bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-variable assessment of green stormwater infrastructure planning across a city landscape: Incorporating social, environmental, built-environment, and maintenance vulnerabilities
Authors: Homet Kate , Kremer Peleg , Smith Virginia , Strader Stephen
Published: September 2022

Green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) is an increasingly popular tool to meet federal water regulations for stormwater quality and quantity, while assuaging urban flooding. While cities across the United States implement GSI into their planning processes, they are also potentially affecting the local communities that are receiving these GSI through social, ecological, physical, and economic impacts. Flooding is impacting urban communities by damaging homes and infrastructure, degrading ecosystems, and exacerbating social inequities. In the planning process, there is an acute need for the consideration of the equitable distribution of GSI in addition to technical and engineering needs. This study examines multiple aspects of vulnerability to local flooding impacts—social, environmental, and infrastructural—across a city landscape to identify those communities that have a greater need for GSI. Given the city of Philadelphia is a leader in GSI implementation in the United States, we use it as our research setting where we create citywide, multifaceted vulnerability indices that account for the spatial distribution of social, built environment, and maintenance vulnerabilities to flooding events. In addition to these indices, a GSI type decision table was created to suggest more equitable placements of different GSI types based on their maintenance needs and expected co-benefits. The results of this study reveal unequal distribution of social and built-environment vulnerabilities in the city at the Census block group scale, with high social vulnerability consistently spread across the central, southwest, and northwest neighborhoods of Philadelphia. Potential areas of severe GSI maintenance impacts appear to be concentrated in the downtown neighborhoods, while overall vulnerability appears elevated throughout the downtown and northwest neighborhoods. These results indicate that some communities in Philadelphia are highly vulnerable and should be prioritized for GSI implementation. In addition, the type of GSI implemented should be optimized to address the specific vulnerability impacts in different areas. A multifaceted vulnerability approach to planning can be applied in multiple areas of climate adaptation equity, with future studies continuing to update and add more dimensions of vulnerability where and when applicable.
Hemizygous nonsense variant in the moesin gene (MSN) leads to a new autoimmune phenotype of Immunodeficiency 50
Authors: Kovács András L. , Kárteszi Judit , Prohászka Zoltán , Kalmár Tibor , Késmárky Gábor , Koltai Katalin , Nagy Zsuzsanna , Sebők Judit , Vas Tibor , Molnár Krisztián , Berki Tímea , Böröcz Katalin , Gyömörei Csaba , Szalma József , Egyed Miklós , Horváth Szabina , Oláh Péter , Csuka Dorottya , Németh Viktória , Gyulai Rolland
Published: September 2022

Here, we present the findings of an investigation involving two male siblings with juvenile total tooth loss, early-onset chronic leg ulcers, and autoimmune thyroiditis, as well as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis with associated pulmonary emphysema in one and diabetes mellitus in the other. The clinical picture and lupus anticoagulant, cryoglobulin, and cold agglutinin positivity suggested the diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome. Flow cytometry analysis showed immunophenotypes consistent with immune dysregulation: a low number of naive T cells, elevated CD4+ T cell counts, and decreased CD8+ T-cell counts were detected, and more than half of the T-helper population was activated. Considering the siblings’ almost identical clinical phenotype, the genetic alteration was suspected in the background of the immunodeficiency. Whole exome sequencing identified a previously not described hemizygous nonsense variant (c.650G>A, p.W217X) within exon 6 of the moesin (MSN) gene localized on chromosome X, resulting in significantly decreased MSN mRNA expression compared to healthy controls. We present a putative new autoimmune phenotype of Immunodeficiency 50 (MIM300988) characterized by antiphospholipid syndrome, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, leg ulcers, and juvenile tooth loss, associated with W217X mutation of the MSN gene.
Research on the spatial effect of foundation pit under asymmetric loads
Authors: Xu Changjie , Lin Zhaorui , Jiang Yalong , Shi Yufeng , Fan Xiaozhen , Xiong Zheng , Liu Yangfeng
Published: September 2022

Abstract: This research describes the evolution of the spatial effects of foundation pits considering internal support and external loads. Based on the existing concept of “plane strain ratio”, the term “plane strain ratio considering maximum surface settlement” is proposed to characterize the spatial effects of an asymmetric foundation pit. A series of finite element model calculations were carried out using the Nanchang Aixi Lake foundation pit, including 1) the calculation of simulated actual conditions, 2) the calculation of simulated full symmetric load, and 3) the calculation of simulated asymmetric load. The results indicate that for the symmetric condition at 20 kPa and below, the spatial effect range increases as the load increases. For the symmetric condition above 20 kPa, the load has a negligible impact on the spatial effect range. On the side with a larger load under asymmetric loading conditions, the spatial effect of the working condition below 30 kPa is smaller than the corresponding symmetric load. On the side with a smaller load, the spatial effect of the working condition above 80 kPa increases compared with that of the corresponding symmetrical load. Given and verified are the modified fitting equations that take into account the influence range of spatial effect on both sides of the foundation pit under symmetrical and asymmetrical loads.
Gasdermin D: A potential mediator and prognostic marker of bladder cancer
Authors: El-Gamal Randa , Abdelrahim Mona , El-Sherbiny Mohamed , Enan Eman T. , El-Nablaway Mohammad
Published: September 2022

Background: Bladder cancer is considered one of the commonest widespread cancers, its presentation ranges from non-muscle invasive form to being muscle-invasive. The gasdermin family of proteins consists of six proteins. Members of gasdermin family are involved in pyroptosis; which is considered as type of inflammatory apoptosis via participation of gasdermin D and inflammatory caspases.

Purpose: The goal of this research was to look into the potential involvement of gasdermin D in pathogenesis of bladder cancer, In addition, to investigate its potential role as a prognostic marker of bladder cancer.

Methods: Gasdermin D gene and protein expression was examined in fresh frozen 80 bladder cancer specimens (30 NMIBC, and 50 MIBC) and the matching 80 control tissue samples utilizing real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Furthermore, the immunoreactivity of gasdermin D protein was also detected by immunohistochemistry.

Results: Gasdermin D gene and protein expression showed a highly significant difference between the control and the two bladder cancer groups (p < 0.001), as demonstrated by real-time PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Cox proportional hazards regression models showed that lower gasdermin D gene expression in cancer patients (≤1.58-fold), and younger age (≤53 years) were linked with a higher risk of local tumor recurrence. Moreover, higher gasdermin D gene expression (>2.18-fold), and lymph nodes’ involvement were associated with an increased mortality.

Conclusion: Gasdermin D is involved in the pathogenesis of bladder cancer and muscle invasion, in addition, tissue gasdermin D expression may be used as useful tool to predict local tumor recurrence.
The stress hyperglycemia ratio is associated with the development of cerebral edema and poor functional outcome in patients with acute cerebral infarction
Authors: Deng Yilun , Wu Simiao , Liu Junfeng , Liu Meng , Wang Lu , Wan JinCheng , Zhang Shihong , Liu Ming
Published: September 2022

Background and purpose

Absolute hyperglycemia at admission has been shown to be associated with the development of cerebral edema (CED) after acute cerebral infarction. Stress hyperglycemia is a more objective reflection of hyperglycemic state than absolute hyperglycemia. However, studies on the associations between stress hyperglycemia and CED are limited. We aimed to explore the associations of stress hyperglycemia, measured by stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR), with the development of CED and poor functional outcome of acute cerebral infarction.

Methods

Patients with acute middle artery cerebral infarction admitted to the Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, within 24 h of symptom onset from January 2017 to March 2021 were included. Stress hyperglycemia was assessed by the SHR: admission fasting plasma glucose (FPG)/hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). The primary outcome was the degree of CED evaluated on brain image. The secondary outcomes were moderate-to-severe CED, poor functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score > 2), and death at 90 days. The associations between the SHR and outcomes were assessed with multivariate logistic regression analyses. We further compared the predictive value of the SHR, admission random plasma glucose (RPG), and admission FPG for outcomes in the training dataset and validation dataset.

Results

638 patients were enrolled. Each 0.1-point increase in the SHR was independently associated with a 1.31-fold increased risk of a higher degree of CED [odds ratio (OR): 1.31 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.20–1.42), P < 0.001]. The SHR was independently associated with moderate-to-severe CED [per 0.1-point increase: OR: 1.39 (95% CI: 1.24–1.57), P < 0.001], poor functional outcome [per 0.1-point increase: OR: 1.25 (95% CI: 1.12–1.40), P < 0.001], and death [per 0.1-point increase: OR: 1.13 (95% CI: 1.03–1.25), P < 0.05]. The predictive value of the SHR (as a continuous variable), exhibited by the area under the curve in receiver operating characteristic analysis, was higher than that of the RPG and FPG for moderate-to-severe CED and poor functional outcome (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The SHR is independently associated with the severity of CED, poor functional outcome, and death after acute cerebral infarction, and the SHR (as a continuous variable) has a better predictive value for moderate-to-severe CED and poor functional outcome than the RPG and FPG.
Aberrant pattern of regional cerebral blood flow in mild cognitive impairment: A meta-analysis of arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Tang Tong , Huang Li , Zhang Yusi , Li Zuanfang , Liang Shengxiang
Published: September 2022

In mild cognitive impairment (MCI), cognitive decline is associated with abnormal changes of cerebral blood flow (CBF). Arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging (ASL-MRI) is an effective method for assessing regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF). However, the CBF estimated via ASL-MRI in MCI often differs between studies, and the consistency of CBF changes in MCI is unclear. In this study, 13 ASL-MRI studies with 495 MCI patients and 441 health controls were screened out from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, Wanfang, and CNKI. An activation likelihood estimation (ALE) meta-analysis was performed to explore the brain regions with abnormal CBF in MCI. It showed that the decreased CBF in MCI was identified in the precuneus, inferior parietal lobule (IPL), superior occipital gyrus (SOG), middle temporal gyrus (MTG), and middle occipital gyrus (MOG), while the increased CBF in MCI was identified in the lentiform nucleus (LN) compared with healthy controls. The study characterized the abnormal pattern of regional CBF in MCI, which would promote our knowledge of MCI and might be used as a biomarker in clinic.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=259633.
High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging for predicting successful recanalization in patients with chronic internal carotid artery occlusion
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Zhou Chun , Cao Yue-zhou , Su Chun-qiu , Shi Hai-bin , Lu Shan-shan , Liu Sheng
Published: September 2022

Objective

The main aim of the study was to investigate the predictive factors of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) for successful recanalization in patients with chronic internal carotid artery occlusion (CICAO).

Methods

We included 41 consecutive patients who had CICAO and underwent recanalization attempts. The demographics, clinical data, and HR-MRI features in relation to the technique success were collected and analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses. A score-based prediction model was constructed using a regression coefficient-based scoring method.

Results

Technical success was achieved in 26 (63.4%) patients, with a complication rate of 12.2% (5/41). Based on multivariate analysis, occlusions involving ophthalmic artery segment (C6) or above (OR: 0.036; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.004–0.336) and nontapered stump (OR: 0.064; 95% CI: 0.007–0.591) were identified as independent negative predictors of successful recanalization in patients with CICAO. Point scores were assigned according to the model coefficients, and the patients who scored 0, 1, or 2 points had success rates of 93.33% (14/15), 66.67% (12/18), or 0% (0/8), respectively.

Conclusion

HR-MRI characteristics may be valuable in identifying candidates for endovascular recanalization in patients with CICAO. Occlusions involving the C6 segment or higher, as well as nontapered stumps, were independent negative predictors of technical success.
Intracranial Arterial Calcifications: Potential Biomarkers of Stroke Risk and Outcome
Authors: Fote Gianna M. , Raefsky Sophia , Mock Kelton , Chaudhari Amit , Shafie Mohammad , Yu Wengui
Published: September 2022

Intracranial artery calcifications (IAC), a common and easily identifiable finding on computed tomorgraphy angiography (CTA), has gained recognition as a possible risk factor for ischemic stroke. While atherosclerosis of intracranial arteries is believed to be a mechanism that commonly contributes to ischemic stroke, and coronary artery calcification is well-established as a predictor of both myocardial infarction (MI) and ischemic stroke risk, IAC is not currently used as a prognostic tool for stroke risk or recurrence. This review examines the pathophysiology and prevalence of IAC, and current evidence suggesting that IAC may be a useful tool for prediction of stroke incidence, recurrence, and response to acute ischemic stroke therapy.
Altered functional connectivity in first-episode and recurrent depression: A resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Sun Jifei , Du Zhongming , Ma Yue , Chen Limei , Wang Zhi , Guo Chunlei , Luo Yi , Gao Deqiang , Hong Yang , Zhang Lei , Han Ming , Cao Jiudong , Hou Xiaobing , Xiao Xue , Tian Jing , Yu Xue , Fang Jiliang , Zhao Yanping
Published: September 2022

Background

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies examining differences in the activity of brain networks between the first depressive episode (FDE) and recurrent depressive episode (RDE) are limited. The current study observed and compared the altered functional connectivity (FC) characteristics in the default mode network (DMN), cognitive control network (CCN), and affective network (AN) between the RDE and FDE. In addition, we further investigated the correlation between abnormal FC and clinical symptoms.

Methods

We recruited 32 patients with the RDE, 31 patients with the FDE, and 30 healthy controls (HCs). All subjects underwent resting-state fMRI. The seed-based FC method was used to analyze the abnormal brain networks in the DMN, CCN, and AN among the three groups and further explore the correlation between abnormal FC and clinical symptoms.

Results

One-way analysis of variance showed significant differences the FC in the DMN, CCN, and AN among the three groups in the frontal, parietal, temporal, and precuneus lobes and cerebellum. Compared with the RDE group, the FDE group generally showed reduced FC in the DMN, CCN, and AN. Compared with the HC group, the FDE group showed reduced FC in the DMN, CCN, and AN, while the RDE group showed reduced FC only in the DMN and AN. Moreover, the FC in the left posterior cingulate cortices and the right inferior temporal gyrus in the RDE group were positively correlated with the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD-17), and the FC in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortices and the right precuneus in the FDE group were negatively correlated with the HAMD-17.

Conclusions

The RDE and FDE groups showed multiple abnormal brain networks. However, the alterations of abnormal FC were more extensive and intensive in the FDE group.
Nomogram for predicting traumatic subdural effusion after mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Wei Lichao , Chang Bowen , Geng Zhi , Chen Ming , Cao Yongsheng , Yao Liang , Ma Chao
Published: September 2022

Objective

Traumatic subdural effusion (TSE) is a common complication of traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study aimed to determine the risk factors associated with subdural effusion and to propose a nomogram to predict the risk of TSE in patients with mild TBI.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 120 patients with mild TBI between January 2015 and December 2020 at the Third People's Hospital of Hefei. The risk factors of TSE were selected using univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis. A nomogram was developed to predict the incidence of TSE. Receiver operating characteristics and calibration plots were used to evaluate the discrimination and fitting performance.

Results

Of the 120 patients, 32 developed subdural effusion after mild TBI. Univariate analysis showed that gender, age, history of hypertension, traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, subdural hematoma, basilar skull fracture, and cerebral contusion were varied significantly between groups (p < 0.05). Logistic multivariate regression analysis showed that the gender, age, history of hypertension, and basilar skull fracture were independent risk factors for TSE. Based on these results, a nomogram model was developed. The C-index of the nomogram was 0.78 (95% CI: 0.70–0.87). The nomogram had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.78 (95% CI: 0.70–0.87). The calibration plot demonstrated the goodness of fit between the nomogram predictions and actual observations.

Conclusion

Gender, age, history of hypertension, and basilar skull fracture can be used in a nomogram to predict subdural effusion after mild TBI.
Current status of perimesencephalic non-aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Hou Kun , Yu Jinlu
Published: September 2022

Perimesencephalic nonaneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (PNSAH) is a distinctive disease, representing SAH centered in perimesencephalic cisterns, with negative angiography findings. In recent years, the number of patients with PNSAH has increased significantly; however, the knowledge of PNSAH is insufficient. Therefore, we performed a review of the literature from a PubMed search and recounted our understanding of PNSAH. In this review, we summarized that current high-resolution computed tomography angiography is an acceptable replacement for digital subtraction angiography to rule out aneurysms in PNSAH with strict criteria. The current hypothesis about the etiology of PNSAH is that there is deep vein rupture from aberrant venous anatomy and increased intracranial venous pressure. PNSAH is associated with mild symptoms and lower rates of hydrocephalus and symptomatic vasospasm. For PNSAH, conservative treatment has been the mainstream treatment. PNSAH has a benign clinical course and an excellent prognosis; in long-term follow-up, re-bleeding and death were uncommon.
Combining visual rating scales to identify prodromal Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease dementia in a population from a low and middle-income country
Authors: Custodio Nilton , Malaga Marco , Chambergo-Michilot Diego , Montesinos Rosa , Moron Elizabeth , Vences Miguel A. , Huilca José Carlos , Lira David , Failoc-Rojas Virgilio E. , Diaz Monica M.
Published: September 2022

Background

Many low- and middle-income countries, including Latin America, lack access to biomarkers for the diagnosis of prodromal Alzheimer's Disease (AD; mild cognitive impairment due to AD) and AD dementia. MRI visual rating scales may serve as an ancillary diagnostic tool for identifying prodromal AD or AD in Latin America. We investigated the ability of brain MRI visual rating scales to distinguish between cognitively healthy controls, prodromal AD and AD.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from a multidisciplinary neurology clinic in Lima, Peru using neuropsychological assessments, brain MRI and cerebrospinal fluid amyloid and tau levels. Medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA), posterior atrophy (PA), white matter hyperintensity (WMH), and MTA+PA composite MRI scores were compared. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) were determined.

Results

Fifty-three patients with prodromal AD, 69 with AD, and 63 cognitively healthy elderly individuals were enrolled. The median age was 75 (8) and 42.7% were men. Neither sex, mean age, nor years of education were significantly different between groups. The MTA was higher in patients with AD (p < 0.0001) compared with prodromal AD and controls, and MTA scores adjusted by age range (p < 0.0001) and PA scores (p < 0.0001) were each significantly associated with AD diagnosis (p < 0.0001) but not the WMH score (p=0.426). The MTA had better performance among ages <75 years (AUC 0.90 [0.85–0.95]), while adjusted MTA+PA scores performed better among ages>75 years (AUC 0.85 [0.79–0.92]). For AD diagnosis, MTA+PA had the best performance (AUC 1.00) for all age groups.

Conclusions

Combining MTA and PA scores demonstrates greater discriminative ability to differentiate controls from prodromal AD and AD, highlighting the diagnostic value of visual rating scales in daily clinical practice, particularly in Latin America where access to advanced neuroimaging and CSF biomarkers is limited in the clinical setting.
The central-peripheral coupling effect of ocular acupuncture kinesitherapy in post-stroke dyskinesia: A functional neuroimaging and neurotic electrophysiology study protocol
Authors: Zhang Di , Wang Yongshen , Li Hongpeng , Ma Jiang , Sun Jianfeng , Wu Zhipeng , Zhang Guilong , Jin Song
Published: September 2022

Background

Dyskinesia is a common manifestation after stroke. Motor functional rehabilitation after stroke is of great significance to the maintenance of national health. Ocular Acupuncture Kinesitherapy (OAKT) can repair nerve injuries, improve motor function, reduce rehabilitation time, and promote dyskinesia recovery after stroke. The mechanism, however, remains a mystery, necessitating urgent research. The M1-thalamus-spinal cord neural signaling pathway is linked to limb motor function. Bold-fMRI can represent the cerebral functional state, and TMS-MEP is of certain practical utility for assessing motor neural function and prognosis. Combining fMRI scanning with TMS-MEP detection is predicted to advance brain-spinal cord regulation and muscle response linkage control mechanism research, as well as completely investigate the central-peripheral coupling effect of Ocular Acupuncture Kinesitherapy on dyskinesia after stroke (PSD).

Methods

This is a prospective functional neuroimaging and neurotic electrophysiological study with a case-control design between the PSD with the HC groups and a randomized controlled design within the 3 PSD groups (OAKT group, ocular acupuncture group, and kinesitherapy group). Using fMRI scans and TMS-MEP approach, we will assess the central-peripheral neural function alterations in PSD as well as the coupling effects of OAKT on PSD. We plan to enroll 90 participants at the Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from Aug 31, 2022, to Dec 31, 2023, including 45 PSD and 45 HC subjects. After enrollment and on the last day after 4-weeks of waiting (HC subjects) or intervention (PSD subjects), all eligible subjects will be evaluated using fMRI scanning, TMS-MEP detection, and the MMT and Fugl-Mayer scales assessment. The MMT and Fugl-Meyer scores will be recorded, and a Pearson correlation analysis will be performed to assess the correlation between clinical and imaging outcomes.

Discussion

Findings of this study will help to explain the central-peripheral coupling effect of OAKT on PSD and to further provide the neural processing of acupuncture kinesitherapy covering the entire pathway from peripheral to central nervous system.

Clinical trial registration

This study is registered with an identifier (ChiCTR2200060483) at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry in June 2022. http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx.
Atrial cardiopathy is associated with cerebral microbleeds in ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Zhao David X. , Gootee Emma , Johansen Michelle C.
Published: September 2022

Objective

Cerebral microbleeds (CMB) are small accumulations of hemosiderin associated with cerebrovascular risk factors, but whether they are associated with atrial cardiopathy is not known. The goal of this study is to determine, among ischemic stroke patients, the association between study-defined atrial cardiopathy and CMB presence, location, and number.

Methods

Ischemic stroke patients admitted to Johns Hopkins (2015–2019) with transthoracic echocardiography and electrocardiography were included. Cerebral microbleeds were defined as small, round hypo-intensities on T2* susceptibility weighted imaging or gradient recalled echo magnetic resonance imaging sequences. Atrial cardiopathy was defined as the presence of ≥1: left atrium diameter >4.0 cm (males) or >3.8 cm (females), PR interval >200 ms, or N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide >250 pg/ml. Binary/Ordinal logistic regression models were used to determine the association between atrial cardiopathy, and cerebral microbleed presence, location (lobar/deep), or number, each, adjusted for potential confounders.

Results

Patients (N = 120) were mean age 60 years (range 22–98), 46% female, 62% black, and 39% were on anti-thrombotic medication at time of admission. 39 (32%) participants had ≥1 cerebral microbleeds. Forty-six (38%) patients had atrial cardiopathy. Atrial cardiopathy was associated with higher odds of having cerebral microbleeds (OR 2.50, 95% CI 1.02–6.15). Atrial cardiopathy was associated with lobar cerebral microbleeds (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.01–5.37) in univariate analysis but not with deep cerebral microbleeds (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.13–1.54), with neither association significant after adjustment. There was no difference in risk of having 1 vs. no cerebral microbleeds (RRR 2.51, 95% CI 0.75–8.37) and >1 cerebral microbleed vs none (RRR 2.57, 95% CI 0.87–7.60) among those with atrial cardiopathy.

Conclusions

Atrial cardiopathy is associated with the presence, but not burden, of cerebral microbleeds in ischemic stroke patients. We cautiously suggest that atrial cardiopathy, either directly or through shared vascular risk, may contribute to the presence of CMB.
Brain morphology changes after spinal cord injury: A voxel-based meta-analysis
Authors: Yu Haiyang , Chen Duanyong , Jiang Hai , Fu Guangtao , Yang Yuhui , Deng Zhantao , Chen Yuanfeng , Zheng Qiujian
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Spinal cord injury (SCI) remodels the brain structure and alters brain function. To identify specific changes in brain gray matter volume (GMV) and white matter volume (WMV) following SCI, we conducted a voxel-based meta-analysis of whole-brain voxel-based morphometry (VBM) studies.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive literature search on VBM studies that compared SCI patients and healthy controls in PubMed, Web of Science and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure from 1980 to April 2022. Then, we conducted a voxel-based meta-analysis using seed-based d mapping with permutation of subject images (SDM-PSI). Meta-regression analysis was performed to identify the effects of clinical characteristics.

Results

Our study collected 20 studies with 22 GMV datasets and 15 WMV datasets, including 410 patients and 406 healthy controls. Compared with healthy controls, SCI patients showed significant GMV loss in the left insula and bilateral thalamus and significant WMV loss in the bilateral corticospinal tract (CST). Additionally, a higher motor score and pinprick score were positively related to greater GMV in the right postcentral gyrus, whereas a positive relationship was observed between the light touch score and the bilateral postcentral gyrus.

Conclusion

Atrophy in the thalamus and bilateral CST suggest that SCI may trigger neurodegeneration changes in the sensory and motor pathways. Furthermore, atrophy of the left insula may indicate depression and neuropathic pain in SCI patients. These indicators of structural abnormalities could serve as neuroimaging biomarkers for evaluating the prognosis and treatment effect, as well as for monitoring disease progression. The application of neuroimaging biomarkers in the brain for SCI may also lead to personalized treatment strategies.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021279716, identifier: CRD42021279716.
Perinatal development of central vestibular neurons in mice
Authors: Dubois Christophe J. , Cardoit Laura , Simmers John , Lambert François M. , Thoby-Brisson Muriel
Published: September 2022

Central circuitry of the vestibular nuclei integrates sensory inputs in the adaptive control of motor behaviors such as posture, locomotion, and gaze stabilization. Thus far, such circuits have been mostly examined at mature stages, whereas their emergence and early development have remained poorly described. Here, we focused on the perinatal period of murine development, from embryonic day E14.5 to post-natal day P5, to investigate the ontogeny of two functionally distinct vestibular neuronal groups, neurons projecting to the spinal cord via the lateral vestibulospinal tract (LVST) and commissural neurons of the medial vestibular nucleus that cross the midline to the contralateral nucleus. Using transgenic mice and retrograde labeling, we found that network-constitutive GABAergic and glycinergic neurons are already established in the two vestibular groups at embryonic stages. Although incapable of repetitive firing at E14.5, neurons of both groups can generate spike trains from E15.5 onward and diverge into previously established A or B subtypes according to the absence (A) or presence (B) of a two-stage spike after hyperpolarization. Investigation of several voltage-dependent membrane properties indicated that solely LVST neurons undergo significant maturational changes in their electrophysiological characteristics during perinatal development. The proportions of A vs B subtypes also evolve in both groups, with type A neurons remaining predominant at all stages, and type B commissural neurons appearing only post-natally. Together, our results indicate that vestibular neurons acquire their distinct morpho-functional identities after E14.5 and that the early maturation of membrane properties does not emerge uniformly in the different functional subpopulations of vestibulo-motor pathways.
Elastic shape analysis of brain structures for predictive modeling of PTSD
Authors: Wu Yuexuan , Kundu Suprateek , Stevens Jennifer S. , Fani Negar , Srivastava Anuj
Published: September 2022

It is well-known that morphological features in the brain undergo changes due to traumatic events and associated disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, existing approaches typically offer group-level comparisons, and there are limited predictive approaches for modeling behavioral outcomes based on brain shape features that can account for heterogeneity in PTSD, which is of paramount interest. We propose a comprehensive shape analysis framework representing brain sub-structures, such as the hippocampus, amygdala, and putamen, as parameterized surfaces and quantifying their shape differences using an elastic shape metric. Under this metric, we compute shape summaries (mean, covariance, PCA) of brain sub-structures and represent individual brain shapes by their principal scores under a shape-PCA basis. These representations are rich enough to allow visualizations of full 3D structures and help understand localized changes. In order to validate the elastic shape analysis, we use the principal components (PCs) to reconstruct the brain structures and perform further evaluation by performing a regression analysis to model PTSD and trauma severity using the brain shapes represented via PCs and in conjunction with auxiliary exposure variables. We apply our method to data from the Grady Trauma Project (GTP), where the goal is to predict clinical measures of PTSD. The framework seamlessly integrates accurate morphological features and other clinical covariates to yield superior predictive performance when modeling PTSD outcomes. Compared to vertex-wise analysis and other widely applied shape analysis methods, the elastic shape analysis approach results in considerably higher reconstruction accuracy for the brain shape and reveals significantly greater predictive power. It also helps identify local deformations in brain shapes associated with PTSD severity.
More than meets the AI: The possibilities and limits of machine learning in olfaction
Authors: Barwich Ann-Sophie , Lloyd Elisabeth A.
Published: September 2022

Can machine learning crack the code in the nose? Over the past decade, studies tried to solve the relation between chemical structure and sensory quality with Big Data. These studies advanced computational models of the olfactory stimulus, utilizing artificial intelligence to mine for clear correlations between chemistry and psychophysics. Computational perspectives promised to solve the mystery of olfaction with more data and better data processing tools. None of them succeeded, however, and it matters as to why this is the case. This article argues that we should be deeply skeptical about the trend to black-box the sensory system’s biology in our theories of perception. Instead, we need to ground both stimulus models and psychophysical data on real causal-mechanistic explanations of the olfactory system. The central question is: Would knowledge of biology lead to a better understanding of the stimulus in odor coding than the one utilized in current machine learning models? That is indeed the case. Recent studies about receptor behavior have revealed that the olfactory system operates by principles not captured in current stimulus-response models. This may require a fundamental revision of computational approaches to olfaction, including its psychological effects. To analyze the different research programs in olfaction, we draw on Lloyd’s “Logic of Research Questions,” a philosophical framework which assists scientists in explicating the reasoning, conceptual commitments, and problems of a modeling approach in question.
Urinary exosomal long non-coding RNAs as noninvasive biomarkers for diagnosis of bladder cancer by RNA sequencing
Authors: Bian Bingxian , Li Li , Ke Xing , Chen Hui , Liu Yi , Zheng Naisheng , Zheng Yingxia , Ma Yanhui , Zhou Yunlan , Yang Junyao , Xiao Lanshu , Shen Lisong
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Cystoscopy is the standard methodology for diagnosis of bladder cancer (BC), but it is invasive and relatively expensive. Previous studies have found that urinary exosomal long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) may act as potential noninvasive biomarkers for diagnosis. Here we identified urinary exosomal lncRNAs that are differentially expressed between BC and controls, and established a panel for diagnosis of BC.

Methods

We performed RNA sequencing in urinary exosomes of 7 controls and 7 patients, subsequently the differentially expressed lncRNAs were detected in training cohort (50 controls and 50 patients) and validation cohort (43 controls and 43 patients). The diagnostic power of lncRNAs for BC was calculated by the area under curve (AUC). The panel for diagnosis of BC was calculated by logistic regression.

Results

The results of RNA sequencing in urinary exosomes showed that 240 upregulated lncRNAs and 275 downregulated lncRNAs were differentially expressed. The levels of MKLN1-AS, TALAM1, TTN-AS1 and UCA1 in BC patients were higher than that in controls in the training and validation cohort by real-time PCR. Using logistic regression, with the combination of these four lncRNAs and NMP22, we identified a panel of five parameters capable of classifying BC patients versus controls on the basis of the training cohort (AUC=0.850). Moreover, the performance of the panel exhibited better performance than either single parameter in the validation cohort.

Conclusion

Collectively, this study confirmed the diagnostic value of lncRNAs for BC by high-throughout urinary exosomal RNA sequencing.
Prevalence and barriers to health care transition for adolescent patients with childhood-onset chronic diseases across Japan: A nation-wide cross-sectional survey
Authors: Sakurai Ikuho , Maru Mitsue , Miyamae Takako , Honda Masataka
Published: September 2022

Since the Japan Pediatric Society published its “Recommendations on Transitional Care for Patients with Childhood-Onset Chronic Diseases” in 2014, there has been an increased interest in the health care transition of adolescents with childhood-onset chronic diseases in Japan. However, the actual status of healthcare transition was not studied yet. The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence of transitional support for adolescent patients with childhood-onset chronic disease and the factors hindering their transition. We conducted an anonymous questionnaire survey in August 2020, targeting physicians and nurses involved in health care transition at 494 pediatric facilities in Japan. Survey items included demographic data, health care systems related to transition to adult departments, health care transition programs based on Six Core Elements (establishing transition policy, tracking and monitoring transition progress, assessing patient readiness for transition, developing the transition plan with a medical summary, transferring the patient, completing the transfer/following up with the patient and family), barriers to transition (34-item, 4-point Likert scale), and expectations in supporting transition (multiple-choice responses), which consisted of five items (78 questions); all questions were structured. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Of the 225 responses collected (45.5% response rate), 88.0% were from pediatricians. More than 80% of respondents transferred patients of 20 years or older, but only about 15% had took a structured transition process of four or more based on the Six Core Elements. The top transition barriers were “intellectual disability/rare disease” and “dependence on pediatrics” as patient/family factors, and “lack of collaboration with adult healthcare (relationship, manpower/system, knowledge/understanding)” as medical/infrastructure factors. The study provides future considerations, including the promotion of structured health care transition programs, development of transitional support tailored to the characteristics of rare diseases and disorders, and establishment of a support system with adult departments.
Synergistic antioxidant effects of natural compounds on H2O2-induced cytotoxicity of human monocytes
Authors: Ben Mrid Reda , Bouchmaa Najat , Ouedrhiri Wessal , Ennoury Abdelhamid , ZouaouI Zakia , Kabach Imad , Nhiri Mohamed , El Fatimy Rachid
Published: September 2022

Natural compounds are endowed with a broad spectrum of biological activities, including protection against Toxins. Most of them are known for their antioxidant and radical scavenging activities. However, the synergistic combination of these natural molecules is not well studied. Therefore, the present study aims first to investigate the effect of four potent natural molecules [rosmarinic acid (Ros-A), ellagic acid (Ella-A), curcumin (Cur), and syringic acid (Syr-A)] on H2O2 -induced cell cytotoxicity and oxidative stress on the human monocytes (THP-1) and then to evaluate their combined action effect. Optimal combinations of these molecules were predicted using an augmented mixture design approach. In the first, as preliminary antioxidant activities screening, two in vitro assays were adopted to assess the single radicals scavenging activity of these natural compounds, DPPH• and ABTS• + tests. Based on the results obtained, the multitude of optimal formulas proposed by the mixture design study led to choosing four potent compositions (comp) in addition to ellagic acid, proposed as the most efficient when applied alone. The different molecules and mixtures were used to assess their cytoprotective effect on THP-1 cells in the presence and absence of H2O2. The most potent Comp-4, as well as the molecules forming this mixture, were exploited in a second experiment, aiming to understand the effect on oxidative stress via antioxidant enzyme activities analysis in the H2O2-induced oxidative stress in the THP-1 cell line. Interestingly, the natural molecules used for THP-1 cells treatment exhibited a significant increase in the antioxidant defense and glyoxalase system as well as suppression of ROS generation evaluated as MDA content. These results indicate that the natural compounds tested here, especially the synergistic effect of Cur and Ros-A (Comp-4), could serve as cytoprotective and immunostimulant agents against H2O2-induced cytotoxicity THP-1 cells, which makes them interesting for further investigations on the molecular mechanisms in preclinical animal models.
Plasma TNFSF10 levels associated with acamprosate treatment response in patients with alcohol use disorder
Authors: Ho Ming-Fen , Zhang Cheng , Moon Irene , Coombes Brandon J. , Biernacka Joanna , Skime Michelle , Choi Doo-Sup , Croarkin Paul E. , Frye Mark A. , Ngo Quyen , Skillon Cedric , Oesterle Tyler S. , Karpyak Victor M. , Li Hu , Weinshilboum Richard M.
Published: September 2022

Acamprosate is an anti-craving drug used in alcohol use disorder (AUD) pharmacotherapy. However, only a subset of patients achieves optimal treatment outcomes. The identification of predictive biomarkers of acamprosate treatment response in patients with AUD would be a substantial advance in addiction medicine. We designed this study to use proteomics data as a quantitative biological trait as a step toward identifying inflammatory modulators that might be associated with acamprosate treatment outcomes. The NIAAA-funded Mayo Clinic Center for the Individualized Treatment of Alcoholism study had previously recruited 442 AUD patients who received 3 months of acamprosate treatment. However, only 267 subjects returned for the 3-month follow-up visit and, as a result, had treatment outcome information available. Baseline alcohol craving intensity was the most significant predictor of acamprosate treatment outcomes. We performed plasma proteomics using the Olink target 96 inflammation panel and identified that baseline plasma TNF superfamily member 10 (TNFSF10) concentration was associated with alcohol craving intensity and variation in acamprosate treatment outcomes among AUD patients. We also performed RNA sequencing using baseline peripheral blood mononuclear cells from AUD patients with known acamprosate treatment outcomes which revealed that inflammation-related pathways were highly associated with relapse to alcohol use during the 3 months of acamprosate treatment. These observations represent an important step toward advancing our understanding of the pathophysiology of AUD and molecular mechanisms associated with acamprosate treatment response. In conclusion, applying omics-based approaches may be a practical approach for identifying biologic markers that could potentially predict alcohol craving intensity and acamprosate treatment response.
Acoustophoretic particle manipulation in hybrid solid/gel resonators
Authors: Luzuriaga Jon , Carreras Pilar , Candil Manuel , Bazou Despina , González Itziar
Published: September 2022

This study presents a proof of concept to demonstrate the ability of ultrasounds to perform acoustophoretic processes in hybrid millifluidic resonators that include channels laterally embedded in extremely soft media with physical properties close to those of liquids. In our experiments, particles are driven by acoustic radiation forces toward hydrodynamic/acoustic equilibrium positions in a similar way to that produced in conventional microfluidic resonators with solid structures; 20 um-sized polystyrene beads immersed in deionized water flow channelized throughout an aqueous-based gel between an inlet and outlet in a resonant chamber while being exposed to ultrasounds at a frequency of 1.54 MHz. The liquid channel formed presents irregular walls and variable geometry defined by the sample injection pressure. Particles collect rapidly along a central line equidistant from the walls, regardless of whether they are parallel or not, as observed for different channel geometries and cross-sectional dimensions. Only when the flow stops, the particles collect in acoustic pressure nodes established with the 2D spatial distribution. These results break the paradigm of solid structures as essential physical elements to support acoustophoresis, demonstrating the ability to produce these processes in media without a consolidated structure. It opens a door to bioprinting applications.
Cold exposure and musculoskeletal conditions; A scoping review
Authors: Farbu Erlend Hoftun , Höper Anje Christina , Reierth Eirik , Nilsson Tohr , Skandfer Morten
Published: September 2022

Background: Musculoskeletal conditions are major contributors to years lived with disability. Cold exposure can be a risk factor, but any conclusion is obscure.

Aim: The aim of the present scoping review was to identify the existing evidence of an association between cold exposure and musculoskeletal conditions. The aim also included to consider pain in different regions and their assessment, as well as different measures of cold exposure, effect sizes, and to assess the feasibility of future systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Eligibility criteria: The studies must have: an epidemiological design, defined cold exposure to come prior to the health outcome, defined exposure and outcome(s), existence of effect estimate(s) or data that made it possible to calculate such an estimate. Further, studies were required to be in English language and published in peer-reviewed journals. Studies that had a specific goal of studying cold exposure as an aggravator of already existing health problems were excluded.

Sources: We searched Ovid MEDLINE(R) and Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations, Daily and Versions(R), and Embase Classic + Embase for original studies.

Charting method: The included studies were reviewed for study population, measurement of exposure and outcome, and effect size. Each publication was assessed for risk of bias.

Results: The included studies were heterogeneous in populations, measures of cold exposure and musculoskeletal conditions. Most studies used self-reported data. They were mostly cross-sectional studies, only two were prospective and one was a case-control study. Associations were found for different cold exposures and regional musculoskeletal conditions, but the heterogeneity and lack of studies impeded valid synthesis of risk magnitude, or meta-analyses.

Conclusion: The studies identified in this review indicate that cold exposure increases the risk of musculoskeletal conditions. However, there is a need for studies that better assess temporality between exposure and outcome. Future studies should also include better exposure assessment, including both objective measurements and measures of subjective experience of cold exposure. The heterogeneity in measurement of exposure and outcome impeded any meta-analysis.