bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Marine Heatwaves Characteristics in the Barents Sea Based on High Resolution Satellite Data (1982–2020)
Authors: Mohamed Bayoumy , Nilsen Frank , Skogseth Ragnheid
Published: March 2022

Marine heatwaves (MHWs) can potentially alter ocean ecosystems with far-reaching ecological and socio-economic consequences. This study investigates the spatiotemporal evolution of the main MHW characteristics in the Barents Sea using high-resolution (0.25° × 0.25°) daily Sea Surface Temperature (SST) data from 1982 to 2020. The results reveal that the Barents Sea has experienced accelerated warming and several more MHWs in recent decades. Since 2004, an amplified increasing SST trend was observed across the entire Barents Sea, with a spatially averaged SST trend of 0.25 ± 0.18°C/decade and 0.58 ± 0.21°C/decade for the northern and southern Barents Sea, respectively. The annual mean MHW frequency, days, and duration over the entire Barents Sea increased by, respectively, 62, 73, and 31% from the pre- to the post-2004 period. More than half of all MHW days occurred in the last decade (2011–2020). The most intense MHW event occurred in summer 2016, which was also the warmest year during the study period. In general, the annual mean MHW frequency was relatively high in the northern Barents Sea, while the intensity and duration were higher in the southern Barents Sea. The highest annual MHW intensity and duration were observed in 2016, 2013, and 2020, respectively, while the highest annual MHW frequency was found in 2016. For the entire Barents Sea, the annual MHW frequency and duration increased significantly (p < 0.05) over the whole study period, with a trend of, respectively, 1.0 ± 0.4 events/decade, which is a doubling of the global average, and 2.4 ± 1.3 days/decade. In terms of the influence of climate variability on MHW characteristics, our findings revealed that the Eastern Atlantic Pattern (EAP) plays a significant role in controlling MHW characteristics, whereas the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) has no significant relationship. Sea ice concentrations were found to have a significant negative correlation with MHW characteristics. Strong positive correlations were observed between SST, surface air temperature, and MHW frequency, implying that as global warming continues, we can expect continued rising in MHW frequencies and days in the Barents Sea with huge implications for the ocean ecosystem.
Numerical Analysis of Structural Performance of Concrete-GFRP Composite I-Beam
Authors: Chen Zhaohui , Xing Jiajie , Luo Qiwen , Zhang Xiaoyue
Published: March 2022

The concrete-GFRP composite beams have received extensive attention in civil engineering. However, the ambiguity of the fracture, debonding of the interface, and the GFRP profile limit the precise design of the composite beam. This article presents a comprehensive numerical study for the structural performance of composite pultruded GFRP beams to provide a better understanding of the mechanism of interfacial debonding and GFRP matrix fracture. The failure and delamination process of pultruded GFRP for anisotropy of materials is modeled using the Hashin criteria. The bond–slip behavior between the concrete slab and the top flange of the GFRP I-beam is simulated by the bilinear cohesive interface element. The availability and accuracy of the finite element model are verified by comparison with the four-point bending test results of the pure GFRP I-beam and composite beams as well. Based on the proposed comprehensive finite element model, the effects of the strength, thickness, and width of the concrete slab and the shear-span ratio of the beam on the structural behavior of the composite beam are studied. According to the parametric analysis, the excessive high strength of concrete, the width, and/or thickness of the concrete slab would lead to shear failure of the slab rather than significantly increasing the ultimate load of the composite beam. When having a small shear-span ratio, the matrix fracture and delamination will occur in the web of the GFRP profile. In addition, the height of the I-profile web has a significant effect on the stress and strain distribution of the composite beam. These parametric analyses could provide the numerical basis for the design of the GFRP composite beams.
Inflammation-Related Genes Serve as Prognostic Biomarkers and Involve in Immunosuppressive Microenvironment to Promote Gastric Cancer Progression
Authors: Wei Yuanfeng , Gao Limin , Yang Xi , Xiang Xiaoyu , Yi Cheng
Published: March 2022

Gastric cancer (GC) is a typical inflammatory-related malignant tumor which is closely related to helicobacter pylori infection. Tumor inflammatory microenvironment plays a crucial role in tumor progression and affect the clinical benefit from immunotherapy. In recent years, immunotherapy for gastric cancer has achieved promising outcomes, but not all patients can benefit from immunotherapy due to tumor heterogeneity. In our study, we identified 29 differentially expressed and prognostic inflammation-related genes in GC and normal samples. Based on those genes, we constructed a prognostic model using a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm, which categorized patients with GC into two groups. The high-risk group have the characteristics of “cold tumor” and have a poorer prognosis. In contrast, low-risk group was “hot tumor” and had better prognosis. Targeting inflammatory-related genes and remodeling tumor microenvironment to turn “cold tumor” into “hot tumor” may be a promising solution to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy for patients with GC.
Suicide and Accidental Death Among Women With Primary Ovarian Cancer: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Chen Ying , Yu Kaixu , Xiong Jiaqiang , Zhang Jinjin , Zhou Su , Dai Jun , Wu Meng , Wang Shixuan
Published: March 2022

Background

Women with ovarian cancer had the highest suicidal rate among all patients with gynecological malignancies, but no large studies about suicide and accidental death for women with ovarian cancers in detail were conducted. We aimed to determine the relative risk of suicide and accidental death among patients with ovarian cancer to that of the general population, and to identify risk factors associated with suicide and accidental death.

Methods

Data are from the SEER (surveillance, epidemiology, and end results) cancer registry of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer data from 18 registries for the years 1973–2016. The study population comprised 149,204 patients after inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated and Fine-Gray models were fitted to identify risk factors associated with suicidal and accidental death among cancer patients, with stratifications on demographic and tumor-related characteristics.

Results

Women with ovarian cancer had a higher risk of suicide and accidental death than the cancer-free group [SMR = 1.86; 95% CI (1.54–2.25) and SMR = 1.54; 95% CI (1.39–1.71)]. Subgroup analysis indicated that only patients with type II epithelial ovarian cancer [SMR = 2.31; 95% CI (1.83–2.91)] had an increased risk of suicide, and those with type I and type II epithelial ovarian cancer [SMR = 1.65; 95% CI (1.39–1.97) and SMR = 1.49; 95% CI (1.30–1.70)] were at a higher risk of accidental death. Patients with ovarian cancer who were younger, white, diagnosed with high-grade, non-metastatic cancer and pelvic exenteration were at a higher risk of suicide. The advanced age, earlier year of diagnosis, and non-metastatic cancer were associated with a higher risk of accidental death. Additionally, pelvic exenteration increased the risk of suicide but not the risk of accidental death among women with primary ovarian cancer.

Conclusions

Women with ovarian cancer had a higher risk of suicide and accidental death compared with the general population. The findings suggested that clinicians should identify high-risk subgroups of ovarian cancer patients for suicide and accidental death as early as possible, with appropriate prevention strategies.
Machine Learning Improves Upon Clinicians' Prediction of End Stage Kidney Disease
Authors: Chuah Aaron , Walters Giles , Christiadi Daniel , Karpe Krishna , Kennard Alice , Singer Richard , Talaulikar Girish , Ge Wenbo , Suominen Hanna , Andrews T. Daniel , Jiang Simon
Published: March 2022

Background and Objectives

Chronic kidney disease progression to ESKD is associated with a marked increase in mortality and morbidity. Its progression is highly variable and difficult to predict.

Methods

This is an observational, retrospective, single-centre study. The cohort was patients attending hospital and nephrology clinic at The Canberra Hospital from September 1996 to March 2018. Demographic data, vital signs, kidney function test, proteinuria, and serum glucose were extracted. The model was trained on the featurised time series data with XGBoost. Its performance was compared against six nephrologists and the Kidney Failure Risk Equation (KFRE).

Results

A total of 12,371 patients were included, with 2,388 were found to have an adequate density (three eGFR data points in the first 2 years) for subsequent analysis. Patients were divided into 80%/20% ratio for training and testing datasets.

ML model had superior performance than nephrologist in predicting ESKD within 2 years with 93.9% accuracy, 60% sensitivity, 97.7% specificity, 75% positive predictive value. The ML model was superior in all performance metrics to the KFRE 4- and 8-variable models.

eGFR and glucose were found to be highly contributing to the ESKD prediction performance.

Conclusions

The computational predictions had higher accuracy, specificity and positive predictive value, which indicates the potential integration into clinical workflows for decision support.
The Geospatial Distribution of Myositis and Its Phenotypes in the United States and Associations With Roadways: Findings From a National Myositis Patient Registry
Authors: Hossain Md M. , Wilkerson Jesse , McGrath John A. , Farhadi Payam N. , Brokamp Cole , Khan Md T. F. , Goldberg Bob , Brunner Hermine I. , Macaluso Maurizio , Miller Frederick W. , Rider Lisa G.
Published: March 2022

Background

Little is known about the spatial distribution of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) in the United States (U.S.), or their geospatial associations.

Methods

We studied a national myositis patient registry, with cases diagnosed in the contiguous U.S. from 1985–2011 and comprised of dermatomyositis (DM, n = 484), polymyositis (PM, n = 358), and inclusion body myositis (IBM, n = 318) patients. To assess the association of myositis prevalence with distance from roads, we employed log-Gaussian Cox process models, offset with population density.

Results

The U.S. IIM case distribution demonstrated a higher concentration in the Northest. DM, IBM, and cases with lung disease were more common in the East, whereas PM cases were more common in the Southeast. One area in the West and one area in the South had a significant excess in cases of DM relative to PM and of cases with lung disease relative to those without lung disease, respectively. IIM cases tended to cluster, with between-points interactions more intense in the Northeast and less in the South. There was a trend of a higher prevalence of IIM and its major phenotypes among people living within 50 m of a roadway relative to living beyond 200 m. Demographic characteristics, rural-urban commuting area, and female percentage were significantly associated with the prevalence of IIM and with major phenotypes.

Conclusions

Using a large U.S. database to evaluate the spatial distribution of IIM and its phenotypes, this study suggests clustering in some regions of the U.S. and a possible association of proximity to roadways.
Biological Soil Crust From Mesic Forests Promote a Specific Bacteria Community
Authors: Glaser Karin , Albrecht Martin , Baumann Karen , Overmann Jörg , Sikorski Johannes
Published: March 2022

Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) harbor a diverse community of various microorganisms with microalgae as primary producers and bacteria living in close association. In mesic regions, biocrusts emerge rapidly on disturbed surface soil in forest, typically after clear-cut or windfall. It is unclear whether the bacterial community in biocrusts is similar to the community of the surrounding soil or if biocrust formation promotes a specific bacterial community. Also, many of the interactions between bacteria and algae in biocrusts are largely unknown. Through high-throughput-sequencing analysis of the bacterial community composition, correlated drivers, and the interpretation of biological interactions in a biocrust of a forest ecosystem, we show that the bacterial community in the biocrust represents a subset of the community of the neighboring soil. Bacterial families connected with degradation of large carbon molecules, like cellulose and chitin, and the bacterivore Bdellovibrio were more abundant in the biocrust compared to bulk soil. This points to a closer interaction and nutrient recycling in the biocrust compared to bulk soil. Furthermore, the bacterial richness was positively correlated with the content of mucilage producing algae. The bacteria likely profit from the mucilage sheaths of the algae, either as a carbon source or protectant from grazing or desiccation. Comparative sequence analyses revealed pronounced differences between the biocrust bacterial microbiome. It seems that the bacterial community of the biocrust is recruited from the local soil, resulting in specific bacterial communities in different geographic regions.
Evolution of Copper Homeostasis and Virulence in Salmonella
Authors: Méndez Andrea A. E. , Mendoza Julián I. , Echarren María Laura , Terán Ignacio , Checa Susana K. , Soncini Fernando C.
Published: March 2022

Salmonella enterica sv. Typhimurium modulates the expression of factors essential for virulence, contributing to its survival against the surge of copper (Cu) in the Salmonella-containing vacuole. This bactericidal host innate immune component primarily targets the bacterial envelope, where most cuproproteins are localized. While in most enteric species periplasmic Cu homeostasis is maintained by the CusR/CusS-controlled CusCFBA efflux system encoded in the cus locus, we noticed that these genes were lost from the Salmonella-core genome. At the same time, Salmonella acquired cueP, coding for a periplasmic Cu chaperone. As cus, cueP was shown to be essential for bacterial survival in a copper-rich environment under anaerobiosis, suggesting that it can functionally substitute the CusCFBA system. In the present study, the whole Escherichia coli cus locus was reintroduced to the chromosome of the Salmonella wild-type or the ΔcueP strain. While the integrated cus locus did not affect Cu resistance under aerobic conditions, it increases Cu tolerance under anaerobiosis, irrespective of the presence or absence of cueP. In contrast to the Cus system, CueP expression is higher at high copper concentrations and persisted over time, suggesting separate functions. Finally, we observed that, regardless of the presence or absence of cus, a mutant deleted of cueP shows a deficiency in replication inside macrophages compared to the wild-type strain. Our results demonstrate that CueP and CusCFBA exert redundant functions for metal resistance, but not for intracellular survival, and therefore for the virulence of this pathogen.
Role of TFRC as a Novel Prognostic Biomarker and in Immunotherapy for Pancreatic Carcinoma
Authors: Yang Cheng , Li Junqiang , Guo Yongdong , Gan Dongxue , Zhang Chao , Wang Ronglin , Hua Lei , Zhu Liaoliao , Ma Peixiang , Shi Jingjie , Li Shanshan , Su Haichuan
Published: March 2022

Objective: To explore the expression of the transferrin receptor (TFRC) gene in pancreatic cancer and to analyze the pathogenesis and immunotherapy of TFRC in patients using bioinformatics methods.

Methods: We used public data from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) and gene expression omnibus databases to explore the expression level of the TFRC gene in pancreatic cancer patients. At the same time, we analyzed the correlation between the TFRC gene expression and patient survival, and further analyzed the correlation between TFRC and survival time of patients with different clinicopathological characteristics. Co-expressed genes and pathway enrichment analyses were used to analyze the mechanism of the TFRC in the occurrence and development of pancreatic cancer. Ultimately, we used the R software to examine the relationship between TFRC and immune phenotypes and immune cell infiltration using the TCGA database.

Results: The results of the study showed that TFRC is highly expressed in pancreatic cancer tissue. The upregulated expression of TFRC was negatively correlated with the survival in patients with pancreatic cancer. The bioinformatics analysis showed that TFRC plays a role in the occurrence and development of pancreatic cancer mainly through signaling pathways (including cell adhesion molecule binding, condensed chromosomes, chromosome segregation, and cell cycle checkpoints). Finally, TFRC is associated with immune phenotypes and immune cell infiltration, which may influence immunotherapy.

Conclusion: TFRC is significantly increased in pancreatic cancer and is associated with a poor prognosis. Moreover, research on TFRC may generate new ideas for the immunotherapy of pancreatic cancer.
TNF-α (G-308A) Polymorphism, Circulating Levels of TNF-α and IGF-1: Risk Factors for Ischemic Stroke—An Updated Meta-Analysis
Authors: Duan Ranran , Wang Na , Shang Yanan , Li Hengfen , Liu Qian , Li Li , Zhao Xiaofeng
Published: March 2022

Objective

Accumulated studies have explored gene polymorphisms and circulating levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 in the etiology of ischemic stroke (IS). Of the numerous etiopathological factors for IS, a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1800629 located in the TNF-α gene promoter region and increased levels of TNF-α were found to be associated with IS in different ethnic backgrounds. However, the published results are inconsistent and inconclusive. The primary objective of this meta-analysis was to investigate the concordance between rs1800629 polymorphism and IS. A secondary aim was to explore circulating levels of TNF-α and IGF-1 with IS in different ethnic backgrounds and different sourced specimens.

Methods

In this study, we examined whether rs1800629 genetic variant and levels of TNF-α and IGF-1 were related to the etiology of IS by performing a meta-analysis. Relevant case-control studies were retrieved by database searching and systematically selected according to established inclusion criteria.

Results

A total of 47 articles were identified that explored the relationship between the rs1800629 polymorphism and levels of TNF-α and IGF-1 with IS risk susceptibility. Statistical analyses revealed a significant association between the rs1800629 polymorphism and levels of TNF-α and IGF-1 with IS pathogenesis.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrated that the TNF-α rs1800629 polymorphism, the increased levels of TNF-α, and decreased levels of IGF-1 were involved in the etiology of IS.
The APOEε3/ε4 Genotype Drives Distinct Gene Signatures in the Cortex of Young Mice
Authors: Foley Kate E. , Hewes Amanda A. , Garceau Dylan T. , Kotredes Kevin P. , Carter Gregory W. , Sasner Michael , Howell Gareth R.
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Restrictions on existing APOE mouse models have impacted research toward understanding the strongest genetic risk factor contributing to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and dementia, APOEε4, by hindering observation of a key, common genotype in humans – APOEε3/ε4. Human studies are typically underpowered to address APOEε4 allele risk as the APOEε4/ε4 genotype is rare, which leaves human and mouse research unsupported to evaluate the APOEε3/ε4 genotype on molecular and pathological risk for AD and dementia.

Methods

As a part of MODEL-AD, we created and validated new versions of humanized APOEε3/ε3 and APOEε4/ε4 mouse strains that, due to unrestricted breeding, allow for the evaluation of the APOEε3/ε4 genotype. As biometric measures are often translatable between mouse and human, we profiled circulating lipid concentrations. We also performed transcriptional profiling of the cerebral cortex at 2 and 4 months (mos), comparing APOEε3/ε4 and APOEε4/ε4 to the reference APOEε3/ε3 using linear modeling and WGCNA. Further, APOE mice were exercised and compared to litter-matched sedentary controls, to evaluate the interaction between APOEε4 and exercise at a young age.

Results

Expression of human APOE isoforms were confirmed in APOEε3/ε3, APOEε3/ε4 and APOEε4/ε4 mouse brains. At two mos, cholesterol composition was influenced by sex, but not APOE genotype. Results show that the APOEε3/ε4 and APOEε4/ε4 genotype exert differential effects on cortical gene expression. APOEε3/ε4 uniquely impacts ‘hormone regulation’ and ‘insulin signaling,’ terms absent in APOEε4/ε4 data. At four mos, cholesterol and triglyceride levels were affected by sex and activity, with only triglyceride levels influenced by APOE genotype. Linear modeling revealed APOEε3/ε4, but not APOEε4/ε4, affected ‘extracellular matrix’ and ‘blood coagulation’ related terms. We confirmed these results using WGCNA, indicating robust, yet subtle, transcriptional patterns. While there was little evidence of APOE genotype by exercise interaction on the cortical transcriptome at this young age, running was predicted to affect myelination and gliogenesis, independent of APOE genotype with few APOE genotype-specific affects identified.

Discussion

APOEε4 allele dosage-specific effects were observed in circulating lipid levels and cortical transcriptional profiles. Future studies are needed to establish how these data may contribute to therapeutic development in APOEε3/ε4 and APOEε4/ε4 dementia patients.
Activation of Dopamine 4 Receptor Subtype Enhances Gamma Oscillations in Hippocampal Slices of Aged Mice
Authors: Wang Yuan , Jin Yi-Kai , Guo Tie-Cheng , Li Zhen-Rong , Feng Bing-Yan , Han Jin-Hong , Vreugdenhil Martin , Lu Cheng-Biao
Published: March 2022

Aim

Neural network oscillation at gamma frequency band (γ oscillation, 30–80 Hz) is synchronized synaptic potentials important for higher brain processes and altered in normal aging. Recent studies indicate that activation of dopamine 4 receptor (DR4) enhanced hippocampal γ oscillation of young mice and fully recovered the impaired hippocampal synaptic plasticity of aged mice, we determined whether this receptor is involved in aging-related modulation of hippocampal γ oscillation.

Methods

We recorded γ oscillations in the hippocampal CA3 region from young and aged C57bl6 mice and investigated the effects of dopamine and the selective dopamine receptor (DR) agonists on γ oscillation.

Results

We first found that γ oscillation power (γ power) was reduced in aged mice compared to young mice, which was restored by exogenous application of dopamine (DA). Second, the selective agonists for different D1- and D2-type dopamine receptors increased γ power in young mice but had little or small effect in aged mice. Third, the D4 receptor (D4R) agonist PD168077 caused a large increase of γ power in aged mice but a small increase in young mice, and its effect is blocked by the highly specific D4R antagonist L-745,870 or largely reduced by a NMDAR antagonist. Fourth, D3R agonist had no effect on γ power of either young or aged mice.

Conclusion

This study reveals DR subtype-mediated hippocampal γ oscillations is aging-related and DR4 activation restores the impaired γ oscillations in aged brain, and suggests that D4R is the potential target for the improvement of cognitive deficits related to the aging and aging-related diseases.
Association Between Polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) of the Serotonin Transporter Gene and Behavioral Response to Unfair Distribution
Authors: Nishina Kuniyuki , Shou Qiulu , Takahashi Hidehiko , Sakagami Masamichi , Inoue-Murayama Miho , Takagishi Haruto
Published: March 2022

Behavioral responses to unfair distribution have been measured mainly using the Ultimatum Game (UG). Recent studies examining the biological basis of behavioral responses to unfair distribution have focused attention on the role of the serotonin transporter gene. However, studies, to date, have been conducted on non-Asians, and it has not been confirmed whether similar results can be seen in other ethnic groups. It has also been shown that behavioral responses to unfair distribution are not only seen in the case of victims themselves but also in the case of third parties not directly affected. This study aimed to determine whether the results of the previous study would be replicated in an Asian population and whether the serotonin transporter gene would also be associated with behavior toward unfair distribution by third parties. We examined the association between polymorphisms (5-HTTLPR) of the serotonin transporter gene and participants’ behavior in the UG and the third-party punishment game (TPPG). The results did not show an association between punishment for unfair proposals in the TPPG and genetic polymorphisms, while participants with the SL/LL genotype were more likely to reject unfair offers in the UG than those with the SS genotype. These results indicate that 5-HTTLPR is associated with behavior when unfair intentions are directed at oneself.
The Comparative Effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Medicine Exercise Therapies in Elderly People With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Su Kaiqi , Yuan Jie , Liu Huanhuan , Luo Meng , Li Qi , Liu Sutong , Feng Xiaodong
Published: March 2022

Background

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in the elderly is a health problem worldwide. Studies have confirmed that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) exercise therapies can improve MCI. However, which therapy is the best and their impacts on brain function remain controversial and uncertain. This study aims to compare and rank TCM exercise therapies for MCI in the elderly, and analyze their effects on brain function, in order to find an optimal intervention and provide a basis for clinical treatments decision-making.

Methods

The Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Clinical Trials, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wangfang database, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and Chinese Biomedical Medicine (CBM) were searched through October 28, 2021. Two researchers reviewed all the studies and extracted the data. The ADDIS software version 1.16.8 and the Bayesian hierarchical model were used for pair-wise meta-analysis and network meta-analysis, and the STATA software version 14.0 was used to draw the network evidence plots and funnel plots.

Results

A total of 23 studies on 2282 participants were included in this study. In the pair-wise meta-analysis, TCM exercise therapies (Baduanjin exercise, Tai Chi, Liuzijue exercise and finger exercise) were superior to non-TCM exercise therapies (stretching and toning exercise, usual care, health education and routine daily activities) in terms of MMSE, MoCA and ADL outcomes. In the network meta-analysis, the MMSE outcome ranked Baduanjin exercise (78%) as the best intervention and Tai Chi (36%) as the second. The MoCA outcome ranked Baduanjin exercise (62%) as the best intervention. For the ADL outcome, Baduanjin exercise (60%) ranked the best, and followed by finger exercise (43%).

Conclusion

TCM exercise therapies may improve the cognitive function in elderly patients with MCI. Among the four therapies included, the Baduanjin exercise may be the preferred therapy for MCI in the elderly, and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of cognitive-related brain function and structure.

Systematic Review Registration

https://inplasy.com, identifier: INPLASY202070006.
Emerging MR Imaging and Spectroscopic Methods to Study Brain Tumor Metabolism
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Nanga Ravi Prakash Reddy , Verma Gaurav , Wilson Neil , Brisset Jean Christophe , Nath Kavindra , Chawla Sanjeev
Published: March 2022

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) provides a non-invasive biochemical profile of brain tumors. The conventional 1H-MRS methods present a few challenges mainly related to limited spatial coverage and low spatial and spectral resolutions. In the recent past, the advent and development of more sophisticated metabolic imaging and spectroscopic sequences have revolutionized the field of neuro-oncologic metabolomics. In this review article, we will briefly describe the scientific premises of three-dimensional echoplanar spectroscopic imaging (3D-EPSI), two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COSY), and chemical exchange saturation technique (CEST) MRI techniques. Several published studies have shown how these emerging techniques can significantly impact the management of patients with glioma by determining histologic grades, molecular profiles, planning treatment strategies, and assessing the therapeutic responses. The purpose of this review article is to summarize the potential clinical applications of these techniques in studying brain tumor metabolism.
De Novo CSNK2B Mutations in Five Cases of Poirier–Bienvenu Neurodevelopmental Syndrome
Authors: Yang Qi , Zhang Qinle , Yi Shang , Qin Zailong , Shen Fei , Ou Shang , Luo Jingsi , He Sheng
Published: March 2022

The Poirier–Bienvenu neurodevelopmental syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by intellectual disability and epilepsy. The disease is caused by mutations in the CSNK2B gene, which encodes the beta subunit of casein kinase II, and it has important roles in neuron development and synaptic transmission. In this study, five Chinese patients were diagnosed with Poirier–Bienvenu neurodevelopmental syndrome caused by CSNK2B mutations by whole exome sequencing. We detected four different de novo variants of the CSNK2B gene in these five unrelated Chinese patients: two novel mutations, namely, c.100delT (p.Phe34fs*16) and c.158_159insA (p.Asp55fs*4), and two recurrent mutations, namely, c.1A>G (p.Met1?) and c.332 G >C (p.R111P). All five patients showed mild-to-profound intellectual disabilities/or learning disabilities and developmental delays, with or without seizures. Although intellectual disability/developmental delay and epilepsy are the most common manifestations of CSNK2B deficiency, the clinical phenotypes of probands are highly variable, and there is no significant correlation between genotype and phenotype. An abnormal stature may be another common manifestation of CSNK2B deficiency. Here, we report the effects of growth hormone (GH) therapy on the patients' linear height. In conclusion, Poirier–Bienvenu neurodevelopmental syndrome is a highly heterogeneous disease caused by mutations in the CSNK2B gene. The phenotype was highly variable, and no significant correlation of genotype and phenotype was found. Patients with short-stature and CSNK2B deficiency may benefit from GH therapy. The identification and characterization of these novel variants will expand the genotypic and phenotypic spectrum of Poirier–Bienvenu neurodevelopmental syndrome.
Evaluation of Intracranial Hypertension in Patients With Hypertensive Intracerebral Hemorrhage Using Texture Analysis
Authors: Shan Yingchi , Li Yihua , Wu Xiang , Liu Jiaqi , Zhang Guoqing , Xue Yajun , Gao Guoyi
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Texture analysis based on clinical images had been widely used in neurological diseases. This study aimed to achieve depth information of computed tomography (CT) images by texture analysis and to establish a model for noninvasive evaluation of intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH).

Methods

Forty-seven patients with HICH were selected. Related CT images and ICP value were collected. The morphological features of hematoma volume, midline shift, and ventriculocranial ratio were measured. Forty textural features were extracted from regions of interest. Four models were established to predict intracranial hypertension with morphological features, textural features of anterior horn, textural features of temporal lobe, and textural features of posterior horn.

Results

Model of posterior horn had the highest ability to predict intracranial hypertension (AUC = 0.90, F1 score = 0.72), followed by model of anterior horn (AUC = 0.70, F1 score = 0.53) and model of temporal lobe (AUC = 0.70, F1 score = 0.58), and model of morphological features displayed the worst performance (AUC = 0.42, F1 score = 0.38).

Conclusion

Texture analysis can realize interpretation of CT images in depth, which has great potential in noninvasive evaluation of intracranial hypertension.
Effect Evaluation of Sahtak bi Sahnak, a Lebanese Secondary School-Based Nutrition Intervention: A Cluster Randomised Trial
Authors: Said Liliane , Gubbels Jessica S. , Kremers Stef P. J.
Published: March 2022

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of Sahtak bi Sahnak on dietary knowledge and adherence to dietary guidelines in Lebanese adolescents.

Design/setting

A cluster randomised controlled trial was conducted in public and private secondary schools located in urban and rural regions in Lebanon.

Participants

Sixteen secondary schools including 1,572 adolescents were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 739) or control group (n = 833).

Intervention

Sahtak bi Sahnak is an educational school-based intervention dedicated to improving dietary adherence to nutritional guidelines, increasing the level of dietary knowledge, and preventing the development of obesity during adolescence. It was systematically designed based on the Intervention Mapping framework. The total length of the intervention was around seven educational sessions, until all of the 11 lessons were covered. Each education session lasted 20–40 min.

Main Outcome Measures

Dietary knowledge and adherence levels were measured at baseline and post-intervention using validated questionnaires.

Statistical Analysis

Multivariate multilevel regression models were used to examine intervention effects on outcomes, controlled for background characteristics (i.e., age, gender, location, type of school, grade, BMI z-score).

Results

The intervention group showed significant improvements in total dietary knowledge (B = 12.74, p < 0.001) and intake of healthy items (B = 1.89, p < 0.001), compared to the control group. Intake of unhealthy items decreased significantly (B = −1.43, p < 0.001), compared to the control group. These results were adjusted for age, gender, type of school, location, BMI z-score, study group, and score at baseline.

Conclusion and Implications

Sahtak bi Sahnak is an effective and culturally appropriate school-based intervention for targeting diet among a variety of Lebanese adolescents.
Resveratrol in Intestinal Health and Disease: Focusing on Intestinal Barrier
Authors: Wang Youxia , Hong Changming , Wu Zebiao , Li Shuwei , Xia Yaoyao , Liang Yuying , He Xiaohua , Xiao Xinyu , Tang Wenjie
Published: March 2022

The integrity of intestinal barrier determines intestinal homeostasis, which could be affected by various factors, like physical, chemical, and biological stimuli. Therefore, it is of considerable interest and importance to maintain intestinal barrier function. Fortunately, many plant polyphenols, including resveratrol, could affect the health of intestinal barrier. Resveratrol has many biological functions, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammation, anti-tumor, and anti-cardiovascular diseases. Accumulating studies have shown that resveratrol affects intestinal tight junction, microbial composition, and inflammation. In this review, we summarize the effects of resveratrol on intestinal barriers as well as the potential mechanisms (e.g., inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria and fungi, regulating the expression of tight junction proteins, and increasing anti-inflammatory T cells while reducing pro-inflammatory T cells), and highlight the applications of resveratrol in ameliorating various intestinal diseases.
Novel Catabolic Pathway of Quercetin-3-O-Rutinose-7-O-α-L-Rhamnoside by Lactobacillus plantarum GDMCC 1.140: The Direct Fission of C-Ring
Authors: Huang Guitao , Lai Mingwen , Xu Canhua , He Shan , Dong Lihong , Huang Fei , Zhang Ruifen , Young David James , Liu Hesheng , Su Dongxiao
Published: March 2022

Lychee pulp phenolics (LPP) is mainly catabolized in the host colon, increasing the abundances of Bacteroides and Lactobacillus. Herein, five selected gut microbial strains (Bacteroides uniformis, B. thetaiotaomicron, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, L. plantarum, and L. acidophilus) were separately incubated with LPP to ascertain the specific strains participating in phenolic metabolism and the corresponding metabolites. The results indicated that B. uniformis, L. rhamnosus, and L. plantarum were involved in LPP utilization, contributing to 52.37, 28.33, and 45.11% of LPP degradation after 48 h fermentation, respectively. Unprecedentedly, the metabolic pathway of the major phenolic compound quercetin-3-O-rutinose-7-O-α-L-rhamnoside by L. plantarum, appeared to be the direct fission of C-ring at C2–O1 and C3–C4 bonds, which was proved from the occurrence of two substances with the deprotonated molecule [M–H]− ion at m/z 299 and 459, respectively. Meanwhile, it was fully confirmed that B. uniformis participated in the catabolism of isorhamnetin glycoside and procyanidin B2. In the B. uniformis culture, kaempferol was synthesized through dehydroxylation of quercetin which could be catabolized into alphitonin by L. rhamnosus. Furthermore, LPP metabolites exerted higher antioxidant activity than their precursors and gave clues to understand the interindividual differences for phenolic metabolism by gut microbiota.
Case Report: Primary Intraosseous Poorly Differentiated Synovial Sarcoma of the Femur
Authors: Pang Ke , Guo Xiaoning , Jiang Yi , Xu Lina , Ling Lin , Li Zhihong
Published: March 2022

Primary intraosseous poorly differentiated synovial sarcoma is exceedingly rare. Here, we present a case of primary intraosseous poorly differentiated synovial sarcoma from the proximal femur in a 16-year-old girl. The case was initially misdiagnosed, but the correct diagnosis of synovial sarcoma was eventually confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization and next-generation sequencing. We review the literature pertaining to synovial sarcoma and show that this case is the second molecularly proven intraosseous poorly differentiated synovial sarcoma in the literature. Recognition of intraosseous synovial sarcoma composed of small round cells is imperative in order to avoid misdiagnosis of the tumor as Ewing sarcoma and other small round-cell tumors, all of which have markedly different clinical management.
Study on Identification Method of Pulmonary Nodules: Improved Random Walk Pulmonary Parenchyma Segmentation and Fusion Multi-Feature VGG16 Nodule Classification
Authors: Zhang Yanrong , Meng Lingyue
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to realize automatic segmentation of lung parenchyma based on random walk algorithm to ensure the accuracy of lung parenchyma segmentation. The explicable features of pulmonary nodules were added into VGG16 neural network to improve the classification accuracy of pulmonary nodules.

Materials and Methods

LIDC-IDRI, a public dataset containing lung Computed Tomography images/pulmonary nodules, was used as experimental data. In lung parenchyma segmentation, the maximum Between-Class Variance method (OTSU), corrosion and expansion methods were used to automatically obtain the foreground and background seed points of random walk algorithm in lung parenchyma region. The shortest distance between point sets was added as one of the criteria of prospect probability in the calculation of random walk weight function to achieve accurate segmentation of pulmonary parenchyma. According to the location of the nodules marked by the doctor, the nodules were extracted. The texture features and grayscale features were extracted by Volume Local Direction Ternary Pattern (VLDTP) method and gray histogram. The explicable features were input into VGG16 network in series mode and fused with depth features to achieve accurate classification of nodules. Intersection of Union (IOU) and false positive rate (FPR) were used to measure the segmentation results. Accuracy, Sensitivity, Specificity, Accuracy and F1 score were used to evaluate the results of nodule classification.

Results

The automatic random walk algorithm is effective in lung parenchyma segmentation, and its segmentation efficiency is improved obviously. In VGG16 network, the accuracy of nodular classification is 0.045 higher than that of single depth feature classification.

Conclusion

The method proposed in this paper can effectively and accurately achieve automatic segmentation of lung parenchyma. In addition, the fusion of multi-feature VGG16 network is effective in the classification of pulmonary nodules, which can improve the accuracy of nodular classification.
Novel Angiogenic Regulators and Anti-Angiogenesis Drugs Targeting Angiogenesis Signaling Pathways: Perspectives for Targeting Angiogenesis in Lung Cancer
Authors: Li Yingying , Lin Mengmeng , Wang Shiyuan , Cao Bo , Li Chunyu , Li Guohui
Published: March 2022

Lung cancer growth is dependent on angiogenesis. In recent years, angiogenesis inhibitors have attracted more and more attention as potential lung cancer treatments. Current anti-angiogenic drugs targeting VEGF or receptor tyrosine kinases mainly inhibit tumor growth by reducing angiogenesis and blocking the energy supply of lung cancer cells. However, these drugs have limited efficiency, raising concerns about limited scope of action and mechanisms of patient resistance to existing drugs. Therefore, current basic research on angiogenic regulators has focused more on screening carcinogenic/anticancer genes, miRNAs, lncRNAs, proteins and other biomolecules capable of regulating the expression of specific targets in angiogenesis signaling pathways. In addition, new uses for existing drugs and new drug delivery systems have received increasing attention. In our article, we analyze the application status and research hotspots of angiogenesis inhibitors in lung cancer treatment as a reference for subsequent mechanistic research and drug development.
A Timely Administration of Antenatal Steroids Is Highly Protective Against Intraventricular Hemorrhage: An Observational Multicenter Cohort Study of Very Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Fortmann Ingmar , Mertens Luisa , Boeckel Hannah , Grüttner Berthold , Humberg Alexander , Astiz Mariana , Roll Claudia , Rickleffs Isabell , Rody Achim , Härtel Christoph , Herting Egbert , Göpel Wolfgang , Bossung Verena
Published: March 2022

Aim

The aim of the study is to evaluate the influence of the timing of antenatal steroids (ANSs) on neonatal outcome of very low birth weight infants (VLBWI) born before 30 weeks of gestation in the German Neonatal Network.

Methods

The German Neonatal Network is a large population-based cohort study enrolling VLBWIs since 2009. We included 672 neonates, who were born between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2019 in our analysis in 10 selected centers. Infants were divided into four subgroups based on the interval between the first steroid administration and preterm birth: (I) two doses of betamethasone, ANS-birth interval: >24 h to 7 days, n = 187, (II) only one dose of betamethasone, ANS-birth interval 0–24 h, n = 70, (III) two doses of betamethasone, ANS-birth interval >7 days, n = 177, and (IV) no antenatal steroids, n = 238. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were performed for the main neonatal outcome parameters. Group IV (no ANS) was used as a reference.

Results

An ANS-birth interval of 24 h to 7 days after the first dose was associated with a reduced risk for intraventricular hemorrhage (OR 0.17; 95% CI 0.09–0.31, p < 0.001) and mechanical ventilation (OR 0.37; 95% CI 0.23–0.61, p < 0.001), whereas the group of infants that only received a single dose of steroids reflected a subgroup at high risk for adverse neonatal outcomes; an ANS-birth interval of >7 days was still associated with a lower risk for intraventricular hemorrhage (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.25–0.72, p = 0.002) and the need for mechanical ventilation (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.27–0.71, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Our observational data indicate that an ANS-birth interval of 24 h to 7 days is strongly associated with a reduced risk of intraventricular hemorrhage in VLBWIs. Further research is needed to improve the prediction of preterm birth in order to achieve a timely administration of antenatal steroids that may improve neonatal outcomes such as intraventricular hemorrhage.
Extracts of Dracocephalum tanguticum Maxim Ameliorate Acute Alcoholic Liver Disease via Regulating Transcription Factors in Mice
Authors: Guo Min , Gu Liwei , Hui Heping , Li Xiaodong , Jin Ling
Published: March 2022

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) caused by excessive drinking is a health and economic concern worldwide. Given the high morbidity, mortality, and the progressive nature of ALD, finding effective interventions is essential. Previous studies have confirmed that edible food plants and their bioactive compounds exert a protective effect against ALD. Dracocephalum tanguticum Maxim (DTM) is one of the important traditional Tibetan medicines in China with the effect of clearing away liver heat, used for the treatment of hepatitis. In this study, the DTM chloroform extract (DtM-C), ethyl acetate extract (DtM-E), and n-butanol extract (DtM-B) were obtained by ethanol extraction combined with fractional extraction. Acute ALD was induced in mice given intragastric ethanol. Serum and liver biochemical markers were detected by ELISA. Liver histological observation, Oil Red O, and Masson’s trichrome staining were performed. Liver injury cells were induced by ethanol. The cell vitality was detected by using MTT colorimetry. The expressions of Nrf2, NF-κB, STAT3, AP-1, CREB, HIF-1α, HO-1, NQO-1, GSTA1, IKB2, and Keap1 were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to elucidate the mechanism of hepatoprotective effect, and the results were verified by using Western blot. The results of serum liver function indicators (ALT, AST, and ADH), serum hepatic lipid indicators (TC, TG, HDL-C, and LDL-C), and lipid peroxidation indicators (ADH, MDA, SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px) in liver tissue and liver histological observation showed that DtM-E could improve liver function, alleviate fatty degeneration, edema, cell necrosis, and liver fibrosis caused by alcohol. DtM-E also increased the vitality of EtOH-induced liver injury cells, upregulated the mRNA expression of Nrf2, HO-1, NQO-1, and GSTA1, while downregulated the expression of Keap-1, p65, and NF-κB. Western blot results were consistent with PCR. The results suggest that DtM-E has a protective effect against ALD in vitro and in vivo, and its mechanism of action may be related to the activation of Nrf2/Keap-1 and inhibition of the P65/NF-κB signaling pathways.