bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro antibacterial effects of Broussonetia papyrifera leaf extract and its anti-colitis in DSS-treated mice
Authors: Liang Xiaoxiao , Ru Meng , Zhai Zhenya , Huang Jianzhen , Wang Wanwan , Wang Ruxia , Zhang Zhihong , Niu Kai-Min , Wu Xin
Published: October 2023

Recently, the hybrid Broussonetia papyrifera (BP) has been extensively cultivated and predominantly utilized in ruminants because of its high protein and bioactive compound content. In the present study, the effects of an ethanolic extract of BP leaves (BPE, 200 mg/kg) on mitigating 2% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced intestinal inflammation in mice were evaluated. BPE is rich in flavonoids, polyphenols, and polysaccharides, and displays potent antioxidant and antibacterial activities against pathogenic strains such as Clostridium perfringens, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica in vitro. In a mouse study, oral administration of DSS resulted in weight loss, incidence of diarrhea, enlargement of the liver and spleen, impaired colonic morphology, downregulation of both gene and protein expression related to intestinal antioxidant (Nrf2) and barrier function (ZO-1), decreased diversity of colonic microbiota, and 218 differentially altered colonic metabolites; however, co-treatment with BPE did not restore these modified aspects except for the liver index and colonic bacterial diversity. The singular treatment with BPE did not manifest evident side effects in normal mice but induced a mild occurrence of diarrhea and a notable alteration in the colonic metabolite profile. Moreover, a single BPE administration augmented the abundance of the commensal beneficial bacteria Faecalibaculum and Akkermansia genera. Overall, the extract of BP leaves did not demonstrate the anticipated effectiveness in alleviating DSS-induced intestinal inflammation.
Study on deformation characteristics and dynamic cause of the Luding MS6.8 earthquake
Authors: Yuan Zhengyi , Zhao Jing , Huang Yuan , Yu Huaizhong , Niu Anfu , Ma Haiping , Ma Lingli
Published: October 2023

A MS6.8 earthquake struck Luding Country in Ganzi Prefecture, Sichuan Province on 5 September 2022. The earthquake occurred on the Moxi segment of Xianshuihe fault zone (XFZ), one of the most seismically active faults in the Chinese mainland. In this study, multiple periods of the Global Positioning System (GPS) velocity field and continuous observational data are collected to analysis the tectonic deformation and evolution characteristics before the Luding earthquake, from the perspectives of the kinematic behavior of seismogenic fault, the multi-scale strain features around the study region, and the variation of GPS baselines across the epicenter area. Then the following conclusions are obtained: 1) The accelerated compression of baselines SCGZ-SCXJ (Ganzi to Xiaojin in Sichuan province) and SCLH-SCXJ (Luhuo to Xiaojin in Sichuan province) in Bayan Har block indicate that under the influence of the coseismic rupture of Maduo MS7.4 earthquake, the boundary faults decoupled and accelerated the push southward and eastward, leading to the acceleration of strain accumulation and the increase of seismic risk in the divergence area bounded by the southeastern XFZ and the southwestern Longmenshan fault zone (LFZ). 2) Luding earthquake located in the weakened region around the edge of the large strike-slip fault zone with high shear strain rate, and the tensile zone of the strain perpendicular to the fault direction, denoting that the reduction of the normal strain in the locked background is strongly related to fault rupture and earthquake nucleation.
School (socie)ties: individual and school level differences in the association between ethnic/racial victimization and academic functioning
Authors: da Cunha Josafá M. , Santo Jonathan B.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The current study aimed to expand on the existing literature by examining the effect of race-based victimization on academic functioning in a nation-wide sample of Brazilian youth.

Methods

The ENEM 2009 dataset contained academic functioning scores of 795,924 Brazilian students from 25,488 schools.

Results

Above and beyond the effect of general victimization, ethnic/racial victimization was significantly negatively related to academic functioning with differences across ethnic/racial groups in the effects. More interesting is that diversity climate at the school level buffered the association between ethnic/racial victimization and academic functioning. The effects were further qualified by school level ethnic/racial diversity and victimization.

Discussion

The current findings illustrate the pernicious effects of ethnic/racial victimization even after controlling for other forms of victimization. Moreover, differences in these associations across schools were accounted for using a combination of school level racial diversity and victimization with school level diversity climate emerging as a buffer of the effects of ethnic/racial victimization.
Management of small cell lung cancer complicated with paraneoplastic Cushing’s syndrome: a systematic literature review
Authors: Li Yanlong , Li Caiyu , Qi Xiangjun , Yu Ling , Lin Lizhu
Published: October 2023

Paraneoplastic Cushing’s syndrome (PCS) is a rare, but clinically important feature of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) that is associated with even worse prognosis. To identify key considerations in comprehensive management of SCLC patients complicated with PCS, we conducted a systematic review of relevant reports on PubMed and Web of Science, focusing on SCLC with PCS cases. The systematic review analyzed 61 reports published between 1985 and 2022 with a total of 157 SCLC patients included. Out of the 157 patients, 132 (84.1%) patients across 58 (95.1%) reports were diagnosed with ectopic Cushing’s syndrome. The immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) was performed on 30 (19.1%) patients across 22 (36.1%) reports and demonstrated encouraging performance. For treatment, chemotherapy and ketoconazole were utilized in 50 (81.97%) and 24 (39.34%) reports, respectively. Regarding cause of death, infection and cancer were equally frequent, each being recorded in 17 (27.87%) reports. To conclude, the majority of PCS cases in SCLC patients were caused by ectopic hormone secretion. In order to make a differential diagnosis, it is recommended to utilize IHC staining for a specific hormone such as ACTH or corticotropin-releasing hormone. In the comprehensive treatment of SCLC with PCS patients, effective management of hypercortisolism and potent safeguarding against infection play two crucial roles. Ultimately, further confirmations are required regarding the specificity and accuracy of IHC staining technique as well as the efficacy and safety of immunotherapy in the treatment of SCLC with PCS patients.
Effect of pulverisation on sulfide and tin antimonide anodes for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Priyanka P. , Nalini B. , Soundarya G. G. , Christopher Selvin P. , Dutta Dimple P.
Published: October 2023

Metal sulfides and alloy anodes are a good choice for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) since they have many benefitting advantages such as higher specific capacity, good cyclic stability, and higher rate capability. Tin antimony (Sn2Sb3), as an anode, exhibits a remarkable theoretical capacity of 753 mAhg−1 that has not been realized so far for reaching the theoretical capacity; pulverization of sulfide-based material [copper sulfide (CuS)] along with tin antimonide would be a better option for obtaining a high-performance anode for SIBs. Hence, an attempt is made to study the pulverisation effects of these two materials when employed as an anode for SIBs. The pulverised compound CuS: Sn2Sb3 delivers an initial discharge capacity of 659 mAhg−1 at 0.1 Ag−1 vs. Na/Na+ with high stability retaining up to 100% efficiency over 100 cycles. The present work highlights the structural changes upon pulverisation and its impact on delivering higher capacity.
Review on Chinese agricultural science and technology research from a low-carbon economy perspective: hotspots, evolution, and frontiers
Authors: Jin Weibo , Wu Shiping , Zhang Yi , Zhou Gang , Xu Lijie , Xu Yao
Published: October 2023

Against the background of global climate change, agricultural science and technology play a vital role in achieving a low-carbon economy and sustainable development. Based on the research data of agricultural science and technology in Web of Science and China National Knowledge Infrastructure, adopting the bibliometric method, a knowledge graph was drawn using CiteSpace software; this paper analyzes the hotspot distribution, structural relationship and evolution process context while also comparing the difference between China and abroad from 1998 to 2023. The results indicate that existing research is mainly distributed in the following core modules, namely, agricultural science and technology, industrialization, modern agriculture, low-carbon agriculture, etc. The evolution of the research context features three stages: the traditional agricultural, current agricultural, and high-quality agricultural stages respectively. Research in China and abroad demonstrates both overlaps and differences in terms of knowledge structure, and such differences are related mainly to the concept of low-carbon agriculture, a variety of research perspectives, and the agricultural science and technology system. To expand the knowledge structure, deepening the research on, respectively, the evaluation and measurement of agrarian carbon footprint, micro-production entities, and strengthening international agricultural science and technology cooperation are innovative directions for future studies. This article systematically reviews agricultural scientific research from the perspective of a low-carbon economy, providing a reference point for the green and low-carbon transformation of agriculture in every country.
Capturing heart valve development with Gene Ontology
Authors: Ahmed Saadullah H. , Deng Alexander T. , Huntley Rachael P. , Campbell Nancy H. , Lovering Ruth C.
Published: October 2023

Introduction: The normal development of all heart valves requires highly coordinated signaling pathways and downstream mediators. While genomic variants can be responsible for congenital valve disease, environmental factors can also play a role. Later in life valve calcification is a leading cause of aortic valve stenosis, a progressive disease that may lead to heart failure. Current research into the causes of both congenital valve diseases and valve calcification is using a variety of high-throughput methodologies, including transcriptomics, proteomics and genomics. High quality genetic data from biological knowledge bases are essential to facilitate analyses and interpretation of these high-throughput datasets. The Gene Ontology (GO, http://geneontology.org/) is a major bioinformatics resource used to interpret these datasets, as it provides structured, computable knowledge describing the role of gene products across all organisms. The UCL Functional Gene Annotation team focuses on GO annotation of human gene products. Having identified that the GO annotations included in transcriptomic, proteomic and genomic data did not provide sufficient descriptive information about heart valve development, we initiated a focused project to address this issue.

Methods: This project prioritized 138 proteins for GO annotation, which led to the curation of 100 peer-reviewed articles and the creation of 400 heart valve development-relevant GO annotations.

Results: While the focus of this project was heart valve development, around 600 of the 1000 annotations created described the broader cellular role of these proteins, including those describing aortic valve morphogenesis, BMP signaling and endocardial cushion development. Our functional enrichment analysis of the 28 proteins known to have a role in bicuspid aortic valve disease confirmed that this annotation project has led to an improved interpretation of a heart valve genetic dataset.

Discussion: To address the needs of the heart valve research community this project has provided GO annotations to describe the specific roles of key proteins involved in heart valve development. The breadth of GO annotations created by this project will benefit many of those seeking to interpret a wide range of cardiovascular genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic datasets.
Case report: Paternal uniparental disomy on chromosome 7 and homozygous SUGCT mutation in a fetus with overweight after birth
Authors: Bu Xiufen , Li Xu , Peng Can , Li Hongyu , Zhou Shihao , Zhu Zesen , He Jun , Linpeng Siyuan
Published: October 2023

Background: Paternal uniparental disomy (UPD) of chromosome 7 is extremely rare, and only a few postnatal cases have been reported. The effects on growth were discordant in these cases, and the relevance of paternal UPD(7) to growth caused by imprinting remains questionable.

Case presentation: Here, we report a prenatal case that underwent invasive prenatal diagnosis due to the high risk of Down’s syndrome and failed noninvasive prenatal screening. The fetus had a normal karyotype and no apparent copy number variation. Homozygous copy-neutral regions on chromosome 7 were identified using a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array; the data for the parent–child trios showed that the fetus carried the whole paternal isodisomy of chromosome 7. Whole exome and Sanger sequencing revealed a homozygous frameshift mutation in SUGCT at 7p14.1, from the heterozygous carrier father, with no contribution from the mother. The parents decided to continue with the pregnancy after genetic counseling, and the neonate had normal physical findings at birth and showed overweight after birth during a long-term intensive follow-up.

Conclusion: We report the first prenatal case who carried paternal UPD(7) and homozygous SUGCT mutation with an overweight phenotype after birth. The overweight may be caused by paternal UPD(7) or homozygous frameshift mutation of SUGCT, or both of them, but it is unclear which contributes more.
Hedgehog costimulation during ischemia-reperfusion injury potentiates cytokine and homing responses of CD4+ T cells
Authors: Wang Shaoxun , Song Guiyu , Barkestani Mahsa Nouri , Tobiasova Zuzana , Wang Qianxun , Jiang Quan , Lopez Roberto , Adelekan-Kamara Yasmin , Fan Matthew , Pober Jordan S. , Tellides George , Jane-wit Dan
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) confers worsened outcomes and is an increasing clinical problem in solid organ transplantation. Previously, we identified a “PtchHi” T-cell subset that selectively received costimulatory signals from endothelial cell-derived Hedgehog (Hh) morphogens to mediate IRI-induced vascular inflammation.

Methods

Here, we used multi-omics approaches and developed a humanized mouse model to resolve functional and migratory heterogeneity within the PtchHi population.

Results

Hh-mediated costimulation induced oligoclonal and polyclonal expansion of clones within the PtchHi population, and we visualized three distinct subsets within inflamed, IRI-treated human skin xenografts exhibiting polyfunctional cytokine responses. One of these PtchHi subsets displayed features resembling recently described T peripheral helper cells, including elaboration of IFN-y and IL-21, expression of ICOS and PD-1, and upregulation of positioning molecules conferring recruitment and retention within peripheral but not lymphoid tissues. PtchHi T cells selectively homed to IRI-treated human skin xenografts to cause accelerated allograft loss, and Hh signaling was sufficient for this process to occur.

Discussion

Our studies define functional heterogeneity among a PtchHi T-cell population implicated in IRI.
ILC3: a case of conflicted identity
Authors: Koprivica Ivan , Stanisavljević Suzana , Mićanović Dragica , Jevtić Bojan , Stojanović Ivana , Miljković Đorđe
Published: October 2023

Innate lymphoid cells type 3 (ILC3s) are the first line sentinels at the mucous tissues, where they contribute to the homeostatic immune response in a major way. Also, they have been increasingly appreciated as important modulators of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune responses, both locally and systemically. The proper identification of ILC3 is of utmost importance for meaningful studies on their role in immunity. Flow cytometry is the method of choice for the detection and characterization of ILC3. However, the analysis of ILC3-related papers shows inconsistency in ILC3 phenotypic definition, as different inclusion and exclusion markers are used for their identification. Here, we present these discrepancies in the phenotypic characterization of human and mouse ILC3s. We discuss the pros and cons of using various markers for ILC3 identification. Furthermore, we consider the possibilities for the efficient isolation and propagation of ILC3 from different organs and tissues for in-vitro and in-vivo studies. This paper calls upon uniformity in ILC3 definition, isolation, and propagation for the increased possibility of confluent interpretation of ILC3’s role in immunity.
Mucosal immune alterations at the early onset of tissue destruction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: de Fays Charlotte , Geudens Vincent , Gyselinck Iwein , Kerckhof Pieterjan , Vermaut Astrid , Goos Tinne , Vermant Marie , Beeckmans Hanne , Kaes Janne , Van Slambrouck Jan , Mohamady Yousry , Willems Lynn , Aversa Lucia , Cortesi Emanuela E. , Hooft Charlotte , Aerts Gitte , Aelbrecht Celine , Everaerts Stephanie , McDonough John E. , De Sadeleer Laurens J. , Gohy Sophie , Ambroise Jerome , Janssens Wim , Ceulemans Laurens J. , Van Raemdonck Dirk , Vos Robin , Hackett Tillie L. , Hogg James C. , Kaminski Naftali , Gayan-Ramirez Ghislaine , Pilette Charles , Vanaudenaerde Bart M.
Published: October 2023

Rationale

COPD is characterized by chronic airway inflammation, small airways changes, with disappearance and obstruction, and also distal/alveolar destruction (emphysema). The chronology by which these three features evolve with altered mucosal immunity remains elusive. This study assessed the mucosal immune defense in human control and end-stage COPD lungs, by detailed microCT and RNA transcriptomic analysis of diversely affected zones.

Methods

In 11 control (non-used donors) and 11 COPD (end-stage) explant frozen lungs, 4 cylinders/cores were processed per lung for microCT and tissue transcriptomics. MicroCT was used to quantify tissue percentage and alveolar surface density to classify the COPD cores in mild, moderate and severe alveolar destruction groups, as well as to quantify terminal bronchioles in each group. Transcriptomics of each core assessed fold changes in innate and adaptive cells and pathway enrichment score between control and COPD cores. Immunostainings of immune cells were performed for validation.

Results

In mildly affected zones, decreased defensins and increased mucus production were observed, along CD8+ T cell accumulation and activation of the IgA pathway. In more severely affected zones, CD68+ myeloid antigen-presenting cells, CD4+ T cells and B cells, as well as MHCII and IgA pathway genes were upregulated. In contrast, terminal bronchioles were decreased in all COPD cores.

Conclusion

Spatial investigation of end-stage COPD lungs show that mucosal defense dysregulation with decreased defensins and increased mucus and IgA responses, start concomitantly with CD8+ T-cell accumulation in mild emphysema zones, where terminal bronchioles are already decreased. In contrast, adaptive Th and B cell activation is observed in areas with more advanced tissue destruction. This study suggests that in COPD innate immune alterations occur early in the tissue destruction process, which affects both the alveoli and the terminal bronchioles, before the onset of an adaptive immune response.
Tolerogenic dendritic cells and TLR4/IRAK4/NF-κB signaling pathway in allergic rhinitis
Authors: Kang Chenglin , Li Xiaomei , Liu Peng , Liu Yue , Niu Yuan , Zeng Xianhai , Zhao Hailiang , Liu Jiangqi , Qiu Shuqi
Published: October 2023

Dendritic cells (DCs), central participants in the allergic immune response, can capture and present allergens leading to allergic inflammation in the immunopathogenesis of allergic rhinitis (AR). In addition to initiating antigen-specific immune responses, DCs induce tolerance and modulate immune homeostasis. As a special type of DCs, tolerogenic DCs (tolDCs) achieve immune tolerance mainly by suppressing effector T cell responses and inducing regulatory T cells (Tregs). TolDCs suppress allergic inflammation by modulating immune tolerance, thereby reducing symptoms of AR. Activation of the TLR4/IRAK4/NF-κB signaling pathway contributes to the release of inflammatory cytokines, and inhibitors of this signaling pathway induce the production of tolDCs to alleviate allergic inflammatory responses. This review focuses on the relationship between tolDCs and TLR4/IRAK4/NF-κB signaling pathway with AR.
Landscape of tumor and immune system cells-derived exosomes in lung cancer: mediators of antitumor immunity regulation
Authors: Castillo-Peña Alejandro , Molina-Pinelo Sonia
Published: October 2023

The immune system plays a critical role in cancer, including lung cancer, which is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint blockade, has revolutionized the treatment of lung cancer, but a large subset of patients either do not respond or develop resistance. Exosomes, essential mediators of cell-to-cell communication, exert a profound influence on the tumor microenvironment and the interplay between cancer and the immune system. This review focuses on the role of tumor-derived exosomes and immune cells-derived exosomes in the crosstalk between these cell types, influencing the initiation and progression of lung cancer. Depending on their cell of origin and microenvironment, exosomes can contain immunosuppressive or immunostimulatory molecules that can either promote or inhibit tumor growth, thus playing a dual role in the disease. Furthermore, the use of exosomes in lung cancer immunotherapy is discussed. Their potential applications as cell-free vaccines and drug delivery systems make them an attractive option for lung cancer treatment. Additionally, exosomal proteins and RNAs emerge as promising biomarkers that could be employed for the prediction, diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of the disease. In summary, this review assesses the relationship between exosomes, lung cancer, and the immune system, shedding light on their potential clinical applications and future perspectives.
Effects of four diets on the metabolism of megalopa metamorphosis of the mud crab, Scylla paramamosain
Authors: Ma Keyi , Liu Zhiqiang , Qiao Guangde , Ma Lingbo , Zhang Fengying , Zhao Ming , Ma Chunyan , Wang Wei
Published: October 2023

Dietary intake is an essential source of energy and nutrients, and plays an irreplaceable role in the breeding of S. paramamosain seedlings. In this study, live Artemia nauplii (LA), compound feeds (CF), frozen copepods (FC) and frozen adult Artemia (FA) were utilized as feed during the megalopa stage. To determine the impact that diet has on the metabolism of crablets that underwent metamorphosis from the megalopa stage, analyses of both metabolomics and fatty acid content were conducted. In the LC-MS-based metabolomics analysis, a total of 104, 205 and 83 significantly different metabolites (SDMs) were identified after being fed with FC, FA, and CF, respectively, as compared to the LA group. Furthermore, significant differences in KEGG compounds among the three comparisons exhibited similarity and were mainly associated with categories such as “Lipids”, “Hormones and transmitters”, and “Peptides”. The fatty acid content analysis indicated that the ΣMUFA was significantly higher in the LA and CF groups compared to the other two groups. In contrast, the highest level of ΣPUFA was found in the LA group. In addition, the CF group showed significantly higher expression levels of the fatty acid synthesis genes, FAS and ACC. Conversely, the expression level of the fatty acid decomposition-related gene CPT1 was the highest in the LA group. In comparison with the FA group, the expression level of FABP3 was significantly decreased in the LA and CF groups. In summary, there were significant differences observed in the metabolic profiles of crablets that metamorphosed from the megalopa under different diets. Our experimental results suggested that LA is more advantageous in the cultivation of the S. paramamosain megalopa compared to the other three diets. While it remains a diet that cannot be entirely substituted at present, LA has the potential to improve the culture performance of the S. paramamosain megalopa. The current study could provide valuable data into the development of artificial diets necessary for the future of the mud crab seedling breeding industry.
Augmented thrombin formation is related to circulating levels of extracellular vesicles exposing tissue factor and citrullinated histone-3 in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitides
Authors: Jonasdottir Asta Dogg , Manojlovic Milena , Vojinovic Jelena , Nordin Annica , Bruchfeld Annette , Gunnarsson Iva , Mobarrez Fariborz , Antovic Aleksandra
Published: October 2023

Objectives

To study circulating myeloperoxidase (MPO)-positive extracellular vesicles (MPO+EVs) exposing citrullinated histone-3 (H3Cit), tissue factor (TF), and plasminogen (Plg) in association to thrombin generation in patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV).

Methods

We have involved well-characterized patients with AAV together with population-based controls. Flow cytometry was used to assess the levels of MPO+EVs in citrated plasma. MPO+EVs were phenotyped by anti-MPO-antibodies together with anti-CD142 (anti-TF), anti-H3Cit, and anti-Plg antibodies. A modified Calibrated Automated Thrombogram (CAT) assay was utilized to measure thrombin generation in plasma initiated by EVs-enriched pellets. The activity of AAV was evaluated with the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS).

Results

This study comprised 46 AAV patients, 23 in the active stage of the disease and 23 in remission, as well as 23 age- and sex matched population-based controls. Augmented levels of all investigated MPO+ EVs were found in active AAV patients in comparison to the subgroup of patients in remission and controls. Thrombin generation, measured by endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) and peak of thrombin formation, was higher in plasma when triggered by EVs-enriched pellet from AAV patients. ETP and peak were associated with the levels of MPO+TF+ and MPO+H3Cit+ EVs. Additionally, MPO+TF+ EVs correlated with the disease activity evaluated with BVAS.

Conclusion

Augmented thrombin generation is found in AAV patients regardless of disease activity and is associated with higher exposure of TF and H3Cit on MPO+EVs. This may contribute to the increased risk of thrombosis seen in AAV patients.
Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of knee osteoarthritis with integrative medicine based on traditional Chinese medicine
Authors: Zeng Lingfeng , Zhou Guanghui , Yang Weiyi , Liu Jun
Published: October 2023

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common geriatric disease in middle-aged and elderly people. Its main pathological characteristics are articular cartilage degeneration, changes in subchondral bone reactivity, osteophyte formation at joint edges, synovial disease, ligament relaxation or contracture, and joint capsular contracture. The prevalence rate of symptomatic KOA in middle-aged and elderly people in China is 8.1%, and this is increasing. The main clinical manifestations of this disease are pain and limited activity of the knee joint, which seriously affect the quality of life of patients and may cause disability, posing a huge burden on society and the economy. Although the pathogenesis of KOA is not clear, the treatment of KOA is diverse, and Chinese medicine, which mainly relies on plant-based natural products, has a relatively stable and reliable curative effect. This guideline aims to emphasize the evidence-based staging and stepped treatment of KOA and the therapeutic effect of integrative medicine based on traditional Chinese medicine on KOA. We make recommendations that include the adoption of manual therapy, acupuncture, external application of herbs, herbal plasters, exercise therapy, and other integrative medicine based on traditional Chinese medicine. Users of the above guidelines are most likely to include clinicians and health managers in healthcare settings.
Specific neuropsychiatric symptoms are associated with functional decline trajectories in Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia: a five-year follow-up study
Authors: Borda Miguel Germán , Brønnick Kolbjørn Kallesten , Garcia-Cifuentes Elkin , Jaramillo-Jimenez Alberto , Reyes-Ortiz Carlos , Patricio-Baldera Jonathan , Soennesyn Hogne , Pérez-Zepeda Mario Ulises , Vik-Mo Audun Osland , Aarsland Dag
Published: October 2023

Background

Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are often overlooked and under-identified symptoms associated with dementia, despite their significant impact on the prognosis of individuals living with the disease. The specific role of certain NPS in functional prognosis remains unclear.

Aims

To determine the association of different NPS with functional decline in people living with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or Lewy body dementia (LBD).

Methods

This is an analysis of data from the Dementia Study of Western Norway (DemVest) with 196 patients included of which 111 had AD and 85 LBD. The Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) and the Rapid Disability Rating Scale (RDRS-2) for activities of daily living were administered annually for 5 years. NPI total score and individual items with RDRS-2 trajectories were analyzed with linear mixed models.

Results

The LBD group exhibited higher levels of functional impairment and a greater burden of NPS at baseline. Over the 5-year follow-up, hallucinations, aggression, depression, anxiety, apathy, disinhibition, aberrant motor behavior, nighttime behavior disturbances, and abnormal eating patterns were significantly associated with the decline in functional abilities in individuals with AD, as well as irritability and aberrant motor behavior in those with LBD.

Discussion

These results highlight the relevance of early detection and intervention of these particularly relevant NPS, due to its potential of also impacting physical function. Better detection and management of these NPS could improve functional prognosis in people living with dementia.

Conclusion

Specific NPS demonstrate relevant distinct associations with Longitudinal trajectories of functional decline in AD and LBD.
Role of aggressive locoregional surgery in treatment strategies for ipsilateral supraclavicular lymph node metastasis of breast cancer: a real-world cohort study
Authors: Feng Kexin , Xing Zeyu , Dai Qichen , Cheng Han , Wang Xiang
Published: October 2023

Background: Breast cancer patients with synchronous ipsilateral supraclavicular lymph node metastases (ISLNM) have unfavorable prognoses. The role of supraclavicular lymph node dissection (SLND) as a surgical intervention in the treatment of this condition remains controversial. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic factors associated with breast cancer with ISLNM and to assess the potential impact of aggressive locoregional surgical management on patient outcomes.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 250 breast cancer patients with ISLNM who were treated with curative intent at our institution between 2000 and 2020. The cohort was stratified into groups based on the extent of axillary surgery. The first group, comprising 185 patients, underwent level I/II axillary dissection. The second group, consisting of 65 patients, underwent aggressive locoregional surgery, including levels I/II/III (infraclavicular) dissection in 37 patients and levels I/II/III + SLND in 28 patients. Our study evaluated overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) as primary endpoints, and locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRRFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) as secondary endpoints.

Results: The median follow-up time among all patients was 5.92 years (1.05–15.36 years). The 5-year OS rate was 71.89%, while the DFS rate, LRRFS rate, and DMFS rates were 59.25%, 66.38%, and 64.98%, respectively. A significant difference in OS, DFS, LRRFS, and DMFS was observed between the second group and the first group (p < 0.01). No beneficial impact on recurrence, metastasis, or survival outcomes was observed in the levels I/II/III + SLND group compared to the levels I/II/III dissection group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that levels I/II/III ± SLND surgery and T stage were associated with OS (p = 0.006 and p = 0.026), while levels I/II/III ± SLND surgery, ER+/HER2-, and histologic grade were associated with DFS (p = 0.032, p = 0.001, p = 0.032).

Conclusion: Breast cancer with ISLNM may be considered a locoregional disease, requiring a combination of systemic and local therapies. Aggressive locoregional surgery has been shown to positively impact recurrence, metastasis, and survival outcomes. This approach may provide improved management of the ISLNM for breast cancer patients.
Communal nesting differentially attenuates the impact of pre-weaning social isolation on behavior in male and female rats during adolescence and adulthood
Authors: Bratzu Jessica , Ciscato Maria , Pisanu Augusta , Talani Giuseppe , Frau Roberto , Porcu Patrizia , Diana Marco , Fumagalli Fabio , Romualdi Patrizia , Rullo Laura , Trezza Viviana , Ciccocioppo Roberto , Sanna Fabrizio , Fattore Liana
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Early social isolation (ESI) disrupts neurodevelopmental processes, potentially leading to long-lasting emotional and cognitive changes in adulthood. Communal nesting (CN), i.e., the sharing of parental responsibilities between multiple individuals in a nest, creates a socially enriching environment known to impact social and anxiety-related behaviors.

Methods

This study examines the effects of (i) the CN condition and of (ii) ESI during the 3rd week of life (i.e., pre-weaning ESI) on motor, cognitive, and emotional domains during adolescence and adulthood in male and female rats reared in the two different housing conditions, as well as (iii) the potential of CN to mitigate the impact of ESI on offspring.

Results

We found that in a spontaneous locomotor activity test, females exhibited higher activity levels compared to males. In female groups, adolescents reared in standard housing (SH) condition spent less time in the center of the arena, suggestive of increased anxiety levels, while the CN condition increased the time spent in the center during adolescence, but not adulthood, independently from ESI. The prepulse inhibition (PPI) test showed a reduced PPI in ESI adolescent animals of both sexes and in adult males (but not in adult females), with CN restoring PPI in males, but not in adolescent females. Further, in the marble burying test SH-ESI adolescent males exhibited higher marble burying behavior than all other groups, suggestive of obsessive-compulsive traits. CN completely reversed this stress-induced effect. Interestingly, ESI and CN did not have a significant impact on burying behavior in adult animals of both sexes.

Discussion

Overall, our findings (i) assess the effects of ESI on locomotion, sensorimotor gating, and compulsive-like behaviors, (ii) reveal distinct vulnerabilities of males and females within these domains, and (iii) show how early-life social enrichment may successfully counteract some of the behavioral alterations induced by early-life social stress in a sex-dependent manner. This study strengthens the notion that social experiences during early-life can shape emotional and cognitive outcomes in adulthood, and points to the importance of social enrichment interventions for mitigating the negative effects of early social stress on neurodevelopment.
Is increased activation in the fusiform face area to Greebles a result of appropriate expertise training or caused by Greebles' face likeness?
Authors: Liu Kuo , Chen Chiu-Yueh , Wang Le-Si , Jo Hanshin , Kung Chun-Chia
Published: October 2023

Background

In 2011, Brants et al. trained eight individuals to become Greeble experts and found neuronal inversion effects [NIEs; i.e., higher fusiform face area (FFA) activity for upright, rather than inverted Greebles]. These effects were also found for faces, both before and after training. By claiming to have replicated the seminal Greeble training study by Gauthier and colleagues in 1999, Brants et al. interpreted these results as participants viewing Greebles as faces throughout training, contrary to the original argument of subjects becoming Greeble experts only after training. However, Brants et al.'s claim presents two issues. First, their behavioral training results did not replicate those of Gauthier and Tarr conducted in 1997 and 1998, raising concerns of whether the right training regime had been adopted. Second, both a literature review and meta-analysis of NIEs in the FFA suggest its impotency as an index of the face(-like) processing.

Objectives

To empirically evaluate these issues, the present study compared two documented training paradigms Gauthier and colleagues in 1997 and 1998, and compared their impact on the brain.

Methods

Sixteen NCKU undergraduate and graduate students (nine girls) were recruited. Sixty Greeble exemplars were categorized by two genders, five families, and six individual levels. The participants were randomly divided into two groups (one for Greeble classification at all three levels and the other for gender- and individual-level training). Several fMRI tasks were administered at various time points, specifically, before training (1st), during training (2nd), and typically no <24 h after reaching expertise criterion (3rd).

Results

The ROI analysis results showed significant increases in the FFA for Greebles, and a clear neural “adaptation,” both only in the Gauthier97 group and only after training, reflecting clear modulation of extensive experiences following an “appropriate” training regime. In both groups, no clear NIEs for faces nor Greebles were found, which was also in line with the review of extant studies bearing this comparison.

Conclusion

Collectively, these results invalidate the assumptions behind Brants et al.'s findings.
A shift of brain network hub after spinal cord injury
Authors: Matsubayashi Kohei , Shinozaki Munehisa , Hata Junichi , Komaki Yuji , Nagoshi Narihito , Tsuji Osahiko , Fujiyoshi Kanehiro , Nakamura Masaya , Okano Hideyuki
Published: October 2023

Background

Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes severe sequelae and significant social loss, depending on the extent of the damage. Most previous studies have focused on the pathology of the spinal cord to develop treatments for SCI. However, it is now known that the brain, which is not directly damaged, also undergoes morphological changes after spinal cord injury, which could affect natural recovery and treatment. In recent years, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been developed to analyze functional changes in the brain. Resting-state functional MRI (rsfMRI), which captures brain activity at rest, can calculate functional connections between brain areas and identify central hubs by network analysis.

Purpose

We aim to investigate functional connectivity in the brain using rsfMRI after SCI and to determine how brain-network main hubs change over time.

Methods

We evaluated rsfMRI in 10 mice of the contusional SCI model and calculated connectivity using graph theory. We evaluated “centrality,” a representative parameter of network analysis. The subtype of centrality was degree centrality, which indicates the hub function of a single area. The five times of rsfMRI were performed in each individual mouse: before injury and at 1, 3, 7, and 14 weeks post-injury.

Results

Before the injury, the degree centralities of the primary and secondary motor cortex were high, suggesting that these motor cortices served as main hubs for motor function. After SCI, the hub function of the motor cortices decreased by 14 weeks. In contrast, hub function in the external capsule and the putamen comparatively increased with time after injury, suggesting that the extrapyramidal/subcortical system, which runs the ventral side of the spinal cord and remains after injury in this model, becomes dominant.

Conclusion

We demonstrated the shift of the brain network hub after SCI. The results of this study provide basic information for understanding brain network changes after SCI and would be useful for treatment selection and evaluation of its efficacy in SCI patients.
Association between radiotherapy and prognosis in patients with small cell carcinoma of the bladder undergoing bladder-sparing surgery
Authors: Liang Fuchao , Zhou Fei , Qian Xiaoyuan , Qin Linghui , Wang Jiange , Ding Chen , Kuniduzi Yasen , Zhang Xuejun , Fan Lianming
Published: October 2023

Background

Small cell carcinoma of the bladder is rare and has a poor prognosis. This study aimed to investigate whether radiotherapy after bladder-sparing surgery could improve the survival benefits of patients.

Methods

This population-based retrospective cohort study used data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results cohort in the United States to investigate small cell carcinoma of the bladder. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to identify significant risk factors influencing the clinical prognosis. A propensity score matching (PSM) algorithm was used to reduce the interference of confounding factors in each study group. The matched groups underwent Kaplan–Meier survival analysis to assess the potential survival benefits.

Results

Univariate regression analysis demonstrated that age (P<0.001), tumour stage (T stage) (P=0.005), node stage (N stage) (P<0.001), chemotherapy (P<0.001), bone metastasis (P<0.001), liver metastasis (P<0.001), lung metastasis (P=0.005), tumour size (P=0.005), and radiotherapy (P<0.001) were related factors affecting survival. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that age (P=0.001), T stage (P=0.054), N stage (P<0.001), radiotherapy (P=0.010), chemotherapy (P<0.001), bone metastasis (P=0.007), and liver metastasis (P<0.001) were independent factors affecting survival. Moreover, survival analysis was performed on the PSM-matched groups, leading to the following findings: (1) the radiotherapy group exhibited a superior survival prognosis compared with the non-radiotherapy group (P<0.001); (2) the survival prognosis of individuals who underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy was higher than that of those who underwent chemotherapy alone (P<0.001).

Conclusion

The findings of this study suggest that radiotherapy improves survival benefits for patients with small cell carcinoma of the bladder who undergo bladder-sparing surgery. Furthermore, radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy demonstrates a greater survival benefit compared with chemotherapy alone. The results underscore the importance of considering radiotherapy as a valuable treatment option for such patients, highlighting its potential benefits in improving their overall prognosis.
N-terminal region is responsible for mHv1 channel activity in MDSCs
Authors: Peña-Pichicoi Antonio , Fernández Miguel , Navarro-Quezada Nieves , Alvear-Arias Juan J. , Carrillo Christian A. , Carmona Emerson M. , Garate Jose , Lopez-Rodriguez Angelica M. , Neely Alan , Hernández-Ochoa Erick O. , González Carlos
Published: October 2023

Voltage-gated proton channels (Hv1) are important regulators of the immunosuppressive function of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in mice and have been proposed as a potential therapeutic target to alleviate dysregulated immunosuppression in tumors. However, till date, there is a lack of evidence regarding the functioning of the Hvcn1 and reports on mHv1 isoform diversity in mice and MDSCs. A computational prediction has suggested that the Hvcn1 gene may express up to six transcript variants, three of which are translated into distinct N-terminal isoforms of mHv1: mHv1.1 (269 aa), mHv1.2 (269 + 42 aa), and mHv1.3 (269 + 4 aa). To validate this prediction, we used RT-PCR on total RNA extracted from MDSCs, and the presence of all six predicted mRNA variances was confirmed. Subsequently, the open-reading frames (ORFs) encoding for mHv1 isoforms were cloned and expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes for proton current recording using a macro-patch voltage clamp. Our findings reveal that all three isoforms are mammalian mHv1 channels, with distinct differences in their activation properties. Specifically, the longest isoform, mHv1.2, displays a right-shifted conductance–voltage (GV) curve and slower opening kinetics, compared to the mid-length isoform, mHv1.3, and the shortest canonical isoform, mHv1.1. While mHv1.3 exhibits a V0.5 similar to that of mHv1.1, mHv1.3 demonstrates significantly slower activation kinetics than mHv1.1. These results suggest that isoform gating efficiency is inversely related to the length of the N-terminal end. To further explore this, we created the truncated mHv1.2 ΔN20 construct by removing the first 20 amino acids from the N-terminus of mHv1.2. This construct displayed intermediate activation properties, with a V0.5 value lying intermediate of mHv1.1 and mHv1.2, and activation kinetics that were faster than that of mHv1.2 but slower than that of mHv1.1. Overall, these findings indicate that alternative splicing of the N-terminal exon in mRNA transcripts encoding mHv1 isoforms is a regulatory mechanism for mHv1 function within MDSCs. While MDSCs have the capability to translate multiple Hv1 isoforms with varying gating properties, the Hvcn1 gene promotes the dominant expression of mHv1.1, which exhibits the most efficient gating among all mHv1 isoforms.
Colchicine in atrial fibrillation: are old trees in bloom?
Authors: Zhan Yujia , Yue Honghua , Zhao Xueshan , Tang Juan , Wu Zhong
Published: October 2023

Colchicine is a widely used drug that was originally used to treat gout and rheumatic diseases. In recent years, colchicine has shown high potential in the cardiovascular field. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a cardiovascular disease with a high incidence. One of the most frequent complications following cardiovascular surgery is postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF), which affects patient health and disease burden. This article reviews the research status of colchicine in AF and summarizes the relevant progress.