bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DIA Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Retro-oil Fluid and Vitreous Fluid From Retinal Detachment Patients
Authors: Shu Yiyang , Gao Min , Zhou Yifan , Liu Haiyun , Sun Xiaodong
Published: December 2021

Objectives: There have been reports of unexplained visual loss following intra-ocular silicone oil (SiO) tamponade in retinal detachment patients, yet the underlying mechanism is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms behind retinal toxicity following intra-ocular SiO tamponade in retinal detachment patients.

Methods and Results: Vitreous fluid samples were acquired from 27 patients (27 eyes). Twelve eyes for data-independent acquisition (DIA) were divided into four groups: pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD group), SiO removal after successful retinal reattachment (SO group), cataract surgery after successful retinal reattachment with sterilized air tamponade (FA group), and PPV for epiretinal membrane (ERM group). The remaining 15 eyes were used for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis. DIA was combined with two-dimensional liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry to find expression changes in the proteome of vitreous. Mean number mass spectra, statistically differentially expressed proteins, gene ontology (GO), pathway representations, and protein interactions were analyzed. GO analysis showed that the protein categories of synapse organization, cell adhesion, and regulation of cell migration in the SO group were differentially expressed compared to the control or FA groups (p < 0.05). Through Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, lysosome and cell adhesion were found to be significantly enriched in the SO group compared to the FA and control groups (p < 0.05). Cadherin 2, transferrin, and lysosome function may partially contribute to silicone oil-related vision loss.

Conclusion: Vision loss-inducing novel molecular signatures and pathways that may be associated with SiO toxicity were identified. Transferrin may be a potential visual outcome biomarker for SiO tamponade.
Enriched Environment Modulates Sharp Wave-Ripple (SPW-R) Activity in Hippocampal Slices
Authors: Landeck Lucie , Kaiser Martin E. , Hefter Dimitri , Draguhn Andreas , Both Martin
Published: December 2021

Behavioral flexibility depends on neuronal plasticity which forms and adapts the central nervous system in an experience-dependent manner. Thus, plasticity depends on interactions between the organism and its environment. A key experimental paradigm for studying this concept is the exposure of rodents to an enriched environment (EE), followed by studying differences to control animals kept under standard conditions (SC). While multiple changes induced by EE have been found at the cellular-molecular and cognitive-behavioral levels, little is known about EE-dependent alterations at the intermediate level of network activity. We, therefore, studied spontaneous network activity in hippocampal slices from mice which had previously experienced EE for 10–15 days. Compared to control animals from standard conditions (SC) and mice with enhanced motor activity (MC) we found several differences in sharp wave-ripple complexes (SPW-R), a memory-related activity pattern. Sharp wave amplitude, unit firing during sharp waves, and the number of superimposed ripple cycles were increased in tissue from the EE group. On the other hand, spiking precision with respect to the ripple oscillations was reduced. Recordings from single pyramidal cells revealed a reduction in synaptic inhibition during SPW-R together with a reduced inhibition-excitation ratio. The number of inhibitory neurons, including parvalbumin-positive interneurons, was unchanged. Altered activation or efficacy of synaptic inhibition may thus underlie changes in memory-related network activity patterns which, in turn, may be important for the cognitive-behavioral effects of EE exposure.
Deterioration After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Single-Center Experience With Cost Analysis
Authors: Chojak Rafał , Koźba-Gosztyła Marta , Pawłowski Mateusz , Czapiga Bogdan
Published: December 2021

Background: Most traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are mild (GCS score of 13–15). Patients with mild TBI (mTBI) are generally in good condition. In some cases, a neurological deterioration (manifested by a drop of ≥1 point in GCS score) can occur and neurosurgical intervention (NI) may be needed. Because of that, these patients are frequently admitted to a hospital for observation. The aim of our study was to determine the number of patients with mTBI that deteriorate or need NI. We also considered an economic aspect of hospital admissions of these patients.

Methods: The study group consisted of 186 adult patients admitted to the neurosurgical department due to mTBI. Patients were divided into three groups according to an initial GCS score. The occurrence of deterioration, need for NI, length of stay (LOS), cost of stay and occurrence of death were analyzed.

Results: The deterioration was observed in 7 (3.76%) out of all cases. In 3 (1.61%) of them, the NI was needed. The average LOS was 7.96 days and it was closely linked with an initial GCS score (p < 0.001). The total cost of stay of all patients included in this study was about 1,188,668 PLN (306,357 USD).

Conclusion: The deterioration occurred in a small number of patients with mTBI, the need for NI was even less common. Hospitalization of these patients is expensive. Further studies with prognostic model helping decide on admission/discharge are necessary.
Relationship Between Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] and Cognition in Different Ischemic Stroke Subtypes
Authors: Li Jingjing , Li Shiyu , Pan Yuesong , Wang Mengxing , Meng Xia , Wang Yilong , Zhao Xingquan , Wang Yongjun
Published: December 2021

Background and Purpose: Although elevated serum lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is considered to be a risk factor of ischemic stroke, the relationship between Lp(a) and cognitive impairment after stroke remains unclear. This study investigated the association between serum Lp(a) and cognitive function after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Methods: The study included 1,017 patients diagnosed with AIS or TIA from the cognition subgroup of the Third China National Stroke Registry (CNSR3). Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) at 2 weeks or discharge, 3 months, and 1 year was evaluated. The primary outcome was cognitive impairment at 1 year, defined as MoCA ≤ 22. The secondary outcome was cognition improvement at 1 year compared with 2 weeks. The association between Lp(a) levels and cognitive function was analyzed.

Results: Among the 1,017 patients included, 326 (32.1%) had cognitive impairment at 1 year. Patients with MoCA ≤ 22 at 1 year were older, received less education, and had higher baseline NIHSS, higher proportion of ischemic stroke history, large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) subtype, and multiple infarctions (P < 0.05 for all). Patients with highest Lp(a) quartile had slightly higher percentage of cognitive impairment at 1 year but without statistical difference. In subgroup analysis of LAA subtype, the patients with highest Lp(a) quartile had higher percentage of cognitive impairment at 1 year (adjusted OR:2.63; 95% CI: 1.05–6.61, P < 0.05). What is more, the patients with highest Lp(a) quartile in LAA subtype had lower percentage of cognition improvement at 1 year. However, similar results were not found in small artery occlusion (SAO) subtype.

Conclusion: Higher Lp(a) level was associated with cognitive impairment and less improvement of cognition in patients after AIS or TIA with large-artery atherosclerosis subtype.
Evaluation of Postural Sway in Post-stroke Patients by Dynamic Time Warping Clustering
Authors: Li Dongdong , Kaminishi Kohei , Chiba Ryosuke , Takakusaki Kaoru , Mukaino Masahiko , Ota Jun
Published: December 2021

Post-stroke complications are the second most frequent cause of death and the third leading cause of disability worldwide. The motor function of post-stroke patients is often assessed by measuring the postural sway in the patients during quiet standing, based on sway measures, such as sway area and velocity, which are obtained from temporal variations of the center of pressure. However, such approaches to establish a relationship between the sway measures and patients' demographic factors have hardly been successful (e.g., days after onset). This study instead evaluates the postural sway features of post-stroke patients using the clustering method of machine learning. First, we collected the stroke patients' multi-variable motion-capture standing-posture data and processed them intots long data slots. Then, we clustered thet-s data slots intoKcluster groups using the dynamic-time-warping partition-around-medoid (DTW-PAM) method. The DTW measures the similarity between two temporal sequences that may vary in speed, whereas PAM identifies the centroids for the DTW clustering method. Finally, we used apost-hoctest and found that the sway amplitudes of markers in the shoulder, hip, knee, and center-of-mass are more important than their sway frequencies. We separately plotted the marker amplitudes and frequencies in the medial-lateral direction during a 5-s data slot and found that the post-stroke patients' postural sway frequency lay within the bandwidth of 0.5–1.5 Hz. Additionally, with an increase in the onset days, the cluster index of cerebral hemorrhage patients gradually transits in a four-cluster solution. However, the cerebral infarction patients did not exhibit such pronounced transitions over time. Moreover, we found that the postural-sway amplitude increased in clusters 1, 3, and 4. However, the amplitude of cluster 2 did not follow this pattern, owing to age effects related to the postural sway changes with age. A rehabilitation doctor can utilize these findings as guidelines to direct the post-stroke patient training.
Neurofilament Levels Are Reflecting the Loss of Presynaptic Dopamine Receptors in Movement Disorders
Authors: Diekämper Elena , Brix Britta , Stöcker Winfried , Vielhaber Stefan , Galazky Imke , Kreissl Michael C. , Genseke Philipp , Düzel Emrah , Körtvelyessy Péter
Published: December 2021

Aims: Neurofilament light chain (NfL) and phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (pNfH) are biomarkers for neuroaxonal damage. We assessed whether NfL and other biomarker levels in the CSF are correlated to the loss of presynaptic dopamine transporters in neurons as detected with dopamine transporter SPECT (DaTscan).

Methods: We retrospectively identified 47 patients (17 Alzheimer’s dementia, 10 idiopathic Parkinson’s disease, 7 Lewy body dementia, 13 progressive supranuclear palsy or corticobasal degeneration) who received a DaTscan and a lumbar puncture. DaTscan imaging was performed according to current guidelines, and z-scores indicating the decrease in uptake were software based calculated for the nucleus caudatus and putamen. The CSF biomarkers progranulin, total-tau, alpha-synuclein, NfL, and pNfH were correlated with the z-scores.

Results: DaTscan results in AD patients did not correlate with any biomarker. Subsuming every movement disorder with nigrostriatal neurodegeneration resulted in a strong correlation between putamen/nucleus caudatus and NfL (nucleus caudatus right p < 0.01, putamen right p < 0.05, left p < 0.05) and between pNfH and putamen (right p < 0.05; left p < 0.042). Subdividing in disease cohorts did not reveal significant correlations. Progranulin, alpha-synuclein, and total-tau did not correlate with DaTscan results.

Conclusion: We show a strong correlation of NfL and pNfH with pathological changes in presynaptic dopamine transporter density in the putamen concomitant to nigrostriatal degeneration. This correlation might explain the reported correlation of impaired motor functions in PD and NfL as seen before, despite the pathological heterogeneity of these diseases.
Tau Modulates mRNA Transcription, Alternative Polyadenylation Profiles of hnRNPs, Chromatin Remodeling and Spliceosome Complexes
Authors: Montalbano Mauro , Jaworski Elizabeth , Garcia Stephanie , Ellsworth Anna , McAllen Salome , Routh Andrew , Kayed Rakez
Published: December 2021

Tau protein is a known contributor in several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). It is well-established that tau forms pathological aggregates and fibrils in these diseases. Tau has been observed within the nuclei of neurons, but there is a gap in understanding regarding the mechanism by which tau modulates transcription. We are interested in the P301L mutation of tau, which has been associated with FTD and increased tau aggregation. Our study utilized tau-inducible HEK (iHEK) cells to reveal that WT and P301L tau distinctively alter the transcription and alternative polyadenylation (APA) profiles of numerous nuclear precursors mRNAs, which then translate to form proteins involved in chromatin remodeling and splicing. We isolated total mRNA before and after over-expressing tau and then performed Poly(A)-ClickSeq (PAC-Seq) to characterize mRNA expression and APA profiles. We characterized changes in Gene Ontology (GO) pathways using EnrichR and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). We observed that P301L tau up-regulates genes associated with reactive oxygen species responsiveness as well as genes involved in dendrite, microtubule, and nuclear body/speckle formation. The number of genes regulated by WT tau is greater than the mutant form, which indicates that the P301L mutation causes loss-of-function at the transcriptional level. WT tau up-regulates genes contributing to cytoskeleton-dependent intracellular transport, microglial activation, microtubule and nuclear chromatin organization, formation of nuclear bodies and speckles. Interestingly, both WT and P301L tau commonly down-regulate genes responsible for ubiquitin-proteosome system. In addition, WT tau significantly down-regulates several genes implicated in chromatin remodeling and nucleosome organization. Although there are limitations inherent to the model systems used, this study will improve understanding regarding the nuclear impact of tau at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional level. This study also illustrates the potential impact of P301L tau on the human brain genome during early phases of pathogenesis.
Causal Effect of Serum Magnesium on Osteoporosis and Cardiometabolic Diseases
Authors: He Bin , Xia Liang , Zhao Jinqiu , Yin Lifeng , Zhang Muzi , Quan Zhengxue , Ou Yunsheng , Huang Wei
Published: December 2021

Serum magnesium is associated with osteoporosis and cardiometabolic diseases, but their causal associations remain elusive. We used the two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study to explore the causal roles of serum magnesium on osteoporosis and cardiometabolic diseases by using the aggregated genome-wide association studies (GWASs). Six single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs, p < 5 × 10−8) associated with serum magnesium concentrations were all used as instrumental variables. A genetic predisposition to higher serum magnesium concentrations was inversely associated with lower lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD, beta-estimate: −1.982, 95% CI: −3.328 to −0.635, SE: 0.687, p = 0.004), which was further confirmed by multiple sensitivity analyses. There was limited evidence of associations between serum magnesium and type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. This work provided strong evidence that genetically increased serum magnesium concentrations were causally associated with low lumbar spine BMD and suggested that serum magnesium concentrations may be crucial to prevent osteoporosis.
Association Between Adipose Tissue Characteristics and Metabolic Flexibility in Humans: A Systematic Review
Authors: Glaves Alice , Díaz-Castro Francisco , Farías Javiera , Ramírez-Romero Rodrigo , Galgani Jose E. , Fernández-Verdejo Rodrigo
Published: December 2021

Adipose tissue total amount, distribution, and phenotype influence metabolic health. This may be partially mediated by the metabolic effects that these adipose tissue characteristics exert on the nearby and distant tissues. Thus, adipose tissue may influence the capacity of cells, tissues, and the organism to adapt fuel oxidation to fuel availability, i.e., their metabolic flexibility (MetF). Our aim was to systematically review the evidence for an association between adipose tissue characteristics and MetF in response to metabolic challenges in human adults. We searched in PubMed (last search on September 4, 2021) for reports that measured adipose tissue characteristics (total amount, distribution, and phenotype) and MetF in response to metabolic challenges (as a change in respiratory quotient) in humans aged 18 to <65 years. Any study design was considered, and the risk of bias was assessed with a checklist for randomized and non-randomized studies. From 880 records identified, 22 remained for the analysis, 10 of them measured MetF in response to glucose plus insulin stimulation, nine in response to dietary challenges, and four in response to other challenges. Our main findings were that: (a) MetF to glucose plus insulin stimulation seems inversely associated with adipose tissue total amount, waist circumference, and visceral adipose tissue; and (b) MetF to dietary challenges does not seem associated with adipose tissue total amount or distribution. In conclusion, evidence suggests that adipose tissue may directly or indirectly influence MetF to glucose plus insulin stimulation, an effect probably explained by skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity.

Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO [CRD42020167810].
In vitro Assessment of Chemical and Pre-biotic Properties of Carboxymethylated Polysaccharides From Passiflora edulis Peel, Xylan, and Citrus Pectin
Authors: Sun Yongjin , Guan Yuan , Khoo Hock Eng , Li Xia
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to determine the carboxymethylation effect of crude water-soluble polysaccharides of Passiflora edulis peel (WPEP), xylan (XY), and citrus pectin (CP). Their chemical and pre-biotic properties were also determined. The polysaccharides were carboxymethylated by reacting with chloroacetic acid and sodium hydroxide. The carboxymethylated and non-carboxymethylated polysaccharides were also used as pre-biotics to study the growth pattern of selected intestinal microflora. These polysaccharides substituted the glucose solution in culture media for culturing Lactobacillus brevis GIM1.773, Lactobacillus plantarum GIM1.19, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus GIM1.155, and Streptococcus thermophilus GIM1.540. The results showed that the carboxymethylated polysaccharides c-XY, c-CP, and c-WPEP, had substitution degrees of 0.682, 0.437, and 0.439, respectively. The polysaccharides demonstrated resistance to digestion in the simulated human digestive models. The resistance to digestion was enhanced by carboxymethylation, especially the carboxymethylated CP and WPEP. The results also showed that the pre-biotic activities of the polysaccharides increased after carboxymethylation. The c-XY had a better pre-biotic effect than XY and the other carbohydrate samples. The findings suggested that carboxymethylated polysaccharides may be developed into novel pre-biotics and nutraceuticals that could promote growth of the probiotic strains.
Bibliometric Analysis of the Top-Cited Publications and Research Trends for Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy
Authors: Liu Yanhao , Li Jinying , Cheng Xu , Zhang Xiaotao
Published: December 2021

Objective

This study aims to analyze the 100 most cited papers and research trends on stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT).

Methods

We used Web of Science to identify the 100 most frequently cited papers on SBRT on September 29, 2021 and extracted the following data: publication year, source title, country/region, organization, total citations, and average number of citations per year. The research type and research domain were classified independently by the authors. Then we carried out a bibliometric analysis to determine the trends in research on SBRT.

Results

These 100 papers were cited a total of 26,540 times, and the median number of citations was 190 (range, 138-1688). “Stereotactic body radiation therapy for inoperable early stage lung cancer” by Timmerman et al. had the highest number of total citations (1688 times). International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics published the largest number of papers (37 papers), followed by Journal of Clinical Oncology (13 papers). The USA contributed the most papers (67 papers), followed by Canada (18 papers). Primary lung cancer (33 papers, 10,683 citations) and oligometastases (30 papers, 7,147 citations) were the most cited research areas.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first bibliometric analysis of the most frequently cited papers on SBRT. Our results provide insight into the historical development of SBRT and important advances in its application to cancer treatment. Early-stage non–small-cell lung cancer and oligometastases were the most cited research areas in the top 100 publications on SBRT, and SBRT combined with immunotherapy was a hot topic in the past few years. This study is helpful for researchers to identify the most influential papers and current research hotspots on SBRT.
Immune Effect of Active Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhao Wenjie , Liu Jinhua , Li Yaqun , Chen Zichao , Qi Dongmei , Zhang Zhen
Published: December 2021

Triple-negative breast cancers are heterogeneous, poorly prognostic, and metastatic malignancies that result in a high risk of death for patients. Targeted therapy for triple-negative breast cancer has been extremely challenging due to the lack of expression of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. Clinical treatment regimens for triple-negative breast cancer are often based on paclitaxel and platinum drugs, but drug resistance and side effects from the drugs frequently lead to treatment failure, thus requiring the development of new therapeutic platforms. In recent years, research on traditional Chinese medicine in modulating the immune function of the body has shown that it has the potential to be an effective treatment option against triple-negative breast cancer. Active components of herbal medicines such as alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, saponins, and polysaccharides have been shown to inhibit cancer cell proliferation and metastasis by activating inflammatory immune responses and can modulate tumor-related signaling pathways to further inhibit the invasion of triple-negative breast cancer. This paper reviews the immunomodulatory mechanisms of different herbal active ingredients against triple-negative breast cancer and provides an outlook on the challenges and directions of development for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer with herbal active ingredients.
Recent Insights Into the Prognostic and Therapeutic Applications of Lysozymes
Authors: Jiang Lin , Li Yunhe , Wang Liye , Guo Jian , Liu Wei , Meng Guixian , Zhang Lei , Li Miao , Cong Lina , Sun Meiyan
Published: December 2021

Lysozymes are naturally occurring enzymes present in a variety of biological organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and animal bodily secretions and tissues. It is also the main ingredient of many ethnomedicines. It is well known that lysozymes and lysozyme-like enzymes can be used as anti-bacterial agents by degrading bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan that leads to cell death, and can also inhibit fungi, yeasts, and viruses. In addition to its direct antimicrobial activity, lysozyme is also an important component of the innate immune system in most mammals. Increasing evidence has shown the immune-modulatory effects of lysozymes against infection and inflammation. More recently, studies have revealed the anti-cancer activities of lysozyme in multiple types of tumors, potentially through its immune-modulatory activities. In this review, we summarized the major functions and underlying mechanisms of lysozymes derived from animal and plant sources. We highlighted the therapeutic applications and recent advances of lysozymes in cancers, hypertension, and viral diseases, aiming toseeking alternative therapies for standard medical treatment bypassing side effects. We also evaluated the role of lysozyme as a promising cancer marker for prognosis to indicate the outcomes recurrence for patients.
Knowledge Domain and Emerging Trends in Podocyte Injury Research From 1994 to 2021: A Bibliometric and Visualized Analysis
Authors: Liu Tongtong , Yang Liping , Mao Huimin , Ma Fang , Wang Yuyang , Zhan Yongli
Published: December 2021

Background: Podocyte injury has a direct causal relationship with proteinuria and glomerulosclerosis and, on a chronic level, can lead to irreversible disease progression. Podocyte injury plays a critically decisive role in the development of proteinuric kidney disease. In recent years, the research on podocyte injury has developed rapidly all over the world. However, no report has summarized the field of podocyte injury as a whole to date. Using bibliometric analysis, this study aimed to evaluate the current state of worldwide podocyte injury research in the last 30 years and identify important achievements, primary research fields, and emerging trends.

Methods: Publications related to podocyte injury were retrieved from Web of Science Core Collection. HistCite, VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and the Bibliometrix Package were used for bibliometric analysis and visualization, including the analysis of the overall distribution of annual outputs, leading countries, active institutions and authors, core journals, co-cited references, and keywords. Total global citation score and total local citation score were used to assess the quality and impact of publications.

Results: A total of 2,669 publications related to podocyte injury were identified. Publications related to podocyte injury tended to increase continuously. A total of 10,328 authors from 2,171 institutions in 69 countries published studies related to podocyte injury. China (39.46%) was the most prolific country, and the number of citations of studies in the United States (cited 36,896 times) ranked first. Moin A Saleem, John Cijiang He, and Zhihong Liu were the top three contributing authors, and Journal of the American Society of Nephrology and Kidney International were the most popular journals in the field. “Diabetic nephropathy” is the primary focus area of podocyte injury research, and “autophagy,” “microRNA,” and “inflammation” were the top keywords of emerging research hotspots, and traditional Chinese medicine monomer may be a neglected research gap.

Conclusion: Our research found that global publications on podocyte injury have increased dramatically. Diabetic nephropathy is the main research field of podocyte injury, whereas autophagy, microRNA, and inflammation are the top topics getting current attention from scholars and which may become the next focus in podocyte injury research.
Pyroptosis: A New Insight Into Eye Disease Therapy
Authors: Zhang Yun , Jiao Yan , Li Xun , Gao Sheng , Zhou Nenghua , Duan Jianan , Zhang Meixia
Published: December 2021

Pyroptosis is a lytic form of programmed cell death mediated by gasdermins (GSDMs) with pore-forming activity in response to certain exogenous and endogenous stimuli. The inflammasomes are intracellular multiprotein complexes consisting of pattern recognition receptors, an adaptor protein ASC (apoptosis speck-like protein), and caspase-1 and cause autocatalytic activation of caspase-1, which cleaves gasdermin D (GSDMD), inducing pyroptosis accompanied by cytokine release. In recent years, the pathogenic roles of inflammasomes and pyroptosis in multiple eye diseases, including keratitis, dry eyes, cataracts, glaucoma, uveitis, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, have been continuously confirmed. Inhibiting inflammasome activation and abnormal pyroptosis in eyes generally attenuates inflammation and benefits prognosis. Therefore, insight into the pathogenesis underlying pyroptosis and inflammasome development in various types of eye diseases may provide new therapeutic strategies for ocular disorders. Inhibitors of pyroptosis, such as NLRP3, caspase-1, and GSDMD inhibitors, have been proven to be effective in many eye diseases. The purpose of this article is to illuminate the mechanism underlying inflammasome activation and pyroptosis and emphasize its crucial role in various ocular disorders. In addition, we review the application of pyroptosis modulators in eye diseases.
Current-Driven Domain Wall Motion in Curved Ferrimagnetic Strips Above and Below the Angular Momentum Compensation
Authors: Osuna Ruiz D. , Alejos O. , Raposo V. , Martínez E.
Published: December 2021

Current driven domain wall motion in curved Heavy Metal/Ferrimagnetic/Oxide multilayer strips is investigated using systematic micromagnetic simulations which account for spin-orbit coupling phenomena. Domain wall velocity and characteristic relaxation times are studied as functions of the geometry, curvature and width of the strip, at and out of the angular momentum compensation. Results show that domain walls can propagate faster and without a significant distortion in such strips in contrast to their ferromagnetic counterparts. Using an artificial system based on a straight strip with an equivalent current density distribution, we can discern its influence on the wall terminal velocity, as part of a more general geometrical influence due to the curved shape. Curved and narrow ferrimagnetic strips are promising candidates for designing high speed and fast response spintronic circuitry based on current-driven domain wall motion.
Uvaol Prevents Group B Streptococcus-Induced Trophoblast Cells Inflammation and Possible Endothelial Dysfunction
Authors: Silva Ana Lucia Mendes , Silva Elaine Cristina Oliveira , Botelho Rayane Martins , Tenorio Liliane Patricia Gonçalves , Marques Aldilane Lays Xavier , Rodrigues Ingredy Brunele Albuquerque Costa , Almeida Larissa Iolanda Moreira , Sousa Ashelley Kettyllem Alves , Pires Keyla Silva Nobre , Tanabe Ithallo Sathio Bessoni , Allard Marie-Julie , Sébire Guillaume , Souza Samuel Teixeira , Fonseca Eduardo Jorge Silva , Borbely Karen Steponavicius Cruz , Borbely Alexandre Urban
Published: December 2021

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection during pregnancy is involved in maternal sepsis, chorioamnionitis, prematurity, fetal infection, neonatal sepsis, and neurodevelopmental alterations. The GBS-induced chorioamnionitis leads to a plethora of immune and trophoblast cells alterations that could influence endothelial cells to respond differently to angiogenic mediators and alter placental vascular structure and function in pregnant women. In this context, preventive measures are needed to reduce such dysfunctions. As such, we evaluated the effects of a non-lethal exposure to inactivated GBS on trophoblast cells and chorionic villi explants, and if the treatment with uvaol would mitigate these effects. The concentration of 106 CFU of GBS was chosen since it was unable to reduce the HTR-8/SVneo cell line nor term chorionic villi explant viability. Raman spectroscopy of trophoblast cells showed significant alterations in their biochemical signature, mostly reverted by uvaol. GBS exposure increased HTR-8/SVneo cells IL-1β and IFN-γ production, phagocytosis, oxidative stress, and decreased trophoblast cell migration. The Ea.hy926 endothelial cell line produced angiopoietin-2, CXCL-8, EGF, FGF-b, IL-6, PlGF, sPECAM-1, and VEGF in culture. When co-cultured in invasion assay with HTR-8/SVneo trophoblast cells, the co-culture had increased production of angiopoietin-2, CXCL-8, FGF-b, and VEGF, while reduced sPECAM-1 and IL-6. GBS exposure led to increased CXCL-8 and IL-6 production, both prevented by uvaol. Chorionic villi explants followed the same patterns of production when exposed to GBS and response to uvaol treatment as well. These findings demonstrate that, even a non-lethal concentration of GBS causes placental inflammation and oxidative stress, reduces trophoblast invasion of endothelial cells, and increases CXCL-8 and IL-6, key factors that participate in vascular dysregulation observed in several diseases. Furthermore, uvaol treatment prevented most of the GBS-provoked changes. Hence, uvaol could prevent the harmful effects of GBS infection for both the mother and the fetus.
Unstable Relationship Between Braarudosphaera bigelowii (= Chrysochromulina parkeae) and Its Nitrogen-Fixing Endosymbiont
Authors: Suzuki Shigekatsu , Kawachi Masanobu , Tsukakoshi Chinatsu , Nakamura Atsushi , Hagino Kyoko , Inouye Isao , Ishida Ken-ichiro
Published: December 2021

Marine phytoplankton are major primary producers, and their growth is primarily limited by nitrogen in the oligotrophic ocean environment. The haptophyte Braarudosphaera bigelowii possesses a cyanobacterial endosymbiont (UCYN-A), which plays a major role in nitrogen fixation in the ocean. However, host-symbiont interactions are poorly understood because B. bigelowii was unculturable. In this study, we sequenced the complete genome of the B. bigelowii endosymbiont and showed that it was highly reductive and closely related to UCYN-A2 (an ecotype of UCYN-A). We succeeded in establishing B. bigelowii strains and performed microscopic observations. The detailed observations showed that the cyanobacterial endosymbiont was surrounded by a single host derived membrane and divided synchronously with the host cell division. The transcriptome of B. bigelowii revealed that B. bigelowii lacked the expression of many essential genes associated with the uptake of most nitrogen compounds, except ammonia. During cultivation, some of the strains completely lost the endosymbiont. Moreover, we did not find any evidence of endosymbiotic gene transfer from the endosymbiont to the host. These findings illustrate an unstable morphological, metabolic, and genetic relationship between B. bigelowii and its endosymbiont.
Bulked Segregant RNA-Seq Provides Distinctive Expression Profile Against Powdery Mildew in the Wheat Genotype YD588
Authors: Ma Pengtao , Wu Liru , Xu Yufei , Xu Hongxing , Zhang Xu , Wang Wenrui , Liu Cheng , Wang Bo
Published: December 2021

Wheat powdery mildew, caused by the fungal pathogen Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt), is a destructive disease leading to huge yield losses in production. Host resistance can greatly contribute to the control of the disease. To explore potential genes related to the powdery mildew (Pm) resistance, in this study, we used a resistant genotype YD588 to investigate the potential resistance components and profiled its expression in response to powdery mildew infection. Genetic analysis showed that a single dominant gene, tentatively designated PmYD588, conferred resistance to powdery mildew in YD588. Using bulked segregant RNA-Seq (BSR-Seq) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) association analysis, two high-confidence candidate regions were detected in the chromosome arm 2B, spanning 453,752,054-506,356,791 and 584,117,809-664,221,850 bp, respectively. To confirm the candidate region, molecular markers were developed using the BSR-Seq data and mapped PmYD588 to an interval of 4.2 cM by using the markers YTU588-004 and YTU588-008. The physical position was subsequently locked into the interval of 647.1–656.0 Mb, which was different from those of Pm6, Pm33, Pm51, Pm52, Pm63, Pm64, PmQ, PmKN0816, MlZec1, and MlAB10 on the same chromosome arm in its position, suggesting that it is most likely a new Pm gene. To explore the potential regulatory genes of the R gene, 2,973 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the parents and bulks were analyzed using gene ontology (GO), clusters of orthologous group (COG), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Based on the data, we selected 23 potential regulated genes in the enriched pathway of plant-pathogen interaction and detected their temporal expression patterns using an additional set of wheat samples and time-course analysis postinoculation with Bgt. As a result, six disease-related genes showed distinctive expression profiles after Bgt invasion and can serve as key candidates for the dissection of resistance mechanisms and improvement of durable resistance to wheat powdery mildew.
Work-Family Conflict, Enrichment, and Adolescent Academic Adjustment in Dual-Earner Family
Authors: Wang Xiaoli , Zhang Lijin , Wu Xiujuan , Zhao Min
Published: December 2021

There is ample evidence that work-family conflict (WFC) and work-family enrichment (WFE), respectively, have detrimental and beneficial impacts on the functioning of couples, families, and children. In this study, cross-sectional data from 2,136 dual-earner families in China, including parents and their children (51.2% girls, ages: 11.6–19.3 years), were used together with Actor-Partner Interdependence Model-Structural Equation Modeling (APIM-SEM) to test the hypothesis that work-family spillover can impact academic adjustment in adolescents through parental educational expectations and perceived educational expectations. The results of this analysis suggested that academic adjustment among adolescents is primarily influenced by maternal work-family experiences, such that maternal but not paternal WFC can impact academic adjustment in adolescents through parental educational expectations and perceived educational expectations. Maternal WFE was found to be indirectly associated with the academic adjustment in adolescents as a result of actual and perceived educational expectations. Additionally, we observed a significant effect of maternal WFC on the educational expectations of fathers within couple-relationship dyads. These results underscore the importance of the work-family interface as a factor that shapes the overall family health and associated outcomes, especially the importance of maternal work-family experiences in this context. Interventions that aim to promote more positive maternal work environments are thus likely to yield greater benefits for their children and families. Overall, these data indicate that work-family spillover is a core determinant of adolescent development, which warrants further study.
On Neuroeducation: Why and How to Improve Neuroscientific Literacy in Educational Professionals
Authors: Jolles Jelle , Jolles Dietsje D.
Published: December 2021

New findings from the neurosciences receive much interest for use in the applied field of education. For the past 15 years, neuroeducation and the application of neuroscience knowledge were seen to have promise, but there is presently some lack of progress. The present paper states that this is due to several factors. Neuromyths are still prevalent, and there is a confusion of tongues between the many neurodisciplines and the domains of behavioral and educational sciences. Second, a focus upon cognitive neuroimaging research has yielded findings that are scientifically relevant, but cannot be used for direct application in the classroom. A third factor pertains to the emphasis which has been on didactics and teaching, whereas the promise of neuroeducation for the teacher may lie more on pedagogical inspiration and support. This article states that the most important knowledge and insights have to do with the notion of brain plasticity; the vision that development is driven by an interaction between a person’s biology and the social system. This helps individuals to select and process information, and to adapt to the personal environment. The paper describes how brain maturation and neuropsychological development extend through the important period of adolescence and emergent adulthood. Over this long period, there is a major development of the Executive Functions (EFs) that are essential for both cognitive learning, social behavior and emotional processing and, eventually, personal growth. The paper describes the basic neuroscience knowledge and insights – or “neuroscientific literacy” – that the educational professional should have to understand and appreciate the above-described themes. The authors formulate a proposal for four themes of neuroscience content “that every teacher should know.” These four themes are based on the Neuroscience Core Concepts formulated by the Society for Neuroscience. The authors emphasize that integrating neuroscientific knowledge and insights in the field of education should not be a one-way street; attempts directed at improving neuroscientific literacy are a transdisciplinary undertaking. Teacher trainers, experts from the neuroscience fields but also behavioral scientists from applied fields (notable applied neuropsychologists) should all contribute to for the educational innovations needed.
Impacts of Color Coding on Programming Learning in Multimedia Learning: Moving Toward a Multimodal Methodology
Authors: Liu Yang , Ma Weifeng , Guo Xiang , Lin Xuefen , Wu Chennan , Zhu Tianshui
Published: December 2021

In the present study, we tested the effectiveness of color coding on the programming learning of students who were learning from video lectures. Effectiveness was measured using multimodal physiological measures, combining eye tracking and electroencephalography (EEG). Using a between-subjects design, 42 university students were randomly assigned to two video lecture conditions (color-coded vs. grayscale). The participants’ eye tracking and EEG signals were recorded while watching the assigned video, and their learning performance was subsequently assessed. The results showed that the color-coded design was more beneficial than the grayscale design, as indicated by smaller pupil diameter, shorter fixation duration, higher EEG theta and alpha band power, lower EEG cognitive load, and better learning performance. The present findings have practical implications for designing slide-based programming learning video lectures; slides should highlight the format of the program code using color coding.
Clinical Investigation on the Impact of Cannabis Abuse on Thyroid Hormones and Associated Psychiatric Manifestations in the Male Population
Authors: Muzaffar Anum , Ullah Sami , Subhan Fazal , Nazar Zahid , Hussain Syed Mehdi , Khuda Fazli , Khan Abuzar , Khusro Ameer , Sahibzada Muhammad Umar Khayam , Albogami Sarah , El-Shehawi Ahmed M. , Emran Talha Bin , Javed Binish , Ali Javed
Published: December 2021

Cannabis abuse is a common public health issue and may lead to considerable adverse effects. Along with other effects, the dependence on cannabis consumption is a serious problem which has significant consequences on biochemical and clinical symptoms. This study intends to evaluate the harmful effects of the use of cannabis on thyroid hormonal levels, cardiovascular indicators, and psychotic symptoms in the included patients. This prospective multicenter study was conducted on cannabis-dependent patients with psychotic symptoms (n = 40) vs. healthy control subjects (n = 40). All participants were evaluated for psychiatric, biochemical, and cardiovascular physiological effects. Patients were selected through Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-IV criteria and urine samples, exclusively for the evaluation of cannabis presence. Serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), T3, and T4 levels were measured using the immunoassay technique. Patients were assessed for severity of depressive, schizophrenic, and manic symptoms using international ranking scales. Various quantifiable factors were also measured for the development of tolerance by cannabis. Among the patients of cannabis abuse, 47.5% were found with schizophrenia, 20% with schizoaffective symptoms, 10% with manic symptoms, and 22.5% with both manic and psychotic symptoms. In the group–group and within-group statistical analysis, the results of thyroid hormones and cardiovascular parameters were non-significant. The psychiatric assessment has shown highly significant (p < 0.001) difference of positive, negative, general psychopathology, and total scores [through Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) rating scales] in patients vs. the healthy control subjects. The study revealed that cannabis abuse did not significantly alter thyroid hormones and cardiovascular parameters due to the development of tolerance. However, the cannabis abuse might have a significant contributing role in the positive, negative, and manic symptoms in different psychiatric disorders.
Potential Genetic Overlap Between Insomnia and Sleep Symptoms in Major Depressive Disorder: A Polygenic Risk Score Analysis
Authors: Melhuish Beaupre Lindsay M. , Tiwari Arun K. , Gonçalves Vanessa F. , Zai Clement C. , Marshe Victoria S. , Lewis Cathryn M. , Martin Nicholas G. , McIntosh Andrew M. , Adams Mark J. , Baune Bernhard T. , Levinson Doug F. , Boomsma Dorret I. , Penninx Brenda W. J. H. , Breen Gerome , Hamilton Steve , Awasthi Swapnil , Ripke Stephan , Jones Lisa , Jones Ian , Byrne Enda M. , Hickie Ian B. , Potash James P. , Shi Jianxin , Weissman Myrna M. , Milaneschi Yuri , Shyn Stanley I. , Geus Eco J. C. de , Willemsen Gonneke , Brown Gregory M. , Kennedy James L. ,   Major Depressive Disorder Working Group of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium
Published: December 2021

Background: The prevalence of insomnia and hypersomnia in depressed individuals is substantially higher than that found in the general population. Unfortunately, these concurrent sleep problems can have profound effects on the disease course. Although the full biology of sleep remains to be elucidated, a recent genome-wide association (GWAS) of insomnia, and other sleep traits in over 1 million individuals was recently published and provides many promising hits for genetics of insomnia in a population-based sample.

Methods: Using data from the largest available GWAS of insomnia and other sleep traits, we sought to test if sleep variable PRS scores derived from population-based studies predicted sleep variables in samples of depressed cases [Psychiatric Genomics Consortium - Major Depressive Disorder subjects (PGC MDD)]. A leave-one-out analysis was performed to determine the effects that each individual study had on our results.

Results: The only significant finding was for insomnia, where p-value threshold, p = 0.05 was associated with insomnia in our PGC MDD sample (R2 = 1.75−3, p = 0.006).

Conclusion: Our results reveal that <1% of variance is explained by the variants that cover the two significant p-value thresholds, which is in line with the fact that depression and insomnia are both polygenic disorders. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate genetic overlap between the general population and a depression sample for insomnia, which has important treatment implications, such as leading to novel drug targets in future research efforts.