bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CuO-GO-Ag; Green Synthesis With Fagonia Arabica and Biomedical Potential is a Bioinspired Nano Theranostics Composite
Authors: Shahid Sammia , Mansoor Sana , Javed Mohsin , Iqbal Shahid , Yousaf Umair , Alsaab Hashem O. , Awwad Nasser S. , Ibrahium Hala A. , Alzhrani Rami M. , Alqahtani Mashael D. , Tamam Nissren , Elkaeed Eslam B. , Zaman Sabah , Sarwar Muhammad Nazim , Riaz Tauheeda
Published: April 2022

In this study, a green synthesis strategy was used to construct CuO-GO-Ag nanocomposites (NCs) by using biological components of Fagonia arabica. Copper Oxide (CuO) nanoparticles and silver (Ag) nanoparticles were fabricated by using a plant extract of Fagonia arabica. Graphene oxide was synthesized by hummer’s method and hydrothermal approach. The characterization techniques used in this work were Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and ultra-violet visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis). As an innovative approach graphene oxide (GO) was firstly assorted with green synthesized CuO NPs and then Ag nanoparticles were incorporated to form amalgamated CuO-GO-Ag nanocomposite (NCs). The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of nanocomposite were examined. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ability of the nanocomposite were evaluated by UV-Visible spectroscopy. Results reveal that biologically synthesized CuO-GO-Ag NCs have high scavenging and inflammation reduction potential as compared to standards (ascorbic acid, diclofenac sodium). CuO-GO-Ag showed that scavenging efficiency for 0.3 mg/ml is 57.40% and for 0.5 mg/ml is 74.24% while scavenging efficiency for standard (ascorbic acid) is 44.22% for 0.3 mg/ml and 58.42% for 0.5 mg/ml. Likewise, CuO-GO-Ag nanocomposite showed a % inhibition value of 46.59 and 87.80 at 0.1 mg/ml and 0.5 mg/ml while diclofenac sodium showed a % inhibition value of 10.98 and 35.37 a similar concentration. Fagonia arabica seems to be a good source for acclimating the potential of NCs and nanoparticles toward different increased biological activities, according to the findings.
High-Throughput CALPHAD: A Powerful Tool Towards Accelerated Metallurgy
Authors: Ghassemali Ehsan , Conway Patrick L. J.
Published: April 2022

Introduction of high entropy alloys or multi-principal element alloys around 15 years ago motivated revising conventional alloy design strategies and proposed new ways for alloy development. Despite significant research since then, the potential for new material discoveries using the MPEA concept has hardly been scratched. Given the number of available elements and the vastness of possible composition combinations, an unlimited number of alloys are waiting to be investigated! Discovering novel high-performance materials can be like finding a needle in a haystack, which demands an enormous amount of time and computational capacity. To overcome the challenge, a systematic approach is essential to meet the growing demand for developing novel high-performance or multifunctional materials. This article aims to briefly review the challenges, recent progress and gaps, and future outlook in accelerated alloy development, with a specific focus on computational high-throughput (HT) screening methods integrated with the Calculation of Phase Diagrams (CALPHAD) technique.
Development of a Machine Learning-Based Predictive Model for Lung Metastasis in Patients With Ewing Sarcoma
Authors: Li Wenle , Hong Tao , Liu Wencai , Dong Shengtao , Wang Haosheng , Tang Zhi-Ri , Li Wanying , Wang Bing , Hu Zhaohui , Liu Qiang , Qin Yong , Yin Chengliang
Published: April 2022

Background

This study aimed to develop and validate machine learning (ML)-based prediction models for lung metastasis (LM) in patients with Ewing sarcoma (ES), and to deploy the best model as an open access web tool.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Database from 2010 to 2016 and from four medical institutions to develop and validate predictive models for LM in patients with ES. Patient data from the SEER database was used as the training group (n = 929). Using demographic and clinicopathologic variables six ML-based models for predicting LM were developed, and internally validated using 10-fold cross validation. All ML-based models were subsequently externally validated using multiple data from four medical institutions (the validation group, n = 51). The predictive power of the models was evaluated by the area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The best-performing model was used to produce an online tool for use by clinicians to identify ES patients at risk from lung metastasis, to improve decision making and optimize individual treatment.

Results

The study cohort consisted of 929 patients from the SEER database and 51 patients from multiple medical centers, a total of 980 ES patients. Of these, 175 (18.8%) had lung metastasis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed with survival time, T-stage, N-stage, surgery, and bone metastasis providing the independent predictive factors of LM. The AUC value of six predictive models ranged from 0.585 to 0.705. The Random Forest (RF) model (AUC = 0.705) using 4 variables was identified as the best predictive model of LM in ES patients and was employed to construct an online tool to assist clinicians in optimizing patient treatment. (https://share.streamlit.io/liuwencai123/es_lm/main/es_lm.py).

Conclusions

Machine learning were found to have utility for predicting LM in patients with Ewing sarcoma, and the RF model gave the best performance. The accessibility of the predictive model as a web-based tool offers clear opportunities for improving the personalized treatment of patients with ES.
Case Report: Primary Ovarian Leiomyoma: A Clinical Analysis of Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Liang Guanmian , Wu Zaigui , Zhu Li , Ruan Fei
Published: April 2022

Ovarian leiomyoma accounts only for 0.5–1% of all benign ovarian tumors, and almost no preoperative diagnosis has been achieved. Commonly, these tumors are small in size and asymptomatic. However, they can become symptomatic as their size increases; thus, it is important to recognize this entity and differentiate them from ovarian malignant tumors. Radical surgeries with total hysterectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy are usually performed. However, ovary-preserving surgery has been suggested to young women, especially those desiring fertility in the future. In this study, we shared seven cases of primary ovarian leiomyomas and one inherent ligament leiomyoma, reviewed related articles to provide some new information about leiomyoma of the ovary, and discussed their proper surgical management.
Circulating Trimethylamine-N-Oxide and Risk of All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhou Zhongwei , Jin Hao , Ju Huixiang , Sun Mingzhong , Chen Hongmei , Li Li
Published: April 2022

Background

Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) is expected to be a prognostic biomarker among patients suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, investigations on the association between TMAO and CKD prognosis are conflicting. In the present article, we aimed to assess the relationship of circulating TMAO with the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among CKD patients by a meta-analysis.

Methods

Data were collected from PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science for systematically searching related literature (last update: February 2022). The multivariable-adjusted hazard risks (HR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled using random effects models.

Results

Eleven prospective cohort studies covering 7,899 CKD patients were enrolled in this meta-analysis. When comparing individuals in the top and bottom baseline TMAO levels thirds, the multivariate adjusted pooled HR was 1.29 (95% CI 1.11–1.51, P = 0.001) for all-cause mortality, and 1.45 (95% CI 1.01–2.09, P = 0.043) for cardiovascular death. For continuous variables, per 1 unit increase of circulating TMAO levels was associated with a 3% higher all-cause mortality (HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00–1.06, P = 0.032), but not significantly associated with cardiovascular death (HR 1.08, 95% CI 0.92–1.27, P = 0.346). Stratified analyses revealed that the positive relationship between TMAO and all-cause mortality remained significant after adjusting for diabetes, blood pressure, blood lipid, renal function, or inflammatory parameters.

Conclusion

Higher circulating TMAO was associated with an increased mortality risk among patients with CKD, and this relationship may be dependent on TMAO dose and independent of renal function, inflammation, diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia.

Systematic Review Registration

[https://www.INPLASY.COM], identifier [INPLASY2021100049].
Dogs Detecting COVID-19 From Sweat and Saliva of Positive People: A Field Experience in Mexico
Authors: Mancilla-Tapia Juan Manuel , Lozano-Esparza Victoria , Orduña Adrián , Osuna-Chávez Reyna Fabiola , Robles-Zepeda Ramón Enrique , Maldonado-Cabrera Blayra , Bejar-Cornejo Jorge Rubén , Ruiz-León Iván , González-Becuar Carlos Gabriel , Hielm-Björkman Anna , Novelo-González Ana , Vidal-Martínez Victor Manuel
Published: April 2022

Context

Molecular tests are useful in detecting COVID-19, but they are expensive in developing countries. COVID-19-sniffing dogs are an alternative due to their reported sensitivity (>80%) and specificity (>90%). However, most of the published evidence is experimental, and there is a need to determine the performance of the dogs in field conditions. Hence, we aimed to test the sensitivity and specificity of COVID-19-sniffing dogs in the field.

Methods

We trained four dogs with sweat and three dogs with saliva of COVID-19-positive patients, respectively, for 4.5 months. The samples were obtained from a health center in Hermosillo, Sonora, with the restriction to spend 5 min per patient. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, and their 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Two sweat-sniffing dogs reached 76 and 80% sensitivity, with the 95% CI not overlapping the random value of 50%, and 75 and 88% specificity, with the 95% CI not overlapping the 50% value. The 95% CI of the sensitivity and specificity of the other two sweat dogs overlapped the 50% value. Two saliva-sniffing dogs had 70 and 78% sensitivity, and the 95% CI of their sensitivity and specificity did not overlap the 50% value. The 95% CI of the third dog's sensitivity and specificity overlapped the 50% value.

Conclusion

Four of the six dogs were able to detect positive samples of patients with COVID-19, with sensitivity and specificity values significantly different from random in the field. We considered the performance of the dogs promising because it is reasonable to expect that with gauze exposed for a longer time to sweat and saliva of people with COVID-19, their detection capacity would improve. The target is to reach the sensitivity range requested by the World Health Organization for the performance of an antigen test (≥80% sensitivity, ≥97% specificity). If so, dogs could become important allies for the control of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in developing countries.
A Matrix Prediction Model for the 6-Month Mortality Risk in Patients With Anti-Melanoma Differentiation-Associated Protein-5-Positive Dermatomyositis
Authors: Ouyang Zhi-Ming , Lin Jian-Zi , Tang Ao-Juan , Yang Ze-Hong , Yang Li-Juan , Wei Xiu-Ning , Li Qian-Hua , Liang Jin-Jian , Zheng Dong-Hui , Guo Bing-Peng , Zhao Gui , Han Qian , Dai Lie , Mo Ying-Qian
Published: April 2022

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate the baseline independent risk factors for predicting 6-month mortality of patients with anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (anti-MDA5)-positive dermatomyositis (DM) and develop a matrix prediction model formed by these risk factors.

Methods

The hospitalized patients with DM who completed at least 6-month follow-up were recruited as a derivation cohort. The primary exposure was defined as positive anti-MDA5 at the baseline. The primary outcome was all-cause 6-month mortality after enrollment. A matrix prediction model was developed in the derivation cohort, and another published cohort was used for external validation.

Results

In derivation cohort, 82 patients with DM were enrolled (mean age of onset 50 ± 11 years and 63% women), with 40 (49%) showing positive anti-MDA5. Gottron sign/papules (OR: 5.135, 95%CI: 1.489–17.708), arthritis (OR: 5.184, 95%CI: 1.455–18.467), interstitial lung disease (OR: 7.034, 95%CI: 1.157–42.785), and higher level of C4 (OR: 1.010, 95%CI: 1.002–1.017) were the independent associators with positive anti-MDA5 in patients with DM. Patients with anti-MDA5-positive DM had significant higher 6-month all-cause mortality than those with anti-MDA5-negative (30 vs. 0%). Among the patients with anti-MDA5-positive DM, compared to the survivors, non-survivors had significantly advanced age of onset (59 ± 6 years vs. 46 ± 9 years), higher rates of fever (75 vs. 18%), positive carcinoma embryonic antigen (CEA, 75 vs. 14%), higher level of ferritin (median 2,858 ug/L vs. 619 ug/L, all p < 0.05). A stepwise multivariate Cox regression showed that ferritin ≥1,250 μg/L (HR: 10.4, 95%CI: 1.8–59.9), fever (HR: 11.2, 95%CI: 2.5–49.9), and positive CEA (HR: 5.2, 95%CI: 1.0–25.7) were the independent risk factors of 6-month mortality. A matrix prediction model was built to stratify patients with anti-MDA5-positive DM into different subgroups with various probabilities of 6-month mortality risk. In an external validation cohort, the observed 6-month all-cause mortality was 78% in high-risk group, 43% in moderate-risk group, and 25% in low-risk group, which shows good accuracy of the model.

Conclusion

Baseline characteristics such as fever, ferritin ≥1,250 μg/L, and positive CEA are the independent risk factors for 6-month all-cause mortality in patients with anti-MDA5-positive DM. A novel matrix prediction model composed of these three clinical indicators is first proposed to provide a chance for the exploration of individual treatment strategies in anti-MDA5-positive DM subgroups with various probabilities of mortality risk.
Variance in Landscape Connectivity Shifts Microbial Population Scaling
Authors: Wetherington Miles T. , Nagy Krisztina , Dér László , Noorlag Janneke , Galajda Peter , Keymer Juan E.
Published: April 2022

Understanding mechanisms shaping distributions and interactions of soil microbes is essential for determining their impact on large scale ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration, climate regulation, waste decomposition, and nutrient cycling. As the functional unit of soil ecosystems, we focus our attention on the spatial structure of soil macroaggregates. Emulating this complex physico-chemical environment as a patchy habitat landscape we investigate on-chip the effect of changing the connectivity features of this landscape as Escherichia coli forms a metapopulation. We analyze the distributions of E. coli occupancy using Taylor's law, an empirical law in ecology which asserts that the fluctuations in populations is a power law function of the mean. We provide experimental evidence that bacterial metapopulations in patchy habitat landscapes on microchips follow this law. Furthermore, we find that increased variance of patch-corridor connectivity leads to a qualitative transition in the fluctuation scaling. We discuss these results in the context of the spatial ecology of microbes in soil.
Responses of Symbiodiniaceae Shuffling and Microbial Community Assembly in Thermally Stressed Acropora hyacinthus
Authors: Zhu Wentao , Liu Xiangbo , Zhu Ming , Li Xinke , Yin Hongyang , Huang Jianzhong , Wang Aimin , Li Xiubao
Published: April 2022

Although the importance of coral holobionts is widely accepted, the relationship between the flexibility of the microbial structure and the coral host is very complicated. Particularly, the community dynamics of holobionts and the stability of host–microbe interactions under different thermal stresses remain largely unknown. In the present study, we holistically explored the physiology and growth of Acropora hyacinthus in response to increased temperatures (from 26 to 33°C). We observed that bleaching corals with loss of algal symbionts reduced lipids and proteins to maintain their survival, leading to decreased tissue biomass and retarded growth. The diversity of Symbiodiniaceae and symbiont shuffling in the community structure was mainly caused by alterations in the relative abundance of the thermally sensitive but dominant clade C symbionts and low abundance of “background types.” Bacterial diversity showed a decreasing trend with increasing temperature, whereas no significant shifts were observed in the bacterial community structure. This finding might be attributed to the local adjustment of specific microbial community members that did not affect the overall metabolic state of the coral holobiont, and there was no increase in the proportion of sequences identified as typically pathogenic or opportunistic taxa. The Sloan neutral community model showed that neutral processes could explain 42.37–58.43% of bacterial community variation. The Stegen null model analysis indicates that the stochastic processes explain a significantly higher proportion of community assembly than deterministic processes when the temperature was elevated. The weak effect of temperature on the bacterial community structure and assembly might be related to an increase in stochastic dominance. The interaction of bacterial communities exhibits a fluctuating and simplistic trend with increasing temperature. Moreover, temperature increases were sufficient to establish the high stability of bacterial networks, and a non-linear response was found between the complexity and stability of the networks. Our findings collectively provide new insights into successive changes in the scleractinian coral host and holobionts in response to elevated seawater temperatures, especially the contribution of the community assembly process and species coexistence patterns to the maintenance of the coral-associated bacterial community.
Wild Boars as an Indicator of Environmental Spread of ESβL-Producing Escherichia coli
Authors: Mercato Alessandra , Cortimiglia Claudia , Abualsha’ar Aseel , Piazza Aurora , Marchesini Federica , Milani Giovanni , Bonardi Silvia , Cocconcelli Pier Sandro , Migliavacca Roberta
Published: April 2022

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents an increasing issue worldwide, spreading not only in humans and farmed animals but also in wildlife. One of the most relevant problems is represented by Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESβLs) producing Escherichia coli because they are the cause of important infections in human. Wild boars (Sus scrofa) as a source of ESβLs attracted attention due to their increasing density and their habits that lead them to be at the human-livestock-wildlife interface. The aim of this study was to increase the knowledge about the ESβLs E. coli strains carried by wild boars living in a particularly high-density area of Northern Italy. The analysis of 60 animals allowed to isolate 16 ESβL-producing E. coli strains (prevalence 23.3%), which were characterised from a phenotypical and molecular point of view. The overall analysis revealed that the 16 isolates were all not only ESβL producers but also multidrug resistant and carried different types of plasmid replicons. The genome analysis performed on a subset of isolates confirmed the heterogeneity observed with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and highlighted the presence of two pandemic sequence types, ST131 and ST10, with different collections of virulence factors. The genomic context of ESβL genes further evidenced that all of them were surrounded by transposons and insertion sequences, suggesting the possibility to exchange AMR genes. Overall, this study shows the worrying dissemination of ESβL-producing E. coli in wild boars in Northern Italy, suggesting the role of these animals as a spreader of AMR and their inclusion in surveillance programmes, to shed light on the “One Health” complex interactions.
Taxonomic and Functional Metrics of Ciliates and Amoeboid Protists in Response to Stream Revitalization
Authors: Gulin Vesna , Vlaičević Barbara , Sertić Perić Mirela , Rebrina Fran , Matoničkin Kepčija Renata
Published: April 2022

Tufa-depositing streams provide great microhabitat complexity and are therefore inhabited by various periphytic phagotrophic organisms such as ciliates and amoeboid protists. Recent removal of invasive plant species Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swinge from the Skradinski buk tufa barrier (Krka National Park, Croatia) resulted in changes in the barrier hydromorphology including the reactivation (revitalization) of dry streams. The objective of this study was to investigate: (1) the taxonomic and functional response of periphytic ciliates and amoeboid protists to stream revitalization by comparing taxonomic (i.e., abundance, species richness and diversity) and functional (i.e., functional diversity) metrics between revitalized (N) and control sites (C) during 1 and 2-months immersion period; (2) which environmental and (3) periphyton-associated factors shape the taxonomic and functional metrics and to what extent; (4) how duration of immersion affects taxonomic and functional metrics at revitalized sites. Our results showed that taxonomic and functional metrics of ciliates and amoeboid protists responded to the prevailing conditions characteristic of revitalized tufa-depositing streams: changing hydrology (occasional high flow or drought), soil drainage, and extensive inorganic matter, i.e., tufa deposition, although their responses were somewhat different. The two assemblages also showed different responses of taxonomic and functional metrics with respect to immersion duration: while the taxonomic and functional diversity of ciliates at N sites increased with longer immersion, indicating niche diversification, those of amoeboid protists hardly changed with time. Our results suggest that a comprehensive analysis of taxonomic and functional metrics of ciliates and amoeboid protists could be a good proxy for assessing revitalization of tufa-depositing streams. However, the temporal component should always be considered when conducting such studies, as the colonization processes of ciliates and amoeboid protists are quite complex, especially in tufa-depositing streams.
Functional Cognitive Disorder Presents High Frequency and Distinct Clinical Profile in Patients With Low Education
Authors: Borelli Wyllians Vendramini , de Senna Priscylla Nunes , Brum Wagner Scheeren , Schumacher-Schuh Artur Francisco , Zimmer Eduardo R. , Fagundes Chaves Márcia Lorena , Castilhos Raphael Machado
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Functional Cognitive Disorder (FCD) is a non-degenerative, common cause of memory complaint in patients with high educational levels. FCD has been insufficiently described in individuals with low education. Here, we investigated the frequency of FCD among individuals with low education.

Methods

We analyzed retrospectively all new referrals from primary care to a tertiary memory clinic from 2014 to 2021. Final diagnosis, diagnostic work-up, clinical and cognitive testing data were compared between FCD and other diagnoses, grouped as Neurodegenerative Disorders (NDD). A regression model was used to assess the effect of education on the diagnosis. Data is shown in Mean [SD].

Results

A total of 516 individuals (70.76 [10.3] years) with low educational attainment (4.5 [3.94] years) were divided into FCD (146, 28.3%) and NDD. Compared with NDD, FCD patients showed lower age at presentation (66.2 [9.4] vs. 72.6 [10.2], p < 0.001), higher Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores (22.4 [6.2] vs. 14.7 [7.8], p < 0.001) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) scores (7.4 [5.4] vs. 5.3 [3.7], p = 0.0001).

Discussion

Surprisingly, FCD was the most frequent diagnosis in a low educational setting. However, education was not associated with FCD. Individuals presenting FCD showed a distinct clinical profile, including younger age and higher depressive scores. Strategies to identify FCD in primary care settings may benefit both patients and healthcare systems.
Directional DBS of the Fornix in Alzheimer’s Disease Achieves Long-Term Benefits: A Case Report
Authors: Barcia Juan A. , Viloria María Aurora , Yubero Raquel , Sanchez-Sanchez-Rojas Leyre , López Amanda , Strange Bryan Andrew , Cabrera María , Canuet Leonides , Gil Pedro , Nombela Cristina
Published: April 2022

Background

Current treatments for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) modulate global neurotransmission but are neither specific nor anatomically directed. Tailored stimulation of target nuclei will increase treatment efficacy while reducing side effects. We report the results of the first directional deep brain stimulation (dDBS) surgery and treatment of a patient with AD in an attempt to slow the progression of the disease in a woman with multi-domain, amnestic cognitive status.

Methods

We aimed to assess the safety of dDBS in patients with AD using the fornix as stimulation target (primary objective) and the clinical impact of the stimulation (secondary objective). In a registered clinical trial, a female patient aged 81 years with a 2-year history of cognitive decline and diagnoses of AD underwent a bilateral dDBS surgery targeting the fornix. Stimulation parameters were set between 3.9 and 7.5 mA, 90 μs, 130 Hz for 24 months, controlling stimulation effects by 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (18F-FDG) scans (baseline, 12 and 24 months), magnetoencephalography (MEG) and clinical/neuropsychological assessment (baseline, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months).

Results

There were no important complications related to the procedure. In general terms, the patient showed cognitive fluctuations over the period, related to attention and executive function patterns, with no meaningful changes in any other cognitive functions, as is shown in the clinical dementia rating scale (CDR = 1) scores over the 24 months. Such stability in neuropsychological scores corresponds to the stability of the brain metabolic function, seen in PET scans. The MEG studies described low functional connectivity at baseline and a subsequent increase in the number of significant connections, mainly in the theta band, at 12 months.

Conclusion

The dDBS stimulation in the fornix seems to be a safe treatment for patients in the first stage of AD. Effects on cognition seem to be mild to moderate during the first months of stimulation and return to baseline levels after 24 months, except for verbal fluency.

Clinical Trial Registration

[https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03290274], identifier [NCT03290274].
Cortical Volume in the Right Cingulate Cortex Mediates the Increase of Self-Control From Young Adult to Middle-Aged
Authors: Jiang Lili , Li Chunlin , Li Yubin
Published: April 2022

A high self-control capacity is related to better environmental adaptability and happy and healthy life. Neuroimaging studies have elucidated that the anterior cingulate, the prefrontal cortex, and the orbitofrontal cortex are involved in self-control. However, few studies integrated all three measurements, namely, age, human brain, and self-control, into a single quantitative model and examined whether self-control ability increased or decreased with age. In this study, we collected 65 participants’ data including structural MRI and Tangney’s Self-Control Scale to explore age dependence of cortical volume (CV) and self-control from young adult to middle-aged, as well as whether a non-linear association in the tridimensional model of age-brain-self-control was necessary to explain all the data in this study. We showed that self-control increased with age, but CV decreased with age. In a linear model, our mediation analyses revealed that CV in the right cingulate cortex mediated the increase of self-control; we also constructed a general non-linear model of age-brain-behavior and proved that the inverted development of human brain morphology and self-control abilities happened when morphology decays with age at a relatively smaller rate. Our study indicated that healthy aging in terms of increasing self-control is achievable, and our quantitative linear model of self-control laid theoretical foundations for studies on non-linear associations in age-brain-behavior.
Sex Differences in Demographic and Pharmacological Factors in Alzheimer Patients With Dementia and Cognitive Impairments
Authors: Coker-Ayo Oreoluwa O. , Nathaniel Samuel I. , Poupore Nicolas , Bailey-Taylor Melissa J. , Roley Laurie Theriot , Goodwin Richard L. , McPhail Brooks , Russ-Sellers Rebecca , Nathaniel Thomas I.
Published: April 2022

Objective

The current study investigates sex differences associated with pharmacological and demographic characteristics in Alzheimer patients (AD) with dementia (ADD) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Method

A retrospective analytical approach was used to analyze data from 45,696 AD patients with MCI or ADD. The univariate analysis was used to determine differences in demographic, and pharmacological characteristics for male and female ADD and MCI-AD patients. Multivariate analysis was used to predict specific pharmacological and demographic factors that are associated with male and female MCI and ADD patients.

Result

In the adjusted analysis for male patients, Hispanics [0.166,0.020 – 1.355, P = 0.094] or African Americans [OR = 2.380, 95% CI,2.120 – 2.674, P < 0.001], were more likely to have MCI-AD and be treated with galantamine [OR = 0.559, 95% CI, 0.382 – 0.818, P = 0.003], donepezil [OR = 1.639, 95% CI,1.503 – 1.787, P < 0.001], rivastigmine [OR = 1.394, 95% CI,1.184 – 1.642, P < 0.001], olanzapine [OR = 2.727, 95% CI,2.315 – 3.212, P < 0.001], risperidone [OR = 2.973, 95% CI,2.506 – 3.526, P < 0.001], present with increasing age [1.075,1.071 – 1.079, P < 0.001], and are on tobacco use [OR = 1.150, 95% CI,1.054 – 1.254, P = 0.002]. For female patients, buspirone [OR = 0.767, 95% CI, 0.683 – 0.861, P < 0.001] and a history of alcohol (ETOH) use [OR = 0.484, 95% CI, 0.442 – 0.529, P < 0.001] were associated with MCI-AD. Increasing age [OR = 1.096, 95% CI, 1.093 – 1.100, P < 0.001], donepezil [OR = 2.185, 95% CI, 2.035 – 2.346, P < 0.001], memantine [OR = 2.283, 95% CI, 2.104 – 2.477, P < 0.001] aripiprazole [OR = 1.807, 95% CI, 1.544 – 2.113, P < 0.001] olanzapine [OR = 2.289, 95% CI, 1.986 – 2.640, P < 0.001] risperidone [OR = 2.548, 95% CI, 2.246 – 2.889, P < 0.001] buspirone [OR = 0.767, 95% CI, 0.683 – 0.861, P < 0.001] escitalopram [OR = 1.213, 95% CI,1.119 – 1.315, P < 0.001] African Americans [OR = 1.395, 95% CI, 1.268 – 1.535, P < 0.001] and tobacco use [OR = 1.150, 95% CI, 1.073 – 1.233, P < 0.001] were associated with ADD.

Conclusion

Our findings reveal that MCI-AD patients were more likely to be Hispanics or African American males treated with rivastigmine, olanzapine and citalopram. African American females were associated with ADD and more likely to be treated with buspirone and presented with a history of ETOH. This finding suggests the need for a pharmacological treatment approach encompassing sex-sensitive strategies for MCI-AD and ADD patients.
Subcallosal Cingulate Cortex Deep Brain Stimulation for Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sobstyl Michał , Kupryjaniuk Anna , Prokopienko Marek , Rylski Marcin
Published: April 2022

Background

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is considered a relatively new and still experimental therapeutic modality for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). There is clinical evidence to suggest that stimulation of the subcallosal cingulate cortex (SCC) involved in the pathogenesis of TRD may exert an antidepressant effect.

Aims

To conduct a systematic review of current studies, such as randomized clinical trials (RCTs), open-label trials, and placebo-controlled trials, examining SCC DBS for TRD in human participants.

Method

A formal review of the academic literature was performed using the Medical Literature, Analysis, and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Suitable studies were screened and assessed based on patient characteristics, clinical outcomes, adverse events related to DBS, and the stereotactic technique used to guide the implantation of DBS electrodes.

Results

The literature search identified 14 clinical studies that enrolled a total of 230 patients with TRD who underwent SCC DBS. The average duration of follow-up was 14 months (range 6–24 months). The response and remission rates at the last available follow-up visit ranged between 23–92% and 27–66.7%, respectively.

Conclusion

The current results of SCC DBS are limited by the relatively small number of patients treated worldwide. Nevertheless, studies to date suggest that SCC can be a promising and efficacious target for DBS, considering the high response and remission rates among patients with TRD. The adverse events of SCC DBS are usually transient and stimulation-induced.
Plasma Levels of CGRP During a 2-h Infusion of VIP in Healthy Volunteers and Patients With Migraine: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Pellesi Lanfranco , Al-Karagholi Mohammad Al-Mahdi , De Icco Roberto , Chaudhry Basit Ali , Lopez Cristina Lopez , Snellman Josefin , Hannibal Jens , Amin Faisal Mohammad , Ashina Messoud
Published: April 2022

Introduction

The activation of perivascular fibers and the consequent release of vasoactive peptides, including the vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), play a role in migraine pathogenesis. A 2-h infusion of VIP provoked migraine, but the mechanisms remain unknown. We investigated whether 2-h infusion of VIP caused alterations in plasma levels of the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and whether any changes might be related to the induced migraine attacks.

Materials and Methods

We enrolled individuals with episodic migraine without aura and healthy participants to randomly receive a 2-h infusion of either VIP (8 pmol/kg/min) or placebo (sterile saline) in two randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trials. We collected clinical data and measured plasma levels of VIP and CGRP at fixed time points: at baseline (T0) and every 30 min until 180 min (T180) after the start of the infusion.

Results

Blood samples were collected from patients with migraine (n = 19) and healthy individuals (n = 12). During VIP infusion, mixed effects analysis revealed a significant increase in plasma CGRP (p = 0.027) at T30 (vs. T180, adjusted p-value = 0.039) and T60 (vs. T180, adjusted p-value = 0.027) in patients with migraine. We found no increase in plasma CGRP during VIP-induced migraine attacks (p = 0.219). In healthy individuals, there was no increase in plasma CGRP during VIP (p = 0.205) or placebo (p = 0.428) days.

Discussion

Plasma CGRP was elevated in patients with migraine during a prolonged infusion of VIP, but these alterations were not associated with VIP-induced migraine attacks. Given the exploratory design of our study, further investigations are needed to clarify the role of CGRP in VIP-induced migraine.

Clinical Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT03989817 and NCT04260035.
Automotive Radar Processing With Spiking Neural Networks: Concepts and Challenges
Authors: Vogginger Bernhard , Kreutz Felix , López-Randulfe Javier , Liu Chen , Dietrich Robin , Gonzalez Hector A. , Scholz Daniel , Reeb Nico , Auge Daniel , Hille Julian , Arsalan Muhammad , Mirus Florian , Grassmann Cyprian , Knoll Alois , Mayr Christian
Published: April 2022

Frequency-modulated continuous wave radar sensors play an essential role for assisted and autonomous driving as they are robust under all weather and light conditions. However, the rising number of transmitters and receivers for obtaining a higher angular resolution increases the cost for digital signal processing. One promising approach for energy-efficient signal processing is the usage of brain-inspired spiking neural networks (SNNs) implemented on neuromorphic hardware. In this article we perform a step-by-step analysis of automotive radar processing and argue how spiking neural networks could replace or complement the conventional processing. We provide SNN examples for two processing steps and evaluate their accuracy and computational efficiency. For radar target detection, an SNN with temporal coding is competitive to the conventional approach at a low compute overhead. Instead, our SNN for target classification achieves an accuracy close to a reference artificial neural network while requiring 200 times less operations. Finally, we discuss the specific requirements and challenges for SNN-based radar processing on neuromorphic hardware. This study proves the general applicability of SNNs for automotive radar processing and sustains the prospect of energy-efficient realizations in automated vehicles.
Evolution of the Human Brain Can Help Determine Pathophysiology of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors: Irie Koichiro , Doi Miyuki , Usui Noriyoshi , Shimada Shoichi
Published: April 2022

The evolution of humans brought about a co-occurring evolution of the human brain, which is far larger and more complex than that of many other organisms. The brain has evolved characteristically in humans in many respects, including macro-and micro-anatomical changes in the brain structure, changes in gene expression, and cell populations and ratios. These characteristics are essential for the execution of higher functions, such as sociality, language, and cognition, which express humanity, and are thought to have been acquired over evolutionary time. However, with the acquisition of higher functions also comes the risk of the disease in which they fail. This review focuses on human brain evolution and neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and discusses brain development, molecular evolution, and human brain evolution. Discussing the potential for the development and pathophysiology of NDDs acquired by human brain evolution will provide insights into the acquisition and breakdown of higher functions from a new perspective.
Update on Perineuronal Net Staining With Wisteria floribunda Agglutinin (WFA)
Authors: Härtig Wolfgang , Meinicke Anton , Michalski Dominik , Schob Stefan , Jäger Carsten
Published: April 2022

As chemically specialized forms of the extracellular matrix in the central nervous system, polyanionic perineuronal nets (PNs) contain diverse constituents, including chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs), hyaluronic acid, and tenascins. They are detectable by various histological approaches such as colloidal iron binding and immunohistochemical staining to reveal, for instance, the CSPGs aggrecan, neurocan, phosphacan, and versican. Moreover, biotin, peroxidase, or fluorescein conjugates of the lectins Vicia villosa agglutinin and soybean agglutinin enable the visualization of PNs. At present, the N-acetylgalactosamine-binding Wisteria floribunda agglutinin (WFA) is the most widely applied marker for PNs. Therefore, this article is largely focused on methodological aspects of WFA staining. Notably, fluorescent WFA labeling allows, after its conversion into electron-dense adducts, electron microscopic analyses. Furthermore, the usefulness of WFA conjugates for the oftentimes neglected in vivo and in vitro labeling of PNs is emphasized. Subsequently, we discuss impaired WFA-staining sites after long-lasting experiments in vitro, especially in autoptic brain samples with long postmortem delay and partial enzymatic degradation, while immunolabeling of aggrecan and CSPG link proteins under such conditions has proven more robust. In some hippocampal regions from perfusion-fixed mice, more PNs are aggrecan immunoreactive than WFA positive, whereas the retrosplenial cortex displays many WFA-binding PNs devoid of visible aggrecan immunoreactivity. Additional multiple fluorescence labeling exemplarily revealed in ischemic tissue diminished staining of WFA-binding sites and aquaporin 4 and concomitantly upregulated immunolabeling of neurofilament, light chains, and collagen IV. Finally, we briefly discuss possible future staining approaches based on nanobodies to facilitate novel technologies revealing details of net morphology.
The Association Between Dietary Diversity Score and Odds of Diabetic Nephropathy: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Rezazadegan Mahsa , Mirjalili Fatemeh , Jalilpiran Yahya , Aziz Monireh , Jayedi Ahmad , Setayesh Leila , Yekaninejad Mir Saeed , Casazza Krista , Mirzaei Khadijeh
Published: April 2022

A dietary diversity score (DDS) may be a useful strategy for monitoring risks associated with chronic diseases. Few studies have investigated the relationship between DDS and the progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD). A better understanding of the relationship between DDS and diabetic nephropathy (DN) may provide insight for monitoring the overall diet and clinical outcomes. This case-control study included 105 women with DN and 105 controls with age and diabetes duration-matched to evaluate the extent to which DDS is associated with DN. Dietary intake was assessed using the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). DDS was calculated based on the method using five food groups: bread/grains, vegetables, fruits, meats, and dairies. Conditional logistic regression was performed to examine the association between DDS and odds of DN. Anthropometric measures and physical activity levels were evaluated using standard protocols. In a fully adjusted model [controlled for age, body mass index (BMI), energy intake, physical activity, diabetes duration, cardiovascular disease history, and drug usage], greater adherence (the third vs. the first tertile) to DDS [odds ratio (OR) = 0.13; 95% CI (0.05–0.35)], vegetables group [OR = 0.09; 95% CI (0.02–0.36)], and fruits group [OR = 0.05; 95% CI (0.01–0.20)] were significantly associated with lower odds of DN. However, we did not observe any significant relationship between other DDS components and the odds of DN. Our findings showed that higher DDS might be associated with reduced odds of DN. However, more prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
Purchases of Fruit and Vegetables for at Home Consumption During COVID-19 in the UK: Trends and Determinants
Authors: Revoredo-Giha Cesar , Russo Carlo , Twum Edward Kyei
Published: April 2022

This paper addresses the issue of fruit and vegetable purchases in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study is motivated by the importance of fruit and vegetables for human nutrition, health and reduction of population obesity, especially in the UK where per capita consumption is still below recommended levels. A rich panel dataset was used reporting actual shopping places and quarterly expenditure for at-home consumption of fruit and vegetable purchases of 12,492 households in years 2019 and 2020. The unique dataset allowed us to compare expenditure for fruit and vegetables before and after the COVID-19 outbreak and to identify the main drivers of changes in purchases. Regression analysis found that expenditure increased ~3% less than what expected given the overall increase in the numbers of at-home meals during lockdown. Also, Online shopping was found to be an alternative source for fruit and vegetables purchase during the pandemic. However, the expenditure for processed products grew more than the one for fresh products, resulting in a reduction of the relative share of the latter and possible deterioration of the diet quality.
Molecular Mechanisms Involving the Sonic Hedgehog Pathway in Lung Cancer Therapy: Recent Advances
Authors: Ma Chao , Hu Kang , Ullah Irfan , Zheng Qing-Kang , Zhang Nan , Sun Zhi-Gang
Published: April 2022

According to the latest statistics from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), lung cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies in the world, accounting for approximately 18% of all cancer-associated deaths. Yet, even with aggressive interventions for advanced lung cancer, the five-year survival rate remains low, at around 15%. The hedgehog signaling pathway is highly conserved during embryonic development and is involved in tissue homeostasis as well as organ development. However, studies have documented an increasing prevalence of aberrant activation of HH signaling in lung cancer patients, promoting malignant lung cancer progression with poor prognostic outcomes. Inhibitors targeting the HH pathway have been widely used in tumor therapy, however, they still cannot avoid the occurrence of drug resistance. Interestingly, natural products, either alone or in combination with chemotherapy, have greatly improved overall survival outcomes for lung cancer patients by acting on the HH signaling pathway because of its unique and excellent pharmacological properties. In this review, we elucidate on the underlying molecular mechanisms through which the HH pathway promotes malignant biological behaviors in lung cancer, as well as the potential of inhibitors or natural compounds in targeting HH signaling for clinical applications in lung cancer therapy.
Efficacy and Safety of Thermal Ablation for Treating Lymph Node Metastasis From Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ding Zheng , Chen Juan , Chen Zhiguang , Zeng Xiaoke , Zheng Pengchao , Wang Xuemei , Cui Xinwu , Sang Liang
Published: April 2022

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of thermal ablation, including radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation (MVA), and laser ablation (LA), for treating lymph node metastasis (LNM) from papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

Design and Methods

PubMed and EMBASE were searched for studies reporting the efficacy and safety of thermal ablation for treating LNM in PTC. After selecting the relevant literature (including 11 papers, 208 patients, 412 lymph nodes), the QUADAS-2 tool was used to evaluate its quality. Then, both the fixed-effects and random-effects models combined with subgroup analysis were used to calculate data on volume changes in metastatic lymph nodes and changes in serum thyroglobulin (Tg) levels. We pooled the proportion of major and overall complication rates and complete disappearance rates and used subgroup forest plots and funnel plots for visual representation. Because of publication bias, we also performed a trim-and-filled model for correction. The rate of recurrence and distant metastasis with ablated details were pooled.

Results

In the 11 articles (208 patients and 412 diseased lymph nodes), all thermal ablation methods showed effectiveness in reducing lymph node volume (P = 0.02) and serum Tg levels (P < 0.01) which showed no between-group difference. The pooled proportion of major complications was 0%(95% CI: -0.14; 0.15, P = 1) and the overall complication rate was 5% (95% CI: -0.09; 0.20, P = 1), which revealed no significant difference among modalities. The pooled proportion of the complete disappearance rate was 82% (95% CI: 0.43; 0.96, P < 0.01) and the data with statistical significance which contains RFA and LA showed complete disappearance rate was 59% and 81% respectively.

Conclusion

All thermal ablation methods, including RFA, MWA, and LA, were effective and safe for treating LNM in PTC and were especially suitable for nonsurgical patients. Besides, subgroup analysis showed no significant difference, except for LA is better than RFA in complete disappearance rate.