bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of ozone adjuvant therapy in COVID-19 patients: A meta-analysis study
Authors: Jafari-Oori Mehdi , Vahedian-azimi Amir , Ghorbanzadeh Kobra , Sepahvand Elham , Dehi Manijeh , Ebadi Abbas , Izadi Mortaza
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Using ozone therapy to manage COVID-19 patients has been accompanied by conflicting results in prior studies. Therefore, we aimed to widely assess the effects of ozone as adjuvant therapy in COVID-19 patients.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, ProQuest, Springer, and Sage journals were searched systematically until April 2022. Mortality rate, ICU admission, hospital-length stay, negative PCR, pulmonary, renal, and hepatic functions, as well as inflammatory and blood systems were pooled to compare the efficacy of ozone as adjacent therapy (OZ) and standard treatment (ST). Analyses were run with the random/fixed models, sub-group analysis, funnel plot, and sensitivity analysis using comprehensive meta-analysis (CMA) software version 2.0.

Results

The results of four randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and four case-control studies with a total of 371 COVID-19 positive patients were analyzed. The OZ group patients had a shorter length of hospital stay (P> 0.05), lower ICU admissions (P> 0.05), and lower mortality rates (P< 0.05) than the ST group cases. After treatment, 41% more COVID-19 patients had negative PCR tests than the ST group (P< 0.05). Serum creatinine and urea levels were not modified in either group (P> 0.05). Moreover, except for albumin serum levels, which decreased significantly in the OZ group, serum bilirubin, ALT, and AST were not modified in either group (P> 0.05). Both arms did not show a decrease in C-reactive protein blood levels (P> 0.05), but the OZ group showed a significant modification in LDH serum levels (P< 0.05). Unlike the d-dimer and WBC serum levels (P> 0.05), platelet levels were increased in the OZ group (P< 0.05). No negative side effects were demonstrated in either group.

Conclusion

Ozone therapy was effective significantly on PCR test and LDH serum levels, as well as mortality based on overall estimation. Concerning the length of hospital stay and ICU admissions, although the results were insignificant, their effect sizes were notable clinically. More RCT studies are needed to show the efficacy of ozone therapy on other studied variables.
Multimodality imaging evaluation of nasal sinus alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma: Two case reports
Authors: Huang Wenpeng , Zhang Yongbai , Gao Ge , Li Liming , Yang Qi , Qiu Yongkang , Kang Lei
Published: November 2022

Background

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a common pleomorphic malignant soft tissue sarcoma in children and adolescents that originates from rhabdomyoblasts or mesenchymal precursor cells. Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) mostly occurs in adolescents aged 10–15 years and is characterized by more aggressive behaviors and worse prognosis than other sarcomas, prone to lymphatic and hematogenous metastasis in the early stage as well as metastasizing to breast, testis, pancreas, and other parts. ARMS often occurs in the limbs and genitourinary system, however, head and neck ARMS are relatively rare when involving the nasal cavity or sinuses. The role of MRI and 18F-FDG positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (PET/CT) remains to be established in ARMS.

Case report

Case 1: An 18-year-old male was found with a left submandibular mass of approximately 1 cm in diameter 2 months ago, which gradually increased in size. CT showed multiple soft tissue masses in maxillofacial and neck regions and the lesions invaded the frontal lobe and the inner wall of the left orbital lobe. MRI showed the masses with hypointensity on T1WI, hyperintensity on T2WI, and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with significant enhancement. 18F-FDG PET/CT showed multiple hypermetabolic lesions located in the maxillofacial, neck region, 3rd lumbar vertebra, and the right sacrum. A nasal endoscopic tumor biopsy and molecular testing finally helped to diagnose the ARMS. Case 2: A 14-year-old male presented with left maxillary pain with nasal congestion and left ocular swelling 15 days ago. CT demonstrated a soft tissue mass in the nasal cavity and sinuses with local protrusion into the left orbit. MRI showed the masses with a slightly low signal on T1WI, a high signal on T2WI, and DWI with significant heterogenous enhancement. 18F-FDG PET/CT showed hypermetabolic lesions in the left maxillofacial and neck regions. ARMS was finally diagnosed by a nasal endoscopic tumor biopsy and molecular testing. The patient had a recurrence of the lesion after chemotherapy and surgical resection and is currently undergoing radiation therapy.

Conclusion

Nasal sinus ARMS is highly malignant with a poor prognosis. Accurate diagnosis relies not only on histopathology and immunohistochemistry examination but also on genetic detection of characteristic chromosomal translocations and fusion genes. Imaging methods, such as MRI and PET/CT can accurately assess the extent of the lesions and metastases, assist in the diagnosis of the disease and the selection of treatment regimens, provide precise localization for surgery, and help with treatment monitoring and follow-up.
A simple and rapid technique of template preparation for PCR
Authors: Liu Yunyun , Chen Jia , Cheng Yi , Li Yi , Li Xinwen , Zhang Zhengbing , Xu Xiumei , Lin Yufeng , Xu Jianping , Li Zhimin
Published: November 2022

Many techniques have been developed for extracting DNA, but most are often complex, time-consuming, and/or expensive. In this study, we describe a simple, rapid and cost-effective technique for preparing DNA template for PCR. This technique involves 0.1 M potassium hydroxide treatment at 100°C for 10 min followed by centrifugation. The suspended centrifuged sediments were shown as excellent templates for PCR. Templates prepared using this technique worked for diverse microorganisms belonging to bacteria, fungi and oomycetes and their amplification efficiencies were comparable to/better than those prepared using common but relatively more complex, time-consuming, and/or expensive methods, including commercial DNA extraction kits. Furthermore, this technology is suitable for high-throughput batch processing and for amplifications of long DNA fragments. Flow cytometry and scanning electronic microscopy analyzes showed that this technique generated primarily damaged cells and cell-bound DNA, not free naked DNA. This technique provides a great convenience for simple PCR template preparation.
Soil composition and rootstock genotype drive the root associated microbial communities in young grapevines
Authors: Darriaut Romain , Antonielli Livio , Martins Guilherme , Ballestra Patricia , Vivin Philippe , Marguerit Elisa , Mitter Birgit , Masneuf-Pomarède Isabelle , Compant Stéphane , Ollat Nathalie , Lauvergeat Virginie
Published: November 2022

Soil microbiota plays a significant role in plant development and health and appears to be a major component of certain forms of grapevine decline. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to study the impact of the microbiological quality of the soil and grapevine rootstock genotype on the root microbial community and development of young plants. Two rootstocks heterografted with the same scion were grown in two vineyard soils differing in microbial composition and activities. After 4 months, culture-dependent approaches and amplicon sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA gene and fungal ITS were performed on roots, rhizosphere and bulk soil samples. The root mycorrhizal colonization and number of cultivable microorganisms in the rhizosphere compartment of both genotypes were clearly influenced by the soil status. The fungal diversity and richness were dependent on the soil status and the rootstock, whereas bacterial richness was affected by the genotype only. Fungal genera associated with grapevine diseases were more abundant in declining soil and related root samples. The rootstock affected the compartmentalization of microbial communities, underscoring its influence on microorganism selection. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) confirmed the presence of predominant root-associated bacteria. These results emphasized the importance of rootstock genotype and soil composition in shaping the microbiome of young vines.
First two fungemia cases caused by Candida haemulonii var. vulnera in China with emerged antifungal resistance
Authors: Chen Xin-Fei , Hou Xin , Zhang Han , Jia Xin-Miao , Ning Li-Ping , Cao Wei , Fan Xin , Huang Jing-Jing , Yang Wen-Hang , Zhang Ge , Zhang Jing-Jia , Kang Wei , Xiao Meng , Xu Ying-Chun
Published: November 2022

Candida haemulonii var. vulnera is a rare variant of C. haemulonii, which has been previously reported to cause human infections. Owing to the close kinship between C. haemulonii sensu stricto and C. haemulonii var. vulnera, accurate identification of C. haemulonii var. vulnera relied on DNA sequencing assay targeting, for example, rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. In this work, two strains of C. haemulonii var. vulnera were collected from the China Hospital Invasive Fungal Surveillance Net (CHIF-NET). The identification capacity of three matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and VITEK 2 YST ID biochemical methods were evaluated against ITS sequencing. In addition, antifungal susceptibility testing was performed using Sensititre YeastOne. Moreover, we comprehensively screened drug-resistant related genes by whole-genome sequencing. The two strains were not correctly identified to species variant level using MALDI-TOF MS and YST ID cards. Both strains were resistant to amphotericin B (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] > 2 μg/ml). Moreover, strain F4564 and F4584 exhibited high MIC to fluconazole (>256 μg/ml) and 5-flucytosine (>64 μg/ml), respectively, which were supposed to result from key amino acid substitutions Y132F and G307A in Erg11p and V58fs and G60K substitutions in Fur1p. The rare species C. haemulonii var. vulnera has emerged in China, and such drug-resistant fungal species that can cause invasive diseases require further close attention.
Gradient boosting and bayesian network machine learning models predict aflatoxin and fumonisin contamination of maize in Illinois – First USA case study
Authors: Castano-Duque Lina , Vaughan Martha , Lindsay James , Barnett Kristin , Rajasekaran Kanniah
Published: November 2022

Mycotoxin contamination of corn results in significant agroeconomic losses and poses serious health issues worldwide. This paper presents the first report utilizing machine learning and historical aflatoxin and fumonisin contamination levels in-order-to develop models that can confidently predict mycotoxin contamination of corn in Illinois, a major corn producing state in the USA. Historical monthly meteorological data from a 14-year period combined with corresponding aflatoxin and fumonisin contamination data from the State of Illinois were used to engineer input features that link weather, fungal growth, and aflatoxin production in combination with gradient boosting (GBM) and bayesian network (BN) modeling. The GBM and BN models developed can predict mycotoxin contamination with overall 94% accuracy. Analyses for aflatoxin and fumonisin with GBM showed that meteorological and satellite-acquired vegetative index data during March significantly influenced grain contamination at the end of the corn growing season. Prediction of high aflatoxin contamination levels was linked to high aflatoxin risk index in March/June/July, high vegetative index in March and low vegetative index in July. Correspondingly, high levels of fumonisin contamination were linked to high precipitation levels in February/March/September and high vegetative index in March. During corn flowering time in June, higher temperatures range increased prediction of high levels of fumonisin contamination, while high aflatoxin contamination levels were linked to high aflatoxin risk index. Meteorological events prior to corn planting in the field have high influence on predicting aflatoxin and fumonisin contamination levels at the end of the year. These early-year events detected by the models can directly assist farmers and stakeholders to make informed decisions to prevent mycotoxin contamination of Illinois grown corn.
Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii: A challenge in the intensive care unit
Authors: Jiang Yuan , Ding Yinhuan , Wei Yueshuai , Jian Chunxia , Liu Jinbo , Zeng Zhangrui
Published: November 2022

Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) has become one of the leading causes of healthcare-associated infections globally, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs). Cross-transmission of microorganisms between patients and the hospital environment may play a crucial role in ICU-acquired CRAB colonization and infection. The control and treatment of CRAB infection in ICUs have been recognized as a global challenge because of its multiple-drug resistance. The main concern is that CRAB infections can be disastrous for ICU patients if currently existing limited therapeutic alternatives fail in the future. Therefore, the colonization, infection, transmission, and resistance mechanisms of CRAB in ICUs need to be systematically studied. To provide a basis for prevention and control countermeasures for CRAB infection in ICUs, we present an overview of research on CRAB in ICUs, summarize clinical infections and environmental reservoirs, discuss the drug resistance mechanism and homology of CRAB in ICUs, and evaluate contemporary treatment and control strategies.
Extracellular vesicles produced by the human gut commensal bacterium Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron elicit anti-inflammatory responses from innate immune cells
Authors: Fonseca Sonia , Carvalho Ana L. , Miquel-Clopés Ariadna , Jones Emily J. , Juodeikis Rokas , Stentz Régis , Carding Simon R.
Published: November 2022

Bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) produced by gut commensal bacteria have been proposed to play an important role in maintaining host homeostasis via interactions with the immune system. Details of the mediators and pathways of BEV-immune cell interactions are however incomplete. In this study, we provide evidence for the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of extracellular vesicles produced by the prominent human gut commensal bacterium Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron (Bt BEVs) and identify the molecular mechanisms underlying their interaction with innate immune cells. In mice treated with colitis-inducing dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) there was some indication that Bt BEVs improved survival, weight loss, disease activity and increased IL-10 production. Pre-treatment (conditioning) of murine bone marrow derived monocytes (BMDM) with Bt BEVs resulted in higher ratio of IL-10/TNFα production after an LPS challenge when compared to LPS pre-conditioned or non-conditioned BMDM. Using the THP-1 monocytic cell line the interactions between Bt BEVs and monocytes/macrophages were shown to be mediated primarily by TLR2. Histone (H3K4me1) methylation analysis showed that Bt BEVs induced epigenetic reprogramming which persisted after infectious challenge, as revealed by increased levels of H3K4me1 in Bt BEV-conditioned LPS-challenged BMDM. Collectively, our findings highlight the important role of Bt BEVs in maintaining host immune homeostasis and raise the promising possibility of considering their use in immune therapies.
Purification and characterization of bacteriocin produced by a strain of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus ZFM216
Authors: Wu Danli , Dai Mengdi , Shi Yongqing , Zhou Qingqing , Li Ping , Gu Qing
Published: November 2022

The recent surge in demand for natural preservatives has ushered in a new era of research into novel bacteriocins capable of effectively combating food-borne infections. In this study, the bacteriocin from Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus ZFM216, which has a molecular mass of 11851.9 Da, was purified using macroporous resin, gel chromatography, and reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography. This bacteriocin could inhibit both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It had a strong inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus aureus D48 with minimum inhibitory concentration values of 1.75 μM. Bacteriocin ZFM216 was heat stable and showed pH stability under weakly acidic conditions. It was sensitive to pepsin, proteinase K and trypsin. Electron microscopy results showed that when treated with bacteriocin ZFM216, S. aureus D48 was severely deformed, the cell structure was obviously changed, and the intracellular electrolyte leaked to the outside of the cell. Bacteriocin ZFM216 caused the ATP level of the indicator to decrease, the conductivity to sharply increase, and the transmembrane potential difference (ΔΨ) to instantaneously decrease. This research formed the basis for further development and utilization of bacteriocin ZFM216 which has potential in the food industry.
Genotype–phenotype correlations within the Geodermatophilaceae
Authors: Montero-Calasanz Maria del Carmen , Yaramis Adnan , Rohde Manfred , Schumann Peter , Klenk Hans-Peter , Meier-Kolthoff Jan P.
Published: November 2022

The integration of genomic information into microbial systematics along with physiological and chemotaxonomic parameters provides for a reliable classification of prokaryotes. In silico analysis of chemotaxonomic traits is now being introduced to replace characteristics traditionally determined in the laboratory with the dual goal of both increasing the speed of the description of taxa and the accuracy and consistency of taxonomic reports. Genomics has already successfully been applied in the taxonomic rearrangement of Geodermatophilaceae (Actinomycetota) but in the light of new genomic data the taxonomy of the family needs to be revisited. In conjunction with the taxonomic characterisation of four strains phylogenetically located within the family, we conducted a phylogenetic analysis of the whole proteomes of the sequenced type strains and established genotype–phenotype correlations for traits related to chemotaxonomy, cell morphology and metabolism. Results indicated that the four isolates under study represent four novel species within the genus Blastococcus. Additionally, the genera Blastococcus, Geodermatophilus and Modestobacter were shown to be paraphyletic. Consequently, the new genera Trujillonella, Pleomorpha and Goekera were proposed within the Geodermatophilaceae and Blastococcus endophyticus was reclassified as Trujillonella endophytica comb. nov., Geodermatophilus daqingensis as Pleomorpha daqingensis comb. nov. and Modestobacter deserti as Goekera deserti comb. nov. Accordingly, we also proposed emended descriptions of Blastococcus aggregatus, Blastococcus jejuensis, Blastococcus saxobsidens and Blastococcus xanthilyniticus. In silico chemotaxonomic results were overall consistent with wet-lab results. Even though in silico discriminatory levels varied depending on the respective chemotaxonomic trait, this approach is promising for effectively replacing and/or complementing chemotaxonomic analyses at taxonomic ranks above the species level. Finally, interesting but previously overlooked insights regarding morphology and ecology were revealed by the presence of a repertoire of genes related to flagellum synthesis, chemotaxis, spore production and pilus assembly in all representatives of the family. A rich carbon metabolism including four different CO2 fixation pathways and a battery of enzymes able to degrade complex carbohydrates were also identified in Blastococcus genomes.
Pathogenicity and transmissibility studies on live attenuated duck enteritis virus vaccine in non-target species
Authors: Kong Jie , Feng Keyu , Zhao Qiqi , Chen Yazheng , Wang Jinfeng , Chen Sheng , Shao Guanming , Liao Liqin , Li Yajuan , Xie Zi , Zhang Xinheng , Xie Qingmei
Published: November 2022

In the second half of 2021, a highly pathogenic case occurred in a mixed chicken and duck family farm in Guangdong, China. After the duck flocks were immunized with live attenuated duck enteritis virus vaccine (live attenuated DEV vaccine), the chickens of the same farm showed clinical symptoms similar to duck enteritis, such as pericardial effusion, hepatic hemorrhagic spots, kidney enlargement, and intestinal bleeding, with mass mortality. The infection model of target animal tested, as well as the non-target species, was established according to the risk of live attenuated DEV vaccine and transmission in chickens. Live attenuated DEV vaccine was initially replicated in host animals, released the virus, and effectively colonized in the common environment, according to birds challenged experiments. There was evidence to suggest the mode of transmission of duck enteritis virus, and horizontal transmission is the main route of DEV transmission. In addition, high levels of virus titer were detected in chicken embryos and different tissues of SPF chickens. Different degrees of pathological damage occurred in the tissue of chickens. After the SPF chickens were inoculated with live attenuated DEV vaccine, different degrees of virulence were exhibited, pointing to a potential risk to other domestic bird species.
Volumetric analysis of the aging auditory pathway using high resolution magnetic resonance histology
Authors: Du Eric Y. , Ortega Briana K. , Ninoyu Yuzuru , Williams Robert W. , Cofer Gary P. , Cook James J. , Hornburg Kathryn J. , Qi Yi , Johnson G. Allan , Friedman Rick A.
Published: November 2022

Numerous shown consequences of age-related hearing loss have been unveiled; however, the relationship of the cortical and subcortical structures of the auditory pathway with aging is not well known. Investigations into neural structure analysis remain sparse due to difficulties of doing so in animal models; however, recent technological advances have been able to achieve a resolution adequate to perform such studies even in the small mouse. We utilize 12 members of the BXD family of recombinant inbred mice and aged separate cohorts. Utilizing novel magnetic resonance histology imaging techniques, we imaged these mice and generated high spatial resolution three dimensional images which were then comprehensively labeled. We completed volumetric analysis of 12 separate regions of interest specific to the auditory pathway brainstem nuclei and cortical areas with focus on the effect of aging upon said structures. Our results showed significant interstrain variation in the age-related effect on structure volume supporting a genetic influence in this interaction. Through multivariable modeling, we observed heterogenous effects of aging between different structures. Six of the 12 regions of interests demonstrated a significant age-related effect. The auditory cortex and ventral cochlear nucleus were found to decrease in volume with age, while the medial division of the medial geniculate nucleus, lateral lemniscus and its nucleus, and the inferior colliculus increased in size with age. Additionally, no sex-based differences were noted, and we observed a negative relationship between auditory cortex volume and mouse weight. This study is one of the first to perform comprehensive magnetic resonance imaging and quantitative analysis in the mouse brain auditory pathway cytoarchitecture, offering both novel insights into the neuroanatomical basis of age-related changes in hearing as well as evidence toward a genetic influence in this interaction. High resonance magnetic resonance imaging provides a promising efficacious avenue in future mouse model hearing loss investigations.
Effectiveness of feedback-based technology on physical and cognitive abilities in the elderly
Authors: Benitez-Lugo Maria-Luisa , Suárez-Serrano Carmen , Galvao-Carmona Alejandro , Vazquez-Marrufo Manuel , Chamorro-Moriana Gema
Published: November 2022

Aging raises a social and health challenge because the passing of time causes changes in cognitive and physical functions that impair functionality and quality of life. In addition, advancements in technology and information technology have led to the development of new techniques for retraining based on the feedback technology provides. To solve the negative consequences of aging, a randomized clinical trial was carried out to assess the effectiveness of a protocol using feedback-based technology to improve physical and cognitive functions in older adults. For the purpose of this study, 200 patients were selected from a Social and Community Services Center in the province of Seville and only 46 of them became participants of the study (after applying the inclusion criteria). These patients were divided into two groups: control and experimental. Physical and cognitive abilities were assessed using the Miniexamen cognoscitivo Test (an adaptation of the MiniMental examination test), Yesevage’s Depression Scale, Oddball Test, Attention Network Test, Berg Scale, Tinetti Scale, and Timed Up and Go Test. The intervention applied to the experimental group consisted of a supervised protocol using the Nintendo® Wii video game console and the Wii-Fit© video game during 16 sessions, 2 times a week with a duration of 30 min per session. The control group did not receive any treatment. The experimental group showed statistically significant improvements in all the physical variables (balance, gait, autonomy, and fall risk), as other authors had proven, and in memory and reaction times; there were no improvements in attention networks. The control group (placebo) even showed a decrease in their functions, with worse results on the Timed up and Go test Scale. The intervention using feedback-based technology has been proven effective in improving physical and cognitive abilities and in preventing and promoting healthy aging.
Efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions for depression in individuals with Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Yuxin , Sun Xue , Li Fei , Li Qi , Jin Yi
Published: November 2022

Background

Depression in Parkinson's disease (PD) is a major health concern worldwide. Recently, an increasing number of non-pharmacological interventions have been used in PD to alleviate depressive symptoms. However, it is uncertain which intervention is the best, and related evidence is limited. This network meta-analysis was performed to compare and rank non-pharmacological interventions for PD and analyze their effects on depression to provide evidence for clinicians to choose appropriate non-pharmacological management options.

Methods

The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PsycINFO, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang databases were searched from inception to April 7, 2022. Two authors screened all studies, extracted the data, and evaluated the methodological quality. STATA software version 16.0 was used to conduct the network meta-analysis.

Results

Our network meta-analysis included 62 studies involving 3,050 participants and 35 non-pharmacological interventions. Although most non-pharmacological interventions showed non-significant effects, the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) values indicated that the best non-pharmacological intervention for depression was dance (82.3%), followed by LSVT-BIG therapy (77.4%), and CBT (73.6%).

Conclusion

Dance can be considered as an effective therapy for improving depression in patients with PD. In the future, more strictly designed trials are needed to verify the conclusions of this network meta-analysis.
SIRT1 activation attenuates microglia-mediated synaptic engulfment in postoperative cognitive dysfunction
Authors: Sun Yi , Wang Yuzhu , Ye Fan , Cui Victoria , Lin Dandan , Shi Hui , Zhang Yan , Wu Anshi , Wei Changwei
Published: November 2022

Background

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a debilitating neurological complication in surgical patients. Current research has focused mainly on microglial activation, but less is known about the resultant neuronal synaptic changes. Recent studies have suggested that Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) plays a critical role in several different neurological disorders via its involvement in microglial activation. In this study, we evaluate the effects of SIRT1 activation in a POCD mouse model.

Materials and methods

Exploratory laparotomy was performed in mice aged 12–14 months under sevoflurane anesthesia to establish our animal POCD model. Transcriptional changes in the hippocampus after anesthesia and surgery were evaluated by RNA sequencing. SIRT1 expression was verified by Western Blot. Mice were treated with SIRT1 agonist SRT1720 or vehicle after surgery. Changes in microglia morphology, microglial phagocytosis, presence of dystrophic neurites, and dendritic spine density were evaluated. Cognitive performance was evaluated using the Y maze and Morris water maze (MWM).

Results

Sirtuin-1 expression levels were downregulated in POCD. Exposure to anesthesia and surgery lead to alteration in microglia morphology, increased synaptic engulfment, dendritic spine loss, and cognitive deficits. These effects were alleviated by SRT1720 administration.

Conclusion

This study suggests an important neuroprotective role for SIRT1 in POCD pathogenesis. Increasing SIRT1 function represents a promising therapeutic strategy for prevention and treatment of POCD.
Compound motion decoding based on sEMG consisting of gestures, wrist angles, and strength
Authors: Zhang Xiaodong , Lu Zhufeng , Fan Chen , Wang Yachun , Zhang Teng , Li Hanzhe , Tao Qing
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to highlight the demand for upper limb compound motion decoding to provide a more diversified and flexible operation for the electromyographic hand. In total, 60 compound motions were selected, which were combined with four gestures, five wrist angles, and three strength levels. Both deep learning methods and machine learning classifiers were compared to analyze the decoding performance. For deep learning, three structures and two ways of label encoding were assessed for their training processes and accuracies; for machine learning, 24 classifiers, seven features, and a combination of classifier chains were analyzed. Results show that for this relatively small sample multi-target surface electromyography (sEMG) classification, feature combination (mean absolute value, root mean square, variance, 4th-autoregressive coefficient, wavelength, zero crossings, and slope signal change) with Support Vector Machine (quadric kernel) outstood because of its high accuracy, short training process, less computation cost, and stability (p < 0.05). The decoding result achieved an average test accuracy of 98.42 ± 1.71% with 150 ms sEMG. The average accuracy for separate gestures, wrist angles, and strength levels were 99.35 ± 0.67%, 99.34 ± 0.88%, and 99.04 ± 1.16%. Among all 60 motions, 58 showed a test accuracy greater than 95%, and one part was equal to 100%.
Modeling the kinetics of heteromeric potassium channels
Authors: McGahan Kees , Keener James
Published: November 2022

Mechanistic mathematical modeling has long been used as a tool for answering questions in cellular physiology. To mathematically describe cellular processes such as cell excitability, volume regulation, neurotransmitter release, and hormone secretion requires accurate descriptions of ion channel kinetics. One class of ion channels currently lacking a physiological model framework is the class of channels built with multiple different potassium protein subunits called heteromeric voltage gated potassium channels. Here we present a novel mathematical model for heteromeric potassium channels that captures both the number and type of protein subunits present in each channel. Key model assumptions are validated by showing our model is the reduction of a Markov model and through observations about voltage clamp data. We then show our model's success in replicating kinetic properties of concatemeric channels with different numbers of Kv1.1 and Kv1.2 subunits. Finally, through comparisons with multiple expression experiments across multiple voltage gated potassium families, we use the model to make predictions about the importance and effect of genetic mutations in heteromeric channel formation.
Medicinal herbs and multiple sclerosis: Overview on the hard balance between new therapeutic strategy and occupational health risk
Authors: Costantini Erica , Masciarelli Eva , Casorri Laura , Di Luigi Marco , Reale Marcella
Published: November 2022

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by demyelination and axonal loss of the central nervous system (CNS). Despite its spread throughout the world, the mechanisms that determine its onset are still to be defined. Immunological, genetic, viral, and environmental factors and exposure to chemicals may trigger MS. Many studies have highlighted the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of medicinal herbs, which make them a natural and complementary treatment for neurodegenerative diseases. A severe reduction of several MS symptoms occurs with herbal therapy. Thus, the request for medicinal plants with potential beneficial effects, for MS patients, is constantly increasing. Consequently, a production increase needs. Unfortunately, many medicinal herbs were untested and their action mechanism, possible adverse effects, contraindications, or interactions with other drugs, are poorly or not investigated. Keeping in mind the pathological mechanisms of MS and the oxidative damages and mitochondrial dysfunctions induced by pesticides, it is important to understand if pesticides used to increase agricultural productivity and their residues in medicinal plants, may increase the risk of developing MS in both workers and consumers. Studies providing some indication about the relationship between environmental exposure to pesticides and MS disease incidence are few, fragmentary, and discordant. The aim of this article is to provide a glance at the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants and at the risk for MS onset of pesticides used by medicinal plant growers and present in medicinal herbs.
Recognizing the role of the vagus nerve in depression from microbiota-gut brain axis
Authors: Tan Chaoren , Yan Qiqi , Ma Yue , Fang Jiliang , Yang Yongsheng
Published: November 2022

Depression is a worldwide disease causing severe disability, morbidity, and mortality. Despite abundant studies, the precise mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of depression remain elusive. Recently, cumulate research suggests that a disturbance of microbiota-gut-brain axis may play a vital role in the etiology of depression while correcting this disturbance could alleviate depression symptoms. The vagus nerve, linking brain and gut through its afferent and efferent branches, is a critical route in the bidirectional communication of this axis. Directly or indirectly, the vagus afferent fibers can sense and relay gut microbiota signals to the brain and induce brain disorders including depression. Also, brain changes in response to stress may result in gut hyperpermeability and inflammation mediating by the vagal efferents, which may be detrimental to depression. Notably, vagus nerve stimulation owns an anti-inflammatory effect and was proved for depression treatment. Nevertheless, depression was accompanied by a low vagal tone, which may derive from response to stress and contribute to pathogenesis of depression. In this review, we aim to explore the role of the vagus nerve in depression from the perspective of the microbiota-gut-brain axis, highlighting the relationship among the vagal tone, the gut hyperpermeability, inflammation, and depression.
Brain microstructural changes and fatigue after COVID-19
Authors: Bispo Diógenes Diego de Carvalho , Brandão Pedro Renato de Paula , Pereira Danilo Assis , Maluf Fernando Bisinoto , Dias Bruna Arrais , Paranhos Hugo Rafael , von Glehn Felipe , de Oliveira Augusto César Penalva , Regattieri Neysa Aparecida Tinoco , Silva Lucas Scardua , Yasuda Clarissa Lin , Soares Alexandre Anderson de Sousa Munhoz , Descoteaux Maxime
Published: November 2022

Background

Fatigue and cognitive complaints are the most frequent persistent symptoms in patients after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. This study aimed to assess fatigue and neuropsychological performance and investigate changes in the thickness and volume of gray matter (GM) and microstructural abnormalities in the white matter (WM) in a group of patients with mild-to-moderate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods

We studied 56 COVID-19 patients and 37 matched controls using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Cognition was assessed using Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery, and fatigue was assessed using Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFQ-11). T1-weighted MRI was used to assess GM thickness and volume. Fiber-specific apparent fiber density (FD), free water index, and diffusion tensor imaging data were extracted using diffusion-weighted MRI (d-MRI). d-MRI data were correlated with clinical and cognitive measures using partial correlations and general linear modeling.

Results

COVID-19 patients had mild-to-moderate acute illness (95% non-hospitalized). The average period between real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction-based diagnosis and clinical/MRI assessments was 93.3 (±26.4) days. The COVID-19 group had higher total CFQ-11 scores than the control group (p < 0.001). There were no differences in neuropsychological performance between groups. The COVID-19 group had lower FD in the association, projection, and commissural tracts, but no change in GM. The corona radiata, corticospinal tract, corpus callosum, arcuate fasciculus, cingulate, fornix, inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, inferior longitudinal fasciculus, superior longitudinal fasciculus, and uncinate fasciculus were involved. CFQ-11 scores, performance in reaction time, and visual memory tests correlated with microstructural changes in patients with COVID-19.

Conclusions

Quantitative d-MRI detected changes in the WM microstructure of patients recovering from COVID-19. This study suggests a possible brain substrate underlying the symptoms caused by SARS-CoV-2 during medium- to long-term recovery.
Effects of video-based training on anticipation and decision-making in football players: A systematic review
Authors: Zhao Jie , Gu Qian , Zhao Shuo , Mao Jie
Published: November 2022

The training of athletes’ anticipation and decision-making skills has received increasing attention from researchers, who developed and implemented training programs to achieve this. Video-based training (VBT) has become a popular method in anticipation and decision-making skills training. However, little is known about the benefits of implementing VBT in soccer. This systematic review considered the results of studies on VBT aiming to develop decision-making and anticipation skills in football players, and analyzed its effects. Literature published up to March 2022 was systematically searched on the scientific electronic databases Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, SportDiscus, and Google Scholar. In total, 5,749 articles were identified. After screening the records according to the set exclusion and inclusion criteria, ten articles were considered eligible, including six longitudinal studies and four acute studies. Eight of the ten included studies (80%) showed that VBT group performance in anticipation or decision-making skills was significantly better at post-test than at pre-test, as evidenced by improvements in response accuracy (RA), response times (RT), mean distance scores (MDS) and passing decision-making performance. In six studies that included the no video-based training (NVBT) group, results showed that athletes in the VBT group performed better in anticipation or decision-making skills than in the NVBT group, as evidenced by improvements in RA and RT performance. The studies used different methods for VBT, both explicit and implicit training effectively improved participants’ anticipation and decision-making skills. In addition, the implementation of the “first-person” perspective (i.e., the player’s perspective) and virtual reality (VR) improved the presentation of video stimuli, effectively improving anticipation and decision-making. The findings of this review suggest that VBT is beneficial in developing anticipation and decision-making judgments in football players. However, some findings were inconsistent with previous studies due to differences in intervention duration and experimental protocols, and further studies are needed. Furthermore, future research should actively seek to design appropriate retention tests and transfer tests to truly understand the benefits of VBT for athletes.
Regulation of neural stem cell proliferation and survival by protein arginine methyltransferase 1
Authors: Hashimoto Misuzu , Takeichi Kaho , Murata Kazuya , Kozakai Aoi , Yagi Atsushi , Ishikawa Kohei , Suzuki-Nakagawa Chiharu , Kasuya Yoshitoshi , Fukamizu Akiyoshi , Nakagawa Tsutomu
Published: November 2022

Protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1), a major type I arginine methyltransferase in mammals, methylates histone and non-histone proteins to regulate various cellular functions, such as transcription, DNA damage response, and signal transduction. PRMT1 is highly expressed in neural stem cells (NSCs) and embryonic brains, suggesting that PRMT1 is essential for early brain development. Although our previous reports have shown that PRMT1 positively regulates oligodendrocyte development, it has not been studied whether PRMT1 regulates NSC proliferation and its survival during development. To examine the role of PRMT1 in NSC activity, we cultured NSCs prepared from embryonic mouse forebrains deficient in PRMT1 specific for NSCs and performed neurosphere assays. We found that the primary neurospheres of PRMT1-deficient NSCs were small and the number of spheres was decreased, compared to those of control NSCs. Primary neurospheres deficient in PRMT1 expressed an increased level of cleaved caspase-3, suggesting that PRMT1 deficiency-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, p53 protein was significantly accumulated in PRMT1-deficient NSCs. In parallel, p53-responsive pro-apoptotic genes including Pmaip1 and Perp were upregulated in PRMT1-deficient NSCs. p53-target p21 mRNA and its protein levels were shown to be upregulated in PRMT1-deficient NSCs. Moreover, the 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation assay showed that the loss of PRMT1 led to cell cycle defects in the embryonic NSCs. In contrast to the above in vitro observations, NSCs normally proliferated and survived in the fetal brains of NSC-specific PRMT1-deficient mice. We also found that Lama1, which encodes the laminin subunit α1, was significantly upregulated in the embryonic brains of PRMT1-deficient mice. These data implicate that extracellular factors provided by neighboring cells in the microenvironment gave a trophic support to NSCs in the PRMT1-deficient brain and recovered NSC activity to maintain brain homeostasis. Our study implies that PRMT1 plays a cell-autonomous role in the survival and proliferation of embryonic NSCs.
Processing of auditory information in forebrain regions after hearing loss in adulthood: Behavioral and electrophysiological studies in a rat model
Authors: Johne Marie , Helgers Simeon O. A. , Alam Mesbah , Jelinek Jonas , Hubka Peter , Krauss Joachim K. , Scheper Verena , Kral Andrej , Schwabe Kerstin
Published: November 2022

Background

Hearing loss was proposed as a factor affecting development of cognitive impairment in elderly. Deficits cannot be explained primarily by dysfunctional neuronal networks within the central auditory system. We here tested the impact of hearing loss in adult rats on motor, social, and cognitive function. Furthermore, potential changes in the neuronal activity in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and the inferior colliculus (IC) were evaluated.

Materials and methods

In adult male Sprague Dawley rats hearing loss was induced under general anesthesia with intracochlear injection of neomycin. Sham-operated and naive rats served as controls. Postsurgical acoustically evoked auditory brainstem response (ABR)-measurements verified hearing loss after intracochlear neomycin-injection, respectively, intact hearing in sham-operated and naive controls. In intervals of 8 weeks and up to 12 months after surgery rats were tested for locomotor activity (open field) and coordination (Rotarod), for social interaction and preference, and for learning and memory (4-arms baited 8-arms radial maze test). In a final setting, electrophysiological recordings were performed in the mPFC and the IC.

Results

Locomotor activity did not differ between deaf and control rats, whereas motor coordination on the Rotarod was disturbed in deaf rats (P < 0.05). Learning the concept of the radial maze test was initially disturbed in deaf rats (P < 0.05), whereas retesting every 8 weeks did not show long-term memory deficits. Social interaction and preference was also not affected by hearing loss. Final electrophysiological recordings in anesthetized rats revealed reduced firing rates, enhanced irregular firing, and reduced oscillatory theta band activity (4–8 Hz) in the mPFC of deaf rats as compared to controls (P < 0.05). In the IC, reduced oscillatory theta (4–8 Hz) and gamma (30–100 Hz) band activity was found in deaf rats (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Minor and transient behavioral deficits do not confirm direct impact of long-term hearing loss on cognitive function in rats. However, the altered neuronal activities in the mPFC and IC after hearing loss indicate effects on neuronal networks in and outside the central auditory system with potential consequences on cognitive function.
Association of PPP1R1B polymorphisms with working memory in healthy Han Chinese adults
Authors: Ma Hui , Qiu Riyang , Zhang Wenya , Chen Xiaohong , Zhang Liguo , Wang Man
Published: November 2022

Aims

The dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein (DARPP-32), which is encoded by thePPP1R1Bgene, plays a converging regulatory role in the central nervous system by mediating the actions of dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate. Previous studies have demonstrated that variations in genes related to the dopamine system influence working memory. The present study thus investigated whether polymorphisms inPPP1R1Bgene were associated with working memory.

Materials and methods

A sample of 124 healthy Han Chinese were genotyped for three single nucleotide polymorphisms ofPPP1R1Bgene, namely rs12601930C/T, rs879606A/G, and rs3764352A/G, using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Working memory performance was assessed using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST).

Results

Significant differences were observed in the Total Correct (TC), Total Errors (TE), and Conceptual Level Responses (CLR) scores of the WCST among the three rs12601930C/T genotypes (p= 0.044, 0.044, and 0.047, respectively); in TC, TE, Non-Perseverative Errors (NPE), and CLR scores between participants with the CC and (CT + TT) rs12601930C/T polymorphism genotypes (p= 0.032, 0.032, 0.019, and 0.029, respectively); in TC, TE, Perseverative Errors (PE), NPE, and CLR scores between participants with the (CT + CC) and TT rs12601930C/T polymorphism genotypes (p= 0.001, 0.001, 0.011, 0.004, and 0.001, respectively); and in NPE and CLR scores between participants with the GG and (AG + AA) genotypes of the rs3764352A/G polymorphism (p= 0.011 and 0.010). Furthermore, for males only, there were significant differences in TC, TE, PE, NPE, and CLR scores among the rs12601930C/T genotypes (p= 0.020, 0.020, 0.037, 0.029, and 0.014, respectively) and NPE and CLR scores among the rs3764352 genotypes (p= 0.045 and 0.042).

Conclusion

PPP1R1Bgene polymorphisms rs12601930C/T and rs3764352A/G might be associated with working memory assessed by the WCST in healthy Chinese adults, especially among males.