bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lumbar Epidural Cavernous Hemangioma : A Case Report
Authors: Barman Kanuj Kumar , Khan Akhlaque Hossain , Rahman Md Tauhidur , Dey Bishnu Pada , Uddin Md Jalal
Published: July 2021

A 34 year smale patient presented with diffuse low-back pain with bilateral radiculopathy for 8 months duration.The magnetic resonance imaging showed an extradural space occupying lesion in spinal canal from L2 to L5 vertebral levels. The mass was well-marginated with bone involvement. Radiological diagnosis was questionable. The patient underwent L2 to L5 laminectomy under general anesthesia. Intraoperatively, the tumor was purely extradural in location with devoid of attachment to the nerves or dura. Total excision of the extradural compressing mass was not possible due to high vascularity. Histopathology revealed cavernous hemangioma. Purely epidural hemangiomas are uncommon and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of spinal epidural soft tissue masses. Findings that may help differentiate this lesion from the disk prolapse include more common meningiomas and nerve sheath tumors. Early diagnosis and complete removal is the treatment of choice.

Ibrahim Card Med J 2018; 8 (1&2): 71-73
PENGARUH LINGKUNGAN KELUARGA TERHADAP PRESTASI BELAJAR SISWA PADA MATA PELAJARAN IPS MELALUI MOTIVASI BELAJAR DI SMP TEKNOLOGI PEKANBARU
Authors: Hernaldi Irfandi , Kartikowati Rr Sri , Gimin Gimin
Published: July 2021

Tujuan dalam penelitian ini untuk mengetahui pengaruh lingkungan keluarga terhadap prestasi belajar siswa pada mata pelajaran IPS melalui motivasi belajar di SMP Teknologi Pekanbaru. Teknik Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan cara dokumentasi untuk memperoleh prestasi belajar siswa dan menggunakan kuesioner untuk mendapatkan data tentang lingkungan keluarga dan motivasi belajar. Populasi yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah siswa kelas VII yang berjumlah 68 siswa dan menggunakan teknik sampling sensus yang menarik seluruh populasi menjadi sampel. Data yang terkumpul kemudian ditabulasi dan dianalisis menggunakan path analysis dengan bantuan SPSS versi 25. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan lingkungan keluarga secara tidak langsung berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap prestasi belajar melalui motivasi belajar di SMP Teknologi Pekanbaru.
Perancangan Enterprise Arsitektur Sistem Informasi Manajemen Aset Menggunakan Kerangka Zachman Pada Rumah Sakit Jiwa daerah Dr. Amino Gondohutomo Semarang
Authors: Gamayanto Indra , Febriani Fitri , Wibowo Sasono
Published: July 2021

AbstrakRumah Sakit Jiwa Daerah (RSJD) Dr. Amino Gondohutomo Semarang merupakan salah satu rumah sakit jiwa kelas A sebagai pusat rujukan pelayanan kesehatan jiwa bagi masyarakat Jawa Tengah. Timbulnya berbagai permasalahan dan kendala yang dihadapi terutama dalam hal manajemen aset yang masih belum optimal yaitu besarnya ruang lingkup RSJD Dr. Amino Gondohutomo mengakibatkan sering terjadinya peminjaman ataupun perpindahan aset yang tidak dapat diketahui oleh perusahaan. Tidak adanya sistem informasi manajemen aset yang terintegrasi antar bagian terkait, menyebabkan informasi yang diberikan relatif lambat untuk dilakukan koreksi serta pengawasan terhadap aset yang ada sehingga menyebabkan tidak ada kejelasan atau kesesuaian informasi terkait monitoring terhadap data aset dan proses distribusi aset, maka tidak jarang jika terjadi ketidaksesuaian antara sumber data dan bukti fisik di lapangan. Dari beberapa permasalahan yang timbul jika tidak segera ditangani maka akan mengakibatkan kerugian dan berdampak negatif pada perusahaan itu sendiri. Oleh karena itu penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menciptakan model blueprint rancangan enterprise architecture menggunakan metode kerangka Zachman yang diharapkan dapat digunakan sebagai acuan dalam membangun prototype sistem informasi manajemen aset RSJD. Dr. Amino Gondohutomo. Dengan adanya penelitian ini diharapkan dapat memberikan kemudahan bagi RSJD. Dr. Amino Gondohutomo dalam melakukan manajemen aset sehingga bisa lebih optimal Kata kunci— Enterprise Architecture, Blueprint IT, Metode Kerangka Zachman, Sistem Informasi Manajemen
Breathing, Cinema and Other “Nobjects” in Camille Vidal-Naquet’sSauvage
Authors: Talijan Emilija
Published: July 2021

This article examines the breathing and breathless body in Camille-Vidal Naquet’s Sauvage (2018). Respiration has been characterised by Peter Sloterdijk, in the first volume of his Sphären ( Spheres) trilogy, as the first extension of the womb. The air we breathe is a “nobject” (a non-object) that escapes the subject-object relation, like the placenta before it. Sauvage engages the respiratory, alongside the placental and the acoustic, as three pre-oral “nobjects” for exploring what Leo Bersani has termed the body’s “somatic receptivity”. Duration, framing, lighting, and camera movements cultivate a spectator’s receptivity to these “nobjects” and participate in acts of sphere formation. This provides a framework for thinking about how cinema itself might function as a “nobject”: a connective medium or sphere that supports and augments a subject, providing a field of protection and attention. However, the film’s presentation of breathlessness also signals a blocked receptivity, an inability to take in, introducing friction and resistance to the discourse of immediacy and exchange that characterises philosophical reflections on breath. Breathlessness has implications for thinking about bodily autonomy and forms of freedom that speak to the queer politics of Sauvage, as well as questions about movement and stillness, animation and lifelessness, that reflect back on the medium of film itself.
The Mystery of Spherules on Stems
Authors: Shults Charles
Published: July 2021

The Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity located many spherules that were on thin stalks or stems. The spherules appear to be formed inside sedimentary deposits and are thought by many to be hematite concretions or nodules. These spherules are expected to be inert but their appearance shows that some process is creating these stalks. It is our contention that the formation of the stalks has little to do with the spherules themselves, but instead is the result of an erosive process driven by the Martian environment. We will demonstrate that the stalks have a simple origin that relies only on the intrinsic hardness of the spherules versus the less durable sedimentary substrate. These findings will indicate a set of conditions on Mars that must be present, and clear evidence will be shown to support this conclusion.
Effects of Birth Order on Performance and Affective State of Pigs
Authors: Slegers Yara , Oolbekkink Yoska , Roelofs Sanne , van der Staay F. Josef , Nordquist Rebecca E.
Published: July 2021

In pigs, higher birth order is associated with higher pre-weaning mortality. However, knowledge on the effect of birth order on welfare of surviving piglets is limited. The aim of this study was to explore the possible link between birth order and both newborn piglet performance and later affective state. Firstly, the following data were collected in 393 piglets from 27 litters: stillbirth, intactness of the umbilical cord and birth weight. Subsets of piglets were used to measure suckling latency (n = 67) and teat order (n = 21). Secondly, a subset of first-born (n = 9) and last-born (n = 7) piglets were trained to perform an active-choice judgement bias task (JBT). During discrimination training preceding the JBT, the pigs learned to associate two tone cues with the availability of either a large (4 M&M's® Milk Chocolate candies) or small (1 M&M's) reward, provided at two different locations. After training, ambiguous intermediate tones were introduced and the pig's choice of location was scored as either optimistic or pessimistic. Results showed that last-born piglets had a higher birth weight than middle-born piglets, while first-born piglets did not significantly differ from last- or middle-born piglets. They also latched to more caudal teats than first-born piglets. The last-born and first-born piglets showed a similar learning rate during discrimination training, and a similar latency to approach reward locations, and had a similar optimistic bias in the JBT.
Evolution, Expression, and Function of Gonadal Somatic Cell-Derived Factor
Authors: Hsu Chen-wei , Chung Bon-chu
Published: July 2021

Fish gonads develop in very diverse ways different from mammalian gonads. This diversity is contributed by species-specific factors. Gonadal somatic cell-derived factor (Gsdf) is one such factor. The gsdf gene exists mostly in teleosts and is absent in many tetrapods, probably as a result of two gene losses during evolution. The gsdf transcript is expressed mainly in gonadal somatic cells, including Sertoli cell in testis and granulosa cells in ovary; however, these gonadal somatic cells can surround many types of germ cells at different developmental stages depending on the fish species. The function of gsdf is also variable. It is involved in germ cell proliferation, testicular formation, ovarian development and even male sex determination. Here, we summarize the common and diverse expression, regulation and functions of gsdf among different fish species with aspect of evolution.
Alterations, Interactions, and Diagnostic Potential of Gut Bacteria and Viruses in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Gao Renyuan , Zhu Yefei , Kong Cheng , Xia Kai , Li Hao , Zhu Yin , Zhang Xiaohui , Liu Yongqiang , Zhong Hui , Yang Rong , Chen Chunqiu , Qin Nan , Qin Huanlong
Published: July 2021

Gut microbiome alteration was closely associated with colorectal cancer (CRC). Previous studies had demonstrated the bacteria composition changes but lacked virome profiles, trans-kindom interactions, and reliable diagnostic model explorations in CRC. Hence, we performed metagenomic sequencing to investigate the gut microbiome and microbial interactions in adenoma and CRC patients. We found the decreased microbial diversity in CRC and revealed the taxonomic alterations of bacteria and viruses were highly associated with CRC at the species level. The relative abundance of oral-derived species, such as Fusobacterium nucleatum, Fusobacterium hwasookii, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Bacteroides fragilis, increased. At the same time, butyrate-producing and anti-inflammatory microbes decreased in adenoma and CRC by non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test. Despite that, the relative abundance of Escherichia viruses and Salmonella viruses increased, whereas some phages, including Enterobacteria phages and Uncultured crAssphage, decreased along with CRC development. Gut bacteria was negatively associated with viruses in CRC and healthy control by correlation analysis (P=0.017 and 0.002, respectively). Viruses were much more dynamic than the bacteria as the disease progressed, and the altered microbial interactions were distinctively stage-dependent. The degree centrality of microbial interactions decreased while closeness centrality increased along with the adenoma to cancer development. Uncultured crAssphage was the key bacteriophage that enriched in healthy controls and positively associated with butyrate-producing bacteria. Diagnostic tests based on bacteria by random forest confirmed in independent cohorts showed better performance than viruses for CRC. In conclusion, our study revealed the novel CRC-associated bacteria and viruses that exhibited specific differences and intensive microbial correlations, which provided a reliable diagnostic panel for CRC.
Non-Lactobacillus-Dominated Vaginal Microbiota Is Associated With a Tubal Pregnancy in Symptomatic Chinese Women in the Early Stage of Pregnancy: A Nested Case–Control Study
Authors: Ruan Xiao-Feng , Zhang Ying-Xuan , Chen Si , Liu Xiao-Rong , Zhu Fang-Fang , Huang Yan-Xi , Liu Xiao-Jing , Luo Song-Ping , Deng Gao-Pi , Gao Jie
Published: July 2021

The features of the vaginal microbiota (VM) community can reflect health status, and they could become new biomarkers for disease diagnosis. During pregnancy, domination of bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus in the VM community is regarded as a keystone because they stabilize the VM by producing antimicrobial compounds and competing adhesion. An altered VM composition provides a marker for adverse pregnancy outcomes. This nested case–control study aimed to characterize the VM in women with a tubal pregnancy (TP) presenting with pain and/or uterine bleeding in early pregnancy. Chinese women with a symptomatic early pregnancy of unknown location were the study cohort. 16S rDNA gene-sequencing of V3–V4 variable regions was done to assess the diversity, structures, taxonomic biomarkers, and classification of the VM community. The primary outcome was the location of the early pregnancy. The VM community in women with a TP showed higher diversity (PD-whole-tree, median: 8.26 vs. 7.08, P = 0.047; Shannon Diversity Index, median: 1.43 vs 0.99, P = 0.03) and showed different structures to those in women with an intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) (R = 0.23, P < 0.01). Bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus were significantly enriched in the IUP group, whereas bacteria of the genera Gardnerella and Prevotella were significantly enriched in the TP group. Lactobacillus abundance could be used to classify the pregnancy location (AUC = 0.81). Non-Lactobacillus-dominated microbiota (≤ 0.85% Lactobacillus) was significantly associated with a TP (adjusted odds ratio: 4.42, 95% confidence interval: 1.33 to 14.71, P = 0.02). In conclusion, among women with a symptomatic early pregnancy, a higher diversity and lower abundance of Lactobacillus in the VM is associated with a TP.
Developing Recombinant Antibodies by Phage Display Against Infectious Diseases and Toxins for Diagnostics and Therapy
Authors: Roth Kristian Daniel Ralph , Wenzel Esther Veronika , Ruschig Maximilian , Steinke Stephan , Langreder Nora , Heine Philip Alexander , Schneider Kai-Thomas , Ballmann Rico , Fühner Viola , Kuhn Philipp , Schirrmann Thomas , Frenzel André , Dübel Stefan , Schubert Maren , Moreira Gustavo Marçal Schmidt Garcia , Bertoglio Federico , Russo Giulio , Hust Michael
Published: July 2021

Antibodies are essential molecules for diagnosis and treatment of diseases caused by pathogens and their toxins. Antibodies were integrated in our medical repertoire against infectious diseases more than hundred years ago by using animal sera to treat tetanus and diphtheria. In these days, most developed therapeutic antibodies target cancer or autoimmune diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic was a reminder about the importance of antibodies for therapy against infectious diseases. While monoclonal antibodies could be generated by hybridoma technology since the 70ies of the former century, nowadays antibody phage display, among other display technologies, is robustly established to discover new human monoclonal antibodies. Phage display is anin vitrotechnology which confers the potential for generating antibodies from universal libraries against any conceivable molecule of sufficient size and omits the limitations of the immune systems. If convalescent patients or immunized/infected animals are available, it is possible to construct immune phage display libraries to selectin vivoaffinity-matured antibodies. A further advantage is the availability of the DNA sequence encoding the phage displayed antibody fragment, which is packaged in the phage particles. Therefore, the selected antibody fragments can be rapidly further engineered in any needed antibody format according to the requirements of the final application. In this review, we present an overview of phage display derived recombinant antibodies against bacterial, viral and eukaryotic pathogens, as well as microbial toxins, intended for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
Challenges and Benefits of Approaches Used to Integrate Regional Monitoring Programs
Authors: Arciszewski T. J. , Roberts D. R. , Munkittrick K. R. , Scrimgeour G. J.
Published: July 2021

Although challenging to develop and operate, some degree of integrated monitoring is often necessary, especially at regional scales, to address the complex questions of environmental management and regulation. The concept of integration is well-understood, but its practice across programs and studies can be diverse suggesting a broader examination of the existing general approaches is needed. From the literature, we suggest integration of monitoring can occur across three study components: interpretation, analysis, and design. Design can be further subdivided into partial and full integration. Respectively combining information, data, and designs, we further define these types of integration and describe their general benefits and challenges, such as strength of inference. We further use the Oil Sands Monitoring program in northern Alberta as an example to clarify the practices common among integrated monitoring programs. The goal of the discussion paper is to familiarize readers with the diverse practices of integrated monitoring to further clarify the various configurations used to achieve the wider goals of a program.
High Expression of Citron Kinase Contributes to the Development of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Lu Wenfeng , Dong Yun , Cui Qing , Wang Yuhan , Yang Xiwen , Cai Xiaoyue , Zhang Ming
Published: July 2021

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the role and potential regulatory mechanism of citron kinase (CIT) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Methods

Citron kinase (CIT) expression in ESCC tissues was analyzed based on the microarray dataset GSE20347, and CIT expression in ESCC cell lines was analyzed. Eca-109 cells were lentivirally transfected with shRNA-CIT (LV-shCIT) to knock down CIT, followed by investigation of cell proliferation and apoptosis. Nude mouse xenograft experiments were performed to evaluate the tumorigenicity of CIT-knockdown Eca-109 cells. Microarray analysis of Eca-109 cells transfected with LV-shCIT or LV-shNC and subsequent Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) were performed to identify CIT-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and signaling pathways. Furthermore, the expression of key DEGs was validated using the clinical samples of ESCC.

Results

Citron kinase (CIT) was highly expressed in ESCC tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of CIT suppressed Eca-109 cell proliferation and promoted apoptosisin vitro. Moreover, CIT knockdown significantly reduced tumorigenicity of Eca-109 cellsin vivo. Microarray and IPA analysis showed that signaling by the Rho family GTPases pathway was significantly activated, and CIT intrinsically interacted with the protein kinase AMP-activated catalytic subunit alpha 1 (PRKAA1), sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1), and interleukin 6 (IL6). Notably, the expression levels of PRKAA1 and SQSTM1 were upregulated in ESCC tissues, while the IL6 expression was downregulated.

Conclusion

Our findings confirm that CIT functions as an oncogene in ESCC. CIT may contribute to ESCC development by upregulating PRKAA1 and SQSTM1 as well as downregulating IL6. Citron kinase may serve as a promising therapeutic target for ESCC.
Enhancing Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy in Solid Tissue Cancers: The Role of Diet, the Microbiome & Microbiome-Derived Metabolites
Authors: Malczewski Agnieszka Beata , Ketheesan Natkunam , Coward Jermaine I. G. , Navarro Severine
Published: July 2021

Host immunity plays a central role in the regulation of anti-tumour responses during checkpoint inhibitor therapy (CIT). The mechanisms involved in long lasting remission remain unclear. Animal studies have revealed that the microbiome influences the host immune response. This is supported by human studies linking a higher microbial richness and diversity with enhanced responses to CIT. This review focuses on the role of diet, the microbiome and the microbiome-derived metabolome in enhancing responses to current CIT in solid tissue cancers. The Western diet has been associated with dysbiosis, inflammation and numerous metabolic disorders. There is preliminary evidence that lifestyle factors including a high fibre diet are associated with improved responses to CIT via a potential effect on the microbiota. The mechanisms through which the microbiota may regulate long-term immunotherapy responses have yet to be determined, although bacterial-metabolites including short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are recognized to have an impact on T cell differentiation, and may affect T effector/regulatory T cell balance. SCFAs were also shown to enhance the memory potential of activated CD8 T cells. Many therapeutic approaches including dietary manipulation and fecal transplantation are currently being explored in order to enhance immunotherapy responses. The microbiome-derived metabolome may be one means through which bacterial metabolic products can be monitored from the start of treatment and could be used to identify patients at risk of poor immunotherapy responses. The current review will discuss recent advances and bring together literature from related fields in nutrition, oncology and immunology to discuss possible means of modulating immunity to improve responses to current CIT.
Impact of Sex in the Efficacy of Perioperative Desensitization Procedures in Heart Transplantation: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Nguyen Lee S. , Salem Joe-Elie , Bories Marie-Cécile , Coutance Guillaume , Amour Julien , Bougle Adrien , Suberbielle Caroline , Kheav Vissal-David , Carmagnat Maryvonnick , Rouvier Philippe , Kirsch Matthias , Varnous Shaida , Leprince Pascal , Saheb Samir
Published: July 2021

Background

Sensitized patients, i.e. recipients with preformed donor-specific HLA antibodies (pfDSA), are at high-risk of developing antibody-mediated rejections (AMR) and dying after heart transplantation (HTx). Perioperative desensitization procedures are associated with better outcomes but can cause sensitization, which may influence their efficacy.

Methods

In sensitized patients (pfDSA>1000 mean immunofluorescence (MFI) units), we assessed the effect of perioperative desensitization by comparing treated patients to a historical control cohort. Multivariable survival analyses were performed on the time to main outcome, a composite of death and biopsy-proven AMR with 5-year follow-up.

Results

The study included 68 patients: 31 control and 37 treated patients. There was no difference in preoperative variables between the two groups, including cumulative pfDSA [4026 (1788;8725) vs 4560 (3162;13392) MFI units, p=0.28]. The cause of sensitization was pregnancy in 24/68, 35.3%, transfusion in 61/68, 89.7%, and previous HTx in 4/68, 5.9% patients. Multivariable analysis yielded significant protective association between desensitization and events (adjusted (adj.) hazard ratio (HR)=0.44 (95% confidence interval (95CI)=0.25-0.79), p=0.006) and deleterious association between cumulative pfDSA and events [per 1000-MFI increase, adj.HR=1.028 (1.002-1.053), p=0.031]. There was a sex-difference in the efficacy of desensitization: in men (n=35), the benefit was significant [unadj.HR=0.33 (95CI=0.14-0.78); p=0.01], but not in women (n=33) [unadj.HR=0.52 (0.23-1.17), p=0.11]. In terms of the number of patients treated, in men, 2.1 of patients that were treated prevented 1 event, while in women, 3.1 required treatment to prevent 1 event.

Conclusion

Perioperative desensitization was associated with fewer AMR and deaths after HTx, and efficacy was more pronounced in men than women.
Allergic Aspects of IgG4-Related Disease: Implications for Pathogenesis and Therapy
Authors: Michailidou Despina , Schwartz Daniella Muallem , Mustelin Tomas , Hughes Grant C.
Published: July 2021

IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a rare systemic fibroinflammatory disease frequently associated with allergy. The pathogenesis of IgG4-RD is poorly understood, and effective therapies are limited. However, IgG4-RD appears to involve some of the same pathogenic mechanisms observed in allergic disease, such as T helper 2 (Th2) and regulatory T cell (Treg) activation, IgG4 and IgE hypersecretion, and blood/tissue eosinophilia. In addition, IgG4-RD tissue fibrosis appears to involve activation of basophils and mast cells and their release of alarmins and cytokines. In this article, we review allergy-like features of IgG4-RD and highlight targeted therapies for allergy that have potential in treating patients with IgG4-RD.
Broad and Efficient Activation of Memory CD4+ T Cells by Novel HAdV- and HCMV-Derived Peptide Pools
Authors: Höttler Alexander , März Léo , Lübke Maren , Rammensee Hans-Georg , Stevanović Stefan
Published: July 2021

Reactivation of Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and Human Adenovirus (HAdV) in immunocompromised patients following stem cell transplantation (SCT) or solid organ transplantation (SOT) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The adoptive transfer of virus-specific CD8+ and CD4+ T cells has been shown to re-establish the antiviral T-cell response and improve clinical outcome. The viral load in immunocompromised patients can efficiently be reduced solely by the infusion of virus-specific CD4+ T cells. The identification of CD4+ T-cell epitopes has mainly focused on a limited number of viral proteins that were characterized as immunodominant. Here, we used in silico prediction to determine promiscuous CD4+ T-cell epitopes from the entire proteomes of HCMV and HAdV. Immunogenicity testing with enzyme-linked immuno spot (ELISpot) assays and intracellular cytokine staining (ICS) revealed numerous novel CD4+ T-cell epitopes derived from a broad spectrum of viral antigens. We identified 17 novel HCMV-derived and seven novel HAdV-derived CD4+ T-cell epitopes that were recognized by > 50% of the assessed peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples. The newly identified epitopes were pooled with previously published, retested epitopes to stimulate virus-specific memory T cells in PBMCs from numerous randomly selected blood donors. Our peptide pools induced strong IFNγ secretion in 46 out of 48 (HCMV) and 31 out of 31 (HAdV) PBMC cultures. In conclusion, we applied an efficient method to screen large viral proteomes for promiscuous CD4+ T-cell epitopes to improve the detection and isolation of virus-specific T cells in a clinical setting.
Critical Gaps in Shoreline Plastics Pollution Research
Authors: Melvin Jessica , Bury Madeline , Ammendolia Justine , Mather Charles , Liboiron Max
Published: July 2021

Shoreline surveys are an accessible and common method for monitoring plastic pollution in aquatic environments. Their results are critical to well-informed pollution mitigation efforts. Here, we show that three environmental variables: (1) coarse sediment, (2) accumulations of organic material, and (3) snow and ice are dramatically underrepresented by existing shoreline plastic pollution research efforts. We reviewed 361 published shoreline surveys, encompassing 3,284 sample sites, and found that only 4% of sites included coarse sediment, only one study described sampling organic material for plastic, and only 2.5% of sites are sampled in the presence of ice or snow. The relative absence of these environmental variables may stem from the tailoring of shoreline survey guidelines to a narrow range of shoreline environments. These three features influence plastic deposition and retention on shorelines, and their underrepresentation signals a need to recalibrate research efforts towards better methodological reporting, and regional representation and relevance.
Effects of Delayed Harvest and Additives on Fermentation Quality and Bacterial Community of Corn Stalk Silage
Authors: Guo Linna , Lu Yongxiang , Li Ping , Chen Liangyin , Gou Wenlong , Zhang Changbin
Published: July 2021

This study aimed to investigate the effects of delayed harvest and additives on the fermentation quality and bacterial community of corn stalk silage in South China. The corn stalks after ear harvest at the 0 day (D0), 7 days (D7), and 15 days (D15) were used to produce small-bale silages. The silages at each harvest time were treated without (control, CK) or with Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) and sodium benzoate (BF). The results showed that delayed harvest increased pH and acetic acid content and reduced lactic acid content in corn stalk silage (p < 0.05). Compared with CK, the additives decreased the contents of butyric acid and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N; p < 0.05). The silage treated with LP increased the content of lactic acid and decreased pH (p < 0.05); the silage treated with BF decreased counts of coliform bacteria and yeasts and increased residual water soluble carbohydrates (WSC) content (p < 0.05). Single Molecule, Real-Time sequencing (SMRT) revealed that the abundance of L. plantarum increased, while the abundance of Lactobacillus brevis and Lactobacillus ginsenosidimutans decreased with the delayed harvest. Additives influenced the bacterial community structure of corn stalk silage, revealed by enhanced bacterial diversity on D0 and reduced on D7 (p < 0.05). Our research indicated that delayed harvest could exert a positive effect on acetic acid production, and additives could inhibit the butyric acid fermentation and protein degradation of corn stalk silage by shifting bacterial community composition.
Ubiquitination Destabilizes Protein Sphingosine Kinase 2 to Regulate Glioma Malignancy
Authors: Wang Hongliang , Zhao Bing , Bian Erbao , Zong Gang , He Jie , Wang Yuyang , Ma Chunchun , Wan Jinghai
Published: July 2021

Gliomas are the most common and lethal malignant tumor in the central nervous system. The tumor oncogene sphingosine kinase 2 (SphK2) was previously found to be upregulated in glioma tissues and enhance glioma cell epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition through the AKT/β-catenin pathway. Nevertheless, ubiquitination of SphK2 protein has yet to be well elucidated. In this study, mass spectrometry analysis was performed to identify proteins that interacted with SphK2 protein. Co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) and immunoblotting (IB) were used to prove the specific interaction between SphK2 protein and the neural precursor cell-expressed developmentally downregulated 4-like (NEDD4L) protein. Fluorescence microscopy was used for detecting the distribution of related proteins. Ubiquitylation assay was utilized to characterize that SphK2 was ubiquitylated by NEDD4L. Cell viability assay, flow cytometry assay, and transwell invasion assay were performed to illustrate the roles of NEDD4L-mediated SphK2 ubiquitination in glioma viability, apoptosis, and invasion, respectively. We found that NEDD4L directly interacted with SphK2 and ubiquinated it for degradation. Ubiquitination of SphK2 mediated by NEDD4L overexpression suppressed glioma cell viability and invasion but promoted glioma apoptosis. Knockdown of NEDD4L presented opposite results. Moreover, further results suggested that ubiquitination of SphK2 regulated glioma malignancy via the AKT/β-catenin pathway. in vivo assay also supported the above findings. This study reveals that NEDD4L mediates SphK2 ubiquitination to regulate glioma malignancy and may provide some meaningful suggestions for glioma treatment.
Recurrent Lobar Hemorrhages and Multiple Cortical Superficial Siderosis in a Patient of Alzheimer's Disease With Homozygous APOE ε2 Allele Presenting Hypobetalipoproteinemia and Pathological Findings of 18F-THK5351 Positron Emission Tomography: A Case Report
Authors: Ikeda Masaki , Okamoto Koichi , Suzuki Keiji , Takai Eriko , Kasahara Hiroo , Furuta Natsumi , Furuta Minori , Tashiro Yuichi , Shimizu Chisato , Takatama Shin , Naito Isao , Sato Mie , Sakai Yasujiro , Takahashi Manabu , Amari Masakuni , Takatama Masamitsu , Higuchi Tetsuya , Tsushima Yoshito , Yokoo Hideaki , Kurabayashi Masahiko , Ishibashi Shun , Ishii Kenji , Ikeda Yoshio
Published: July 2021

In Alzheimer's disease, the apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) ε2 allele is a protective genetic factor, whereas the APOE ε4 allele is a genetic risk factor. However, both the APOE ε2 and the APOE ε4 alleles are genetic risk factors for lobar intracerebral hemorrhage. The reasons for the high prevalence of lobar intracerebral hemorrhage and the low prevalence of Alzheimer's disease with the APOE ε2 allele remains unknown. Here, we describe the case of a 79-year-old Japanese female with Alzheimer's disease, homozygous for the APOE ε2 allele. This patient presented with recurrent lobar hemorrhages and multiple cortical superficial siderosis. The findings on the 11C-labeled Pittsburgh Compound B-positron emission tomography (PET) were characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. 18F-THK5351 PET revealed that the accumulation of 18F-THK 5351 in the right pyramidal tract at the pontine level, the cerebral peduncle of the midbrain, and the internal capsule, reflecting the lesions of the previous lobar intracerebral hemorrhage in the right frontal lobe. Moreover, 18F-THK5351 accumulated in the bilateral globus pallidum, amygdala, caudate nuclei, and the substantia nigra of the midbrain, which were probably off-target reaction, by binding to monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B). 18F-THK5351 were also detected in the periphery of prior lobar hemorrhages and a cortical subarachnoid hemorrhage, as well as in some, but not all, areas affected by cortical siderosis. Besides, 18F-THK5351 retentions were observed in the bilateral medial temporal cortices and several cortical areas without cerebral amyloid angiopathy or prior hemorrhages, possibly where tau might accumulate. This is the first report of a patient with Alzheimer's disease, carrying homozygous APOE ε2 allele and presenting with recurrent lobar hemorrhages, multiple cortical superficial siderosis, and immunohistochemically vascular amyloid β. The 18F-THK5351 PET findings suggested MAO-B concentrated regions, astroglial activation, Waller degeneration of the pyramidal tract, neuroinflammation due to CAA related hemorrhages, and possible tau accumulation.
Mild Cognitive Impairment as an Early Landmark in Huntington's Disease
Authors: Zhang Ying , Zhou Junyi , Gehl Carissa R. , Long Jeffrey D. , Johnson Hans , Magnotta Vincent A. , Sewell Daniel , Shannon Kathleen , Paulsen Jane S.
Published: July 2021

As one of the clinical triad in Huntington's disease (HD), cognitive impairment has not been widely accepted as a disease stage indicator in HD literature. This work aims to study cognitive impairment thoroughly for prodromal HD individuals with the data from a 12-year observational study to determine whether Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) in HD gene-mutation carriers is a defensible indicator of early disease. Prodromal HD gene-mutation carriers evaluated annually at one of 32 worldwide sites from September 2002 to April 2014 were evaluated for MCI in six cognitive domains. Linear mixed-effects models were used to determine age-, education-, and retest-adjusted cut-off values in cognitive assessment for MCI, and then the concurrent and predictive validity of MCI was assessed. Accelerated failure time (AFT) models were used to determine the timing of MCI (single-, two-, and multiple-domain), and dementia, which was defined as MCI plus functional loss. Seven hundred and sixty-eight prodromal HD participants had completed all six cognitive tasks, had MRI, and underwent longitudinal assessments. Over half (i.e., 54%) of the participants had MCI at study entry, and half of these had single-domain MCI. Compared to participants with intact cognitive performances, prodromal HD with MCI had higher genetic burden, worsened motor impairment, greater brain atrophy, and a higher likelihood of estimated HD onset. Prospective longitudinal study of those without MCI at baseline showed that 48% had MCI in subsequent visits and data visualization suggested that single-domain MCI, two-domain MCI, and dementia represent appropriate cognitive impairment staging for HD gene-mutation carriers. Findings suggest that MCI represents an early landmark of HD and may be a sensitive enrichment variable or endpoint for prodromal clinical trials of disease modifying therapeutics.
Preoperative Heart Rate Variability During Sleep Predicts Vagus Nerve Stimulation Outcome Better in Patients With Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
Authors: Fang Xi , Liu Hong-Yun , Wang Zhi-Yan , Yang Zhao , Cheng Tung-Yang , Hu Chun-Hua , Hao Hong-Wei , Meng Fan-Gang , Guan Yu-Guang , Ma Yan-Shan , Liang Shu-Li , Lin Jiu-Luan , Zhao Ming-Ming , Li Lu-Ming
Published: July 2021

Objective: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an adjunctive and well-established treatment for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). However, it is still difficult to identify patients who may benefit from VNS surgery. Our study aims to propose a VNS outcome prediction model based on machine learning with multidimensional preoperative heart rate variability (HRV) indices.

Methods: The preoperative electrocardiography (ECG) of 59 patients with DRE and of 50 healthy controls were analyzed. Responders were defined as having at least 50% average monthly seizure frequency reduction at 1-year follow-up. Time domain, frequency domain, and non-linear indices of HRV were compared between 30 responders and 29 non-responders in awake and sleep states, respectively. For feature selection, univariate filter and recursive feature elimination (RFE) algorithms were performed to assess the importance of different HRV indices to VNS outcome prediction and improve the classification performance. Random forest (RF) was used to train the classifier, and leave-one-out (LOO) cross-validation was performed to evaluate the prediction model.

Results: Among 52 HRV indices, 49 showed significant differences between DRE patients and healthy controls. In sleep state, 35 HRV indices of responders were significantly higher than those of non-responders, while 16 of them showed the same differences in awake state. Low-frequency power (LF) ranked first in the importance ranking results by univariate filter and RFE methods, respectively. With HRV indices in sleep state, our model achieved 74.6% accuracy, 80% precision, 70.6% recall, and 75% F1 for VNS outcome prediction, which was better than the optimal performance in awake state (65.3% accuracy, 66.4% precision, 70.5% recall, and 68.4% F1).

Significance: With the ECG during sleep state and machine learning techniques, the statistical model based on preoperative HRV could achieve a better performance of VNS outcome prediction and, therefore, help patients who are not suitable for VNS to avoid the high cost of surgery and possible risks of long-term stimulation.
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Ameliorates 1-Methyl-4-Phenyl-1,2,3,6-Tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) Neurotoxicity Through Enhancing Mitophagy Flux and Reducing α-Synuclein and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Lin Tsu-Kung , Lin Kai-Jung , Lin Hung-Yu , Lin Kai-Lieh , Lan Min-Yu , Wang Pei-Wen , Wang Tzu-Jou , Wang Feng-Sheng , Tsai Po-Chin , Liou Chia-Wei , Chuang Jiin-Haur
Published: July 2021

Parkinson disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease without known disease modification therapy to slow down disease progression. This disease has pathological features of Lewy bodies with α-synuclein aggregation being the major component and selective dopaminergic neuronal loss over the substantia nigra. Although the exact etiology is still unknown, mitochondrial dysfunction has been shown to be central in PD pathophysiology. Type 2 diabetes mellitus has recently been connected to PD, and anti-diabetic drugs, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), have been shown to possess neuroprotective effects in PD animal models. The GLP-1RA liraglutide is currently under a phase 2 clinical trial to measure its effect on motor and non-motor symptoms in PD patients. In this study, we used an acute 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) mouse model of PD to test the possible mechanism of the GLP-1RA liraglutide in the pathogenesis of PD. We show that the neurobehavioral and motor dysfunction caused by the mitochondrial complex I inhibitor, MPTP, can be partially reversed by liraglutide. The GLP-1RA can protect mice from apoptosis of substantia nigra neurons induced by MPTP. MPTP treatment led to imbalanced mitochondrial fusion and fission dynamics, altered mitochondrial morphology, impeded autophagy flux, increased α-synuclein accumulation, and elevated oxidative stress. Specifically, the normalizing of mitochondrial fusion-fission dynamic-related proteins and enhancement of autophagy flux after administration of liraglutide is associated with improving neuronal survival. This suggests that GLP-1RAs may provide potential beneficial effects for PD caused by mitochondrial dysfunction through improvement of mitochondrial morphology balance and enhancing damaged organelle degradation.
Usefulness of the Texture Signatures Based on Multiparametric MRI in Predicting Growth Hormone Pituitary Adenoma Subtypes
Authors: Liu Chen-Xi , Heng Li-Jun , Han Yu , Wang Sheng-Zhong , Yan Lin-Feng , Yu Ying , Ren Jia-Liang , Wang Wen , Hu Yu-Chuan , Cui Guang-Bin
Published: July 2021

Objective

To explore the usefulness of texture signatures based on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in predicting the subtypes of growth hormone (GH) pituitary adenoma (PA).

Methods

Forty-nine patients with GH-secreting PA confirmed by the pathological analysis were included in this retrospective study. Texture parameters based on T1-, T2-, and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images (T1C) were extracted and compared for differences between densely granulated (DG) and sparsely granulated (SG) somatotroph adenoma by using two segmentation methods [region of interest 1 (ROI1), excluding the cystic/necrotic portion, and ROI2, containing the whole tumor]. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the differentiating efficacy.

Results

Among 49 included patients, 24 were DG and 25 were SG adenomas. Nine optimal texture features with significant differences between two groups were obtained from ROI1. Based on the ROC analyses, T1WI signatures from ROI1 achieved the highest diagnostic efficacy with an AUC of 0.918, the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were 85.7, 72.0, 100.0, 100.0, and 77.4%, respectively, for differentiating DG from SG. Comparing with the T1WI signature, the T1C signature obtained relatively high efficacy with an AUC of 0.893. When combining the texture features of T1WI and T1C, the radiomics signature also had a good performance in differentiating the two groups with an AUC of 0.908. In addition, the performance got in all the signatures from ROI2 was lower than those in the corresponding signature from ROI1.

Conclusion

Texture signatures based on MR images may be useful biomarkers to differentiate subtypes of GH-secreting PA patients.
FOXP3 Inhibits the Metastasis of Breast Cancer by Downregulating the Expression of MTA1
Authors: Liu Chenlin , Han Jun , Li Xiaoju , Huang Tonglie , Gao Yuan , Wang Baolong , Zhang Kuo , Wang Shuning , Zhang Wangqian , Li Weina , Hao Qiang , Li Meng , Zhang Yingqi , Zhang Cun
Published: July 2021

Background

FOXP3, as a tumour suppressor gene, has a vital function in inhibiting the metastasis of breast cancer cells, but the mechanisms by which it inhibits metastasis have not been fully elucidated. This study intended to explore a new mechanism by which FOXP3 inhibits breast cancer metastasis.

Methods

Bioinformatic analysis was performed to identify potential downstream molecules of FOXP3. The function of FOXP3 in inhibiting MTA1 expression at the mRNA and protein levels was verified by real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. The interaction between FOXP3 and the MTA1 promoter was verified by transcriptomic experiments. In vitro and in vivo experiments were used to determine whether the regulation of MTA1 by FOXP3 affected the invasion and migration of breast cancer cells. Immunohistochemistry was adopted to explore the correlation between the expression levels of FOXP3 and MTA1 in breast cancer samples.

Results

Bioinformatics-based sequencing suggested that MTA1 is a potential downstream molecule of FOXP3. FOXP3 downregulated the expression of MTA1 in breast cancer cells by directly inhibiting MTA1 promoter activity. Importantly, FOXP3’s regulation of MTA1 affected the ability of breast cancer cells to invade and metastasize in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, analysis of clinical specimens showed a significant negative correlation between the expression levels of FOXP3 and MTA1 in breast cancer.

Conclusion

We systematically explored a new mechanism by which FOXP3 inhibits breast cancer metastasis via the FOXP3-MTA1 pathway.
A Review of Research on Disparities in the Care of Black and White Patients With Cancer in Detroit
Authors: Simon Michael S. , Raychaudhuri Sreejata , Hamel Lauren M. , Penner Louis A. , Schwartz Kendra L. , Harper Felicity W. K. , Thompson Hayley S. , Booza Jason C. , Cote Michele , Schwartz Ann G. , Eggly Susan
Published: July 2021

Racial disparities in cancer incidence and outcomes are well-documented in the US, with Black people having higher incidence rates and worse outcomes than White people. In this review, we present a summary of almost 30 years of research conducted by investigators at the Karmanos Cancer Institute’s (KCI’s) Population Studies and Disparities Research (PSDR) Program focusing on Black-White disparities in cancer incidence, care, and outcomes. The studies in the review focus on individuals diagnosed with cancer from the Detroit Metropolitan area, but also includes individuals included in national databases. Using an organizational framework of three generations of studies on racial disparities, this review describes racial disparities by primary cancer site, disparities associated with the presence or absence of comorbid medical conditions, disparities in treatment, and disparities in physician-patient communication, all of which contribute to poorer outcomes for Black cancer patients. While socio-demographic and clinical differences account for some of the noted disparities, further work is needed to unravel the influence of systemic effects of racism against Black people, which is argued to be the major contributor to disparate outcomes between Black and White patients with cancer. This review highlights evidence-based strategies that have the potential to help mitigate disparities, improve care for vulnerable populations, and build an equitable healthcare system. Lessons learned can also inform a more equitable response to other health conditions and crises.
Tumor-Induced Inflammatory Cytokines and the Emerging Diagnostic Devices for Cancer Detection and Prognosis
Authors: Kartikasari Apriliana E. R. , Huertas Cesar S. , Mitchell Arnan , Plebanski Magdalena
Published: July 2021

Chronic inflammation generated by the tumor microenvironment is known to drive cancer initiation, proliferation, progression, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. The tumor microenvironment promotes the secretion of diverse cytokines, in different types and stages of cancers. These cytokines may inhibit tumor development but alternatively may contribute to chronic inflammation that supports tumor growth in both autocrine and paracrine manners and have been linked to poor cancer outcomes. Such distinct sets of cytokines from the tumor microenvironment can be detected in the circulation and are thus potentially useful as biomarkers to detect cancers, predict disease outcomes and manage therapeutic choices. Indeed, analyses of circulating cytokines in combination with cancer-specific biomarkers have been proposed to simplify and improve cancer detection and prognosis, especially from minimally-invasive liquid biopsies, such as blood. Additionally, the cytokine signaling signatures of the peripheral immune cells, even from patients with localized tumors, are recently found altered in cancer, and may also prove applicable as cancer biomarkers. Here we review cytokines induced by the tumor microenvironment, their roles in various stages of cancer development, and their potential use in diagnostics and prognostics. We further discuss the established and emerging diagnostic approaches that can be used to detect cancers from liquid biopsies, and additionally the technological advancement required for their use in clinical settings.