bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome dynamics of high-risk resistant and hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae clones in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Hussain Arif , Mazumder Razib , Ahmed Abdullah , Saima Umme , Phelan Jody E. , Campino Susana , Ahmed Dilruba , Asadulghani Md , Clark Taane G. , Mondal Dinesh
Published: May 2023

Klebsiella pneumoniae is recognized as an urgent public health threat because of the emergence of difficult-to-treat (DTR) strains and hypervirulent clones, resulting in infections with high morbidity and mortality rates. Despite its prominence, little is known about the genomic epidemiology of K. pneumoniae in resource-limited settings like Bangladesh. We sequenced genomes of 32 K. pneumoniae strains isolated from patient samples at the International Center for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b). Genome sequences were examined for their diversity, population structure, resistome, virulome, MLST, O and K antigens and plasmids. Our results revealed the presence of two K. pneumoniae phylogroups, namely KpI (K. pneumoniae) (97%) and KpII (K. quasipneumoniae) (3%). The genomic characterization revealed that 25% (8/32) of isolates were associated with high-risk multidrug-resistant clones, including ST11, ST14, ST15, ST307, ST231 and ST147. The virulome analysis confirmed the presence of six (19%) hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (hvKp) and 26 (81%) classical K. pneumoniae (cKp) strains. The most common ESBL gene identified was blaCTX-M-15 (50%). Around 9% (3/32) isolates exhibited a difficult-to-treat phenotype, harboring carbapenem resistance genes (2 strains harbored blaNDM-5 plus blaOXA-232, one isolate blaOXA-181). The most prevalent O antigen was O1 (56%). The capsular polysaccharides K2, K20, K16 and K62 were enriched in the K. pneumoniae population. This study suggests the circulation of the major international high-risk multidrug-resistant and hypervirulent (hvKp) K. pneumoniae clones in Dhaka, Bangladesh. These findings warrant immediate appropriate interventions, which would otherwise lead to a high burden of untreatable life-threatening infections locally.
Antimicrobial efficacy of composite irrigation solution against dominant pathogens in seawater immersion wound and in vivo wound healing assessment
Authors: Wang Xin , Tan Jie , Ni Shenpeng , Zhou Dengyun , Liu Baolin , Fu Qiang
Published: May 2023

Seawater immersion wound is inevitably accompanied by bacterial infection. Effective irrigation is critical for bacterial infection prevention and wound healing. In this study, the antimicrobial efficacy of a designed composite irrigation solution against several dominant pathogens in seawater immersion wounds was evaluated, and in vivo wound healing assessment was conducted in a rat model. According to the time–kill result, the composite irrigation solution exhibits excellent and rapid bactericidal effect against Vibrio alginolyticus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus within 30 s of treatment while eliminating Candida albicans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and the mixed microbes after 1 h, 2 h, 6 h, and 12 h of treatment, respectively. Significant bacterial count reduction of Staphylococcus aureus was observed after 5 h treatment. In addition to its skin non-irritating attribute, the in vivo wound healing results further demonstrated that the irrigation solution showed high repair efficiency in the skin defect model inoculated with the mixed microbes. The wound healing rate was significantly higher than that of the control and normal saline groups. It could also effectively reduce the number of viable bacteria on the wound surface. The histological staining indicated that the irrigation solution could reduce inflammatory cells and promote collagen fibers and angiogenesis, thereby promoting wound healing. We believed that the designed composite irrigation solution has great potential for application in the treatment of seawater immersion wounds.
Effects of different botanical oil meal mixed with cow manure organic fertilizers on soil microbial community and function and tobacco yield and quality
Authors: Chen Yuxuan , Lv Xiaolin , Qin Yanmin , Zhang Deping , Zhang Chaoqun , Song Zhanfeng , Liu Dongyang , Jiang Lianqiang , Huang Bin , Wang Jie
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The continuous application of cow manure in soil for many years leads to the accumulation of heavy metals, pathogenic microorganisms, and antibiotic resistance genes. Therefore, in recent years, cow manure has often been mixed with botanical oil meal as organic fertilizer applied to farmland to improve soil and crop quality. However, the effects of various botanical oil meal and cow manure mixed organic fertilizers on soil microbial composition, community structure, and function, tobacco yield, and quality remain unclear.

Methods

Therefore, we prepared organic manure via solid fermentation by mixing cow manure with different oil meals (soybean meal, rape meal, peanut bran, sesame meal). Then, we studied its effects on soil microbial community structure and function, physicochemical properties, enzyme activities, tobacco yield and quality; then we analyzed the correlations between these factors.

Results and discussion

Compared with cow manure alone, the four kinds of mixed botanical oil meal and cow manure improved the yield and quality of flue-cured tobacco to different degrees. Peanut bran, which significantly improved the soil available phosphorus, available potassium, and NO3–-N, was the best addition. Compared with cow manure alone, soil fungal diversity was significantly decreased when rape meal or peanut bran was combined with cow manure, while soil bacterial and fungal abundance was significantly increased when rape meal was added compared with soybean meal or peanut bran. The addition of different botanical oil meals significantly enriched the subgroup_7 and Spingomonas bacteria and Chaetomium and Penicillium fungi in the soil. The relative abundances of functional genes of xenobiotics biodegradation and metabolism, soil endophytic fungi, and wood saprotroph functional groups increased. In addition, alkaline phosphatase had the greatest effect on soil microorganisms, while NO3–-N had the least effect on soil microorganisms. In conclusion, the mixed application of cow manure and botanical oil meal increased the available phosphorus and potassium contents in soil; enriched beneficial microorganisms; promoted the metabolic function of soil microorganisms; increased the yield and quality of tobacco; and improved the soil microecology.
Soil chemistry, metabarcoding, and metabolome analyses reveal that a sugarcane—Dictyophora indusiata intercropping system can enhance soil health by reducing soil nitrogen loss
Authors: Duan Mingzheng , Li Yijie , Zhu Guanghu , Wu Xiaojian , Huang Hairong , Qin Jie , Long Shengfeng , Li Xiang , Feng Bin , Qin Sunqian , Liu Qi-Huai , Li Changning , Wang Lingqiang , Li Qing , He Tieguang , Wang Zeping
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Greater amounts of fertilizer are applied every year to meet the growing demand for food. Sugarcane is one of the important food sources for human beings.

Methods

Here, we evaluated the effects of a sugarcane—Dictyophora indusiata (DI) intercropping system on soil health by conducting an experiment with three different treatments: (1) bagasse application (BAS process), (2) bagasse + DI (DIS process), and (3) the control (CK). We then analyzed soil chemistry, the diversity of soil bacteria and fungi, and the composition of metabolites to clarify the mechanism underlying the effects of this intercropping system on soil properties.

Results and discussion

Soil chemistry analyses revealed that the content of several soil nutrients such as nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) was higher in the BAS process than in the CK. In the DIS process, a large amount of soil P was consumed by DI. At the same time, the urease activity was inhibited, thus slowing down the loss of soil in the DI process, while the activity of other enzymes such as β-glucosidase and laccase was increased. It was also noticed that the content of lanthanum and calcium was higher in the BAS process than in the other treatments, and DI did not significantly alter the concentrations of these soil metal ions. Bacterial diversity was higher in the BAS process than in the other treatments, and fungal diversity was lower in the DIS process than in the other treatments. The soil metabolome analysis revealed that the abundance of carbohydrate metabolites was significantly lower in the BAS process than in the CK and the DIS process. The abundance of D(+)-talose was correlated with the content of soil nutrients. Path analysis revealed that the content of soil nutrients in the DIS process was mainly affected by fungi, bacteria, the soil metabolome, and soil enzyme activity. Our findings indicate that the sugarcane–DIS intercropping system can enhance soil health.
The balance between fitness advantages and costs drives adaptation of bacteriophage Qβ to changes in host density at different temperatures
Authors: Laguna-Castro Mara , Rodríguez-Moreno Alicia , Llorente Elena , Lázaro Ester
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Host density is one of the main factors affecting the infective capacity of viruses. When host density is low, it is more difficult for the virus to find a susceptible cell, which increases its probability of being damaged by the physicochemical agents of the environment. Nevertheless, viruses can adapt to variations in host density through different strategies that depend on the particular characteristics of the life cycle of each virus. In a previous work, using the bacteriophage Qβ as an experimental model, we found that when bacterial density was lower than optimal the virus increased its capacity to penetrate into the bacteria through a mutation in the minor capsid protein (A1) that is not described to interact with the cell receptor.

Results

Here we show that the adaptive pathway followed by Qβ in the face of similar variations in host density depends on environmental temperature. When the value for this parameter is lower than optimal (30°C), the mutation selected is the same as at the optimal temperature (37°C). However, when temperature increases to 43°C, the mutation selected is located in a different protein (A2), which is involved both in the interaction with the cell receptor and in the process of viral progeny release. The new mutation increases the entry of the phage into the bacteria at the three temperatures assayed. However, it also considerably increases the latent period at 30 and 37°C, which is probably the reason why it is not selected at these temperatures.

Conclusion

The conclusion is that the adaptive strategies followed by bacteriophage Qβ, and probably other viruses, in the face of variations in host density depend not only on their advantages at this selective pressure, but also on the fitness costs that particular mutations may present in function of the rest of environmental parameters that influence viral replication and stability.
Translocation of outer membrane vesicles from enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157 across the intestinal epithelial barrier
Authors: Krsek Daniel , Yara Daniel Alejandro , Hrbáčková Hana , Daniel Ondřej , Mančíková Andrea , Schüller Stephanie , Bielaszewska Martina
Published: May 2023

Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) carrying virulence factors of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) are assumed to play a role in the pathogenesis of life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). However, it is unknown if and how OMVs, which are produced in the intestinal lumen, cross the intestinal epithelial barrier (IEB) to reach the renal glomerular endothelium, the major target in HUS. We investigated the ability of EHEC O157 OMVs to translocate across the IEB using a model of polarized Caco-2 cells grown on Transwell inserts and characterized important aspects of this process. Using unlabeled or fluorescently labeled OMVs, tests of the intestinal barrier integrity, inhibitors of endocytosis, cell viability assay, and microscopic techniques, we demonstrated that EHEC O157 OMVs translocated across the IEB. OMV translocation involved both paracellular and transcellular pathways and was significantly increased under simulated inflammatory conditions. In addition, translocation was not dependent on OMV-associated virulence factors and did not affect viability of intestinal epithelial cells. Importantly, translocation of EHEC O157 OMVs was confirmed in human colonoids thereby supporting physiological relevance of OMVs in the pathogenesis of HUS.
Insight into the phylogeny and metabolic divergence of Monascus species (M. pilosus, M. ruber, and M. purpureus) at the genome level
Authors: Zhang Zhiyu , Cui Mengfei , Chen Panting , Li Juxing , Mao Zhitao , Mao Yufeng , Li Zhenjing , Guo Qingbin , Wang Changlu , Liao Xiaoping , Liu Huanhuan
Published: May 2023

Background

Species of the genus Monascus are economically important and widely used in the production of food colorants and monacolin K. However, they have also been known to produce the mycotoxin citrinin. Currently, taxonomic knowledge of this species at the genome level is insufficient.

Methods

This study presents genomic similarity analyses through the analysis of the average nucleic acid identity of the genomic sequence and the whole genome alignment. Subsequently, the study constructed a pangenome of Monascus by reannotating all the genomes and identifying a total of 9,539 orthologous gene families. Two phylogenetic trees were constructed based on 4,589 single copy orthologous protein sequences and all the 5,565 orthologous proteins, respectively. In addition, carbohydrate active enzymes, secretome, allergic proteins, as well as secondary metabolite gene clusters were compared among the included 15 Monascus strains.

Results

The results clearly revealed a high homology between M. pilosus and M. ruber, and their distant relationship with M. purpureus. Accordingly, all the included 15 Monascus strains should be classified into two distinctly evolutionary clades, namely the M. purpureus clade and the M. pilosus-M. ruber clade. Moreover, gene ontology enrichment showed that the M. pilosus-M. ruber clade had more orthologous genes involved with environmental adaptation than the M. purpureus clade. Compared to Aspergillus oryzae, all the Monascus species had a substantial gene loss of carbohydrate active enzymes. Potential allergenic and fungal virulence factor proteins were also found in the secretome of Monascus. Furthermore, this study identified the pigment synthesis gene clusters present in all included genomes, but with multiple nonessential genes inserted in the gene cluster of M. pilosus and M. ruber compared to M. purpureus. The citrinin gene cluster was found to be intact and highly conserved only among M. purpureus genomes. The monacolin K gene cluster was found only in the genomes of M. pilosus and M. ruber, but the sequence was more conserved in M. ruber.

Conclusion

This study provides a paradigm for phylogenetic analysis of the genus Monascus, and it is believed that this report will lead to a better understanding of these food microorganisms in terms of classification, metabolic differentiation, and safety.
Contralaterally EMG-triggered functional electrical stimulation during serious gaming for upper limb stroke rehabilitation: a feasibility study
Authors: Höhler Chiara , Wild Laura , de Crignis Alexandra , Jahn Klaus , Krewer Carmen
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Virtual Reality/serious games (SG) and functional electrical stimulation (FES) therapies are used in upper limb stroke rehabilitation. A combination of both approaches seems to be beneficial for therapy success. The feasibility of a combination of SG and contralaterally EMG-triggered FES (SG+FES) was investigated as well as the characteristics of responders to such a therapy.

Materials and methods

In a randomized crossover trial, patients performed two gaming conditions: SG alone and SG+FES. Feasibility of the therapy system was assessed using the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI), the Nasa Task Load Index, and the System Usability Scale (SUS). Gaming parameters, fatigue level and a technical documentation was implemented for further information.

Results

In total, 18 patients after stroke (62.1 ± 14.1 years) with a unilateral paresis of the upper limb (MRC ≤4) were analyzed in this study. Both conditions were perceived as feasible. Comparing the IMI scores between conditions, perceived competence was significantly increased (z = −2.88, p = 0.004) and pressure/tension during training (z = −2.13, p = 0.034) was decreased during SG+FES. Furthermore, the task load was rated significantly lower for the SG+FES condition (z = −3.14, p = 0.002), especially the physical demand (z = −3.08, p = 0.002), while the performance was rated better (z = −2.59, p = 0.010). Responses to the SUS and the perceived level of fatigue did not differ between conditions (SUS: z = −0.79, p = 0.431; fatigue: z = 1.57, p = 0.115). For patients with mild to moderate impairments (MRC 3–4) the combined therapy provided no or little gaming benefit. The additional use of contralaterally controlled FES (ccFES), however, enabled severely impaired patients (MRC 0–1) to play the SG.

Discussion

The combination of SG with ccFES is feasible and well-accepted among patients after stroke. It seems that the additional use of ccFES may be more beneficial for severely impaired patients as it enables the execution of the serious game. These findings provide valuable implications for the development of rehabilitation systems by combining different therapeutic interventions to increase patients' benefit and proposes system modifications for home use.

Clinical trial registration

https://drks.de/search/en, DRKS00025761.
Modulation of the NO-cGMP pathway has no effect on olfactory responses in the Drosophila antenna
Authors: Prelic Sinisa , Getahun Merid N. , Kaltofen Sabine , Hansson Bill S. , Wicher Dieter
Published: May 2023

Olfaction is a crucial sensory modality in insects and is underpinned by odor-sensitive sensory neurons expressing odorant receptors that function in the dendrites as odorant-gated ion channels. Along with expression, trafficking, and receptor complexing, the regulation of odorant receptor function is paramount to ensure the extraordinary sensory abilities of insects. However, the full extent of regulation of sensory neuron activity remains to be elucidated. For instance, our understanding of the intracellular effectors that mediate signaling pathways within antennal cells is incomplete within the context of olfaction in vivo. Here, with the use of optical and electrophysiological techniques in live antennal tissue, we investigate whether nitric oxide signaling occurs in the sensory periphery of Drosophila. To answer this, we first query antennal transcriptomic datasets to demonstrate the presence of nitric oxide signaling machinery in antennal tissue. Next, by applying various modulators of the NO-cGMP pathway in open antennal preparations, we show that olfactory responses are unaffected by a wide panel of NO-cGMP pathway inhibitors and activators over short and long timescales. We further examine the action of cAMP and cGMP, cyclic nucleotides previously linked to olfactory processes as intracellular potentiators of receptor functioning, and find that both long-term and short-term applications or microinjections of cGMP have no effect on olfactory responses in vivo as measured by calcium imaging and single sensillum recording. The absence of the effect of cGMP is shown in contrast to cAMP, which elicits increased responses when perfused shortly before olfactory responses in OSNs. Taken together, the apparent absence of nitric oxide signaling in olfactory neurons indicates that this gaseous messenger may play no role as a regulator of olfactory transduction in insects, though may play other physiological roles at the sensory periphery of the antenna.
Physical therapy for sleep apnea: a smartphone application for home-based physical therapy for patients with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Bui-Diem Khue , Hung Ching-Hsia , Zhu Guan-Cheng , Tho Nguyen Van , Nguyen-Binh Thu , Vu-Tran-Thien Quan , To-Truong Duy , Ngo-Thanh Hoan , Duong-Quy Sy
Published: May 2023

Purpose

In this study, we described “PT for Sleep Apnea”, a smartphone application for home-based physical therapy of patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

Methods

The application was created in a joint program between the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City (UMP), Vietnam, and National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), Taiwan. Exercises maneuvers were derived from the exercise program previously published by the partner group at National Cheng Kung University. They included exercises for upper airway and respiratory muscle training and general endurance training.

Results

The application provides video and in-text tutorials for users to follow at home and a schedule function to assist the user in organizing the training program, which may improve the efficacy of home-based physical therapy in patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Conclusion

In the future, our group plans to conduct a user study and randomized-controlled trials to investigate whether our application can benefit patients with OSA.
Endocannabinoid system components as potential neuroimmune therapeutic targets in tinnitus
Authors: Bhat Vishweshwara , Onaivi Emmanuel Shan , Sharma Venkatanarayanan
Published: May 2023

Research interest in understanding tinnitus has increased severalfold in the last decade to find a cure for this auditory disorder. Hyperacusis can also accompany tinnitus, although the mechanisms involved in hyperacusis and tinnitus are different. Millions of people suffer from some degree of tinnitus with hearing loss. Tinnitus is believed to be a form of sensory epilepsy, spawning neuronal hyperactivity from the cochlear nucleus and inferior colliculus of the auditory brainstem region. Cannabis has been used for recreation, medicinal purposes, and served as an entheogen from time immemorial. With the current and increasing global medical and recreational cannabis legalization, there is renewed enthusiasm for the use of cannabinoid drugs, and the role of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in several health disorders including tinnitus which is associated with COVID-19. The ECS signaling pathways have been proposed to affect the underlying pathophysiology of tinnitus. Cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) have been found in the auditory system, raising interest in ECS signaling in hearing and tinnitus. However, previous studies mostly in animal models of tinnitus did not investigate the involvement of CB2Rs but focused on CB1R-based responses, which suggested that CB1R ligands had no effect and may even be harmful and worsen tinnitus. With new molecular techniques and transgenic approaches used to dissect the complexity of the ECS, the role of ECS/CB2R neuroimmunological function in the auditory system and tinnitus is emerging. This perspective proposes the role of emerging neuroimmune crosstalk of the ECS in sound-sensing structures of the auditory system as a potential pharmacogenomic therapeutic target using cannabinoid CB2R ligands in tinnitus in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Autosomal recessive variants c.953A>C and c.97-1G>C in NSUN2 causing intellectual disability: a molecular dynamics simulation study of loss-of-function mechanisms
Authors: Muhammad Nazif , Hussain Syeda Iqra , Rehman Zia Ur , Khan Sher Alam , Jan Samin , Khan Niamatullah , Muzammal Muhammad , Abbasi Sumra Wajid , Kakar Naseebullah , Rehman Zia Ur , Khan Muzammil Ahmad , Mirza Muhammad Usman , Muhammad Noor , Khan Saadullah , Wasif Naveed
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Intellectual disability (ID) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorder. It drastically affects the learning capabilities of patients and eventually reduces their IQ level below 70.

Methods

The current genetic study ascertained two consanguineous Pakistani families suffering from autosomal recessive intellectual developmental disorder-5 (MRT5). We have used exome sequencing followed by Sanger sequencing to identify the disease-causing variants.

Results and discussion

Genetic analysis using whole exome sequencing in these families identified two novel mutations in the NSUN2 (NM_017755.5). Family-A segregated a novel missense variant c.953A>C; p.Tyr318Ser in exon-9 of the NSUN2. The variant substituted an amino acid Tyr318, highly conserved among different animal species and located in the functional domain of NSUN2 known as “SAM-dependent methyltransferase RsmB/NOP2-type”. Whereas in family B, we identified a novel splice site variant c.97-1G>C that affects the splice acceptor site of NSUN2. The identified splice variant (c.97-1G>C) was predicted to result in the skipping of exon-2, which would lead to a frameshift followed by a premature stop codon (p. His86Profs*16). Furthermore, it could result in the termination of translation and synthesis of dysfunctional protein, most likely leading to nonsense-mediated decay. The dynamic consequences of NSUN2 missense variant was further explored together with wildtype through molecular dynamic simulations, which uncovered the disruption of NSUN2 function due to a gain in structural flexibility. The present molecular genetic study further extends the mutational spectrum of NSUN2 to be involved in ID and its genetic heterogeneity in the Pakistani population.
Dynamic monitoring of service members to quantify blast exposure levels during combat training using BlackBox Biometrics Blast Gauges: explosive breaching, shoulder-fired weapons, artillery, mortars, and 0.50 caliber guns
Authors: Wiri Suthee , Massow Todd , Reid James , Whitty Joshua , Dunbar Cyrus , Graves Wallace , Gonzales Andrea , Ortley David , Longwell Jasmyne , Needham Charles E. , Ziegle Alex , Phan Virginia , Leonessa Fabio , Duckworth Josh L.
Published: May 2023

CONQUER is a pilot blast monitoring program that monitors, quantifies, and reports to military units the training-related blast overpressure exposure of their service members. Overpressure exposure data are collected using the BlackBox Biometrics (B3) Blast Gauge System (BGS, generation 7) sensors mounted on the body during training. To date, the CONQUER program has recorded 450,000 gauge triggers on monitored service members. The subset of data presented here has been collected from 202 service members undergoing training with explosive breaching charges, shoulder-fired weapons, artillery, mortars, and 0.50 caliber guns. Over 12,000 waveforms were recorded by the sensors worn by these subjects. A maximum peak overpressure of 90.3 kPa (13.1 psi) was recorded during shoulder-fired weapon training. The largest overpressure impulse (a measure of blast energy) was 82.0 kPa-ms (11.9 psi-ms) and it was recorded during explosive breaching with a large wall charge. Operators of 0.50 caliber machine guns have the lowest peak overpressure impulse (as low as 0.62 kPa-ms or 0.09 psi-ms) of the blast sources considered. The data provides information on the accumulation of blast overpressure on service members over an extended period of time. The cumulative peak overpressure, peak overpressure impulse, or timing between exposures is all available in the exposure data.
A sporadic pediatric case of a spinal dumbbell-shaped epithelioid malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor with a novel germline mutation in SMARCB1: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Qi Maoyang , Jiang Nan , Duan Wanru , Chen Zan
Published: May 2023

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are commonly associated with poor prognosis and are primarily caused by germline mutations in the SMARCB1/INI-1 gene. However, these tumors are rarely found in the spine. This case report presents the case of a 3-year-old boy diagnosed with a lumbosacral dumbbell-shaped epithelioid MPNST, an extremely uncommon manifestation. Immunohistochemistry revealed the complete absence of the SMARCB1/INI-1 protein, and genetic testing identified a novel germline mutation in the SMARCB1/INI-1 gene in both the patient and his father, suggesting a “second-hit loss.” One year of follow-up after the tumor's radical resection revealed no suspected metastasis. This case report offers novel genetic research results regarding spinal dumbbell-shaped MPNSTs. Six studies, including 13 cases associated with spinal dumbbell MPNST, were included in the literature. The range of age of these patients varied from 2 to 71 years. Of the 12 known patients diagnosed with spinal dumbbell MPNST, only one received radiation therapy, while the rest underwent surgery. Two patients who underwent partial resection had metastases after surgery, while one of the five patients who underwent complete surgical resection alone had no distant metastases and a good prognosis, indicating that radical resection is more likely to be effective in inhibiting distant metastasis and improving the prognosis.
Can we trust computers to assess the cognition of stroke patients? A systematic review
Authors: Zhang Qi , Wei Jia-Hang , Fu Xue , Liu Xin , Li Xin-Yi , Liu Wei , Liu Zhong-Liang , Duan Xiao-Qin , Zheng Bin
Published: May 2023

Purpose

To summarize the classification of computerized cognitive assessment (CCA) tools for assessing stroke patients, to clarify their benefits and limitations, and to reveal strategies for future studies on CCA tools.

Methods

A literature review was performed using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, JAMA Network, Cochrane Library and PsycINFO databases from January 1st, 2010, to August 1st, 2022. Two authors independently screened the literature following the same criteria, evaluated the study quality, and collected data from the articles.

Results

A total of 8,697 papers were acquired from the six databases. A total of 74 potentially eligible articles were selected for review. Of these, 29 articles were not relevant to this research, 3 were reviews, 2 were not written in English, and 1 was on an ongoing trial. By screening the references of the reviews, 3 additional articles were included in this study. Thus, a total of 42 articles met the criteria for the review. In terms of the CCA tools analyzed in these studies, they included five types: virtual reality (VR)-based, robot-based, telephone-based, smartphone-based, and computer-based cognitive assessments. Patients' stages of the disease ranged from the subacute phase and rehabilitation phase to the community phase. A total of 27 studies supported the effectiveness of CCA tools, while 22 out of 42 articles mentioned their benefits and 32 revealed areas for future improvement of CCA tools.

Conclusions

Although the use of CCA tools for assessing the cognition of post-stroke patients is becoming popular, there are still some limitations and challenges of using such tools in stroke survivors. More evidence is thus needed to verify the value and specific role of these tools in assessing the cognitive impairment of stroke patients.
An experimental paradigm for studying EEG correlates of olfactory discrimination
Authors: Ninenko Ivan , Kleeva Daria F. , Bukreev Nikita , Lebedev Mikhail A.
Published: May 2023

Electroencephalography (EEG) correlates of olfaction are of fundamental and practical interest for many reasons. In the field of neural technologies, olfactory-based brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) represent an approach that could be useful for neurorehabilitation of anosmia, dysosmia and hyposmia. While the idea of a BCI that decodes neural responses to different odors and/or enables odor-based neurofeedback is appealing, the results of previous EEG investigations into the olfactory domain are rather inconsistent, particularly when non-primary processing of olfactory signals is concerned. Here we developed an experimental paradigm where EEG recordings are conducted while a participant executes an olfaction-based instructed-delay task. We utilized an olfactory display and a sensor of respiration to deliver odors in a strictly controlled fashion. We showed that with this approach spatial and spectral EEG properties could be analyzed to assess neural processing of olfactory stimuli and their conversion into a motor response. We conclude that EEG recordings are suitable for detecting active processing of odors. As such they could be integrated in a BCI that strives to rehabilitate olfactory disabilities or uses odors for hedonistic purposes.
The role of brain-localized gamma and alpha oscillations in inattentional deafness: implications for understanding human attention
Authors: Callan Daniel E. , Fukada Takashi , Dehais Frédéric , Ishii Shin
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The processes involved in how the attention system selectively focuses on perceptual and motor aspects related to a specific task, while suppressing features of other tasks and/or objects in the environment, are of considerable interest for cognitive neuroscience. The goal of this experiment was to investigate neural processes involved in selective attention and performance under multi-task situations. Several studies have suggested that attention-related gamma-band activity facilitates processing in task-specific modalities, while alpha-band activity inhibits processing in non-task-related modalities. However, investigations into the phenomenon of inattentional deafness/blindness (inability to observe stimuli in non-dominant task when primary task is demanding) have yet to observe gamma-band activity.

Methods

This EEG experiment utilizes an engaging whole-body perceptual motor task while carrying out a secondary auditory detection task to investigate neural correlates of inattentional deafness in natural immersive high workload conditions. Differences between hits and misses on the auditory detection task in the gamma (30–50 Hz) and alpha frequency (8–12 Hz) range were carried out at the cortical source level using LORETA.

Results

Participant auditory task performance correlated with an increase in gamma-band activity for hits over misses pre- and post-stimulus in left auditory processing regions. Alpha-band activity was greater for misses relative to hits in right auditory processing regions pre- and post-stimulus onset. These results are consistent with the facilitatory/inhibitory role of gamma/alpha-band activity for neural processing. Additional gamma- and alpha-band activity was found in frontal and parietal brain regions which are thought to reflect various attentional monitoring, selection, and switching processes.

Discussion

The results of this study help to elucidate the role of gamma and alpha frequency bands in frontal and modality-specific regions involved with selective attention in multi-task immersive situations.
The pursuit of approaches to federate data to accelerate Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia research: GAAIN, DPUK, and ADDI
Authors: Toga Arthur W. , Phatak Mukta , Pappas Ioannis , Thompson Simon , McHugh Caitlin P. , Clement Matthew H. S. , Bauermeister Sarah , Maruyama Tetsuyuki , Gallacher John
Published: May 2023

There is common consensus that data sharing accelerates science. Data sharing enhances the utility of data and promotes the creation and competition of scientific ideas. Within the Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) community, data types and modalities are spread across many organizations, geographies, and governance structures. The ADRD community is not alone in facing these challenges, however, the problem is even more difficult because of the need to share complex biomarker data from centers around the world. Heavy-handed data sharing mandates have, to date, been met with limited success and often outright resistance. Interest in making data Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) has often resulted in centralized platforms. However, when data governance and sovereignty structures do not allow the movement of data, other methods, such as federation, must be pursued. Implementation of fully federated data approaches are not without their challenges. The user experience may become more complicated, and federated analysis of unstructured data types remains challenging. Advancement in federated data sharing should be accompanied by improvement in federated learning methodologies so that federated data sharing becomes functionally equivalent to direct access to record level data. In this article, we discuss federated data sharing approaches implemented by three data platforms in the ADRD field: Dementia’s Platform UK (DPUK) in 2014, the Global Alzheimer’s Association Interactive Network (GAAIN) in 2012, and the Alzheimer’s Disease Data Initiative (ADDI) in 2020. We conclude by addressing open questions that the research community needs to solve together.
The association between recreational physical activity and depression in the short sleep population: a cross-sectional study
Authors: You Yanwei , Wei Mengxian , Chen Yuquan , Fu Yingyao , Ablitip Alimjan , Liu Jianxiu , Ma Xindong
Published: May 2023

Background

Short sleep is more common in the modern society. Recreational physical activity (RPA) like exercise brings both mental and physiological benefits to depression; paradoxically, lack of sleep is harmful. Evidence on the association between RPA and depression in the short sleep population is limited.

Methods

Participants with short sleep condition from the National health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES 2007–2018) were included in the present study. Short sleep condition was defined as ≤ 7 h per night. Sleep duration and RPA status were self-reported in NHANES by the Physical Activity Questionnaire using a 7-day recall method. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to evaluate the association between RPA and depression. Additionally, the non-linear relationship between RPA and depression was evaluated using the threshold effect analysis and restricted cubic spline.

Results

This cross-sectional study comprised 6,846 adults' data, and the weighted participants were 52,501,159. The weighted prevalence of depression was higher in females, which took up 65.85% of all depression patients. In fully adjusted models, sufficient volume of RPA was associated with lower depression risks, with OR (95% CI) =0.678 (0.520, 0.883). Further analysis revealed a U-shaped association between RPA and incident depression, and the inflection point was 640 MET-minutes/week. When RPA <640 MET-minutes/week, increased RPA was associated with lower risk of incident depression, with OR (95% CI) = 0.891 (0.834, 0.953). When RPA ≥ 640 MET-minutes/week, the benefits of RPA seemed to be not significant, with OR (95% CI) = 0.999 (0.990, 1.009).

Conclusion

Our findings observed associations between RPA condition and incident depression in the short sleep population. Moderate RPA was beneficial to maintain mental health and associated with lower incidence of depression for short sleepers, but excessive RPA might increase the risk of depression. For general short sleepers, keeping the RPA volume approximately 640 MET-minutes/week was beneficial to lower risks of depression. Gender difference should be considered as an important factor for further studies to examine these relationships and explore mechanisms.
Association and mediating mechanism between remnant cholesterol and first-ever stroke among the Chinese general population
Authors: Li Heng , Miao Shuai , Chen Lu , Liu Bin , Li Yan-Bin , Duan Rui-Sheng
Published: May 2023

Background

Remnant cholesterol (RC) has been suggested to be implicated in atherosclerosis. The objective of the study was to evaluate the association between RC and first-ever stroke in the Chinese general population and to investigate whether the association is mediated via hypertension or diabetes.

Methods

This study is a retrospective cohort analysis of participants from the China Health and Nutrition Survey. Participants without previous stroke and myocardial infarction in 2009 were enrolled and followed up in 2011 and 2015. Logistic regression analyses were adopted to explore the association of RC with stroke risk. Propensity score methods and doubly robust estimation method were used to ensure the robustness of our findings. Potential mediators were identified by mediation analyses.

Results

A total of 7,035 participants were involved, and during 6 years of follow-up, 78 (1.1%) participants experienced a first-ever stroke. Participants with high RC had a significantly higher incidence of stroke (1.4% versus 0.8%; p = 0.007). High RC was associated with 74% higher stroke risk after adjusting for multiple relevant variables (odds ratio [OR], 1.74; 95% CI, 1.06–2.85). The association was consistent in analyses using propensity score methods and doubly robust estimation method. Hypertension showed a significant mediating effect on the association between RC and stroke, while the mediating effect of diabetes was not significant.

Conclusion

High RC increased the risk of first-ever stroke in the Chinese general population without previous stroke and myocardial infarction, partially through the pathway of hypertension. RC might be a potential target for the primary prevention of stroke.
Monophasic-quadri-burst stimulation robustly activates bilateral swallowing motor cortices
Authors: Fujiki Minoru , Hata Nobuhiro , Anan Mitsuhiro , Matsushita Wataru , Kawasaki Yukari , Fudaba Hirotaka
Published: May 2023

A stable, reliable, non-invasive, quantitative assessment of swallowing function remains to be established. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is commonly used to aid in the diagnosis of dysphagia. Most diagnostic applications involve single-pulse TMS and motor evoked potential (MEP) recordings, the use of which is not clinically suitable in patients with severe dysphagia given the large variability in MEPs measured from the muscles involved in swallowing. Previously, we developed a TMS device that can deliver quadripulse theta-burst stimulation in 16 monophasic magnetic pulses through a single coil, enabling the measurement of MEPs related to hand function. We applied a system for MEP conditioning that relies on a 5 ms interval-monophasic quadripulse magnetic stimulation (QPS5) paradigm to produce 5 ms interval-four sets of four burst trains; quadri-burst stimulation (QBS5), which is expected to induce long-term potentiation (LTP) in the stroke patient motor cortex. Our analysis indicated that QBS5 conditioned left motor cortex induced robust facilitation in the bilateral mylohyoid MEPs. Swallowing dysfunction scores after intracerebral hemorrhage were significantly correlated with QBS5 conditioned-MEP parameters, including resting motor threshold and amplitude. The degree of bilateral mylohyoid MEP facilitation after left side motor cortical QBS5 conditioning and the grade of severity of swallowing dysfunction exhibited a significant linear correlation (r = −0.48/−0.46 and 0.83/0.83; R2 = 0.23/0.21 and 0.68/0.68, P < 0.001; Rt./Lt. side MEP-RMT and amplitudes, respectively). The present results indicate that RMT and amplitude of bilateral mylohyoid-MEPs after left motor cortical QBS5 conditioning as surrogate quantitative biomarkers for swallowing dysfunction after ICH. Thus, the safety and limitations of QBS5 conditioned-MEPs in this population should be further explored.
Characteristics of large vestibular aqueduct syndrome in wideband acoustic immittance
Authors: Li Ao , Du Haoliang , Gao Junyan , Xu Yuqin , Zhao Ning , Gao Song , Xing Yuxuan , Qian Xiaoyun , Gao Xia , Yang Ye
Published: May 2023

Objective

To describe the characteristics of large vestibular aqueduct syndrome (LVAS) in wideband acoustic immittance (WAI) and to explore whether inner ear deformity has an impact on WAI results.

Methods

Subjects with typical LVAS (LVAS group) and control subjects with a normal anatomical structure of the inner ear (control group) were screened from pediatric patients with cochlear implants using thin-slice computed tomography (CT) images of the temporal bone. With inflammation of the auditory canal and middle ear excluded by routine ear examination and 226 Hz acoustic immittance, WAI data were acquired. Then, the maximum absorbance as the major observation indicator on the mean tympanogram was compared between the LVAS group and control group, and a descriptive comparison of the mean tympanogram and frequency-absorbance curve at peak pressure was performed between the two groups.

Results

The LVAS group included 21 cases (38 ears), and the control group included 27 cases (45 ears). All LVAS subjects met the Valvassori criteria, and the VA at the horizontal semicircular canal displayed flared expansion. On the mean tympanogram, the maximum absorbance in the LVAS group (0.542 ± 0.087) was significantly higher than that in the control group (0.455 ± 0.087) (p < 0.001). The tympanogram in the LVAS group showed an overall elevation, and the absorbance at all pressure sampling points was significantly higher than that in the control group (p < 0.001). The frequency-absorbance curve at peak pressure first increased and then decreased in both groups, and the LVAS group showed higher absorbance than the control group in the frequency range below 2,828 Hz. The absorbance at 343–1,124 Hz was significantly different between the two groups (p < 0.001), and 343–1,124 Hz was the major frequency range at which the maximum absorbance on the mean tympanogram increased in the LVAS group.

Conclusion

Large vestibular aqueduct syndrome (LVAS) shows increased absorbance in low and medium frequency ranges in WAI. The maximum absorbance on the mean tympanogram can serve as a reliable evaluation indicator. Inner ear factors must be considered when middle ear lesions are analyzed by WAI.
Mitochondrial DNA methylation in metabolic associated fatty liver disease
Authors: Mposhi Archibold , Cortés-Mancera Fabian , Heegsma Janette , de Meijer Vincent E. , van de Sluis Bart , Sydor Svenja , Bechmann Lars P. , Theys Claudia , de Rijk Peter , De Pooter Tim , Vanden Berghe Wim , İnce İkbal Agah , Faber Klaas Nico , Rots Marianne G.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Hepatic lipid accumulation and mitochondrial dysfunction are hallmarks of metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), yet molecular parameters underlying MAFLD progression are not well understood. Differential methylation within the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has been suggested to be associated with dysfunctional mitochondria, also during progression to Metabolic Steatohepatitis (MeSH). This study further investigates whether mtDNA methylation is associated with hepatic lipid accumulation and MAFLD.

Methods

HepG2 cells were constructed to stably express mitochondria-targeted viral and prokaryotic cytosine DNA methyltransferases (mtM.CviPI or mtM.SssI for GpC or CpG methylation, respectively). A catalytically inactive variant (mtM.CviPI-Mut) was constructed as a control. Mouse and human patients’ samples were also investigated. mtDNA methylation was assessed by pyro- or nanopore sequencing.

Results and discussion

Differentially induced mtDNA hypermethylation impaired mitochondrial gene expression and metabolic activity in HepG2-mtM.CviPI and HepG2-mtM.SssI cells and was associated with increased lipid accumulation, when compared to the controls. To test whether lipid accumulation causes mtDNA methylation, HepG2 cells were subjected to 1 or 2 weeks of fatty acid treatment, but no clear differences in mtDNA methylation were detected. In contrast, hepatic Nd6 mitochondrial gene body cytosine methylation and Nd6 gene expression were increased in mice fed a high-fat high cholesterol diet (HFC for 6 or 20 weeks), when compared to controls, while mtDNA content was unchanged. For patients with simple steatosis, a higher ND6 methylation was confirmed using Methylation Specific PCR, but no additional distinctive cytosines could be identified using pyrosequencing. This study warrants further investigation into a role for mtDNA methylation in promoting mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired lipid metabolism in MAFLD.