bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Humoral and cellular immunogenicity of homologous and heterologous booster vaccination in Ad26.COV2.S-primed individuals: Comparison by breakthrough infection
Authors: Hyun Hakjun , Jang A-Yeung , Park Heedo , Heo Jung Yeon , Seo Yu Bin , Nham Eliel , Yoon Jin Gu , Seong Hye , Noh Ji Yun , Cheong Hee Jin , Kim Woo Joo , Yoon Soo-Young , Seok Jong Hyeon , Kim Jineui , Park Man-Seong , Song Joon Young
Published: March 2023

Background

Whether or not a single-dose Ad26.COV2.S prime and boost vaccination induces sufficient immunity is unclear. Concerns about the increased risk of breakthrough infections in the Ad26.COV2.S-primed population have also been raised.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted. Participants included healthy adults who were Ad26.COV2.S primed and scheduled to receive a booster vaccination with BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, or Ad26.COV2.S. The IgG anti-receptor binding domain (RBD) antibody titers, neutralizing antibody (NAb) titers (against wild type [WT] and Omicron [BA.1 and BA.5]), and Spike-specific interferon-γ responses of the participants were estimated at baseline, 3–4 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after booster vaccination.

Results

A total of 89 participants were recruited (26 boosted with BNT162b2, 57 with mRNA-1273, and 7 with Ad26.COV2.S). The IgG anti-RBD antibody titers of all participants were significantly higher at 6 months post-vaccination than at baseline. The NAb titers against WT at 3 months post-vaccination were 359, 258, and 166 in the participants from the BNT162b2-, mRNA-1273-, and Ad26.COV2.S-boosted groups, respectively. Compared with those against WT, the NAb titers against BA.1/BA.5 were lower by 23.9/10.9-, 16.6/7.4-, and 13.8/7.2-fold in the participants from the BNT162b2-, mRNA-1273-, and Ad26.COV2.S-boosted groups, respectively, at 3 months post-vaccination. Notably, the NAb titers against BA.1 were not boosted after Ad26.COV2.S vaccination. Breakthrough infections occurred in 53.8%, 62.5%, and 42.9% of the participants from the BNT162b2-, mRNA-1273-, and Ad26.COV2.S-boosted groups, respectively. No significant difference in humoral and cellular immunity was found between individuals with and without SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infections.

Conclusion

Booster vaccination elicited acceptable humoral and cellular immune responses in Ad26.COV2.S-primed individuals. However, the neutralizing activities against Omicron subvariants were negligible, and breakthrough infection rates were remarkably high at 3 months post-booster vaccination, irrespective of the vaccine type. A booster dose of a vaccine containing the Omicron variant antigen would be required.
Evaluating historic and modern optical techniques for monitoring phytoplankton biomass in the Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Brewin Robert J. W. , Pitarch Jaime , Dall’Olmo Giorgio , van der Woerd Hendrik J. , Lin Junfang , Sun Xuerong , Tilstone Gavin H.
Published: March 2023

Traditional measurements of the Secchi depth (zSD) and Forel-Ule colour were collected alongside modern radiometric measurements of ocean clarity and colour, and in-situ measurements of chlorophyll-a concentration (Chl-a), on four Atlantic Meridional Transect (AMT) cruises. These data were used to evaluate historic and modern optical techniques for monitoring Chl-a, and to evaluate remote-sensing algorithms. Historic and modern optical measurements were broadly consistent with current understanding, with Secchi depth inversely related to Forel-Ule colour and to beam and diffuse attenuation, positively related to the ratio of blue to green remote-sensing reflectance and euphotic depth. The relationship between Secchi depth and Forel-Ule on AMT was found to be in closer agreement to historical relationships when using data of the Forel-Ule colour of infinite depth, rather than the Forel-Ule colour of the water above the Secchi disk at half zSD. Over the range of 0.03-2.95 mg m-3, Chl-a was tightly correlated with these optical variables, with the ratio of blue to green remote-sensing reflectance explaining the highest amount of variance in Chl-a (89%), closely followed by the Secchi depth (85%) and Forel-Ule colour (71-81%, depending on the scale used). Existing algorithms that predict Chl-a from these variables were evaluated, and found to perform well, albeit with some systematic differences. Remote sensing algorithms of Secchi depth were in good agreement with in-situ data over the range of values collected (8.5 - 51.8 m, r2>0.77, unbiased root mean square differences around 4.5 m), but with a slight positive bias (2.0 - 5.4 m). Remote sensing algorithms of Forel-Ule agreed well with Forel-Ule colour data of infinite water (r2>0.68, mean differences <1). We investigated the impact of environmental conditions and found wind speed to impact the estimation of zSD, and propose a path forward to include the effect of wind in current Secchi depth theory. We discuss the benefits and challenges of collecting measurements of the Secchi depth and Forel-Ule colour and propose future directions for research. Our dataset is made publicly available to support the research community working on the topic.
Marine invertebrates and noise
Authors: Solé Marta , Kaifu Kenzo , Mooney T. Aran , Nedelec Sophie L. , Olivier Frédéric , Radford Andrew N. , Vazzana Mirella , Wale Matthew A. , Semmens Jayson M. , Simpson Stephen D. , Buscaino Giuseppa , Hawkins Anthony , Aguilar de Soto Natacha , Akamatsu Tomoari , Chauvaud Laurent , Day Ryan D. , Fitzgibbon Quinn , McCauley Robert D. , André Michel
Published: March 2023

Within the set of risk factors that compromise the conservation of marine biodiversity, one of the least understood concerns is the noise produced by human operations at sea and from land. Many aspects of how noise and other forms of energy may impact the natural balance of the oceans are still unstudied. Substantial attention has been devoted in the last decades to determine the sensitivity to noise of marine mammals—especially cetaceans and pinnipeds—and fish because they are known to possess hearing organs. Recent studies have revealed that a wide diversity of invertebrates are also sensitive to sounds, especially via sensory organs whose original function is to allow maintaining equilibrium in the water column and to sense gravity. Marine invertebrates not only represent the largest proportion of marine biomass and are indicators of ocean health but many species also have important socio-economic values. This review presents the current scientific knowledge on invertebrate bioacoustics (sound production, reception, sensitivity), as well as on how marine invertebrates are affected by anthropogenic noises. It also critically revisits the literature to identify gaps that will frame future research investigating the tolerance to noise of marine ecosystems.
New insights on crinoid (Echinodermata; Crinoidea) bioluminescence
Authors: Mallefet Jérôme , Martinez-Soares Pablo , Eléaume Marc , O’Hara Timothy , Duchatelet Laurent
Published: March 2023

Bioluminescence in echinoderms has been known since the early 19th century. Of the four luminous classes known, Crinoidea is the least studied, with only five bioluminescent species reported. The research conducted during the RV Southern Surveyor 2005 “Mapping benthic ecosystems” and the RV Investigator 2017 “Sampling the Abyss” cruises aimed to systematically sample deep benthic habitats along Australia’s eastern and southwestern margins. These cruises allowed us to acquire the first in vivo pictures of light-emitting Crinoidea and luminometric measurements on fresh tissue samples. Four new records of bioluminescence in deep-sea Comatulida from three distinct clades, double the number of known Crinoidea species with bioluminescent capacity. In vivo photography and histology suggest that, in some species, light emission might originate from the sacculi. Pharmacological assays reveal that Thalassometridae light emission is under adrenergic control. Biochemical data indicate the presence of a coelenterazine-based luciferin-luciferase system in Thalassometra cf. gracilis similar to the one described in the ophiuroid Amphiura filiformis. Phylogenetic distribution of bioluminescence among Crinoidea and differences in this trait phenotype could be indicative of multiple acquisitions of luminescent capability in Crinoidea, possibly promoted by the ecological role that bioluminescence might fulfill in the vastness of the deep benthic habitat.
Detailed visualization of settlement and early development in Leptastrea purpurea reveals distinct bio-optical features
Authors: Fiegel Laura J. , Kellermann Matthias Y. , Nietzer Samuel , Petersen Lars-Erik , Smykala Mike , Bickmeyer Ulf , Schupp Peter J.
Published: March 2023

Sexually produced juvenile scleractinian corals play a key role in the adaptation process of coral reefs, as they are considered to possess an innate plasticity and thus can adjust to changing environmental parameters within a certain range. In this study we investigated in detail the early life stages of the brooding species Leptastrea purpurea to identify, categorize and visualize the critical steps of the complex transformation process from a swimming coral larva to a sessile coral recruit and later to a coral colony. For that, we performed settlement experiments using previously known cues: cycloprodigiosin (CYPRO) and crustose coralline algae (CCA) as well as novel cues: crude extracts of Pseudoalteromonas espejiana and P. piscicida to identify a general, cue-independent settlement pathway. We monitored the development of L. purpurea over 12 months using bright field and fluorescence microscopy. Also we identified the fluorescence signals of L. purpurea with confocal microscopy at four crucial development steps: (A) swimming larva, (B) metamorphosing larva, (C) coral recruit and (D) adult coral. Our methodological approach allowed us to observe an ontogenetic shift of fluorescence signals which provokes the hypothesis that certain fluorescence patterns might be connected to distinct sequential functions in the early life cycle of scleractinian corals. Our observations showed great similarities to the early development of other brooding and spawning corals, making L. purpurea a prospective candidate to be used as a model organism for coral research. Furthermore, our in-depth picture series provides a robust monitoring reference for coral nurseries or field applications and demonstrates the potential of fluorescence as an indicator to instantly determine the growth stage of a developing coral recruit.
Still finding ways to augment the existing management of acute and chronic kidney diseases with targeted gene and cell therapies: Opportunities and hurdles
Authors: Corridon Peter R.
Published: March 2023

The rising global incidence of acute and chronic kidney diseases has increased the demand for renal replacement therapy. This issue, compounded with the limited availability of viable kidneys for transplantation, has propelled the search for alternative strategies to address the growing health and economic burdens associated with these conditions. In the search for such alternatives, significant efforts have been devised to augment the current and primarily supportive management of renal injury with novel regenerative strategies. For example, gene- and cell-based approaches that utilize recombinant peptides/proteins, gene, cell, organoid, and RNAi technologies have shown promising outcomes primarily in experimental models. Supporting research has also been conducted to improve our understanding of the critical aspects that facilitate the development of efficient gene- and cell-based techniques that the complex structure of the kidney has traditionally limited. This manuscript is intended to communicate efforts that have driven the development of such therapies by identifying the vectors and delivery routes needed to drive exogenous transgene incorporation that may support the treatment of acute and chronic kidney diseases.
Reaching unreachables: Obstacles and successes of microbial cultivation and their reasons
Authors: Kapinusova Gabriela , Lopez Marin Marco A. , Uhlik Ondrej
Published: March 2023

In terms of the number and diversity of living units, the prokaryotic empire is the most represented form of life on Earth, and yet it is still to a significant degree shrouded in darkness. This microbial “dark matter” hides a great deal of potential in terms of phylogenetically or metabolically diverse microorganisms, and thus it is important to acquire them in pure culture. However, do we know what microorganisms really need for their growth, and what the obstacles are to the cultivation of previously unidentified taxa? Here we review common and sometimes unexpected requirements of environmental microorganisms, especially soil-harbored bacteria, needed for their replication and cultivation. These requirements include resuscitation stimuli, physical and chemical factors aiding cultivation, growth factors, and co-cultivation in a laboratory and natural microbial neighborhood.
Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation protein 1 exaggerates multiple organ injury, inflammation, and immune cell imbalance by activating the NF-κB pathway in sepsis
Authors: Wang Yane , Liu Zhimin , Zhang Mengli , Yu Bo , Ai Fen
Published: March 2023

Objective

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation protein 1 (MALT1) modulates the inflammatory immune response and organ dysfunction, which are closely implicated in sepsis pathogenesis and progression. This study aimed to explore the role of MALT1 in sepsis-induced organ injury, immune cell dysregulation, and inflammatory storms.

Methods

Septic mice were constructed by intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide, followed by overexpression or knockdown of MALT1 by tail vein injection of the corresponding lentivirus. Mouse naïve CD4+ T cells and bone marrow-derived macrophages were treated with MALT1 overexpression/knockdown lentivirus plus lipopolysaccharide.

Results

In the lungs, livers, and kidneys of septic mice, MALT1 overexpression exaggerated their injuries, as shown by hematoxylin and eosin staining (all p < 0.05), elevated cell apoptosis, as reflected by the TUNEL assay and cleaved caspase-3 expression (p < 0.05 in the lungs and kidneys), and promoted macrophage infiltration, as illustrated by CD68 immunofluorescence (p < 0.05 in the lungs and kidneys). Meanwhile, in the blood, MALT1 overexpression reduced T-helper (Th)1/Th2 cells, increased Th17/regulatory T-cell ratios (both p < 0.05), promoted systematic inflammation, as revealed by tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, and C-reactive protein (all p < 0.05), elevated oxidative stress, as shown by nitric oxide (p < 0.05), superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde (p < 0.05), and enhanced liver and kidney dysfunction, as revealed by an automatic animal biochemistry analyzer (all p < 0.05 except for aspartate aminotransferase). However, MALT1 knockdown exerted the opposite effect as MALT1 overexpression. Ex vivo experiments revealed that MALT1 overexpression promoted the polarization of M1 macrophages and naïve CD4+ T cells toward Th2 and Th17 cells (all p < 0.05), while MALT1 knockdown attenuated these effects (all p < 0.05). Mechanistically, MALT1 positively regulated the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway both in vivo and ex vivo (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation protein 1 amplifies multiple organ injury, inflammation, oxidative stress, and imbalance of macrophages and CD4+ T cells by activating the NF-κB pathway in sepsis.
Whole-body vibration as a passive alternative to exercise after myocardial damage in middle-aged female rats: Effects on the heart, the brain, and behavior
Authors: Tóth Kata , Oroszi Tamás , Nyakas Csaba , van der Zee Eddy A. , Schoemaker Regien G.
Published: March 2023

Background

Females with cardiovascular disease seem more vulnerable to develop concomitant mental problems, such as depression and cognitive decline. Although exercise is shown beneficial in cardiovascular disease as well as in mental functions, these patients may be incapable or unmotivated to perform exercise. Whole body vibration (WBV) could provide a passive alternative to exercise. Aim of the present study was to compare WBV to exercise after isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial damage in female rats, regarding effects on heart, brain and behavior.

Methods

One week after ISO (70 mg/kg s.c., on 2 consecutive days) or saline injections, 12 months old female rats were assigned to WBV (10 minutes daily), treadmill running (30 minutes daily) or pseudo intervention for 5 weeks. During the last 10 days, behavioral tests were performed regarding depressive-like behavior, cognitive function, and motor performance. Rats were sacrificed, brains and hearts were dissected for (immuno)histochemistry.

Results

Significant ISO-induced cardiac collagen deposition (0.67 ± 0.10 vs 0.18 ± 0.03%) was absent after running (0.45 ± 0.26 vs 0.46 ± 0.08%), but not after WBV (0.83 ± 0.12 vs 0.41 ± 0.05%). However, WBV as well as running significantly reduced hippocampal (CA3) collagen content in ISO-treated rats. Significant regional differences in hippocampal microglia activity and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression were observed. Significant ISO-induced CA1 microglia activation was reduced after WBV as well as running, while opposite effects were observed in the CA3; significant reduction after ISO that was restored by WBV and running. Both WBV and running reversed the ISO-induced increased BDNF expression in the CA1, Dentate gyrus and Hilus, but not in the CA3 area. Whereas running had no significant effect on behavior in the ISO-treated rats, WBV may be associated with short-term spatial memory in the novel location recognition test.

Conclusion

Although the female rats did not show the anticipated depressive-like behavior or cognitive decline after ISO, our data indicated regional effects on neuroinflammation and BDNF expression in the hippocampus, that were merely normalized by both WBV and exercise. Therefore, apart from the potential concern about the lack of cardiac collagen reduction, WBV may provide a relevant alternative for physical exercise.
Effectiveness and safety of ginkgo biloba preparations in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Dawei , Ma Jinlong , Wei Baojian , Gao Shuang , Lang Yanmei , Wan Xueying
Published: March 2023

Objective

To conduct a meta-analysis of the effectiveness and safety of ginkgo biloba preparations combined with donepezil hydrochloride vs. donepezil for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

Three English databases (Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE), and four Chinese databases [the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CKNI), the Chinese Biomedical Literature database (CBM), the Chongqing VIP database, and WANFANG DATA)] were manually searched for literature published from the respective dates of inception of the databases to December 2022. The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of ginkgo biloba preparations with donepezil hydrochloride vs. donepezil for the treatment of AD were included. Relevant literature was screened, and the data in the included studies were extracted for quality assessment according to the Risk of bias tool. The RevMan 5.3 software was used for meta-analysis.

Results

A total of 1,642 participants were enrolled in the 18 RCTs. Of these, 842 were in the experimental group (ginkgo biloba preparations combined with donepezil hydrochloride) and 800 were in the control group (donepezil). The overall methodological quality of the included RCTs is poor due to the high risks of blindness and allocation concealment. The meta-analysis results showed statistically significant differences in several outcomes including Risk Ratio (RR) in change for clinical effectiveness rate (1.23, 95% CI 1.13, 1.34, P < 0.00001), mean difference (MD) in change for Mini-Mental State Examination score (3.02, 95% CI 2.14, 3.89, P < 0.00001), Activity of Daily Living Scale score (−4.56, 95% CI −5.09, −4.03, P < 0.00001), Hasegawa Dementia Scale score (2.04, 95% CI 1.74, 2.34, P < 0.00001), Montreal Cognitive Assessment score (2.38, 95% CI 0.72, 4.06, P = 0.005), between the experimental and control groups. But there is no statistically significant difference in change for adverse reaction (0.91, 95% CI 0.58, 1.42, P = 0.69).

Conclusion

Ginkgo biloba preparations plus donepezil can improve clinical effectiveness rate and vocabulary memory outcomes. However, more relevant high-quality RCTs are needed in the future to validate these results.

Systematic review registration

Identifier CRD42022378970.
Hippocampal non-theta state: The “Janus face” of information processing
Authors: Mysin Ivan , Shubina Liubov
Published: March 2023

The vast majority of studies on hippocampal rhythms have been conducted on animals or humans in situations where their attention was focused on external stimuli or solving cognitive tasks. These studies formed the basis for the idea that rhythmical activity coordinates the work of neurons during information processing. However, at rest, when attention is not directed to external stimuli, brain rhythms do not disappear, although the parameters of oscillatory activity change. What is the functional load of rhythmical activity at rest? Hippocampal oscillatory activity during rest is called the non-theta state, as opposed to the theta state, a characteristic activity during active behavior. We dedicate our review to discussing the present state of the art in the research of the non-theta state. The key provisions of the review are as follows: (1) the non-theta state has its own characteristics of oscillatory and neuronal activity; (2) hippocampal non-theta state is possibly caused and maintained by change of rhythmicity of medial septal input under the influence of raphe nuclei; (3) there is no consensus in the literature about cognitive functions of the non-theta-non-ripple state; and (4) the antagonistic relationship between theta and delta rhythms observed in rodents is not always observed in humans. Most attention is paid to the non-theta-non-ripple state, since this aspect of hippocampal activity has not been investigated properly and discussed in reviews.
Risk factors for and outcomes of poststroke pneumonia in patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with mechanical thrombectomy
Authors: Zhang Ping , Chen Lei , Jiang Yi , Yuan Hui , Zhu Xuan , Zhang Minmin , Wu Tao , Deng Benqiang , Yang Pengfei , Zhang Yongwei , Liu Jianmin
Published: March 2023

Objective

The purpose of the study was to assess the risk factors for poststroke pneumonia (PSP) and its association with the outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large artery occlusion treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT).

Methods

Consecutive patients with AIS who underwent MT from January 2019 to December 2019 in the stroke center of Changhai Hospital were identified retrospectively. All of the patients were evaluated for the occurrence of PSP while in the hospital, and their modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores were assessed 90 days after having a stroke. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the independent predictors of PSP, and the associations between PSP and clinical outcomes were analyzed.

Results

A total of 248 patients were enrolled, of whom 33.47% (83) developed PSP. Logistic regression analysis revealed that body mass index (BMI) [unadjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.200, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.038–1.387; p = 0.014], systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) (OR 1.001, 95% CI 1.000–1.002; p = 0.003), dysphagia (OR 9.498, 95% CI 3.217–28.041; p < 0.001), and intubation after MT (OR 4.262, 95% CI 1.166–15.581; p = 0.028) were independent risk factors for PSP. PSP was a strong predictor of clinical outcomes: it was associated with functional independence (mRS score ≤ 2) (OR 0.104, 95% CI 0.041–0.260; p < 0.001) and mortality at 90 days (OR 3.010, 95% CI 1.068–8.489; p = 0.037).

Conclusion

More than one in three patients with AIS treated with MT developed PSP. Dysphagia, intubation, higher BMI, and SII were associated with PSP in these patients. Patients with AIS who develop PSP are more likely to experience negative outcomes. The prevention and identification of PSP are necessary to reduce mortality and improve clinical outcomes.
Causes, factors, and complications associated with hospital admissions among patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Shaibdat Navena Sharma , Ahmad Norfazilah , Azmin Shahrul , Ibrahim Norlinah Mohamed
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) are at a higher risk of hospital admissions compared to the general population. We studied the causes and factors associated with admissions among patients with PD over 6 years.

Methods

We included all PD admissions between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2021. Other causes of parkinsonism were excluded. Causes of admissions were divided into PD-related (direct or indirect) or non-PD-related. The type of admission was categorized into emergency or elective.

Results

We identified 605 hospital admissions (259 patients with PD); 345 (57.0%) were PD-related and 260 (43%) were non-PD-related. Emergency PD admissions contributed to 50.4% of all admissions, most commonly from respiratory infection (23%). PD admissions in comparison to non-PD admissions were associated with worse disease severity (HY ≥ 3; p < 0.001), longer disease duration [8.71 (SD 6.23) vs. 6.60 (SD 5.39) years; p < 0.001], and longer hospital stay [7.70 (SD 5.89) vs. 6.42 (SD 7.63) days; p = 0.020]. Non-PD admissions were associated with more comorbidities (97.3%; p = 0.013). There were 124 (20.5%) complications and 31 deaths (5.1%). A total of 29 deaths were due to respiratory infection and 3 deaths were due to COVID-19 pneumonia. Emergency admission (PD- and non-PD-related; p = 0.001) and respiratory-related causes (p < 0.001) were predictors of unfavorable hospital admission outcomes (death and complications).

Conclusion

Respiratory infection was the leading cause of hospital admission and a significant independent predictor of unfavorable hospital admission outcomes (death and complications). PD-related admissions were associated with disease severity and led to more complications and longer hospital stays. Non-PD-related admissions were associated with comorbidities.
Aesthetic chills cause an emotional drift in valence and arousal
Authors: Jain Abhinandan , Schoeller Felix , Horowitz Adam , Hu Xiaoxiao , Yan Grace , Salomon Roy , Maes Pattie
Published: March 2023

Aesthetic chills are an embodied peak emotional experience induced by stimuli such as music, films, and speeches and characterized by dopaminergic release. The emotional consequences of chills in terms of valence and arousal are still debated and the existing empirical data is conflicting. In this study, we tested the effects of ChillsDB, an open-source repository of chills-inducing stimuli, on the emotional ratings of 600+ participants. We found that participants experiencing chills reported significantly more positive valence and greater arousal during the experience, compared to participants who did not experience chills. This suggests that the embodied experience of chills may influence one’s perception and affective evaluation of the context, in favor of theoretical models emphasizing the role of interoceptive signals such as chills in the process of perception and decision-making. We also found an interesting pattern in the valence ratings of participants, which tended to harmonize toward a similar mean after the experiment, though initially disparately distributed. We discuss the significance of these results for the diagnosis and treatment of dopaminergic disorders such as Parkinson’s, schizophrenia, and depression.
Alpha peak activity in resting-state EEG is associated with depressive score
Authors: Zhou Peng , Wu Qian , Zhan Liying , Guo Zhihan , Wang Chaolun , Wang Shanze , Yang Qing , Lin Jiating , Zhang Fangyuan , Liu Lu , Lin Dehui , Fu Wenbin , Wu Xiang
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Depression is a serious psychiatric disorder characterized by prolonged sadness, loss of interest or pleasure. The dominant alpha peak activity in resting-state EEG is suggested to be an intrinsic neural marker for diagnosis of mental disorders.

Methods

To investigate an association between alpha peak activity and depression severity, the present study recorded resting-state EEG (EGI 128 channels, off-line average reference, source reconstruction by a distributed inverse method with the sLORETA normalization, parcellation of 68 Desikan–Killiany regions) from 155 patients with depression (42 males, mean age 35 years) and acquired patients’ scores of Self-Rating Depression Scales. We measured both the alpha peak amplitude that is more related to synchronous neural discharging and the alpha peak frequency that is more associated with brain metabolism.

Results

The results showed that over widely distributed brain regions, individual patients’ alpha peak amplitudes were negatively correlated with their depressive scores, and individual patients’ alpha peak frequencies were positively correlated with their depressive scores.

Discussion

These results reveal that alpha peak amplitude and frequency are associated with self-rating depressive score in different manners, and the finding suggests the potential of alpha peak activity in resting-state EEG acting as an important neural factor in evaluation of depression severity in supplement to diagnosis.
Estimation of free water-corrected microscopic fractional anisotropy
Authors: Arezza Nico J. J. , Santini Tales , Omer Mohammad , Baron Corey A.
Published: March 2023

Water diffusion anisotropy MRI is sensitive to microstructural changes in the brain that are hallmarks of various neurological conditions. However, conventional metrics like fractional anisotropy are confounded by neuron fiber orientation dispersion, and the relatively low resolution of diffusion-weighted MRI gives rise to significant free water partial volume effects in many brain regions that are adjacent to cerebrospinal fluid. Microscopic fractional anisotropy is a recent metric that can report water diffusion anisotropy independent of neuron fiber orientation dispersion but is still susceptible to free water contamination. In this paper, we present a free water elimination (FWE) technique to estimate microscopic fractional anisotropy and other related diffusion indices by implementing a signal representation in which the MRI signal within a voxel is assumed to come from two distinct sources: a tissue compartment and a free water compartment. A two-part algorithm is proposed to rapidly fit a set of diffusion-weighted MRI volumes containing both linear- and spherical-tensor encoding acquisitions to the representation. Simulations and in vivo acquisitions with four healthy volunteers indicated that the FWE method may be a feasible technique for measuring microscopic fractional anisotropy and other indices with greater specificity to neural tissue characteristics than conventional methods.
The contribution of mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes (MAMs) dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease and the potential countermeasure
Authors: Li Zehui , Cao Yu , Pei Hui , Ma Lina , Yang Yang , Li Hao
Published: March 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease. There are many studies targeting extracellular deposits of amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), however, there are no effective treatments to halt the progression. Mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes (MAMs) have long been found to be associated with various pathogenesis hypotheses of AD, such as Aβ deposition, mitochondrial dysfunction, and calcium homeostasis. However, there is a lack of literature summarizing recent advances in the mechanism and treatment studies. Accordingly, this article reviews the latest research involving the roles of MAM structure and tethering proteins in the pathogenesis of AD and summarizes potential strategies targeting MAMs to dissect treatment perspectives for AD.
Geriatric nutritional risk index predicts all-cause mortality in the oldest-old patients with acute coronary syndrome: A 10-year cohort study
Authors: Li Ying , Shen Jian , Hou Xiaoling , Su Yongkang , Jiao Yang , Wang Jihang , Liu Henan , Fu Zhenhong
Published: March 2023

Background and objective

Nutritional status assessment in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients has been neglected for a long time. The geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) is a sensitive indicator for assessing the nutritional status of the elderly. This study aims to explore the association between GNRI and all-cause mortality in the oldest-old patients with ACS.

Methods

The patients who met the inclusion criteria were consecutively enrolled from January 2006 to December 2012. Clinical data were collected on admission, and all subjects were followed after being discharged. The nutritional status was evaluated using GNRI. The relationship between GNRI and all-cause mortality was assessed by using different analyses.

Results

A total of 662 patients with a mean age of 81.87 ± 2.14 years old were included in our study, and followed (median: 63 months, IQR 51–71). Patients whose GNRI ≤ 98 were reported as at risk of malnutrition (31.11%, n = 206). In multivariable analysis, we found that for each SD increase in GNRI, the risk of all-cause mortality lowered by 23%, and the HR for GNRI ≤ 98 was 1.39 (95% CI 1.04–1.86). After stratifying patients into three groups by tertiles of GNRI, we found that the HRs for tertile 2 and tertile 3 were 1.49 (95% CI 1.02–2.19) and 1.74 (95% CI 1.22–2.50), respectively. The trend test revealed a dose–response relationship between GNRI and all-cause mortality in the oldest-old with ACS. Lastly, in subgroup analyses, we found a reliable association between GNRI and all-cause mortality.

Conclusion

Malnutrition is common in the oldest-old patients with ACS, and GNRI could predict their long-term all-cause mortality in a dose-dependent manner. GNRI may be a prospective index for risk-stratification and secondary-prevention in the oldest-old patients with ACS.
Effect of vitamin D supplementation on COVID-19 patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Ying , Li Jing , Yang Min , Wang Qin
Published: March 2023

Objective

To systematically evaluate the impact of vitamin D supplementation on mortality, ICU admission, and the rates of mechanical ventilation or intubation among COVID-19 patients.

Data sources and study selection

The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CBM, CNKI, VIP, and WanFang databases were searched from 1 December 2019 to 31 December 2022. The authors sought to identify randomized controlled trials and cohort studies that examined the relationship between vitamin D supplementation and mortality, ICU admission, and mechanical ventilation or intubation rates among COVID-19 patients.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two investigators independently searched the literature, extracted the data, and assessed the quality of the included studies. The Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach was used to evaluate the quality of the evidence. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3, STATA 15.1, and R 4.1.3 software.

Results

Eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and eight cohort studies were included, involving 3359 COVID-19 patients. The pooled analysis of randomized controlled trials showed that vitamin D supplementation did not have a significant effect on reducing mortality (Relative Risk, RR = 0.94, 95% CI 0.69–1.29, P = 0.7), while the results of cohort studies indicated that vitamin D supplementation had a positive impact on reducing mortality among COVID-19 patients (RR = 0.33, 95% CI 0.23–0.47, P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the rates of ICU admission (RCTs: RR = 0.64, 95%CI 0.38–1.08, P = 0.10; cohort studies: RR = 0.32, 95% CI 0.08–1.29, P = 0.109) or rates of mechanical ventilation or intubation (RCTs: RR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.58–1.02, P = 0.07; cohort studies: RR = 0.93, 95% CI 0.55–1.58, P = 0.789).

Conclusion

The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that vitamin D supplementation does not have a significant impact on reducing mortality, ICU admission, and the rates of mechanical ventilation or intubation among COVID-19 patients. However, due to the limited number and quality of the studies included, further high-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Systematic review registration

www.crd.york.ac.uk, identifier CRD42021299521.
BMI, socioeconomic status, and bone mineral density in U.S. adults: Mediation analysis in the NHANES
Authors: Zhang Yun , Tan Caixia , Tan Wenfu
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The mechanism by which socioeconomic status (SES) affects bone mineral density (BMD) remains unknown, and body mass index (BMI) may be a potential mediator. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether BMI mediates the relationship between SES [education level and poverty income ratio (PIR)] and lumbar BMD and the proportion it mediates.

Methods

This study included a total of 11,075 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Lumbar BMD was measured at the lumbar spine by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Multivariate linear regression and smoothing curve fitting were used to investigate the relationship between SES and lumbar BMD. Mediator analysis was used to investigate the proportion of BMI mediating the association between SES and BMD.

Results

In the fully adjusted model, there was a positive correlation between SES and BMD (education level: β = 0.025, 95% CI: 0.005, 0.045; PIR: β = 0.007, 95% CI: 0.002, 0.011). Mediation analysis showed that BMI mediated the relationship between PIR, education level, and lumbar BMD with a range of mediation proportions from 13.33 to 18.20%.

Conclusion

BMI partially mediated the positive association between SES and BMD, and this association may be largely mediated by factors other than BMI.
Amelioration of alcohol-induced acute liver injury in C57BL/6 mice by a mixture of TCM phytochemicals and probiotics with antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects
Authors: Li Zhiguo , Fang Xuexun , Hu Xin , Li Congcong , Wan Youzhong , Yu Dahai
Published: March 2023

Background

There are many causes of acute liver injury (ALI), such as alcohol, drugs, infection, and toxic materials, which have caused major health problems around the world. Among these causes, alcohol consumption induced liver injury is a common alcoholic liver disease, which can further lead to liver failure even liver cancer. A number of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and TCM derived compounds have been used in treating the liver-associated diseases and combination use of probiotics with TCM phytochemicals has attracted interests for enhanced biological effects.

Methods

This study investigated the hepatoprotective effect of TCM-probiotics complex (TCMPC) and its underlying mechanism for the treatment of ALI in mice. The TCMPC is composed of TCM phytochemicals puerarin, curcumin, ginsenosides, and 5 lactobacteria strains. We first established a mouse model of alcohol-induced ALI, then the therapeutic effects of TCMPC on alcohol-induced ALI were monitored. A series of measurements have been performed on antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and lipid metabolism regulation.

Results

The results showed that TCMPC can reduce the level of liver injury biomarkers and regulate oxidative stress. Histopathological results indicated that TCMPC could ameliorate ALI in mice. In addition, it can also significantly reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines caused by ALI.

Conclusion

Our research has proved the therapeutic effect of TCMPC on alcohol-induced ALI. The potential mechanism of hepatoprotective effects of TCMPC may be related to its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. Our research might provide a new way for liver disease treatment.
A comprehensive nomogram combining CT-based radiomics with clinical features for differentiation of benign and malignant lung subcentimeter solid nodules
Authors: Chen Chengyu , Geng Qun , Song Gesheng , Zhang Qian , Wang Youruo , Sun Dongfeng , Zeng Qingshi , Dai Zhengjun , Wang Gongchao
Published: March 2023

Objective

To establish a nomogram based on non-enhanced computed tomography(CT) imaging radiomics and clinical features for use in predicting the malignancy of sub-centimeter solid nodules (SCSNs).

Materials and methods

Retrospective analysis was performed of records for 198 patients with SCSNs that were surgically resected and examined pathologically at two medical institutions between January 2020 and June 2021. Patients from Center 1 were included in the training cohort (n = 147), and patients from Center 2 were included in the external validation cohort (n = 52). Radiomic features were extracted from chest CT images. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression model was used for radiomic feature extraction and computation of radiomic scores. Clinical features, subjective CT findings, and radiomic scores were used to build multiple predictive models. Model performance was examined by evaluating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The best model was selected for efficacy evaluation in a validation cohort, and column line plots were created.

Results

Pulmonary malignant nodules were significantly associated with vascular alterations in both the training (p < 0.001) and external validation (p < 0.001) cohorts. Eleven radiomic features were selected after a dimensionality reduction to calculate the radiomic scores. Based on these findings, three prediction models were constructed: subjective model (Model 1), radiomic score model (Model 2), and comprehensive model (Model 3), with AUCs of 0.672, 0.888, and 0.930, respectively. The optimal model with an AUC of 0.905 was applied to the validation cohort, and decision curve analysis indicated that the comprehensive model column line plot was clinically useful.

Conclusion

Predictive models constructed based on CT-based radiomics with clinical features can help clinicians diagnose pulmonary nodules and guide clinical decision making.
An ultrasound-based radiomics model to distinguish between sclerosing adenosis and invasive ductal carcinoma
Authors: Huang Qun , Nong Wanxian , Tang Xiaozhen , Gao Yong
Published: March 2023

Objectives

We aimed to develop an ultrasound-based radiomics model to distinguish between sclerosing adenosis (SA) and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary biopsies.

Methods

From January 2020 to March 2022, 345 cases of SA or IDC that were pathologically confirmed were included in the study. All participants underwent pre-surgical ultrasound (US), from which clinical information and ultrasound images were collected. The patients from the study population were randomly divided into a training cohort (n = 208) and a validation cohort (n = 137). The US images were imported into MaZda software (Version 4.2.6.0) to delineate the region of interest (ROI) and extract features. Intragroup correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to evaluate the consistency of the extracted features. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression and cross-validation were performed to obtain the radiomics score of the features. Based on univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, a model was developed. 56 cases from April 2022 to December 2022 were included for independent validation of the model. The diagnostic performance of the model and the radiomics scores were evaluated by performing the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used for calibration and evaluation. Leave-One-Out Cross-Validation (LOOCV) was used for the stability of the model.

Results

Three predictors were selected to develop the model, including radiomics score, palpable mass and BI-RADS. In the training cohort, validation cohort and independent validation cohort, AUC of the model and radiomics score were 0.978 and 0.907, 0.946 and 0.886, 0.951 and 0.779, respectively. The model showed a statistically significant difference compared with the radiomics score (p<0.05). The Kappa value of the model was 0.79 based on LOOCV. The Brier score, calibration curve, and DCA showed the model had a good calibration and clinical usefulness.

Conclusions

The model based on radiomics, ultrasonic features, and clinical manifestations can be used to distinguish SA from IDC, which showed good stability and diagnostic performance. The model can be considered a potential candidate diagnostic tool for breast lesions and can contribute to effective clinical diagnosis.
Replication stress increases mitochondrial metabolism and mitophagy in FANCD2 deficient fetal liver hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Mochizuki-Kashio Makiko , Otsuki Noriko , Fujiki Kota , Abdelhamd Sherif , Kurre Peter , Grompe Markus , Iwama Atsushi , Saito Kayoko , Nakamura-Ishizu Ayako
Published: March 2023

Fanconi Anemia (FA) is an inherited bone marrow (BM) failure disorder commonly diagnosed during school age. However, in murine models, disrupted function of FA genes leads to a much earlier decline in fetal liver hematopoietic stem cell (FL HSC) number that is associated with increased replication stress (RS). Recent reports have shown mitochondrial metabolism and clearance are essential for long-term BM HSC function. Intriguingly, impaired mitophagy has been reported in FA cells. We hypothesized that RS in FL HSC impacts mitochondrial metabolism to investigate fetal FA pathophysiology. Results show that experimentally induced RS in adult murine BM HSCs evoked a significant increase in mitochondrial metabolism and mitophagy. Reflecting the physiological RS during development in FA, increase mitochondria metabolism and mitophagy were observed in FANCD2-deficient FL HSCs, whereas BM HSCs from adult FANCD2-deficient mice exhibited a significant decrease in mitophagy. These data suggest that RS activates mitochondrial metabolism and mitophagy in HSC.