bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Macrophage Meets the Circadian Clock: Implication of the Circadian Clock in the Role of Macrophages in Acute Lower Respiratory Tract Infection
Authors: Shirato Ken , Sato Shogo
Published: February 2022

The circadian rhythm is a biological system that creates daily variations of physiology and behavior with a 24-h cycle, which is precisely controlled by the molecular circadian clock. The circadian clock dominates temporal activity of physiological homeostasis at the molecular level, including endocrine secretion, metabolic, immune response, coupled with extrinsic environmental cues (e.g., light/dark cycles) and behavioral cues (e.g., sleep/wake cycles and feeding/fasting cycles). The other side of the clock is that the misaligned circadian rhythm contributes to the onset of a variety of diseases, such as cancer, metabolic diseases, and cardiovascular diseases, the acceleration of aging, and the development of systemic inflammation. The role played by macrophages is a key mediator between circadian disruption and systemic inflammation. At the molecular level, macrophage functions are under the direct control of the circadian clock, and thus the circadian misalignment remodels the phenotype of macrophages toward a ‘killer’ mode. Remarkably, the inflammatory macrophages induce systemic and chronic inflammation, leading to the development of inflammatory diseases and the dampened immune defensive machinery against infectious diseases such as COVID-19. Here, we discuss how the circadian clock regulates macrophage immune functions and provide the potential risk of misaligned circadian rhythms against inflammatory and infectious diseases.
The Contribution of Event-Related Potentials to the Understanding of Sign Language Processing and Production in the Brain: Experimental Evidence and Future Directions
Authors: Hernández Doris , Puupponen Anna , Jantunen Tommi
Published: February 2022

Functional neuroimaging allows investigation of the timing properties of the brain mechanisms underlying covert language processing. This paper presents a review of the use of the neuroimaging technique called Event-Related Potentials (ERPs) in sign language (SL) research. In the field of neurolinguistics, ERPs have been widely used in the study of spoken language, but their use in SL is still rare. Studying the neurocognitive aspects of SL could lead to a better understanding of the specific processing of SL in the brain. This review outlines the basic theoretical and methodological principles of ERPs. We focus on three groups of ERPs that are particularly relevant to SL processing and production: ERPs focusing on cognition, ERPs focusing on language, and ERPs focusing on movement aspects. We then summarize within each group some ERPs that we consider could be useful for studying the sequence of cognitive processes underlying SL processing and we discuss the current state of the use of ERPs within SL research. According to our analysis of the field, ERPs focusing on language aspects have been used more than ERPs focusing on cognitive and movement-related aspects to study SL. More variability in the type of SLs used is needed to expand the inferences made so far. For the development of the field, we recommend the more frequent use of videos and SL stimulation at a natural pace in order to understand how SL is processed in daily life. The use of a wider variety of ERPs in the study of SL is also recommended. We conclude that ERPs offer a useful tool to address unanswered questions in the field, especially those that call for measuring the building blocks of SL processing in real time. The study of SL cognitive processing in the brain is still in its infancy. One way of developing the field in the coming years would be the more frequent use of the ERP neuroimaging technique.
Comparison of Single Axillary vs. Dual Arterial Cannulation for Acute Type a Aortic Dissection: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis
Authors: Chang Yi , Lin Hongyuan , Qian Xiangyang , Guo Hongwei , Yu Cuntao , Sun Xiaogang , Wei Bo , Ma Qiong , Wei Yizhen , Shi Yi
Published: February 2022

Background

The optimal arterial cannulation site for acute aortic dissection repair is unclear, especially for complex arch surgery. Axillary artery cannulation is widely accepted but adding femoral artery cannulation to it was considered to potentially improve perfusion and early outcomes. To clarify this point, a comparison of perioperative outcomes for these two different cannulation strategies was conducted regarding the pathological features of dissection.

Methods

From January 2010 to December 2019, 927 consecutive patients underwent a total arch replacement combined with frozen elephant trunk for acute type A aortic dissection. The data, including detailed pathological features, were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Propensity score matching and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used for adjusting confounders that are potentially related to the outcome.

Results

A total of 523 patients (56.3%) accepted a dual arterial cannulation (DAC group), and 406 patients (43.7%) received a single axillary artery cannulation (SAC group). In total, 388 pairs of patients were well-matched. Whether before or after adjusting the preoperative characteristics by matching, there were no significant differences in operative mortality (6.7 vs. 5.4%, P = 0.420 before matching; 5.4 vs. 5.4%, P = 1 after matching), stroke (6.7 vs. 5.4%, P = 0.420 before matching; 6.4 vs. 5.2%, P = 0.435 after matching), spinal cord injury (5 vs. 5.7%, P = 0.640 before matching; 5.4 vs. 5.7%, P = 1. After matching), and acute renal failure requiring dialysis (13.8 vs. 9.6%, P =0.050 before matching; 12.6 vs. 9.5%, P = 0.174) between the two groups. Dual arterial cannulation was not an independent protective factor of operative mortality (odds ratio [OR] 1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.55–1.86), stroke (OR 1.17, 95% CI 0.65–2.11), spinal cord injury (OR 1.17, 95% CI 0.65–2.11), and acute renal failure requiring continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) (OR 1.24, 95% CI 0.78–1.97) after adjusting for confounding factors by multivariable logistic regression analysis. In the subgroup analysis, no advantage of dual arterial cannulation was found for a particular population.

Conclusions

Single axillary artery cannulation was competent in the complex arch repair for acute aortic dissection, presenting with a satisfactory result as dual arterial cannulation. Adding femoral artery cannulation was necessary when a sufficient flow volume could not be achieved by axillary artery cannulation or when a lower limb malperfusion existed.
An Empirical Study of Geography Learning on Students’ Emotions and Motivation in Immersive Virtual Reality
Authors: Shen Yang , Wang Zhaoxue , Li Ming , Yuan Jing , Gu Yunchao
Published: February 2022

This paper assesses the impact of emotional arousal on learning through a virtual reality video of geography immersion learning. Validity was measured with traditional questionnaire data and using electroencephalography (EEG). Twenty-four human subjects were recruited and presented with eight geography immersive learning videos with different affective tendencies. EEG data of the subjects were collected while they were watching the videos. After the video watching, subjects were requested to fill in an emotion scale, a learning motivation scale, and a mind flow experience. The results of the study show that VR video learning materials can well induce the positive and negative emotions of the subjects. Compared with negative emotions, the alpha band power in the frontal lobe of the brain, beta and gamma bands in the temporal lobe region is significantly higher under positive emotions. In addition, the results of the subjective scales indicate that subjects have stronger intrinsic motivations and better flow experiences under positive emotions. However, there was no significant difference for the immersion under positive and negative emotions. Our findings demonstrate the usability of teaching virtual reality situational geography stories and the broad value of using this teaching method for future instruction.
Feasibility of Apatinib in Radioiodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Du Wei , Shi Xiangyu , Fang Qigen , Zhang Xu , Liu Shanting
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Our aim was to describe our experience in using apatinib as treatment for radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid carcinoma (RAIR-DTC).

Methods

Forty-seven patients undergoing apatinib treatment for RAIR-DTC were prospectively enrolled in this study. The study endpoints were objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and rate of adverse events.

Results

No patients achieved complete response, while 36 (76.6%) and 8 (17.0%) patients achieved partial response and stable disease, respectively. The ORR and DCR were 76.6% and 93.6%, respectively. The median PFS and OS were 18 and 59 months, respectively. A total of 91 adverse events occurred, of which 21 were graded as grade 3 or higher. There were no drug-related deaths.

Conclusions

Apatinib has distinct anti-RAIR-DTC efficacy in terms of ORR, PFS, and OS and has a favorable safety profile. It is a feasible treatment option for RAIR-DTC.
Redundancy Management Strategy for a Silicon/Silicon-Carbide Hybrid Switch-Based Modular Inverter System
Authors: Zhu Yong , Peng Zishun , Dai Yuxing , Zhao Zhenxing , Liu Zeng , Yang Yi
Published: February 2022

In order to further improve the device utilization of a modular inverter system after the failure of a single inverter unit, a silicon (Si)/silicon-carbide (SiC) hybrid switch with high redundancy can be taken to achieve this goal. However, when the failure of the Si/SiC hybrid switches in the inverter unit occurs, the performance of this modular inverter adopting the fixed switching strategy (Fixed switching pattern and switching frequency) may be reduced. In this paper, a redundancy management strategy is proposed to prevent the performance of the Si/SiC hybrid switch-based modular inverter from reducing after the failure of the Si/SiC hybrid switches occurs. Taking the modular inverter system composed of two inverter units as an example, the experiment results demonstrate that compared to the healthy operating conditions, the increase of the voltage’s THD is smaller than 1.4%, and the increase of the total loss is smaller than 0.89%.
Fish Exhibit Distinct Fluorochemical and δ15N Isotopic Signatures in the St. Lawrence River Impacted by Municipal Wastewater Effluents
Authors: Kaboré Hermann A. , Goeury Ken , Desrosiers Mélanie , Vo Duy Sung , Liu Jinxia , Cabana Gilbert , Munoz Gabriel , Sauvé Sébastien
Published: February 2022

We examined the influence of Montreal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents on two top predators, Walleye (Sander vitreus) and Sauger (Sander canadensis), with a focus on δ15N isotopic signatures and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These two fish species were collected in the summer 2013 in the St. Lawrence River upstream and downstream from a major WWTP, as well as in background sites (semi-remote lakes). Most of the δ15N variations for Sauger and Walleye are attributable to 1) δ15N values of the primary producers and sewage-derived particulate organic matter (SDPOM) at the base of the trophic food chain, 2) agricultural activities combined with biogeochemical processes, and 3) food web length. δ15N was significantly lower in fish collected in the effluent-mixed water masses than other sites of the St. Lawrence River, attributed to the SDPOM of the WWTP effluent. Relative to the background sites, certain PFAS were present at much higher levels in the St. Lawrence River, with profiles dominated by perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFSA). However, PFSA profiles generally remained consistent along the St. Lawrence River. PFOS levels in fish from the St. Lawrence exceeded the current Federal Environmental Quality Guidelines for protecting piscivorous mammals or birds. However, the human chronic daily intake of PFOS remained below current thresholds suggested by national agencies.
Alternative Prey and Predator Interference Mediate Thrips Consumption by Generalists
Authors: Smith Olivia M. , Chapman Eric G. , Crossley Michael S. , Crowder David W. , Fu Zhen , Harwood James D. , Jensen Andrew S. , Krey Karol L. , Lynch Christine A. , Snyder Gretchen B. , Snyder William E.
Published: February 2022

Generalist predators’ complex feeding relationships make it difficult to predict their contribution to pest suppression. Alternative prey can either distract predators from attacking pests, weakening biocontrol, or provide food that support larger predator communities to enhance it. Similarly, predator species might both feed upon and complement one another by occupying different niches. Here, we use molecular gut-content analysis to examine predation of western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) by two generalist predatory bugs, Geocoris sp. and Nabis sp. We collected predators from conventional and organic potato fields that differed in arthropod abundance and composition, so that we could draw correlations between abundance and biodiversity of predators and prey, and thrips predation. We found that alternative prey influenced the probability of detecting Geocoris predation of thrips through a complex interaction. In conventionally-managed potato fields, thrips DNA was more likely to be detected in Geocoris as total abundance of all arthropods in the community increased. But the opposite pattern was found in organic fields, where the probability of detecting thrips predation by Geocoris decreased with increasing total arthropod abundance. Perhaps, increasing abundance (from a relatively low baseline) of alternative prey triggered greater foraging activity in conventional fields, but drew attacks away from thrips in organic fields where prey were consistently relatively bountiful. The probability of detecting Geocoris predation of thrips generally increased with increasing thrips density, but this correlation was steeper in organic than conventional fields. For both Geocoris and Nabis, greater Nabis abundance correlated with reduced probability of detecting thrips DNA; for Nabis this was the only important variable. Nabis is a common intraguild predator of the smaller Geocoris, and is highly cannibalistic, suggesting that predator-predator interference increased with more Nabis present. Complex patterns of thrips predation seemed to result from a dynamic interaction with alternative prey abundance, alongside consistently negative interactions among predators. This provides further evidence that alternative prey and predator interference must be studied in concert to accurately predict the contributions of generalists to biocontrol.
Extracellular Vesicles From Kidney Allografts Express miR-218-5p and Alter Th17/Treg Ratios
Authors: Rutman Alissa K. , Negi Sarita , Saberi Nasim , Khan Kashif , Tchervenkov Jean , Paraskevas Steven
Published: February 2022

Delayed graft function (DGF) in kidney transplantation is associated with ischemic injury and carries long term functional and immunological risks. Extracellular vesicles (EV) released from allografts may signal a degree of ischemic stress, and are thought to play an important role in the development of anti-donor immunity. Here, we show that kidney perfusate-derived extracellular vesicles (KP-EV) express donor-specific human leukocyte antigen. KP-EV from kidneys that experience DGF increase the T-helper 17 (Th17) to T-regulatory (Treg) ratio in third party peripheral blood mononuclear cells to a greater degree than those from kidneys with immediate function. We report miR-218-5p upregulation in KP-EV of kidney transplant recipients with DGF. Levels of miR-218-5p in KP-EV inversely correlated with recipient eGFR at multiple time points following transplantation. Additionally, the degree of increase in Th17/Treg ratio by KP-EV positively correlated with miR-218-5p expression in KP-EV samples. Taken together, these data provide evidence that KP-EV may contribute to modulating immune responses in transplant recipients. This could lead to novel intervention strategies to inhibit DGF in order to improve graft function and survival.
The Mechanism Underlying the ncRNA Dysregulation Pattern in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Its Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Xue Chen , Gu Xinyu , Bao Zhengyi , Su Yuanshuai , Lu Juan , Li Lanjuan
Published: February 2022

HCC is one of the most common malignant tumors and has an extremely poor prognosis. Accumulating studies have shown that noncoding RNA (ncRNA) plays an important role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. However, the details of the related mechanisms remain unclear. The heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment (TME) calls for ample research with deep molecular characterization, with the hope of developing novel biomarkers to improve prognosis, diagnosis and treatment. ncRNAs, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), have been found to be correlated with HCC neogenesis and progression. In this review, we summarized the aberrant epigenetic and genetic alterations caused by dysregulated ncRNAs and the functional mechanism of classical ncRNAs in the regulation of gene expression. In addition, we focused on the role of ncRNAs in the TME in the regulation of tumor cell proliferation, invasion, migration, immune cell infiltration and functional activation. This may provide a foundation for the development of promising potential prognostic/predictive biomarkers and novel therapies for HCC patients.
Infection-Derived Monocytic MDSCs Require TGF-β to Suppress Filarial-Specific IFN-γ But Not IL-13 Release by Filarial-Specific CD4+ T Cells In Vitro
Authors: Tamadaho Ruth S. E. , Ritter Manuel , Wiszniewsky Anna , Arndts Kathrin , Mack Matthias , Hoerauf Achim , Layland Laura E.
Published: February 2022

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) remains a major health problem with severe economic repercussions in endemic communities of Sub-saharan Africa, South-East Asia and South America. The rodent-specific nematode Litomosoides sigmodontis (Ls) is used to study the immunomodulatory potential of filariae and research has elucidated pathways involving regulatory T cells (Tregs), IL-10 producing cells and alternatively activated macrophages (AAMs) and that CD4+ T cells play a paramount role during infection. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have been identified and characterised in man in cancer and other pathologies. The hallmark of MDSC populations is the suppression of T and B cell responses using various mechanisms, which are mostly specific to the pathology or setting. However, until now, it remains unclear whether they play a role in filarial-specific responses. We report here that monocytic MDSCs (Mo-MDSCs, CD11b+Ly6C+Ly6G-) and polymorphonuclear MDSCs (PMN-MDSCs, CD11b+Ly6Cint/loLy6G+) expanded in the thoracic cavity (TC, the site of infection) and correlated positively with filarial life-stages in Ls-infected BALB/c mice. In vitro, only infection-derived Mo-MDSCs showed a suppressive nature by preventing IL-13 and IFN-γ secretion from filarial-specific CD4+ T cells upon co-culture with soluble worm extract. This suppression was not mediated by IL-10, IL-6 or TNF-α, and did not require cell-contact, nitric oxide (NO), IL-4/IL-5 signalling pathways or CCR2. Interestingly, neutralizing TGF-β significantly rescued IFN-γ but not IL-13 production by filarial-specific CD4+ T cells. In comparison to naive cells, PCR array data showed an overall down-regulation of inflammatory pathways in both infection-derived Mo-MDSCs and PMN-MDSCs. In conclusion, these primary data sets show activity and expansion of MDSCs during Ls infection adding this regulatory cell type to the complex milieu of host responses during chronic helminth infections.
A Challenge to Conventional Fish Meal: Effects of Soy Protein Peptides on Growth, Histomorphology, Lipid Metabolism and Intestinal Health for Juvenile Pompano Trachinotus ovatus
Authors: Lin Huaxing , Tan Beiping , Ray Gyan Watson , Zeng Min , Li Mei , Chi Shuyan , Yang Qihui
Published: February 2022

This experiment was conducted to assess the possibility of replacing fish meal (FM) with soy protein peptide (SPP) at different levels—0% (FM), 14.29% (S5), 28.57% (S10), 57.14% (S20), 71.42%(S25)—and its effects on growth, histology, gene expression related to liver lipid metabolism and intestinal immunity in juvenile pompano Trachinotus ovatus (initial mean weight = 39.88 ± 0.15 g). 600 healthy and uniformed-size fish were distributed to five groups of three replicates, each with 40 fish in each floating cage and fed twice daily for 8 weeks. Results showed that no significant difference in the growth was observed with SPP replacing FM (P > 0.05). Serum glutathione peroxidase activity in the S10 group was significantly higher than that in the FM group, and serum malondialdehyde content significantly decreased (P < 0.05). SPP significantly improved intestinal immunity by increasing alkaline phosphatase and lysozyme activities and up-regulating interleukin 10 and complement 4 mRNA levels while simultaneously decreasing triglyceride and total cholesterol content and down-regulating interleukin 1β mRNA expression. Villus length and muscle thickness in the S10 group were significantly higher than those in the FM group (P < 0.05). SPP significantly improved liver fat metabolism by increasing carnitine palmitoyl transferase I mRNA levels, and down-regulating fatty acid synthesis mRNA expression (P < 0.05). In summary, SPP substitution for FM promoted intestinal health, liver lipid metabolism and reduced liver fat accumulation for juvenile pompano T. ovatus, with no significant effect on growth performance. Based on the second-order polynomial analysis model of LYZ activity, the optimal replacement SPP level for juvenile pompano T. ovatus was 11.82%.
Impact of Sea Ice Melting on Summer Air-Sea CO2 Exchange in the East Siberian Sea
Authors: Mo Ahra , Yang Eun Jin , Kang Sung-Ho , Kim Dongseon , Lee Kitack , Ko Young Ho , Kim Kitae , Kim Tae-Wook
Published: February 2022

The role of sea ice melting on the air-sea CO2 flux was investigated at two ice camps in the East Siberian Sea of the Arctic Ocean. On average, sea ice samples from the two ice camps had a total alkalinity (TA) of ∼108 and ∼31 μmol kg–1 and a corresponding salinity of 1.39 and 0.36, respectively. A portion (18–23% as an average) of these sea ice TA values was estimated to exist in the sea ice with zero salinity, which indicates the excess TA was likely attributed to chemical (CaCO3 formation and dissolution) and biological processes in the sea ice. The dilution by sea ice melting could increase the oceanic CO2 uptake to 11–12 mmol m–2 d–1 over the next 21 days if the mixed layer depth and sea ice thickness were assumed to be 18.5 and 1.5 m, respectively. This role can be further enhanced by adding TA (including excess TA) from sea ice melting, but a simultaneous release of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) counteracts the effect of TA supply. In our study region, the additional impact of sea ice melting with close to unity TA:DIC ratio on air-sea CO2 exchange was not significant.
The Effect of the Milling Vial Shape on the In-Situ Consolidation of a Nanocrystalline Al-Li-GNPs Nanocomposite Synthesized by Room Temperature Ball-Milling
Authors: Ahmad Sara I. , Youssef Khaled M.
Published: February 2022

Several studies investigating the ball-milling of ductile face-centered cubic metals have reported a so-called in-situ consolidation phenomenon where the milled powder is also consolidated during the milling process. Thus, instead of refined powders or agglomerated particles, the formation of spherical bulk particles of the milled material is reported using a combination of cryomilling and room temperature milling processes. In this study, we studied the effect of the milling vial shape on the in-situ consolidation of a graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) reinforced aluminum-lithium (Al-Li) matrix nanocomposite for the first time. An in-situ consolidated nanometric Al-Li-GNPs nanocomposite with an average grain size of 48 nm and high hardness of 1.48 GPa was attained after only 8 h of room-temperature milling. The results presented suggest that dense nanostructured composites can be prepared by in-situ consolidation during a one-step milling process and subsequently investigated in order to analyze their mechanical behavior. This allows for the intrinsic mechanical behavior of the synthesized material to be examined without the interference of subsequent high-temperature consolidation processes, thus avoiding unwanted structural changes such as grain growth and second phase formations.
Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in Colorectal Surgery: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Viderman Dmitriy , Aubakirova Mina , Abdildin Yerkin G.
Published: February 2022

Acute postoperative pain is one of the most common concerns during the early postoperative period in colorectal surgery. Opioids still represent the cornerstone of postoperative pain management, yet they often result in significant side effects such as nausea and/or vomiting, sedation, urinary retention, delayed recovery of colonic motility, respiratory depression, and postoperative ileus. Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block has been widely used for postoperative analgesia in various abdominal surgeries. The primary aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the postoperative opioid requirements of patients in the TAP block group and the control group (placebo). The secondary aims included evaluation of the efficacy of TAP blocks in postoperative pain management, the measurement of time to first request for opioids, the measurement of length of hospital stay (LoS), and the documentation of postoperative nausea and/or vomiting. We searched for articles reporting the results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the application of TAP block in colorectal surgery published before September 2021. Eight RCTs involving 615 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Seven articles reported the results of TAP blocks in laparoscopic surgery and eight in both laparoscopic and open surgery. The need for opioids and the intensity of pain at rest within 24 h after laparoscopic and combined (laparoscopic and open) surgeries were significantly lower in the TAP block group compared with the “no block” group. The intensity of pain during coughing within 24 hours after laparoscopic surgery was significantly lower in the TAP block groups compared to the groups without block. There were no statistically significant differences between the TAP block and “no block” groups in overall (over the entire hospital stay) postoperative opioid consumption and length of hospital stay after laparoscopic surgery, as well as in postoperative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic and combined surgeries.
A Nomogram-Based Model to Predict Respiratory Dysfunction at 6 Months in Non-Critical COVID-19 Survivors
Authors: De Lorenzo Rebecca , Magnaghi Cristiano , Cinel Elena , Vitali Giordano , Martinenghi Sabina , Mazza Mario G. , Nocera Luigi , Cilla Marta , Damanti Sarah , Compagnone Nicola , Ferrante Marica , Conte Caterina , Benedetti Francesco , Ciceri Fabio , Rovere-Querini Patrizia
Published: February 2022

Objective

To assess the prevalence of respiratory sequelae of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) survivors at 6 months after hospital discharge and develop a model to identify at-risk patients.

Patients and Methods

In this prospective cohort study, hospitalized, non-critical COVID-19 patients evaluated at 6-month follow-up between 26 August, 2020 and 16 December, 2020 were included. Primary outcome was respiratory dysfunction at 6 months, defined as at least one among tachypnea at rest, percent predicted 6-min walking distance at 6-min walking test (6MWT) ≤ 70%, pre-post 6MWT difference in Borg score ≥ 1 or a difference between pre- and post-6MWT oxygen saturation ≥ 5%. A nomogram-based multivariable logistic regression model was built to predict primary outcome. Validation relied on 2000-resample bootstrap. The model was compared to one based uniquely on degree of hypoxemia at admission.

Results

Overall, 316 patients were included, of whom 118 (37.3%) showed respiratory dysfunction at 6 months. The nomogram relied on sex, obesity, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, degree of hypoxemia at admission, and non-invasive ventilation. It was 73.0% (95% confidence interval 67.3–78.4%) accurate in predicting primary outcome and exhibited minimal departure from ideal prediction. Compared to the model including only hypoxemia at admission, the nomogram showed higher accuracy (73.0 vs 59.1%, P < 0.001) and greater net-benefit in decision curve analyses. When the model included also respiratory data at 1 month, it yielded better accuracy (78.2 vs. 73.2%) and more favorable net-benefit than the original model.

Conclusion

The newly developed nomograms accurately identify patients at risk of persistent respiratory dysfunction and may help inform clinical priorities.
Increased Oxygen Desaturation Time During Sleep Is a Risk Factor for NASH in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Landete Pedro , Fernández-García Carlos Ernesto , Aldave-Orzaiz Beatriz , Hernández-Olivo Marta , Acosta-Gutiérrez Carmen M. , Zamora-García Enrique , Ancochea Julio , González-Rodríguez Águeda , García-Monzón Carmelo
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Given that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is commonly associated with metabolic disorders, in this prospective study, we sought to determine the prevalence and risk factors for hepatosteatosis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and advanced liver fibrosis in patients with clinical and polygraphic criteria of OSA (n = 153) and in subjects with normal lung function parameters (NLP, n = 43).

Methods

Hepatosteatosis, NASH, and advanced liver fibrosis were determined by blood-based non-invasive tools, such as the fatty liver index and the hepatic steatosis index, a serum lipidomic (OWLiver™) test, and three distinct fibrosis algorithms, respectively. Logistic regression models adjusted by potential confounders were performed to evaluate risk factors.

Results

Insulin resistance and dyslipidemia were more frequent in patients with OSA than in subjects with NLP. The prevalence of hepatosteatosis was significantly higher in patients with OSA than in subjects with NLP. NASH was also found more frequently in patients with OSA than in subjects with NLP. In contrast, advanced liver fibrosis was rarely detected in the entire study population, and no significant differences were observed between patients with OSA and subjects with NLP. Besides male gender, increased body mass index (BMI), and presence of type 2 diabetes, percentage of sleep time with oxygen saturation <90% (Tc90%) was the only polygraphic variable significantly associated with NASH in patients with OSA.

Conclusions

This study shows that hepatosteatosis and NASH are highly prevalent in patients with OSA and indicates that those with a Tc90% higher than 10% are at increased risk for NASH.
Erector Spinae Plane Block in Abdominal Surgery: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Viderman Dmitriy , Aubakirova Mina , Abdildin Yerkin G.
Published: February 2022

Background

Abdominal surgery is one of the most definitive and mainstay treatment options for abdominal pathologies in clinical practice. Acute postoperative pain is a major challenge in the postoperative period. Although opioids are commonly used for analgesia after major abdominal surgeries, they can lead to side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, constipation, pruritus, and life-threatening respiratory depression. Regional anesthetic techniques are commonly used to prevent or minimize these side effects. The objective of this meta-analysis is to assess the effectiveness of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and standard medical (no block) pain management after major abdominal surgeries.

Methods

We searched for articles reporting the results of randomized controlled trials on ESPB and no block in pain control published before May 2021.

Results

The systematic search initially yielded 56 publications, 49 articles were excluded, and seven randomized clinical trials were included and analyzed. We extracted the data on postoperative opioid consumption, the efficacy of pain relief, time to the first opioid demand, and the rate of postoperative complications in the ESPB group and no block group.

Conclusions

Opioid requirement and time to first analgesic request were significantly reduced in the ultrasound-guided ESPB group, but pain scores, nausea, and vomiting did not differ significantly after pooling the results of the block and no block studies. There were no reports on serious complications related to ESPB.
Soil Properties Interacting With Microbial Metagenome in Decreasing CH4 Emission From Seasonally Flooded Marshland Following Different Stages of Afforestation
Authors: Zhang Qian , Tang Jie , Angel Roey , Wang Dong , Hu Xingyi , Gao Shenghua , Zhang Lei , Tang Yuxi , Zhang Xudong , Koide Roger T. , Yang Haishui , Sun Qixiang
Published: February 2022

Wetlands are the largest natural source of terrestrial CH4emissions. Afforestation can enhance soil CH4oxidation and decrease methanogenesis, yet the driving mechanisms leading to these effects remain unclear. We analyzed the structures of communities of methanogenic and methanotrophic microbes, quantification ofmcrA andpmoA genes, the soil microbial metagenome, soil properties and CH4fluxes in afforested and non-afforested areas in the marshland of the Yangtze River. Compared to the non-afforested land use types, net CH4emission decreased from bare land, natural vegetation and 5-year forest plantation and transitioned to net CH4sinks in the 10- and 20-year forest plantations. Both abundances ofmcrA andpmoA genes decreased significantly with increasing plantation age. By combining random forest analysis and structural equation modeling, our results provide evidence for an important role of the abundance of functional genes related to methane production in explaining the net CH4flux in this ecosystem. The structures of methanogenic and methanotrophic microbial communities were of lower importance as explanatory factors than functional genes in terms ofin situCH4flux. We also found a substantial interaction between functional genes and soil properties in the control of CH4flux, particularly soil particle size. Our study provides empirical evidence that microbial community function has more explanatory power than taxonomic microbial community structure with respect toin situCH4fluxes. This suggests that focusing on gene abundances obtained, e.g., through metagenomics or quantitative/digital PCR could be more effective than community profiling in predicting CH4fluxes, and such data should be considered for ecosystem modeling.
Complete Genome Sequence Analysis of Ralstonia solanacearum Strain PeaFJ1 Provides Insights Into Its Strong Virulence in Peanut Plants
Authors: Tan Xiaodan , Dai Xiaoqiu , Chen Ting , Wu Yushuang , Yang Dong , Zheng Yixiong , Chen Huilan , Wan Xiaorong , Yang Yong
Published: February 2022

The bacterial wilt of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is a devastating soil-borne disease that seriously restricted the world peanut production. However, the molecular mechanism of R. solanacearum–peanut interaction remains largely unknown. We found that R. solanacearum HA4-1 and PeaFJ1 isolated from peanut plants showed different pathogenicity by inoculating more than 110 cultivated peanuts. Phylogenetic tree analysis demonstrated that HA4-1 and PeaFJ1 both belonged to phylotype I and sequevar 14M, which indicates a high degree of genomic homology between them. Genomic sequencing and comparative genomic analysis of PeaFJ1 revealed 153 strain-specific genes compared with HA4-1. The PeaFJ1 strain-specific genes consisted of diverse virulence-related genes including LysR-type transcriptional regulators, two-component system-related genes, and genes contributing to motility and adhesion. In addition, the repertoire of the type III effectors of PeaFJ1 was bioinformatically compared with that of HA4-1 to find the candidate effectors responsible for their different virulences. There are 79 effectors in the PeaFJ1 genome, only 4 of which are different effectors compared with HA4-1, including RipS4, RipBB, RipBS, and RS_T3E_Hyp6. Based on the virulence profiles of the two strains against peanuts, we speculated that RipS4 and RipBB are candidate virulence effectors in PeaFJ1 while RipBS and RS_T3E_Hyp6 are avirulence effectors in HA4-1. In general, our research greatly reduced the scope of virulence-related genes and made it easier to find out the candidates that caused the difference in pathogenicity between the two strains. These results will help to reveal the molecular mechanism of peanut–R. solanacearum interaction and develop targeted control strategies in the future.
Characterizing Heparin Tetrasaccharides Binding to Amyloid-Beta Peptide
Authors: Zhou Xiang , Wang Yuanyuan , Zheng Wei , Deng Guangxiu , Wang Fuyi , Jin Lan
Published: February 2022

The aggregation of β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) is one potential cause for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Heparin can either promote or inhibit Aβ aggregation. The sulfation pattern and chain size determine its binding affinity and its role. Using 2D-NMR analysis and molecular modelling, the binding motif of heparin oligoaccharides to Aβ was determined to be HexA-GlcNS-IdoA2S-GlcNS6S. Iduronic acid epimerization and 6-O-sulfation are key factors for the binding affinity, while 3-O-sulfation of Arixtra (heparin pentasaccharide) is not involved in the binding to Aβ. Hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) was used to study the glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-peptide complex and identified V12HHQKL17 as the binding site of GAG at Aβ. Furthermore, an MTT assay was applied to evaluate the anti-Aβ fibril formation function of heparin tetrasaccharide, and indicated that the heparin tetrasaccharide with the defined sequence represents a promising inhibitor of Aβ aggregation.
Neuroinflammation Induced by Transgenic Expression of Lipocalin-2 in Astrocytes
Authors: Kim Jae-Hong , Kwon Osung , Bhusal Anup , Lee Jiyoun , Hwang Eun Mi , Ryu Hoon , Park Jae-Yong , Suk Kyoungho
Published: February 2022

Transgenic mice are a useful tool for exploring various aspects of gene function. A key element of this approach is the targeted overexpression of specific genes in cells or tissues. Herein, we report for the first time, the generation and characterization of conditional transgenic (cTg) mice for lipocalin-2 (LCN2) expression. We generated the R26-LCN2-transgenic (LCN2-cTg) mice that carried a loxP-flanked STOP (neo) cassette, Lcn2 cDNA, and a GFP sequence. When bred with Tg mice expressing Cre recombinase under the control of various tissues or cell-specific promoters, Cre-mediated recombination deletes the STOP cassette and allows the expression of LCN2 and GFP. In this study, we achieved the recombination of loxP-flanked LCN2 in hippocampal astrocytes of cTg mouse brain, using a targeted delivery of adeno-associated virus (AAVs) bearing Cre recombinase under the control of a GFAP promoter (AAVs-GFAP-mCherry-Cre). These mice with localized LCN2 overexpression in astrocytes of the hippocampus developed neuroinflammation with enhanced glial activation and increased mRNA and protein levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, mice showed impairment in cognitive functions as a typical symptom of hippocampal inflammation. Taken together, our study demonstrates the usefulness of LCN2-cTg mice in targeting specific cells at various organs for conditional LCN2 expression and for subsequent investigation of the functional role of cell-type-specific LCN2 within these sites. Moreover, the LCN2-cTg mice with targeted expression of LCN2 in hippocampal astrocytes are a new in vivo model of neuroinflammation.
The Effectiveness of Price Promotions in Purchasing Affordable Luxury Products: An Event-Related Potential Study
Authors: Jing Kunpeng , Chen Lele , Mei Yupeng
Published: February 2022

Similar to traditional luxuries, affordable luxuries enjoy a high level of perceived product quality and perceived social status, but the effectiveness of price promotions of purchasing affordable luxury products is different from that of traditional luxuries. In order to further investigate the purchases of affordable luxuries, we used event-related potential (ERP) technology to reveal the formation of the purchase intention toward affordable luxuries at original prices (high or low) and current prices (discounted or non-discounted). Compared with the high-priced affordable luxury without a price promotion and the low-priced affordable luxury with a price promotion, consumers showed a stronger intention toward the high-priced affordable luxury with a price promotion, by weighing up three factors, perceived product quality, perceived social status, and perceived monetary saving at the behavioral level. A shorter reaction time emerged in the price promotion condition than in the absent price promotion condition when the original price was low. At the neural level, a decrease in N2 amplitude was found in the high original price and discounted current price condition than the high original price and non-discounted current price condition and the low original price and discounted current price condition, respectively, suggesting that the price information of the latter two conditions might not be the expectation information of subjects, and thus, the enhanced conflict is produced. The high-priced affordable luxury product without a price discount evoked a more positive LPP amplitude than the high-priced affordable luxury product with price promotions or than the low-priced affordable luxury item without price promotions, demonstrating that participants could regard the former as an evaluative inconsistent condition and the latter as evaluative consistent conditions. These results are helpful to better understand the effects of price promotions on purchasing affordable luxury products at different original prices.
A Minimally Invasive Method for Observing Wind-Up of Flexion Reflex in Humans: Comparison of Electrical and Magnetic Stimulation
Authors: Taniguchi Tomoya , Kinukawa Tomoaki Alex , Takeuchi Nobuyuki , Sugiyama Shunsuke , Nishihara Makoto , Nishiwaki Kimitoshi , Inui Koji
Published: February 2022

Wind-up like pain or temporal summation of pain is a phenomenon in which pain sensation is increased in a frequency-dependent manner by applying repeated noxious stimuli of uniform intensity. Temporal summation in humans has been studied by observing the increase in pain or flexion reflex by repetitive electrical or thermal stimulations. Nonetheless, because the measurement is accompanied by severe pain, a minimally invasive method is desirable. Gradual augmentation of flexion reflex and pain induced by repetitive stimulation of the sural nerve was observed using three stimulation methods—namely, bipolar electrical, magnetic, and monopolar electrical stimulation, with 11 healthy male subjects in each group. The effects of frequency, intensity, and number of repetitive stimuli on the increase in the magnitude of flexion reflex and pain rating were compared among the three methods. The reflex was measured using electromyography (EMG) from the short head of the biceps femoris. All three methods produced a frequency- and intensity-dependent progressive increase in reflex and pain; pain scores were significantly lower for magnetic and monopolar stimulations than for bipolar stimulation (P < 0.05). The slope of increase in the reflex was steep during the first 4–6 stimuli but became gentler thereafter. In the initial phase, an increase in the reflex during the time before signals of C-fibers arrived at the spinal cord was observed in experiments using high-frequency stimulation, suggesting that wind-up was caused by inputs of A-fibers without the involvement of C-fibers. Magnetic and monopolar stimulations are minimally invasive and useful methods for observing the wind-up of the flexion reflex in humans. Monopolar stimulation is convenient because it does not require special equipment. There is at least a partial mechanism underlying the wind-up of the flexion reflex that does not require C-fibers.
Common Cholinergic, Noradrenergic, and Serotonergic Drugs Do Not Block VNS-Mediated Plasticity
Authors: Morrison Robert A. , Abe Stephanie T. , Danaphongse Tanya , Ezhil Vikram , Somaney Armaan , Adcock Katherine S. , Rennaker Robert L. , Kilgard Michael P. , Hays Seth A.
Published: February 2022

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) delivered during motor rehabilitation enhances recovery from a wide array of neurological injuries and was recently approved by the U.S. FDA for chronic stroke. The benefits of VNS result from precisely timed engagement of neuromodulatory networks during rehabilitative training, which promotes synaptic plasticity in networks activated by rehabilitation. Previous studies demonstrate that lesions that deplete these neuromodulatory networks block VNS-mediated plasticity and accompanying enhancement of recovery. There is a great deal of interest in determining whether commonly prescribed pharmacological interventions that influence these neuromodulatory networks would similarly impair VNS effects. Here, we sought to directly test the effects of three common pharmaceuticals at clinically relevant doses that target neuromodulatory pathways on VNS-mediated plasticity in rats. To do so, rats were trained on a behavioral task in which jaw movement during chewing was paired with VNS and received daily injections of either oxybutynin, a cholinergic antagonist, prazosin, an adrenergic antagonist, duloxetine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, or saline. After the final behavioral session, intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) was used to evaluate reorganization of motor cortex representations, with area of cortex eliciting jaw movement as the primary outcome. In animals that received control saline injections, VNS paired with training significantly increased the movement representation of the jaw compared to naïve animals, consistent with previous studies. Similarly, none of the drugs tested blocked this VNS-dependent reorganization of motor cortex. The present results provide direct evidence that these common pharmaceuticals, when used at clinically relevant doses, are unlikely to adversely impact the efficacy of VNS therapy.
When Onco-Immunotherapy Meets Cold Atmospheric Plasma: Implications on CAR-T Therapies
Authors: Dai Xiaofeng , Li Jitian , Chen Yiming , Ostrikov Kostya (Ken)
Published: February 2022

T cells engineered with chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) have demonstrated its widespread efficacy as a targeted immunotherapeutic modality. Yet, concerns on its specificity, efficacy and generalization prevented it from being established into a first-line approach against cancers. By reviewing challenges limiting its clinical application, ongoing efforts trying to resolve them, and opportunities that emerging oncotherapeutic modalities may bring to temper these challenges, we conclude that careful CAR design should be done to avoid the off-tumor effect, enhance the efficacy of solid tumor treatment, improve product comparability, and resolve problems such as differential efficacies of co-stimulatory molecules, cytokine storm, tumor lysis syndrome, myelosuppression and severe hepatotoxicity. As a promising solution, we propose potential synergies between CAR-T therapies and cold atmospheric plasma, an emerging onco-therapeutic strategy relying on reactive species, towards improved therapeutic efficacies and enhanced safety that deserve extensive investigations.