bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automated Movement Assessment in Stroke Rehabilitation
Authors: Ahmed Tamim , Thopalli Kowshik , Rikakis Thanassis , Turaga Pavan , Kelliher Aisling , Huang Jia-Bin , Wolf Steven L.
Published: August 2021

We are developing a system for long term Semi-Automated Rehabilitation At the Home (SARAH) that relies on low-cost and unobtrusive video-based sensing. We present a cyber-human methodology used by the SARAH system for automated assessment of upper extremity stroke rehabilitation at the home. We propose a hierarchical model for automatically segmenting stroke survivor's movements and generating training task performance assessment scores during rehabilitation. The hierarchical model fuses expert therapist knowledge-based approaches with data-driven techniques. The expert knowledge is more observable in the higher layers of the hierarchy (task and segment) and therefore more accessible to algorithms incorporating high level constraints relating to activity structure (i.e., type and order of segments per task). We utilize an HMM and a Decision Tree model to connect these high level priors to data driven analysis. The lower layers (RGB images and raw kinematics) need to be addressed primarily through data driven techniques. We use a transformer based architecture operating on low-level action features (tracking of individual body joints and objects) and a Multi-Stage Temporal Convolutional Network(MS-TCN) operating on raw RGB images. We develop a sequence combining these complimentary algorithms effectively, thus encoding the information from different layers of the movement hierarchy. Through this combination, we produce a robust segmentation and task assessment results on noisy, variable and limited data, which is characteristic of low cost video capture of rehabilitation at the home. Our proposed approach achieves 85% accuracy in per-frame labeling, 99% accuracy in segment classification and 93% accuracy in task completion assessment. Although the methodology proposed in this paper applies to upper extremity rehabilitation using the SARAH system, it can potentially be used, with minor alterations, to assist automation in many other movement rehabilitation contexts (i.e., lower extremity training for neurological accidents).
Blood–Brain Barrier Breakdown: An Emerging Biomarker of Cognitive Impairment in Normal Aging and Dementia
Authors: Hussain Basharat , Fang Cheng , Chang Junlei
Published: August 2021

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) plays a vital role in maintaining the specialized microenvironment of the neural tissue. It separates the peripheral circulatory system from the brain parenchyma while facilitating communication. Alterations in the distinct physiological properties of the BBB lead to BBB breakdown associated with normal aging and various neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we first briefly discuss the aging process, then review the phenotypes and mechanisms of BBB breakdown associated with normal aging that further cause neurodegeneration and cognitive impairments. We also summarize dementia such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD) and subsequently discuss the phenotypes and mechanisms of BBB disruption in dementia correlated with cognition decline. Overlaps between AD and VaD are also discussed. Techniques that could identify biomarkers associated with BBB breakdown are briefly summarized. Finally, we concluded that BBB breakdown could be used as an emerging biomarker to assist to diagnose cognitive impairment associated with normal aging and dementia.
Neurochip3: An Autonomous Multichannel Bidirectional Brain-Computer Interface for Closed-Loop Activity-Dependent Stimulation
Authors: Shupe Larry E. , Miles Frank P. , Jones Geoff , Yun Richy , Mishler Jonathan , Rembado Irene , Murphy R. Logan , Perlmutter Steve I. , Fetz Eberhard E.
Published: August 2021

Toward addressing many neuroprosthetic applications, the Neurochip3 (NC3) is a multichannel bidirectional brain-computer interface that operates autonomously and can support closed-loop activity-dependent stimulation. It consists of four circuit boards populated with off-the-shelf components and is sufficiently compact to be carried on the head of a non-human primate (NHP). NC3 has six main components: (1) an analog front-end with an Intan biophysical signal amplifier (16 differential or 32 single-ended channels) and a 3-axis accelerometer, (2) a digital control system comprised of a Cyclone V FPGA and Atmel SAM4 MCU, (3) a micro SD Card for 128 GB or more storage, (4) a 6-channel differential stimulator with ±60 V compliance, (5) a rechargeable battery pack supporting autonomous operation for up to 24 h and, (6) infrared transceiver and serial ports for communication. The NC3 and earlier versions have been successfully deployed in many closed-loop operations to induce synaptic plasticity and bridge lost biological connections, as well as deliver activity-dependent intracranial reinforcement. These paradigms to strengthen or replace impaired connections have many applications in neuroprosthetics and neurorehabilitation.
Lemniscal Corticothalamic Feedback in Auditory Scene Analysis
Authors: Homma Natsumi Y. , Bajo Victoria M.
Published: August 2021

Sound information is transmitted from the ear to central auditory stations of the brain via several nuclei. In addition to these ascending pathways there exist descending projections that can influence the information processing at each of these nuclei. A major descending pathway in the auditory system is the feedback projection from layer VI of the primary auditory cortex (A1) to the ventral division of medial geniculate body (MGBv) in the thalamus. The corticothalamic axons have small glutamatergic terminals that can modulate thalamic processing and thalamocortical information transmission. Corticothalamic neurons also provide input to GABAergic neurons of the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) that receives collaterals from the ascending thalamic axons. The balance of corticothalamic and TRN inputs has been shown to refine frequency tuning, firing patterns, and gating of MGBv neurons. Therefore, the thalamus is not merely a relay stage in the chain of auditory nuclei but does participate in complex aspects of sound processing that include top-down modulations. In this review, we aim (i) to examine how lemniscal corticothalamic feedback modulates responses in MGBv neurons, and (ii) to explore how the feedback contributes to auditory scene analysis, particularly on frequency and harmonic perception. Finally, we will discuss potential implications of the role of corticothalamic feedback in music and speech perception, where precise spectral and temporal processing is essential.
Fibroblast Activation Protein-α as a Target in the Bench-to-Bedside Diagnosis and Treatment of Tumors: A Narrative Review
Authors: Xin Lei , Gao Jinfang , Zheng Ziliang , Chen Yiyou , Lv Shuxin , Zhao Zhikai , Yu Chunhai , Yang Xiaotang , Zhang Ruiping
Published: August 2021

Fibroblast activation protein-α (FAP) is a type II integral serine protease that is specifically expressed by activated fibroblasts. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor stroma have an abundant and stable expression of FAP, which plays an important role in promoting tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, and immunosuppression. For example, in females with a high incidence of breast cancer, CAFs account for 50–70% of the cells in the tumor’s microenvironment. CAF overexpression of FAP promotes tumor development and metastasis by influencing extracellular matrix remodeling, intracellular signaling, angiogenesis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and immunosuppression. This review discusses the basic biological characteristics of FAP and its applications in the diagnosis and treatment of various cancers. We review the emerging basic and clinical research data regarding the use of nanomaterials that target FAP.
Prognostic Role of EGFR/p-EGFR in Patients With Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen Xishan , Liang Renba , Lai Lin , Chen Kaihua , Zhu Xiaodong
Published: August 2021

Background

The prognostic value of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/phosphorylated EGFR (p-EGFR) expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma remains controversial. A meta-analysis was performed to investigate prognostic significance of EGFR/p-EGFR expression in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Methods

Literatures published before November 2020 were systematically searched in relevant databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wan fang databases. STATA 13 statistical software was used to analyze the pooled hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity of the studies was examined by I2. Sensitivity and subgroup analysis were performed to explore sources of heterogeneity. The potential publication bias was assessed using both Egger’s and Begg’s tests.

Results

A total of 20 literatures with 1545 patients were included for the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis results suggested that high expression of EGFR was significantly associated with poor overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.24–3.15, P = 0.001) and disease-free survival (DFS) (HR = 2.58, 95% CI: 1.87–3.56, P = 0.000). However, it was not significantly associated with progression-free survival (PFS) (HR = 1.85, 95% CI: 0.90–3.82, P = 0.09) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) (HR = 1.39, 95% CI: 0.73–2.67, P = 0.319). The subgroup analysis indicated that patients with EGFR high expression in studies of higher TNM stage (III–IV) ratio had significantly poor OS (HR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.09–4.73, P = 0.03), but heterogeneity existed in studies (I2  =  95.1%, P = 0.000). Sensitivity analyses revealed that EGFR expression did not significantly affect OS by an individual study solely, indicating there was inherent heterogeneity in OS cohorts. There was no significant heterogeneity among eight studies in the DFS cohorts (I2 = 0%, P = 0.606). There was significant heterogeneity between EGFR expression and DMFS (I2 = 82.8%, P = 0.000). Sub-group analysis in differentiated carcinoma demonstrated a smaller heterogeneity (I2 = 33.2%). In addition, p-EGFR high expression had no significant correlation with OS (HR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.88–1.14, P = 0.982) and DMFS (HR = 1.21, 95% CI: 0.96–1.52, P = 0.112). The heterogeneity among p-EGFR and OS studies was small (I2 = 21%, P = 0.26). There was no significant heterogeneity in the DMFS cohorts (I2 = 0%, P = 0.497).

Conclusion

EGFR high-expression was significantly associated with poor OS and DFS, which may serve as a prognostic predictor for nasopharyngeal cancer.

Systematic Review Registration

[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO], identifier [number CRD42021258457].
Exosome-Derived Long Non-Coding RNAs as Non-Invasive Biomarkers of Bladder Cancer
Authors: Su Quanxin , Wu Hao , Zhang Ziyi , Lu Chao , Zhang Lifeng , Zuo Li
Published: August 2021

Objective

As a result of the inconsistency between reports, a meta-analysis was designed to appraise the clinical implications of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in exosomes for the diagnosis of bladder cancer.

Methods

The PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases were searched to identify the relevant literature on lncRNAs in exosomes for bladder cancer diagnosis from database inception to May 2021. The literature was screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 entry tool was applied to evaluate the quality of the literature, and the sources of heterogeneity were explored using meta-regression and subgroup analysis. Stata 14.0 and RevMan 5.3 software were used for statistical analysis.

Results

A total of 23 studies described in 10 articles were included, with a total of 1883 patients with bladder cancer and 1721 patients in the non-cancerous control group. The exosome-derived lncRNAs performed better in the diagnosis of bladder cancer with a pooled sensitivity of 0.74 (95% CI, 0.69-0.77), specificity of 0.76 (95% CI, 0.72-0.80), and area under the curve of 0.83. The heterogeneity between studies was partly as a result of differences in specimen type, number of lncRNAs, lncRNA expression form, and reference gene type. Subgroup analysis showed that the detection efficacy based on the combination of multiple lncRNAs (0.86, 95% CI, 0.82-0.88) was higher than that based on a single lncRNA (0.81, 95% CI, 0.78-0.85), and exosomal lncRNAs with blood as the detection sample had a high diagnostic efficacy (0.86, 95% CI, 0.82-0.86).

Conclusions

Exosome-derived lncRNAs hold great promise as non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers of bladder cancer. However, their clinical value needs to be examined in further comprehensive prospective studies.
Telomere Shortening in Peripheral Leukocytes Is Associated With Poor Survival in Cancer Patients Treated With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy
Authors: Rolles Benjamin , Gorgulho Joao , Tometten Mareike , Roderburg Christoph , Vieri Margherita , Abels Anne , Vucur Mihael , Heymann Felix , Tacke Frank , Brümmendorf Tim H. , Luedde Tom , Beier Fabian , Loosen Sven H.
Published: August 2021

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy represents a new standard of care for an increasing number of malignancies. Nevertheless, response rates and outcome of ICI treatment vary between individuals and the identification of predictive markers or hints towards immune cell exhaustion during therapy has remained a major challenge. Leukocyte telomere length is an established predictive biomarker of replicative aging and cellular proliferative potential in various hematological diseases. However, its relevance in the context of ICI therapy has not been investigated to date. Here, we analyze the age-adapted delta telomere length (ΔTL) of peripheral leukocytes as a potential predictive and prognostic marker in patients undergoing ICI therapy.

Methods

Age-adapted delta telomere length (ΔTL) of 84 patients treated with ICIs for solid malignancies was measured via quantitative real-time PCR. ΔTL was correlated with outcome and clinical data.

Results

ΔTL was not significantly altered between patients with different tumor entities or tumor stages and did not predict tumor response to ICI therapy. However, ΔTLs at initiation of treatment were a prognostic marker for overall survival (OS). When using a calculated ideal cut-off value, the median OS in patients with shorter ΔTL was 5.7 months compared to 18.0 months in patients showing longer ΔTL. The prognostic role of age-adapted ΔTL was further confirmed by uni- and multivariate Cox-regression analyses.

Conclusion

In the present study, we demonstrate that shorter telomere lengths in peripheral blood leukocytes are associated with a significantly impaired outcome in patients receiving ICI therapy across different malignancies. We explain our findings by hypothesizing an older replicative age in peripheral leukocytes of patients with an impaired overall survival, reflected by a premature TL shortening. Whether this association is ICI-specific remains unknown. Further follow-up studies are needed to provide insights about the exact mechanism of how shortened telomeres eventually affect OS and could help guiding therapeutic decisions in future.
Radioactive Beams for Image-Guided Particle Therapy: The BARB Experiment at GSI
Authors: Boscolo Daria , Kostyleva Daria , Safari Mohammad Javad , Anagnostatou Vasiliki , Äystö Juha , Bagchi Soumya , Binder Tim , Dedes Georgios , Dendooven Peter , Dickel Timo , Drozd Vasyl , Franczack Bernhard , Geissel Hans , Gianoli Chiara , Graeff Christian , Grahn Tuomas , Greiner Florian , Haettner Emma , Haghani Roghieh , Harakeh Muhsin N. , Horst Felix , Hornung Christine , Hucka Jan-Paul , Kalantar-Nayestanaki Nasser , Kazantseva Erika , Kindler Birgit , Knöbel Ronja , Kuzminchuk-Feuerstein Natalia , Lommel Bettina , Mukha Ivan , Nociforo Chiara , Ishikawa Shunki , Lovatti Giulio , Nitta Munetaka , Ozoemelam Ikechi , Pietri Stephane , Plaß Wolfgang R. , Prochazka Andrej , Purushothaman Sivaji , Reidel Claire-Anne , Roesch Heidi , Schirru Fabio , Schuy Christoph , Sokol Olga , Steinsberger Timo , Tanaka Yoshiki K. , Tanihata Isao , Thirolf Peter , Tinganelli Walter , Voss Bernd , Weber Uli , Weick Helmut , Winfield John S. , Winkler Martin , Zhao Jianwei , Scheidenberger Christoph , Parodi Katia , Durante Marco ,   the Super-FRS Experiment Collaboration
Published: August 2021

Several techniques are under development for image-guidance in particle therapy. Positron (β+) emission tomography (PET) is in use since many years, because accelerated ions generate positron-emitting isotopes by nuclear fragmentation in the human body. In heavy ion therapy, a major part of the PET signals is produced by β+-emitters generated via projectile fragmentation. A much higher intensity for the PET signal can be obtained using β+-radioactive beams directly for treatment. This idea has always been hampered by the low intensity of the secondary beams, produced by fragmentation of the primary, stable beams. With the intensity upgrade of the SIS-18 synchrotron and the isotopic separation with the fragment separator FRS in the FAIR-phase-0 in Darmstadt, it is now possible to reach radioactive ion beams with sufficient intensity to treat a tumor in small animals. This was the motivation of the BARB (Biomedical Applications of Radioactive ion Beams) experiment that is ongoing at GSI in Darmstadt. This paper will present the plans and instruments developed by the BARB collaboration for testing the use of radioactive beams in cancer therapy.
The Versatility of the Free Vastus Lateralis Muscle Flap: Orbital Reconstruction After Removal of Complex Vascular Malformation in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Grussu Francesca , Santecchia Luigino , Urbani Urbano , Spuntarelli Giorgio , Rollo Massimo , El Hachem May , Romanzo Antonino , Zama Mario
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Vascular orbital lesions in pediatric population represent a demanding therapeutic challenge which requires a multidisciplinary team. In severe cases, orbital enucleation can be considered. Surgical management of enucleated orbital region in children, differently from the adults, represents a challenging procedure owing to the intrinsic relation between volume replacement and normal orbital growth. Many reconstructive options have been proposed, and many donor sites have been utilized for this purpose but each one have demonstrated potential disadvantages. Despite its well-known versatility, no report of the vastus lateralis free flap in children requiring orbital reconstruction exists in literature. Herein, we propose this surgical strategy as a valid option for the reconstruction of an extended orbital defect in a pediatric patient suffering from a mixed type of vascular malformation.

Material and Methods: A patient was referred from a foreign country with an unclear medical history, presenting exorbitism and exophthalmos, proptosis of the eyeball, visus 4/10, and limited ocular motility. We made clinical-instrumental investigations with a diagnosis of complex vascular malformation. It expanded in intraorbital and retrorbital space with bulb anterior dislocation and optic nerve involvement. We performed an emptying of the orbital content via transconjunctival and via coronal incision with eyelid preservation. A free vastus lateralis muscle flap was used for reconstruction, filling the orbital cavity. We anastomosed the flap on the superficial temporal artery. An ocular conformator was then positioned.

Results: We report the result at 12 months, showing a good orbital rehabilitation with an adequate prosthetic cavity, a good recovery of volume and facial symmetry, guaranteeing balanced orbital and periorbital growth. There were no major or minor complications associated with the procedure.

Discussion: The reconstruction of the orbit remains a “surgical challenge” both in adults, whose goal is the restoration of volume, adequate symmetry and facial esthetics, and children, in which correcting the asymmetry has the additional objective to balance orbital growth. Many reconstructive techniques have been proposed, including the use of free flaps. The versatility of the free vastus lateralis muscle flap is well-known. It offers adequate amount of tissue with minimal morbidity to the donor site, provides a long pedicle, gives the possibility of simultaneous work in a double team, and has a constant anatomy and a safe and rapid dissection. There are no descriptions of its use for pediatric orbital reconstructions.

Conclusions: In our opinion, the free vastus lateralis flap should be included as one of the best option for orbital pediatric reconstruction after enucleation.
Dynamic Modeling of Mitochondrial Membrane Potential Upon Exposure to Mitochondrial Inhibitors
Authors: Yang Huan , van der Stel Wanda , Lee Randy , Bauch Caroline , Bevan Sam , Walker Paul , van de Water Bob , Danen Erik H. J. , Beltman Joost B.
Published: August 2021

Mitochondria are the main bioenergetic organelles of cells. Exposure to chemicals targeting mitochondria therefore generally results in the development of toxicity. The cellular response to perturbations in cellular energy production is a balance between adaptation, by reorganisation and organelle biogenesis, and sacrifice, in the form of cell death. In homeostatic conditions, aerobic mitochondrial energy production requires the maintenance of a mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Chemicals can perturb this MMP, and the extent of this perturbation depends both on the pharmacokinetics of the chemicals and on downstream MMP dynamics. Here we obtain a quantitative understanding of mitochondrial adaptation upon exposure to various mitochondrial respiration inhibitors by applying mathematical modeling to partially published high-content imaging time-lapse confocal imaging data, focusing on MMP dynamics in HepG2 cells over a period of 24 h. The MMP was perturbed using a set of 24 compounds, either acting as uncoupler or as mitochondrial complex inhibitor targeting complex I, II, III or V. To characterize the effect of chemical exposure on MMP dynamics, we adapted an existing differential equation model and fitted this model to the observed MMP dynamics. Complex III inhibitor data were better described by the model than complex I data. Incorporation of pharmacokinetic decay into the model was required to obtain a proper fit for the uncoupler FCCP. Furthermore, oligomycin (complex V inhibitor) model fits were improved by either combining pharmacokinetic (PK) decay and ion leakage or a concentration-dependent decay. Subsequent mass spectrometry measurements showed that FCCP had a significant decay in its PK profile as predicted by the model. Moreover, the measured oligomycin PK profile exhibited only a limited decay at high concentration, whereas at low concentrations the compound remained below the detection limit within cells. This is consistent with the hypothesis that oligomycin exhibits a concentration-dependent decay, yet awaits further experimental verification with more sensitive detection methods. Overall, we show that there is a complex interplay between PK and MMP dynamics within mitochondria and that data-driven modeling is a powerful combination to unravel such complexity.
RNA Methylations in Cardiovascular Diseases, Molecular Structure, Biological Functions and Regulatory Roles in Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Zhou Wanwan , Wang Changhui , Chang Jun , Huang Yurong , Xue Qiuyun , Miao Chenggui , Wu Peng
Published: August 2021

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. Despite considerable progress in the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of CVDs, new diagnostic biomarkers and new therapeutic measures are urgently needed to reduce the mortality of CVDs and improve the therapeutic effect. RNA methylations regulate almost all aspects of RNA processing, such as RNA nuclear export, translation, splicing and non-coding RNA processing. In view of the importance of RNA methylations in the pathogenesis of diseases, this work reviews the molecular structures, biological functions of five kinds of RNA methylations (m6A, m5C, m1a, m6am and m7G) and their effects on CVDs, including pulmonary hypertension, hypertension, vascular calcification, cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure. In CVDs, m6A “writers” catalyze the installation of m6A on RNAs, while “erasers” remove these modifications. Finally, the “readers” of m6A further influence the mRNA splicing, nuclear export, translation and degradation. M5C, m1A, m6Am and m7G are new types of RNA methylations, their roles in CVDs need to be further explored. RNA methylations have become a new research hotspot and the roles in CVDs is gradually emerging, the review of the molecular characteristics, biological functions and effects of RNA methylation on CVDs will contribute to the elucidation of the pathological mechanisms of CVDs and the discovery of new diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets of CVDs.
Weekly Variations of Short-Duration Maximal Jumping Performance in Soccer Players: Exploring Relationships With Accumulated Training Load and Match Demands
Authors: Silva Rui , Clemente Filipe Manuel , González-Fernández Francisco Tomás , Bernardo André , Ardigò Luca Paolo
Published: August 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study was 2-fold: (1) to analyze variations of short-duration maximal jumping performance in players exposed to a match and those who were not and (2) to analyze the relationships between changes in the short-duration maximal jumping performance and different accumulated training load and match demands measures.

Methods: Twenty-four professional soccer players (age: 20.3 ± 1.7 years) were monitored daily for their training load and match demands over 6 weeks. In addition, they performed a weekly short-duration maximal jumping performance test (72 h after the last match).

Results: Negative moderate correlations were found between percentage of change of countermovement jump (CMJ) height and Acummulated training load (ATL) of total distance (TD), high metabolic load (HML), accelerations (ACC), and decelerations (DEC) (r = −0.38, p = 0.004; r = −0.33, p = 0.013; r = −0.39, p = 0.003; and r = −0.30, p = 0.026). No correlations were found for match load (ML). TD, HML, ACC, and DCC (r = 0.27, r = 0.25, r = 0.31, and r = 0.22, respectively) were used to predict the percentage of change of CMJ height.

Conclusion: Match participation has negative effects on CMJ performance. The ATL of HML, ACC, DCC, and TD have a significant influence on both CMJ measures changes. Also, the ATL values of those metrics are the best predictors of the percentage changes of CMJ performance.
Role of Protein Arginine Methyltransferases and Inflammation in Muscle Pathophysiology
Authors: So Hyun-Kyung , Kim Sunghee , Kang Jong-Sun , Lee Sang-Jin
Published: August 2021

Arginine methylation mediated by protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) is a post-translational modification of both histone and non-histone substrates related to diverse biological processes. PRMTs appear to be critical regulators in skeletal muscle physiology, including regeneration, metabolic homeostasis, and plasticity. Chronic inflammation is commonly associated with the decline of skeletal muscle mass and strength related to aging or chronic diseases, defined as sarcopenia. In turn, declined skeletal muscle mass and strength can exacerbate chronic inflammation. Thus, understanding the molecular regulatory pathway underlying the crosstalk between skeletal muscle function and inflammation might be essential for the intervention of muscle pathophysiology. In this review, we will address the current knowledge on the role of PRMTs in skeletal muscle physiology and pathophysiology with a specific emphasis on its relationship with inflammation.
Identification of Circular RNA Expression Profiles in White Adipocytes and Their Roles in Adipogenesis
Authors: Zhang Peng-peng , Han Qiu , Sheng Ming-xuan , Du Chun-yu , Wang Ya-ling , Cheng Xiao-fang , Xu Hai-xia , Li Cen-cen , Xu Yong-jie
Published: August 2021

Obesity and its related metabolic diseases have become great public health threats worldwide. Although accumulated evidence suggests that circRNA is a new type of non-coding RNAs regulating various physiological and pathological processes, little attention has been paid to the expression profiles and functions of circRNAs in white adipose tissue. In this study, 3,771 circRNAs were detected in three stages of white adipogenesis (preadipocyte, differentiating preadipocyte, and mature adipocyte) by RNA-seq. Experimental validation suggested that the RNA-seq results are highly reliable. We found that nearly 10% of genes which expressed linear RNAs in adipocytes could also generate circRNAs. In addition, 40% of them produced multiple circRNA isoforms. We performed correlation analysis and found that a great deal of circRNAs (nearly 50%) and their parental genes were highly correlated in expression levels. A total of 41 differential expression circRNAs (DECs) were detected during adipogenesis and an extremely high ratio of them (80%) were correlated with their parental genes, indicating these circRNAs may potentially play roles in regulating the expression of their parental genes. KEGG enrichment and GO annotation of the parental genes suggesting that the DECs may participate in several adipogenesis-related pathways. Following rigorous selection, we found that many up-regulated circRNAs contain multiple miRNAs binding sites, such as miR17, miR-30c, and miR-130, indicating they may potentially facilitate their regulatory functions by acting as miRNA sponges. These results suggest that plenty of circRNAs are expressed in white adipogenesis and the DECs may serve as new candidates for future adipogenesis regulation.
The Influence of Supplemental Dietary Linoleic Acid on Skeletal Muscle Contractile Function in a Rodent Model of Barth Syndrome
Authors: Elkes Mario , Andonovski Martin , Vidal Daislyn , Farago Madison , Modafferi Ryan , Claypool Steven M. , LeBlanc Paul J.
Published: August 2021

Barth syndrome is a rare and incurable X-linked (male-specific) genetic disease that affects the protein tafazzin (Taz). Taz is an important enzyme responsible for synthesizing biologically relevant cardiolipin (for heart and skeletal muscle, cardiolipin rich in linoleic acid), a critical phospholipid of mitochondrial form and function. Mutations to Taz cause dysfunctional mitochondria, resulting in exercise intolerance due to skeletal muscle weakness. To date, there has been limited research on improving skeletal muscle function, with interventions focused on endurance and resistance exercise. Previous cell culture research has shown therapeutic potential for the addition of exogenous linoleic acid in improving Taz-deficient mitochondrial function but has not been examined in vivo. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of supplemental dietary linoleic acid on skeletal muscle function in a rodent model of Barth syndrome, the inducible Taz knockdown (TazKD) mouse. One of the main findings was that TazKD soleus demonstrated an impaired contractile phenotype (slower force development and rates of relaxation) in vitro compared to their WT littermates. Interestingly, this impaired contractile phenotype seen in vitro did not translate to altered muscle function in vivo at the whole-body level. Also, supplemental linoleic acid attenuated, to some degree, in vitro impaired contractile phenotype in TazKD soleus, and these findings appear to be partially mediated by improvements in cardiolipin content and resulting mitochondrial supercomplex formation. Future research will further examine alternative mechanisms of dietary supplemental LA on improving skeletal muscle contractile dysfunction in TazKD mice.
Characterization of Arabidopsis thaliana R2R3 S23 MYB Transcription Factors as Novel Targets of the Ubiquitin Proteasome-Pathway and Regulators of Salt Stress and Abscisic Acid Response
Authors: Beathard Chase , Mooney Sutton , Al-Saharin Raed , Goyer Aymeric , Hellmann Hanjo
Published: August 2021

Rapid response to environmental changes and abiotic stress to coordinate developmental programs is critical for plants. To accomplish this, plants use the ubiquitin proteasome pathway as a flexible and efficient mechanism to control protein stability and to direct cellular reactions. Here, we show that all three members of the R2R3 S23 MYB transcription factor subfamily, MYB1, MYB25, and MYB109, are degraded by the 26S proteasome, likely facilitated by a CUL3-based E3 ligase that uses MATH-BTB/POZ proteins as substrate adaptors. A detailed description of MYB1, MYB25, and MYB109 expression shows their nuclear localization and specific tissue specific expression patterns. It further demonstrates that elevated expression of MYB25 reduces sensitivities toward abscisic acid, osmotic and salt stress in Arabidopsis, while downregulation of all S23 members results in hypersensitivities. Transcriptional profiling in root and shoot of seedlings overexpressing MYB25 shows that the transcription factor widely affects cellular stress pathways related to biotic and abiotic stress control. Overall, the work extends our knowledge on proteins targeted by CUL3-based E3 ligases that use MATH-BTB/POZ proteins as substrate adaptors and provides first information on all members of the MYB S23 subfamily.
Competition, Nodule Occupancy, and Persistence of Inoculant Strains: Key Factors in the Rhizobium-Legume Symbioses
Authors: Mendoza-Suárez Marcela , Andersen Stig U. , Poole Philip S. , Sánchez-Cañizares Carmen
Published: August 2021

Biological nitrogen fixation by Rhizobium-legume symbioses represents an environmentally friendly and inexpensive alternative to the use of chemical nitrogen fertilizers in legume crops. Rhizobial inoculants, applied frequently as biofertilizers, play an important role in sustainable agriculture. However, inoculants often fail to compete for nodule occupancy against native rhizobia with inferior nitrogen-fixing abilities, resulting in low yields. Strains with excellent performance under controlled conditions are typically selected as inoculants, but the rates of nodule occupancy compared to native strains are rarely investigated. Lack of persistence in the field after agricultural cycles, usually due to the transfer of symbiotic genes from the inoculant strain to naturalized populations, also limits the suitability of commercial inoculants. When rhizobial inoculants are based on native strains with a high nitrogen fixation ability, they often have superior performance in the field due to their genetic adaptations to the local environment. Therefore, knowledge from laboratory studies assessing competition and understanding how diverse strains of rhizobia behave, together with assays done under field conditions, may allow us to exploit the effectiveness of native populations selected as elite strains and to breed specific host cultivar-rhizobial strain combinations. Here, we review current knowledge at the molecular level on competition for nodulation and the advances in molecular tools for assessing competitiveness. We then describe ongoing approaches for inoculant development based on native strains and emphasize future perspectives and applications using a multidisciplinary approach to ensure optimal performance of both symbiotic partners.
Transcriptome Profiling Reveals Differential Gene Expression of Secreted Proteases and Highly Specific Gene Repertoires Involved in Lactarius–Pinus Symbioses
Authors: Tang Nianwu , Lebreton Annie , Xu Wenjun , Dai Yucheng , Yu Fuqiang , Martin Francis M.
Published: August 2021

Ectomycorrhizal fungi establish a mutualistic symbiosis in roots of most woody plants. The molecular underpinning of ectomycorrhizal development was only explored in a few lineages. Here, we characterized the symbiotic transcriptomes of several milkcap species (Lactarius, Russulales) in association with different pine hosts. A time-course study of changes in gene expression during the development of L. deliciosus–Pinus taeda symbiosis identified 6 to 594 differentially expressed fungal genes at various developmental stages. Up- or down-regulated genes are involved in signaling pathways, nutrient transport, cell wall modifications, and plant defenses. A high number of genes coding for secreted proteases, especially sedolisins, were induced during root colonization. In contrast, only a few genes encoding mycorrhiza-induced small secreted proteins were identified. This feature was confirmed in several other Lactarius species in association with various pines. Further comparison among all these species revealed that each Lactarius species encodes a highly specific symbiotic gene repertoire, a feature possibly related to their host-specificity. This study provides insights on the genetic basis of symbiosis in an ectomycorrhizal order, the Russulales, which was not investigated so far.
Differentially Amplified Repetitive Sequences Among Aegilops tauschii Subspecies and Genotypes
Authors: Ebrahimzadegan Rahman , Orooji Fatemeh , Ma Pengtao , Mirzaghaderi Ghader
Published: August 2021

Genomic repetitive sequences commonly show species-specific sequence type, abundance, and distribution patterns, however, their intraspecific characteristics have been poorly described. We quantified the genomic repetitive sequences and performed single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis between 29Ae. tauschiigenotypes and subspecies using publicly available raw genomic Illumina sequence reads and used fluorescencein situhybridization (FISH) to experimentally analyze some repeats. The majority of the identified repetitive sequences had similar contents and proportions betweenanathera,meyeri, andstrangulatasubspecies. However, two Ty3/gypsy retrotransposons (CL62 and CL87) showed significantly higher abundances, and CL1, CL119, CL213, CL217 tandem repeats, and CL142 retrotransposon (Ty1/copia type) showed significantly lower abundances in subspeciesstrangulatacompared with the subspeciesanatheraandmeyeri. One tandem repeat and 45S ribosomal DNA (45S rDNA) abundances showed a high variation between genotypes but their abundances were not subspecies specific. Phylogenetic analysis using the repeat abundances of the aforementioned clusters placed thestrangulatasubsp. in a distinct clade but could not discriminateanatheraandmeyeri. A near complete differentiation ofanatheraandstrangulatasubspecies was observed using SNP analysis; however,var. meyerishowed higher genetic diversity. FISH using major tandem repeats couldn’t detect differences between subspecies, although (GAA)10signal patterns generated two different karyotype groups. Taken together, the different classes of repetitive DNA sequences have differentially accumulated betweenstrangulataand the other two subspecies ofAe. tauschiithat is generally in agreement with spike morphology, implying that factors affecting repeatome evolution are variable even among highly closely related lineages.
Greater Knowledge Enhances Complainant Credibility and Increases Jury Convictions for Child Sexual Assault
Authors: Goodman-Delahunty Jane , Martschuk Natalie , Lee Eunro , Cossins Annie
Published: August 2021

Child sexual assault (CSA) cases reliant on uncorroborated testimony yield low conviction rates. Past research demonstrated a strong relationship between verdict and juror CSA knowledge such as typical delays in reporting by victims, and perceived victim credibility. This trial simulation experiment examined the effectiveness of interventions by an expert witness or an educative judicial direction in reducing jurors' CSA misconceptions. Participants were 885 jurors in New South Wales, Australia. After viewing a professionally acted video trial, half the jurors rendered individual verdicts and half deliberated in groups of 8–12 before completing a post-trial questionnaire. Multilevel structural equation modeling exploring the relationship between CSA knowledge and verdict demonstrated that greater CSA knowledge after the interventions increased the odds ratio to convict by itself, and that the judicial direction predicted a higher level of post-trial CSA knowledge in jurors than other expert interventions. Moreover, greater CSA knowledge was associated with heightened credibility perceptions of the complainant and a corroborating witness. At the conclusion of the trial, the more jurors knew about CSA, the higher the perceived credibility of both the complainant and her grandmother, and the more likely jurors were to convict the accused.
Prevalence of Various Traumatic Events Including Sexual Trauma in a Clinical Sample of Patients With an Eating Disorder
Authors: Kjaersdam Telléus Gry , Lauritsen Marlene Briciet , Rodrigo-Domingo Maria
Published: August 2021

Objective: Eating disorder (ED) and trauma have often been associated, and there is evidence that early experiences of traumatic events are associated with subsequent ED. Research results point toward an increased prevalence of sexual trauma in individuals with ED, and it has been suggested that sexual trauma precedes and contributes to the development of ED. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of sexual trauma as well as other types of traumatic life events in a clinical sample of children, adolescents, and adults with ED.

Method: Patients (N = 329), median age 16.9 [Interquartile Range (IQR):4.5], diagnosed with various EDs in a specialized ED unit were included.

Results: The majority (67%) of patients with ED reported at least one traumatic life event at time of assessment such as bullying (32%), loss (24%), or accidents (11%). Nineteen per cent of the patients reported having been the victim of a sexual trauma or another sexual traumatic event distributed as follows in terms of severity: 13% had been the victim of a negative experience associated with sex; 57% reported having experienced sexual assault other than rape; and 30% had been the victim of severe forms of sexual assault. The median time between the sexual trauma and the ED diagnosis was 3.4 years (IQR: 6.6). The median time between the sexual trauma and the onset of ED symptoms was 0 years (IQR: 5). The study results imply that the sexual trauma could be experienced either prior to or after onset of ED symptoms.

Conclusions: Sixty-seven per cent of the patients with an ED reported traumatic life events at time of assessment, whereby 19% reporting negative sexual experiences or sexual abuse. However, sexual trauma does not necessarily play a causal role in the development of EDs.
Measuring Interoception: The CARdiac Elevation Detection Task
Authors: Ponzo Sonia , Morelli Davide , Suksasilp Chatrin , Cairo Massimo , Plans David
Published: August 2021

Interoception has increasingly been the focus of psychiatric research, due to its hypothesized role in mental health. Existing interoceptive tasks either suffer from important methodological limitations, impacting their validity, or are burdensome and require specialized equipment, which limits their usage in vulnerable populations. We report on the development of the CARdiac Elevation Detection (CARED) task. Participants’ heart rate is recorded by a wearable device connected to a mobile application. Notifications are sent to participants’ mobile throughout the day over a period of 4 weeks. Participants are asked to state whether their heart rate is higher than usual, rate their confidence and describe the activity they were involved in when the notification occurred. Data (N = 30) revealed that 1/3 of the sample was classified as interoceptive and that participants presented overall good insight into their interoceptive abilities. Given its ease of administration and accessibility, the CARED task has the potential to be a significant asset for psychiatric and developmental research.
Researching and Practicing Positive Psychology in Second/Foreign Language Learning and Teaching: The Past, Current Status and Future Directions
Authors: Wang Yongliang , Derakhshan Ali , Zhang Lawrence Jun
Published: August 2021

In addressing the recent special issue inFrontiers in Psychology, namely “Positive Psychology in Foreign and Second Language Education: Approaches and Applications,” calling language education researchers around the globe to study positive emotions, positive personality traits, and positive institutional tendencies and their implications for language education systems, stakeholders, and policy practices, the present conceptual review paper aims to acquaint language education researchers, practitioners, instructors, and learners with the main tenets of positive psychology and their application in second/foreign language (L2) education research. Accordingly, by drawing on the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions, we explain how individuals' positivity can result in their flourishment and development in any aspect of life, including L2 learning and teaching. Then, we introduce and conceptualize seven instances of positive psychology variables, namely academic engagement, emotion regulation, enjoyment, grit, loving pedagogy, resilience, and well-being and explain how these positive factors contribute to desirable L2 learning and teaching experiences. Subsequently, potential theoretical and pedagogical implications are drawn to enhance the quality and effectiveness of language education systems and their respective stakeholders. In the end, the limitations of the studies in this area are explicated, and suggestions for future research are provided to expand the extant literature on positive psychology in the domain of L2 education.
The Effect of Self-Disclosure on Loneliness in Adolescents During COVID-19: The Mediating Role of Peer Relationships
Authors: Chen Li , Cheng Rui , Hu Bo
Published: August 2021

Long-term home isolation has had a certain impact on adolescents' enthusiasm for interpersonal communication and desire for self-disclosure during COVID-19. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between adolescents' self-disclosure and loneliness during COVID-19, and to analyze the mediating role of peer relationship in it. We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 830 Chinese adolescents (males: 47.5%, Mage14.25 years; females: 52.05%, Mage 14.19 years; Age range 12-15). Participants completed a self-reported survey that included sociodemographic, Jourard Self-Disclosure Scale, UCLA, and Peer Relationship Scale. The results showed that in the period of COVID-19, adolescents' self-disclosure affects loneliness through peer relationship, that is, the level of self-disclosure can significantly predict loneliness through peer relationship, and peer relationship plays a complete mediating role.