bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of several loci of SMAD7 with colorectal cancer: A meta-analysis based on case–control studies
Authors: Xiao Qiang , Chen Jian , Zhu Jia , Zeng Shukun , Cai Hu , Zhu Guomin
Published: January 2023

Background:

Sma-and mad-related protein 7 (SMAD7) can affect tumor progression by closing transforming growth factor-beta intracellular signaling channels. Despite the extensive research on the correlation between SMAD7 polymorphisms and colorectal cancer (CRC), the conclusions of studies are still contradictory. We conducted a study focusing on the association of SMAD7 polymorphisms rs4939827, rs4464148, and rs12953717 with CRC.

Methods:

We searched through 5 databases for articles and used odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to discuss the correlation of SMAD7 polymorphisms with CRC risk. The heterogeneity will be appraised by subgroup analysis and meta-regression. Contour-enhanced funnel plot, Begg test and Egger test were utilized to estimate publication bias, and the sensitivity analysis illustrates the reliability of the outcomes. We performed False-positive report probability and trial sequential analysis methods to verify results. We also used public databases for bioinformatics analysis.

Results:

We conclusively included 34 studies totaling 173251 subjects in this study. The minor allele (C) of rs4939827 is a protective factor of CRC (dominant, OR/[95% CI] = 0.89/[0.83–0.97]; recessive, OR/[95% CI] = 0.89/[0.83–0.96]; homozygous, OR/[95% CI] = 0.84/[0.76–0.93]; heterozygous, OR/[95% CI] = 0.91/[0.85–0.97]; additive, OR/[95% CI] = 0.91/[0.87–0.96]). the T allele of rs12953717 (recessive, OR/[95% CI] = 1.22/[1.15–1.28]; homozygous, OR/[95% CI] = 1.25/[1.13–1.38]; additive, OR/[95% CI] = 1.11/[1.05–1.17]) and the C allele of rs4464148 (heterozygous, OR/[95% CI] = 1.13/[1.04–1.24]) can enhance the risk of CRC.

Conclusion:

Rs4939827 (T > C) can decrease the susceptibility to CRC. However, the rs4464148 (T > C) and rs12953717 (C > T) variants were connected with an enhanced risk of CRC.
The preoperative plasma histamine level as a possible protective biomarker for postoperative acute kidney injury
Authors: Guan XinLiang , Li Lei , Zhang HongJia , Wang XiaoLong
Published: January 2023

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a life-threatening complication of acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) patients. Increasing evidence suggests that histamine ameliorates the pathology of renal injury. However, data on the association between histamine levels and postoperative AKI in ATAAD patients are limited. The purpose of our study was to explore the incidence and independent risk factors of postoperative AKI, with special emphasis on the relationship between preoperative plasma histamine levels and the severity of postoperative ATAAD-AKI. This retrospective single-center study evaluated 160 patients with ATAAD admitted to the Beijing Anzhen Hospital aortic surgery database between April 2020 and December 2021. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the potential risk factors for postoperative ATAAD-AKI. A subgroup analysis was performed to investigate the association between preoperative plasma histamine levels and the severity of postoperative ATAAD-AKI or continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). ATAAD-AKI occurred in 84 of 160 patients (52.5%), including 32 with stage 1 (38.1%), 14 with stage 2 (16.7%), 38 with stage 3 (45.2%), and 34 (21.3%) received postoperative CRRT. The in-hospital mortality rate was 19.0% (16/84) in the AKI group and 2.6% (2/76) in the non-AKI group (P = .02). Preoperative lower plasma histamine levels (odds ratio [OR], 1.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10–1.52; P = .004) were an important factor related to postoperative ATAAD-AKI in multivariate logistic regression analysis. Subgroup analysis revealed that low preoperative plasma histamine level was independently associated with postoperative ATAAD-AKI (stage 3) (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.10–1.73; P = .005) and CRRT (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.13–1.79; P = .008). Low preoperative plasma histamine level was an independent prognostic indicator of postoperative AKI in patients with ATAAD, especially for postoperative AKI (stage 3) and CRRT. Preoperative plasma histamine levels may serve as potential protective biomarkers of postoperative ATAAD-AKI.
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension in patients with cerebral small vessel disease: A case report
Authors: Liu Wei , Jia Longbin , Xu Lina , Yang Fengbing , Cheng Hongjiang , Li Huimin , Hou Jing , Zhang Dandan , Liu Yan
Published: January 2023

Introduction:

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a clinical syndrome characterized by increased intracranial pressure (ICP) without any identifiable cause. However, restrictions of cerebrospinal fluid absorption from the cerebral venous system, the glymphatic system overflow, and the cerebrospinal fluid’s lymphatic pathways may be involved in the pathophysiology of IIH. Furthermore, an impaired glymphatic system is also implicated in the initiation and progression of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). Here, we reported a case of CSVD with concomitant IIH, possibly associated with the brain’s glymphatic and lymphatic system dysfunction.

Case concern:

A 39-year-old male presented with worsening headaches over the bilateral parietal areas during the past year and nausea for 2 days. Fundus examination revealed bilateral papilledema and lumbar puncture suggestive of elevated ICP, laboratory results showed hyperhomocysteinemia and mutation of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T. On magnetic resonance imaging, subcortical small infarct, white matter lesions, lacunes, enlarged perivascular spaces and dilatation of the optic nerve sheaths was detected, and right transverse sinus stenosis and a hypoplastic left sinus were showed on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance venography

Diagnosis:

The diagnoses of IIH, CSVD, transverse sinus stenosis, and hyperhomocysteinemia were performed.

Intervision and outcomes:

The patient received antihypertensive, antiplatelet, anti-atherosclerotic, and homocysteine-lowering therapies. Finally, the patient’s symptoms remised, and the increased ICP returned to normal; however, the bilateral TSS persisted after 3 months of follow-up.

Conclusions:

In this case, we speculate that the normal glymphatic outflow pathway may serve as a compensatory mechanism for regulating increased ICP in patients with bilateral venous sinus obstruction, indicating impaired venous outflow pathway, possibly associated with dysfunction of the glymphatic and lymphatic systems in patients with CSVD.
Clinical study of “Jiaotai Pill” combined with head massage with 5-tone rhythm on insomnia patients of heart-kidney disharmony type
Authors: Guan Ruiqian , Pan Limin , Yu Zhiguo , Liu Zhao , Shi Qingchun , Li Jingjing
Published: January 2023

Objective:

To explore the curative effect of “Jiaotai Pill” combined with head rhythmic massage consistent with 5-tone rhythm on insomnia of heart-kidney disharmony type.

Methods:

Sixty patients with insomnia in massage clinic and ward were randomly divided into treatment group A (30 cases) and treatment group B (30 cases). Patients in group A were treated with traditional head massage combined with oral estazolam tablets. Group B was treated with “Jiaotai Pill” combined with head rhythmic massage therapy consistent with 5-tone rhythm. After 2 weeks of treatment, the scores of Hamilton Anxiety Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Insomnia Severity Index and Traditional Chinese Medicine Symptom Scale, as well as the expression changes of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 in serum were compared between the 2 groups before and after treatment.

Results:

After 2 weeks of treatment, the total effective rate of group B was 93. 33%, which was significantly higher than that of group A (66. 67%) (P < .05). After treatment, the scores of Hamilton Anxiety Scale, PQSI, insomnia severity index and traditional Chinese medicine symptom scores were significantly decreased in both groups, and the decrease in group B was more significant than that in group A (P < .05). After treatment, the serum levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly decreased in both groups, and the decrease in group B was greater than that in group A, the difference was statistically significant (P < .05).

Conclusion:

The overall efficacy of Jiaotai Pill combined with head massage therapy consistent with 5-tone rhythm is significantly better than that of traditional massage combined with 5-element music therapy for insomnia patients with heart-kidney disharmony.
Serum vitamin D levels and peak cough flow in patients with subacute ischemic stroke
Authors: Yoo Seung Don , Park Eo Jin
Published: January 2023

Aspiration pneumonia is a major, potentially fatal complication after ischemic stroke. Decreased coughing function is a significant risk factor for aspiration in ischemic stroke survivors. Peak cough flow (PCF) is a useful tool for assessing cough function. Vitamin D deficiency is frequent after ischemic stroke and is linked to a variety of muscle functions and physical activities. There has been no investigation of the correlation between vitamin D levels and PCF in ischemic stroke survivors. This study aimed to examine the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and PCF in patients with ischemic stroke. Patients with ischemic stroke who underwent PCF evaluation and serum vitamin D level measurements within 1 month of onset were retrospectively recruited. The association between PCF parameters and serum vitamin D levels was also analyzed. In total, 142 patients with ischemic stroke were included. PCF parameters and serum vitamin D levels were found to be significantly correlated. Moreover, serum vitamin D levels were shown to be a significant predictor of PCF parameters. Serum vitamin D levels were related to PCF parameters in patients with ischemic stroke. In addition, serum vitamin D level may serve as a predictor of coughing function in patients with ischemic stroke.
Statins for the Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Dai Weiwei , Xu Baohong , Li Peng , Weng Junhua
Published: January 2023

Background:

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become more common as a result of changes in dietary structure and lifestyle. It is now the most common chronic liver disease both in China and in the rest of the world (NAFLD is also of concern in European and American countries).

Study Question:

NAFLD and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are different stages of fatty liver disease. There is currently a lack of consensus on the use of statin therapy. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of statins in the treatment of NAFLD and NASH.

Data Sources:

PubMed, MEDLINE, and other literature databases, including the Cochrane Library, were searched.

Study Design:

The primary inclusion criteria for studies included the use of different statins for the treatment of NAFLD and NASH. Two reviewers identified documents and extracted data based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. To examine heterogeneity and publication bias, all analyses were undertaken using the complete meta-analysis Review Manager 5.3 software.

Results:

The meta-analysis includes 4 randomized controlled studies involving 169 participants with NAFLD and NASH. In comparison with the control group, statins dramatically lowered serum levels of aspartate transaminase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), triglycerides, and cholesterol.

Conclusions:

The use of statins in the treatment of NAFLD and NASH has shown significant histological and biochemical benefits, especially in patients with hyperlipidemia. To assess the effects of statins on NAFLD and NASH, more large research and randomized placebo-controlled trials are needed.
Mind the Gap—Disconnected Duct Syndrome
Authors: Hughes Daniel Llwyd , Silva Michael A.
Published: January 2023

Disconnected duct syndrome (DDS) is an adverse sequela of acute necrotizing pancreatitis in which there is disruption of the pancreatic duct leading to a failure to deliver pancreatic secretions into the duodenum. Its presentation may range from a persistent external pancreatic fistula to a treatment-resistant pancreatic pseudocyst. The diagnosis is often delayed in the acute setting if there is concurrent necrosis as management is often directed to the associated peripancreatic fluid collection. A combination of imaging modalities may be required to evaluate ductal anatomy. No definitive consensus has been achieved regarding the optimal treatment strategy for DDS, and there is a lack of published level I evidence on the topic. Treatment should be tailored to each individual patient, depending on the anatomy of ductal disruption, the presence of sepsis, the degree of physiological derangement, and the patients' performance status. Patients with DDS represent a specific cohort of patients with complex pancreatic disease that requires the input from a diverse multidisciplinary team to ensure that a good clinical outcome can be achieved.
Association Between Baseline Uric Acid and the Risk of Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Su Afang , Yuan Xiaojie , Zhu Guoling , Jiang Xiaozhong , Shu Rong , Yang Wenhao , Wu Shouling , Chen Shuohua , Wang Li , Cui Liufu
Published: January 2023

Objectives

The aim of the study is explore the association between serum uric acid (UA) and acute pancreatitis (AP) risk in a Chinese population.

Methods

We included 124,316 participants who enrolled in the Kailuan cohort from 2006 to 2009. We fitted Cox models to estimate the correlation between UA and AP.

Result

During an average follow-up of 11.97 years (standard deviation, 2.16 years), 396 AP developed. The incidence rates from quartile 1 to quartile 4 of AP were 20.76, 18.78, 30.58, and 36.79 per 100,000 person-years, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed a significantly increased risk in quartile 3 (hazard ratio [HR], 1.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05–1.91) and quartile 4 (HR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.19–2.17) compared with quartile 1. The association may be modified by alcohol use (P for interaction = 0.017). The quartile 4 group with excessive alcohol consumption showed an enormously increased risk of AP (HR, 9.09; 95% CI, 1.18–70.21) than those without (HR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.07–2.00).

Conclusions

Elevated serum UA is an independent risk factor for AP. Surveillance of serum UA, especially among heavy drinkers, may be helpful for AP prevention.
Associations Between Poor Oral Hygiene and Risk of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Xu Shuai , Wang Hui-lan , Xia Chao , Lv Jun , Zhang Gang
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Epidemiological studies have reported the association of poor oral hygiene, especially periodontal disease, and tooth loss with the risk of pancreatic cancer (PC). However, these studies have yielded inconsistent results. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the relationship between oral disease and PC.

Methods

We systematically searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for English literature since inception through May 2021. We used relative risks, hazard ratios, or odds ratios to measure the association between oral disease and PC. A fixed- or random-effects model was applied to evaluate pooled risk estimates, and sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed to identify sources of heterogeneity and pooled estimation.

Results

We identified 17 relevant observational studies involving 1,352,256 participants. Notably, oral disease correlated significantly with PC (hazard ratio [HR], 1.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13–1.54). In subgroup analyses, subjects with periodontal disease (HR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.12–1.71) had a higher risk of developing PC than those with tooth loss (HR, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.97–1.46).

Conclusions

The results suggest that subjects with oral disease may face a significant and independent risk of PC. However, the mechanisms linking oral disease and PC are uncertain, and additional investigations of this correlation are warranted.
Relationship between Resilience and Caregiver Burden Among Home Caregivers of COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Manzari Zahra Sadat , Rafiei Hossein , Ghaderi Mohammad Sajjad , Abedi Faezeh , Mafi Mohamad Hossein
Published: January 2023

This study examined caregiver burden among home caregivers of COVID-19 patients and its relationship to resilience. This cross-sectional correlational study was conducted in Mashhad, Iran, in 2020. The sample consisted of 220 family caregivers of COVID-19 patients. The data collection tools included: demographic characteristics, Novak and Guest Caregiver Burden Inventory, and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and correlation test in SPSS v25. The mean score of caregiver burden was 76.85±16.25. In total, 4.5% experienced mild caregiver burden, 31.4% moderate caregiver burden, 50.9% severe caregiver burden, and 13.2% very severe caregiver burden. The mean score of resilience was 62.98±14.06. A significant and inverse relationship was observed between caregiver burden and resilience (p< 0.05,r= -0.46). Family caregivers of COVID-19 patients experienced a significant level of caregiver burden, and it was lower in caregivers with higher levels of resilience. Further studies are recommended in this regard. The use of procedure and training that can improve the resilience of caregivers is recommended to nurses, especially home care nurses.
68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT Incidentally Detects Relapsed Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia in Patient With Metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumor
Authors: Alabed Yazan Z.
Published: January 2023

A 54-year-old man with metastatic well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas underwent 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT scan to evaluate treatment response. Patient was known for remote history of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), previously treated. Scan revealed diffusely increased abnormal tracer uptake throughout the marrow of the axial and proximal appendicular skeleton. Bone marrow biopsy revealed relapsed CLL. We present a rare case of relapsed CLL incidentally detected on 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT.
Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen PET Positivity in a Lung Mass
Authors: Caputo Sydney A. , Jang Albert , Talbert Joshua , Saba Nakhle S. , Sartor Oliver
Published: January 2023

An 84-year-old man with nonmetastatic castrate-sensitive prostate cancer was referred for a 68Ga–prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET/CT scan with a prostate-specific antigen level of 3.6 ng/mL for restaging. He was 22 years post–radical prostatectomy and had salvage radiation being managed with intermittent hormonal therapy. Imaging revealed a right lower lobe mass with increased PSMA uptake (SUVmax 6.2). Biopsy and subsequent immunostaining determined the mass to be diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. We report a case of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma diagnosed in the setting of PSMA positivity, highlighting awareness for oncologists and radiologists to know this possibility.
First Clinical Experience With [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46-PET/CT Versus [18F]F-FDG PET/CT for Nodal Staging in Cervical Cancer
Authors: Wegen Simone , Roth Katrin Sabine , Weindler Jasmin , Claus Karina , Linde Philipp , Trommer Maike , Akuamoa-Boateng Dennis , van Heek Lutz , Baues Christian , Schömig-Markiefka Birgid , Schomäcker Klaus , Fischer Thomas , Drzezga Alexander , Kobe Carsten , Köhler Christhardt , Marnitz Simone
Published: January 2023

Introduction

In several solid tumors, fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is overexpressed by cancer-associated fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment. Preliminary evidence suggests that detection and staging are feasible with PET/CT imaging using [68Ga]-radiolabeled inhibitors of FAP also in cervical cancer (CC). Our study aims to explore the accuracy of [68Ga]Ga–fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI)-46 PET/CT and [18F]F-FDG PET/CT compared with histopathological results of surgical lymph node (LN) staging before primary chemoradiation.

Methods

Seven consecutive women with treatment-naive and biopsy-proven locally advanced CC underwent both whole-body [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46- and [18F]F-FDG PET/CT, for imaging nodal staging before systematic laparoscopic lymphadenectomy of the pelvic and para-aortic region. Location and number of suspicious LNs in PET imaging were recorded and compared with the results of histopathological analysis, including immunohistochemical staining for FAP.

Results

All 7 patients had focal uptake above background in their tumor lesions in [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT. [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT showed a higher tumor-to-background ratio (TBR) in primary tumor as well as in LN metastasis. Median TBRmax values using liver were 32.02 and 5.15 for [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT and [18F]F-FDG PET/CT, respectively. Median TBRmax using blood pool was 18.45 versus 6.85 for [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT and [18F]F-FDG PET/CT, respectively. Higher TBR also applies for nodal metastasis: TBRmax was 14.55 versus 1.39 (liver) and 7.97 versus 1.8 (blood pool) for [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT and [18F]F-FDG PET/CT, respectively. Overall, [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT detected more lesions compared with [18F]F-FDG PET/CT. Following surgical staging, a total of 5 metastatic LNs could be pathologically confirmed, of which 2 and 4 were positive by [18F]F-FDG PET/CT and [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT, respectively.

Conclusion

[68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT seems useful to improve detection of nodal metastasis in patients with CCs. Future studies should aim to compare [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT to surgical staging of pelvic and para-aortic LNs in patients with locally advanced CC.
Knockout of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) modulates the glial phenotype and alleviates perihematomal neuroinflammation after intracerebral hemorrhage in mice via MAPK/NF-κB signaling
Authors: Xia Min , Chen Yù-Jié , Chen Beike , Ru Xufang , Wang Jie , Lin Jie , Tang Xiaoqin , Chen Weixiang , Hu Rong , Li Weina , Feng Hua
Published: January 2023

The objective is to explore the role of astrocytic transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) in glial phenotype transformation in neuroinflammation after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Wild-type astrocytes and TRPA1−/− astrocytes were subjected to 6-h hemin treatment, and the calcium ions and transcriptome sequencing were assessed. A mouse autologous blood injection ICH model was established to evaluate the proliferation and phenotypes of astrocytes and microglia around the hematoma. The neuroinflammation and behavioral performance of wild-type ICH mice and TRPA1−/− ICH mice were assessed. Knockout of astrocytic TRPA1 decreased calcium ions of astrocytes after hemin treatment in-vitro, and microglial and astrocytes around the hematoma proliferated after the ICH model. Furthermore, RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq), immunofluorescence, and Western blotting results showed that the activated astrocytes transformed into the A2 phenotype in TRPA1−/− ICH mice. The ‘ameboid’ microglia were observed around the hematoma in TRPA1−/− ICH mice. The proliferation of A2 astrocytes and ‘ameboid’ microglia ameliorated the neuroinflammation after ICH. The inflammatory response was reduced by inhibiting the mitogen-activated protein kinase/nuclear factor kappa-B signaling pathway, and neurologic deficits were improved in TRPA1−/− ICH mice compared with wild-type ICH mice. This research suggests that astrocytic TRPA1 is a new therapeutic target to rescue neuroinflammation by modulating the glial phenotype after ICH.
Stimulation of nucleus accumbens 5-HT6 receptors increases both appetitive and consummatory motivation in an effort-based choice task
Authors: Anderson Grace E. , Sharp Alexandra , Pratt Wayne E.
Published: January 2023

Activity of the serotonin 6(5-HT6) receptor impacts food intake and body weight in animal models and has also shown potential as a target for treatment of anhedonia, a symptom of major depressive disorder. The nucleus accumbens (NAc) is a key region involved in motivational processes and has been implicated in the neural mechanisms underlying anhedonia. Here, we assessed the potential role that 5-HT6 receptors in the NAc play in regulating motivation towards food. Rats received surgical implantation of guide cannulas above the NAc shell. On testing days, they were injected with either the selective 5-HT6 agonist EMD 386088 (at 0.0, 1.0, and 4.0 mg/0.5 mL/side) or the 5-HT6 antagonist SB 252585 (at 0, 1.0, and 4.0 µg/0.5 µL/side) prior to completing a 1-h long effort-based choice task. The task simultaneously examined the impact of NAc 5-HT6 receptor manipulation on appetitive motivation, measured as the breakpoint for earning a preferred sugar pellet in a progressive ratio task, and consummatory motivation, quantified as the grams of freely-available rat chow consumed during the session. Stimulation of NAc 5-HT receptors significantly increased both appetitive and consummatory motivation as assessed in this effort-based choice task. In contrast, 5-HT6 antagonism did not affect break point nor the consumption of the freely-available chow. These data suggest that 5-HT6 receptors are functional within the NAc, that their stimulation increases motivated behavior, and that they may therefore be a viable target for the treatment of anhedonia and disorders that inhibit motivational processes.
Asynchronous neural oscillations associated with subliminal affective face priming in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Tanaka Mutsuhide , Yamada Emi , Yamasaki Takao , Fujita Takako , Nakaniwa Yoichi , Ogata Katsuya , Nakazono Hisato , Maekawa Toshihiko , Tobimatsu Shozo
Published: January 2023

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by social communicative disturbance. Social communication requires rapid processing and accurate cognition regarding others’ emotional expressions. Previous electrophysiological studies have attempted to elucidate the processes underlying atypical face-specific N170 responses to emotional faces in ASD. The present study explored subliminal affective priming effects (SAPEs) on the N170 response and time-frequency analysis of intertrial phase coherence (ITPC) for the N170 in ASD. Fifteen participants [seven participants with ASD and eight typically developing (TD) controls] were recruited for the experiment. Event-related potentials were recorded with a 128-channel electroencephalography device while participants performed an emotional face judgment task. The results revealed enhanced N170 amplitude for supraliminal target-face stimuli when they were preceded by subliminal fearful-face stimuli, in both the ASD and TD groups. Interestingly, TD participants exhibited higher alpha-ITPC in the subliminal fearful-face priming condition in the right face-specific area in the N170 time window. In contrast, there were no significant differences in ITPC in any frequency bands between the subliminal fearful and neutral priming conditions in the ASD group. Asynchronous phase-locking neural activities in the face-specific area may underlie impaired nonconscious face processing in ASD, despite the presence of common features of SAPEs for the N170 component in both the ASD and TD groups.
Antibiotic Susceptibilities for Mycobacterium interjectum
Authors: Lin Sallie , Trieu Connie
Published: January 2023

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) commonly manifest as cervical lymphadenitis in immunocompetent children. Only a few species, such as Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), cause infection in children. With recent advances in gene sequencing, Mycobacterium interjectum has been identified as a rare cause of adenitis in children, with at least 10 cases reported since 1993. Curative treatment for NTM lymphadenitis, particularly when caused by MAC, usually involves complete surgical excision of the affected lymph nodes. This case report highlights successful treatment of submandibular lymphadenitis caused by M. interjectum in a pediatric patient, despite multi-drug resistance in vitro.
THE COLLABORATIVE ANTIBACTERIAL POTENTIALS of Allium sativum and Allium cepa AGAINST SPECIFIC ENVIRONMENTAL ISOLATES
Authors: Adeyemi Oluwasanmi Anuoluwapo , Bello Mistura Adeola , Alaba Ademola Emmanuel , Abdulsalam Mustapha
Published: January 2023

This investigation was carried out to evaluate the collaborative antimicrobial effects of the Alliaceae family's culinary spices, Allium cepa and Allium sativum. Eight test isolates were screened out from over forty organisms, sourced from environmental samples, using standard microbiological methods. The test isolates were subjected to antibacterial analyses using commercially available antibiotics and ethanoic crude extracts from Allium sativum and Allium cepa leaves, to ascertain their individual and synergistic effects. Biochemical tests revealed the test isolates as Staphylococcusaureus (15.8%); Escherichia coli (5.3%); Shigella sonnei (15.8%); Aeromonas species (10.5%); Clostridium species (15.8%); Corynebacterium xerosis (21.1%); Bacillus species (10.5%); and Streptococcus species (5.3%). All tested extracts showed varying sensitivities against the test organisms. In tests with individual extracts, red garlic extract (16 mm) demonstrated the largest zone of inhibition against Aeromonas species, whereas white onion extract (4 mm) revealed the lowest zone of inhibition against Bacillus species. Similarly, the highest inhibition zone (30 mm) was produced by the pooled extracts of both red onion and red garlic against Streptococcus species. Of all test isolates, Bacillus species showed overall susceptibility to the various combinations of extracts used. The study concluded that the synergistic effects of Allium cepa and Allium sativum have a greater antimicrobial effect than individual extracts, and this effect is not general to all organisms but specific ones. The crude extracts also proved more potent than conventional antibiotics. Further research work was recommended on the antimicrobial effects of other members of the Allium family.
The genomic characterization of Salmonella Paratyphi A from an outbreak of enteric fever in Vadodara, India
Authors: Pereira-Dias Joana , Taneja Neelam , Mahindroo Jaspreet , Maheshwari Geeti , Patel Padma J. , Thu Trang Nguyen Hoang , Keane Jacqui , Dyson Zoe A. , Baker Stephen , Mylona Elli
Published: January 2023

Salmonella enterica

Typhi (S. Typhi) and Paratyphi A (S. Paratyphi A) are the causative agents of enteric fever, a systemic human disease with a burden of 300 000 cases per year in India. The majority of enteric fever cases are associated with S. Typhi, resulting in a paucity of data regarding S. Paratyphi A, specifically with respect to genomic surveillance and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Here, we exploited whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to identify S. Paratyphi A genotypes and AMR determinants associated with an outbreak of S. Paratyphi A in Vadodara, India, from December 2018 to December 2019. In total 117 S. Paratyphi A were isolated and genome sequenced, most were genotype 2.4.2 (72.6 % of all cases), which is the globally dominant genotype. The remainder were genotype 2.3 (25.6 %), while only two isolates belonged to genotype 2.4.1. A single base-pair mutation in gyrA, associated with reduced susceptibility to fluoroquinolones, was present in all of the outbreak isolates; with 74.35 % of isolates having a S83F substitution and the remainder having an S83Y substitution. Our surveillance study suggests that S. Paratyphi A is an emergent pathogen in South Asia, which may become increasingly relevant with the introduction of Vi conjugate vaccines.
Pre- and Post-Portosystemic Shunt Placement Metabolomics Reveal Molecular Signatures for the Development of Hepatic Encephalopathy
Authors: Dantas Machado Ana Carolina , Ramos Stephany Flores , Gauglitz Julia M. , Carpenter Anne-Marie , Petras Daniel , Aksenov Alexander A. , Kim Un Bi , Lazarowicz Michael , Giustini Abbey Barnard , Aryafar Hamed , Vodkin Irine , Warren Curtis , Dorrestein Pieter C. , Zarrinpar Ali , Zarrinpar Amir
Published: January 2023

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a common complication of advanced liver disease causing brain dysfunction. This is likely due to the accumulation of unfiltered toxins within the bloodstream. A known risk factor for developing or worsening HE is the placement of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), which connects the pre-hepatic and post-hepatic circulation allowing some blood to bypass the dysfunctional liver and decreases portal hypertension. To better understand the pathophysiology of post-TIPS HE, we conducted a multi-center prospective cohort study employing metabolomic analyses on hepatic vein and peripheral vein blood samples from participants with cirrhosis undergoing elective TIPS placement, measuring chemical modifications and changes in concentrations of metabolites resulting from TIPS placement. In doing so, we identified numerous alterations in metabolites, including bile acids, glycerophosphocholines, and bilirubins possibly implicated in the development and severity of HE.
A novel, lightweight drive implant for chronic tetrode recordings in juvenile mice
Authors: Pendry Robert J , Quigley Lilyana D , Volk Lenora J , Pfeiffer Brad E
Published: January 2023

SHORT ABSTRACT

We describe a novel micro-drive design, surgical implantation procedure, and post-surgery recovery strategy that allows for chronic field and single-unit recordings from up to sixteen brain regions simultaneously in juvenile and adolescent mice across a critical developmental window from p20 to p60 and beyond.

LONG ABSTRACT

In vivoelectrophysiology provides unparalleled insight into sub-second-level circuit dynamics of the intact brain and represents a method of particular importance for studying mouse models of human neuro-psychiatric disorders. However, such methods often require large cranial implants which cannot be used in mice at early developmental timepoints. As such, virtually no studies ofin vivophysiology have been performed in freely behaving infant or juvenile mice, despite the fact that a better understanding of neurological development in this critical window is likely to provide unique insights into age-dependent developmental disorders such as autism or schizophrenia. Here, we describe a novel micro-drive design, surgical implantation procedure, and post-surgery recovery strategy that allows for chronic field and single-unit recordings from up to sixteen brain regions simultaneously in mice as they age from postnatal day 20 (p20) to postnatal day 60 (p60) and beyond, a time window roughly corresponding to human ages 2-years-old through adult. The number of recording electrodes and final recording sites can be easily modified and expanded, allowing flexible experimental control ofin vivomonitoring of behavior- or disease-relevant brain regions across development.
INO80 regulates chromatin accessibility to facilitate suppression of sex-linked gene expression during mouse spermatogenesis
Authors: Chakraborty Prabuddha , Magnuson Terry
Published: January 2023

The INO80 protein is the main catalytic subunit of the INO80-chromatin remodeling complex, which is critical for DNA repair and transcription regulation in murine spermatocytes. In this study, we explored the role of INO80 in silencing genes on meiotic sex chromosomes in male mice. INO80 immunolocalization at the XY body in pachytene spermatocytes suggested a role for INO80 in the meiotic sex body. Subsequent deletion ofIno80resulted in high expression of sex-linked genes. Furthermore, the active form of RNA polymerase II at the sex chromosomes ofIno80-null pachytene spermatocytes indicates incomplete inactivation of sex-linked genes. A reduction in the recruitment of initiators of meiotic sex chromosome inhibition (MSCI) argues for INO80-facilitated recruitment of DNA repair factors required for silencing sex-linked genes. This role of INO80 is independent of a common INO80 target H2A.Z. Instead, in the absence of INO80, a reduction in chromatin accessibility at DNA repair sites occurs on the sex chromosomes. These data suggest a role for INO80 in DNA repair factor localization, thereby facilitating the silencing of sex-linked genes during the onset of pachynema.

Summary Statement

Chromatin accessibility and DNA repair factor localization at the sex chromosomes are facilitated by INO80, which regulates sex-linked gene silencing during meiotic progression in spermatocytes.
BundleWarp, streamline-based nonlinear registration of white matter tracts
Authors: Chandio Bramsh Qamar , Olivetti Emanuele , Romero-Bascones David , Harezlak Jaroslaw , Garyfallidis Eleftherios
Published: January 2023

Nonlinear registration plays a central role in most neuroimage analysis methods and pipelines, such as in tractography-based individual and group-level analysis methods. However, nonlinear registration is a non-trivial task, especially when dealing with tractography data that digitally represent the underlying anatomy of the brain’s white matter. Furthermore, such process often changes the structure of the data, causing artifacts that can suppress the underlying anatomical and structural details. In this paper, we introduce BundleWarp, a novel and robust streamline-based nonlinear registration method for the registration of white matter tracts. BundleWarp intelligently warps two bundles while preserving the bundles’ crucial topological features. BundleWarp has two main steps. The first step involves the solution of an assignment problem that matches corresponding streamlines from the two bundles (iterLAP step). The second step introduces streamline-specific point-based deformations while keeping the topology of the bundle intact (mlCPD step).

We provide comparisons against streamline-based linear registration and image-based nonlinear registration methods. BundleWarp quantitatively and qualitatively outperforms both, and we show that Bundle-Warp can deform and, at the same time, preserve important characteristics of the original anatomical shape of the bundles. Results are shown on 1,728 pairs of bundle registrations across 27 different bundle types. In addition, we present an application of BundleWarp for quantifying bundle shape differences using the generated deformation fields.
The metacognitive control of decisions predicts whether and how mice override their default policy
Authors: Schreiweis C. , Euvrard M. , Burguière E. , Daunizeau J.
Published: January 2023

Decisions permeate every aspect of our lives - what to eat, where to live, etc. - but the amount of effort that we put into different decisions varies tremendously. Rather than processing all decision-relevant information, we often rely on fast habitual and/or intuitive decision policies, which can lead to irrational biases and errors. Yet, we don’t always follow the fast and negligent lead of habits or intuitions. So what determines how much time and effort we invest when making decisions? A possibility is that the amount of cognitive resources the brain allocates to a given task (in particular, a decision task) optimizes a cost-benefit tradeoff. Our working hypothesis is that decision confidence serves as the benefit term of this resource allocation problem, hence the “metacognitive” nature of decision control. Here, we provide behavioural evidence that mice regulate their allocation of cognitive resources according to a confidence/effort a tradeoff. The importance of this work is twofold. On the computational side of things, we show whether and how this eventually enables them to override their default/automatic policy. On the behavioural side of things, we validate all the ensuing model predictions, in the context of an experimental setup with high ecological validity.
Home-field advantage affects the local adaptive interaction betweenAndropogon gerardiiecotypes and rhizobiome
Authors: Kazarina Anna , Sarkar Soumyadev , Thapa Shiva , Heeren Leah , Kamke Abigail , Ward Kaitlyn , Hartung Eli , Ran Qinghong , Galliart Matthew , Jumpponen Ari , Johnson Loretta , Lee Sonny T.M.
Published: January 2023

Due to climate change, drought frequencies and severities are predicted to increase across the United States. Plant responses and adaptation to stresses depend on plant genetic and environmental factors. Understanding the effect of those factors on plant performance is required to predict the species responses to environmental change. We used reciprocal gardens planted with distinct regionalAndropogon gerardiiecotypes adapted to dry, mesic, and wet environments to characterize their rhizosphere communities using 16S rRNA metabarcode sequencing. Even though the local microbial pool was the main driver of these rhizosphere communities, the significant plant ecotype effect highlighted active microbial recruitment in the rhizosphere driven by ecotype or plant genetic background. Our data also suggest that ecotypes were more successful in recruiting rhizosphere community members unique to their local homesites, supporting the “home field advantage” hypothesis. These unique homesite microbes may represent microbial specialists that are linked to plant stress responses. Further, our data support ecotypic variation in the recruitment of congeneric but distinct bacterial variants, highlighting the nuanced effects of plant ecotypes on the rhizosphere microbiome recruitment. Our results should facilitate expanded studies on understanding the complexity of plant host interactions with local soil microbes and identification of functional potential of recruited microbes. Our study has the potential to aid in predicting ecosystem responses to climate change and the impact of management on restoration practices.

Importance

In this study, we used reciprocal gardens located across a sharp precipitation gradient to characterize rhizosphere communities of distinct dry, mesic, and wet regionalAndropogon gerardiiecotypes. We used16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and focused oligotyping analysis and showed that even though the location was the main driver of the microbial communities, ecotypes could potentially recruit distinct bacterial populations. We showed that differentA. gerardiiecotypes were more successful in overall community recruitment and recruitment of microbes unique to the “home” environment, when growing at their “home site”. We found evidence for “home field advantage” interactions between the host and associated rhizobiomes, and the capability of ecotypes to recruit specialized microbes that were potentially linked to plant stress responses. Our study provides insights into the understanding of factors effecting the plant adaptation, improving management strategies, and predicting of the future landscape under the changing climate.
Neural mechanisms to incorporate visual counterevidence in self motion estimation
Authors: Tanaka Ryosuke , Zhou Baohua , Agrochao Margarida , Badwan Bara A. , Au Braedyn , Matos Natalia C. B. , Clark Damon A.
Published: January 2023

In selecting appropriate behaviors, animals should weigh sensory evidence both for and against specific beliefs about the world. For instance, animals measure optic flow to estimate and control their own rotation. However, existing models of flow detection can confuse the movement of external objects with genuine self motion. Here, we show that stationary patterns on the retina, which constitute negative evidence against self rotation, are used by the fruit flyDrosophilato suppress inappropriate stabilizing rotational behavior.In silicoexperiments show that artificial neural networks optimized to distinguish self and world motion similarly detect stationarity and incorporate negative evidence. Employing neural measurements and genetic manipulations, we identified components of the circuitry for stationary pattern detection, which runs parallel to the fly’s motion- and optic flow-detectors. Our results exemplify how the compact brain of the fly incorporates negative evidence to improve heading stability, exploiting geometrical constraints of the visual world.
Corynebacterium of thediphtheriaecomplex in companion animals: clinical and microbiological characterization of 64 cases from France
Authors: Museux Kristina , Arcari Gabriele , Rodrigo Guido , Hennart Melanie , Badell Edgar , Toubiana Julie , Brisse Sylvain
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Corynebacteria of thediphtheriaecomplex (Cdc) can cause diphtheria in humans and have been reported from companion animals. We aimed to describe animal infection cases caused byCdcisolates.

Methods

18 308 animals (dogs, cats, horses and small mammals) with rhinitis, dermatitis, non-healing wounds and otitis were sampled in metropolitan France (August 2019 to August 2021). Data on symptoms, age, breed, and the administrative region of origin were collected. Cultured bacteria were analyzed fortoxgene presence, for production of the diphtheria toxin, for antimicrobial susceptibility, and genotyped by multilocus sequence typing.

Results

C. ulceranswas identified in 51 cases, 24 of which were toxigenic. Rhinitis was the most frequent presentation (18/51). Eleven cases (6 cats, 4 dogs, 1 rat) were mono-infections. Large breed dogs, especially German Shepherds (9 of 28 dogs; p < 0.00001) were overrepresented.C. ulceransisolates were susceptible to all tested antibiotics.tox-positiveC. diphtheriaewas identified in 2 horses. Last, 11 infections cases (9 dogs, 2 cats; mostly chronic otitis, and 2 sores) hadtox-negativeC. rouxii, a recently defined species.C. rouxiiandC. diphtheriaeisolates were susceptible to most antibiotics tested, and almost all of these infections were polymicrobial.

Conclusions

Monoinfections withC. ulceranspoint towards a primary pathogenic potential to animals.C. ulceransrepresents an important zoonotic risk, andC. rouxiimay represent a novel zoonotic agent. This case series provides novel clinical and microbiological data onCdcinfections, and underlines the need for management of animals and their human contacts.

Importance

We report on the occurrence, clinical and microbiological characteristics of infections caused by members of the Corynebacteria of thediphtheriaecomplex (Cdc) in companion animals. This is the first study based on the systematic analysis of a very large animal cohort (18 308 samples), which provides data on the frequency of Cdc isolates in various types of clinical samples from animals. Awareness of this zoonotic bacterial group remains low among veterinarians and veterinary laboratories, among which it is often considered a commensal bacteria of animals. We suggest that in case of Cdc detection in animals, the veterinary laboratories should be encouraged to send the samples to a reference laboratory for analysis of the presence of thetoxgene. This work is relevant to the development of guidelines in case of Cdc infections in animals, and underlines their public health relevance given the zoonotic transmission risk.