bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microsynthetics in waters of the South American Pantanal
Authors: De Faria Érika , Girard Pierre , Gomes Camargo Alan Lacerda , Moreschi Silva Andressa Carla , Christo Susete Wambier , Casado Coy Nuria , Sanz-Lazaro Carlos , Costa Monica Ferreira
Published: November 2022

Microplastics are an emerging global threat to freshwater ecosystems. There is a growing number of microplastic studies in wetlands and floodplains such as the Pantanal. Microplastics in the Pantanal’s water courses, lakes, and floodplains were sampled with a plankton net in 16 locations in the Pantanal lowlands at varying distances from their potential urban sources over 2 years. Microplastics from the water samples were separated from sediments and organic matter and examined under a stereomicroscope to be identified and counted. Visual determination was then confirmed by RAMAN spectrometry. We found 730 microplastics. The average ± std microplastic concentration was 38 ± 16 x/m3, ranging between 10 and 100 x/m3. Fibres, fragments, and films represented 68%, 28%, and 4%, respectively, of the total microplastics. Surprisingly, a synthetic blue fibre of non-identified composition accounted for 51.0% of the microplastics. Other identified polymers included PP (18.2%), PET (16.9%), PVC (5.1%), PVA (4.4%) and LDPE (4.4%). The blue fibres, PP, and PET were found at all sampling locations. Microplastic concentrations varied from 27 ± 12 x/m3 to 48 ± 21 x/m3 across the sampling sites. Microplastics’ average size was 0.51 ± 0.21 mm, ranging from 0.06 to 0.97 mm. In the study area, the average seasonal concentrations varied from 34 ± 11 to 43 ± 18 x/m3 during the 2 years study period (2018–2019). In lentic environments, the median concentrations (30 x/m3) were significantly lower than in the lotic ones (40 x/m3). Urban human activities are a potential source of microplastics as the concentration of these increased significantly with the population of the nearest human agglomeration. These results indicate widespread contamination of the Pantanal waters by microplastics. Furthermore, a microsynthetic of indeterminate composition is found everywhere in the Pantanal, and more research is urgently needed to determine its composition and sources. The contamination by micropolymers and other microsynthetics will likely impact the Pantanal biota and, eventually, humans living in these floodplains.
Monocyte adaptations in patients with obesity during a 1.5 year lifestyle intervention
Authors: van der Valk Eline S. , Mulder Daniël S. , Kouwenhoven Tessa , Nagtzaam Nicole M. A. , van Rossum Elisabeth F. C. , Dik Willem A. , Leenen Pieter J. M.
Published: November 2022

Background

Obesity is associated with chronic, low-grade inflammation, which is reflected in altered peripheral blood monocyte characteristics. The aim of this study was to analyze the monocyte subset composition (classical (CM), intermediate (IM) and non-classical monocytes (NCM)), and their inflammatory marker profile (CD14, CD16, CD36, CD45, CD64, CD300e, HLA-DR) in individuals with obesity during a 1.5 year combined lifestyle intervention (CLI), comprising healthy nutrition, increased exercise and behavioral changes.

Methods

We analyzed monocyte subset counts and immunophenotypes in 73 individuals with obesity, and associated these to baseline body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). The measurements were repeated after 10 weeks and at the end of the intervention (1.5 years).

Results

Generally, monocyte subset counts were not associated to BMI or WC at baseline, neither did monocyte counts change during the 1.5 year CLI. Immunophenotypically, higher baseline BMI and WC were associated to lower CD14 and higher CD300e expression by all subsets. During CLI there were remarkable changes in marker profiles: expression of CD14, CD36, CD45 and CD64 significantly decreased in CM and IM, as did CD16 (IM and NCM) (p<0.05). CD300e initially decreased after 10 weeks, but increased sharply at 1.5 years (all subsets). We observed no consistent associations between changes in monocyte characteristics and anthropometric changes.

Conclusion

A 1.5 year CLI in individuals with obesity mediates persistent immunophenotypic adaptations related to cellular activation in blood monocytes, whereas changes in subset distribution are limited. Lifestyle-induced changes in the inflammatory profile of monocytes differ from the ‘less-severe-obesity’-phenotype, suggesting a novel, ‘post-weight-loss’ monocyte setpoint.
Protective immunity enhanced Salmonella vaccine vectors delivering Helicobacter pylori antigens reduce H. pylori stomach colonization in mice
Authors: Ghasemi Amir , Wang Shifeng , Sahay Bikash , Abbott Jeffrey R. , Curtiss Roy
Published: November 2022

Helicobacter pylori is a major cause of gastric mucosal inflammation, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer. Emerging antimicrobial-resistant H. pylori has hampered the effective eradication of frequent chronic infections. Moreover, a safe vaccine is highly demanded due to the absence of effective vaccines against H. pylori. In this study, we employed a new innovative Protective Immunity Enhanced Salmonella Vaccine (PIESV) vector strain to deliver and express multiple H. pylori antigen genes. Immunization of mice with our vaccine delivering the HpaA, Hp-NAP, UreA and UreB antigens, provided sterile protection against H. pylori SS1 infection in 7 out of 10 tested mice. In comparison to the control groups that had received PBS or a PIESV carrying an empty vector, immunized mice exhibited specific and significant cellular recall responses and antigen-specific serum IgG1, IgG2c, total IgG and gastric IgA antibody titers. In conclusion, an improved S. Typhimurium-based live vaccine delivering four antigens shows promise as a safe and effective vaccine against H. pylori infection.
Glucose metabolism is upregulated in the mononuclear cell proteome during sepsis and supports endotoxin-tolerant cell function
Authors: Ferreira Bianca Lima , Sousa Mônica Bragança , Leite Giuseppe Gianini Figueirêdo , Brunialti Milena Karina Colo , Nishiduka Erika Sayuri , Tashima Alexandre Keiji , van der Poll Tom , Salomão Reinaldo
Published: November 2022

Metabolic adaptations shape immune cell function. In the acute response, a metabolic switch towards glycolysis is necessary for mounting a proinflammatory response. During the clinical course of sepsis, both suppression and activation of immune responses take place simultaneously. Leukocytes from septic patients present inhibition of cytokine production while other functions such as phagocytosis and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are preserved, similarly to the in vitro endotoxin tolerance model, where a first stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) affects the response to a second stimulus. Here, we sought to investigate how cellular metabolism is related to the modulation of immune responses in sepsis and endotoxin tolerance. Proteomic analysis in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from septic patients obtained at intensive care unit admission showed an upregulation of proteins related to glycolysis, the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), production of ROS and nitric oxide, and downregulation of proteins in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation compared to healthy volunteers. Using the endotoxin-tolerance model in PBMCs from healthy subjects, we observed increased lactate production in control cells upon LPS stimulation, while endotoxin-tolerant cells presented inhibited tumor necrosis factor-α and lactate production along with preserved phagocytic capacity. Inhibition of glycolysis and PPP led to impairment of phagocytosis and cytokine production both in control and in endotoxin-tolerant cells. These data indicate that glucose metabolism supports leukocyte functions even in a condition of endotoxin tolerance.
Insights into Acinetobacter baumannii protective immunity
Authors: Jeffreys Sean , Chambers James P. , Yu Jieh-Juen , Hung Chiung-Yu , Forsthuber Thomas , Arulanandam Bernard P.
Published: November 2022

Acinetobacter baumannii is a nosocomic opportunistic Gram-negative bacteria known for its extensive drug-resistant phenotype. A. baumannii hospital-acquired infections are major contributors to increased costs and mortality observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. With few effective antimicrobials available for treatment of this pathogen, immune-based therapy becomes an attractive strategy to combat multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter infection. Immunotherapeutics is a field of growing interest with advances in vaccines and monoclonal antibodies providing insight into the protective immune response required to successfully combat this pathogen. This review focuses on current knowledge describing the adaptive immune response to A. baumannii, the importance of antibody-mediated protection, developments in cell-mediated protection, and their respective therapeutic application going forward. With A. baumannii’s increasing resistance to most current antimicrobials, elucidating an effective host adaptive immune response is paramount in the guidance of future immunotherapeutic development.
Heterozygous premature termination in zinc-finger domain of Krüppel-like factor 2 gene associates with dysregulated immunity
Authors: Pernaa Nora , Keskitalo Salla , Chowdhury Iftekhar , Nissinen Antti , Glumoff Virpi , Keski-Filppula Riikka , Junttila Juhani , Eklund Kari K. , Santaniemi Wenny , Siitonen Sanna , Seppänen Mikko RJ. , Vähäsalo Paula , Varjosalo Markku , Åström Pirjo , Hautala Timo
Published: November 2022

Krüppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) is a transcription factor with significant roles in development, maturation, differentiation, and proliferation of several cell types. In immune cells, KLF2 regulates maturation and trafficking of lymphocytes and monocytes. KLF2 participates in regulation of the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) pathway. Although pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) related to KLF2 genetic variant has been suggested, genetic role of KLF2 associated with immune dysregulation has not been described. We identified a family whose members suffered from lymphopenia, autoimmunity, and malignancy. Whole exome sequencing revealed a KLF2 p.(Glu318Argfs*87) mutation disrupting the highly conserved zinc finger domain. We show a reduced amount of KLF2 protein, defective nuclear localization and altered protein-protein interactome. The phenotypically variable positive cases presented with B and T cell lymphopenia and abnormalities in B and T cell maturation including low naive T cell counts and low CD27+IgD-IgM- switched memory B cells. KLF2 target gene (CD62L) expression was affected. Although the percentage of (CD25+FOXP3+, CD25+CD127-) regulatory T cells (Treg) was high, the naive Treg cells (CD45RA+) were absent. Serum IgG1 levels were low and findings in one case were consistent with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). Transcription of NF-κβ pathway genes and p65/RelA phosphorylation were not significantly affected. Inflammasome activity, transcription of genes related with JAK/STAT pathway and interferon signature were also comparable to controls. Evidence of PAH was not found. In conclusion, KLF2 variant may be associated with familial immune dysregulation. Although the KLF2 deficient family members in our study suffered from lymphopenia, autoimmunity or malignancy, additional study cohorts are required to confirm our observations.
Immune response to arbovirus infection in obesity
Authors: Hameed Muddassar , Geerling Elizabeth , Pinto Amelia K. , Miraj Iqra , Weger-Lucarelli James
Published: November 2022

Obesity is a global health problem that affects 650 million people worldwide and leads to diverse changes in host immunity. Individuals with obesity experience an increase in the size and the number of adipocytes, which function as an endocrine organ and release various adipocytokines such as leptin and adiponectin that exert wide ranging effects on other cells. In individuals with obesity, macrophages account for up to 40% of adipose tissue (AT) cells, three times more than in adipose tissue (10%) of healthy weight individuals and secrete several cytokines and chemokines such as interleukin (IL)-1β, chemokine C-C ligand (CCL)-2, IL-6, CCL5, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, leading to the development of inflammation. Overall, obesity-derived cytokines strongly affect immune responses and make patients with obesity more prone to severe symptoms than patients with a healthy weight. Several epidemiological studies reported a strong association between obesity and severe arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) infections such as dengue virus (DENV), chikungunya virus (CHIKV), West Nile virus (WNV), and Sindbis virus (SINV). Recently, experimental investigations found that DENV, WNV, CHIKV and Mayaro virus (MAYV) infections cause worsened disease outcomes in infected diet induced obese (DIO) mice groups compared to infected healthy-weight animals. The mechanisms leading to higher susceptibility to severe infections in individuals with obesity remain unknown, though a better understanding of the causes will help scientists and clinicians develop host directed therapies to treat severe disease. In this review article, we summarize the effects of obesity on the host immune response in the context of arboviral infections. We have outlined that obesity makes the host more susceptible to infectious agents, likely by disrupting the functions of innate and adaptive immune cells. We have also discussed the immune response of DIO mouse models against some important arboviruses such as CHIKV, MAYV, DENV, and WNV. We can speculate that obesity-induced disruption of innate and adaptive immune cell function in arboviral infections ultimately affects the course of arboviral disease. Therefore, further studies are needed to explore the cellular and molecular aspects of immunity that are compromised in obesity during arboviral infections or vaccination, which will be helpful in developing specific therapeutic/prophylactic interventions to prevent immunopathology and disease progression in individuals with obesity.
Study of the experimental performance of dew point evaporative cooling arrangement for modified fluid flow passages
Authors: Patunkar Prashant , Dingare Sunil
Published: November 2022

The satisfactory performance of indirect evaporative cooling techniques (IEC) is governed significantly by the structural and design arrangement of heat and mass exchange devices. The experimental performance of the dew point evaporative cooler has been investigated in the present work with the geometrically modified flow passages for air and water. Conventionally, these passages are formed by either flat or corrugated plates. The trapezoidal corrugated plate has been used to form these passages for air and water. The laboratory trials were conducted for the different combinations of intake air temperature, specific humidity, and air velocity. The performance in terms of dew point and wet bulb efficiency is presented based on laboratory trials. The experimental results achieved dew point and wet bulb efficiencies ranging between 52% and 82% and 74% and 126%, respectively. The geometrically modified flow passages increase the heat exchange area for the same volume of a similar heat exchange device and achieve an increased thermal performance of the proposed cooler.
An artificial intelligence system to predict the optimal timing for mechanical ventilation weaning for intensive care unit patients: A two-stage prediction approach
Authors: Liu Chung-Feng , Hung Chao-Ming , Ko Shian-Chin , Cheng Kuo-Chen , Chao Chien-Ming , Sung Mei-I , Hsing Shu-Chen , Wang Jhi-Joung , Chen Chia-Jung , Lai Chih-Cheng , Chen Chin-Ming , Chiu Chong-Chi
Published: November 2022

Background

For the intensivists, accurate assessment of the ideal timing for successful weaning from the mechanical ventilation (MV) in the intensive care unit (ICU) is very challenging.

Purpose

Using artificial intelligence (AI) approach to build two-stage predictive models, namely, the try-weaning stage and weaning MV stage to determine the optimal timing of weaning from MV for ICU intubated patients, and implement into practice for assisting clinical decision making.

Methods

AI and machine learning (ML) technologies were used to establish the predictive models in the stages. Each stage comprised 11 prediction time points with 11 prediction models. Twenty-five features were used for the first-stage models while 20 features were used for the second-stage models. The optimal models for each time point were selected for further practical implementation in a digital dashboard style. Seven machine learning algorithms including Logistic Regression (LR), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machines (SVM), K Nearest Neighbor (KNN), lightGBM, XGBoost, and Multilayer Perception (MLP) were used. The electronic medical records of the intubated ICU patients of Chi Mei Medical Center (CMMC) from 2016 to 2019 were included for modeling. Models with the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were regarded as optimal models and used to develop the prediction system accordingly.

Results

A total of 5,873 cases were included in machine learning modeling for Stage 1 with the AUCs of optimal models ranging from 0.843 to 0.953. Further, 4,172 cases were included for Stage 2 with the AUCs of optimal models ranging from 0.889 to 0.944. A prediction system (dashboard) with the optimal models of the two stages was developed and deployed in the ICU setting. Respiratory care members expressed high recognition of the AI dashboard assisting ventilator weaning decisions. Also, the impact analysis of with- and without-AI assistance revealed that our AI models could shorten the patients’ intubation time by 21 hours, besides gaining the benefit of substantial consistency between these two decision-making strategies.

Conclusion

We noticed that the two-stage AI prediction models could effectively and precisely predict the optimal timing to wean intubated patients in the ICU from ventilator use. This could reduce patient discomfort, improve medical quality, and lower medical costs. This AI-assisted prediction system is beneficial for clinicians to cope with a high demand for ventilators during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Regulation of piglet T-cell immune responses by thioredoxin peroxidase from Cysticercus cellulosae excretory-secretory antigens
Authors: He Wei , Sun Xiaoqing , Luo Bo , Liu Meichen , Li Lizhu , Fan Xianmin , Ye Jingming , Zhou Biying
Published: November 2022

Taenia solium (T. solium) cysticercosis is a serious threat to human health and animal husbandry. During parasitization, Cysticercus cellulosae (C. cellulosae) can excrete and secrete antigens that modulate the host’s T-cell immune responses. However, the composition of C. cellulosae excretory-secretory antigens (ESAs) is complex. This study sought to identify the key molecules in C. cellulosae ESAs involved in regulating T-cell immune responses. Thus, we screened for thioredoxin peroxidase (TPx), with the highest differential expression, as the key target by label-free quantification proteomics of C. cellulosae and its ESAs. In addition, we verified whether TPx protein mainly exists in C. cellulosae ESAs. The TPx recombinant protein was prepared by eukaryotic expression, and ESAs were used as the experimental group to further investigate the effect of TPx protein on the immune response of piglet T cells in vitro. TPx protein induced an increase in CD4+ T cells in piglet peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), while CD8+ T cells did not change significantly. This resulted in an imbalance in the CD4+/CD8+ T-cell ratio and an increase in CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells in the PBMCs. In addition, TPx protein initiated T helper 2 (Th2)-type immune responses by secreting IL-4 and IL-10 and suppressed Th1/Th17-type immune responses. The results showed that ESAs were involved in regulating piglet T-cell immune responses cells. This suggests that TPx protein found in ESAs plays an essential role to help the parasite evade host immune attack. Moreover, this lays a foundation for the subsequent exploration of the mechanism through which TPx protein regulates signaling molecules to influence T-cell differentiation.
Early life microbiota transplantation from highly feed-efficient broiler improved weight gain by reshaping the gut microbiota in laying chicken
Authors: Elokil Abdelmotaleb A. , Chen Wei , Mahrose Khalid , Elattrouny Mahmoud M. , Abouelezz Khaled F. M. , Ahmad Hafiz Ishfaq , Liu Hua-Zhen , Elolimy Ahmed A. , Mandouh Mahmoud I. , Abdelatty Alzahraa M. , Li Shijun
Published: November 2022

Starting phase of laying chicken life is the building stone for rearing and production stages. Since, fecal microbial transplantation (FMT) regulates the gut microbial diversity and affects the productive performance of the bird. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of FMT from feed-efficient broiler chicken could program the diversity of gut microbiota and growth of recipient native slow growing egg-laying chicks. For this, a total of 150 (one-day-old) Jing Hong chicks were randomly assigned into two groups, each group consisted of 5 replicates (n = 15 bird/ replicate). The control group (CON) and FMT recipient birds (FMT) fed on basal diet, the FMT group received an oral daily dose of FMT prepared from Cobb-500 chickens. The FMT performed from the 1d to 28d of age, through the experimental period, feed intake and body weight were recorded weekly. At the end of a 28-day trial, carcass traits were assessed and cecal samples were collected for microbiome assessment via 16S rRNA-based metagenomic analysis to characterize the diversity and functions of microbial communities. The data were statistically analyzed using R software. Body weight and body weight gain increased, and FCR decreased (p = 0.01) in FMT group. The relative abundance of Firmicutes and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio were increased due to FMT administration (p = 0.01). A higher relative abundance of Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, and Bifidobacterium were presented in the FMT group. Meanwhile, Enterococcus, Helicobacter, and Bacteroides were more abundant in the CON group (p < 0.01). Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathways for microbial functions regarding amino acid metabolism, secondary metabolites biosynthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, energy metabolism, and enzyme families, cofactors, and vitamins were significantly annotated in the FMT group. Overall, FMT administration from the donor of highly feed-efficient broilers improved weight gain by reshaping a distinct gut microbiome, which may be related to the metabolism and health in the recipients laying chicks, providing new insight on the application of the FMT technique for early life programming of laying chickens.
Development of real-time and lateral flow recombinase polymerase amplification assays for rapid detection of Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: Mesquita Silvia Gonçalves , Lugli Elena Birgitta , Matera Giovanni , Fonseca Cristina Toscano , Caldeira Roberta Lima , Webster Bonnie
Published: November 2022

Background

Accurate diagnosis followed by timely treatment is an effective strategy for the prevention of complications together with reducing schistosomiasis transmission. Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA) is a simple, rapid, sensitive, and specific isothermal method with low resource needs. This research aimed at the development and optimisation of a real-time (RT) and a lateral flow (LF) RPA assay for the detection of Schistosoma mansoni.

Methodology

Recombinase Polymerase Amplification reactions were performed at full- (as recommended) and half-volumes (to reduce costs), with RT or LF detection systems targeting the S. mansoni mitochondrial minisatellite region. The specificity was assessed using gDNA from other Schistosoma species, helminths co-endemic with S. mansoni, human stool, and urine, and Biomphalaria snail hosts. The analytical sensitivity was evaluated using serial dilutions of gDNA, synthetic copies of the target, and single eggs. The ability of both assays to detect the S. mansoni DNA in human urine and stool samples was also tested. The long-term stability of the RT-RPA reagents was evaluated by storing the reaction components in different temperature conditions for up to 3  weeks.

Results

The RT- and the LF-RPA (SmMIT- and SmMIT-LF-RPA, respectively) presented similar results when used full- and half-volumes, thus the latter was followed in all experiments. The SmMIT-RPA was 100% specific to S. mansoni, able to detect a single egg, with a limit of detection (LOD) of down to 1  fg of gDNA and one synthetic copy of the target. The assay was able to detect S. mansoni DNA from stool containing 1 egg/g and in spiked urine at a concentration of 10  fg/μl. SmMIT-RPA reagents were stable for up to 3  weeks when kept at 19°C, and 2  weeks when stored at 27°C. The SmMIT-LF-RPA cross-reacted with Clinostomidae, presented the LOD of 10  fg and one synthetic copy of the target, being able to detect a single egg and 1 egg/g in a stool sample. The LOD in spiked urine samples was 10  pg/μl.

Conclusion

The half-volume SmMIT-RPA is a promising method to be used in the field. It is specific, sensitive, robust, and tolerant to inhibitors, with a long-term stability of the reaction components and the real-time visualisation of results.
Genetic variation of Borreliella burgdorferi in Fairfax County, Virginia, targeting the OspC gene in white-footed mice
Authors: Zawada Sonya G. , von Fricken Michael E. , Weppelmann Thomas A. , Sikaroodi Masoumeh , Gillevet Patrick M.
Published: November 2022

Outer surface protein C (OspC) is a commonly used marker in population studies of Borreliella to differentiate types and establish evolution over time. Investigating the ospC genetic types of Borreliella burgdorferi across multiple organ tissues of white-footed mice has the potential to contribute to our understanding of Lyme disease and the wide spectrum of clinical presentation associated with infection. In this study, five unique tissue types were sampled from 90 mice and screened for B. burgdorferi infections. This initial screening revealed a 63% overall B. burgdorferi infection rate in the mice collected (57/90). A total of 163 tissues (30.4%) tested positive for B. burgdorferi infections and when mapped to Borreliella types, 143,894 of the initial 322,480 reads mapped to 10 of the reference sequences in the ospC strain library constructed for this study at a 97% MOI. Two tissue types, the ear and the tongue, each accounted for 90% of the observed Borreliella sequence diversity in the tissue samples surveyed. The largest amount of variation was observed in an individual ear tissue sample with six ospC sequence types, which is equivalent to 60% of the observed variation seen across all tested specimens, with statistically significant associations observed between tissue type and detected Borreliella. There is strong evidence for genetic variability in B. burgdorferi within local white-footed mouse populations and even within individual hosts by tissue type. These findings may shed light on drivers of infection sequalae in specific tissues in humans and highlights the need for expanded surveillance on the epigenetics of B. burgdorferi across reservoirs, ticks, and infected patients.
Tai Chi practice enables prefrontal cortex bilateral activation and gait performance prioritization during dual-task negotiating obstacle in older adults
Authors: Chen Yan , Wan Aiying , Mao Min , Sun Wei , Song Qipeng , Mao Dewei
Published: November 2022

Background

With aging, the cognitive function of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) declined, postural control weakened, and fall risk increased. As a mind–body exercise, regular Tai Chi practice could improve postural control and effectively prevent falls; however, underlying brain mechanisms remained unclear, which were shed light on by analyzing the effect of Tai Chi on the PFC in older adults by means of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).

Methods

36 healthy older adults without Tai Chi experience were divided randomly into Tai Chi group and Control group. The experiment was conducted four times per week for 16 weeks; 27 participants remained and completed the experiment. Negotiating obstacle task (NOT) and negotiating obstacle with cognitive task (NOCT) were performed pre- and post-intervention, and Brodmann area 10 (BA10) was detected using fNIRS for hemodynamic response. A three-dimensional motion capture system measured walking speed.

Results

After intervention in the Tai Chi group under NOCT, the HbO2 concentration change value (ΔHbO2) in BA10 was significantly greater (right BA10: p = 0.002, left BA10: p = 0.001), walking speed was significantly faster (p = 0.040), and dual-task cost was significantly lower than pre-intervention (p = 0.047). ΔHbO2 in BA10 under NOCT was negatively correlated with dual-task cost (right BA10: r = −0.443, p = 0.021, left BA10: r = −0.448, p = 0.019). There were strong negative correlations between ΔHbO2 and ΔHbR under NOCT either pre-intervention (left PFC r = −0.841, p < 0.001; right PFC r = −0.795, p < 0.001) or post-intervention (left PFC r = −0.842, p < 0.001; right PFC r = −0.744, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Tai Chi practice might increase the cognitive resources in older adults through the PFC bilateral activation to prioritize gait performance during negotiating obstacles under a dual-task condition.
Assessment of the anti-nociceptive effects of fetal ventral mesencephalic tissue allografts in a rat model of hemi-Parkinson’s disease using fMRI
Authors: Chiu Chuang-Hsin , Weng Shao-Ju , Yeh Skye Hsin-Hsien , Jhao Yun-Ting , Chang Hsien-Feng , Huang Wen-Sheng , Cheng Cheng-Yi , Yeh Chun-Chang , Ma Kuo-Hsing
Published: November 2022

Extensive studies showed increased subjective pain sensitivity in Parkinson’s disease (PD), which appeared to be partially reversed by dopaminergic (DA) treatment. Although cell replacement represents an attractive therapeutic strategy, its potential for PD-related hyperalgesia remains unclear. We investigated re-establishment of DA function via allografting exogenic DA cells on pain hypersensitivity in a rat model of PD. We evaluated the anti-nociceptive effects of fetal ventral mesencephalic (rVM) tissue allografts in PD rats after unilateral 6-OHDA-induced toxicity in the medial forebrain bundle. The drug –induced rotation test was used to validate the severity of the nigrostriatal lesion; von Frey and thermal pain tests were employed to evaluate nociceptive function. Nociception-induced cerebral blood volume (CBV) response was measured using a 4.7-T MR system. Finally, the immunohistochemical (IHC) studies were performed and the results were compared with the imaging findings from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The grafts significantly improved drug-induced rotation behavior and increased mechanical and thermal nociceptive thresholds in PD rats. The elevation of CBV signals significantly recovered on the grafted striatum, whereas this effect was inhibited by the D2R antagonist eticlopride in each striatum. Quantitative IHC analysis revealed the transplantation markedly increased the numbers of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive cells. Therefore, we concluded transplantation of rVM tissue results in anti-nociceptive effects and improves motor function. Moreover, in vivo CBV response confirmed the key role of D2R-mediated pain modulation. Therefore, we demonstrate fMRI as a reliable imaging index in evaluating the anti-nociceptive therapeutic effects of fetal rVM transplantation in the rat model of PD.
BIAS-3D: Brain inspired attentional search model fashioned after what and where/how pathways for target search in 3D environment
Authors: Kumari Sweta , Shobha Amala V. Y. , Nivethithan M. , Chakravarthy V. Srinivasa
Published: November 2022

We propose a brain inspired attentional search model for target search in a 3D environment, which has two separate channels—one for the object classification, analogous to the “what” pathway in the human visual system, and the other for prediction of the next location of the camera, analogous to the “where” pathway. To evaluate the proposed model, we generated 3D Cluttered Cube datasets that consist of an image on one vertical face, and clutter or background images on the other faces. The camera goes around each cube on a circular orbit and determines the identity of the image pasted on the face. The images pasted on the cube faces were drawn from: MNIST handwriting digit, QuickDraw, and RGB MNIST handwriting digit datasets. The attentional input of three concentric cropped windows resembling the high-resolution central fovea and low-resolution periphery of the retina, flows through a Classifier Network and a Camera Motion Network. The Classifier Network classifies the current view into one of the target classes or the clutter. The Camera Motion Network predicts the camera's next position on the orbit (varying the azimuthal angle or “θ”). Here the camera performs one of three actions: move right, move left, or do not move. The Camera-Position Network adds the camera's current position (θ) into the higher features level of the Classifier Network and the Camera Motion Network. The Camera Motion Network is trained using Q-learning where the reward is 1 if the classifier network gives the correct classification, otherwise 0. Total loss is computed by adding the mean square loss of temporal difference and cross entropy loss. Then the model is trained end-to-end by backpropagating the total loss using Adam optimizer. Results on two grayscale image datasets and one RGB image dataset show that the proposed model is successfully able to discover the desired search pattern to find the target face on the cube, and also classify the target face accurately.
Epidemiology of neurodegenerative diseases in the East African region: A meta-analysis
Authors: Onohuean Hope , Akiyode Abraham Olutumininu , Akiyode Oluwole , Igbinoba Sharon Iyobor , Alagbonsi Abdullateef Isiaka
Published: November 2022

Introduction

There is a scarcity of epidemiological data on neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) in East Africa. This meta-analysis provides the regional prevalence of NDs, their contributing factors, and evidence of change over time concerning gender per age or year.

Methods

Articles were retrieved from electronic databases following the PRISMA standard.

Results

Forty-two studies were reviewed, and 25 were meta-analyzed with a random-effects model. The pool estimate proportion of 15.27%, 95% CI (0.09–0.23) (I2 = 98.25%), (Q = 1,369.15, p < 0.0001) among a population of 15,813 male/female and 1,257 with NDs. Epidemiological characteristics associated with NDs include Dyskinesias prevalence 55.4%, 95% CI (13.5; 90.9), I2 (96%) and subsistence farming prevalence 11.3%, 95% CI (5.8; 20.9), I2 (99%). Publication bias by Egger test was (z = 4.1913, p < 0.0001), while rank correlation test using Kendall's model was (tau = 0.1237, p = 0.3873). Heterogeneity (R2 design = 5.23%, p design < 0.0001; R2 size = 52.163%, p size < 0.001; and R2 period = 48.13, p period < 0.0001. Covariates (R2 design + size + period = 48.41%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

There is a high prevalence of NDs in the East African region, which could impact life expectancy, morbidity, and quality of life. Thus, early screening and regular surveillance could assist in management strategies.
Association between low-fat diet and liver cancer risk in 98,455 participants: Results from a prospective study
Authors: Peng Linglong , Xiang Ling , Xu Zhiquan , Gu Haitao , Zhu Zhiyong , Tang Yunhao , Jiang Yahui , He Hongmei , Wang Yaxu , Zhao Xiaodong
Published: November 2022

Background

Low-fat diet reduces the risk of chronic metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes, which exhibit overlapping mechanisms with liver cancer. However, the association between low-fat diet and liver cancer risk remains unclear.

Aim

To investigate whether adherence to low-fat diet is associated with a reduced risk of liver cancer in a prospective study.

Materials and methods

Data of participants in this study were collected from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial. A low-fat diet score was calculated to reflect adherence to low-fat dietary pattern, with higher scores indicating greater adherence. Cox regression was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for liver cancer incidence with adjustment for potential covariates. Restricted cubic spline model was used to characterize liver cancer risk across the full range of the low-fat diet score. Prespecified subgroup analyses were used to identify potential impact modifiers. Sensitivity analyses were performed to test the robustness of this association.

Results

A total of 98,455 participants were included in the present analysis. The mean (standard deviation) age, low-fat diet score, and follow-up time were 65.52 (5.73) years, 14.99 (6.27) points, and 8.86 (1.90) years, respectively. During 872639.5 person-years of follow-up, 91 liver cancers occurred, with an overall incidence rate of 0.01 cases per 100 person-years. In the fully adjusted Cox model, the highest versus the lowest quartile of low-fat diet score was found to be associated with a reduced risk of liver cancer (HRQ4 vs. Q1: 0.458; 95% CI: 0.218, 0.964; P = 0.035 for trend), which remained associated through a series of sensitivity analyses. The restricted cubic spline model showed a linear dose–response association between low-fat diet score and liver cancer incidence (p = 0.482 for non-linear). Subgroup analyses did not show significant interaction between low-fat diet score and potential impact modifiers in the incidence of liver cancer.

Conclusion

In this study, low-fat diet score is associated with reduced liver cancer risk in the US population, indicating that adherence to low-fat diet may be helpful for liver cancer prevention. Future studies should validate our findings in other populations.
Comparison of general anesthesia and continuous intravenous sedation for electrochemotherapy of head and neck skin lesions
Authors: Benedik Janez , Ogorevc Barbara , Brezar Simona Kranjc , Cemazar Maja , Sersa Gregor , Groselj Ales
Published: November 2022

Background

Electrochemotherapy of cutaneous tumor nodules requires local or general anesthesia. For multiple and larger nodules, general anesthesia is recommended by standard operating procedures. The choice of general anesthesia is at the discretion of the treating center. Continuous intravenous sedation is also an option. Our study aimed to elucidate the tolerability, safety and possible advantages of continuous intravenous sedation in comparison to general anesthesia in patients undergoing electrochemotherapy.

Patients and methods

In the prospective study, 27 patients undergoing electrochemotherapy were either under general anesthesia or under continuous intravenous sedation. Evaluated were different endpoints, such as feasibility and safety, duration of anesthesia and compliance with the patients.

Results

Ten patients were treated under general anesthesia, and 17 patients were under continuous intravenous sedation. The comparison of the approaches indicated that continuous intravenous sedation required a lower overall dosage of propofol, a shorter duration of anesthesia, a shorter time to reach an Aldrete score >8, and greater satisfaction of the patients with the procedure compared to general anesthesia.

Conclusion

The results indicate the feasibility and safety of continuous intravenous sedation for patients undergoing electrochemotherapy of cutaneous tumor nodules. This proved the preferred choice of anesthesia due to its shorter duration and better compliance with the patients compared to general anesthesia.
ZHX2 in health and disease
Authors: Li Na , Wu Zhuanchang , Ma Chunhong
Published: November 2022

As a transcriptional factor and the negative regulator of alpha fetal protein (AFP), Zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 (ZHX2) has a well-established role in protection against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, recent studies have suggested ZHX2 as an oncogene in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Moreover, mounting evidence has illustrated a much broader role of ZHX2 in multiple cellular processes, including cell proliferation, cell differentiation, lipid metabolism, and immunoregulation. This comprehensive review emphasizes the role of ZHX2 in health and diseases which have been more recently uncovered.
Modified DCF (Docetaxel, Cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil) chemotherapy is effective for the treatment of advanced rectal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Hervé Laure , Kim Stefano , Boustani Jihane , Klajer Elodie , Pernot Mandy , Nguyen Thierry , Lakkis Zaher , Borg Christophe , Vienot Angélique
Published: November 2022

Background

Advanced rectal squamous cell carcinoma (rSCC) is a very rare and aggressive entity, and the best initial management is crucial for long survival as well as organ preservation and quality of life. Whereas local diseases are treated with chemo-radiotherapy and salvage surgery, data are scarce on how to treat more advanced diseases, and the role of induction chemotherapy is unknown.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed all consecutive patients with advanced rSCC and treated with modified DCF (docetaxel, cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil; mDCF) regimen, from January 2014 and December 2021 in two French centers. Exploratory endpoints were efficacy (overall survival, recurrence-free survival, response rate, organ preservation rate) and safety.

Results

Nine patients with locally advanced or metastatic diseases received a mDCF regimen and were included for analysis. The median age was 62.0 years, 7 patients (77.8%) were women, and all eight available tumors were positive for HPV, mostly (85.7%) to genotype 16. With a median follow-up of 33.1 months, 77.8% of patients were still alive and disease-free, and the median overall survival was not reached at six years. The objective response rate was 87.5% after mDCF, and the complete response rate was 25.0% after mDCF and was increased to 75.0% after chemoradiotherapy. Only one patient underwent surgery on the primary tumor, with a complete pathological response. The median mDCF cycle was eight over eight scheduled, and all patients received the complete dose of radiotherapy without interruptions.

Conclusions

Induction mDCF chemotherapy followed by chemoradiotherapy is safe and highly effective in patients with advanced rSCC, and should be considered as an option in metastatic stage or locally advanced disease with an organ-preservation strategy.
Patient-derived xenograft models for gastrointestinal tumors: A single-center retrospective study
Authors: Yu Xiongfei , Chen Yiran , Lu Jun , He Kuifeng , Chen Yanyan , Ding Yongfeng , Jin Ketao , Wang Haiyong , Zhang Haibin , Wang Haohao , Teng Lisong
Published: November 2022

Background

Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models have shown a great efficiency in preclinical and translational applications. Gastrointestinal (GI) tumors have a strong heterogeneity, and the engraftment rate of PDX models remarkably vary. However, the clinicopathological and molecular characteristics affecting the engraftment rate still remain elusive.

Methods

A total of 312 fresh tumor tissue samples from patients with GI cancer were implanted into immunodeficient mice. The median follow-up time of patients was 37 months. Patients’ characteristics were compared in terms of PDX growth and overall survival. PDX models of 3-6 generations were used for drug evaluation.

Results

In total, 171 (54.8%, 171/312) PDX models were established, including 85 PDX models of colorectal cancer, 21 PDX models of esophageal cancer, and 65 PDX models of gastric cancer. Other than tumor site, histology, differentiation degree, and serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level, no significant differences were found between transplantation of xenografts and patients’ characteristics. For patients who had undergone neoadjuvant therapy, the incidence of tumor formation was higher in those with progressive disease (PD) or stable disease (SD). In gastric cancer, the results showed a higher transplantation rate in deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) tumors, and Ki-67 could be an important factor affecting the engraftment rate. The gene mutation status of RAS and BRAF, two important molecular markers in colorectal cancer, showed a high degree of consistency between patients’ tumors and PDXs. However, no significant effects of these two mutations on PDX engraftment rate were observed. More importantly, in this study although KRAS mutations were detected in two clinical cases, evident tumor inhibition was still observed after cetuximab treatment in both PDX models and patients.

Conclusion

A large-scale PDX model including 171 cases was successfully established for GI tumors in our center. The relationship between clinicopathological and molecular features and engraftment rates were clarified. Furthermore, this resource provides us with profound insights into tumor heterogeneity, making these models valuable for PDX-guided treatment decisions, and offering the PDX model as a great tool for personalized treatment and translation research.
Four decades of the Graf method in screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip (part I): Rightly the gold standard or of dubious benefit?
Authors: Ossendorff Robert , Placzek Sonja , Bornemann Rahel , Walter Sebastian G.
Published: November 2022

Introduction

The method of infant hip sonography according to Graf is used for general hip screening in Serbia, Austria, and Germany and is considered the gold standard. In other countries, such as the USA, however, it is not well accepted and is claimed to lead to high costs and overtreatment. The aim of this study was to investigate how many of the mentioned sources in a recent review article contained sonograms that met the quality criteria as taught in Graf's ultrasound courses.

Methods

A systematic review published by Sakkers et al. was analyzed in terms of addressing the quality criteria of Graf’s method. Studies that were suitable by title, abstract, manuscript, that contained an image of sonographic hip examination, and that were accessible were included into analysis.

Results

Within the described review, there were 22 papers on the Graf method. Of these, 10 contained hip sonograms and were applicable for final analysis. The quality criteria according to Graf were not fulfilled within 5 of these 10 papers. Within these papers, there are examples of schematic sonograms that do not correspond with the quality criteria either.

Conclusion

Skepticism regarding the Graf method may be based on user errors and insufficient application of the Graf quality assessment algorithm, which results in high intra- and inter-observer variations. Based on these findings, a working group was initiated to evaluate further work according to the same procedure (currently approximately 130 papers).