bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transformation and development of resource-based cities in China: A review and bibliometric analysis
Authors: Gu Qifeng , Wu Zhengyuan , Xie Dongwei
Published: November 2022

With increasingly serious environmental and resource problems, resource-based cities have attracted unprecedented attention at home and abroad. In recent years, resource-based cities have become a hot research topic that has produced fruitful results. However, few articles have comprehensively and systematically reviewed the research on resource-based cities, which makes it difficult to carry out further research. This study introduces the influencing factors of the urban transformation of resource-based cities, the path of urban transformation, and the evaluation index system of urban transformation in detail. At the same time, a total of 2,182 articles related to resource-based cities in the CNKI and WOS from 2002 to 2022 were taken as the research objects. CiteSpace software was used to conduct statistical analysis of publication dates, journals of publication, institutions, and highly cited literature. Using the co-occurrence network of literature keywords and the analysis of emergent words, the research status of resource-based cities at home and abroad is visually analyzed. It is found that Chinese universities attach the most importance to research on resource-based cities. Chinese-language journals focus on urban and economic transformation, while English-language journals focus on sustainable development and the circular economy, which are quite different. The overall research content of Chinese journals is scattered, the co-occurrence ability of keywords is weak, and the duration of hot research topics is short. In contrast, the overall research trend of English-language journals is more concentrated, the key words’ emergence intensity is high, and the duration is long. This study aims to systematically sort out the theories and research related to resource-based city development in China and internationally, clarify the key issues of resource-based city research and the shortcomings of existing research, and put forward feasible suggestions for future research.
Why grazing and soil matter for dry grassland diversity: New insights from multigroup structural equation modeling of micro-patterns
Authors: Martin Gabrielle , Courtial Anouk , Génin Alexandre , Ramone Hervé , Dutoit Thierry
Published: November 2022

Grazing is recognized as a major process driving the composition of plant communities in grasslands, mostly due to the heterogeneous removal of plant species and soil compaction that results in a mosaic of small patches called micro-patterns. To date, no study has investigated the differences in composition and functioning among these micro-patterns in grasslands in relation to grazing and soil environmental variables at the micro-local scale. In this study, we ask (1) To what extent are micro-patterns different from each other in terms of species composition, species richness, vegetation volume, evenness, and functioning? and (2) based on multigroup structural equation modeling, are those differences directly or indirectly driven by grazing and soil characteristics? We focused on three micro-patterns of the Mediterranean dry grassland of the Crau area, a protected area traditionally grazed in the South-East of France. From 70 plant community relevés carried out in three micro-patterns located in four sites with different soil and grazing characteristics, we performed univariate, multivariate analyses and applied structural equation modeling for the first time to this type of data. Our results show evidence of clear differences among micro-pattern patches in terms of species composition, vegetation volume, species richness, evenness, and functioning at the micro-local scale. These differences are maintained not only by direct and indirect effects of grazing but also by several soil variables such as fine granulometry. Biological crusts appeared mostly driven by these soil variables, whereas reference and edge communities are mostly the result of different levels of grazing pressure revealing three distinct functioning specific to each micro-pattern, all of them coexisting at the micro-local scale in the studied Mediterranean dry grassland. This first overview of the multiple effects of grazing and soil characteristics on communities in micro-patterns is discussed within the scope of the conservation of dry grasslands plant diversity.
Prognostic value and immunological characteristics of a novel cuproptosis-related long noncoding RNAs risk signature in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma
Authors: Hong Peng , Huang Weichao , Du Huifang , Hu Ding , Cao Qingfei , Wang Yinjie , Zhang Huashan , Tong Siqiao , Li Zizhi , Tong Ming
Published: November 2022

Background: Cuproptosis has been found as a novel cell death mode significantly associated with mitochondrial metabolism, which may be significantly associated with the occurrence and growth of tumors. LncRNAs take on critical significance in regulating the development of kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC), whereas the correlation between cuproptosis-related LncRNAs (CRLs) and KIRC is not clear at present. Therefore, this study built a prognosis signature based on CRLs, which can achieve accurate prediction of the outcome of KIRC patients.

Methods: The TCGA database provided the expression profile information and relevant clinical information of KIRC patients. Univariate Cox, Lasso, and multivariate Cox were employed for building a risk signature based on CRLs. Kaplan-Meier (K-M) survival analysis and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were employed for the verification and evaluation of the reliability and accuracy of risk signature. Then, qRT-PCR analysis of risk LncRNAs was conducted. Finally, the possible effect of the developed risk signature on the microenvironment for tumor immunization was speculated in accordance with ssGSEA and ESTIMATE algorithms.

Results: A prognosis signature composed of APCDD1L-DT, MINCR, AL161782.1, and AC026401.3 was built based on CRLs. As revealed by the results of the K-M survival study, the OS rate and progression-free survival rate of highrisk KIRC patients were lower than those of lowrisk KIRC patients, and the areas under ROC curves of 1, 3, and 5 years were 0.828, 0.780, and 0.794, separately. The results of the immune analysis showed that there were significant differences in the status of immunization and the microenvironment of tumor between groups at low-risk and at high-risk. The qRT-PCR results showed that the relative expression level of MINCR and APCDD1L-DT were higher in 786-O and 769-P tumor cells than in HK-2 cells, which were normal renal tubular epithelial cells.

Conclusion: The developed risk signature takes on critical significance in the prediction of the prognosis of patients with KIRC, and it can bring a novel direction for immunotherapy and clinical drug treatment of KIRC. In addition, 4 identified risk LncRNAs (especially APCDD1L-DT and MINCR) can be novel targets for immunotherapy of KIRC patients.
Non-invasive prenatal testing for autosomal recessive disorders: A new promising approach
Authors: Alyafee Yusra , Al Tuwaijri Abeer , Umair Muhammad , Alharbi Mashael , Haddad Shahad , Ballow Maryam , Alayyar Latifah , Alam Qamre , Althenayyan Saleh , Al Ghilan Nadia , Al Khaldi Aziza , Faden Majid S. , Al Sufyan Hamad , Alfadhel Majid
Published: November 2022

Background: In pregnant women at risk of autosomal recessive (AR) disorders, prenatal diagnosis of AR disorders primarily involves invasive procedures, such as chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis.

Methods: We collected blood samples from four pregnant women in their first trimester who presented a risk of having a child with an AR disorder. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) was extracted, amplified, and double-purified to reduce maternal DNA interference. Additionally, whole-genome amplification was performed for traces of residual purified cfDNA for utilization in subsequent applications.

Results: Based on our findings, we detected the fetal status with the family corresponding different genes, i.e., LZTR1, DVL2, HBB, RNASEH2B, and MYO7A, as homozygous affected, wild-type, and heterozygous carriers, respectively. Results were subsequently confirmed by prenatal amniocentesis. The results of AmpFLSTR™ Identifiler™ presented a distinct profile from the corresponding mother profile, thereby corroborating the result reflecting the genetic material of the fetus.

Conclusion: Herein, we detected AR disease mutations in the first trimester of pregnancy while surmounting limitations associated with maternal genetic material interference. Importantly, such detection strategies would allow the screening of pregnant women for common AR diseases, especially in highly consanguineous marriage populations. This technique would open avenues for the early detection and prevention of recessive diseases among the population.
Age at menarche and ischemic heart disease: An update mendelian randomization study
Authors: Chen Jing , Chen Heng , Zhu Qiaozhen , Liu Qiannan , Zhou Yan , Li Lan , Wang Yan
Published: November 2022

Background: Although earlier menarche age has been associated with ischemic heart disease in previous observational studies, the relationship’s causation has not been shown. Through two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR), we were able to define the causal connection.

Methods: We performed Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis to explore the associations between genetically predicted AAM and IHD. Summary-level databases for exposure and outcome were selected from the MR-Base database (https://gwas.mrcieu.ac.uk/). Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) connected to AAM at genome-wide significance level (p < 5 × 10−8) were considered as instrumental variables (IVs). We used four methods to pool MR estimates, including fixed-effects inverse variance weighting (fe-IVW), multiplicative random-effects inverse variance weighting (mre-IVW), weighted median (WM), and MR-Egger regression methods. Sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the robustness of the results. PhenoScanner searches and Multivariable Mendelian randomization (MVMR) analysis was used for assessing confounders.

Results: 117 SNPs significantly correlated with AAM were screened as instruments, the results of three main methods showed that genetically earlier AAM may have a causal effect on the higher risk of IHD (fe-IVW: OR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.72–0.88, p < 0.001; mre-IVW: OR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.70–0.90, p < 0.001; WE: OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.66–0.93, p = 0.006). These results were consistent across sensitivity analyses. MR analysis revealed that there was still a relationship between AAM and IHD even when pleiotropic SNPs of confounders were removed employing PhenoScanner searches. In MVMR, the significant association remained after adjusting for biological sex, but it was attenuated with adjustment of body mass index including childhood and adult.

Conclusion: Our MR analysis revealed a substantial genetically determined confounder-mediated relationship between an increase in genetically predicted AAM and a lower risk of IHD. By addressing the intervention of body mass index, the risk of IHD may be lowered.
Mast cells as important regulators in the development of psoriasis
Authors: Zhou Xu-Yue , Chen Kun , Zhang Jia-An
Published: November 2022

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory immune skin disease mediated by genetic and environmental factors. As a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity, mast cells are involved in the initiation, development, and maintenance of psoriasis by interactions and communication with a variety of cells. The current review describes interactions of mast cells with T cells, Tregs, keratinocytes, adipocytes, and sensory neurons in psoriasis to emphasize the important role of mast cell-centered cell networks in psoriasis.
NLRP3+ macrophages aggravate inflammatory cystitis in diabetes
Authors: Peng Yubing , Gao Yan
Published: November 2022

Inflammatory macrophages play a pivotal role in the progression of inflammatory cystitis. Formation of NOD-, LRR- and PYD domains-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome triggers the activation of caspase-1/IL-1β signaling cascades to mediate inflammatory response. However, it is not known whether NLRP3 activation in macrophages during cystitis may differ in normal or diabetic setting as well as the importance of it. In this study, we found that NLRP3 levels significantly increased in bladder macrophages in diabetic mice that underwent cystitis. Moreover, bladder macrophages from diabetic mice appeared to have increased their potential of growth, migration and phagocytosis. Furthermore, specific depletion of NLRP3 in macrophages alleviated the severity of cystitis in diabetic mice, but not in non-diabetic mice. Together, our data suggest that NLRP3 depletion in macrophages may be a promising strategy for treating diabetic cystitis.
Ultraviolet-B radiation stress triggers reactive oxygen species and regulates the antioxidant defense and photosynthesis systems of intertidal red algae Neoporphyra haitanensis
Authors: Xue Song , Zang Yu , Chen Jun , Shang Shuai , Gao Lihua , Tang Xuexi
Published: November 2022

The enhancement of harmful ultraviolet-B (UV-B, 280–320 nm wavelength) radiation is a serious problem generally faced by photosynthetic organisms. Previous studies have reported that the currently increasing level of UV-B radiation received on earth can promote the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by altering the antioxidant defense system or by hampering of photosynthesis system of plants. However, the relationship between the UV-B-induced ROS production, antioxidant capacity, and photosynthetic performance in macroalgae remains unclear. In this study, the regulation of the antioxidant system and photosynthetic activity by ROS triggered by UV-B radiation were investigated in an intertidal seaweed, Neoporphyra haitanensis. The contents of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde increased with enhanced UV-B radiation, indicating N. haitanensis experienced oxidative stress. Increased activities of antioxidant enzymes showed a positive response of enzymatic antioxidants to maintain the balance of ROS under low UV-B conditions. Likewise, an accumulation of non-enzymatic antioxidants occurred and glutathione redox status was maintained at a high level, suggesting that the ascorbate–glutathione cycle played an indispensable role in detoxifying ROS. Nevertheless, high UV-B radiation markedly inhibited the efficiency of the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, causing oxidative damage and a depression of photosynthesis. The addition of ROS scavengers alleviated the increased oxidation level caused by UV-B radiation, implying that oxidative damage under UV-B condition was ascribed to accumulated ROS. The activation of the antioxidant defense system was also modulated by ROS. Additionally, the decreased photosynthetic activities induced by enhanced UV-B radiation were reversed by ROS scavengers, indicating that ROS-mediated oxidative damage caused by UV-B radiation is one of the important causes of photo-inhibitory damage in N. haitanensis. Overall, these results shed some light on the close relationship between UV-B-induced ROS production, the antioxidant defense system, and photosynthetic performance in macroalgae, which helps to reveal their survival strategies for adapting to highly variable marine intertidal environments.
Bullous pemphigoid—What do we know about the most recent therapies?
Authors: Zeng Faith A. P. , Murrell Dedee F.
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common subtype of autoimmune blistering diseases that primarily affects the elderly and is classically defined by the presence of IgG and/or complement C3 against the BP180 and BP230 hemidesmosome proteins. However, most recent studies have introduced the role of specific eosinophil receptors and chemokine mediators in the pathogenesis of BP which are helpful in identifying new targets for future treatments.

Areas covered

This review will focus on the involvement of eosinophils in BP, including the processes that lead to their recruitment, activation, and regulation. Subsequently, covering new therapeutic options in relation to the role of eosinophils. Eotaxin enhances the recruitment of eosinophils in BP, with CCR3 chemoreceptor that is expressed on eosinophils being identified as a key binding site for eotaxin-1. The pathogenic role of IgE and IL-4 in BP is corroborated by successful treatments with Omalizumab and Dupilumab, respectively. IL-5, IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors may be effective given their roles in promoting eosinophilia.

Expert opinion

Further research into inhibitors of eotaxin, IL-4, IL-5, IL-17, IL-23, CCR3, and specific complement factors are warranted as preliminary studies have largely identified success in treating BP with these agents. Learning from novel treatments for other IgG-mediated autoimmune diseases may be beneficial.
The interplay between oral microbes and immune responses
Authors: Liu Yuan , Qv Wenting , Ma Yinchao , Zhang Yuying , Ding Chong , Chu Ming , Chen Feng
Published: November 2022

Oral microbes play a critical role in maintaining oral homeostasis. Microbial dysbiosis promotes disease pathogenesis through several mechanisms. Recent studies have revealed that microbial imbalance and sustained inflammation are involved in disease progression. The adverse interaction triggered by a host immune response to microorganisms can lead to oral and systemic diseases. Here, we reviewed how oral microbes communicate with hosts during the development of local and distant inflammation. Elucidation of these processes may reveal future directions in this field and the potential targets of novel biological therapies for oral and systemic diseases.
Two sides of the same coin: Meta-analysis uncovered the potential benefits and risks of traditional fermented foods at a large geographical scale
Authors: Xu Meng , Su Shunyong , Zhang Zeng , Jiang Shuaiming , Zhang Jiachao , Xu Yanqing , Hu Xiaosong
Published: November 2022

Traditional fermented foods, which are well-known microbial resources, are also bright national cultural inheritances. Recently, traditional fermented foods have received great attention due to their potential probiotic properties. Based on shotgun metagenomic sequencing data, we analyzed the microbial diversity, taxonomic composition, metabolic pathways, and the potential benefits and risks of fermented foods through a meta-analysis including 179 selected samples, as well as our own sequencing data collected from Hainan Province, China. As expected, raw materials, regions (differentiated by climatic zones), and substrates were the main driving forces for the microbial diversity and taxonomic composition of traditional fermented foods. Interestingly, a higher content of beneficial bacteria but a low biomass of opportunistic pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes were observed in the fermented dairy products, indicating that fermented dairy products are the most beneficial and reliable fermented foods. In contrast, despite the high microbial diversity found in the fermented soy products, their consumption risk was still high due to the enrichment of opportunistic pathogens and transferable antibiotic resistance genes. Overall, we provided the most comprehensive assessment of the microbiome of fermented food to date and generated a new view of its potential benefits and risks related to human health.
Lipid nanoparticles for antisense oligonucleotide gene interference into brain border-associated macrophages
Authors: Calero Macarena , Moleiro Lara H. , Sayd Aline , Dorca Yeray , Miquel-Rio Lluis , Paz Verónica , Robledo-Montaña Javier , Enciso Eduardo , Acción Fernando , Herráez-Aguilar Diego , Hellweg Thomas , Sánchez Luis , Bortolozzi Analía , Leza Juan C. , García-Bueno Borja , Monroy Francisco
Published: November 2022

A colloidal synthesis’ proof-of-concept based on the Bligh–Dyer emulsion inversion method was designed for integrating into lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) cell-permeating DNA antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), also known as GapmeRs (GRs), for mRNA interference. The GR@LNPs were formulated to target brain border-associated macrophages (BAMs) as a central nervous system (CNS) therapy platform for silencing neuroinflammation-related genes. We specifically aim at inhibiting the expression of the gene encoding for lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase (L-PGDS), an anti-inflammatory enzyme expressed in BAMs, whose level of expression is altered in neuropsychopathologies such as depression and schizophrenia. The GR@LNPs are expected to demonstrate a bio-orthogonal genetic activity reacting with L-PGDS gene transcripts inside the living system without interfering with other genetic or biochemical circuitries. To facilitate selective BAM phagocytosis and avoid subsidiary absorption by other cells, they were functionalized with a mannosylated lipid as a specific MAN ligand for the mannose receptor presented by the macrophage surface. The GR@LNPs showed a high GR-packing density in a compact multilamellar configuration as structurally characterized by light scattering, zeta potential, and transmission electronic microscopy. As a preliminary biological evaluation of the mannosylated GR@LNP nanovectors into specifically targeted BAMs, we detected in vivo gene interference after brain delivery by intracerebroventricular injection (ICV) in Wistar rats subjected to gene therapy protocol. The results pave the way towards novel gene therapy platforms for advanced treatment of neuroinflammation-related pathologies with ASO@LNP nanovectors.
“Guttmann Cognitest”®, preliminary validation of a digital solution to test cognitive performance
Authors: Cattaneo Gabriele , Pachón-García Catherine , Roca Alba , Alviarez-Schulze Vanessa , Opisso Eloy , García-Molina Alberto , Bartrés-Faz David , Pascual-Leone Alvaro , Tormos-Muñoz Josep M. , Solana-Sánchez Javier
Published: November 2022

Thanks to technological advances, the administration of cognitive assessments via digital solutions continues to increase, both in research and clinical practice. “Guttmann Cognitest”°ledR is a digital solution for cognitive assessment which includes seven computerized tasks designed to assess main cognitive functions requiring approximately 20 min to be completed. The purpose of the present study was to validate it against standard and more extensive in-person neuropsychological assessments in the context of the Barcelona Brain Health Initiative (BBHI) cohort study. We studied 274 participants of the BBHI (126 women, mean age = 56.14, age range 44–69), who underwent an extensive in-person assessment, including a classical paper-and-pencil neuropsychological assessment and a cognitive assessment via the “Guttmann Cognitest”°ledR. Principal component analysis indicated that “Guttmann Cognitest”°ledR measures four main cognitive domains and convergent validity analysis demonstrated that cognitive performance was associated with gold standard paper and pencil tests. Results also showed an expected negative correlation with age, a relation with educational level as well as a gender effect. Regression-based norming equations for the sample tested are also reported. Performing a cognitive assessment with this digital solution is feasible and potentially useful to gather information about cognitive functioning in large samples and experimental settings.
Semantic enhanced for out-of-distribution detection
Authors: Jiang Weijie , Yu Yuanlong
Published: November 2022

While improving the performance on the out-of-distribution (OOD) benchmark dataset, the existing approach misses a portion of the valid discriminative information such that it reduces the performance on the same manifold OOD (SMOOD) data. The key to addressing this problem is to prompt the model to learn effective and comprehensive in-distribution (ID) semantic features. In this paper, two strategies are proposed to improve the generalization ability of the model to OOD data. Firstly, the original samples are replaced by features extracted from multiple “semantic perspectives” to obtain a comprehensive semantics of the samples; Second, the mean and variance of the batch samples are perturbed in the inference stage to improve the sensitivity of the model to the OOD data. The method we propose does not employ OOD samples, uses no pre-trained models in training, and does not require pre-processing of samples during inference. Experimental results show that our method enhances the semantic representation of ID data, surpasses state-of-the-art detection results on the OOD benchmark dataset, and significantly improves the performance of the model in detecting the SMOOD data.
Quantitative properties of the creation and activation of a cell-intrinsic duration-encoding engram
Authors: Gallistel Charles Randy , Johansson Fredrik , Jirenhed Dan-Anders , Rasmussen Anders , Ricci Matthew , Hesslow Germund
Published: November 2022

The engram encoding the interval between the conditional stimulus (CS) and the unconditional stimulus (US) in eyeblink conditioning resides within a small population of cerebellar Purkinje cells. CSs activate this engram to produce a pause in the spontaneous firing rate of the cell, which times the CS-conditional blink. We developed a Bayesian algorithm that finds pause onsets and offsets in the records from individual CS-alone trials. We find that the pause consists of a single unusually long interspike interval. Its onset and offset latencies and their trial-to-trial variability are proportional to the CS-US interval. The coefficient of variation (CoV = σ/μ) are comparable to the CoVs for the conditional eye blink. The average trial-to-trial correlation between the onset latencies and the offset latencies is close to 0, implying that the onsets and offsets are mediated by two stochastically independent readings of the engram. The onset of the pause is step-like; there is no decline in firing rate between the onset of the CS and the onset of the pause. A single presynaptic spike volley suffices to trigger the reading of the engram; and the pause parameters are unaffected by subsequent volleys. The Fano factors for trial-to-trial variations in the distribution of interspike intervals within the intertrial intervals indicate pronounced non-stationarity in the endogenous spontaneous spiking rate, on which the CS-triggered firing pause supervenes. These properties of the spontaneous firing and of the engram read out may prove useful in finding the cell-intrinsic, molecular-level structure that encodes the CS-US interval.
Seizure outcome-related factors in autoimmune encephalitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Luo Peijuan , Zhong Rui , Chen Qingling , Lin Weihong
Published: November 2022

Background

Identifying the predictors for seizure outcome in autoimmune encephalitis (AE) and investigating how to prevent persistent seizures would have major clinical benefits effectively. Thus, we aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine seizure outcome-related factors in AE patients.

Methods

PubMed and EMBASE were systematically searched from inception to 10 June 2022 for studies investigating seizure outcome-related factors in AE. The pooled effect estimates, including standardized mean differences (SMDs) and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were calculated to estimate the effect of each included factor on the seizure outcome.

Results

A total of 10 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Our pooled results of this meta-analysis showed that five factors were found to increase the risk of persistent seizures in AE patients, including onset with seizures (OR = 2.106, 95% CI = 1.262–3.514, p = 0.004), status epilepticus (OR = 3.017, 95% CI = 1.995–4.563, p < 0.001), EEG abnormalities (OR = 1.581, 95% CI = 1.016–2.46, p = 0.042), MRI abnormalities (OR = 1.554, 95% CI = 1.044–2.283, p = 0.03), and longer time from clinical onset to immunotherapy (SMD = 1.887, 95% CI = 0.598–3.156, p = 0.004).

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis indicated that onset with seizures, status epilepticus, EEG abnormalities, MRI abnormalities, and longer time from clinical onset to immunotherapy were risk factors for persistent seizures in AE patients.
GNAQ mutations drive port wine birthmark-associated Sturge-Weber syndrome: A review of pathobiology, therapies, and current models
Authors: Van Trigt William K. , Kelly Kristen M. , Hughes Christopher C. W.
Published: November 2022

Port-wine birthmarks (PWBs) are caused by somatic, mosaic mutations in the G protein guanine nucleotide binding protein alpha subunit q (GNAQ) and are characterized by the formation of dilated, dysfunctional blood vessels in the dermis, eyes, and/or brain. Cutaneous PWBs can be treated by current dermatologic therapy, like laser intervention, to lighten the lesions and diminish nodules that occur in the lesion. Involvement of the eyes and/or brain can result in serious complications and this variation is termed Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS). Some of the biggest hurdles preventing development of new therapeutics are unanswered questions regarding disease biology and lack of models for drug screening. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of GNAQ signaling, the standard of care for patients, overlap with other GNAQ-associated or phenotypically similar diseases, as well as deficiencies in current in vivo and in vitro vascular malformation models.
No evidence for an effect of selective spatial attention on the development of secondary hyperalgesia: A replication study
Authors: Della Porta Delia , Vilz Marie-Lynn , Kuzminova Avgustina , Filbrich Lieve , Mouraux André , Legrain Valéry
Published: November 2022

Central sensitization refers to the increased responsiveness of nociceptive neurons in the central nervous system after repeated or sustained peripheral nociceptor activation. It is hypothesized to play a key role in the development of chronic pain. A hallmark of central sensitization is an increased sensitivity to noxious mechanical stimuli extending beyond the injured location, known as secondary hyperalgesia. For its ability to modulate the transmission and the processing of nociceptive inputs, attention could constitute a promising target to prevent central sensitization and the development of chronic pain. It was recently shown that the experimental induction of central sensitization at both forearms of healthy volunteers using bilateral high-frequency electrocutaneous stimulation (HFS), can be modulated by encouraging participants to selectively focus their attention to one arm, to the detriment of the other arm, resulting in a greater secondary hyperalgesia on the attended arm as compared to the unattended one. Given the potential value of the question being addressed, we conducted a preregistered replication study in a well-powered independent sample to assess the robustness of the effect, i.e., the modulatory role of spatial attention on the induction of central sensitization. This hypothesis was tested using a double-blind, within-subject design. Sixty-seven healthy volunteers performed a task that required focusing attention toward one forearm to discriminate innocuous vibrotactile stimuli while HFS was applied on both forearms simultaneously. Our results showed a significant increase in mechanical sensitivity directly and 20 min after HFS. However, in contrast to the previous study, we did not find a significant difference in the development of secondary hyperalgesia between the attended vs. unattended arms. Our results question whether spatial selective attention affects the development of secondary hyperalgesia. Alternatively, the non-replication could be because the bottom-up capture of attention caused by the HFS-mediated sensation was too strong in comparison to the top-down modulation exerted by the attentional task. In other words, the task was not engaging enough and the HFS pulses, including those on the unattended arm, were too salient to allow a selective focus on one arm and modulate nociceptive processing.
MS-based glycomics: An analytical tool to assess nervous system diseases
Authors: Peng Wenjing , Kobeissy Firas , Mondello Stefania , Barsa Chloe , Mechref Yehia
Published: November 2022

Neurological diseases affect millions of peopleochemistryorldwide and are continuously increasing due to the globe’s aging population. Such diseases affect the nervous system and are characterized by a progressive decline in brain function and progressive cognitive impairment, decreasing the quality of life for those with the disease as well as for their families and loved ones. The increased burden of nervous system diseases demands a deeper insight into the biomolecular mechanisms at work during disease development in order to improve clinical diagnosis and drug design. Recently, evidence has related glycosylation to nervous system diseases. Glycosylation is a vital post-translational modification that mediates many biological functions, and aberrant glycosylation has been associated with a variety of diseases. Thus, the investigation of glycosylation in neurological diseases could provide novel biomarkers and information for disease pathology. During the last decades, many techniques have been developed for facilitation of reliable and efficient glycomic analysis. Among these, mass spectrometry (MS) is considered the most powerful tool for glycan analysis due to its high resolution, high sensitivity, and the ability to acquire adequate structural information for glycan identification. Along with MS, a variety of approaches and strategies are employed to enhance the MS-based identification and quantitation of glycans in neurological samples. Here, we review the advanced glycomic tools used in nervous system disease studies, including separation techniques prior to MS, fragmentation techniques in MS, and corresponding strategies. The glycan markers in common clinical nervous system diseases discovered by utilizing such MS-based glycomic tools are also summarized and discussed.
Brain signatures of error awareness during cognitive tasks for humans in the flight environment
Authors: Zhang Peng , Yan Juan , Liu Zhongqi , Zhou Qianxiang
Published: November 2022

At present, many scientific experiments are carried out in extreme conditions. Pilots need to perform high-intensity tasks for a long time. Human error is an essential factor affecting mission execution. To deeply study the physiological characteristics of different erroneous states of consciousness, we used an improved double-choice Oddball paradigm to collect brain electrophysiological signals of volunteers and pilots in missions and analyze event-related potential (ERP), time-frequency, and brain function spectrum, extracting EEG indicators sensitive to error awareness. The results showed that, in the 300∼500 ms time window, the error awareness type was correlated with Pe amplitude. Meanwhile, the time-frequency and brain functional spectrum analysis showed that the amplitude of the aware errors α-ERS oscillation, the functional spectral density of the α-band, and the uncertain errors were more prominent than unaware errors. The error awareness of the pilots showed the same EEG sensitivity characteristics in flight as in the ground volunteer experiment, and the characteristic sensitivity value was higher than that of the ground participants. We analyzed the EEG indicators sensitive to error awareness and determined the differences in EEG characteristics when pilots have error awareness on the ground and in flight. This study provides theoretical guidance for the follow-up research on the intervention measures against error awareness and determines the target point positioning.
Microarray profiling of hypothalamic gene expression changes in Huntington’s disease mouse models
Authors: Dickson Elna , Dwijesha Amoolya Sai , Andersson Natalie , Lundh Sofia , Björkqvist Maria , Petersén Åsa , Soylu-Kucharz Rana
Published: November 2022

Structural changes and neuropathology in the hypothalamus have been suggested to contribute to the non-motor manifestations of Huntington’s disease (HD), a neurodegenerative disorder caused by an expanded cytosine-adenine-guanine (CAG) repeat in the huntingtin (HTT) gene. In this study, we investigated whether hypothalamic HTT expression causes transcriptional changes. Hypothalamic RNA was isolated from two different HD mouse models and their littermate controls; BACHD mice with ubiquitous expression of full-length mutant HTT (mHTT) and wild-type mice with targeted hypothalamic overexpression of either wild-type HTT (wtHTT) or mHTT fragments. The mHTT and wtHTT groups showed the highest number of differentially expressed genes compared to the BACHD mouse model. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) with leading-edge analysis showed that suppressed sterol- and cholesterol metabolism were shared between hypothalamic wtHTT and mHTT overexpression. Most distinctive for mHTT overexpression was the suppression of neuroendocrine networks, in which qRT-PCR validation confirmed significant downregulation of neuropeptides with roles in feeding behavior; hypocretin neuropeptide precursor (Hcrt), tachykinin receptor 3 (Tacr3), cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript (Cart) and catecholamine-related biological processes; dopa decarboxylase (Ddc), histidine decarboxylase (Hdc), tyrosine hydroxylase (Th), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (Vip). In BACHD mice, few hypothalamic genes were differentially expressed compared to age-matched WT controls. However, GSEA indicated an enrichment of inflammatory- and gonadotropin-related processes at 10 months. In conclusion, we show that both wtHTT and mHTT overexpression change hypothalamic transcriptome profile, specifically mHTT, altering neuroendocrine circuits. In contrast, the ubiquitous expression of full-length mHTT in the BACHD hypothalamus moderately affects the transcriptomic profile.
Novel quantitative electroencephalogram feature image adapted for deep learning: Verification through classification of Alzheimer’s disease dementia
Authors: Jeong Taegyun , Park Ukeob , Kang Seung Wan
Published: November 2022

Quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) analysis is commonly adopted for the investigation of various neurological disorders, revealing electroencephalogram (EEG) features associated with specific dysfunctions. Conventionally, topographies are widely utilized for spatial representation of EEG characteristics at specific frequencies or frequency bands. However, multiple topographies at various frequency bands are required for a complete description of brain activity. In consequence, use of topographies for the training of deep learning algorithms is often challenging. The present study describes the development and application of a novel QEEG feature image that integrates all required spatial and spectral information within a single image, overcoming conventional obstacles. EEG powers recorded at 19 channels defined by the international 10–20 system were pre-processed using the EEG auto-analysis system iSyncBrain®, removing the artifact components selected through independent component analysis (ICA) and rejecting bad epochs. Hereafter, spectral powers computed through fast Fourier transform (FFT) were standardized into Z-scores through iMediSync, Inc.’s age- and sex-specific normative database. The standardized spectral powers for each channel were subsequently rearranged and concatenated into a rectangular feature matrix, in accordance with their spatial location on the scalp surface. Application of various feature engineering techniques on the established feature matrix yielded multiple types of feature images. Such feature images were utilized in the deep learning classification of Alzheimer’s disease dementia (ADD) and non-Alzheimer’s disease dementia (NADD) data, in order to validate the use of our novel feature images. The resulting classification accuracy was 97.4%. The Classification criteria were further inferred through an explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) algorithm, which complied with the conventionally known EEG characteristics of AD. Such outstanding classification performance bolsters the potential of our novel QEEG feature images in broadening QEEG utility.
The convergent and divergent patterns in brain perfusion between Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease with dementia: An ASL MRI study
Authors: Chen Hongri , Xu Yao , Chen Lanlan , Shang Songan , Luo Xianfu , Wang Xin , Xia Wei , Zhang Hongying
Published: November 2022

Background

Aberrant brain blood perfusion changes have been found to play an important role in the progress of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease with dementia (PDD). However, the convergent and divergent patterns in brain perfusion between two dementias remain poorly documented.

Objective

To explore the impaired brain perfusion pattern and investigate their overlaps and differences between AD and PDD using normalized cerebral blood flow (CBF).

Methods

The regional perfusion in patients with AD and PDD as well as healthy control (HC) subjects were explored using the three-dimensional arterial spin labeling. The normalized CBF values were compared across the three groups and further explored the potential linkages to clinical assessments.

Results

In total, 24 patients with AD, 26 patients with PDD, and 35 HC subjects were enrolled. Relative to the HC group, both the AD group and the PDD group showed reduced normalized CBF mainly in regions of the temporal and frontal gyrus, whereas preserved perfusion presented in the sensorimotor cortex and basal ganglia area. Compared with the AD group, the PDD group showed decreased perfusion in the right putamen and right supplementary motor area (SMA), while preserved perfusion in the right inferior parietal lobule (IPL) and right precuneus. In the AD group, significant correlations were observed between the normalized CBF values in the right IPL and scores of global cognitive function (P = 0.033, ρ = 0.442), between the normalized CBF values in the right precuneus and the scores of memory function (P = 0.049,ρ = 0.406). The normalized CBF in the right putamen was significantly linked to cores of motor symptoms (P = 0.017, ρ = 0.214) in the PDD group.

Conclusion

Our findings suggested convergent and divergent patterns of brain hemodynamic dysregulation between AD and PDD and contributed to a better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms.
Effects of auditory feedback on fine motor output and corticomuscular coherence during a unilateral finger pinch task
Authors: Guo Jing , Liu Tian , Wang Jue
Published: November 2022

Auditory feedback is important to reduce movement error and improve motor performance during a precise motor task. Accurate motion guided by auditory feedback may rely on the neural muscle transmission pathway between the sensorimotor area and the effective muscle. However, it remains unclear how neural activities and sensorimotor loops play a role in enhancing performance. The present study uses an auditory feedback system by simultaneously recording electroencephalogram (EEG), electromyography (EMG), and exert force information to measure corticomuscular coherence (CMC), neural activity, and motor performance during precise unilateral right-hand pinch by using the thumb and the index finger with and without auditory feedback. This study confirms three results. First, compared with no auditory feedback, auditory feedback decreases movement errors. Second, compared with no auditory feedback, auditory feedback decreased the power spectrum in the beta band in the bimanual sensorimotor cortex and the alpha band in the ipsilateral sensorimotor cortex. Finally, CMC was computed between effector muscle of right hand and contralateral sensorimotor cortex. Analyses reveals that the CMC of beta band significantly decreases in auditory feedback condition compared with no auditory feedback condition. The results indicate that auditory feedback decreases the power spectral in the alpha and beta bands and decreases corticospinal connection in the beta band during precise hand control. This study provides a new perspective on the effect of auditory feedback on behavior and brain activity and offers a new idea for designing more suitable and effective rehabilitation and training strategies to improve fine motor performance.
Integrative proteomics and metabolomics of Guizhou Miao Sour Soup affecting simple obese rats
Authors: Yuan Qin , Zhou Qianqian , Wang Nanlan , Zheng Yuancui , Hu Hua , Hu Shiyao , Wang Huiqun
Published: November 2022

Miao Sour Soup (MSS) is a fermented product from the Qiandongnan region of Guizhou Province, which enrich many beneficial ingredients and is widely consumed in the whole China. Fermented food is beneficial to physical health with the potential positive regulating affection on simple obesity. In this study, we analyzed the mechanism of action of MSS to prevent simple obesity induced by high-fat diet by proteomics and metabolomics. Quantitative proteomics with tandem mass tagging labeling and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to analyze the changes of liver proteins and metabolites after the MSS intervention. MSS intervention upregulated 33 proteins and 9 metabolites and downregulated 19 proteins and 10 metabolites. Bioinformatics analysis showed that MSS could prevent simple obesity by acting on the PPAR signaling pathway, retinol metabolism, fatty acid β-oxidation, fatty acid degradation, fatty acid biosynthesis, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, pyruvate metabolism, citrate cycle (TCA cycle) and other signaling pathways. This study provides new insights into the use of MSS to prevent simple obesity caused by high-fat diets and the search for healthy eating patterns with MSS.
Effects of collagen peptides from Micropterus salmoides skin on oxidative damage induced by cyclophosphamide in mice
Authors: Han Mengyao , Zhang Zhongshan , Li Xinyue , Tong Haibin , Xu Zhiguo , Ding Zikang , Yang Anquan , Xie Min , Wang Xiaomei
Published: November 2022

To investigate the protective effect of collagen peptide fromMicropterus salmoidesskin (CPMs) on oxidative damage induced by cyclophosphamide in mice. Balb/c female mice were divided into blank, model (cyclophosphamide, CTX), positive control (levamisole hydrochloride), and collagen peptide low-, medium-, and high-dose groups. The results showed that CPMs increase the body mass and immune-related organ indexes, such as liver and kidneys of immunosuppressed mice. The activities of ALT, AST, UA, BUN, and MDA in the liver and kidney tissues decreased significantly, while those of SOD and GSH-Px increased significantly. CPMs can relieve the pathological damage to immune organs. CPMs significantly increase the activities of IL-2, IgG, and TNF-α in serum and SOD activity, while the MDA content was decreased compared to the model group. CPMs can exert a protective effect on cyclophosphamide-induced oxidative damage and have application prospects in the field of health food.