bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Animal-borne video cameras reveal differences in northern fur seal foraging behavior related to prey size selection
Authors: Kuhn Carey E. , Sterling Jeremy T. , McCormley Molly , Birkemeier Burlyn , Sar Angel , Flock Audrey , Mordy Calvin W.
Published: September 2022

A key aspect of foraging ecology research is understanding how predator foraging behavior and success are influenced by variation in prey resources. For northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus), an understanding of predator-prey relationships is critical to help identify potential causes for the unexplained population decline in Alaska. To examine how foraging behavior differs based on prey size selection, we equipped northern fur seals on St. Paul and St. George islands (Alaska, USA) in September (2017, n=6) and August (2018, n=4, and 2019, n=3) with satellite-linked dive recorders and animal-borne video cameras. We categorized prey capture attempts based on relative prey size (small vs. large) and examined differences in capture depth, time of day, water temperature, and depth relative to the mixed-layer. Successful prey captures (n= 2224) primarily occurred at night (89.7 ± 3.1%) and small prey accounted for the majority of captures (70.5 ± 13.2%), but there was significant variation among individuals. Large prey were captured at nearly twice the depth of small prey (42.9 ± 3.7 m and 23.1 ± 1.8 m, respectively) and the proportion of large prey caught during the day was 3 times higher than at night (0.77 ± 0.1 vs. 0.25 ± 0.1). There was no relationship between prey size and water temperature after we accounted for temperature changes with depth. The highest proportion of prey captures occurred below the mixed-layer depth regardless of prey size, but the proportion of small prey captures above mixed-layer depth was double that of large prey. This enhanced understanding of northern fur seal prey capture behavior will be pivotal for better interpretation of decades of historical dive and diet data and can provide insight into how northern fur seals may respond to future variation in prey resources, which is essential to develop ecosystem-based approaches for northern fur seal conservation.
Temperature modulation alters the gut and skin microbial profiles of chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta)
Authors: Ghosh Subrata Kumar , Wong Marty Kwok-Shing , Hyodo Susumu , Goto Shuji , Hamasaki Koji
Published: September 2022

Fish-associated microbiota are an integral part to the health of the host fish. The ongoing climate changes including global warming of water may disrupt the composition and diversity of host-microbiota, and subsequently, destabilize the fish homeostasis. Since the knowledge on temperature-sensitive marine fish and environmental bacteria is scarce, we investigated the effects of rearing temperatures on community structure, diversity and assembly process of bacteria on chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta), which is a temperate salmon species found in the Pacific. Over the course of two weeks, laboratory-raised chum salmon were exposed to three temperatures: high (18°C), low (8°C) and, control (13°C). Their feces, cutaneous mucus, and surrounding water were sampled for community structure analysis based on 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Temperature changes from the control level triggered significant dysbiosis in the fecal and skin mucus microbiota. In particular, Vibrio and Tenacibaculum sequence variants were highly abundant at high and low temperatures, respectively, and the opportunistic growth of these pathogenic species may impede host immunity. Two temperature-specific taxonomic microbial biomarkers, the class Betaproteobacteria and the genus Flavobacterium were identified at both high and low temperatures. An analysis of bacterial community assembly processes revealed that environmental selection significantly affected the gut microbial community assembly, while the assembly process of the skin microbiota was stochastic. Our study elucidated the potential crisis of fish health when the equilibrium of the cutaneous and intestinal microbiota was disrupted by temperature changes. Our data will be a valuable tool to better understand the effects of climate change, a very pressing and important challenge now and in the future, on the fish microbiota and its homeostasis.
Responses of phytoplankton communities driven by differences of source water intrusions in the El Niño and La Niña events in the Taiwan Strait during the early spring
Authors: Zhong Yanping , Laws Edward A. , Zhuang Jiafu , Wang Jingxiao , Wang Peixuan , Zhang Caiyun , Liu Xin , Huang Bangqin
Published: September 2022

The El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is one of the most important drivers of interannual variations of marine ecosystems, especially monsoonal ecosystems. The channel effect in a strait amplifies the impact of monsoons and may be an ideal area to study ecosystem responses to ENSO events. Previous studies have shown that physical processes in the Taiwan Strait (TWS) vary during the different ENSO phases, but the biological responses are still unclear. In this study, we found clear differences in the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the TWS between different ENSO phases based on data from satellites and field cruises during the 2015–2016 El Niño and 2017–2018 La Niña events. Although the monsoonal patterns were similar during early spring cruises during two ENSO events, the influence of the China Coastal Current (CCC), which is characterized by low sea surface temperature, low salinity, and high nutrient concentrations, was 1.5 times greater during the 2015–2016 El Niño than the 2017–2018 La Niña. The average chlorophyll a concentration was therefore higher in 2016 than that in 2018. The phytoplankton consisted mainly of diatoms, dinoflagellates, and cryptophytes during the 2015–2016 El Niño, but concentrations of those phytoplankton groups decreased, and concentrations of prasinophytes, Synechococcus, and Prochlorococcus increased during the 2017–2018 La Niña. Their influence of the CCC and warm currents were associated with the variations in phytoplankton community structure in the TWS. The results of this study enhance understanding of the responses of marine ecosystems to climate variabilities, and of the changes that climate change may bring to strait ecosystems.
Machine learning-accelerated small-angle X-ray scattering analysis of disordered two- and three-phase materials
Authors: Röding Magnus , Tomaszewski Piotr , Yu Shun , Borg Markus , Rönnols Jerk
Published: September 2022

Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) is a useful technique for nanoscale structural characterization of materials. In SAXS, structural and spatial information is indirectly obtained from the scattering intensity in the spectral domain, known as the reciprocal space. Therefore, characterizing the structure requires solving the inverse problem of finding a plausible structure model that corresponds to the measured scattering intensity. Both the choice of structure model and the computational workload of parameter estimation are bottlenecks in this process. In this work, we develop a framework for analysis of SAXS data from disordered materials. The materials are modeled using Gaussian Random Fields (GRFs). We study the case of two phases, pore and solid, and three phases, where a third phase is added at the interface between the two other phases. Further, we develop very fast GPU-accelerated, Fourier transform-based numerical methods for both structure generation and SAXS simulation. We demonstrate that length scales and volume fractions can be predicted with good accuracy using our machine learning-based framework. The parameter prediction executes virtually instantaneously and hence the computational burden of conventional model fitting can be avoided.
Engineered electrospun poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)/Si3N4 nanofiber scaffold promotes osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cell
Authors: Zhou Changsong , Su Shenghui , Fan Jiwen , Lin Jiuzao , Wang Xiaoyong
Published: September 2022

Nanofibers show promise as bone tissue engineering scaffolds (BTESs). In this study, electrospun poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)/silicon nitride (Si3N4) composite nanofiber membranes were formed and the osteogenesis capability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) from the scaffold marrow was investigated. By modifying the different properties of Si3N4 in the PLGA, two hybrid scaffolds were successfully prepared, including the PLGA/Si3N4 (1 wt.%) nanofiber scaffold and PLGA/Si3N4 (2 wt.%) nanofiber scaffold. The diameter of the fiber nanofiber scaffold PLGA/Si3N4 was decreased and the mechanical strength was increased compared to PLGA. In vitro studies showed better cell adhesion and proliferation on the PLGA/Si3N4 nanofiber scaffold compared to the PLGA nanofiber scaffold. The integration of Si3N4 promoted osteogenesis capacity by increasing the gene expression of bone-related proteins (BMP2, ALP, OPN, COL1a1, Runx2, and OCN), calcium deposits, and support of ALP activity compared to those for the PLGA nanofiber scaffold. Similarly, the PLGA/Si3N4 (2 wt.%) nanofiber scaffold showed better mechanics and biological activity compared to the PLGA/Si3N4 (1 wt.%) nanofiber scaffold. Overall, the PLGA/Si3N4 nanofiber scaffold showed potential as a promising hybrid scaffold for bone regeneration.
Short-term blood pressure variability and outcomes in non-dialysis chronic kidney disease
Authors: Wang Ge , Ma Kai , Ma Zhilan , Guo Xiaoyan , Wang Yan , Ma Lan , Qi Chenchen , Li Yan , Zhou Xiaoling
Published: September 2022

Background

Blood pressure variability (BPV) is associated with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, and has been demonstrated in dialysis patients, but has been poorly studied and remains controversial in non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. We investigated the effect of short-term BPV on prognosis in this population.

Methods

A total of 245 stage 1–4 CKD patients with 24-h ambulatory blood pressure recordings were recruited. BPV was evaluated by standard deviation, coefficient of variation, and variation independent of the mean, respectively. All subjects were followed up to the composite end-point event or until January 15, 2020. Patients were divided into two groups based on 24-h median variation independent of the mean, and demographics, laboratory indicators and echocardiogram results were compared. Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors for increased BPV. Multivariate Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used to explore the relationship between BPV and renal prognosis and major cardiovascular events.

Results

The mean age was 42.07 ± 12.66 years, with 141 males (57.55%). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that high BMI (OR 1.110, P = 0.017), hyperkalemia (OR 2.227, P = 0.040), increased left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (OR 1.103, P = 0.010) and hypertension (OR 2.525, P = 0.002) were independent risk factors for high BPV. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that renal and cardiovascular outcomes were better in the low BPV group than in the high BPV group (P = 0.006; P = 0.002). After adjusting for age, sex and traditional kidney related risk factors, BPV were not independently associated with renal outcomes. High BPV (HR 4.662, P = 0.017) was the main independent risk factor for major cardiovascular events in CKD.

Conclusions

In non-dialysis CKD, short-term BPV was associated with major cardiovascular disease but not renal progression. BMI, hypertension, potassium balance, and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter influenced short-term BPV.
Self-supervised learning mechanism for identification of eyelid malignant melanoma in pathologic slides with limited annotation
Authors: Wang Linyan , Jiang Zijing , Shao An , Liu Zhengyun , Gu Renshu , Ge Ruiquan , Jia Gangyong , Wang Yaqi , Ye Juan
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The lack of finely annotated pathologic data has limited the application of deep learning systems (DLS) to the automated interpretation of pathologic slides. Therefore, this study develops a robust self-supervised learning (SSL) pathology diagnostic system to automatically detect malignant melanoma (MM) in the eyelid with limited annotation.

Design

Development of a self-supervised diagnosis pipeline based on a public dataset, then refined and tested on a private, real-world clinical dataset.

Subjects

A. Patchcamelyon (PCam)-a publicly accessible dataset for the classification task of patch-level histopathologic images. B. The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (ZJU-2) dataset – 524,307 patches (small sections cut from pathologic slide images) from 192 H&E-stained whole-slide-images (WSIs); only 72 WSIs were labeled by pathologists.

Methods

Patchcamelyon was used to select a convolutional neural network (CNN) as the backbone for our SSL-based model. This model was further developed in the ZJU-2 dataset for patch-level classification with both labeled and unlabeled images to test its diagnosis ability. Then the algorithm retrieved information based on patch-level prediction to generate WSI-level classification results using random forest. A heatmap was computed for visualizing the decision-making process.

Main outcome measure(s)

The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were used to evaluate the performance of the algorithm in identifying MM.

Results

ResNet50 was selected as the backbone of the SSL-based model using the PCam dataset. This algorithm then achieved an AUC of 0.981 with an accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 90.9, 85.2, and 96.3% for the patch-level classification of the ZJU-2 dataset. For WSI-level diagnosis, the AUC, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.974, 93.8%, 75.0%, and 100%, separately. For every WSI, a heatmap was generated based on the malignancy probability.

Conclusion

Our diagnostic system, which is based on SSL and trained with a dataset of limited annotation, can automatically identify MM in pathologic slides and highlight MM areas in WSIs by a probabilistic heatmap. In addition, this labor-saving and cost-efficient model has the potential to be refined to help diagnose other ophthalmic and non-ophthalmic malignancies.
Small extracellular vesicles as a multicomponent biomarker platform in urinary tract carcinomas
Authors: K Szeliski , T Drewa , M Pokrywczyńska
Published: September 2022

Extracellular vesicles are a large group of nano-sized vesicles released by all cells. The variety of possible cargo (mRNAs, miRNAs, lncRNAs, proteins, and lipids) and the presence of surface proteins, signaling molecules, and receptor ligands make them a rich source of biomarkers for malignancy diagnosis. One of the groups gathering the most interest in cancer diagnostic applications is small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), with ≤200 nm diameter, mainly composed of exosomes. Many studies were conducted recently, evaluating the diagnostic potential of sEVs in urinary tract carcinomas (UTCs), discovering and clinically evaluating various classes of biomarkers. The amount of research concerning different types of UTCs understandably reflects their incidence. sEV cargos getting the most interest are non-coding RNAs (miRNA and lncRNA). However, implementation of other approaches such as metabolomic and proteomic analysis is also evaluated. The results of many studies indicate that sEVs have an essential role in the cancer process and possess many possible diagnostic and prognostic applications for UTC. The relative ease of obtaining biofluids rich in sEVs (urine and blood) confirms that sEVs are essential for UTC detection in the liquid biopsy approach. A noticeable rise in research quality is observed as more researchers are aware of the research standardization necessity, which is essential for considering the clinical application of their findings.
Immunotherapy with corticosteroids in anti-neural autoantibody-associated cognitive impairment: Retrospective case series
Authors: Hansen Niels , Hirschel Sina , Rentzsch Kristin , Wiltfang Jens , Malchow Berend , Fitzner Dirk
Published: September 2022

Background

Anti-neural autoantibody-associated cognitive impairment is an increasing phenomenon in memory clinics deserving more attention to applying immunotherapy such as methylprednisolone to improve cognition. Our study aims to investigate the usefulness of intravenous high-dosage corticosteroids in a small cohort of patients suffering from anti-neural autoantibody-associated cognitive impairment.

Materials and methods

We included in our retrospective case series seven patients presenting diverse neural autoantibodies and cognitive impairments varying from a mild impairment to dementia. We conducted neuropsychological and psychopathological investigations before and after the application of high intravenous methylprednisolone therapy over a 6-month period. Neuropsychological function was assessed by the CERAD (Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease) test battery. Patients were also characterized by assessing their patient files for demographic and clinical data.

Results

The patients’ cognitive subdomains did not improve according to CERAD in their z-scores before and after immunotherapy. We noted a non-significant trend toward an improvement in semantic fluency and verbal memory consolidation. Patients did not do worse in 4 of 12 (33%) cognitive subdomains in the CERAD test battery. Furthermore, mood dysfunction lessened as a non-significant trend in specific psychopathological features such as reduced affective symptoms, loss of drive, and ruminations. Affective symptoms, loss of drive and ruminations were reduced by 43% after immunotherapy.

Discussion

Our small pilot study revealed no relevant alleviation of cognitive dysfunction in patients with neural autoantibodies. However, mood dysfunction became less obvious in specific functions concerning affect, drive, and rumination. However, we do not know whether methylprednisolone affects mood dysfunction, as some patients were taking antidepressant drugs at the same time. Our results might indicate that methylprednisolone immunotherapy is associated with impeding the progression of cognitive dysfunction and reducing mood dysfunction. Further large-scale, placebo-controlled studies in a more homogeneous patient population presenting a uniform pattern of neural autoantibodies should be undertaken.
Weakly activated core neuroinflammation pathways were identified as a central signaling mechanism contributing to the chronic neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Li Fuhai , Eteleeb Abdallah M. , Buchser William , Sohn Christopher , Wang Guoqiao , Xiong Chengjie , Payne Philip R. , McDade Eric , Karch Celeste M. , Harari Oscar , Cruchaga Carlos
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Neuroinflammation signaling has been identified as an important hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in addition to amyloid β plaques (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). However, the molecular mechanisms and biological processes of neuroinflammation remain unclear and have not well delineated using transcriptomics data available. Our objectives are to uncover the core neuroinflammation signaling pathways in AD using integrative network analysis on the transcriptomics data.

Materials and methods

From a novel perspective, i.e., investigating weakly activated molecular signals (rather than the strongly activated molecular signals), we developed integrative and systems biology network analysis to uncover potential core neuroinflammation signaling targets and pathways in AD using the two large-scale transcriptomics datasets, i.e., Mayo Clinic (77 controls and 81 AD samples) and ROSMAP (97 controls and 260 AD samples).

Results

Our analysis identified interesting core neuroinflammation signaling pathways, which are not systematically reported in the previous studies of AD. Specifically, we identified 7 categories of signaling pathways implicated on AD and related to virus infection: immune response, x-core signaling, apoptosis, lipid dysfunctional, biosynthesis and metabolism, and mineral absorption signaling pathways. More interestingly, most of the genes in the virus infection, immune response, and x-core signaling pathways are associated with inflammation molecular functions. The x-core signaling pathways were defined as a group of 9 signaling proteins: MAPK, Rap1, NF-kappa B, HIF-1, PI3K-Akt, Wnt, TGF-beta, Hippo, and TNF, which indicated the core neuroinflammation signaling pathways responding to the low-level and weakly activated inflammation and hypoxia and leading to the chronic neurodegeneration. It is interesting to investigate the detailed signaling cascades of these weakly activated neuroinflammation signaling pathways causing neurodegeneration in a chronic process, and consequently uncover novel therapeutic targets for effective AD treatment and prevention.

Conclusions

The potential core neuroinflammation and associated signaling targets and pathways were identified using integrative network analysis on two large-scale transcriptomics datasets of AD.
Robotic ankle control can provide appropriate assistance throughout the gait cycle in healthy adults
Authors: Nakagawa Kei , Higashi Keita , Ikeda Akari , Kadono Naoto , Tanaka Eiichiro , Yuge Louis
Published: September 2022

Ankle foot orthoses are mainly applied to provide stability in the stance phase and adequate foot clearance in the swing phase; however, they do not sufficiently assist during the entire gait cycle. On the other hand, robotic-controlled orthoses can provide mechanical assistance throughout the phases of the gait cycle. This study investigated the effect of ankle control throughout the gait cycle using an ankle joint walking assistive device under five different robotic assistance conditions: uncontrolled, dorsiflexion, and plantar flexion controlled at high and low speeds in the initial loading phase. Compared with the no-control condition, the plantar flexion condition enhanced knee extension and delayed the timing of ankle dorsiflexion in the stance phase; however, the opposite effect occurred under the dorsiflexion condition. Significant differences in the trailing limb angle and minimum toe clearance were also observed, although the same assistance was applied from the mid-stance phase to the initial swing phase. Ankle assistance in the initial loading phase affected the knee extension and ankle dorsiflexion angle during the stance phase. The smooth weight shift obtained might have a positive effect on lifting the limb during the swing phase. Robotic ankle control may provide appropriate assistance throughout the gait cycle according to individual gait ability.
Systemic immune inflammatory index is an independent predictor for the requirement of decompressive craniectomy in large artery occlusion acute ischemic stroke patients after mechanical thrombectomy
Authors: Li Wen-Cai , Zhou Yun-Xiang , Zhu Gang , Zeng Kai-Liang , Zeng Hai-Yong , Chen Jian-Sheng , Deng Yi-Fan , Qin Zhong-Zong , Luo Hong-Hai
Published: September 2022

Background and purpose

Following mechanical thrombectomy (MT), patients with large artery occlusive acute ischemic stroke (LAO-AIS) often have cerebral herniation due to its complications, resulting in poor prognosis. Decompressive craniectomy (DC) can markedly improve patient prognosis. This study aimed to verify the predictive value of clinical parameters such as the systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII) for DC in patients with LAO-AIS after MT.

Methods

Clinical data of a total of 173 patients with LAO-AIS treated with MT between January 2020 and January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients receiving DC were grouped into an experimental group or a control group (no DC). The patients were randomly divided into the training set (n = 126, 75%) and validation set (n = 43, 25%). Multivariate logistic regression was used to construct a nomogram predictive model.

Results

The SII value in the experimental group (median: 2851.1×109/L) was significantly higher than that in the control group (median: 1898.6 × 109/L) (P = 0.019). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses showed that the best cutoff value of the SII was 2505.7 × 109/L with a sensitivity of 55%, a specificity of 75.8%, and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.649. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that the SII was an independent predictor for performing DC in patients with LAO-AIS after MT (OR = 3.579, 95% CI = 1.360–9.422, P = 0.01). The AUC was 0.728 in the training set and 0.583 in the validation set. The average error of the calibration curve was 0.032 in the training set and 0.023 in the validation set. The average error was relatively small and consistent in the training set and validation set. The C-index of the nomogram was 0.804 suggesting good accuracy.

Conclusions

The SII at admission is an independent predictor for the requirement of DC in patients with LAO-AIS after MT. The SII-based nomogram helps doctors make decisions on whether DC is needed timely and rationally, and thereby may improve the prognosis of these patients.
Elevated monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio correlates with clinical severity in acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy patients
Authors: Peng You-Fan , Luo Miao , Zhang Qing-Song
Published: September 2022

While monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) has been reported to be associated with nervous system lesions, the role of MHR has not been determined in patients with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). The purpose of our study was to explore the role of MHR in patients with GBS. A total of 52 GBS patients were involved in the study retrospectively, including patients with acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP), acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN), and acute motor sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN). We used Hughes Functional Grading Scale (HFGS) score to evaluate functional status in GBS patients. Among patients with different subtypes of GBS, MHR was significantly elevated in those with demyelination compared to patients without demyelination (p < 0.001); AIDP patients had an increased MHR compared with AMAN or AMSAN patients (p = 0.001; p = 0.013). There was a positive correlation between MHR and HFGS score (r = 0.463, p = 0.006) in AIDP patients, but not in AMAN or AMSAN. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that MHR was independently associated with HFGS score (beta = 0.405, p = 0.013) in AIDP patients. Our study suggests that MHR as an inflammatory marker is elevated in patients with AIDP compared to AMAN or AMSAN patients, while MHR has a positive correlation with clinical severity in AIDP patients, suggesting that MHR may provide an additional information to reflect the pathophysiology of AIDP.
Investigating the mechanism and prognosis of patients with disorders of consciousness on the basis of brain networks between the thalamus and whole-brain
Authors: Zhang Jun , Zhang Hongying , Yan Fuli , Zhang Hengzhu , Zhang Enpeng , Wang Xingdong , Wei Min , Pei Yunlong , Yang Zhijie , Li Yuping , Dong Lun , Wang Xiaodong
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the changes in the functional connectivity between the bilateral thalamus and the whole-brain in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) patients suffering from disorders of consciousness (DOC) and to explore their potential prognostic representation capacity.

Methods

The sTBI patients suffering from DOC and healthy controls underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging. We defined patients with the Extended Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS-E) ≥ 3 as the wake group and GOS-E = 2 as the coma group. The differences in functional connectivity between sTBI and healthy controls and between wake and coma groups were compared. Based on the brain regions with altered functional connectivity between wake and coma groups, they were divided into 26 regions of interest. Based on the Z-values of regions of interest, the receiver operating characteristic analysis was conducted to classify the prognosis of patients.

Results

A total of 28 patients and 15 healthy controls were finally included. Patients who had DOC indicated a significant disruption of functional connectivity between the bilateral thalamus and the whole-brain (FDR corrected, P < 0.0007). The functional connectivity strength (bilateral thalamus to whole-brain) was significantly different between coma patients who went on to wake and those who were eventually non-awake at 6 months after sTBI (Alphasim corrected, P < 0.05). Furthermore, the 26 regions of interest had a similar or even better prognostic distinction ability than the admission Glasgow coma score.

Conclusion

The thalamus-based system of consciousness of sTBI patients suffering from DOC is disrupted. There are differences in the thalamus-to-whole-brain network between wake and coma groups and these differences have potential prognostic characterization capability.
Effect of Ishige okamurae extract on musculoskeletal biomarkers in adults with relative sarcopenia: Study protocol for a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Lee Sae Rom , Lee Ye Li , Lee Sang Yeoup
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Sarcopenia is a phenomenon in which skeletal muscle mass decreases with age, causing many health problems. Many studies have been conducted to improve sarcopenia nutritionally. Ishige okamura (IO) is a genus of brown algae and plays a role in anti-diabetes, anti-obesity, and myogenesis. However, the effect of IO extract (IOE) on human muscle strength and mass is unclear. Therefore, we will examine the impact and safety of consumption of IOE for 12 weeks on muscle strength and mass in middle-aged and old-aged adults with relatively low skeletal muscle mass.

Materials and methods

A randomized controlled trial is conducted on 80 adults aged 50–80. A total of 80 participants will be enrolled in this study. Participants assign IOE-taking group (n = 40) and placebo taking group (n = 40). At a baseline and 12 weeks after treatment, the following parameters of the participants are checked: knee extension strength, handgrip strength, body composition, laboratory tests, dietary recall, physical activity, and EQ-5D-5L.

Discussion

The present study will be the first randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial to examine the efficacy and tolerability of IOE supplementation in adults with relatively low muscle mass. The nutritional intake and physical activity that might influence muscle strength and mass will be considered as covariates for transparency of results. The results of this study will provide clinical evidence for sarcopenia patients with nutrient treatment.

Clinical Trial Registration

www.clinicaltrials.gov/, Identifier: NCT04617951.
Dietary patterns and birth outcomes of healthy Lebanese pregnant women
Authors: Papazian Tatiana , Salameh Pascale , Abi Tayeh Georges , Kesrouani Assaad , Aoun Carla , Abou Diwan Mia , Rabbaa Khabbaz Lydia
Published: September 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to define the dietary patterns (DPs) of a sample of Lebanese pregnant women and to establish their correlation with maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 358 Lebanese pregnant women. Maternal socio-demographic variables, anthropometric measurements, gestational weight gain and neonatal outcomes such as weight, length, head circumference and Apgar score were collected by qualified dietitians. Dietary intake was assessed by a validated food frequency questionnaire and three 24-h dietary recalls. DPs were determined, a posteriori, by a factor analysis to distinguish the inter-correlations between the food groups and a cluster analysis method to assemble the participants into groupings based on similarities in food consumption.

Results

The identified DPs were not exclusively composed of specific food groups, since some components were overlapping in the DPs. The first one was characterized by a high consumption of starchy vegetables, unsaturated fats and unhealthy foods, the second was rich in fruits and vegetables, seeds, rice and pasta, and in fried local meals and the third was mainly based on protein-rich foods like poultry, fish, eggs and dairy products. They were named respectively as “Westernized,” “Mixed” and “Neo-Mediterranean” by the research team. Women having the lowest pre-gestational body mass index (BMI) and higher gestational age followed mainly the “Neo-Mediterranean” eating pattern.

Conclusion

The three identified DPs among Lebanese pregnant women were correlated with the pre-gestational BMI, and some maternal variables. However, neither the maternal nor the neonatal outcomes were correlated with the DP adopted by the mothers.
MYBIOTA: A birth cohort on maternal and infant microbiota and its impact on infant health in Malaysia
Authors: Eow Shiang Yen , Gan Wan Ying , Jiang Tiemin , Loh Su Peng , Lee Ling Jun , Chin Yit Siew , Than Leslie Thian Lung , How Kang Nien , Thong Pui Ling , Liu Yanpin , Zhao Junying , Chen Lijun
Published: September 2022

Background

The microbiota plays a key role in early immunity maturation that affects infant health and is associated with the development of non-communicable diseases and allergies in later life.

Objective

The MYBIOTA is a prospective mother-infant cohort study in Malaysia aiming to determine the association between gut microbiota with infant health (temperament, gastrointestinal disorders, eczema, asthma, and developmental delays) in Selangor, Malaysia.

Methods

Pregnant mothers will be enrolled in their first trimester of pregnancy, and follow-ups will be done for infants during their first year of life. Maternal-infant biological samples (blood, feces, saliva, urine, and breast milk), anthropometric, dietary, and clinical information will be collected at different time points from early pregnancy to 12 months postpartum.

Discussion

This study could provide a better understanding of the colonization and development of the gut microbiome during early life and its impact on infant health.

Clinical trial registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier NCT04919265.
Role of IGF2BPs in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wu Kainan , Chang Fen , Li Wenming , Su Tongdong , Lei Dapeng
Published: September 2022

IGF2BPs belongs to a family of conserved RNA-bound oncoembryonic proteins that play a crucial part in various aspects of cell function, such as cell migration, morphology, metabolism, proliferation and differentiation. Recent studies have shown that IGF2BPs play a role as a member of m6A reader. m6A is the most abundant modification in RNA epigenetics, which is closely related to a family of RNA-binding proteins. These proteins are fell into three categories—writers, readers and erasers. In the present study, IGF2BPs play an important role in tumor metabolism, especially in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) metabolism. In this paper, the basic structure of IGF2BPs, its role in the development of HNSCC, molecular mechanism, research progress and research prospect of IGF2BPs in HNSCC are reviewed, which will providing new ideas for further study of IGF2BPs.
Recent advances in immune checkpoint inhibitors for non-small lung cancer treatment
Authors: Altaf Reem , Jadoon Sarmad Sheraz , Muhammad Syed Aun , Ilyas Umair , Duan Yongtao
Published: September 2022

Lung cancer is one of the deadliest types of cancer responsible for thousands of cancer-related deaths. Its treatment has remained a challenge for researchers, but an increase in the knowledge of molecular pathways and biology of lung cancer has dramatically changed its management in recent decades. Immunotherapies and immunomodulation of lung cancer have previously failed for a long time but thanks to continuous research work and enthusiasm, now, this field is emerging as a novel effective therapy. Now, it is hope with potential benefits and promising results in the treatment of lung cancer. This review article focuses on immune checkpoints inhibitors: CTLA-4 inhibitors (ipilimumab and tremelimumab) and PDL-1 inhibitors (durvalumab and atezolizumab) that can be blocked to treat lung carcinoma. It is also focused on critically analyzing different studies and clinical trials to determine the potential benefits, risks, and adverse events associated with immunotherapeutic treatment.
A research update on the antitumor effects of active components of Chinese medicine ChanSu
Authors: Jia Jinhao , Li Jie , Zheng Qiusheng , Li Defang
Published: September 2022

Clinical data show that the incidence and mortality rates of cancer are rising continuously, and cancer has become an ongoing public health challenge worldwide. Excitingly, the extensive clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine may suggest a new direction to combat cancer, and the therapeutic effects of active ingredients from Chinese herbal medicine on cancer are now being widely studied in the medical community. As a traditional anticancer Chinese medicine, ChanSu has been clinically applied since the 1980s and has achieved excellent antitumor efficacy. Meanwhile, the ChanSu active components (e.g., telocinobufagin, bufotalin, bufalin, cinobufotalin, and cinobufagin) exert great antitumor activity in many cancers, such as breast cancer, colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Many pharmaceutical scientists have investigated the anticancer mechanisms of ChanSu or the ChanSu active components and obtained certain research progress. This article reviews the research progress and antitumor mechanisms of ChanSu active components and proposes that multiple active components of ChanSu may be potential anticancer drugs.
Role of Interleukin-1 family in bone metastasis of prostate cancer
Authors: Tong Yuanhao , Cao Yinghao , Jin Tianzhe , Huang Zhengwei , He Qinyuan , Mao Min
Published: September 2022

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most fatal diseases in male patients with high bone metastatic potential. Bone metastasis severely shortens overall survival and brings skeletal-related events (SREs) which reduces the life quality of patients, and this situation is currently regarded as irreversible and incurable. The progression and metastasis of PCa are found to be closely associated with inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. As pivotal members of inflammatory cytokines, Interleukin-1 (IL-1) family plays a crucial role in this process. Elevated expression of IL-1 family was detected in PCa patients with bone metastasis, and accumulating evidences proved that IL-1 family could exert vital effects on the progression and bone metastasis of many cancers, while some members have dual effects. In this review, we discuss the role of IL-1 family in the bone metastasis of PCa. Furthermore, we demonstrate that many members of IL-1 family could act as pivotal biomarkers to predict the clinical stage and prognosis of PCa patients. More importantly, we have elucidated the role of IL-1 family in the bone metastasis of PCa, which could provide potential targets for the treatment of PCa bone metastasis and probable directions for future research.
Frontal alpha asymmetry: A potential biomarker of approach-withdrawal motivation towards pain
Authors: Silva-Passadouro Bárbara , Delgado-Sanchez Ariane , Henshaw James , Lopez-Diaz Karen , Trujillo-Barreto Nelson J. , Jones Anthony K. P. , Sivan Manoj
Published: September 2022

Pain-related catastrophising is a maladaptive coping strategy known to have a strong influence on clinical pain outcomes and treatment efficacy. Notwithstanding, little is known about its neurophysiological correlates. There is evidence to suggest catastrophising is associated with resting-state EEG frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA) patterns reflective of greater relative right frontal activity, which is known to be linked to withdrawal motivation and avoidance of aversive stimuli. The present study aims to investigate whether such a relationship occurs in the situational context of experimental pain. A placebo intervention was also included to evaluate effects of a potential pain-relieving intervention on FAA. 35 participants, including both chronic pain patients and healthy subjects, completed the Pain Catastrophising Scale (PCS) questionnaire followed by EEG recordings during cold pressor test (CPT)-induced tonic pain with or without prior application of placebo cream. There was a negative correlation between FAA and PCS-subscale helplessness scores, but not rumination or magnification, during the pre-placebo CPT condition. Moreover, FAA scores were shown to increase significantly in response to pain, indicative of greater relative left frontal activity that relates to approach-oriented behaviours. Placebo treatment elicited a decrease in FAA in low helplessness scorers, but no significant effects in individuals scoring above the mean on PCS-helplessness. These findings suggest that, during painful events, FAA may reflect the motivational drive to obtain reward of pain relief, which may be diminished in individuals who are prone to feel helpless about their pain. This study provides valuable insights into biomarkers of pain-related catastrophising and prospects of identifying promising targets of brain-based therapies for chronic pain management.
Genome-wide association study in patients with posterior urethral valves
Authors: van der Zanden Loes F. M. , Maj Carlo , Borisov Oleg , van Rooij Iris A. L. M. , Quaedackers Josine S. L. T. , Steffens Martijn , Schierbaum Luca , Schneider Sophia , Waffenschmidt Lea , Kiemeney Lambertus A. L. M. , de Wall Liesbeth L. L. , Heilmann Stefanie , Hofmann Aybike , Gehlen Jan , Schumacher Johannes , Szczepanska Maria , Taranta-Janusz Katarzyna , Kroll Pawel , Krzemien Grazyna , Szmigielska Agnieszka , Schreuder Michiel F. , Weber Stefanie , Zaniew Marcin , Roeleveld Nel , Reutter Heiko , Feitz Wout F. J. , Hilger Alina C.
Published: September 2022

Congenital lower urinary tract obstructions (LUTO) are most often caused by posterior urethral valves (PUV), a male limited anatomical obstruction of the urethra affecting 1 in 4,000 male live births. Little is known about the genetic background of PUV. Here, we report the largest genome-wide association study (GWAS) for PUV in 4 cohorts of patients and controls. The final meta-analysis included 756 patients and 4,823 ethnicity matched controls and comprised 5,754,208 variants that were genotyped or imputed and passed quality control in all 4 cohorts. No genome-wide significant locus was identified, but 33 variants showed suggestive significance (P < 1 × 10−5). When considering only loci with multiple variants residing within < 10 kB of each other showing suggestive significance and with the same effect direction in all 4 cohorts, 3 loci comprising a total of 9 variants remained. These loci resided on chromosomes 13, 16, and 20. The present GWAS and meta-analysis is the largest genetic study on PUV performed to date. The fact that no genome-wide significant locus was identified, can be explained by lack of power or may indicate that common variants do not play a major role in the etiology of PUV. Nevertheless, future studies are warranted to replicate and validate the 3 loci that yielded suggestive associations.
High-fat diet combined with dextran sulfate sodium failed to induce a more serious NASH phenotype than high-fat diet alone
Authors: Zhou Yan , Feng Ya , Yang Lili , Zheng Peiyong , Hang Lu , Jiang Fengru , Yuan Jianye , Zhu Lixin
Published: September 2022

Background and Aims: Animal models are essential tools to investigate the pathogenesis of diseases. Disruption in the intestinal epithelial barrier and gut vascular barrier is an early event in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Intestinal epithelial barrier can be destroyed by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) oral administration. High fat diet (HFD)-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) rat model has been widely used. Recently, the combination of HFD with DSS induced NASH model has also been reported. The present study aimed to evaluate whether this composite NASH animal model is more ideal than that induced by HFD alone.

Methods: Rats were divided into control, HFD and HFD combined with DSS (DSS + HFD) groups. They were fed with routine diet, high-fat diet, and HFD combined with DSS drinking, respectively, for 22 weeks. Histopathological analysis (HE staining, Oil-Red O staining, Masson staining), lipid parameters testing (TG, TC, GLU, NEFA, TRIG, LDL, HDL), testing on indicators of inflammation (TNF-α, ALT, AST, ALP, LDH) and oxidative stress (MDA, SOD, CAT) were performed.

Results: Rats in HFD and DSS + HFD group displayed increase in the body weight, liver weight, lipids accumulation and the levels of TNF-α, ALT, AST, ALP, MDA in serum and liver accompanied with impaired glucose tolerance, obvious hepatitis, and decreased levels of SOD and CAT in serum and liver compared to those in control group. Moreover, in the DSS + HFD group, but not in the HFD group, proliferation of fibrous tissue in the portal area and the hepatic lobules was found.

Conclusion: The addition of DSS on high-fat diet did not exacerbate lipid accumulation and inflammation, but induced NASH-related liver fibrosis.
Efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant imatinib therapy for patients with locally advanced rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumors: A multi-center cohort study
Authors: Li Weihao , Li Xinyue , Yu Kun , Xiao Binyi , Peng Jianhong , Zhang Rongxin , Zhang Lingfang , Wang Kun , Pan Zhizhong , Li Cong , Wu Xiaojun
Published: September 2022

Background: Several issues on neoadjuvant imatinib therapy remain controversial despite its widespread application for rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). We aimed to describe the clinicopathological characteristics of this specific population, and compare the surgical and oncologic outcomes between patients with or without neoadjuvant imatinib therapy.

Patients and methods: A cohort of 58 consecutive locally advanced rectal GIST patients receiving surgical treatment between January 2007 and July 2019 at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center and Yunnan Cancer Hospital was retrospectively analyzed. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using Kaplan-Meier method.

Results: There were 33 (56.9%) patients who received neoadjuvant imatinib therapy. Among them, 20 (60.6%) patients had partial response (PR) as their best response, 11 (33.3%) patients had stable disease (SD), and 2 (6.1%) patients had progressive disease (PD). The median tumor size reduced from 5.2 to 4.0 cm after treatment (p < 0.001), and an attained “maximal response” was primarily achieved (32/33) on the 12th month after treatment. The most common adverse event was anemia. There were 27 adverse events occurred, most of which were grade 1 (19/27). With respect to intraoperative and postoperative surgical outcomes, no significant difference was found between patients with or without neoadjuvant Imatinib therapy except that patients with neoadjuvant treatment had a significant higher rate of preventive ileostomy (p = 0.004). Patients received neoadjuvant treatment had a superior 2-years RFS outcome than those without, though the difference was no significant (91.7% vs. 78.9%, p = 0.203). There were no significant differences in the 2-years OS rates (95.2% vs. 91.3%, p = 0.441).

Conclusion: Neoadjuvant imatinib therapy is an effective and safe treatment for locally advanced rectal GISTs. Further studies are warranted to validate the long-term prognostic benefit for patients with rectal GISTs receiving neoadjuvant imatinib therapy.