bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiscale study on coal pillar strength and rational size under variable width working face
Authors: Huang Peng , Zhang Qiang , Xie Jing , Li Junmeng , Zhang Qi , Li Meng , Simao Francisco Chano
Published: January 2024

The reasonable size of the coal pillar in the working face is usually the most critical aspect in coal mining, which is related to the deformation of the surrounding rock of the roadway and the degree of damage to the coal pillar during the coal resource extraction process. The reasonable-size design of coal pillars usually adopts methods such as strength and elastic core zone calculation. However, for the remaining coal resources, the width of the working face is often unequal, and widening or narrowing the working face can significantly change the reasonable size of the coal pillar. In the laboratory, uniaxial compression tests were conducted on coal samples with different aspect ratios. Based on the possible sizes of coal pillars in coal mines, four three-dimensional numerical models of coal pillar compression with different aspect ratios were established. Obtained the failure characteristics and strength of coal pillars with different aspect ratios and provided the strength formula and aspect ratio calculation formula for coal pillars. A mechanical roof model for widening the working face was established, and the relationship between coal pillar strength and working face width was proposed. The strength of coal pillars increases with the increase of aspect ratio. The length of the working face and the aspect ratio of the coal pillar were calculated using the coal pillar strength formula. The width of the working face has increased from 63 m to 160 m, and the size of the coal pillar has increased from 3.6 m to 13.4 m, which has improved the resource recovery rate of the coal pillar. According to the deformation monitoring of the A503 working face roadway that there is no evidence of roof caving or sheeting, and the roadway’s maximum deformation is 147.3 mm, which proves that the width of the coal pillar is suitable for the mining requirements of uneven working faces. This provides important theoretical support for reasonably determining the size of coal pillars and improving the utilisation rate of irregular coal resources.
Deciphering the molecular classification of pediatric sepsis: integrating WGCNA and machine learning-based classification with immune signatures for the development of an advanced diagnostic model
Authors: Huang Junming , Chen Jinji , Wang Chengbang , Lai Lichuan , Mi Hua , Chen Shaohua
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Pediatric sepsis (PS) is a life-threatening infection associated with high mortality rates, necessitating a deeper understanding of its underlying pathological mechanisms. Recently discovered programmed cell death induced by copper has been implicated in various medical conditions, but its potential involvement in PS remains largely unexplored.

Methods: We first analyzed the expression patterns of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) and assessed the immune landscape of PS using the GSE66099 dataset. Subsequently, PS samples were isolated from the same dataset, and consensus clustering was performed based on differentially expressed CRGs. We applied weighted gene co-expression network analysis to identify hub genes associated with PS and cuproptosis.

Results: We observed aberrant expression of 27 CRGs and a specific immune landscape in PS samples. Our findings revealed that patients in the GSE66099 dataset could be categorized into two cuproptosis clusters, each characterized by unique immune landscapes and varying functional classifications or enriched pathways. Among the machine learning approaches, Extreme Gradient Boosting demonstrated optimal performance as a diagnostic model for PS.

Discussion: Our study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying PS, highlighting the involvement of cuproptosis-related genes and immune cell infiltration.
Unequal access to protection? Selection patterns over arrival cohorts of Syrians seeking refuge in Lebanon, Turkey, and Germany
Authors: Gundacker Lidwina , Keita Sekou , Ruhnke Simon A.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

An ample scholarly literature on voluntary migration has shown that migration is a highly selective process, resulting in migrant populations that often differ significantly from their respective population of origin in terms of their socio-demographic characteristics. The literature attributes these differences to either migrants' active choice and agency in the migration decision (i.e., self-selection), or to selectively applied external constraints. Although the socio-demographic make-up of forced migrant populations has received significant attention in public discourses in receiving countries such as Germany and Turkey, the literature on migrant selection largely focuses on voluntary migration and self-selection mechanisms. As a result, the selection mechanisms of forcibly displaced persons are less well-understood. Particularly in the context of forced migration, the conditions for migration fluctuate heavily within a relatively short time span, e.g., regarding immigration policies and border controls. In this study we contribute to that literature by exploring the changing conditions under which Syrians sought international humanitarian protection between 2013 and 2017 and linking them to the selection outcomes in three major receiving countries: Lebanon, Turkey, and Germany.

Methods

Based on novel household survey data, we compare age, gender, socio-economic background, and family context of the Syrian populations in Lebanon, Turkey, and Germany by arrival cohort (2013–2017). In a narrative approach, we combine the cohort analysis of Syrians in Lebanon, Turkey, and Germany with contextual analyses of the (changing) frameworks governing refugee migration in transit and destination countries and descriptive analyses of changing risk levels along migration routes into Europe.

Results

Our analyses reveal that higher external barriers coincide with a stronger selection in migrants' socio-demographic make-up. In particular, riskier routes and higher entry barriers are associated with a lower share of female migrants, a lower share traveling with family members, and a higher socio-economic background.

Discussion

In this study, we describe differences in forced migrants' selection outcomes in countries of first refuge neighboring the origin country, relative to a reception country in the global north. By establishing legal and political frameworks as well as the accessibility of routes as external barriers to forced migration we expand on the existing theoretical approaches to selection effects and identify a need for policy intervention to ensure equitable access to humanitarian protection.
Novel tumor-associated macrophage populations and subpopulations by single cell RNA sequencing
Authors: Wang Juanjuan , Zhu Ningning , Su Xiaomin , Gao Yunhuan , Yang Rongcun
Published: January 2024

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are present in almost all solid tumor tissues. 16They play critical roles in immune regulation, tumor angiogenesis, tumor stem cell activation, tumor invasion and metastasis, and resistance to therapy. However, it is unclear how TAMs perform these functions. With the application of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), it has become possible to identify TAM subpopulations associated with distinct functions. In this review, we discuss four novel TAM subpopulations in distinct solid tumors based on core gene signatures by scRNA-seq, including FCN1+, SPP1+, C1Q+ and CCL18+ TAMs. Functional enrichment and gene expression in scRNA-seq data from different solid tumor tissues found that FCN1+ TAMs may induce inflammation; SPP1+ TAMs are potentially involved in metastasis, angiogenesis, and cancer cell stem cell activation, whereas C1Q+ TAMs participate in immune regulation and suppression; And CCL18+ cells are terminal immunosuppressive macrophages that not only have a stronger immunosuppressive function but also enhance tumor metastasis. SPP1+ and C1Q+ TAM subpopulations can be further divided into distinct populations with different functions. Meanwhile, we will also present emerging evidence highlighting the separating macrophage subpopulations associated with distinct functions. However, there exist the potential disconnects between cell types and subpopulations identified by scRNA-seq and their actual function.
Graves’ disease and systemic lupus erythematosus: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Xian Wei , Liu Boyuan , Li Jinjian , Yang Yuxin , Hong Shubin , Xiao Haipeng , Wu Dide , Li Yanbing
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Previous observational studies have established a correlation between Graves’ disease(GD) and systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE). However, whether a causal relationship exists between these two diseases remains unknown.We utilized Mendelian randomization to infer the causal association between GD and SLE.

Methods

This study employed GWAS summary statistics of GD and SLE in individuals of Asian descent. The random effect inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was utilized to aggregate the causal effect estimates of all SNPs. Cochran’s Q values were computed to evaluate the heterogeneity among instrumental variables. Sensitivity analyses such as MR-Egger method, median weighting method, leave-one-out method, and MR-PRESSO method were used to test whether there was horizontal pleiotropy of instrumental variables.

Results

Our study found genetically predicted GD may increase risk of SLE (OR=1.17, 95% CI 0.99-1.40, p=0.069). Additionally, genetically predicted SLE elevated the risk of developing GD by 15% (OR=1.15, 95% CI 1.05-1.27, p= 0.004). After correcting for possible horizontal pleiotropy by excluding outlier SNPs, the results suggested that GD increased the risk of SLE (OR=1.27, 95% CI 1.09-1.48, p =0.018), while SLE also increased the risk of developing GD (OR=1.13, 95% CI 1.05-1.22, p =0.003).

Conclusion

The findings of the study indicate that there may be a correlation between GD and SLE, with each potentially increasing the risk of the other. These results have important implications for the screening and treatment of patients with co-morbidities in clinical settings, as well as for further research into the molecular mechanisms underlying the relationship between GD and SLE.
Evolutionary and functional characterization of lagomorph guanylate-binding proteins: a story of gain and loss and shedding light on expression, localization and innate immunity-related functions
Authors: Schelle Luca , Côrte-Real João Vasco , Fayyaz Sharmeen , del Pozo Ben Augusto , Shnipova Margarita , Petersen Moritz , Lotke Rishikesh , Menon Bhavna , Matzek Dana , Pfaff Lena , Pinheiro Ana , Marques João Pedro , Melo-Ferreira José , Popper Bastian , Esteves Pedro José , Sauter Daniel , Abrantes Joana , Baldauf Hanna-Mari
Published: January 2024

Guanylate binding proteins (GBPs) are an evolutionarily ancient family of proteins that are widely distributed among eukaryotes. They belong to the dynamin superfamily of GTPases, and their expression can be partially induced by interferons (IFNs). GBPs are involved in the cell-autonomous innate immune response against bacterial, parasitic and viral infections. Evolutionary studies have shown that GBPs exhibit a pattern of gene gain and loss events, indicative for the birth-and-death model of evolution. Most species harbor large GBP gene clusters that encode multiple paralogs. Previous functional and in-depth evolutionary studies have mainly focused on murine and human GBPs. Since rabbits are another important model system for studying human diseases, we focus here on lagomorphs to broaden our understanding of the multifunctional GBP protein family by conducting evolutionary analyses and performing a molecular and functional characterization of rabbit GBPs. We observed that lagomorphs lack GBP3, 6 and 7. Furthermore, Leporidae experienced a loss of GBP2, a unique duplication of GBP5 and a massive expansion of GBP4. Gene expression analysis by reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and transcriptome data revealed that leporid GBP expression varied across tissues. Overexpressed rabbit GBPs localized either uniformly and/or discretely to the cytoplasm and/or to the nucleus. Oryctolagus cuniculus (oc)GBP5L1 and rarely ocGBP5L2 were an exception, colocalizing with the trans-Golgi network (TGN). In addition, four ocGBPs were IFN-inducible and only ocGBP5L2 inhibited furin activity. In conclusion, from an evolutionary perspective, lagomorph GBPs experienced multiple gain and loss events, and the molecular and functional characteristics of ocGBP suggest a role in innate immunity.
Tissue and circulating biomarkers of benefit to immunotherapy in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Lorenzi Martina , Resi Maria Vittoria , Bonanno Laura , Frega Stefano , Dal Maso Alessandro , Ferro Alessandra , Guarneri Valentina , Pasello Giulia
Published: January 2024

Extensive stage-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (ES-SCLC) is an aggressive cancer with dismal prognosis. The addition of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) to platinum-based chemotherapy have been consistently demonstrated to improve outcomes and survival, becoming the new standard in first – line treatment of ES-SCLC patients. However, despite positive results reported in the pivotal trials, longer benefit appears evident only for a selected group of patients. Several predictive biomarkers have been studied so far but the prospective identification of patients more likely to experience better outcome seems to be challenging in SCLC. Indeed, classical immune predictive biomarkers as PD-L1 and tumor mutational burden (TMB) seem not to correlate with outcomes. Recently, a new molecular classification of SCLC based on differential expression of genes associated with specific clinical behaviors and therapeutic vulnerability have been presented suggesting a new field to be investigated. Despite the achievements, these studies focused mainly on inter-tumoral heterogeneity, limiting the exploration of intra-tumoral heterogeneity and cell to cell interactions. New analysis methods are ongoing in order to explore subtypes plasticity. Analysis on single biopsies cannot catch the whole genomic profile and dynamic change of disease over time and during treatment. Moreover, the availability of tissue for translational research is limited due to the low proportion of patients undergoing surgery. In this context, liquid biopsy is a promising tool to detect reliable predictive biomarkers. Here, we reviewed the current available data on predictive role of tissue and liquid biomarkers in ES-SCLC patients receiving ICIs. We assessed latest results in terms of predictive and prognostic value of gene expression profiling in SCLC. Finally, we explored the role of liquid biopsy as a tool to monitor SCLC patients over time.
Risk factors of neuropathic pain in multiple sclerosis: a retrospective case-cohort study
Authors: Ouyang Huiying , Li Xiaojun , Xu Haoyou , Zhan Yibo , Zheng Zequan , Chen Guixian , Lou Zhenzhen , Chen Haoxuan , Zhang Jiahui , Mao Hui , Zhang Changlin , Qin Lulu , Zhao Yuanqi , Zhao Min
Published: January 2024

Background

Pain is a common symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS), especially neuropathic pain, which has a significant impact on patients’ mental and physical health and quality of life. However, risk factors that related to neuropathic pain, still remain unclear.

Objective

The study aimed to explore the risk factors of neuropathic pain among MS patients.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study examined the consecutive patients diagnosed with MS in the Department of Neurology of Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine between August 2011 and October 2022. Neuropathic pain was defined as “pain arising as a direct consequence of a lesion or disease affecting the somatosensory system”. Demographic and clinical features were obtained from the electronic system of the hospital.

Results

Our cohort revealed that the prevalence of patients with neuropathic pain in MS was 34.1%. The results indicated that the longer the spinal lesions, the greater the neuropathic pain risks (2-4: OR, 13.3(2.1-82), >5: OR, 15.2(2.7-86.8), p for tread: 0.037). Meanwhile, multivariate regression analysis showed that cervical and thoracic lesions (OR 4.276, 95% CI 1.366-13.382, P = 0.013), upper thoracic lesions (T1-T6) (OR 3.047, 95% CI 1.018-9.124, P = 0.046) were positively correlated with neuropathic pain, while basal ganglia lesions (OR 0.188, 95% CI 0.044-0.809, P = 0.025) were negatively correlated with neuropathic pain among MS patients.

Conclusion

Extended spinal lesions (≥3 spinal lesions), cervical and thoracic lesions, upper thoracic lesions were independent risk factors of neuropathic pain among MS patients. Furthermore, our study found that the longer the spinal lesions, the greater the neuropathic pain risks.
The roles of epigallocatechin gallate in the tumor microenvironment, metabolic reprogramming, and immunotherapy
Authors: Li Dongming , Cao Donghui , Sun Yuanlin , Cui Yingnan , Zhang Yangyu , Jiang Jing , Cao Xueyuan
Published: January 2024

Cancer, a disease that modern medicine has not fully understood and conquered, with its high incidence and mortality, deprives countless patients of health and even life. According to global cancer statistics, there were an estimated 19.3 million new cancer cases and nearly 10 million cancer deaths in 2020, with the age-standardized incidence and mortality rates of 201.0 and 100.7 per 100,000, respectively. Although remarkable advancements have been made in therapeutic strategies recently, the overall prognosis of cancer patients remains not optimistic. Consequently, there are still many severe challenges to be faced and difficult problems to be solved in cancer therapy today. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a natural polyphenol extracted from tea leaves, has received much attention for its antitumor effects. Accumulating investigations have confirmed that EGCG can inhibit tumorigenesis and progression by triggering apoptosis, suppressing proliferation, invasion, and migration, altering tumor epigenetic modification, and overcoming chemotherapy resistance. Nevertheless, its regulatory roles and biomolecular mechanisms in the immune microenvironment, metabolic microenvironment, and immunotherapy remain obscure. In this article, we summarized the most recent updates about the effects of EGCG on tumor microenvironment (TME), metabolic reprogramming, and anti-cancer immunotherapy. The results demonstrated EGCG can promote the anti-cancer immune response of cytotoxic lymphocytes and dendritic cells (DCs), attenuate the immunosuppression of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs), and inhibit the tumor-promoting functions of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs), and various stromal cells including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), endothelial cells (ECs), stellate cells, and mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs). Additionally, EGCG can suppress multiple metabolic reprogramming pathways, including glucose uptake, aerobic glycolysis, glutamine metabolism, fatty acid anabolism, and nucleotide synthesis. Finally, EGCG, as an immunomodulator and immune checkpoint blockade, can enhance immunotherapeutic efficacy and may be a promising candidate for antitumor immunotherapy. In conclusion, EGCG plays versatile regulatory roles in TME and metabolic reprogramming, which provides novel insights and combined therapeutic strategies for cancer immunotherapy.
Rapid protection against viral infections by chemokine-accelerated post-exposure vaccination
Authors: Heine Annkristin , Lemmermann Niels A. W. , Flores Chrystel , Becker-Gotot Janine , Garbi Natalio , Brossart Peter , Kurts Christian
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Prophylactic vaccines generate strong and durable immunity to avoid future infections, whereas post-exposure vaccinations are intended to establish rapid protection against already ongoing infections. Antiviral cytotoxic CD8+ T cells (CTL) are activated by dendritic cells (DCs), which themselves must be activated by adjuvants to express costimulatory molecules and so-called signal 0-chemokines that attract naive CTL to the DCs.

Hypothesis

Here we asked whether a vaccination protocol that combines two adjuvants, a toll-like receptor ligand (TLR) and a natural killer T cell activator, to induce two signal 0 chemokines, synergistically accelerates CTL activation.

Methods

We used a well-characterized vaccination model based on the model antigen ovalbumin, the TLR9 ligand CpG and the NKT cell ligand α-galactosylceramide to induce signal 0-chemokines. Exploiting this vaccination model, we studied detailed T cell kinetics and T cell profiling in different in vivo mouse models of viral infection.

Results

We found that CTL induced by both adjuvants obtained a head-start that allowed them to functionally differentiate further and generate higher numbers of protective CTL 1-2 days earlier. Such signal 0-optimized post-exposure vaccination hastened clearance of experimental adenovirus and cytomegalovirus infections.

Conclusion

Our findings show that signal 0 chemokine-inducing adjuvant combinations gain time in the race against rapidly replicating microbes, which may be especially useful in post-exposure vaccination settings during viral epi/pandemics.
Surrogate endpoints for overall survival in randomized clinical trials testing immune checkpoint inhibitors: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sala Isabella , Pagan Eleonora , Pala Laura , Oriecuia Chiara , Musca Marco , Specchia Claudia , De Pas Tommaso , Cortes Javier , Giaccone Giuseppe , Postow Michael , Gelber Richard D. , Bagnardi Vincenzo , Conforti Fabio
Published: January 2024

Introduction

There is debate on which are the best surrogate endpoint and metric to capture treatment effect on overall survival (OS) in RCTs testing immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).

Methods

We systematically searched for RCTs testing ICIs in patients with advanced solid tumors. Inclusion criteria were: RCTs i) assessing PD-(L)1 and CTLA-4 inhibitors either as monotherapy or in combination with another ICI, and/or targeted therapy, and/or chemotherapy, in patients with advanced solid tumors; ii) randomizing at least 100 patients. We performed a meta-analysis of RCTs to compare the surrogacy value of PFS and modified-PFS (mPFS) for OS in RCTs testing ICIs, when the treatment effect is measured by the hazard ratio (HR) for OS, and by the HR and the ratio of restricted mean survival time (rRMST) for PFS and mPFS.

Results

61 RCTs (67 treatment comparisons and 36,034 patients) were included in the analysis. In comparisons testing ICI plus chemotherapy, HRPFS and HRmPFS both had a strong surrogacy value (R2 = 0.74 and R2 = 0.81, respectively). In comparisons testing ICI as monotherapy, HRPFS was the best surrogate, although having a moderate correlation (R2 = 0.58). In comparisons testing ICI plus other treatment(s), the associations were very weak for all the surrogate endpoints and treatment effect measures, with R2 ranging from 0.01 to 0.22.

Conclusion

In RCTs testing ICIs, the value of potential surrogates for HROS was strongly affected by the type of treatment(s) tested. The evidence available supports HRPFS as the best surrogate, and disproves the use of alternative endpoints, such as the mPFS, or treatment effect measures, such as the RMST.
Concurrence of dermatomyositis and psoriasis: a case report and literature review
Authors: Chu Dan , Yang Wei , Niu Jun
Published: January 2024

Dermatomyositis (DM) is a type of inflammatory myopathy with unknown causes. It is characterized by distinct skin lesions, weakness in the muscles close to the body, and the potential to affect multiple organs. Additionally, it may be associated with the presence of malignancies. The development of DM is influenced by genetic susceptibility, autoimmune response, and various external factors like cancer, drugs, and infectious agents. Psoriasis is a chronic, recurring, inflammatory, and systemic condition. Scaly erythema or plaque is the typical skin manifestation. The etiology of psoriasis involves genetic, immune, environmental and other factors. It is uncommon for a patient to have both of these diseases simultaneously, although individuals with DM may occasionally exhibit symptoms similar to those of psoriasis. Our patient was diagnosed with psoriasis in his 50s because of scalp squamous plaques, but he did not receive standard treatment. Ten years later, he developed symptoms of muscle pain and limb weakness. He was diagnosed with psoriasis complicated with dermatomyositis in our department and received corresponding treatment. Moreover, we reviewed the relevant literature to evaluate similarities and differences in clinical manifestation and treatment to other cases.
Behavioural response thresholds of marine fish species for pulsed electric fields
Authors: Boute Pim G. , Hagmayer Andres , Smid Koen , Pieters Remco P. M. , Lankheet Martin J.
Published: January 2024

Electrical pulse trawling is an alternative to conventional beam trawling for common sole (Solea solea), with substantially less discards, lower fuel consumption, and reduced impact on the benthic ecosystem. Pulsed electric fields are used to drive the fish from the seafloor and immobilise them in front of the nets. Concerns exist, however, that the electric fields may affect fishes outside the trawl track. Here, we address these concerns by measuring amplitude thresholds for behavioural responses and by comparing these response thresholds to simulated field strengths around fishing gear. Electroreceptive small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula) and thornback ray (Raja clavata) as well as non-electroreceptive European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax), turbot (Scophthalmus maximus), and common sole were, one at the time, placed in a ø2.5 m circular tank with seven, individually controlled, evenly spaced electrode pairs, spanning the diameter of the tank. Behavioural responses were assessed from camera recordings for different pulse amplitudes and for different fish positions relative to the stimulating electrodes. Electrical stimulation consisted of a Pulsed Bipolar Current at 45 Hz and 0.3 ms pulse width, similar to that used in commercial gears. Computer simulations of the electric field, verified with in situ measurements, were used to determine the field strength at the location of the animal. Thresholds for different species varied between 6.0 and 9.8 V m–1, with no significant difference between electroreceptive and non-electroreceptive species. The thresholds correspond to a distance of maximally 80 cm from the electrode arrays in simulated electric fields around commercial fishing gears. These findings suggest that electrical pulses as used in pulse trawling are unlikely to elicit a behavioural response outside the nets that surround the electrode arrays.
Endosymbiotic bacteria within the nematode-trapping fungus Arthrobotrys musiformis and their potential roles in nitrogen cycling
Authors: Zheng Hua , Chen Tong , Li Wenjie , Hong Jianan , Xu Jianping , Yu Zefen
Published: January 2024

Endosymbiotic bacteria (ESB) have important effects on their hosts, contributing to its growth, reproduction and biological functions. Although the effects of exogenous bacteria on the trap formation of nematode-trapping fungi (NTF) have been revealed, the effects of ESB on NTF remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the species diversity of ESB in the NTFArthrobotrys musiformisusing high-throughput sequencing and culture-dependent approaches, and compared bacterial profiles to assess the effects of strain source and culture media onA. musiformis. PICRUSt2 and FAPROTAX were used to predict bacterial function. Our study revealed that bacterial communities inA. musiformisdisplayed high diversity and heterogeneity, with Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria as the dominant phyla. The ESB betweenA. musiformisgroups isolated from different habitats and cultured in the same medium were more similar to each other than the other groups isolated from the same habitat but cultured in different media. Function analysis predicted a broad and diverse functional repertoire of ESB inA. musiformis, and unveiled that ESB have the potential to function in five modules of the nitrogen metabolism. We isolated nitrogen-fixing and denitrifying bacteria from the ESB and demonstrated their effects on trap formation ofA. musiformis. Among seven bacteria that we tested, three bacterial speciesBacillus licheniformis,Achromobacter xylosoxidansandStenotrophomonas maltophiliawere found to be efficient in inducing trap formation. In conclusion, this study revealed extensive ESB diversity within NTF and demonstrated that these bacteria likely play important roles in nitrogen cycling, including nematode trap formation.
Effects of reproductive experience on cost-benefit decision making in female rats
Authors: Faraji Mojdeh , Viera-Resto Omar A. , Setlow Barry , Bizon Jennifer L.
Published: January 2024

Many individuals undergo mating and/or other aspects of reproductive experience at some point in their lives, and pregnancy and childbirth in particular are associated with alterations in the prevalence of several psychiatric disorders. Research in rodents shows that maternal experience affects spatial learning and other aspects of hippocampal function. In contrast, there has been little work in animal models concerning how reproductive experience affects cost–benefit decision making, despite the relevance of this aspect of cognition for psychiatric disorders. To begin to address this issue, reproductively experienced (RE) and reproductively naïve (RN) female Long-Evans rats were tested across multiple tasks that assess different forms of cost–benefit decision making. In a risky decision-making task, in which rats chose between a small, safe food reward and a large food reward accompanied by variable probabilities of punishment, RE females chose the large risky reward significantly more frequently than RN females (greater risk taking). In an intertemporal choice task, in which rats chose between a small, immediate food reward and a large food reward delivered after a variable delay period, RE females chose the large reward less frequently than RN females. Together, these results show distinct effects of reproductive experience on different forms of cost–benefit decision making in female rats, and highlight reproductive status as a variable that could influence aspects of cognition relevant for psychiatric disorders.
A comparison of machine learning methods for quantifying self-grooming behavior in mice
Authors: Correia Kassi , Walker Raegan , Pittenger Christopher , Fields Christopher
Published: January 2024

Background

As machine learning technology continues to advance and the need for standardized behavioral quantification grows, commercial and open-source automated behavioral analysis tools are gaining prominence in behavioral neuroscience. We present a comparative analysis of three behavioral analysis pipelines—DeepLabCut (DLC) and Simple Behavioral Analysis (SimBA), HomeCageScan (HCS), and manual scoring—in measuring repetitive self-grooming among mice.

Methods

Grooming behavior of mice was recorded at baseline and after water spray or restraint treatments. Videos were processed and analyzed in parallel using 3 methods (DLC/SimBA, HCS, and manual scoring), quantifying both total number of grooming bouts and total grooming duration.

Results

Both treatment conditions (water spray and restraint) resulted in significant elevation in both total grooming duration and number of grooming bouts. HCS measures of grooming duration were significantly elevated relative to those derived from manual scoring: specifically, HCS tended to overestimate duration at low levels of grooming. DLC/SimBA duration measurements were not significantly different than those derived from manual scoring. However, both SimBA and HCS measures of the number of grooming bouts were significantly different than those derived from manual scoring; the magnitude and direction of the difference depended on treatment condition.

Conclusion

DLC/SimBA provides a high-throughput pipeline for quantifying grooming duration that correlates well with manual scoring. However, grooming bout data derived from both DLC/SimBA and HCS did not reliably estimate measures obtained via manual scoring.
Neuralgic amyotrophy with multiple hourglass-like constrictions of anterior interosseous nerve: a case report
Authors: Shi Fangling , Zhou Xiaoling , Li Xueyuan
Published: January 2024

Hourglass-like constrictions (HLCs) of peripheral nerves in the upper extremity were a rare form of neuralgic amyotrophy, often characterized by the sudden onset of pain in the shoulder or arm, followed by muscle weakness and amyotrophy, with limited sensory involvement. We present a case of multiple HLCs of the anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) in a 22-year-old female with left upper arm pain, finger numbness, and limited activity for 1 month. Physical examination showed weakness of the left index flexor digitorum profundus and flexor pollicis longus, with mild hypoesthesia in the first three fingers and the radial half of the ring finger. Electromyography suggested a median nerve (mainly AIN) lesion. Ultrasonographic imaging of the median nerve shows AIN bundle swelling and multiple HLCs at left upper arm. Despite conservative treatment, which included 15 days of steroid pulse therapy, Etoricoxib, and oral mecobalamin, the patient still complained of extreme pain at night without relief of any symptoms. Operation was recommended for this patient with thorough concerns of surgical advantages and disadvantages. During surgery, a total of 7 HLCs were found in her median nerve along and above the elbow joint. Only Interfascicular neurolysis was performed because the nerve constrictions were still in the early stage. The pain was almost relieved the next day. One month after surgery, she could bend her thumb and index fingers, although they were still weak. 4 months after the surgery, she was able to bend affected fingers, with muscle strength M3 level. At the same time, her fingers had fewer numbness symptoms. There was still controversy regarding treatment strategy; however, early diagnosis and surgical treatment for nerve HLCs might be a better choice to promote nerve recovery.
5-ALA induced PpIX fluorescence spectroscopy in neurosurgery: a review
Authors: Gautheron A. , Bernstock J. D. , Picart T. , Guyotat J. , Valdés P. A. , Montcel B.
Published: January 2024

The review begins with an overview of the fundamental principles/physics underlying light, fluorescence, and other light-matter interactions in biological tissues. It then focuses on 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA)-induced protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) fluorescence spectroscopy methods used in neurosurgery (e.g., intensity, time-resolved) and in so doing, describe their specific features (e.g., hardware requirements, main processing methods) as well as their strengths and limitations. Finally, we review current clinical applications and future directions of 5-ALA-induced protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) fluorescence spectroscopy in neurosurgery.
A systematic review and coordinate-based meta-analysis of fMRI studies on acupuncture at LR 3
Authors: Rao Yawen , Ge Limin , Wu Jiaxin
Published: January 2024

Objectives

The acupoint LR3 (Taichong) is frequently utilized in clinical acupuncture. However, its underlying neural mechanisms remain not fully elucidated, with speculations suggesting its close association with specific brain activity patterns.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was undertaken across several online databases, such as PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), Wanfang Database, VIP Database, and the Chinese Biomedical Database. Two independent researchers handled the study selection, quality assessment, and data extraction processes. Using the seed-based d-mapping meta-analysis approach, we evaluated the brain regions activated by LR3 acupuncture in healthy subjects. Subsequent subgroup analysis was stratified by fMRI types, and regression analyses were performed considering the duration of acupuncture, depth of needle insertion, and needle diameter. The identified active brain regions were then intricately projected onto large-scale functional networks.

Results

A total of 10 studies met the criteria for inclusion, encompassing 319 healthy right-handed participants. The meta-analysis indicates that acupuncture at the LR3 activates regions such as the right postcentral gyrus, left thalamus, left middle frontal gyrus, and right superior frontal gyrus. Additionally, meta-regression analysis highlights that increased acupuncture duration correlates with progressively intensified activation of the right superior frontal gyrus. Subgroup analysis posits that variations in the type of fMRI employed might account for heterogeneity in the pooled results. Concurrently, functional network analysis identifies the primary activated regions as aligning with the Basal ganglia network, Auditory network, Left executive control network, Posterior salience network, Right executive control network, and Sensorimotor networks.

Conclusion

Acupuncture at the LR3 in healthy subjects selectively activates brain regions linked to pain perception, emotional processing, and linguistic functions. Extending the needle retention duration intensifies the activation of the right superior frontal gyrus. These findings enrich our comprehension of the neurobiological underpinnings of acupuncture’s role in pain mitigation and emotional regulation.
Natural Changbai mineral water reduces obesity risk through regulating metabolism and gut microbiome in a hyperuricemia male mouse model
Authors: Li Maichao , Guo Kai , He Yuwei , Li Hailong , Sun Wenyan , Yuan Xuan , Liu Zhen , Li Xinde , Merriman Tony R. , Li Changgui , Zhang Hui
Published: January 2024

Access to clean and safe drinking water is essential. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a kind of small molecular natural mineral water, C-cell mineral water on hyperuricemia male mice metabolism condition. A 13-week drinking water intervention study was conducted in Uox-knockout mice (KO). The hepatic metabolite profiling and related genes expression were detected by UPLC-TOF-MS and transcriptomic, and the gut microbiota of KO mice was determined by metagenomics sequencing. Results showed that the body weight of mice fed with C-cell water was remarkably lower than that of control mice on D 77 and D 91. Hepatic metabolite profiling revealed a shift in the pathway of glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, and biosynthesis of cofactors in KO mice fed with C-cell mineral water. Increased energy metabolism levels were related to increased hepatic expression of genes responsible for coenzyme metabolism and lipid metabolism. Gut microbiota was characterized by increasing activity of beneficial bacteria Blautia, and reducing activity of pathobiont bacteria Parasutterella. These genera have been reported to be associated with obesity. Small molecular mineral-rich natural water ingestion regulates metabolism and gut microbiota, protecting against obesity induced by hyperuricemia through mediating a microbiota-liver axis.
Case report: Exceptional disease progression in a 70-year-old patient: generalized melanosis and melanuria in the course of metastatic melanoma - a case study
Authors: Calik Jacek , Dzięgiel Piotr , Sauer Natalia
Published: January 2024

This case study documents an extraordinary disease progression in a 70-year-old patient diagnosed with metastatic melanoma. The patient’s condition advanced to an unusual manifestation characterized by generalized melanosis and melanuria, a rare and foreboding complication of metastatic melanoma. The clinical presentation involved rapid-onset skin darkening, primarily affecting the face and torso, along with darkened urine, marking the onset of melanuria. Despite extensive diagnostic evaluations, including abdominal ultrasound, neck ultrasound, thoracic CT scans, and endoscopic examinations, the exact metastatic sites remained elusive, demonstrating the diagnostic challenges associated with this condition. Laboratory tests revealed abnormal hematological and biochemical markers, along with elevated S100 protein levels, indicating disease progression. The patient underwent a surgical skin biopsy that confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic melanoma, leading to a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. Following this, the patient-initiated chemotherapy with dacarbazine (DTIC). Regrettably, this was necessitated by the absence of reimbursement for BRAF and MEK inhibitors as well as immunotherapy, and it subsequently led to rapid disease progression and a decline in the patient’s clinical condition. The patient’s condition further complicated with erysipelas and increased distress, ultimately leading to their unfortunate demise. This case highlights the aggressive nature of generalized melanosis, characterized by a rapid clinical course, substantial pigmentation, and limited response to conventional chemotherapy. Importantly, the patient had a BRAF mutation, emphasizing the urgency of exploring alternative treatment strategies. Patients with a BRAF mutation are excellent candidates for BRAF and MEK inhibitor treatment, potentially allowing them to extend their lifespan if this therapy were available. The challenges encountered in diagnosing, managing, and treating this aggressive form of metastatic melanoma underline the need for early detection, tailored therapeutic approaches, and ongoing research efforts to improve patient outcomes in such cases.
MyD88 signaling pathways: role in breast cancer
Authors: Zheng Hongmei , Wu Xinhong , Guo Liantao , Liu Jianhua
Published: January 2024

MyD88 plays a central role in breast cancer, exerting a multitude of effects that carry substantial implications. Elevated MyD88 expression is closely associated with aggressive tumor characteristics, suggesting its potential as a valuable prognostic marker and therapeutic target. MyD88 exerts influence over several critical aspects of breast cancer, including metastasis, recurrence, drug resistance, and the regulation of cancer stem cell properties. Furthermore, MyD88 modulates the release of inflammatory and chemotactic factors, thereby shaping the tumor’s immune microenvironment. Its role in immune response modulation underscores its potential in influencing the dynamic interplay between tumors and the immune system. MyD88 primarily exerts intricate effects on tumor progression through pathways such as Phosphoinositide 3-kinases/Protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), Toll-like Receptor/Nuclear Factor Kappa B (TLR/NF-κB), and others. Nevertheless, in-depth research is essential to unveil the precise mechanisms underlying the diverse roles of MyD88 in breast cancer. The translation of these findings into clinical applications holds great promise for advancing precision medicine approaches for breast cancer patients, ultimately enhancing prognosis and enabling the development of more effective therapeutic strategies.
An integrated in vitro approach on the enzymatic and antioxidant mechanisms of four commercially available essential oils (Copaifera officinalis, Gaultheria fragrantissima, Helichrysum italicum, and Syzygium aromaticum) traditionally used topically for their anti-inflammatory effects
Authors: Cebollada Pilar , Gomes Nelson G. M. , Andrade Paula B. , López Víctor
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Despite the increasing number of essential oils being reported on their potential therapeutic effects, some remain relatively unknown on their biological properties. That is the case of the essential oils obtained from copaiba (Copaifera officinalis L.), wintergreen (Gaultheria fragrantissima Wall.), everlasting (Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G.Don) and clove (Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry), commonly labelled as being useful on the amelioration of conditions with an inflammatory background.

Methods: To further broaden the current knowledge on the four essential oils, commercially available samples were approached on their effects upon a series of mediators that are involved on the inflammatory and oxidative response, both through in vitro cell-free and cell-based assays (5-lipoxygenase activity, lipid peroxidation, free radical and nitric oxide radical scavenging properties or tyrosinase inhibition).

Results: The four oils proved to be active at some of the concentrations tested in most of the performed assays. Significant differences were found between the essential oils, S. aromaticum proving to tbe the most active, followed by G. fragrantissima against 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and linoleic acid peroxidation, proving their potential use as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. In fact, the IC50 value of S. aromaticum in the 5-LOX assay was 62.30 μg mL−1. Besides S. aromaticum efficiently scavenged superoxide radicals generated by xanthine/xanthine oxidase, displaying an IC50 value of 135.26 μg mL−1. The essential oil obtained from H. italicum exhibited a significant decrease in the nitric oxide levels on BV-2 cells, showing its potential as a cytoprotective agent against toxic damage. Copaiba oil ranked first as the most potent tyrosinase inhibitor, exhibiting an IC50 98.22 μg mL−1.

Conclusion: More studies are needed to describe the essential oils properties, but these results confirm the potential of these essential oils as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents.
Traditional Chinese medicine Zhusha Anshen Wan: protective effects on liver, kidney, and intestine of the individual drugs using 1H NMR metabolomics
Authors: Wang Dalu , Yu Chong , Liu Beixing , Wang Haifeng
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Zhusha Anshen Wan (ZSASW) is a traditional Chinese medicine compound mainly composed of mineral drugs. In clinical practice, ZSASW did not show the toxicity of administering equal doses of cinnabar alone, suggesting that the four combination herbs in ZSASW can alleviate the damage of cinnabar. The effect of each herb on reducing the toxicity of cinnabar has not been fully explained.

Methods: In our study, we utilized a metabonomics approach based on high-resolution 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to investigate the reduction of toxicity by each herb in ZSASW. Liver, kidney and intestinal histopathology examinations and biochemical analysis of the serum were also performed.

Results: Partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was conducted to distinct different metabolic profiles in the urine and serum from the rats. Liver and kidney histopathology examinations, as well as analysis of serum clinical chemistry analysis, were also carried out. The metabolic profiles of the urine and serum of the rats in the CGU (treated with cinnabar and Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch) and CCC (treated with cinnabar and Coptis chinensis French) groups were remarkably similar to those of the control group, while those of the CRG (treated with cinnabar and Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch) and CAS (treated with cinnabar and Angelica sinensis) groups were close to those of the cinnabar group. The metabolic profiles of the urine and serum of the rats in the CGU and CCC groups were remarkably similar to those of the control group, while those of the CRG and CAS groups were close to those of the cinnabar group. Changes in endogenous metabolites associated with toxicity were identified. Rehmannia glutinosa, Rhizoma Coptidis and Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch could maintain the dynamic balance of the intestinal flora. These results were also verified by liver, kidney and intestinal histopathology examinations and biochemical analysis of the serum. The results suggested that

Discussion: The metabolic mechanism of single drug detoxification in compound prescriptions has been elucidated. Coptis chinensis and Glycyrrhiza uralensis serve as the primary detoxification agents within ZSASW for mitigating liver, kidney, and intestinal damage caused by cinnabar. Detoxification can be observed through changes in the levels of various endogenous metabolites and related metabolic pathways.