bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Heritability of Behaviors Associated With the Host Gut Microbiota
Authors: Manterola Marcia , Palominos M. Fernanda , Calixto Andrea
Published: May 2021

What defines whether the interaction between environment and organism creates a genetic memory able to be transferred to subsequent generations? Bacteria and the products of their metabolism are the most ubiquitous biotic environments to which every living organism is exposed. Both microbiota and host establish a framework where environmental and genetic factors are integrated to produce adaptive life traits, some of which can be inherited. Thus, the interplay between host and microbe is a powerful model to study how phenotypic plasticity is inherited. Communication between host and microbe can occur through diverse molecules such as small RNAs (sRNAs) and the RNA interference machinery, which have emerged as mediators and carriers of heritable environmentally induced responses. Notwithstanding, it is still unclear how the organism integrates sRNA signaling between different tissues to orchestrate a systemic bacterially induced response that can be inherited. Here we discuss current evidence of heritability produced by the intestinal microbiota from several species. Neurons and gut are the sensing systems involved in transmitting changes through transcriptional and post-transcriptional modifications to the gonads. Germ cells express inflammatory receptors, and their development and function are regulated by host and bacterial metabolites and sRNAs thus suggesting that the dynamic interplay between host and microbe underlies the host’s capacity to transmit heritable behaviors. We discuss how the host detects changes in the microbiota that can modulate germ cells genomic functions. We also explore the nature of the interactions that leave permanent or long-term memory in the host and propose mechanisms by which the microbiota can regulate the development and epigenetic reprogramming of germ cells, thus influencing the inheritance of the host. We highlight the vast contribution of the bacterivore nematodeC. elegansand its commensal and pathogenic bacteria to the understanding on how behavioral adaptations can be inter and transgenerational inherited.
Integrative Analysis of Neuregulin Family Members-Related Tumor Microenvironment for Predicting the Prognosis in Gliomas
Authors: Zhao Wei-jiang , Ou Guan-yong , Lin Wen-wen
Published: May 2021

Gliomas, including brain lower grade glioma (LGG) and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), are the most common primary brain tumors in the central nervous system. Neuregulin (NRG) family proteins belong to the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family of extracellular ligands and they play an essential role in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. However, roles of NRGs in gliomas, especially their effects on prognosis, still remain to be elucidated. In this study, we obtained raw counts of RNA-sequencing data and corresponding clinical information from 510 LGG and 153 GBM samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. We analyzed the association of NRG1-4 expression levels with tumor immune microenvironment in LGG and GBM. GSVA (Gene Set Variation Analysis) was performed to determine the prognostic difference of NRGs gene set between LGG and GBM. ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve and the nomogram model were constructed to estimate the prognostic value of NRGs in LGG and GBM. The results demonstrated that NRG1-4 were differentially expressed in LGG and GBM in comparison to normal tissue. Immune score analysis revealed that NRG1-4 were significantly related to the tumor immune microenvironment and remarkably correlated with immune cell infiltration. The investigation of roles of m6A (N6-methyladenosine, m6A)-related genes in gliomas revealed that NRGs were prominently involved in m6A RNA modification. GSVA score showed that NRG family members are more associated with prognosis in LGG compared with GBM. Prognostic analysis showed that NRG3 and NRG1 can serve as potential independent biomarkers in LGG and GBM, respectively. Moreover, GDSC drug sensitivity analysis revealed that NRG1 was more correlated with drug response compared with other NRG subtypes. Based on these public databases, we preliminarily identified the relationship between NRG family members and tumor immune microenvironment, and the prognostic value of NRGs in gliomas. In conclusion, our study provides comprehensive roles of NRG family members in gliomas, supporting modulation of NRG signaling in the management of glioma.
Formation of Oil-Particle-Aggregates: Numerical Model Formulation and Calibration
Authors: Cui Linlin , Harris Courtney K. , Tarpley Danielle R. N.
Published: May 2021

When oil spills occur in turbid waters, the oil droplets and mineral grains can combine to form oil-particle aggregates (OPAs). The formation of OPAs impacts the vertical transport of both the oil and the mineral grains; especially increasing deposition of oil to the seabed. Though the coastal oceans can be very turbid, to date, few numerical ocean models have accounted for aggregation processes that form OPAs. However, interactions between oil and mineral aggregates may be represented using techniques developed to account for sediment aggregation. As part of Consortium for Simulation of Oil Microbial Interactions in the Ocean (CSOMIO), we modified an existing, population dynamics-based sediment flocculation model to develop OPAMOD, a module that accounts for the formation of OPAs. A zero-dimensional model using OPAMOD is shown to be capable of reproducing the size distribution of aggregates from existing laboratory experimental results. Also using the zero-dimensional model, sensitivity tests were performed on two model parameters, the fractal dimension and collision efficiency. Results showed that fractal dimension played a role in the OPA size distribution by influencing the effective particle density, which modified the number concentration of flocs for a given mass concentration. However, the modeled particle characteristics and oil sequestration were relatively insensitive to collision efficiency. To explore OPA formation for an outer continental shelf site, two simulations were conducted using a one-dimensional (vertical) implementation of the model. One scenario had high sediment concentration near the seabed to mimic storm-induced resuspension. The other scenario represented river plume sediment delivery by having high sediment concentration in surface waters. Results showed that OPA formation was sensitive to the vertical distribution of suspended sediment, with the river plume scenario creating more OPA, and sequestering more oil within OPA than the storm resuspension scenario. OPAMOD was developed within the Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere-Wave-and-Sediment Transport (COAWST) modeling system, therefore the methods and parameterizations from this study are transferrable to a three-dimensional coupled oil-sediment-microbial model developed by CSOMIO within the COAWST framework.
Untangling Tales of Tropical Sardines: Local Knowledge From Fisheries in Timor-Leste
Authors: Hunnam Kimberley , Carlos Imelda , Hammer Michael P. , Dos Reis Lopes Joctan , Mills David J. , Stacey Natasha
Published: May 2021

Tropical sardines (Family Clupeidae) are an important component of many marine fisheries in the Indo-West Pacific region. In Timor-Leste, a small, less-developed country within this region,‘sardiña’are some of the more commonly caught and consumed fish. Yet there is little published information from Timor-Leste about the species composition of these fisheries, nor their biology or ecology. We document the knowledge of Timorese fishers on nine locally distinguished sardine types that contribute to fisheries, and relate these to at least nine species: four species of ‘Flat-bodied Sardinellas’ (Sardinellasubg.Clupeoniaspp.), one species of ‘Round-bodied Sardinella’ (Sardinellasubg.Sardinella lemuru), two species of ‘Tropical Pilchards’ (Amblygasterspp.) and a ‘Tropical Herring’ species (Herklotsichthys quadrimaculatus), all from the Clupeidae family; and oneDussumieriaspecies from the Dussumieriidae family. We record variations in local sardine names across the country and document aspects of fishers’ knowledge relevant to understanding and managing the fisheries, including local sardine species’ seasonality, habitat, movements, interannual variation, as well as post-harvest characteristics in relation to perishability. In general, local names relate more closely with groups of species than individual species, although some names also distinguish fish size within species-groups. The local knowledge identified in this study has immediate application to inform fisheries monitoring and management, and to identify areas for future research. Notably, Timorese fishers recognize and make use of the strong association between some sardine species-groups and seasonally turbid river plumes. While further research is required to understand the underlying mechanisms of this association, this emphasizes the need to consider coastal fisheries and fisher livelihood impacts when assessing any plans or proposals that may alter river flow or water quality. Fishers also recognize migratory behavior of some sardine species, in particular the Flat bodied Sardinellas (S. gibbosaand others) along the north-west coast of Timor-Leste and across the border into Indonesian West Timor. Such insights complicate and need to be accounted for in initiatives for co-management or community-based management of Timor-Leste’s coastal waters and their fisheries.
The Plant Family Asteraceae Is a Cache for Novel Fungal Diversity: Novel Species and Genera With Remarkable Ascospores in Leptosphaeriaceae
Authors: Doilom Mingkwan , Hyde Kevin D. , Dong Wei , Liao Chun-Fang , Suwannarach Nakarin , Lumyong Saisamorn
Published: May 2021

In a cursory survey of fungi on Asteraceae in Yunnan Province, China, we report fungal species belonging to the family Leptosphaeriaceae (Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes). Two novel species have remarkable ascospores that are unusual for sexual ascomycetes. Multilocus phylogeny of large subunit, small subunit, and internal transcribed spacer sequence data showed one to be a novel genus, while the other is a new species. Praeclarispora artemisiae gen. et sp. nov. is introduced and is typical of Leptosphaeriaceae, but has unusual fusiform, versicolor ascospores with a brown median cell. Sphaerellopsis artemisiae sp. nov. has scolecosporous ascospores with deeply constricted septa that split into two parts, which resembles S. isthmospora but differs by ascospore dimension and molecular data. In addition, Plenodomus artemisiae is reported as a new collection from dead stems of Artemisia argyi in Qujing City. Plenodomus sinensis is reported as a new host record from Ageratina adenophora. All taxa are illustrated and described based on evidence of taxonomy and phylogeny.
Identification of the Genes Related to the Glycogen Metabolism in Hyperthermophilic Archaeon, Sulfolobus acidocaldarius
Authors: Lee Areum , Bae Eunji , Park Jihee , Choi Kyoung-Hwa , Cha Jaeho
Published: May 2021

Glycogen is a polysaccharide that comprises α-1,4-linked glucose backbone and α-1,6-linked glucose polymers at the branching points. It is widely found in organisms ranging from bacteria to eukaryotes. The physiological role of glycogen is not confined to being an energy reservoir and carbon source but varies depending on organisms. Sulfolobus acidocaldarius, a thermoacidophilic archaeon, was observed to accumulate granular glycogen in the cell. However, the role of glycogen and genes that are responsible for glycogen metabolism in S. acidocaldarius has not been identified clearly. The objective of this study is to identify the gene cluster, which is composed of enzymes that are predicted to be involved in the glycogen metabolism, and confirm the role of each of these genes by constructing deletion mutants. This study also compares the glycogen content of mutant and wild type and elucidates the role of glycogen in this archaeon. The glycogen content of S. acidocaldarius MR31, which is used as a parent strain for constructing the deletion mutant in this study, was increased in the early and middle exponential growth phases and decreased during the late exponential and stationary growth phases. The pattern of the accumulated glycogen was independent to the type of supplemented sugar. In the comparison of the glycogen content between the gene deletion mutant and MR31, glycogen synthase (GlgA) and α-amylase (AmyA) were shown to be responsible for the synthesis of glycogen, whereas glycogen debranching enzyme (GlgX) and glucoamylase (Gaa) appeared to affect the degradation of glycogen. The expressions of glgC–gaa–glgX and amyA–glgA were detected by the promoter assay. This result suggests that the gradual decrease of glycogen content in the late exponential and stationary phases occurs due to the increase in the gene expression of glgC–gaa–glgX. When the death rate in nutrient limited condition was compared among the wild type strain, the glycogen deficient strain and the strain with increased glycogen content, the death rate of the glycogen deficient strain was found to be higher than any other strain, thereby suggesting that the glycogen in S. acidocaldarius supports cell maintenance in harsh conditions.
Separation of Heat-Stable Antifungal Factor From Lysobacter enzymogenes Fermentation Broth via Photodegradation and Macroporous Resin Adsorption
Authors: Tang Bao , Wu Lingtian , Wang Jinzi , Sun Weibo , Zhao Yancun , Liu Fengquan
Published: May 2021

Heat-stable antifungal factor (HSAF) is produced by the fermentation of Lysobacter enzymogenes, which is known for its broad-spectrum antifungal activity and novel mode of action. However, studies on the separation of HSAF have rarely been reported. Herein, alteramide B (the main byproduct) was removed firstly from the fermentation broth by photodegradation to improve the purity of HSAF. Then, the separation of HSAF via adsorption by macroporous adsorption resins (MARs) was evaluated and NKA resin showed highest static adsorption and desorption performances. After optimizing the static and dynamic adsorption characteristics, the content of HSAF in the purified product increased from 8.67 ± 0.32% (ethyl acetate extraction) to 31.07 ± 1.12% by 3.58-fold. These results suggest that the developed strategy via photodegradation and macroporous resin adsorption is an effective process for the separation of HSAF, and it is also a promising method for the large-scale preparation of HSAF for agricultural applications.
Opportunities and Challenges in Global Quantification of RNA-Protein Interaction via UV Cross-Linking
Authors: Vieira-Vieira Carlos H. , Selbach Matthias
Published: May 2021

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are key mediators of posttranscriptional gene expression control. However, the links between cell signaling on the one hand and RBP function on the other are understudied. While thousands of posttranslational modification (PTM) sites on RBPs have been identified, their functional roles are only poorly characterized. RNA-interactome capture (RIC) and cross-linking and immunoprecipitation (CLIP) are attractive methods that provide information about RBP-RNA interactions on a genome-wide scale. Both approaches rely on the in situ UV cross-linking of RBPs and RNAs, biochemical enrichment and analysis by RNA-sequencing (CLIP) or mass spectrometry (RIC). In principle, RIC- and CLIP-like methods could be used to globally quantify RBP-RNA interactions in response to perturbations. However, several biases have to be taken into account to avoid misinterpretation of the results obtained. Here, we focus on RIC-like methods and discuss four key aspects relevant for quantitative interpretation: (1) the RNA isolation efficiency, (2) the inefficient and highly variable UV cross-linking, (3) the baseline RNA occupancy of RBPs, and (4) indirect factors affecting RBP-RNA interaction. We highlight these points by presenting selected examples of PTMs that might induce differential quantification in RIC-like experiments without necessarily affecting RNA-binding. We conclude that quantifying RBP-RNA interactions via RIC or CLIP-like methods should not be regarded as an end in itself but rather as starting points for deeper analysis.
Toward Hand Pattern Recognition in Assistive and Rehabilitation Robotics Using EMG and Kinematics
Authors: Zhou Hui , Zhang Qianqian , Zhang Mengjun , Shahnewaz Sameer , Wei Shaocong , Ruan Jingzhi , Zhang Xinyan , Zhang Lingling
Published: May 2021

Wearable hand robots are becoming an attractive means in the facilitating of assistance with daily living and hand rehabilitation exercises for patients after stroke. Pattern recognition is a crucial step toward the development of wearable hand robots. Electromyography (EMG) is a commonly used biological signal for hand pattern recognition. However, the EMG based pattern recognition performance in assistive and rehabilitation robotics post stroke remains unsatisfactory. Moreover, low cost kinematic sensors such as Leap Motion is recently used for pattern recognition in various applications. This study proposes feature fusion and decision fusion method that combines EMG features and kinematic features for hand pattern recognition toward application in upper limb assistive and rehabilitation robotics. Ten normal subjects and five post stroke patients participating in the experiments were tested with eight hand patterns of daily activities while EMG and kinematics were recorded simultaneously. Results showed that average hand pattern recognition accuracy for post stroke patients was 83% for EMG features only, 84.71% for kinematic features only, 96.43% for feature fusion of EMG and kinematics, 91.18% for decision fusion of EMG and kinematics. The feature fusion and decision fusion was robust as three different levels of noise was given to the classifiers resulting in small decrease of classification accuracy. Different channel combination comparisons showed the fusion classifiers would be robust despite failure of specific EMG channels which means that the system has promising potential in the field of assistive and rehabilitation robotics. Future work will be conducted with real-time pattern classification on stroke survivors.
Prediction of Seizure Recurrence. A Note of Caution
Authors: Bosl William J. , Leviton Alan , Loddenkemper Tobias
Published: May 2021

Great strides have been made recently in documenting that machine-learning programs can predict seizure occurrence in people who have epilepsy. Along with this progress have come claims that appear to us to be a bit premature. We anticipate that many people will benefit from seizure prediction. We also doubt that all will benefit. Although machine learning is a useful tool for aiding discovery, we believe that the greatest progress will come from deeper understanding of seizures, epilepsy, and the EEG features that enable seizure prediction. In this essay, we lay out reasons for optimism and skepticism.
Gender Matters: Nonlinear Relationships Between Heart Rate Variability and Depression and Positive Affect
Authors: Spangler Derek P. , Dunn Emily J. , Aldao Amelia , Feeling Nicole R. , Free Matthew L. , Gillie Brandon L. , Vasey Michael W. , Williams DeWayne P. , Koenig Julian , Thayer Julian F.
Published: May 2021

Vagally mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV), a measure of the parasympathetic nervous system’s control over the heart, is often negatively related to maladaptive emotional outcomes. Recent work suggests that quadratic relationships involving these factors may be present; however, research has not investigated gender differences in these nonlinear functions. To address this gap, the current study tested for quadratic relationships between resting vmHRV and depression and positive affect while investigating gender differences in these relationships. Significant quadratic effects were found between resting vmHRV and reports of both depression symptoms and positive affect in women but not men. Specifically, the lowest levels of depression and the highest levels of positive affect were found at moderate vmHRV in women. These results suggest that examinations of vmHRV’s nonlinear associations require the consideration of gender. Our findings are interpreted based on proposed differential neuropsychological mechanisms of vmHRV in men versus women.
In-vitro Recordings of Neural Magnetic Activity From the Auditory Brainstem Using Color Centers in Diamond: A Simulation Study
Authors: Karadas Mürsel , Olsson Christoffer , Winther Hansen Nikolaj , Perrier Jean-François , Webb James Luke , Huck Alexander , Andersen Ulrik Lund , Thielscher Axel
Published: May 2021

Magnetometry based on nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond is a novel technique capable of measuring magnetic fields with high sensitivity and high spatial resolution. With the further advancements of these sensors, they may open up novel approaches for the 2D imaging of neural signals in vitro. In the present study, we investigate the feasibility of NV-based imaging by numerically simulating the magnetic signal from the auditory pathway of a rodent brainstem slice (ventral cochlear nucleus, VCN, to the medial trapezoid body, MNTB) as stimulated by both electric and optic stimulation. The resulting signal from these two stimulation methods are evaluated and compared. A realistic pathway model was created based on published data of the neural morphologies and channel dynamics of the globular bushy cells in the VCN and their axonal projections to the principal cells in the MNTB. The pathway dynamics in response to optic and electric stimulation and the emitted magnetic fields were estimated using the cable equation. For simulating the optic stimulation, the light distribution in brain tissue was numerically estimated and used to model the optogenetic neural excitation based on a four state channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) model. The corresponding heating was also estimated, using the bio-heat equation and was found to be low (<2°C) even at excessively strong optic signals. A peak magnetic field strength of ∼0.5 and ∼0.1 nT was calculated from the auditory brainstem pathway after electrical and optical stimulation, respectively. By increasing the stimulating light intensity four-fold (far exceeding commonly used intensities) the peak magnetic signal strength only increased to 0.2 nT. Thus, while optogenetic stimulation would be favorable to avoid artefacts in the recordings, electric stimulation achieves higher peak fields. The present simulation study predicts that high-resolution magnetic imaging of the action potentials traveling along the auditory brainstem pathway will only be possible for next generation NV sensors. However, the existing sensors already have sufficient sensitivity to support the magnetic sensing of cumulated neural signals sampled from larger parts of the pathway, which might be a promising intermediate step toward further maturing this novel technology.
Optical Spike Detection and Connectivity Analysis With a Far-Red Voltage-Sensitive Fluorophore Reveals Changes to Network Connectivity in Development and Disease
Authors: Walker Alison S. , Raliski Benjamin K. , Karbasi Kaveh , Zhang Patrick , Sanders Kate , Miller Evan W.
Published: May 2021

The ability to optically record dynamics of neuronal membrane potential promises to revolutionize our understanding of neurobiology. In this study, we show that the far-red voltage sensitive fluorophore, Berkeley Red Sensor of Transmembrane potential-1, or BeRST 1, can be used to monitor neuronal membrane potential changes across dozens of neurons at a sampling rate of 500 Hz. Notably, voltage imaging with BeRST 1 can be implemented with affordable, commercially available illumination sources, optics, and detectors. BeRST 1 is well-tolerated in cultures of rat hippocampal neurons and provides exceptional optical recording fidelity, as judged by dual fluorescence imaging and patch-clamp electrophysiology. We developed a semi-automated spike-picking program to reduce user bias when calling action potentials and used this in conjunction with BeRST 1 to develop an optical spike and connectivity analysis (OSCA) for high-throughput dissection of neuronal activity dynamics. The high temporal resolution of BeRST 1 enables dissection of firing rate changes in response to acute, pharmacological interventions with commonly used inhibitors like gabazine and picrotoxin. Over longer periods of time, BeRST 1 also tracks chronic perturbations to neurons exposed to amyloid beta 1–42 (Aβ 1–42), revealing modest changes to spiking frequency but profound changes to overall network connectivity. Finally, we use OSCA to track changes in neuronal connectivity during maturation in culture, providing a functional readout of network assembly. We envision that use of BeRST 1 and OSCA described here will be of use to the broad neuroscience community.
Astrocytes and Adenosine A2A Receptors: Active Players in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Lopes Cátia R. , Cunha Rodrigo A. , Agostinho Paula
Published: May 2021

Astrocytes, through their numerous processes, establish a bidirectional communication with neurons that is crucial to regulate synaptic plasticity, the purported neurophysiological basis of memory. This evidence contributed to change the classic “neurocentric” view of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), being astrocytes increasingly considered a key player in this neurodegenerative disease. AD, the most common form of dementia in the elderly, is characterized by a deterioration of memory and of other cognitive functions. Although, early cognitive deficits have been associated with synaptic loss and dysfunction caused by amyloid-β peptides (Aβ), accumulating evidences support a role of astrocytes in AD. Astrocyte atrophy and reactivity occurring at early and later stages of AD, respectively, involve morphological alterations that translate into functional changes. However, the main signals responsible for astrocytic alterations in AD and their impact on synaptic function remain to be defined. One possible candidate is adenosine, which can be formed upon extracellular catabolism of ATP released by astrocytes. Adenosine can act as a homeostatic modulator and also as a neuromodulator at the synaptic level, through the activation of adenosine receptors, mainly of A1R and A2AR subtypes. These receptors are also present in astrocytes, being particularly relevant in pathological conditions, to control the morphofunctional responses of astrocytes. Here, we will focus on the role of A2AR, since they are particularly associated with neurodegeneration and also with memory processes. Furthermore, A2AR levels are increased in the AD brain, namely in astrocytes where they can control key astrocytic functions. Thus, unveiling the role of A2AR in astrocytes function might shed light on novel therapeutic strategies for AD.
Effect of Branding and Familiarity of Soy Sauces on Valence and Arousal as Determined by Facial Expressions, Physiological Measures, Emojis, and Ratings
Authors: de Wijk Rene A. , Ushiama Shota , Ummels Meeke J. , Zimmerman Patrick H. , Kaneko Daisuke , Vingerhoeds Monique H.
Published: May 2021

Food experiences can be summarized along two main dimensions: valence and arousal, which can be measured explicitly with subjective ratings or implicitly with physiological and behavioral measures. Food experiences are not only driven by the food's intrinsic properties, such as its taste, texture, and aroma, but also by extrinsic properties such as brand information and the consumers' previous experiences with the foods. In this study, valence and arousal to intrinsic and extrinsic properties of soy sauce were measured in consumers that varied in their previous experience with soy sauce, using a combination of explicit (scores and emojis), implicit (heart rate and skin conductance), and behavioral measures (facial expressions). Forty participants, high- and low-frequency users, were presented with samples of rice and three commercial soy sauces without and with brand information that either matched or non-matched the taste of the soy sauce. In general, skin conductance and facial expressions showed relatively low arousal during exposure to the brand name and again lowest arousal during tasting. Heart rate was lowest during exposure to the brand name and increased during tasting probably resulting from the motor activity during chewing. Furthermore, the results showed that explicit liking and arousal scores were primarily affected by the taste of the specific soy sauce and by the participants' previous experience with soy sauces. These scores were not affected by branding information. In contrast, facial expressions, skin conductance, and heart rate were primarily affected by (1) the participants' level of experience with soy sauce, (2) whether or not branding information was provided, and (3) whether or not the branding information matched with the taste. In conclusion, this study suggests that liking scores may be most sensitive to the food's intrinsic taste properties, whereas implicit measures and facial expressions may be most sensitive to extrinsic properties such as brand information. All measures were affected by the consumers' previous food experiences.
Differential Predictors and Clinical Implications Associated With Long-Term Survivors in IDH Wildtype and Mutant Glioblastoma
Authors: Jiang Haihui , Yu Kefu , Cui Yong , Ren Xiaohui , Li Mingxiao , Zhang Guobin , Yang Chuanwei , Zhao Xuzhe , Zhu Qinghui , Lin Song
Published: May 2021

Background

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive intracranial tumor which can be divided into two subtypes based on status of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH). A small fraction of patients after receiving standard treatment can be long-term survivors (LTS). This study was designed to disclose the predictors and clinical implications associated with LTS in IDH wildtype and mutant GBM.

Methods

Patients who survived beyond five years after diagnosis of GBM were defined as LTS, while those with a survival less than one year were defined as short-term survivors (STS). A total of 211 patients with diagnosis of GBM in Beijing Tiantan Hospital from January 2007 to January 2015 were enrolled, including 44 (20.9%) LTS and 167 (79.1%) STS. The clinical, radiological and molecular features between groups were systematically compared.

Results

Compared with STS, LTS were a subgroup of patients with a younger age at diagnosis (P=0.006), a higher KPS score (P=0.011), higher rates of cystic change (P=0.037), O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation (P=0.007), and IDH mutation (P=0.049), and more likely to have undergone gross total resection (P<0.001). Survival analysis demonstrated that LTS with wildtype IDH conferred a longer progression-free survival (66.0 vs. 27.0 months, P=0.04), but a shorter post-progression survival (46.5 months vs. not reached, P=0.0001) than those of LTS with mutant IDH. LTS with mutant IDH showed a trend towards increased survival after receiving re-operation (P=0.155) and reirradiation (P=0.127), while this clinical benefit disappeared in the subset of LTS with wildtype IDH (P>0.05).

Conclusion

The prognostic value and therapeutic implications associated with LTS in GBM population significantly differed on the basis of IDH status. Our findings provide a new approach for physicians to better understand the two subtypes of GBM, which may assist in making more tailored treatment decisions for patients.
Identification and Validation of a Prognostic Immune-Related Alternative Splicing Events Signature for Glioma
Authors: Wang Minjie , Zhou Zijie , Zheng Jianglin , Xiao Wenxuan , Zhu Jiameng , Zhang Chaocai , Jiang Xiaobing
Published: May 2021

Background

Glioma is the most common malignant brain tumor in adults, with its tumor-promoting immune microenvironment always being intricate to handle with. Amounts of evidence has accumulated to suggest that alternative splicing (AS) is related to tumor immune microenvironment. However, comprehensive analysis of immune-related AS events and their clinical significance are still lacking in glioma.

Methods

AS events and transcriptome data of 653 glioma patients were downloaded online. ssGSEA was performed on transcriptome data of 653 patients to divided them into low, medium and high immune cell infiltration groups. Immune-related AS events were filtrated based on this grouping. Then lasso Cox regression analysis and multivariate Cox regression analysis were done to achieve an immune-related AS events prognostic signature for glioma. Kaplan-Meier analysis, ROC analyses, univariate Cox regression and multivariate Cox regression were performed to reveal the independent prognostic role of this signature. Meanwhile, a nomogram was constructed to achieved better prognostic value for glioma patients. Besides, functional enrichment analyses and correlation analyses with immune cells infiltration were used to validated the immune-related characteristic of this signature.

Results

36 immune-related AS events were achieved based on the grouping mentioned above. A nine-immune-related alternative splicing event signature was built for glioma patients. This signature showed an independent prognostic value and a nomogram containing gender, age, Karnofsky performance score, grade, IDH status, MGMT promoter status and risk score derived from the signature was constructed with a higher predictive ability for overall survival. Association with the infiltration of immune cell subtypes was validated and functional enrichment analysis found that the signature was mainly enriched in immune-related and pro-tumor functions.

Conclusion

Our research presented all immune-related AS events in glioma, identified an immune-related prognostic AS events risk model and a nomogram was constructed to predict the prognosis individually and more precisely. Tight connection was verified between this signature and clinical characteristics. Also, immune cells infiltration and immune checkpoints expression level were proved to link to risk scores, which enhanced the understanding of relationship between AS events and glioma immune microenvironment, firstly revealing the potential role of AS in immunotherapy of glioma.
Pelvic Plexus Block Versus Periprostatic Nerve Block for Ultrasound-Guided Prostate Biopsy: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ding Hui , Ning Zhongyun , Ma Hongwu
Published: May 2021

Background

To relieve prostate biopsy-related pain, various local anesthetic methods have been used. The best approach was periprostatic nerve block (PNB) in the past decade. Recently, pelvic plexus block (PPB) was employed to ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy. Compared with the PNB, the PPB may block a more extensive area. Therefore, PPB may be more effective in relieving prostate biopsy-related pain. However, several prospective randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing PPB and PNB drew conflicting conclusions, so we compared the difference of pain control between PPB and PNB for prostate biopsy.

Methods

The following databases were retrieved up to October 2020: PubMed, Chinese biomedicine literature database, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Internet databases, Wan fang databases and Google Scholar. Only the RCTs were included. The main outcome measures were Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score and complications. The literature quality and extracted data were evaluated by two authors independently. The software Review Manager (version 5.3) was used to perform the data analysis that comparing the difference of VAS score and complications between PPB and PNB.

Results

After screening, six articles including 336 patients from PPB group and 337 patients from PNB group were performed meta-analysis in this study. The results showed that there were no significant difference of pain control in probe insertion and local anesthetic injection between PPB and PNB, while compared with PNB, patients with PPB experienced less pain during biopsy and 30 min after biopsy, respectively(MD = −0.57, 95% CI: −1.11 to −0.03, Z = 2.06, P = 0.04; MD = −0.21, 95% CI: −0.40 to −0.02, Z = 2.15, P = 0.03). In subgroup analysis, the pooled results showed that PPB was superior to PNB in 12-cores biopsy (pooled MD = −1.16, 95% CI: −1.61 to −0.71, P < 0.00001), and more than 40-ml prostate size, regardless of transrectal or transperineal prostate biopsy. The reported major complications were urinary retention, hematuria, infection and hemospermia. The pooled results showed that there were no obvious difference in complications between PPB group and PNB group.

Conclusions

Overall, this meta-analysis suggests that PPB provides safe and effective pain control of ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy, and PPB is superior to PNB. In future, it also needs more high quality, large samples RCTs to verify.
Awareness of Cancer-Related Malnutrition and Its Management: Analysis of the Results From a Survey Conducted Among Medical Oncologists
Authors: Muscaritoli Maurizio , Corsaro Emanuele , Molfino Alessio
Published: May 2021

Cancer is a global major public health problem, particularly in Western countries, where it represents the second leading cause of death after cardiovascular disease. Malnutrition is common in cancer patients and differs from starvation-related malnutrition, as it results from a combination of anorexia and metabolic dysregulation, caused by the tumor itself or by its treatment, and causing cachexia. Cancer-associated malnutrition can lead to several negative consequences, including poor prognosis, reduced survival, increased therapy toxicity, reduced tolerance and compliance to treatments, and diminished response to antineoplastic drugs. Guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health in 2017, the most recent ESPEN guidelines and the PreMiO study highlighted an inadequate nutritional support in cancer patients since their first visit, and recommended an optimization of the quality of life of cancer patients in each stage of the disease, also through specific nutritional interventions by multidisciplinary teams. Based on the evidences summarized above, a survey has been carried out on a sample of 300 Italian hospital medical oncologists to evaluate their level of awareness and perception of cancer-related malnutrition and their proposals to implement effective strategies to improve nutritional care in the setting of hospital oncology departments in Italy. The survey results indicate that, despite high levels of awareness among Italian oncologists, malnutrition in cancer patients remains, at least in part, an unmet medical need, and additional efforts are necessary in terms of increased training and hiring of personnel, and of creation of organizational pathways aimed at treatment optimization based on available evidences.
NeoAct: A Randomized Prospective Pilot Study on Communication Skill Training of Neonatologists
Authors: Bibl Katharina , Wagner Michael , Steinbauer Philipp , Gröpel Peter , Wimmer Sabrina , Olischar Monika , Berger Angelika , Hladschik-Kermer Birgit
Published: May 2021

Background: This randomized interventional study evaluated the impact of a 1-day experiential communication skills training on neonatologists' performance in doctor-parents-communication.

Methods: 17 neonatologists with different levels of professional experience from the Medical University of Vienna were randomized into one of two study groups: The intervention group (IG) as opposed to the control group (CG) participated in a 1-day experiential communication training. Eight weeks after the training, participants' communication skills were assessed during an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). Neonatologists were assessed in a simulated conversation by how effectively they performed when conveying complex health-related information to parents of ill infants. Participants in the control group (CG) were assessed first during the OSCE and received their communication training later on. Self-assessment questionnaires before and after the workshop and OSCE were completed.

Results: The study determined that neonatologists in the IG subjectively perceived that their competence level regarding their communication skills had increased after the workshop, while this was not reflected by their performance during the OSCE assessment.

Discussion: A 1-day experiential communication skills training significantly increased physicians' self-evaluation concerning their communicative competence. This perceived competence did not manifest itself in increased communication skills during the OSCE.

Conclusion: Repeated training is needed.
Propofol Inhibits Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Cardiotoxicity Through the Protein Kinase C/Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor Pathway
Authors: Li Shengqiang , Lei Zhen , Zhao Meng , Hou Yonghao , Wang Di , Xu Xingli , Lin Xiaowen , Li Jingxin , Tang Shuhai , Yu Jingui , Meng Tao
Published: May 2021

Both hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, H) and ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) can damage cardiomyocytes, which was inhibited by propofol (P). The present research was designed to examine whether propofol can reduce myocardial I/R injury by activating protein kinase C (PKC)/nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (NRF2) pathway in H9C2 cells and rat Langendorff models. H9C2 cells were disposed of no reagents (C), H2O2for 24 h (H), propofol for 1 h before H2O2(H+P), and chelerythrine (CHE, PKC inhibitor) for 1 h before propofol and H2O2(H+P+CHE). N = 3. The PKC gene of H9C2 was knocked down by siRNA and overexpressed by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, PKC agonist). The cell viability and the expressions of PKC, NRF2, or heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) were evaluated. Propofol significantly reduced H9C2 cell mortality induced by H2O2, and significantly increased NRF2 nuclear location and HO-1 expression, which were restrained by siRNA knockout of PKC and promoted by PMA. Rat hearts were treated with KrebsHenseleit solution for 120 min (C), with (I/R+P) or without (I/R) propofol for 20 min before stopping perfusion for 30 min and reperfusion for 60 min, and CHE for 10 min before treated with propofol. N = 6. The levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) in perfusion fluid and antioxidant enzymes in the myocardium were assessed. I/R, which increased LDH and CK-MB expression and reduced SOD expression, boosted the pathological damage and infarcts of the myocardium after reperfusion. However, propofol restrained all these effects, an activity that was antagonized by CHE. The results suggest that propofol pretreatment protects against I/R injury by activating of PKC/NRF2 pathway.
Natural Compounds as Medical Strategies in the Prevention and Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders Seen in Neurological Diseases
Authors: Küpeli Akkol Esra , Tatlı Çankaya Irem , Şeker Karatoprak Gökçe , Carpar Elif , Sobarzo-Sánchez Eduardo , Capasso Raffaele
Published: May 2021

Psychiatric disorders are frequently encountered in many neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson diseases along with epilepsy, migraine, essential tremors, and stroke. The most common comorbid diagnoses in neurological diseases are depression and anxiety disorders along with cognitive impairment. Whether the underlying reason is due to common neurochemical mechanisms or loss of previous functioning level, comorbidities are often overlooked. Various treatment options are available, such as pharmacological treatments, cognitive-behavioral therapy, somatic interventions, or electroconvulsive therapy. However oral antidepressant therapy may have some disadvantages, such as interaction with other medications, low tolerability due to side effects, and low efficiency. Natural compounds of plant origin are extensively researched to find a better and safer alternative treatment. Experimental studies have shown that phytochemicals such as alkaloids, terpenes, flavonoids, phenolic acids as well as lipids have significant potential inin vitroandin vivomodels of psychiatric disorders. In this review, various efficacy of natural products inin vitroandin vivostudies on neuroprotective and their roles in psychiatric disorders are examined and their neuro-therapeutic potentials are shed light.
Remarks on Wiener Index of Bipolar Fuzzy Incidence Graphs
Authors: Gong Shu , Hua Gang
Published: May 2021

Fuzzy data plays an important role in daily life, and fuzzy structured data is usually represented by fuzzy graphs, where the graph structure is used to describe the associated structure of the fuzzy data. Based on the definition of Wiener index on bipolar fuzzy incidence graphs, this article continues to study the characteristics of this distance based topological index. The lower and upper bounds for positive and negative Wiener index of fuzzy bipolar incidence graph are determined respectively, and the relationship of Wiener index between original graph and its subgraph is discussed. The Wiener absolute index on bipolar fuzzy incidence graph is introduced accordingly, and several conclusions are determined in terms of geodesics distance analysis. Furthermore, we demonstrate the equality of Wiener index and Wiener absolute index for two isomorphic bipolar fuzzy incidence graphs.
The Halophyte Halostachys caspica AP2/ERF Transcription Factor HcTOE3 Positively Regulates Freezing Tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Yin Fangliu , Zeng Youling , Ji Jieyun , Wang Pengju , Zhang Yufang , Li Wenhui
Published: May 2021

The APETALA2 (AP2) and ethylene-responsive element-binding factor (ERF) gene family is one of the largest plant-specific transcription factor gene families, which plays a critical role in plant development and evolution, as well as response to various stresses. The TARGET OF EAT3 (TOE3) gene is derived from Halostachys caspica and belongs to the AP2 subfamily with two AP2 DNA-binding domains. Currently, AP2 family mainly plays crucial roles in plant growth and evolution, yet there are few reports about the role of AP2 in abiotic stress tolerance. Here, we report HcTOE3, a new cold-regulated transcription factor gene, which has an important contribution to freezing tolerance. The main results showed that the expression of HcTOE3 in the H. caspica assimilating branches was strongly induced by different abiotic stresses, including high salinity, drought, and extreme temperature (heat, chilling, and freezing), as well as abscisic acid and methyl viologen treatments. Overexpressing HcTOE3 gene (OE) induced transgenic Arabidopsis plant tolerance to freezing stress. Under freezing treatment, the OE lines showed lower content of malondialdehyde and electrolyte leakage and less accumulation of reactive oxygen species compared with the wild type. However, the survival rates, antioxidant enzyme activities, and contents of osmotic adjustment substance proline were enhanced in transgenic plants. Additionally, the OE lines increased freezing tolerance by up-regulating the transcription level of cold responsive genes (CBF1, CBF2, COR15, COR47, KIN1, and RD29A) and abscisic acid signal transduction pathway genes (ABI1, ABI2, ABI5, and RAB18). Our results suggested that HcTOE3 positively regulated freezing stress and has a great potential as a candidate gene to improve plant freezing tolerance.
Climato-Economic Origins of Variations in Uniqueness of Nickname on Sina Weibo
Authors: He Lingnan , Chen Yue , Ren Xiaopeng
Published: May 2021

In the world of social media, people are free to choose names based on their preferences, which may potentially reflect certain levels of uniqueness. In this study, we have attempted to explore the possibility of applying the ecological theory of individualism/collectivism in the context of social media. We, thus, examined provincial variations in the uniqueness of nicknames among more than 13 million Sina Weibo users. Initially, the nickname uniqueness indicator was set at the provincial level. It was found that the uniqueness of nicknames was the highest in provinces with temperate climates, for example Guangdong, and the lowest in provinces with demanding climate, such as Ningxia. Regression analysis results partially supported that inhabitants in provinces with temperate climate were more likely to use unique nicknames on social media compared to those from harsh climate. This finding is significant in terms of ecology.