bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Elastin Receptor Complex: An Emerging Therapeutic Target Against Age-Related Vascular Diseases
Authors: Tembely Dignê , Henry Aubéri , Vanalderwiert Laetitia , Toussaint Kevin , Bennasroune Amar , Blaise Sébastien , Sartelet Hervé , Jaisson Stéphane , Galés Céline , Martiny Laurent , Duca Laurent , Romier-Crouzet Béatrice , Maurice Pascal
Published: February 2022

The incidence of cardiovascular diseases is increasing worldwide with the growing aging of the population. Biological aging has major influence on the vascular tree and is associated with critical changes in the morphology and function of the arterial wall together with an extensive remodeling of the vascular extracellular matrix. Elastic fibers fragmentation and release of elastin degradation products, also known as elastin-derived peptides (EDPs), are typical hallmarks of aged conduit arteries. Along with the direct consequences of elastin fragmentation on the mechanical properties of arteries, the release of EDPs has been shown to modulate the development and/or progression of diverse vascular and metabolic diseases including atherosclerosis, thrombosis, type 2 diabetes and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Most of the biological effects mediated by these bioactive peptides are due to a peculiar membrane receptor called elastin receptor complex (ERC). This heterotrimeric receptor contains a peripheral protein called elastin-binding protein, the protective protein/cathepsin A, and a transmembrane sialidase, the neuraminidase-1 (NEU1). In this review, after an introductive part on the consequences of aging on the vasculature and the release of EDPs, we describe the composition of the ERC, the signaling pathways triggered by this receptor, and the current pharmacological strategies targeting ERC activation. Finally, we present and discuss new regulatory functions that have emerged over the last few years for the ERC through desialylation of membrane glycoproteins by NEU1, and its potential implication in receptor transactivation.
Analysing the Water-Energy-Food Nexus From a Polycentric Governance Perspective: Conceptual and Methodological Framework
Authors: Srigiri Srinivasa Reddy , Dombrowsky Ines
Published: February 2022

The Water-Energy-Food Nexus has emerged over the past decade as a useful concept to reduce trade-offs and increase synergies in promoting goals of water, energy and food securities. While WEF scholarship substantiates the biophysical interlinkages and calls for increased and effective coordination across sectors and levels, knowledge on conditions for effective coordination is still lacking. Analysing WEF nexus governance from a polycentricity perspective may contribute to better understanding coordination. In this paper, we propose a conceptual framework for analysing WEF nexus governance based on the Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework and the concept of Networks of Adjacent Action Situations (NAAS). The interdependence among transactions for pursuing WEF securities by actors in different action situations generates the need for coordination for changing or sustaining institutions, policy goals and policy instruments that guide actions leading to sustainable outcomes. Coordination is attained through arrangements based on cooperation, coercion or competition. Coordination in complex social-ecological systems is unlikely to be achieved by a single governance mode but rather by synergistic combinations of governance modes. Particular coordination arrangements that emerge in a context depend on the distribution of authority, information and resources within and across interlinked decision-making centres. Further, integrating the political ecology based conceptualisations of power into the analytical framework extends the governance analysis to include the influence of power relations on coordination. Methodological innovation in delineating action situations and identifying the unit of analysis as well as integrating different sources and types of data is required to operationalise the conceptual framework.
Lianas Significantly Reduce Tree Performance and Biomass Accumulation Across Tropical Forests: A Global Meta-Analysis
Authors: Estrada-Villegas Sergio , Pedraza Narvaez Sara Sofia , Sanchez Adriana , Schnitzer Stefan A.
Published: February 2022

Lianas are a quintessential tropical plant growth-form; they are speciose and abundant in tropical forests worldwide. Lianas compete intensely with trees, reducing nearly all aspects of tree performance. However, the negative effects of lianas on trees have never been combined and quantified for multiple tropical forests. Here, we present the first comprehensive standardized quantification of the effect of lianas on trees across tropical forests worldwide. We used data from 50 liana removal experiments and quantified the effect size of lianas on tree growth, biomass accretion, reproduction, mortality, leaf water potential, sap flow velocity, and leaf area index (LAI) across different forest types. Using a three-level mixed-effect meta-analysis, we found unequivocal evidence that lianas significantly reduce tree growth and biomass accretion in ecological, logging, and silvicultural studies. Lianas also significantly reduce tree reproduction, recruitment, and physiological performance. The relative detrimental effect of lianas on trees does not increase in drier forests, where lianas tend to be more abundant. Our results highlight the substantial liana-induced reduction in tree performance and biomass accumulation, and they provide quantitative data on the effects of lianas on trees that are essential for large-scale plant demographic and ecosystem models that predict forest change and carbon dynamics.
Prognostic Model of Eleven Genes Based on the Immune Microenvironment in Patients With Thymoma
Authors: Yang Ying , Xie Liqing , Li Chen , Liu Liangle , Ye Xiuzhi , Han Jianbang
Published: February 2022

Purpose: The pathogenesis of thymoma (THYM) remains unclear, and there is no uniform measurement standard for the complexity of THYM derived from different thymic epithelial cells. Consequently, it is necessary to develop novel biomarkers of prognosis estimation for patients with THYM.

Methods: Consensus clustering and single-sample gene-set enrichment analysis were used to divide THYM samples into different immunotypes. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between those immunotypes were used to do the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis, Gene Ontology annotations, and protein-protein interaction network. Furthermore, the survival-related DEGs were used to construct prognostic model with lasso regression. The model was verified by survival analysis, receiver operating characteristic curve, and principal component analysis. Furthermore, the correlation coefficients of stemness index and riskscore, tumor mutation burden (TMB) and riskscore, drug sensitivity and gene expression were calculated with Spearman method.

Results: THYM samples were divided into immunotype A and immunotype B. A total of 707 DEGs were enriched in various cancer-related or immune-related pathways. An 11-genes signature prognostic model (CELF5, ODZ1, CD1C, DRP2, PTCRA, TSHR, HKDC1, KCTD19, RFX8, UGT3A2, and PRKCG) was constructed from 177 survival-related DEGs. The prognostic model was significantly related to overall survival, clinical features, immune cells, TMB, and stemness index. The expression of some genes were significantly related to drug sensitivity.

Conclusion: For the first time, a prognostic model of 11 genes was identified based on the immune microenvironment in patients with THYM, which may be helpful for diagnosis and prediction. The associated factors (immune microenvironment, mutation status, and stemness) may be useful for exploring the mechanisms of THYM.
Defining the Pluripotent Marker Genes for Identification of Teleost Fish Cell Pluripotency During Reprogramming
Authors: Li Huajin , Xu Wenting , Xiang Sijia , Tao Leiting , Fu Wen , Liu Jinhui , Liu Wenbin , Xiao Yamei , Peng Liangyue
Published: February 2022

Pluripotency is a transient state in early embryos, which is regulated by an interconnected network of pluripotency-related genes. The pluripotent state itself seems to be highly dynamic, which leads to significant differences in the description of induced pluripotent stem cells from different species at the molecular level. With the application of cell reprogramming technology in fish, the establishment of a set of molecular standards for defining pluripotency will be important for the research and potential application of induced pluripotent stem cells in fish. In this study, by BLAST search and expression pattern analysis, we screen out four pluripotent genes (Oct4, Nanog, Tdgf1, and Gdf3) in zebrafish (Danio rerio) and crucian carp (Carassius). These genes were highly expressed in the short period of early embryonic development, but significantly down-regulated after differentiation. Moreover, three genes (Oct4, Nanog and Tdgf1) have been verified that are suitable for identifying the pluripotency of induced pluripotent stem cells in zebrafish and crucian carp. Our study expands the understanding of the pluripotent markers of induced pluripotent stem cells in fish.
A Pan-Cancer Analysis Reveals the Prognostic and Immunotherapeutic Value of ALKBH7
Authors: Chen Kaijie , Shen Dongjie , Tan Lin , Lai Donglin , Han Yuru , Gu Yonggang , Lu Changlian , Gu Xuefeng
Published: February 2022

Recent studies have identified a role for ALKBH7 in the occurrence and progression of cancer, and this protein is related to cellular immunity and immune cell infiltration. However, the prognostic and immunotherapeutic value of ALKBH7 in different cancers have not been explored. In this study, we observed high ALKBH7 expression in 17 cancers and low expression in 5 cancers compared to paired normal tissues. Although ALKBH7 expression did not correlate relatively significantly with the clinical parameters of age (6/33), sex (3/33) and stage (3/27) in the cancers studied, the results of the survival analysis reflect the pan-cancer prognostic value of ALKBH7. In addition, ALKBH7 expression was significantly correlated with the TMB (7/33), MSI (13/33), mDNAsi (12/33) and mRNAsi (13/33) in human cancers. Moreover, ALKBH7 expression was associated and predominantly negatively correlated with the expression of immune checkpoint (ICP) genes in many cancers. Furthermore, ALKBH7 correlated with infiltrating immune cells and ESTIMATE scores, especially in PAAD, PRAD and THCA. Finally, the ALKBH7 gene coexpression network is involved in the regulation of cellular immune, oxidative, phosphorylation, and metabolic pathways. In conclusion, ALKBH7 may serve as a potential prognostic pan-cancer biomarker and is involved in the immune response. Our pan-cancer analysis provides insight into the role of ALKBH7 in different cancers.
New and Old Anti-CD20 Monoclonal Antibodies for Nephrotic Syndrome. Where We Are?
Authors: Basu Biswanath , Angeletti Andrea , Islam Bilkish , Ghiggeri Gian Marco
Published: February 2022

Nephrotic proteinuria is the hallmark of several glomerulonephritis determined by different pathogenetic mechanisms, including autoimmune, degenerative and inflammatory. Some conditions such as Minimal Change Nephropathy (MCN) and Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) are of uncertain pathogenesis. Chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies have been used with success in a part of proteinuric conditions while some are resistant. New human and humanized monoclonal anti-CD 20 antibodies offer some advantages based on stronger effects on CD20 cell subtypes and have been already administered in hematology and oncology areas as substitutes of chimeric molecules. Here, we revised the literature on the use of human and humanized anti-CD 20 monoclonal antibodies in different proteinuric conditions, resulting effective in those conditions resistant to rituximab. Literature on the use of human anti-CD 20 monoclonal antibodies in different proteinuric diseases is mainly limited to ofatumumab, with several protocols and doses. Studies already performed with ofatumumab given in standard doses of 1,500 mg 1.73m2 suggest no superiority compared to rituximab in children and young adults with steroid dependent nephrotic syndrome. Ofatumumab given in very high doses (300 mg/1.73m2 followed by five infusion 2,000 mg/1.73 m2) seems more effective in patients who are not responsive to common therapies. The question of dose remains unresolved and the literature is not concordant on positive effects of high dose ofatumumab in patients with FSGS prior and after renal transplantation. Obinutuzumab may offer some advantages. In the unique study performed in patients with multidrug dependent nephrotic syndrome reporting positive effects, obinutuzumab was associated with the anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody daratumumab proposing the unexplored frontier of combined therapies. Obinutuzumab represent an evolution also in the treatment of autoimmune glomerulonephritis, such as membranous nephrotahy and lupus nephritis. Results of randomized trials, now in progress, are awaited to add new possibilities in those cases that are resistant to other drugs. The aim of the present review is to open a discussion among nephrologists, with the hope to achieve shared approaches in terms of type of antibodies and doses in the different proteinuric renal conditions.
Comparative Aspects of Immunoglobulin Gene Rearrangement Arrays in Different Species
Authors: Sinkora Marek , Stepanova Katerina , Butler John E. , Sinkora Marek , Sinkora Simon , Sinkorova Jana
Published: February 2022

Studies in humans and mice indicate the critical role of the surrogate light chain in the selection of the productive immunoglobulin repertoire during B cell development. However, subsequent studies using mutant mice have also demonstrated that alternative pathways are allowed. Our recent investigation has shown that some species, such as pig, physiologically use preferential rearrangement of authentic light chains, and become independent of surrogate light chains. Here we summarize the findings from swine and compare them with results in other species. In both groups, allelic and isotypic exclusions remain intact, so the different processes do not alter the paradigm of B-cell monospecificity. Both groups also retained some other essential processes, such as segregated and sequential rearrangement of heavy and light chain loci, preferential rearrangement of light chain kappa before lambda, and functional κ-deleting element recombination. On the other hand, the respective order of heavy and light chains rearrangement may vary, and rearrangement of the light chain kappa and lambda on different chromosomes may occur independently. Studies have also confirmed that the surrogate light chain is not required for the selection of the productive repertoire of heavy chains and can be substituted by authentic light chains. These findings are important for understanding evolutional approaches, redundancy and efficiency of B-cell generation, dependencies on other regulatory factors, and strategies for constructing therapeutic antibodies in unrelated species. The results may also be important for explaining interspecies differences in the proportional use of light chains and for the understanding of divergences in rearrangement processes. Therefore, the division into two groups may not be definitive and there may be more groups of intermediate species.
Endothelin-A Receptor Antagonist Alleviates Allergic Airway Inflammation via the Inhibition of ILC2 Function
Authors: Zhang Xiaogang , Chen Ziyang , Zuo Shaowen , Sun Hengbiao , Li Xinyao , Lu Xiao , Xing Zhe , Chen Meiqi , Liu Jingping , Xiao Gang , He Yumei
Published: February 2022

Allergic airway inflammation is a universal airway disease that is driven by hyperresponsiveness to inhaled allergens. Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) produce copious amounts of type 2 cytokines, which lead to allergic airway inflammation. Here, we discovered that both peripheral blood of human and mouse lung ILC2s express the endothelin-A receptor (ETAR), and the expression level of ETAR was dramatically induced upon interleukin-33 (IL-33) treatment. Subsequently, both preventive and therapeutic effects of BQ123, an ETAR antagonist, on allergic airway inflammation were observed, which were associated with decreased proliferation and type 2 cytokine productions by ILC2s. Furthermore, ILC2s from BQ123 treatment were found to be functionally impaired in response to an interleukin IL-33 challenged. And BQ123 treatment also affected the phosphorylation level of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), as well as the level of GATA binding protein 3 (GATA3) in activated ILC2s. Interestingly, after BQ123 treatment, both mouse and human ILC2s in vitro exhibited decreased function and downregulation of ERK signaling and GATA3 stability. These observations imply that ETAR is an important regulator of ILC2 function and may be involved in ILC2-driven pulmonary inflammation. Therefore, blocking ETAR may be a promising therapeutic strategy for allergic airway inflammation.
Clinical Performances and Biological Features of Clear Aligners Materials in Orthodontics
Authors: Macrì Monica , Murmura Giovanna , Varvara Giuseppe , Traini Tonino , Festa Felice
Published: February 2022

In recent years, aesthetic concerns regarding orthodontic appliances have significantly increased due to the growing number of adult patients undergoing orthodontic therapy. Clear removable aligners have seen growing popularity as an aesthetic and comfortable alternative to traditional fixed appliances. Clear aligner therapy also appears more respectful of the patient’s periodontal health; in fact, clear aligners allow the patients to maintain proper daily oral hygiene thanks to being removable. Among the parameters that affect the clinical efficacy of aligners, the material employed for their manufacturing plays a key role. The present paper aims to review the most used materials in manufacturing clear aligners, focusing on their clinical and mechanical performances, according to the current state of literature. Furthermore, biological features of the different materials are also examined regarding their effects on dental and periodontal tissues, oral mucosa, and potential systemic effects.
Mycophenolate Mofetil (CellCept®) in Combination With Low Dose Prednisolone in Moderate to Severe Graves' Orbitopathy
Authors: Rajabi Mohammad Taher , Rafizadeh Seyed Mohsen , Mohammadi Abbas , Eshraghi Bahram , Mohammadi Nader , Hosseini Seyedeh Simindokht , Rajabi Mohammad Bagher , Keshmirshekan Mohammad Mohsen , Shahriari Mansoor , Poursayed Lazarjani Seyedeh Zahra , Parandin Mohammad Mehdi
Published: February 2022

Although corticosteroids are currently the first-choice drug for thyroid eye disease (TED), in 20–30% of cases, patients show poor or non-existent responses, and when the drug is withdrawn, 10–20% of patients relapse. Thus, in this study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of the combined use of mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept®) and low dose oral prednisolone in patients with moderate to severe Graves' orbitopathy (GO). For the first time, we investigated the relationship between TED-related parameters and proptosis reduction. In a prospective, non-randomized, interventional case series, 242 patients with moderate-to-severe GO were, assigned to receive oral prednisolone (5 mg/ d) and mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept®) (one 500 mg tablet twice per day according to the therapeutic response). The patients were monitored regularly during the 3rd, 6th, 12th, and 18th month of treatment. The main outcome measures were the clinical activity score (CAS), intraocular pressure (IOP), diplopia, proptosis and visual acuity. We also assessed the relationship between the main outcomes with proptosis changes and time to improvement (months). Adverse effects were recorded during each visit. The clinical response rate increased from 67.7% on the third month to 89.2% on the sixth month, and 94.2% on the 12th month. This therapeutic response continued until the 18th month of follow-up. The CAS responses [disease inactivation (CAS <3)] improved during our study: 70.6% on the third month, 90.0% on the sixth month, and 92.5% at 12th month. These conditions continued until the 18th month of follow-up. Proptosis improvement was 52% on the third month, 71% on the sixth month, 83% on the 12th month, and 87.1% on the 18th month. Changes in IOP and visual acuity were not significant (P = 0.568 and 0.668, respectively). The patient showed significant improvement in the Gorman score. A Shorter duration of treatment was seen in patients with earlier onset of intervention, younger age, and lack of all extraocular muscle (EOM) enlargement on computed tomography (CT) scan (p < 0.05). In addition, a better response (more reduction) in proptosis was related to: younger age at disease, earlier treatment intervention (less interval from the time the diagnosis of moderate-to-severe GO was made until medication initiation), shorter treatment time (less time to improvement), less IOP, lack of EOM enlargement on CT scan, and lack of diplopia (P < 0.05). Adverse events occurred in six patients. Findings show that mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept®) plus low-dose prednisolone can be introduced as a new optimal dosing regimen in GO due to its better effect on chronic complications such as proptosis and diplopia.
Highlights of the Latest Developments in Radiopharmaceuticals for Infection Imaging and Future Perspectives
Authors: Dadachova Ekaterina , Rangel Drauzio E. N.
Published: February 2022

COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the interest toward diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. Nuclear medicine with its powerful scintigraphic, single photon emission computer tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging modalities has always played an important role in diagnosis of infections and distinguishing them from the sterile inflammation. In addition to the clinically available radiopharmaceuticals there has been a decades-long effort to develop more specific imaging agents with some examples being radiolabeled antibiotics and antimicrobial peptides for bacterial imaging, radiolabeled anti-fungals for fungal infections imaging, radiolabeled pathogen-specific antibodies and molecular engineered constructs. In this opinion piece, we would like to discuss some examples of the work published in the last decade on developing nuclear imaging agents for bacterial, fungal, and viral infections in order to generate more interest among nuclear medicine community toward conducting clinical trials of these novel probes, as well as toward developing novel radiotracers for imaging infections.
Hereditary Spherocytosis With Liver Transplantation After Cirrhosis: A Case Report
Authors: Yang Xueliang , Wang Wen , Fan Wanhu , Cai Lin , Ye Feng , Lin Shumei , Liu Xiaojing
Published: February 2022

The clinical manifestations of hereditary spherocytosis are similar to those of various hemolytic anemias, which causes hereditary spherocytosis to be difficult to diagnose clinically. In this case, we obtained the peripheral blood of a patient and family members, and through a whole exome test of the 6,297 genetic phenotypes confirmed by OMIM, we found a heterozygous nonsense mutation (c.4117C>T, P.Q1373X) in the SPTB gene. Combined with the patient's clinical data, the diagnosis was hereditary spherocytosis. Compared with the public population sequence database, the mutation was found to be unique. Through protein structure prediction analysis and literature studies, we found that the mutation may cause SPTB mRNA instability, resulting in insufficient spectrin protein synthesis and affecting the integrity and flexibility of the red blood cell membrane skeleton. This case report found that SPTB gene mutations may cause liver dysfunction and cirrhosis in addition to hereditary spherocytosis, and this finding expands the phenotypic spectrum of SPTB. This study confirmed that NGS can be used to diagnose hereditary spherocytosis. Identifying mutated genes can not only accurately treat diseases, but also avoid potential genetic risks and improve prenatal and postnatal care.
Semiautomated and Automated Quantitative Analysis of Corneal Sub-Basal Nerves in Patients With DED With Ocular Pain Using IVCM
Authors: Zhang Yu , Wu Yaying , Li Wenbo , Huang Xiaodan
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Investigate the correlation and agreement between the results of semiautomated and fully automated quantitative analysis of the corneal sub-basal nerve plexus (SNP) in patients with dry eye disease (DED) with ocular pain using in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM).

Method

A total of 50 voluntary participants were enrolled in this study, i.e., 25 DED patients with ocular pain and 25 healthy controls. Each patient underwent an evaluation of ocular symptoms that utilized: the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), the Ocular Pain Assessment Survey (OPAS), the tear film breakup time (TBUT) test, the Schirmer test, corneal staining, and IVCM. Five SNP images of the cornea of each eye were selected and analyzed using a semiautomated analysis software (NeuronJ) and a fully automated method (ACCMetrics) to quantify corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), corneal nerve branch density (CNBD), and corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL).

Results

The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of the CNFD (0.460 [0.382–0.532], p < 0.001), CNBD (0.608 [0.545–0.665], p < 0.001), and CNFL (0.851 [0.822–0.875], p < 0.001) represents the repeatability and consistency of measurements by the NeuronJ and ACCMetrics software. The CNFL values (r = 0.881, p < 0.001) obtained using the two methods have extremely high correlation, and similarly, the CNFD values (r = 0.669, p < 0.001) and CNBD values (r = 0.703, p < 0.001) are highly correlated. The CNFL had the biggest area under the curve (AUC; 0.747 [0.700–0.793], p < 0.001) when using ACCMetrics. In DED patients with ocular pain, the mean CNFD values for semiautomated and fully automated quantization were 23.5 ± 8.1 and 23.8 ± 8.6 n/mm2; the mean CNBD values were 46.0 ± 21.3, 35.7 ± 23.3 n/mm2; and the mean CNFL values were 19.3 ± 4.3 and 15.2 ± 3.8 mm/mm2, which were significantly lower than healthy subjects (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

There is a significant correlation between the measurements obtained via ACCMetrics and NeuronJ, especially for CNFL, which can be considered as the primary indicator in the diagnosis of DED with ocular pain. The SNP of the disease was significantly lower than that of healthy subjects.
Diversity and Ecological Guild Analysis of the Oil Palm Fungal Microbiome Across Root, Rhizosphere, and Soil Compartments
Authors: Kirkman Eleanor R. , Hilton Sally , Sethuraman Gomathy , Elias Dafydd M. O. , Taylor Andrew , Clarkson John , Soh Aik Chin , Bass David , Ooi Gin Teng , McNamara Niall P. , Bending Gary D.
Published: February 2022

The rhizosphere microbiome is a major determinant of plant health, which can interact with the host directly and indirectly to promote or suppress productivity. Oil palm is one of the world’s most important crops, constituting over a third of global vegetable oil production. Currently there is little understanding of the oil palm microbiome and its contribution to plant health and productivity, with existing knowledge based almost entirely on culture dependent studies. We investigated the diversity and composition of the oil palm fungal microbiome in the bulk soil, rhizosphere soil, and roots of 2-, 18-, and 35-year old plantations in Selangor, Malaysia. The fungal community showed substantial variation between the plantations, accounting for 19.7% of community composition, with compartment (root, rhizosphere soil, and bulk soil), and soil properties (pH, C, N, and P) contributing 6.5 and 7.2% of community variation, respectively. Rhizosphere soil and roots supported distinct communities compared to the bulk soil, with significant enrichment of Agaricomycetes, Glomeromycetes, and Lecanoromycetes in roots. Several putative plant pathogens were abundant in roots in all the plantations, including taxa related to Prospodicola mexicana and Pleurostoma sp. The mycorrhizal status and dependency of oil palm has yet to be established, and using 18S rRNA primers we found considerable between-site variation in Glomeromycotinian community composition, accounting for 31.2% of variation. There was evidence for the selection of Glomeromycotinian communities in oil palm roots in the older plantations but compartment had a weak effect on community composition, accounting for 3.9% of variation, while soil variables accounted for 9% of community variation. While diverse Mucoromycotinian fungi were detected, they showed very low abundance and diversity within roots compared to bulk soil, and were not closely related to taxa which have been linked to fine root endophyte mycorrhizal morphology. Many of the fungal sequences showed low similarity to established genera, indicating the presence of substantial novel diversity with significance for plant health within the oil palm microbiome.
CircRNAs as Novel Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets in Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Yuxia , Li Cheng , Wang Zhenping , Tan Shuangfeng , Liu Yiqi , Zhang Hu , Li Xuefeng
Published: February 2022

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a type of long non-coding RNA with covalently closed loops that are naturally resistant to exoribonuclease. With the rapid development of high-throughput sequencing technologies and bioinformatics, increasing data suggest that circRNAs are abnormally expressed in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and act as important regulators of RCC carcinogenesis and progression. CircRNAs play important biological roles in modulating cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and gemcitabine chemoresistance in RCC. Most of the circRNAs studied in RCC have been reported to be significantly associated with many clinicopathologic characteristics and survival parameters of RCC. The stability and specificity of circRNAs enable them potential molecular markers for RCC diagnosis and prognosis. Moreover, circRNAs have emerged as targets for developing new therapies, because they can regulate various signaling pathways associated with RCC initiation and progression. In this review, we briefly summarize the biogenesis, degradation, and biological functions of circRNAs as well as the potential clinical applications of these molecules for RCC diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted therapy.
Divergence Between Informant and Self-Ratings of Activities of Daily Living Impairments in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Becker Sara , Solbrig Susanne , Michaelis Katja , Faust Bettina , Brockmann Kathrin , Liepelt-Scarfone Inga
Published: February 2022

Objective

To examine the agreement between self- and informant-reported activities of daily living (ADL) deficits in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) patients, and to examine factors influencing ADL ratings.

Background

In PD, the loss of functional independence is an important outcome of disease progression. The valid assessment of ADL function in PD is essential, but it is unclear to what extent informants’ and patients’ perceptions of their daily functions concur, and how other factors may influence both ratings.

Methods

Data of 150 PD patients who underwent cognitive and motor testing, as well as their informants were analyzed. The 10-item Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ), completed separately by patients (FAQ-S) and their informants (FAQ-I), assessed ADL function. Weighted κ statistics summarized level of agreement, and a discrepancy score (FAQ-I – FAQ-S) quantified agreement. Correlation analyses between FAQ total scores, patient and informant characteristics, and cognitive scores were conducted, with post hoc regressions to determine the associations between both FAQ scores and cognition, independent of patient characteristics.

Results

The sample included 87 patients with normal cognition, 50 with mild cognitive impairment, and 13 with dementia. Overall, there was fair to moderate agreement between patients and informants on individual FAQ items (0.27 ≤ κ ≤ 0.61, p < 0.004), with greater discrepancies with increasing cognitive impairment. Patients’ age, motor severity, non-motor burden, and depression also affected both ratings (0.27 ≤ r ≤ 0.50, p < 0.001), with motor severity showing the greatest influence on both ratings. Both the FAQ-I and FAQ-S were correlated with almost all cognitive domains. Post hoc regression analyses controlling for patient characteristics showed that the attention domain was a significant predictor of both the FAQ-S and FAQ-I scores, and memory was also a significant predictor of the FAQ-I score. Only 29.3% of patients agreed perfectly with informants on the FAQ total score, with informants most commonly rating ADL impairments as more severe than patients.

Conclusions

Patient and informant ratings of ADL function using FAQ items showed moderate agreement, with only few items reaching substantial agreement. Ratings of both were associated with patient cognitive status, but also other characteristics. In addition to patient and informant reports, objective measures are needed to accurately classify ADL deficits in PD.
Autoimmune Encephalitis in Long-Standing Schizophrenia: A Case Report
Authors: Vaux Amy , Robinson Karen , Saglam Burcu , Cheuk Nathan , Kilpatrick Trevor , Evans Andrew , Monif Mastura
Published: February 2022

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antibody (anti-NMDAR Ab)-mediated encephalitis is an autoimmune disorder involving the production of antibodies against NMDARs in the central nervous system that leads to neurological or psychiatric dysfunction. Initially described as a paraneoplastic syndrome in young women with teratomas, increased testing has found it to be a heterogeneous condition that affects both the sexes with varying clinical manifestations, severity, and aetiology. This case report describes a 67-year-old man with a 40-year history of relapsing, severe, treatment-refractory schizophrenia. Due to the worsening of his condition during a prolonged inpatient admission for presumed relapse of psychosis, a revisit of the original diagnosis was considered with extensive investigations performed including an autoimmune panel. This revealed anti-NMDAR Abs in both the serum and cerebrospinal fluid on two occasions. Following treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin and methylprednisolone, he demonstrated rapid symptom improvement. This is a rare case of a long-standing psychiatric presentation with a preexisting diagnosis of schizophrenia subsequently found to have anti-NMDAR Ab-mediated encephalitis. Whether the case is one of initial NMDAR encephalitis vs. overlap syndrome is unknown. Most importantly, this case highlights the need for vigilance and balanced consideration for treatment in cases of long-standing psychiatric presentation where the case remains treatment refractory to antipsychotics or when atypical features including seizures and autonomic dysfunction or focal neurology are observed.
Case Report: Stress-Induced Childhood-Onset Neurodegeneration With Ataxia-Seizures Syndrome Caused by a Novel Compound Heterozygous Mutation in ADPRHL2
Authors: Lu Aijun , Dong Chunxia , Chen Bihong , Xie Lei , Hu Huaiqiang
Published: February 2022

ADPRHL2 gene mutations have been demonstrated as the cause of stress-induced childhood-onset neurodegeneration with variable ataxia and seizures (CONDSIAS), an autosomal recessive genetic disorder characterized by an abnormal gait, intellectual disability, seizures, ataxia, other nervous system degenerative diseases, and axonal sensorimotor neuropathy. Since first reported in 2018, ADP-ribosylhydrolase like 2 (ADPRHL2) gene mutations in previous cases were all diallelic homozygous. Here, we report a case of CONDSIAS with a novel compound heterozygous mutation in the ADPRHL2 gene. This patient is presented with autonomic nervous dysfunction manifested as polyuria, gastrointestinal disturbance, and sinus arrhythmia, which may be considered as new clinical manifestations in addition to the above classical manifestations. Muscle biopsy revealed myogenic lesions, which is a previously unreported feature.
Drug-Coated Balloon for the Treatment of Nonacute Symptomatic Intracranial Carotid Artery Terminus Occlusion: Initial Experience and Follow-Up Outcome
Authors: Yin Hao , Zhang Jinping , Zhao Wei , Zheng Meimei , Song Yun , Sun Lili , Zhang Jun , Han Ju
Published: February 2022

Background

Studies on the recanalization for occlusion of the internal carotid artery terminus are scattered. Recently, drug-coated balloon (DCB) has been increasingly applied in the intracranial artery occlusion and achieved encouraging results. However, there seems no convincing data for the nonacute symptomatic internal carotid artery terminus occlusion (sICATO).

Objective

To assess the feasibility and effectiveness (safety) of DCB for patients with nonacute sICATO refractory to medical therapy.

Approach

This study included 30 patients with nonacute sICATO treated with DCBs and/or remedial stenting. The rate of successful recanalization, periprocedural complications, and clinical and vascular imaging follow-up outcomes were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Drug-coated balloon (DCB) dilatation of nonacute sICATO gives a 100% rate of successful recanalization, with a low complication rate (10.00%), good clinical outcomes (86.20%), low restenosis/reocclusion rate (3.45%), and one asymptomatic ipsilateral infarction (3.45%).

Conclusion

Drug-coated balloon dilation seems to be the promising treatment option for nonacute sICATO considering its safety and feasibility.
Functional Reorganization After Four-Week Brain–Computer Interface-Controlled Supernumerary Robotic Finger Training: A Pilot Study of Longitudinal Resting-State fMRI
Authors: Liu Yuan , Huang Shuaifei , Wang Zhuang , Ji Fengrui , Ming Dong
Published: February 2022

Humans have long been fascinated by the opportunities afforded through motor augmentation provided by the supernumerary robotic fingers (SRFs) and limbs (SRLs). However, the neuroplasticity mechanism induced by the motor augmentation equipment still needs further investigation. This study focused on the resting-state brain functional reorganization during longitudinal brain–computer interface (BCI)-controlled SRF training in using the fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF), regional homogeneity (ReHo), and degree centrality (DC) metrics. Ten right-handed subjects were enrolled for 4 weeks of BCI-controlled SRF training. The behavioral data and the neurological changes were recorded at baseline, training for 2 weeks, training for 4 weeks immediately after, and 2 weeks after the end of training. One-way repeated-measure ANOVA was used to investigate long-term motor improvement [F(2.805,25.24) = 43.94, p < 0.0001] and neurological changes. The fALFF values were significantly modulated in Cerebelum_6_R and correlated with motor function improvement (r = 0.6887, p < 0.0402) from t0 to t2. Besides, Cerebelum_9_R and Vermis_3 were also significantly modulated and showed different trends in longitudinal SRF training in using ReHo metric. At the same time, ReHo values that changed from t0 to t1 in Vermis_3 was significantly correlated with motor function improvement (r = 0.7038, p < 0.0344). We conclude that the compensation and suppression mechanism of the cerebellum existed during BCI-controlled SRF training, and this current result provided evidence to the neuroplasticity mechanism brought by the BCI-controlled motor-augmentation devices.
Identifying Individuals by fNIRS-Based Brain Functional Network Fingerprints
Authors: Ren Haonan , Zhou Shufeng , Zhang Limei , Zhao Feng , Qiao Lishan
Published: February 2022

Individual identification based on brain functional network (BFN) has attracted a lot of research interest in recent years, since it provides a novel biometric for identity authentication, as well as a feasible way of exploring the brain at an individual level. Previous studies have shown that an individual can be identified by its BFN fingerprint estimated from functional magnetic resonance imaging, electroencephalogram, or magnetoencephalography data. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is an emerging imaging technique that, by measuring the changes in blood oxygen concentration, can respond to cerebral activities; in this paper, we investigate whether fNIRS-based BFN could be used as a “fingerprint” to identify individuals. In particular, Pearson's correlation is first used to calculate BFN based on the preprocessed fNIRS signals, and then the nearest neighbor scheme is used to match the estimated BFNs between different individuals. Through the experiments on an open-access fNIRS dataset, we have two main findings: (1) under the cases of cross-task (i.e., resting, right-handed, left-handed finger tapping, and foot tapping), the BFN fingerprints generally work well for the individual identification, and, more interestingly, (2) the accuracy under cross-task is well above the accuracy under cross-view (i.e., oxyhemoglobin and de-oxyhemoglobin). These findings indicate that fNIRS-based BFN fingerprint is a potential biometric for identifying individual.
Blue Zones-Based Worksite Nutrition Intervention: Positive Impact on Employee Wellbeing
Authors: Heath Ciara , Lopez Nanette V. , Seeton Valerie , Sutliffe Jay T.
Published: February 2022

“Blue Zones” are geographical regions where people live to be non-agenarians and centenarians with significantly better rates of mental wellness when compared to the average American. It was discovered that these areas have nine unique evidenced-based lifestyle principles, with one of their main principles being the consumption of a plant-based diet. With this in mind, we performed a worksite intervention with the objective of understanding the relationships among Blue Zones knowledge, a plant-based lifestyle, and improvements in overall mental wellness during the COVID-19 pandemic. During spring 2021, we recruited 52 employees from a public, mid-sized university in the southwestern United States to participate in an 8-week virtual intervention that included weekly topic presentations, cooking demonstrations, and Blue Zones education. Participants were also assigned to weekly wellness counseling groups integrating Motivational Interviewing based principles that included additional, relevant conversation topics and support. The final sample (n = 52 participants) had a mean age of 45.6 ± 10.6 years. Participants were predominantly women (84.6%) and nearly half were married (44.2%). The majority attended graduate school (59.6%) and identified as White (84.6%). Paired-samples t-tests indicated significant improvements in all mental wellness outcomes and Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) scores over time (p's < 0.001 to 0.02). Multiple linear regression models revealed that Blue Zones knowledge (β = −0.037, p = 0.010) significantly negatively predicted Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scores at 8-weeks. Additionally, multiple linear regression models indicated small group attendance (β = −1.51, p = 0.003) and Blue Zones knowledge (β = −0.81, p = 0.012) significantly negatively predicted sleep scores at 8-weeks. When HEI-2015 total scores were also included at baseline and 8-weeks (post-intervention), Blue Zones knowledge (β = −0.031, p = 0.049) was a borderline significant predictor of PHQ-9 at 8-weeks. Additionally, small group sessions (β = −1.52 p = 0.005) were a significant predictor of sleep at 8-weeks. The intervention illustrated that virtual intervention strategies can improve nutrition and mental wellness for future advancement in life quality and wellbeing.
Influence of Emerging Technologies on the Utilization of Plant Proteins
Authors: Sá Amanda Gomes Almeida , Laurindo João Borges , Moreno Yara Maria Franco , Carciofi Bruno Augusto Mattar
Published: February 2022

Protein from plant sources is claimed alternatives to animal sources in the human diet. Suitable protein sources need high protein digestibility and amino acid bioavailability. In terms of protein functionality and food applications, they also need high-quality attributes, such as solubility, gelling, water- and oil-holding capacities, emulsifying, and foaming. Thermal processing can improve the nutritional quality of plants with some disadvantages, like reducing the assimilation of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). Emerging technologies—such as ultrasound, high-pressure, ohmic heating, microwave, pulsed electric field, cold plasma, and enzymatic processes—can overcome those disadvantages. Recent studies demonstrate their enormous potential to improve protein techno-functional properties, protein quality, and decrease protein allergenicity. However, the literature lacks a broader evaluation, including protein digestibility, industrial-scale optimization, and exploring applications to these alternative protein sources.
Failure Patterns of Recurrence and Metastasis After Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy in Patients With Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: Results of a Multicentric Clinical Study
Authors: Chen Sixia , Yang Dong , Liao Xueyin , Lu Ying , Yu Bin , Xu Meng , Bin Ying , Zhou Pingting , Yang Zhendong , Liu Kang , Wang Rensheng , Zhao Tingting , Kang Min
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to explore factors associated with recurrence and metastasis after intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and provide evidence for NPC treatment.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed the treatment dose and survival outcomes of 645 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma without distant metastases treated with IMRT for the first time at three treatment centres in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, between January 2009 and December 2012.

Results

There were 9.3% of patients (60/645) had recurrence and 17.5% (113/645) had distant metastasis 5 years after treatment. The 1-year, 3-year and 5-year local recurrence rates were 0.9%, 6.5% and 9.0% respectively. And the 1-year, 3-year and 5-year distant metastasis rates were 3.4%, 10% and 17.2%, respectively. In the 60 patients with recurrence, the in-field, marginal-field, and out-field recurrence rates were 93.3% (56/60), 5.0% (3/60) and 1.7% (1/60), respectively. Recurrence failures occurring within the first three years after treatment accounted for 81.7% (49/60). In the 113 patients with metastasis, the size of the cervical lymph node, the presence of lower cervical lymph node metastasis, the residual cervical lymph node size and the time of residual cervical lymph node complete response (CR) were independent prognostic factors for DMFS (P <0.05).

Conclusion

Most recurrences occured in the first three years after IMRT. In-field recurrence was the most common pattern for loco-regional failure of NPC treatment. The risk of distant metastasis was positively correlated with higher N stage, lower neck nodal metastasis, larger size of cervical lymph nodes, and longer time to response for residual NPC in cervical adenopathy.
The Biological Relevance of NHERF1 Protein in Gynecological Tumors
Authors: Sonnessa Margherita , Sergio Sara , Saponaro Concetta , Maffia Michele , Vergara Daniele , Zito Francesco Alfredo , Tinelli Andrea
Published: February 2022

Gynecological cancer management remains challenging and a better understanding of molecular mechanisms that lead to carcinogenesis and development of these diseases is needed to improve the therapeutic approaches. The Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor 1 (NHERF1) is a scaffold protein that contains modular protein-interaction domains able to interact with molecules with an impact on carcinogenesis and cancer progression. During recent years, its involvement in gynecological cancers has been explored, suggesting that NHERF1 could be a potential biomarker for the development of new targeted therapies suitable to the management of these tumors. This comprehensive review provides an update on the recent study on NHERF1 activity and its pathological role in cervical and ovarian cancer, as well as on its probable involvement in the therapeutic landscape of these cancer types.