bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic increase in myoglobin level is associated with poor prognosis in critically ill patients: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Liu Yishan , Jiang Jinlong , Yuan Hao , Wang Luhao , Song Wenliang , Pei Fei , Si Xiang , Miao Shumin , Chen Minying , Gu Bin , Guan Xiangdong , Wu Jianfeng
Published: January 2024

Background

Myoglobin is an important biomarker for monitoring critically ill patients. However, the relationship between its dynamic changes and prognosis remains unclear.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 11,218 critically ill patients from a general and surgical intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary hospital between June 2016 and May 2020. Patients with acute cardiovascular events, cardiac and major vascular surgeries, and rhabdomyolysis were excluded. To investigate the early myoglobin distribution, the critically ill patients were stratified according to the highest myoglobin level within 48 h after ICU admission. Based on this, the critically ill patients with more than three measurements within 1 week after ICU admission were included, and latent class trajectory modeling was used to classify the patients. The characteristics and outcomes were compared among groups. Sensitivity analysis was performed to exclude patients who had died within 72 h after ICU admission. Restricted mean survival time regression model based on pseudo values was used to determine the 28-day relative changes in survival time among latent classes. The primary outcome was evaluated with comparison of in-hospital mortality among each Trajectory group, and the secondary outcome was 28-day mortality.

Results

Of 6,872 critically ill patients, 3,886 (56.5%) had an elevated myoglobin level (≥150 ng/mL) at admission to ICU, and the in-hospital mortality significantly increased when myoglobin level exceeded 1,000 μg/mL. In LCTM, 2,448 patients were unsupervisedly divided into four groups, including the steady group (n = 1,606, 65.6%), the gradually decreasing group (n = 523, 21.4%), the slowly rising group (n = 272, 11.1%), and the rapidly rising group (n = 47, 1.9%). The rapidly rising group had the largest proportion of sepsis (59.6%), the highest median Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score (10), and the highest in-hospital mortality (74.5%). Sensitivity analysis confirmed that 98.2% of the patients were classified into the same group as in the original model. Compared with the steady group, the rapidly rising group and the slowly rising group were significantly related to the reduction in 28-day survival time (β = −12.08; 95% CI −15.30 to −8.86; β = −4.25, 95% CI −5.54 to −2.97, respectively).

Conclusion

Elevated myoglobin level is common in critically ill patients admitted to the ICU. Dynamic monitoring of myoglobin levels offers benefit for the prognosis assessment of critically ill patients.
Development and validation of a novel detection method for Rickettsia rickettsii using a loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay
Authors: Carvajal-Gamez Bertha I. , Olguín-Barrera Aída , Tinoco-Gracia Luis , Gordillo-Perez Guadalupe , Dzul-Rosado Karla , Aguilar-Tipacamú Gabriela , Hidalgo-Ruiz Mario , Mosqueda Juan
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Rickettsia rickettsii is an obligate, intracellular pathogen and the causative agent of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF). RMSF is an important zoonotic disease due to its high fatal outcome in humans. The difficulty of clinical diagnosis due to the low sensitivity and specificity of current diagnostic methods are a principal setback. We reported the development of a new method for the detection of R. rickettsii in human and tick DNA samples using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), as well as the validation of the LAMP test for R. rickettsii in field samples of infected ticks and humans, determining the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, as well as the reproducibility of the test.

Methods

This technique uses hydroxy naphthol blue (HNB) as an indicator of the formation of magnesium pyrophosphate, a marker for the presence of DNA. Here, we used a putative R. rickettsii gene as a target for three pairs of primers that specifically amplify R. rickettsii DNA by hairpin-based isothermal amplification technique (LAMP).

Results and discussion

The sensitivity of the assay was ~1.6–3 pg, which is 10 times more sensitive than PCR. To determine the diagnostics specificity and sensitivity, 103 human DNA samples and 30 tick DNA samples were evaluated. For the human samples, a sensitivity for HNB of 93%, a specificity of 70% and a k of 0.53 were obtained. For electrophoresis the sensitivity was 97% with a specificity of 58% and a k of 0.42. For tick samples, a sensitivity of 80% was obtained, a specificity of 93% for HNB and for electrophoresis the sensitivity and specificity were 87%. The k for both was 0.73. The degree of concordance between HNB and electrophoresis was 0.82 for humans and for ticks, it was 0.87. The result is obtained in shorter time, compared to a PCR protocol, and is visually interpreted by the color change. Therefore, this method could be a reliable tool for the early diagnosis of rickettsiosis.
Diversity of Trichoderma species associated with green mold contaminating substrates of Lentinula edodes and their interaction
Authors: Cao Zi-Jian , Zhao Juan , Liu Yu , Wang Shou-Xian , Zheng Su-Yue , Qin Wen-Tao
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The contamination of Trichoderma species causing green mold in substrates poses a significant obstacle to the global production of Lentinula edodes, adversely impacting both yield and quality of fruiting bodies. However, the diversity of Trichoderma species in the contaminated substrates of L. edodes (CSL) in China is not clear. The purpose of this study was to assess the biodiversity of Trichoderma species in CSL, and their interactions with L. edodes.

Methods

A comprehensive two-year investigation of the biodiversity of Trichoderma species in CSL was conducted with 150 samples collected from four provinces of China. Trichoderma strains were isolated and identified based on integrated studies of phenotypic and molecular data. Resistance of L. edodes to the dominant Trichoderma species was evaluated in dual culture in vitro.

Results

A total of 90 isolates were obtained and identified as 14 different Trichoderma species, including six new species named as Trichoderma caespitosus, T. macrochlamydospora, T. notatum, T. pingquanense, T. subvermifimicola, and T. tongzhouense, among which, T. atroviride, T. macrochlamydospora and T. subvermifimicola were identified as dominant species in the CSL. Meanwhile, three known species, namely, T. auriculariae, T. paraviridescens and T. subviride were isolated from CSL for the first time in the world, and T. paratroviride was firstly reported to be associated with L. edodes in China. Notebly, the in vitro evaluation of L. edodes resistance to dominant Trichoderma species showed strains of L. edodes generally possess poor resistance to Trichoderma contamination with L. edodes strain SX8 relatively higher resistant.

Discussion

This study systematically investigated the diversity of Trichoderma species in the contaminated substrate of L. edodes, and a total of 31 species so far have been reported, indicating that green mold contaminated substrates of edible fungi were undoubtedly a biodiversity hotspot of Trichoderma species. Results in this study will provide deeper insight into the genus Trichoderma and lay a strong foundation for scientific management of the Trichoderma contamination in L. edodes cultivation.
Biofilm formation is a risk factor for late and delayed complications of filler injection
Authors: Zhang You-liang , Sun Zhong-sheng , Hong Wei-jin , Chen Yin , Zhou Yang-fan , Luo Sheng-kang
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Biofilm formation is a major cause of delayed-graft complications. Similarly to implants, dermal fillers carry the risk of biofilm formation, which can lead to the development of nodules, chronic inflammatory reactions, abscesses and other complications. In this study, we investigated the late or delayed complications associated with biofilm formation on dermal fillers.

Methods

In this retrospective analysis, we analyzed all cases of complications caused by filler injections at a single center between January 2017 and December 2022, the majority of which comprised nodule formation and chronic persistent inflammatory reactions. The risk of biofilm formation with fillers was summarized and analyzed based on the results of bacterial culture and pathological examination.

Results

Sixty-one patients were enrolled, including 42 cases of nodule formation, 15 of chronic inflammatory reactions, and 4 of active infection. Bacterial culture of the tissue samples obtained from seven patients after surgical treatment were positive, and comprised four cases of Staphylococcus aureus, one case of Staphylococcus epidermidis, one case of Staphylococcus saprophyticus and one case of Mycobacterium abscessus. The corresponding histopathological results indicated extensive mononuclear lymphocyte infiltration, with a giant cell reaction in the fibrous connective tissue.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that biofilm formation is a significant risk factor for late and delayed complications following filler injection, and is caused by the contamination of resident bacteria and recessive infection at the injection site.
Characterization and evaluation of Bacillus subtilis GYUN-2311 as a biocontrol agent against Colletotrichum spp. on apple and hot pepper in Korea
Authors: Heo Yunjeong , Lee Younmi , Balaraju Kotnala , Jeon Yongho
Published: January 2024

Crop plants are vulnerable to a variety of diseases, including anthracnose, caused by various species of Colletotrichum fungi that damages major crops, including apples and hot peppers. The use of chemical fungicides for pathogen control may lead to environmental pollution and disease resistance. Therefore, we conducted this research to develop a Bacillus subtilis-based biological control agent (BCA). B. subtilis GYUN-2311 (GYUN-2311), isolated from the rhizosphere soil of an apple orchard, exhibited antagonistic activity against a total of 12 fungal pathogens, including eight Colletotrichum species. The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and culture filtrate (CF) from GYUN-2311 displayed antifungal activity against all 12 pathogens, with 81% control efficiency against Fusarium oxysporum for VOCs and 81.4% control efficacy against Botryosphaeria dothidea for CF. CF also inhibited germination and appressorium formation in Colletotrichum siamense and C. acutatum. The CF from GYUN-2311 showed antifungal activity against all 12 pathogens in different media, particularly in LB medium. It also exhibited plant growth-promoting (PGP) activity, lytic enzyme activity, siderophore production, and the ability to solubilize insoluble phosphate. In trials on apples and hot peppers, GYUN-2311 effectively controlled disease, with 75 and 70% control efficacies against C. siamense in wounded and unwounded apples, respectively. Similarly, the control efficacy of hot pepper against C. acutatum in wounded inoculation was 72%. Combined application of GYUN-2311 and chemical suppressed hot pepper anthracnose to a larger extent than other treatments, such as chemical control, pyraclostrobin, TK®, GYUN-2311 and cross-spraying of chemical and GYUN-2311 under field conditions. The genome analysis of GYUN-2311 identified a circular chromosome comprising 4,043 predicted protein-coding sequences (CDSs) and 4,096,969 bp. B. subtilis SRCM104005 was the strain with the highest average nucleotide identity (ANI) to GYUN-2311. AntiSMASH analysis identified secondary metabolite biosynthetic genes, such as subtilomycin, bacillaene, fengycin, bacillibactin, pulcherriminic acid, subtilosin A, and bacilysin, whereas BAGEL analysis confirmed the presence of competence (ComX). Six secondary metabolite biosynthetic genes were induced during dual culture in the presence of C. siamense. These findings demonstrate the biological control potential of GYUN-2311 against apple and hot pepper anthracnose.
Loss of PPARα function promotes epigenetic dysregulation of lipid homeostasis driving ferroptosis and pyroptosis lipotoxicity in metabolic dysfunction associated Steatotic liver disease (MASLD)
Authors: Theys Claudia , Vanderhaeghen Tineke , Van Dijck Evelien , Peleman Cedric , Scheepers Anne , Ibrahim Joe , Mateiu Ligia , Timmermans Steven , Vanden Berghe Tom , Francque Sven M. , Van Hul Wim , Libert Claude , Vanden Berghe Wim
Published: January 2024

Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) is a growing epidemic with an estimated prevalence of 20%–30% in Europe and the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. The onset and progression of MASLD are orchestrated by an interplay of the metabolic environment with genetic and epigenetic factors. Emerging evidence suggests altered DNA methylation pattern as a major determinant of MASLD pathogenesis coinciding with progressive DNA hypermethylation and gene silencing of the liver-specific nuclear receptor PPARα, a key regulator of lipid metabolism. To investigate how PPARα loss of function contributes to epigenetic dysregulation in MASLD pathology, we studied DNA methylation changes in liver biopsies of WT and hepatocyte-specific PPARα KO mice, following a 6-week CDAHFD (choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet) or chow diet. Interestingly, genetic loss of PPARα function in hepatocyte-specific KO mice could be phenocopied by a 6-week CDAHFD diet in WT mice which promotes epigenetic silencing of PPARα function via DNA hypermethylation, similar to MASLD pathology. Remarkably, genetic and lipid diet-induced loss of PPARα function triggers compensatory activation of multiple lipid sensing transcription factors and epigenetic writer-eraser-reader proteins, which promotes the epigenetic transition from lipid metabolic stress towards ferroptosis and pyroptosis lipid hepatoxicity pathways associated with advanced MASLD. In conclusion, we show that PPARα function is essential to support lipid homeostasis and to suppress the epigenetic progression of ferroptosis-pyroptosis lipid damage associated pathways towards MASLD fibrosis.
GC-MS-based metabolomics of volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath: applications in health and disease. A review
Authors: Bajo-Fernández María , Souza-Silva Érica A. , Barbas Coral , Rey-Stolle Ma Fernanda , García Antonia
Published: January 2024

Exhaled breath analysis, with particular emphasis on volatile organic compounds, represents a growing area of clinical research due to its obvious advantages over other diagnostic tests. Numerous pathologies have been extensively investigated for the identification of specific biomarkers in exhalates through metabolomics. However, the transference of breath tests to clinics remains limited, mainly due to deficiency in methodological standardization. Critical steps include the selection of breath sample types, collection devices, and enrichment techniques. GC-MS is the reference analytical technique for the analysis of volatile organic compounds in exhalates, especially during the biomarker discovery phase in metabolomics. This review comprehensively examines and compares metabolomic studies focusing on cancer, lung diseases, and infectious diseases. In addition to delving into the experimental designs reported, it also provides a critical discussion of the methodological aspects, ranging from the experimental design and sample collection to the identification of potential pathology-specific biomarkers.
Research progress on the cannabinoid type-2 receptor and Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Yu Xiaoqi , Jia Yi , Dong Yuan
Published: January 2024

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is featured by movement impairments, including tremors, bradykinesia, muscle stiffness, and imbalance. PD is also associated with many non-motor symptoms, such as cognitive impairments, dementia, and mental disorders. Previous studies identify the associations between PD progression and factors such as α-synuclein aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and cell death. The cannabinoid type-2 receptor (CB2 receptor) is a transmembrane G-protein-coupled receptor and has been extensively studied as part of the endocannabinoid system. CB2 receptor is recently emerged as a promising target for anti-inflammatory treatment for neurodegenerative diseases. It is reported to modulate mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, iron transport, and neuroinflammation that contribute to neuronal cell death. Additionally, CB2 receptor possesses the potential to provide feedback on electrophysiological processes, offering new possibilities for PD treatment. This review summarized the mechanisms underlying PD pathogenesis. We also discussed the potential regulatory role played by CB2 receptor in PD.
A deep learning model for brain age prediction using minimally preprocessed T1w images as input
Authors: Dartora Caroline , Marseglia Anna , Mårtensson Gustav , Rukh Gull , Dang Junhua , Muehlboeck J-Sebastian , Wahlund Lars-Olof , Moreno Rodrigo , Barroso José , Ferreira Daniel , Schiöth Helgi B. , Westman Eric ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative,   the Australian Imaging Biomarkers and Lifestyle Flagship Study of Ageing,   the Japanese Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative,   the AddNeuroMed Consortium
Published: January 2024

Introduction

In the last few years, several models trying to calculate the biological brain age have been proposed based on structural magnetic resonance imaging scans (T1-weighted MRIs, T1w) using multivariate methods and machine learning. We developed and validated a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based biological brain age prediction model that uses one T1w MRI preprocessing step when applying the model to external datasets to simplify implementation and increase accessibility in research settings. Our model only requires rigid image registration to the MNI space, which is an advantage compared to previous methods that require more preprocessing steps, such as feature extraction.

Methods

We used a multicohort dataset of cognitively healthy individuals (age range = 32.0–95.7 years) comprising 17,296 MRIs for training and evaluation. We compared our model using hold-out (CNN1) and cross-validation (CNN2–4) approaches. To verify generalisability, we used two external datasets with different populations and MRI scan characteristics to evaluate the model. To demonstrate its usability, we included the external dataset’s images in the cross-validation training (CNN3). To ensure that our model used only the brain signal on the image, we also predicted brain age using skull-stripped images (CNN4).

Results:

The trained models achieved a mean absolute error of 2.99, 2.67, 2.67, and 3.08 years for CNN1–4, respectively. The model’s performance in the external dataset was in the typical range of mean absolute error (MAE) found in the literature for testing sets. Adding the external dataset to the training set (CNN3), overall, MAE is unaffected, but individual cohort MAE improves (5.63–2.25 years). Salience maps of predictions reveal that periventricular, temporal, and insular regions are the most important for age prediction.

Discussion

We provide indicators for using biological (predicted) brain age as a metric for age correction in neuroimaging studies as an alternative to the traditional chronological age. In conclusion, using different approaches, our CNN-based model showed good performance using one T1w brain MRI preprocessing step. The proposed CNN model is made publicly available for the research community to be easily implemented and used to study ageing and age-related disorders.
The effect of experiences of fairness on honest behavior: a behavioral and neural study
Authors: Zhang Chen , Yin Ming , Wu Jixia
Published: January 2024

Prior studies have investigated the relationship between fairness and honesty. However, the differences in the focus of these studies have rendered cross-comparisons between them challenging and of limited value. Thus, this study explored how fairness impacts honest decision-making, focusing specifically on the effect of individuals’ experiences of fairness on their honest behavior. Experiment 1 explored the influence of different experiences of fairness on honest behavior in an altruistic context. In Experiment 2, we measured event-related potentials to further demonstrate the brain mechanisms of these experiences on altruistic dishonest behavior. In Experiment 1, we found that the reaction time for dishonest behavior was shorter for individuals who had positive unfairness experiences with high altruistic objects compared to low altruistic objects. Individuals who had negative unfairness experiences had shorter reaction times when engaging in dishonest behaviors for the sake of high altruistic objects compared to those with equitable experiences. In Experiment 2, in which there was an opportunity to lie for a highly altruistic object, those with fair experiences had greater N2 volatility and smaller P3 volatility than those with positive unfairness experiences. These findings highlight the value of integrating moral psychology and behavioral economics. Discriminant validity across fairness experiences can help illuminate the different motivations behind moral decisions.
Distinct mechanisms of allopregnanolone and diazepam underlie neuronal oscillations and differential antidepressant effect
Authors: Takasu Keiko , Yawata Yosuke , Tashima Ryoichi , Aritomi Hiroyuki , Shimada Shinji , Onodera Tsukasa , Taishi Teruhiko , Ogawa Koichi
Published: January 2024

The rapid relief of depressive symptoms is a major medical requirement for effective treatments for major depressive disorder (MDD). A decrease in neuroactive steroids contributes to the pathophysiological mechanisms associated with the neurological symptoms of MDD. Zuranolone (SAGE-217), a neuroactive steroid that acts as a positive allosteric modulator of synaptic and extrasynaptic δ-subunit-containing GABAA receptors, has shown rapid-onset, clinically effective antidepressant action in patients with MDD or postpartum depression (PPD). Benzodiazepines, on the other hand, act as positive allosteric modulators of synaptic GABAA receptors but are not approved for the treatment of patients with MDD. It remains unclear how differences in molecular mechanisms contribute to the alleviation of depressive symptoms and the regulation of associated neuronal activity. Focusing on the antidepressant-like effects and neuronal activity of the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), we conducted a head-to-head comparison study of the neuroactive steroid allopregnanolone and the benzodiazepine diazepam using a mouse social defeat stress (SDS) model. Allopregnanolone but not diazepam exhibited antidepressant-like effects in a social interaction test in SDS mice. This antidepressant-like effect of allopregnanolone was abolished in extrasynaptic GABAA receptor δ-subunit knockout mice (δko mice) subjected to the same SDS protocol. Regarding the neurophysiological mechanism associated with these antidepressant-like effects, allopregnanolone but not diazepam increased theta oscillation in the BLA of SDS mice. This increase did not occur in δko mice. Consistent with this, allopregnanolone potentiated tonic inhibition in BLA interneurons via δ-subunit-containing extrasynaptic GABAA receptors. Theta oscillation in the mPFC of SDS mice was also increased by allopregnanolone but not by diazepam. Finally, allopregnanolone but not diazepam increased frontal theta activity in electroencephalography recordings in naïve and SDS mice. Neuronal network alterations associated with MDD showed decreased frontal theta and beta activity in depressed SDS mice. These results demonstrated that, unlike benzodiazepines, neuroactive steroids increased theta oscillation in the BLA and mPFC through the activation of δ-subunit-containing GABAA receptors, and this change was associated with antidepressant-like effects in the SDS model. Our findings support the notion that the distinctive mechanism of neuroactive steroids may contribute to the rapid antidepressant effects in MDD.
Assessing the contribution of mild high-altitude exposure to obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome comorbidities
Authors: Hao Lijuan , Peng Kangkang , Bian Qi , Guo Suting , Duan Chengmin , Feng Lei , Chen Zhenguo , Renzeng Caiang , Pang Huaixia , Ma Zhen
Published: January 2024

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is a common sleep disorder. The lower atmospheric pressure and decreased oxygen levels of high-altitude areas can exacerbate the severity of OSAHS, but research into OSAHS in high-altitude areas remains limited. This study, from June 2015 to January 2020, involved 4,667 patients with suspected OSAHS and 38 healthy volunteers. The non-OSAHS group (AHI <5/h) had 395 patients, while the larger OSAHS group (AHI ≥5/h) comprised 4,272 patients. The significant size difference between the groups emphasized the study’s focus on OSAHS, using the non-OSAHS mainly for comparison.

Methods

Sleep technicians monitored the OSAHS patient group overnight by polysomnography (PSG), the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), the mean oxygen saturation (MSpO2), lowest oxygen saturation (LSpO2), the oxygen desaturation index (ODI) and the total sleep time with oxygen saturation less than 90% (TST-SpO2 <90%). Healthy volunteers self-monitored sleep patterns at home, using the CONTEC RS01 respiration sleep monitor with a wristwatch sleep apnea screen meter. The RSO1 wristwatch-style device has already been studied for consistency and sensitivity with the Alice-6 standard multi-lead sleep monitor and can be used for OSAHS screening in this region.

Results

LSpO2 recordings from healthy volunteers (86.36 ± 3.57%) and non-OSAHS (AHI <5/h) cohort (78.59 ± 11.99%) were much lower than previously reported normal values. Regression analysis identified no correlations between AHI levels and MSpO2 or TST-SpO2 <90%, weak correlations between AHI levels and LSpO2 or MSpO2, and a strongly significant correlation between AHI levels and the ODI (r = 0.76, p < 0.05). The data also indicated that the appropriate clinical thresholds for OSAHS patients living at mild high altitude are classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on LSpO2 saturation criteria of 0.85–0.90, 0.65–0.84, or <0.65, respectively.

Conclusion

The study findings suggest that individuals with an AHI score below 5 in OSAHS, who reside in high-altitude areas, also require closer monitoring due to the elevated risk of nocturnal hypoxia. Furthermore, the significant correlation between ODI values and the severity of OSAHS emphasizes the importance of considering treatment options. Additionally, the assessment of hypoxemia severity thresholds in OSAHS patients living in high-altitude regions provides valuable insights for refining diagnostic guidelines.
Effect of TMAO on the incidence and prognosis of cerebral infarction: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Lin , Nan Yinan , Zhu Wenhao , Wang Shaoqing
Published: January 2024

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) on the incidence and prognosis of cerebral infarction.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases for all clinical studies on the association of TMAO with cerebral infarction incidence and prognosis from inception to April 2023. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using the meta-analysis of observational studies in epidemiology (MOOSE) declaration list. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess the quality of the study. This study protocol was registered on the PROSPERO database with the ID: CRD42023459661. The extracted data included the OR value of the effect of TMAO on the incidence and prognosis of cerebral infarction, the HR value between TMAO and underlying diseases, the RR value, 95% confidence intervals, and the AUC value of TMAO in the prediction model of cerebral infarction.

Results

Fifteen studies including 40,061 patients were included. All the patients were from China or Germany. The TMAO level was significantly correlated with the Modified Rankin Score (mRS) 3 months after the onset of cerebral infarction (OR, 1.581; 95% CI, 1.259–1.987; p < 0.01). The TMAO level was significantly correlated with the rate of first-time incidence and recurrence of cerebral infarction (OR, 1.208; 95% CI, 1.085–1.344; p < 0.01 and HR, 1.167; 95% CI, 1.076–1.265; p < 0.01, respectively). The TMAO level was also highly correlated with disease severity at onset (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, NIHSS >5) (OR, 5.194; 95% CI, 1.206–22.363; p < 0.05), but had no significant correlation with mortality after cerebral infarction (p > 0.05). Correlation analysis of TMAO with underlying diseases in the population indicated that TMAO had a significant correlation with histories of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and cerebral infarction (p < 0.05), but not with hyperlipidemia (p > 0.05). Six risk prediction models of TMAO for cerebral infarction reported in four studies were systematically evaluated; five of them had good predictive value (AUC ≥ 0.7).

Conclusion

TMAO is an independent risk factor affecting the onset, prognosis, and severity of cerebral infarction.
Inhibitory control deficits in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy: an event-related potential analysis based on Go/NoGo task
Authors: Shao Chenjing , Li Desheng , Zhang Xu , Xiang Feng , Zhang Xi , Wang Xiangqing
Published: January 2024

Objective

Neuropsychiatric comorbidities are common among patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE). One of these comorbidities, impulsivity, can significantly impact the quality of life and prognosis. However, there have been few studies of impulsivity in these patients, and the existing findings are inconsistent. The present study investigates impulsivity in MTLE patients from the perspective of inhibitory control and its underlying processes using event-related potentials (ERPs) initiated using a Go/NoGo task.

Methods

A total of 25 MTLE patients and 25 age-, gender-, and education-matched healthy controls (HCs) completed an unequal visual Go/NoGo task. Different waveforms as well as behavioral measures were analyzed between Go and NoGo conditions (N2d and P3d). Impulsivity was also assessed using self -rating scales, and clinical variables that may be related to ERPs were explored.

Results

Compared with HCs, MTLE patients exhibited significantly longer reaction time (RT) (p = 0.002) and lower P3d especially at the frontal electrode sites (p = 0.001). In the MTLE group, the seizure frequency (p = 0.045) and seizure types (p < 0.001) were correlated with the P3d amplitude. A self-rated impulsivity assessment revealed that MTLE patients had higher non-planning (p = 0.017) and total scores (p = 0.019) on the BIS-11 as well as higher DI (p = 0.010) and lower FI (p = 0.007) on the DII.

Conclusion

The findings demonstrate that the presence of inhibitory control deficits in patients with MTLE are characterized by deficits in the late stage of inhibition control, namely the motor inhibition stage. This study improves our understanding of impulsivity in MTLE patients and suggests that ERPs may constitute a sensitive means of detecting this trait.
Frequency effects in linear discriminative learning
Authors: Heitmeier Maria , Chuang Yu-Ying , Axen Seth D. , Baayen R. Harald
Published: January 2024

Word frequency is a strong predictor in most lexical processing tasks. Thus, any model of word recognition needs to account for how word frequency effects arise. The Discriminative Lexicon Model (DLM) models lexical processing with mappings between words' forms and their meanings. Comprehension and production are modeled via linear mappings between the two domains. So far, the mappings within the model can either be obtained incrementally via error-driven learning, a computationally expensive process able to capture frequency effects, or in an efficient, but frequency-agnostic solution modeling the theoretical endstate of learning (EL) where all words are learned optimally. In the present study we show how an efficient, yet frequency-informed mapping between form and meaning can be obtained (Frequency-informed learning; FIL). We find that FIL well approximates an incremental solution while being computationally much cheaper. FIL shows a relatively low type- and high token-accuracy, demonstrating that the model is able to process most word tokens encountered by speakers in daily life correctly. We use FIL to model reaction times in the Dutch Lexicon Project by means of a Gaussian Location Scale Model and find that FIL predicts well the S-shaped relationship between frequency and the mean of reaction times but underestimates the variance of reaction times for low frequency words. FIL is also better able to account for priming effects in an auditory lexical decision task in Mandarin Chinese, compared to EL. Finally, we used ordered data from CHILDES to compare mappings obtained with FIL and incremental learning. We show that the mappings are highly correlated, but that with FIL some nuances based on word ordering effects are lost. Our results show how frequency effects in a learning model can be simulated efficiently, and raise questions about how to best account for low-frequency words in cognitive models.
Understanding the role of emotion in decision making process: using machine learning to analyze physiological responses to visual, auditory, and combined stimulation
Authors: Polo Edoardo Maria , Farabbi Andrea , Mollura Maximiliano , Mainardi Luca , Barbieri Riccardo
Published: January 2024

Emotions significantly shape decision-making, and targeted emotional elicitations represent an important factor in neuromarketing, where they impact advertising effectiveness by capturing potential customers' attention intricately associated with emotional triggers. Analyzing biometric parameters after stimulus exposure may help in understanding emotional states. This study investigates autonomic and central nervous system responses to emotional stimuli, including images, auditory cues, and their combination while recording physiological signals, namely the electrocardiogram, blood volume pulse, galvanic skin response, pupillometry, respiration, and the electroencephalogram. The primary goal of the proposed analysis is to compare emotional stimulation methods and to identify the most effective approach for distinct physiological patterns. A novel feature selection technique is applied to further optimize the separation of four emotional states. Basic machine learning approaches are used in order to discern emotions as elicited by different kinds of stimulation. Electroencephalographic signals, Galvanic skin response and cardio-respiratory coupling-derived features provided the most significant features in distinguishing the four emotional states. Further findings highlight how auditory stimuli play a crucial role in creating distinct physiological patterns that enhance classification within a four-class problem. When combining all three types of stimulation, a validation accuracy of 49% was achieved. The sound-only and the image-only phases resulted in 52% and 44% accuracy respectively, whereas the combined stimulation of images and sounds led to 51% accuracy. Isolated visual stimuli yield less distinct patterns, necessitating more signals for relatively inferior performance compared to other types of stimuli. This surprising significance arises from limited auditory exploration in emotional recognition literature, particularly contrasted with the pleathora of studies performed using visual stimulation. In marketing, auditory components might hold a more relevant potential to significantly influence consumer choices.
BOLD cardiorespiratory pulsatility in the brain: from noise to signal of interest
Authors: Delli Pizzi Stefano , Gambi Francesco , Di Pietro Massimo , Caulo Massimo , Sensi Stefano L. , Ferretti Antonio
Published: January 2024

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) based on the Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) contrast has been extensively used to map brain activity and connectivity in health and disease. Standard fMRI preprocessing includes different steps to remove confounds unrelated to neuronal activity. First, this narrative review explores how signal fluctuations due to cardiac and respiratory activity, usually considered as “physiological noise” and regressed out from fMRI time series. However, these signal components bear useful information about some mechanisms of brain functioning (e.g., glymphatic clearance) or cerebrovascular compliance in response to arterial pressure waves. Aging and chronic diseases can cause stiffening of the aorta and other main arteries, with a reduced dampening effect resulting in greater transmission of pressure impulses to the brain. Importantly, the continuous hammering of cardiac pulsations can produce local alterations of the mechanical properties of the small cerebral vessels, with a progressive deterioration that ultimately affects neuronal functionality. Second, the review emphasizes how fMRI can study the brain patterns most affected by cardiac pulsations in health and disease with high spatiotemporal resolution, offering the opportunity to identify much more specific risk markers than systemic factors based on measurements of the vascular compliance of large arteries or other global risk factors. In this regard, modern fast fMRI acquisition techniques allow a better characterization of these pulsatile signal components due to reduced aliasing effects, turning what has been traditionally considered as noise in a signal of interest that can be used to develop novel non-invasive biomarkers in different clinical contexts.
Multisensory and lexical information in speech perception
Authors: Dorsi Josh , Lacey Simon , Sathian K.
Published: January 2024

Both multisensory and lexical information are known to influence the perception of speech. However, an open question remains: is either source more fundamental to perceiving speech? In this perspective, we review the literature and argue that multisensory information plays a more fundamental role in speech perception than lexical information. Three sets of findings support this conclusion: first, reaction times and electroencephalographic signal latencies indicate that the effects of multisensory information on speech processing seem to occur earlier than the effects of lexical information. Second, non-auditory sensory input influences the perception of features that differentiate phonetic categories; thus, multisensory information determines what lexical information is ultimately processed. Finally, there is evidence that multisensory information helps form some lexical information as part of a phenomenon known as sound symbolism. These findings support a framework of speech perception that, while acknowledging the influential roles of both multisensory and lexical information, holds that multisensory information is more fundamental to the process.
Current status and prospect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation for disorders of consciousness
Authors: Wang Yifei , Zhang Jinling , Zhai Weihang , Wang Yu , Li Shaoyuan , Yang Yi , Zheng Yanfeng , He Jianghong , Rong Peijing
Published: January 2024

Disordered Consciousness (DOC) is among neurological disorders for which there is currently no admitted treatment. The pathogenesis of DOC is still unclear, covering a variety of indistinguishable types of diseases, high misdiagnosis rate and poor prognosis. Most treatments remain to be clarified in the future to provide adequate evidence for clinical guidance. Neuromodulation technology aims to regulate neural circuits to promote awakening more directly. At present, it is confirmed that the potential of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) as a therapeutic tool is worth exploring in the context of consciousness disorders, as previously proposed for invasive forms of VNS, in which the means of stimulating the vagus nerve to change the brain areas related to cosciousness have also received widespread attention. In this paper, we review the literature on taVNS and DOC to better understand the current status and development prospect of taVNS treament as a non-invasive neuromodulation method with sensitivity and/or specificity at the single subject.
Characterization of a loss-of-function NSF attachment protein beta mutation in monozygotic triplets affected with epilepsy and autism using cortical neurons from proband-derived and CRISPR-corrected induced pluripotent stem cell lines
Authors: Ali Gowher , Shin Kyung Chul , Habbab Wesal , Alkhadairi Ghaneya , AbdelAleem Alice , AlShaban Fouad A. , Park Yongsoo , Stanton Lawrence W.
Published: January 2024

We investigated whether a homozygous recessive genetic variant of NSF attachment protein beta (NAPB) gene inherited by monozygotic triplets contributed to their phenotype of early-onset epilepsy and autism. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines were generated from all three probands and both parents. The NAPB genetic variation was corrected in iPSC lines from two probands by CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. Cortical neurons were produced by directed, in vitro differentiation from all iPSC lines. These cell line-derived neurons enabled us to determine that the genetic variation in the probands causes exon skipping and complete absence of NAPB protein. Electrophysiological and transcriptomic comparisons of cortical neurons derived from parents and probands cell lines indicate that loss of NAPB function contributes to alterations in neuronal functions and likely contributed to the impaired neurodevelopment of the triplets.
Pathogenesis, clinical features, and treatment of plurihormonal pituitary adenoma
Authors: Cai Yunjia , Liu Siyuan , Zhao Xue , Ren Linan , Liu Xinming , Gang Xiaokun , Wang Guixia
Published: January 2024

Plurihormonal pituitary adenoma (PPA) is a type of pituitary tumor capable of producing two or more hormones and usually presents as an aggressive, large adenoma. As yet, its pathogenesis remains unclear. This is the first study to systematically summarize the underlying pathogenesis of PPA. The pathogenesis is related to plurihormonal primordial stem cells, co-transcription factors, hormone co-expression, differential gene expression, and cell transdifferentiation. We conducted a literature review of PPA and analyzed its clinical characteristics. We found that the average age of patients with PPA was approximately 40 years, and most showed only one clinical symptom. The most common manifestation was acromegaly. Currently, PPA is treated with surgical resection. However, recent studies suggest that immunotherapy may be a potentially effective treatment.
Research hotspots and frontiers of neuromodulation techniques in disorders of consciousness: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Guo Bilian , Han Qiong , Ni Jun , Yan Zhipeng
Published: January 2024

Background

The characteristics of disorders of consciousness (DOC) are changes in arousal and/or awareness caused by severe brain injuries. To date, the management of DOC patients remains a complex and challenging task, and neuromodulation techniques offer a promising solution. However, a bibliometric analysis focusing on neuromodulation techniques in DOC is currently absent. The aim of this study is to provide a bibliometric visualization analysis to investigate the research hotspots and frontiers in the field of neuromodulation techniques in DOC from 2012 to 2022.

Methods

The publications were collected and retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) from 2012 to 2022. CiteSpace and Microsoft Excel were utilized perform the first global bibliographic analysis of the literature related to neuromodulation techniques for DOC.

Results

The analysis included a total of 338 publications. From 2012 to 2022, a consistent yet irregular increase in the number of articles published on neuromodulation techniques in DOC was observed. Frontiers in Neurology published the highest number of papers (n = 16). Neurosciences represented the main research hotspot category (n = 170). The most prolific country, institution, and author were the USA (n = 105), the University of Liege (n = 41), and Laureys Steven (n = 38), respectively. An analysis of keywords revealed that UWS/VS, MCS, and TMS constituted the primary research trends and focal points within this domain.

Conclusion

This bibliometric study sheds light on the current progress and emerging trends of neuromodulation techniques in DOC from 2012 to 2022. The focal topics in this domain encompass the precise diagnosis of consciousness levels in patients suffering from DOC and the pursuit of efficacious neuromodulation-based evaluation and treatment protocols for such patients.
The role of the brainstem in sleep disturbances and chronic pain of Gulf War and Iraq/Afghanistan veterans
Authors: Zhang Yu , Moore Matthew , Jennings Jennifer S. , Clark J. David , Bayley Peter J. , Ashford J. Wesson , Furst Ansgar J.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Gulf War Illness is a type of chronic multisymptom illness, that affects about 30% of veterans deployed to the 1990–91 Persian Gulf War. Veterans deployed to Iraq/Afghanistan after 2000 are reported to have a similar prevalence of chronic multisymptom illness. More than 30 years after the Persian Gulf War, Gulf War Illness still has an unexplained symptom complex, unknown etiology and lacks definitive diagnostic criteria and effective treatments. Our recent studies have found that substantially smaller brainstem volumes and lower fiber integrity are associated with increased sleep difficulty and pain intensity in 1990–91 Persian Gulf War veterans. This study was conducted to investigate whether veterans deployed to Iraq/Afghanistan present similar brainstem damage, and whether such brainstem structural differences are associated with major symptoms as in Gulf War Illness.

Methods

Here, we used structural magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging to measure the volumes of subcortices, brainstem subregions and white matter integrity of brainstem fiber tracts in 188 veterans including 98 Persian Gulf War veterans and 90 Iraq/Afghanistan veterans.

Results

We found that compared to healthy controls, veterans of both campaigns presented with substantially smaller volumes in brainstem subregions, accompanied by greater periaqueductal gray matter volumes. We also found that all veterans had reduced integrity in the brainstem-spinal cord tracts and the brainstem-subcortical tracts. In veterans deployed during the 1990–91 Persian Gulf War, we found that brainstem structural deficits significantly correlated with increased sleep difficulties and pain intensities, but in veterans deployed to Iraq/Afghanistan, no such effect was observed.

Discussion

These structural differences in the brainstem neurons and tracts may reflect autonomic dysregulation corresponding to the symptom constellation, which is characteristic of Gulf War Illness. Understanding these neuroimaging and neuropathological relationships in Gulf War and Iraq/Afghanistan veterans may improve clinical management and treatment strategies for modern war related chronic multisymptom illness.