-deletion strains failed to reduce nitrate as a metabolic activity in non-growing cultures during autotrophy but not during heterotrophy. In contrast, the nitrate reductase deletion strain was able to grow in all tested conditions but lost the ability to reduce nitrate. Our findings highlight the important role of the rseC gene for autotrophy, and in addition, contribute to understand the connection of nitrate reduction to energy metabolism.
Proteomic Analysis Revealed Metabolic Inhibition and Elongation Factor Tu Deamidation by p-Coumaric Acid in Cronobacter sakazakii
Authors: Lu Ping , Ji Xuemeng , Xue Juan , Dong Yinping , Chen Xi
Published: May 2022

Screening drugs and compounds to fight against Cronobacter sakazakii (C. sakazakii), one of the most common pathogens that can cause fatal necrotizing enterocolitis, septicema and meningitis, is still needed. We found that p-coumaric acid (pCA) has an inhibitory effect on C. sakazakii in vitro and in vivo. Proteomic changes of C. sakazakii BAA-894 exposed to pCA were studied to reveal the antibacterial mechanisms involved. A total of 1,553 proteins were identified in C. sakazakii BAA-894 by label-free proteomics analysis. Fuzzy cluster analysis showed that 33 were up-regulated, and 110 were down-regulated with pCA treatment. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis concluded that pCA caused the change of metabolic state of bacteria and generally in the state of metabolic inhibition. KEGG Enrichment Analysis (KEGG) analysis showed that pCA inhibited energy metabolism and distorted the balance of amino acid metabolism. Posttranslational modification analysis showed that pCA affected the deamidation of three proteins, including Elongation factor Tu, one of the vital proteins in bacteria. Molecular docking suggested the hydrogen bond between the pCA carboxyl group and Elongation factor Tu Asn-64 might contribute to deamidation. Overall, we found that pCA interfered with cellular energy and amino acid metabolism and promoted elongation factor Tu deamidation, suggesting that pCA can be an effective natural substitute to control C. sakazakii.
Comparative Thermophysiology of Marine Synechococcus CRD1 Strains Isolated From Different Thermal Niches in Iron-Depleted Areas
Authors: Ferrieux Mathilde , Dufour Louison , Doré Hugo , Ratin Morgane , Guéneuguès Audrey , Chasselin Léo , Marie Dominique , Rigaut-Jalabert Fabienne , Le Gall Florence , Sciandra Théo , Monier Garance , Hoebeke Mark , Corre Erwan , Xia Xiaomin , Liu Hongbin , Scanlan David J. , Partensky Frédéric , Garczarek Laurence
Published: May 2022

Marine Synechococcus cyanobacteria are ubiquitous in the ocean, a feature likely related to their extensive genetic diversity. Amongst the major lineages, clades I and IV preferentially thrive in temperate and cold, nutrient-rich waters, whilst clades II and III prefer warm, nitrogen or phosphorus-depleted waters. The existence of such cold (I/IV) and warm (II/III) thermotypes is corroborated by physiological characterization of representative strains. A fifth clade, CRD1, was recently shown to dominate the Synechococcus community in iron-depleted areas of the world ocean and to encompass three distinct ecologically significant taxonomic units (ESTUs CRD1A-C) occupying different thermal niches, suggesting that distinct thermotypes could also occur within this clade. Here, using comparative thermophysiology of strains representative of these three CRD1 ESTUs we show that the CRD1A strain MITS9220 is a warm thermotype, the CRD1B strain BIOS-U3-1 a cold temperate thermotype, and the CRD1C strain BIOS-E4-1 a warm temperate stenotherm. Curiously, the CRD1B thermotype lacks traits and/or genomic features typical of cold thermotypes. In contrast, we found specific physiological traits of the CRD1 strains compared to their clade I, II, III, and IV counterparts, including a lower growth rate and photosystem II maximal quantum yield at most temperatures and a higher turnover rate of the D1 protein. Together, our data suggests that the CRD1 clade prioritizes adaptation to low-iron conditions over temperature adaptation, even though the occurrence of several CRD1 thermotypes likely explains why the CRD1 clade as a whole occupies most iron-limited waters.
Assessments of Probiotic Potentials of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Strains Isolated From Chinese Traditional Fermented Food: Phenotypic and Genomic Analysis
Authors: Sun Yuwei , Zhang Shiyao , Li Hong , Zhu Jiang , Liu Zhijia , Hu Xiaosong , Yi Junjie
Published: May 2022

The lack of rapid and effective approaches to determine the health benefits of strains is one of the main challenges affecting the selection of probiotics from large numbers of candidates. In this study, the probiotic potential of 44 Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains isolated from different Chinese traditional fermented foods was evaluated, including acid and bile salt resistance, adhesion ability, survival in simulated human gastrointestinal transit, antioxidant activity, bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity, and antibacterial activity. All tested L. plantarum strains showed high antioxidant capacity, BSH activity, and antibacterial activity. Among the strains, B652, C232, D444, and E932 were identified as the best comprehensive performed strains, which were selected for whole-genome sequencing, in order to provide clear information and identify key genes responsible for functional characteristics in vitro. It demonstrated that the antioxidant activity, adhesion activity, and ability to survive in the simulated gastric environment were found to be closely correlated with antioxidant enzyme encoding genes, cell-surface protein-encoding genes, and stress response genes, respectively. The numbers of functional genes present in strains might decide their performance in probiotic profile evaluation. The outcome of the study could support the development of a novel approach for the screening and identification of probiotics.
Gut Lignocellulose Activity and Microbiota in Asian Longhorned Beetle and Their Predicted Contribution to Larval Nutrition
Authors: Wang Lixiang , Li Chunchun , Wang Xuan , Wang Gaijin , Shang Suqin , Dou Zhipeng , Luo Youqing
Published: May 2022

Anoplophora glabripennis (Asian longhorned beetle) is a wood-boring pest that can inhabit a wide range of healthy deciduous host trees in native and invaded areas. The gut microbiota plays important roles in the acquisition of nutrients for the growth and development of A. glabripennis larvae. Herein, we investigated the larval gut structure and studied the lignocellulose activity and microbial communities of the larval gut following feeding on different host trees. The larval gut was divided into foregut, midgut, and hindgut, of which the midgut is the longest, forming a single loop under itself. Microbial community composition and lignocellulose activity in larval gut extracts were correlated with host tree species. A. glabripennis larvae fed on the preferred host (Populus gansuensis) had higher lignocellulose activity and microbial diversity than larvae reared on either a secondary host (Salix babylonica) or a resistant host (Populus alba var. pyramidalis). Wolbachia was the most dominant bacteria in the gut of larvae fed on S. babylonica and P. alba var. pyramidalis, while Enterococcus and Gibbsiella were the most dominant in larvae fed on P. gansuensis, followed by Wolbachia. The lignocellulose-degrading fungus Fusarium solani was dominant in the larval gut fed on different host trees. Functional predictions of microbial communities in the larval gut fed on different resistant host trees suggested that they all play a role in degrading lignocellulose, detoxification, and fixing nitrogen, which likely contribute to the ability of these larvae to thrive in a broad range of host tree species.
Nicotinamide Riboside Improves Cardiac Function and Prolongs Survival After Disruption of the Cardiomyocyte Clock
Authors: Dierickx Pieterjan , Carpenter Bryce J. , Celwyn Isaac , Kelly Daniel P. , Baur Joseph A. , Lazar Mitchell A.
Published: May 2022

The REV-ERB nuclear receptors are key components of the circadian clock. Loss of REV-ERBs in the mouse heart causes dilated cardiomyopathy and premature lethality. This is associated with a marked reduction in NAD+ production, but whether this plays a role in the pathophysiology of this heart failure model is not known. Here, we show that supplementation with the NAD+ precursor NR as a dietary supplement improves heart function and extends the lifespan of female mice lacking cardiac REV-ERBs. Thus, boosting NAD+ levels can improve cardiac function in a setting of heart failure caused by disruption of circadian clock factors, providing new insights into the links between the circadian clock, energy metabolism, and cardiac function.
Regulation of Mitophagy by Sirtuin Family Proteins: A Vital Role in Aging and Age-Related Diseases
Authors: Wan Wei , Hua Fuzhou , Fang Pu , Li Chang , Deng Fumou , Chen Shoulin , Ying Jun , Wang Xifeng
Published: May 2022

Sirtuins are protein factors that can delay aging and alleviate age-related diseases through multiple molecular pathways, mainly by promoting DNA damage repair, delaying telomere shortening, and mediating the longevity effect of caloric restriction. In the last decade, sirtuins have also been suggested to exert mitochondrial quality control by mediating mitophagy, which targets damaged mitochondria and delivers them to lysosomes for degradation. This is especially significant for age-related diseases because dysfunctional mitochondria accumulate in aging organisms. Accordingly, it has been suggested that sirtuins and mitophagy have many common and interactive aspects in the aging process. This article reviews the mechanisms and pathways of sirtuin family-mediated mitophagy and further discusses its role in aging and age-related diseases.
Development and Validation of a Clinical-Based Signature to Predict the 90-Day Functional Outcome for Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Huang Xiaoyu , Wang Dan , Zhang Qiaoying , Ma Yaqiong , Li Shenglin , Zhao Hui , Deng Juan , Yang Jingjing , Ren JiaLiang , Xu Min , Xi Huaze , Li Fukai , Zhang Hongyu , Xie Yijing , Yuan Long , Hai Yucheng , Yue Mengying , Zhou Qing , Zhou Junlin
Published: May 2022

We aimed to develop and validate an objective and easy-to-use model for identifying patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) who have a poor 90-day prognosis. This three-center retrospective study included a large cohort of 1,122 patients with ICH who presented within 6 h of symptom onset [training cohort, n = 835; internal validation cohort, n = 201; external validation cohort (center 2 and 3), n = 86]. We collected the patients’ baseline clinical, radiological, and laboratory data as well as the 90-day functional outcomes. Independent risk factors for prognosis were identified through univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis. A nomogram was developed to visualize the model results while a calibration curve was used to verify whether the predictive performance was satisfactorily consistent with the ideal curve. Finally, we used decision curves to assess the clinical utility of the model. At 90 days, 714 (63.6%) patients had a poor prognosis. Factors associated with prognosis included age, midline shift, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), hypodensities, ICH volume, perihematomal edema (PHE) volume, temperature, systolic blood pressure, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil, and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (p < 0.05). Moreover, age, ICH volume, and GCS were identified as independent risk factors for prognosis. For identifying patients with poor prognosis, the model showed an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.874, 0.822, and 0.868 in the training cohort, internal validation, and external validation cohorts, respectively. The calibration curve revealed that the nomogram showed satisfactory calibration in the training and validation cohorts. Decision curve analysis showed the clinical utility of the nomogram. Taken together, the nomogram developed in this study could facilitate the individualized outcome prediction in patients with ICH.
Phasic and Tonic Locus Coeruleus Stimulation Associated Valence Learning Engages Distinct Adrenoceptors in the Rat Basolateral Amygdala
Authors: Omoluabi Tamunotonye , Power Kyron D. , Sepahvand Tayebeh , Yuan Qi
Published: May 2022

Reward exploitation and aversion are mediated in part by the locus coeruleus (LC), a brainstem structure significantly involved in learning and memory via the release of norepinephrine. Different LC firing patterns are associated with different functions. Previously, we have shown that high tonic and phasic LC activation signal negative and positive valence, respectively, via basolateral amygdala (BLA) circuitry. Tonic LC activation is associated preferentially with BLA-central amygdala (CeA) activation, while phasic LC stimulation preferentially recruits the BLA-nucleus accumbens (NAc) pathway. Here, we ask if phasic and tonic LC activation-associated valence learning requires different adrenoceptors in the BLA, in comparison with the odor valence learning induced by natural reward and aversive conditioning. Using optogenetic activation of the LC and local drug infusions in the BLA, we show that phasic LC activation-induced positive odor valence learning is dependent on both α1 and β-adrenoceptors, whereas tonic LC activation induced-negative odor valence learning depends on β-adrenoceptors only. In parallel, both α1 and β-adrenoceptors were required in the odor valence learning induced by reward while aversive conditioning was dependent on β-adrenoceptors. Phasic stimulation and reward conditioning likewise activated more NAc-projectors of the BLA, in comparison to tonic and aversive conditioning. There was a higher proportion of α1+ cells in the NAc-projectors compared to CeA-projectors in the BLA. Together, these results provide insight into the mechanisms underlying the effects of tonic and phasic activation of the LC, and more generally, negative and positive valence signaling.
Hemodynamic Characteristic Analysis of Aneurysm Wall Enhancement in Unruptured Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysm
Authors: Zhong Weiying , Du Yiming , Kuang Hong , Liu Ming , Xue Feng , Bai Xue , Wang Donghai , Su Wandong , Wang Yunyan
Published: May 2022

Background and Purpose

Aneurysm wall enhancement (AWE) on vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging has been suggested as a marker of the unstable status of intracranial aneurysm (IA) and may predict IA rupture risk. However, the role of abnormal hemodynamics in unruptured IAs with AWE remains poorly understood. This study aimed to determine the association between abnormal hemodynamics and AWE in unruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms.

Methods

A total of 28 patients with 32 bifurcation aneurysms of the middle cerebral artery>3mm in size were retrospectively selected for this study. Vessel wall magnetic resonance images were reviewed, and the AWE pattern of each aneurysm was classified as no AWE, partial AWE, and circumferential AWE. Computational fluid dynamics were used to calculate the hemodynamic variables of each aneurysm. Univariate and multivariate analyses investigated the association between AWE and hemodynamic variables.

Results

AWE was present in 13 aneurysms (40.6%), with 7 (21.9%) showing partial AWE and 6 (18.7%) showing circumferential AWE. Kruskal–Wallis H analysis revealed that hemodynamic variables including wall shear stress (WSS), oscillatory shear index, aneurysm pressure (AP), relative residence time, and low shear area (LSA) were significantly associated with AWE (p < 0.05). Further ordinal logistic regression analysis found that WSS was the only factor with a significant association with AWE (p = 0.048); similar trends were identified for LSA (p = 0.055) and AP (p = 0.058). Spearman's correlation analysis showed that AWE was negatively correlated with WSS (rs = −0.622, p < 0.001) and AP (rs = −0.535, p = 0.002) but positively correlated with LSA (rs = 0.774, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Low wall shear stress, low aneurysm pressure, and increased low shear area were associated with aneurysm wall enhancement on vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging in unruptured cerebral aneurysms. These abnormal hemodynamic parameters may induce inflammation and cause aneurysm wall enhancement. However, the association between these parameters and their underlying pathological mechanisms requires further investigation.
Lifespan Volume Trajectories From Non–harmonized T1–Weighted MRI Do Not Differ After Site Correction Based on Traveling Human Phantoms
Authors: Treit Sarah , Stolz Emily , Rickard Julia N. , McCreary Cheryl R. , Bagshawe Mercedes , Frayne Richard , Lebel Catherine , Emery Derek , Beaulieu Christian
Published: May 2022

Multi–site imaging consortiums strive to increase participant numbers by pooling data across sites, but scanner related differences can bias results. This study combines data from three research MRI centers, including three different scanner models from two vendors, to examine non–harmonized T1–weighted brain imaging protocols in two cohorts. First, 23 human traveling phantoms were scanned twice each at all three sites (six scans per person; 138 scans total) to quantify within–participant variability of brain volumes (total brain, white matter, gray matter, lateral ventricles, thalamus, caudate, putamen and globus pallidus), and to calculate site–specific correction factors for each structure. Sample size calculations were used to determine the number of traveling phantoms needed to achieve effect sizes for observed differences to help guide future studies. Next, cross–sectional lifespan volume trajectories were examined in 856 healthy participants (5—91 years of age) scanned at these sites. Cross–sectional trajectories of volume versus age for each structure were then compared before and after application of traveling phantom based site–specific correction factors, as well as correction using the open–source method ComBat. Although small systematic differences between sites were observed in the traveling phantom analysis, correction for site using either method had little impact on the lifespan trajectories. Only white matter had small but significant differences in the intercept parameter after ComBat correction (but not traveling phantom based correction), while no other fits differed. This suggests that age–related changes over the lifespan outweigh systematic differences between scanners for volumetric analysis. This work will help guide pooling of multisite datasets as well as meta–analyses of data from non–harmonized protocols.
Factors Influencing Social Participation Among Persons With Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Jia Mengmeng , Fan Ping , Ning Lin , Ruan Hengfang , Wang Tong , Qiu Wei , Li Huijuan , Li Kun
Published: May 2022

Background

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders seriously hinder social participation. Only clarifying the status of social participation and the factors most strongly influencing it can promote better-targeted support for those with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders.

Objectives

To explore the factors influencing social participation among persons with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders.

Methods

138 persons with neuromyelitis optica were recruited by convenience sampling. They completed the Impact on Participation and Autonomy Questionnaire, and were rated using the Barthel index, the Beck Anxiety Inventory and the Beck Depression Inventory. The data were used to evaluate a generalized linear model predicting social participation.

Results

The respondents mostly perceived good or very good possibilities of social participation, but participation outdoors and in social relations were considered more restricted. Ability in the activities of daily living, education level, bladder and bowel dysfunction, and depression were four significant predictors of social participation.

Conclusions

Strengthening training in the activities of daily living, continuing education, giving positive psychological support and helping with bladder and bowel problems may help to promote social participation among those with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders.
Clinical Intervention Using Focused Ultrasound (FUS) Stimulation of the Brain in Diverse Neurological Disorders
Authors: Baek Hongchae , Lockwood Daniel , Mason Emily Jo , Obusez Emmanuel , Poturalski Matthew , Rammo Richard , Nagel Sean J. , Jones Stephen E.
Published: May 2022

Various surgical techniques and pharmaceutical treatments have been developed to improve the current technologies of treating brain diseases. Focused ultrasound (FUS) is a new brain stimulation modality that can exert a therapeutic effect on diseased brain cells, with this effect ranging from permanent ablation of the pathological neural circuit to transient excitatory/inhibitory modulation of the neural activity depending on the acoustic energy of choice. With the development of intraoperative imaging technology, FUS has become a clinically available noninvasive neurosurgical option with visual feedback. Over the past 10 years, FUS has shown enormous potential. It can deliver acoustic energy through the physical barrier of the brain and eliminate abnormal brain cells to treat patients with Parkinson's disease and essential tremor. In addition, FUS can help introduce potentially beneficial therapeutics at the exact brain region where they need to be, bypassing the brain's function barrier, which can be applied for a wide range of central nervous system disorders. In this review, we introduce the current FDA-approved clinical applications of FUS, ranging from thermal ablation to blood barrier opening, as well as the emerging applications of FUS in the context of pain control, epilepsy, and neuromodulation. We also discuss the expansion of future applications and challenges. Broadening FUS technologies requires a deep understanding of the effect of ultrasound when targeting various brain structures in diverse disease conditions in the context of skull interface, anatomical structure inside the brain, and pathology.
Differences in Neuropathic Pain and Radiological Features Between AQP4-ON, MOG-ON, and IDON
Authors: Kang Hao , Qiu Huaiyu , Hu Xiaofeng , Wei Shihui , Tao Yong
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate pain and radiological features of different types of first-episode demyelinating optic neuritis (ON).

Methods

Eighty-three patients presenting with first-episode aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody-associated ON (AQP4-ON; n = 28), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody-associated ON (MOG-ON; n = 26) and idiopathic demyelinating optic neuritis (IDON, n = 29) were included in this retrospective case-control study. We assessed optic nerve lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), acute pain associated with onset of optic neuritis and clinical characteristics of those ON patients with different serum autoantibody status.

Results

24 AQP4-ON patients (85.75%), 23 MOG-ON patients (88.5%) and 24 IDON patients (82.8%) suffered from ON-associated pain. MOG-ON had mostly retro-orbital pain; AQP4-ON and IDON had mostly neuropathic pain. In addition, pain was more severe in AQP4ON patients than in other ON patients. In MRI, bilateral involvement was more common in AQP4-ON than IDON (26.9 and 3.7%); radiological optic nerve head swelling was more common in MOG-ON than in AQP4-ON and IDON (68.0 vs. 23.1 vs. 25.9%). MRI lesion in peri-optic nerve sheath was more common in AQP4-ON (53.8 vs. 16.0 vs. 3.7%). In 70 patients with ON-associated pain, gadolinium enhancement of orbital optic nerve was most common in MOG-ON patients (82.4 vs. 55.0 vs. 33.3%, P = 0.018), and enhancement of optic chiasma was most common in AQP4-ON patients (40.0 vs. 5.9 vs. 6.7%, P = 0.015). Perineural and orbital enhancement was observed only in patients with MOG-ON (P < 0.001). The length of enhancement was longer in AQP4-ON patients than in MOG-ON and IDON patients.

Conclusion

Pain is a common symptom in patients with all types of demyelinating ON. AQP4-ON is frequently associated with severe ON-associated pain and longitudinally extensive optic nerve inflammatory lesions. Intra-orbital and peri-optic inflammation were more frequently observed in patients with MOG-ON, which was closely related to optic disc swelling and retro-orbital pain provoked by eye movements.
Correlation Between Tic Disorders and Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels in Chinese Children
Authors: Wang Simei , Xu Quanmei , Wang Anqi , Yuan Fang , Luo Xiaona , Wang Yilin , Guo Miao , Zhang Yuanfeng , Zhang Wenjing , Ji Xiaobing , Ren Yun , Chen Yucai
Published: May 2022

Objective

To explore the correlation between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and tic disorders (TDs) in Chinese children.

Methods

We selected 2960 children with TD and 2665 healthy controls, aged 5–14 years, from the Department of Neurology of the Shanghai Children’s Hospital. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and degrees of vitamin D deficiency were compared between patients with TD and healthy children.

Results

The mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level in the TD group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.001). The proportion of patients with 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency in the TD group was significantly higher than that in the control group. However, there was no correlation between 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency and the severity of TD. In addition, for age-wise comparison, mean levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and its deficiency in the TD group were the most significant in children over 9 years of age.

Conclusion

There is a correlation between 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency and TD in Chinese children, but not between 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency and the severity of TD. There was a correlation between age and deficiency of 25-hydroxyvitamin D; this deficiency was most pronounced among those over the age of 9 years.
Vincristine Promotes Transdifferentiation of Fibroblasts Into Myofibroblasts via P38 and ERK Signal Pathways
Authors: Xu Hui , Yang Jingwen , Tu Mengyun , Weng Jie , Xie Mengying , Zhou Zhiliang , Zhou Peisen , Wang Liang , Chen Chan , Wang Zhiyi
Published: May 2022

Background: Vincristine (VCR) is used in the clinic as an anti-tumor drug. VCR can cause pulmonary fibrosis (PF), leading to respiratory failure. The transformation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts may play a key role in PF. The present study attempted to reveal the molecular mechanism of VCR-induced PF and the possible involvement of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway.

Methods: Human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HELFs) were treated with different concentrations of VCR. Inhibitors of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38 MAPK were added to HELFs. Cell proliferation state was assessed using cell counting kit-8 and by directly counting the number of cells. The expressions of vimentin and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were investigated using western blot and immunofluorescence analyses. Activation of ERK and P38 was estimated by the expression of phosphorylated p38 MAPK (p-p38), p38 MAPK, phosphorylated ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2) and ERK1/2 using western blot analysis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to estimate the level of collagen I in cell culture supernatants.

Results: Results showed that VCR promoted cellular proliferation, secretion of collagen I and the expression of vimentin and α-SMA. High expression of p-p38 and p-ERK1/2 was associated with the activation of the MAPK signaling pathway. MAPK inhibitors SB203580 and PD98059 suppressed the expression of the above proteins.

Conclusion: Our study revealed that VCR could promote the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts by regulating the MAPK signal pathway, which may be a promising way to treat VCR-induced PF.
Point-to-Point Navigation of a Fish-Like Swimmer in a Vortical Flow With Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Zhu Yi , Pang Jian-Hua , Tian Fang-Bao
Published: May 2022

Efficient navigation in complex flows is of crucial importance for robotic applications. This work presents a numerical study of the point-to-point navigation of a fish-like swimmer in a time-varying vortical flow with a hybrid method of deep reinforcement learning (DRL) and immersed boundary–lattice Boltzmann method (IB-LBM). The vortical flow is generated by placing four stationary cylinders in a uniform flow. The swimmer is trained to discover effective navigation strategies that could help itself to reach a given destination point in the flow field, utilizing only the time-sequential information of position, orientation, velocity and angular velocity. After training, the fish can reach its destination from random positions and orientations, demonstrating the effectiveness and robustness of the method. A detailed analysis shows that the fish utilizes highly subtle tail flapping to control its swimming orientation and take advantage of the reduced streamwise flow area to reach it destination, and in the same time avoiding entering the high flow velocity area.
Mechanical Stretch Triggers Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Keratinocytes Through Piezo1 Channel
Authors: He Jiahao , Shan Shengzhou , Li Qingfeng , Fang Bin , Xie Yun
Published: May 2022

The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process has emerged as a central regulator of embryonic development, tissue repair and tumor malignancy. In recent years, researchers have specifically focused on how mechanical signals drive the EMT program in epithelial cells. However, how epithelial cells specifically leverage mechanical force to control the EMT process remains unclear. Here, we show that the bona fide mechanically activated cation channel Piezo1 plays a critical role in the EMT. The Piezo1 is expressed in human primary epidermal keratinocytes (HEKs) and is responsible for the mechanical stretch-induced Ca2+ concentration. Inhibition of Piezo1 activation by the inhibitor GsMTx4 or by siRNA-mediated Piezo1 knockdown influenced the morphology and migration of HEKs. Moreover, Piezo1 activity also altered EMT-correlated markers expression in response to mechanical stretch. We propose that the mechanically activated cation channel Piezo1 is an important determinant of mechanical force-induced EMT in keratinocytes and might play similar roles in other epithelial cells.
Machine Learning-Based Evaluation on Craniodentofacial Morphological Harmony of Patients After Orthodontic Treatment
Authors: Wang Xin , Zhao Xiaoke , Song Guangying , Niu Jianwei , Xu Tianmin
Published: May 2022

Objectives: Machine learning is increasingly being used in the medical field. Based on machine learning models, the present study aims to improve the prediction performance of craniodentofacial morphological harmony judgment after orthodontic treatment and to determine the most significant factors.

Methods: A dataset of 180 subjects was randomly selected from a large sample of 3,706 finished orthodontic cases from six top orthodontic treatment centers around China. Thirteen algorithms were used to predict the value of the cephalometric morphological harmony score of each subject and to search for the optimal model. Based on the feature importance ranking and by removing features, the regression models of machine learning (including the Adaboost, ExtraTree, XGBoost, and linear regression models) were used to predict and compare the score of harmony for each subject from the dataset with cross validations. By analyzing the prediction values, the most optimal model and the most significant cephalometric characteristics were determined.

Results: When nine features were included, the performance of the XGBoost regression model was MAE = 0.267, RMSE = 0.341, and Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.683, which indicated that the XGBoost regression model exhibited the best fitting and predicting performance for craniodentofacial morphological harmony judgment. Nine cephalometric features including L1/NB (inclination of the lower central incisors), ANB (sagittal position between the maxilla and mandible), LL-EP (distance from the point of the prominence of the lower lip to the aesthetic plane), SN/OP (inclination of the occlusal plane), SNB (sagittal position of the mandible in relation to the cranial base), U1/SN (inclination of the upper incisors to the cranial base), L1-NB (protrusion of the lower central incisors), Ns-Prn-Pos (nasal protrusion), and U1/L1 (relationship between the protrusions of the upper and lower central incisors) were revealed to significantly influence the judgment.

Conclusion: The application of the XGBoost regression model enhanced the predictive ability regarding the craniodentofacial morphological harmony evaluation by experts after orthodontic treatment. Teeth position, teeth alignment, jaw position, and soft tissue morphology would be the most significant factors influencing the judgment. The methodology also provided guidance for the application of machine learning models to resolve medical problems characterized by limited sample size.
The Underlying Cardiovascular Mechanisms of Resuscitation and Injury of REBOA and Partial REBOA
Authors: Stonko David P. , Edwards Joseph , Abdou Hossam , Elansary Noha N. , Lang Eric , Savidge Samuel G. , Hicks Caitlin W. , Morrison Jonathan J.
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) is used for aortic control in hemorrhagic shock despite little quantification of its mechanism of resuscitation or cardiac injury. The goal of this study was to use pressure-volume (PV) loop analysis and direct coronary blood flow measurements to describe the physiologic changes associated with the clinical use of REBOA.

Methods: Swine underwent surgical and vascular access to measure left ventricular PV loops and left coronary flow in hemorrhagic shock and subsequent placement of occlusive REBOA, partial REBOA, and no REBOA. PV loop characteristics and coronary flow are compared graphically with PV loops and coronary waveforms, and quantitatively with measures of the end systolic and end pressure volume relationship, and coronary flow parameters, with accounting for multiple comparisons.

Results: Hemorrhagic shock was induced in five male swine (mean 53.6 ± 3.6 kg) as demonstrated by reduction of stroke work (baseline: 3.1 vs. shock: 1.2 L*mmHg, p < 0.01) and end systolic pressure (ESP; 109.8 vs. 59.6 mmHg, p < 0.01). ESP increased with full REBOA (178.4 mmHg; p < 0.01), but only moderately with partial REBOA (103.0 mmHg, p < 0.01 compared to shock). End systolic elastance was augmented from baseline to shock (1.01 vs. 0.39 ml/mmHg, p < 0.01) as well as shock compared to REBOA (4.50 ml/mmHg, p < 0.01) and partial REBOA (3.22 ml/mmHg, p = 0.01). Percent time in antegrade coronary flow decreased in shock (94%–71.8%, p < 0.01) but was rescued with REBOA. Peak flow increased with REBOA (271 vs. shock: 93 ml/min, p < 0.01) as did total flow (peak: 2136, baseline: 424 ml/min, p < 0.01). REBOA did not augment the end diastolic pressure volume relationship.

Conclusion: REBOA increases afterload to facilitate resuscitation, but the penalty is supraphysiologic coronary flows and imposed increase in LV contractility to maintain cardiac output. Partial REBOA balances the increased afterload with improved aortic system compliance to prevent injury.
Acute Cannabigerol Administration Lowers Blood Pressure in Mice
Authors: Vernail Victoria L. , Bingaman Sarah S. , Silberman Yuval , Raup-Konsavage Wesley M. , Vrana Kent E. , Arnold Amy C.
Published: May 2022

Cannabigerol is a cannabinoid compound synthesized by Cannabis sativa, which in its acid form acts as the substrate for both Δ9-tetraydrocannabinol and cannabidiol formation. Given its lack of psychoactive effects, emerging research has focused on cannabigerol as a potential therapeutic for health conditions including algesia, epilepsy, anxiety, and cancer. While cannabigerol can bind to classical cannabinoid receptors, it is also an agonist at α2-adrenoreceptors (α2AR) which, when activated, inhibit presynaptic norepinephrine release. This raises the possibility that cannabigerol could activate α2AR to reduce norepinephrine release to cardiovascular end organs to lower blood pressure. Despite this possibility, there are no reports examining cannabigerol cardiovascular effects. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that acute cannabigerol administration lowers blood pressure. Blood pressure was assessed via radiotelemetry at baseline and following intraperitoneal injection of cannabigerol (3.3 and 10 mg/kg) or vehicle administered in a randomized crossover design in male C57BL/6J mice. Acute cannabigerol significantly lowered mean blood pressure (−28 ± 2 mmHg with 10 mg/kg versus −12 ± 5 mmHg vehicle, respectively; p = 0.018), with no apparent dose responsiveness (−22 ± 2 mmHg with 3.3 mg/kg). The depressor effect of cannabigerol was lower in magnitude than the α2AR agonist guanfacine and was prevented by pretreatment with the α2AR antagonist atipamezole. These findings suggest that acute cannabigerol lowers blood pressure in phenotypically normal mice likely via an α2AR mechanism, which may be an important consideration for therapeutic cannabigerol administration.
Juvenile Hormone Is an Important Factor in Regulating Aspongopus chinensis Dallas Diapause
Authors: Zhou Wen-Zhen , Wu You-Fang , Yin Zhi-Yong , Guo Jian-Jun , Li Hai-Yin
Published: May 2022

Aspongopuschinensis is a Chinese traditional edible and medicinal insect, which is in great demand in the society. This insect reproduces once a year which is caused by reproductive diapause resulting in insufficient production in wild resources. However, the mechanism of diapause in A. chinensis is still unclear. In this study, we focus on the relationship between juvenile hormones (JHs) and A. chinensis diapause. The results showed that JHIII concentration in diapause adult individuals was significantly lower than that in diapause termination adult individuals. When exogenous JHⅢ was injected into diapause adults, the rate of mating was increased significantly, development of the reproductive systems was accelerated, consumption of fat intensified, the expression of juvenile hormone acid o-methyl-transferase (JHAMT) was upregulated, and juvenile hormone epoxide hydrolase (JHEH) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) gene expressions were downregulated. In addition, RNAi of JHAMT decreased JH concentration, delayed the development of reproductive systems, slowed down fat consumption, and delayed the mean mating occurrence time significantly. Conversely, RNAi of JHEH resulted in an increased concentration of JH, development of reproductive systems was accelerated, consumption of fat was intensified, and mean mating occurrence time advanced significantly. Taken together, these findings uncovered that JH plays an important role in regulating reproductive diapause in A. chinensis and, thus, could provide a theoretical basis for further research on the diapause of A. chinensis.