bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the Applicability of UAV for the Creation of Digital Surface Model of a Small Peatland
Authors: Czapiewski Sebastian
Published: February 2022

Rapid development and growing availability of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) translates into their more wide-spread application in monitoring of the natural environment. Moreover, advances in computer analysis techniques allow the imaging performed with UAVs to be used in creating Digital Elevation Models (DEM) and Digital Surface Models (DSM). DEMs are often employed in studies on geology, environment, engineering, and architecture. The presented paper discusses the procedures enabling the making of a precise DEM, discusses the aerial imaging data processing technique as well as determines the accuracy of obtained products in comparison with an existing Digital Elevation Model. Based on available literature the author indicates four sets of input parameters applicable in UAV imaging. Data collection missions were performed on two separate days in the area of a small peatland located in the Tuchola Pinewood, Poland. The study aims to address two research issues. Firstly, the author investigates the possibility of creating a DSM based on UAV imaging performed under unfavorable conditions and indicates whether results obtained via this method display sufficient quality to be seen as an alternative to the traditional surveying techniques (LiDAR). Secondly, the article determines the input parameters for a photogrammetric flight that ensure the highest accuracy of a resulting DSM. The analyses show a strong positive correlation between the DSMs prepared based on UAV imaging with data obtained by means of traditional methods (LiDAR). Mean correlation coefficient ranged from 0.45 to 0.75 depending on the type of land use and input parameters selected for a given flight. Furthermore, the analysis revealed that DSMs prepared based on UAV imaging—provided the most suitable input parameters are selected—can be a viable alternative to standard measurements, with the added benefit of low cost and the capacity for repeatable data collection in time. Admittedly, the method in question cannot be utilized in relation to peatlands overgrown with high vegetation (trees, shrubs) as it effectively diminishes the accuracy of obtained DSMs.
Gender Balance in Norwegian Academia: Present State and Future Scenarios
Authors: Lekve Kyrre , Gunnes Hebe
Published: February 2022

Gender balance (both sexes being represented by at least 40%) in academia has long been a goal. In this study, we present a model for the inert changes in the proportion of female full professors and associate professors at four research universities in Norway and stipulate future scenarios. Data from 1977 to 2019 were fitted to a sigmoid model. The results indicate that for all full professors, gender balance will be reached sometimes in the mid-2030s. Gender balance among all associate professors is already achieved. However, when the data is split into fields of research and development (fields of R&D), pronounced differences were seen. The results indicate that we will not achieve gender balance among full professors within humanities and the arts, while the proportion of female professors within Natural sciences and Engineering and technology cannot be properly modeled. Contrary, gender balance among associate professors will be achieved within all fields of R&D apart from engineering and technology, while natural sciences cannot be modeled properly. Essentially this model exercise illustrates what will happen with the gender balance in academia if no interventions are made. If so, we might not achieve gender balance in all fields of science.
A Surgeon-Centered Neuromuscular Block Protocol Improving Intraoperative Neuromonitoring Outcome of Thyroid Surgery
Authors: Lu I-Cheng , Hsu Chiung-Dan , Chang Pi-Ying , Wu Sheng-Hua , Huang Tzu-Yen , Lin Yi-Chu , Ko How-Yun , Dionigi Gianlorenzo , Chai Young Jun , Chiang Feng-Yu , Kuo Yi-Wei , Wu Che-Wei
Published: February 2022

Background

Neuromuscular blocking agents provide muscular relaxation for tracheal intubation and surgery. However, the degree of neuromuscular block may disturb neuromuscular transmission and lead to weak electromyography during intraoperative neuromonitoring. This study aimed to investigate a surgeon-friendly neuromuscular block degree titrated sugammadex protocol to maintain both intraoperative neuromonitoring quality and surgical relaxation during thyroid surgery.

Methods

A total of 116 patients were enrolled into two groups and underwent elective thyroid surgery with intraoperative neuromonitoring. All patients followed a standardized intraoperative neuromonitoring protocol with continuous neuromuscular transmission monitoring and received 0.6 mg/kg rocuronium for tracheal intubation. Patients were allocated into two groups according to the degree of neuromuscular block when the anterior surface of the thyroid gland was exposed. The neuromuscular block degree was assessed by the train-of-four (TOF) count and ratio. Patients in group I received sugammadex 0.25 mg/kg for non-deep neuromuscular block degree (TOF count = 1~4). Patients in group II were administered sugammadex 0.5 mg/kg for deep neuromuscular block degree (TOF count = 0). The quality of the intraoperative neuromonitoring was measured using the V1 electromyography (EMG) amplitude. An amplitude less than 500 μV and greater than 500 μV was defined as weak and satisfactory, respectively.

Results

The quality of the intraoperative neuromonitoring was not different between groups I and II (satisfactory/weak: 75/1 vs. 38/2, P = 0.14). The quality of surgical relaxation was acceptable after sugammadex injection and showed no difference between groups [55/76 (72.3%) in group I vs. 33/40 (82.5%) in group II, P = 0.23].

Conclusions

This surgeon-centered sugammadex protocol guided by neuromuscular block degree (0.5 mg/kg for deep block and 0.25 mg/kg for others) showed comparably high intraoperative neuromonitoring quality and adequate surgical relaxation. The results expanded the practicality of sugammadex for precise neuromuscular block management during monitored thyroidectomy.
Green Bond Index Prediction Based on CEEMDAN-LSTM
Authors: Wang Jiaqi , Tang Jiulin , Guo Kun
Published: February 2022

Green bonds, which are designed to finance for environment-friendly or sustainable projects, have attracted more and more investors’ attention. However, the study in this field is still relatively limited, especially in forecasting the market’s future trends. In this paper, a hybrid model combining CEEMDAN and LSTM is introduced to predict green bond market in China (represented by CUFE-CNI High Grade Green Bond Index). In order to evaluate the performance of our model, we also use EMD to decompose the green bond index. Our empirical result suggests that, compared with EMD-LSTM and LSTM models, CEEMDAN-LSTM is the most accurate model in green bond index forecasting. Meanwhile, we find that indices from the crude oil market and green stock market are both effective predictors, which also provides ground on the correlations between the green bond market and other financial markets.
The Challenge of Setting “Climate Ready” Ecological Targets for Environmental Flow Planning
Authors: Judd Meegan , Bond Nicholas , Horne Avril C.
Published: February 2022

Implementing environmental flows has emerged as a major river management tool for addressing the impacts of hydrologic alteration in large river systems. The “natural flow paradigm” has been a central guiding principle for determining important ecohydrological relationships. Yet, climate change and associated changes in rainfall run off relationships, seasonality of flows, disruptions to food webs and species life cycle cues mean these existing relationships will, in many circumstances, become obsolete. Revised thinking around setting ecological objectives is required to ensure environmental management targets are achievable, particularly in regions where water scarcity is predicted to increase. Through this lens “climate ready” targets are those that are robust to changing water availability or incorporate future adaptation options. Future objective setting should be based around the inclusion of changing climate and water availability, and the associated species and ecosystem vulnerabilities, and expected outcomes under different policy and adaptation options. This paper uses south eastern Australia as a case study region to review the extent to which current water management plans include climate considerations and adaptation in objective setting. Results show untested climate adaptation inclusions, and a general lack of acknowledgement of changing hydrological and ecological conditions in existing management plans. In response this paper presents a process for setting objectives so they can be considered “climate ready.”
Predominantly Eastward Long-Distance Dispersal in Pantropical Ochnaceae Inferred From Ancestral Range Estimation and Phylogenomics
Authors: Schneider Julio V. , Jungcurt Tanja , Cardoso Domingos , Amorim André M. , Paule Juraj , Zizka Georg
Published: February 2022

Ochnaceae is a pantropical family with multiple transoceanic disjunctions at deep and shallow levels. Earlier attempts to unravel the processes that led to such biogeographic patterns suffered from insufficient phylogenetic resolution and unclear delimitation of some of the genera. In the present study, we estimated divergence time and ancestral ranges based on a phylogenomic framework with a well-resolved phylogenetic backbone to tackle issues of the timing and direction of dispersal that may explain the modern global distribution of Ochnaceae. The nuclear data provided the more robust framework for divergence time estimation compared to the plastome-scale data, although differences in the inferred clade ages were mostly small. While Ochnaceae most likely originated in West Gondwana during the Late Cretaceous, all crown-group disjunctions are inferred as dispersal-based, most of them as transoceanic long-distance dispersal (LDD) during the Cenozoic. All LDDs occurred in an eastward direction except for the SE Asian clade of Sauvagesieae, which was founded by trans-Pacific dispersal from South America. The most species-rich clade by far, Ochninae, originated from either a widespread neotropical-African ancestor or a solely neotropical ancestor which then dispersed to Africa. The ancestors of this clade then diversified in Africa, followed by subsequent dispersal to the Malagasy region and tropical Asia on multiple instances in three genera during the Miocene-Pliocene. In particular, Ochna might have used the South Arabian land corridor to reach South Asia. Thus, the pantropical distribution of Ochnaceae is the result of LDD either transoceanic or via land bridges/corridors, whereas vicariance might have played a role only along the stem of the family.
Early Diagnosis of Wilson’s Disease in Children in Southern China by Using Common Parameters
Authors: Zhou Jianli , Zhang Qiao , Zhao Yuzhen , Chen Moxian , Zhou Shaoming , Cheng Yongwei
Published: February 2022

Objective: The aim of the study was to develop the early diagnostic criteria for Wilson’s disease (WD) in young children in southern China by using alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation as the first manifestation.

Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective analysis of the clinical data and genetic test results of children with WD in southern China in the past 4 years and the follow-up of their short-term prognosis were performed in this study.

Results: A total of 30 children (5.08 ± 2.06 years old) with elevated ALT as the first manifestation of WD in southern China were enrolled in this study, including 14 females and 16 males. Specifically, in all of the 30 cases (100%), the serum ceruloplasmin (CP) level was decreased, whereas the 24-h urinary copper level was increased. The genetic mutation test of the ATP7B gene was used to confirm the diagnosis. In particular, the two mutation sites, including p.R778L and p.I1148T, had the highest mutation frequencies, approximately 23.0 and 10.7%, respectively. Through follow-up, most of the children had good recovery.

Conclusion: Early diagnosis and treatment of WD would substantially increase the survival rate and have a better prognosis. In addition, in 5-year-old children from southern China, early diagnosis could be performed quickly by referring to the following three parameters: elevated ALT, decreased ceruloplasmin level, and increased 24-h urinary copper level. It lays a foundation for further studies with a larger sample size.
Comparative Assessment of Outcomes in Drug Treatment for Smoking Cessation and Role of Genetic Polymorphisms of Human Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Subunits
Authors: Muderrisoglu Ahmet , Babaoglu Elif , Korkmaz Elif Tugce , Kalkisim Said , Karabulut Erdem , Emri Salih , Babaoglu Melih O.
Published: February 2022

Objective: To investigate the effects of genetic polymorphisms of human nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits α3, α4 and α5, which are encoded by CHRNA3, CHRNA4 CHRNA5 genes, respectively, on nicotine addiction and outcomes of pharmacological treatments for smoking cessation.

Methods: A total of 143 smokers and 130 non-smokers were included. Genotyping for CHRNA3 rs578776, CHRNA4 rs1044396-rs1044397, CNRNA5 rs16969968 polymorphisms was performed by PCR, flowed by RFLP. Clinical outcomes and success rates of pharmacological treatments for smoking cessation with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), bupropion or varenicline were determined at the 12th week of the treatment.

Results: Overall, 52 out of 143 (36.4%) smokers who received pharmacotherapy were able to quit smoking. Success rates for smoking cessation were similar for female (30.3%) and male (41.6%) subjects (p = 0.16). The success rate for smoking cessation treatment with varenicline (58.5%) was significantly higher as compared to other treatments with NRT (20.0%), bupropion (32.3%) or bupropion + NRT (40.0%) (chi-square test, p = 0.001). Smoker vs. non-smoker status and the clinical outcomes of drugs used for smoking cessation were found similar in subjects carrying wild-type and variant alleles of human nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α subunits.

Conclusion: In this study, smoking cessation treatment with varenicline was significantly more effective than treatments with nicotine replacement or bupropion in a cohort of Turkish subjects. Smoker/non-smoker status and the clinical outcomes of treatment with pharmacological agents were similar in subjects with wild-type or variant alleles for human nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits α3 (CHRNA3), α4 (CHRNA4) and α5 (CHRNA5).
Impact on HIV-1 RNA Levels and Antibody Responses Following SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in HIV-Infected Individuals
Authors: Portillo Vera , Fedeli Chiara , Ustero Alonso Pilar , Petignat Ianis , Mereles Costa Ellen Cristina , Sulstarova Adi , Jaksic Cyril , Yerly Sabine , Calmy Alexandra
Published: February 2022

This study aims to assess the immunological response and impact on virological control of the mRNA vaccines for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) among people living with HIV (PLWH). In this single-center observational study, all PLWH were offered vaccination with mRNA1273 or BNT162b2. Both anti-N and anti-S1-receptor binding domain (RBD) antibodies were measured together with HIV-1 RNA levels after the first dose (M0) and then at 1 (M1), 2 (M2) and 6 (M6) months later. A total of 131 individuals (median age: 54 years [IQR: 47.0-60.5]; male: 70.2%; median baseline CD4 T-cell: 602/µl [IQR 445.0-825.5]; median nadir CD4 T-cells 223/µl [IQR 111.0-330.0]) were included. All participants were positive for anti-RBD antibodies at 30 days, 60 days and 6 months after the first dose, with no statistical difference between those with HIV-1 RNA below or >20 copies/ml. HIV-1 RNA data were collected for 128 patients at baseline and 30 days after the first dose; for 124 individuals, 30 days after the second dose; and for 83 patients, 6 months after the first dose. Nineteen (14.8%) of 128 had detectable HIV-1 RNA (>20 copies/ml) at M0, 13/128 (10.2%) at M1 (among which 5 were newly detectable), 15/124 (12.1%) at M2 (among which 5 were newly detectable), and 8/83 (9.6%) at M6. No serious adverse effects were reported. All participants elicited antibodies after two doses of mRNA vaccines, with only a minor impact on HIV-1 RNA levels over a 6-month period.
Glycosylation-Dependent Induction of Programmed Cell Death in Murine Adenocarcinoma Cells
Authors: Parshenkov Aleksei , Hennet Thierry
Published: February 2022

Altered surface glycosylation is a major hallmark of tumor cells associated with aggressive phenotype and poor prognosis. By recognizing specific carbohydrate motifs, lectins can be applied to distinguish tumor from healthy cells based on the expression of glycosylation-dependent markers. Through their ability to bind to specific carbohydrates, lectins induce cell agglutination and cross-link surface glycoproteins, thereby mediating mitogenic and death-inducing effects in various cell types. The carbohydrate-selective cytotoxic effect of lectins also enables their possible application in therapies targeting cancer cells. To clarify the intracellular pathways mediating cell death induced by a group of plant and fungal lectins, we investigated mouse adenocarcinoma MC-38 cells harboring inactive genes involved in apoptosis, necroptosis and pyroptosis. Treatment of MC-38 cells with wheat germ agglutinin,Maackia amurensislectin I, andAleuria aurantialectin induced multiple cell death pathways through reactions that relied on the autophagy machinery without depending on caspase activation. Furthermore, inhibition ofde novoprotein synthesis by cycloheximide strongly decreased the cytotoxic response, indicating that the lectins investigated induced cell deathviaeffector molecules that are not expressed under normal circumstances and supporting the non-apoptotic nature of cell death. The broad cytotoxic response to lectins can be beneficial for the development of combination therapies targeting tumor cells. Given that tumors acquire resistance to various cytotoxic treatments because of mutations in cell death pathways, compounds inducing broad cytotoxic responses, such as lectins, represent potent sensitizers to promote tumor cell killing.
Ex Vivo and In Vitro Analysis Identify a Detrimental Impact of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps on Eye Structures in Equine Recurrent Uveitis
Authors: Fingerhut Leonie , Yücel Leyla , Strutzberg-Minder Katrin , von Köckritz-Blickwede Maren , Ohnesorge Bernhard , de Buhr Nicole
Published: February 2022

Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) is a common ocular disease of horses and described as a model for human autoimmune uveitis. This immune-mediated, inflammatory condition progressively destroys the eye, ultimately leading to blindness. Genetic and autoimmune factors, next to infections withLeptospira, are discussed as key factors in the pathogenesis. Furthermore, a release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) by activated neutrophils is involved. NETs are composed of decondensed chromatin and proteins that can immobilize invading pathogens. However, if NETs accumulate, they can contribute to detrimental autoimmune processes. Thus, we aimed to investigate the impact of NETs in ERU patients. Therefore, we quantified several NET-markers (cell-free DNA, nucleosomes, citrullinated histone H3, histone-myeloperoxidase complexes, interleukin-17, equine cathelicidin 1 and DNase I activity) and NET-autoantibodies in sera and vitreous body fluids (VBF) of ERU-diseased horses and correlated the data with the disease status (signalment, ERU scores and Leptospira infection status). NET markers were detected to varying degrees in VBF of diseased horses, and partially correlated to disease severity and the presence ofLeptospiraspp. Cell-free DNA and nucleosomes as NET markers correlate with ERU severity in total and VBF scores, despite the presence of active DNases. Additionally, a significant correlation between fundus affection in the eye and NET autoantibodies was detectable. Therefore, we further investigated the influence of VBF samples from equine patients and isolated NETs on the blood-retina barrier in a cell culture model. VBF of diseased horses significantly induced cytotoxicity in retinal pigment epithelial cells. Moreover, partially digested NETs also resulted in cytotoxic effects. In the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the main component of the leptospiral surface, both undigested and completely digested NETs were cytotoxic. Correlations between the ERU-scores andLeptospirawere also calculated. Detection of leptospiral DNA, and antibody titers of the serovar Grippotyphosa correlated with disease severity. In addition, a correlation betweenLeptospiraand several NET markers was observed in VBF. Altogether, our findings suggest a positive correlation between NET markers with disease severity and involvement ofLeptospirain the VBF of ERU-diseased horses, as well as a cytotoxic effect of NETs in eyes.
Importance of Duration, Duty-Cycling and Thresholds for the Implementation of Ultraviolet C in Marine Biofouling Control
Authors: Whitworth Paul , Aldred Nick , Reynolds Kevin J. , Plummer Joseph , Duke Phillip W. , Clare Anthony S.
Published: February 2022

The introduction of a surface into the marine environment begins a process known as biofouling, which increases the weight and hydrodynamic drag of the fouled structure. This process is detrimental to maritime vessels and costs the industry ∼$150B in fuel and maintenance spending annually. Preventing the settlement of fouling organisms mitigates these issues and limits the spread of non-indigenous species (NIS). This is primarily achieved via antifouling paints. Ultraviolet light is a sterilization method used in water purification, food storage packaging, and within medical fields. Ultraviolet C (UV-C) radiation interacts with DNA to prevent growth, proliferation, and survival of bacteria, and biofilm formation. Recent progress in microelectronics technology has advanced the range of commercially available light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to include the UV wavelengths, and the reduced size and cost has allowed their integration into previously inaccessible locales. This study builds on recent progress in integrating UV-C LEDs into UV-lucent silicone tiles for fouling control. The operational cycle needed to prevent growth of Navicula incerta cells was determined. Constant irradiance at a peak of 5.77 μW/cm2 resulted in a significant reduction in diatoms within 2 h, and a 2 log and 3 log reduction after 48 h and 5 days, respectively. Duty cycling (pulsing) in all variations from 50 to 2.5%, indicated significant reductions in cell densities, and the lowest cycle could effectively reduce biofouling growth and increase the longevity of the LEDs for up to 45.6 years. Irradiance and exposure were altered over a set duration and indicated a restriction in growth between 0.01–0.82 J/cm2 and an increased mortality at irradiances > 2.65 J/cm2, suggesting an effective antifouling threshold between these dosages. The effective dosage for 1 log reduction in fouling was estimated to be 25 J/cm2 but varied according to irradiance delivery method. Effective dosage for a 1 log reduction between experimental methods was variable indicating that UV treatment of N. incerta departed from the Bunsen-Roscoe reciprocity law expectancy. The variation in densities at similar dosages could be explained with further investigation of DNA repair mechanisms. In conclusion, UV-B/C use was effective at all irradiances, including as low as 0.01 J/cm2, and holds considerable promise for marine biofouling control.
Novel Bioactive Compounds From Marine Sources as a Tool for Functional Food Development
Authors: Ghosh Susmita , Sarkar Tanmay , Pati Siddhartha , Kari Zulhisyam Abdul , Edinur Hisham Atan , Chakraborty Runu
Published: February 2022

The marine environment is a relatively unexplored source of functional ingredients that can be used in food processing, storage, and fortification in a variety of ways. Marine microorganisms are a possible source of novel bioactive chemicals with potential human utility. Some of these microbes can live in the harsh marine environments, resulting in complex compounds with unique biological properties that can be used in several industrial and biotechnological applications. So far, several marine microorganisms (fungi, myxomycetes, bacteria, and microalgae) have been isolated that produce antioxidant, antibacterial, apoptotic, antitumoral, and antiviral chemicals. Furthermore, it emphasizes the enormous potential for marine microbes to produce very important bioactive chemicals. The main goal of this review is to provide a concise overview of several constituents of marine bioactives. Anticoagulant, anticancer, and hypocholesterolemic effects have been demonstrated for bioactive peptides extracted from fish protein hydrolysates, as well as algal fucans, galactans, and alginates. Furthermore, omega-3 fatty acids are abundant in fish oils and marine microorganisms, while potent antioxidants such as carotenoids and phenolic compounds can be found in crustaceans and seaweeds. This review focuses on the potential use of marine-derived chemicals as functional food ingredients for health maintenance and chronic disease prevention, based on their bioactive qualities.
Molecular and Epidemiological Characterization of Emerging Immune-Escape Variants of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Miyakawa Kei , Jeremiah Sundararaj Stanleyraj , Yamaoka Yutaro , Koyama Takahiko , Tokumasu Reitaro , Kudo Michiharu , Kato Hideaki , Ryo Akihide
Published: February 2022

The successive emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants has presented a major challenge in the management of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. There are growing concerns regarding the emerging variants escaping vaccines or therapeutic neutralizing antibodies. In this study, we conducted an epidemiological survey to identify SARS-CoV-2 variants that are sporadically proliferating in vaccine-advanced countries. Subsequently, we created HiBiT-tagged virus-like particles displaying spike proteins derived from the variants to analyze the neutralizing efficacy of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine and several therapeutic antibodies. We found that the Mu variant and a derivative of the Delta strain with E484K and N501Y mutations significantly evaded vaccine-elicited neutralizing antibodies. This trend was also observed in the Beta and Gamma variants, although they are currently not prevalent. Although 95.2% of the vaccinees exhibited prominent neutralizing activity against the prototype strain, only 73.8 and 78.6% of the vaccinees exhibited neutralizing activity against the Mu and the Delta derivative variants, respectively. A long-term analysis showed that 88.8% of the vaccinees initially exhibited strong neutralizing activity against the currently circulating Delta strain; the number decreased to 31.6% for the individuals at 6 months after vaccination. Notably, these variants were shown to be resistant to several therapeutic antibodies. Our findings demonstrate the differential neutralization efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine and monoclonal antibodies against circulating variants, suggesting the need for pandemic alerts and booster vaccinations against the currently prevalent variants.
Reduced Acquisition Time [18F]GE-180 PET Scanning Protocol Replaces Gold-Standard Dynamic Acquisition in a Mouse Ischemic Stroke Model
Authors: Zatcepin Artem , Heindl Steffanie , Schillinger Ulrike , Kaiser Lena , Lindner Simon , Bartenstein Peter , Kopczak Anna , Liesz Arthur , Brendel Matthias , Ziegler Sibylle I.
Published: February 2022

Aim

Understanding neuroinflammation after acute ischemic stroke is a crucial step on the way to an individualized post-stroke treatment. Microglia activation, an essential part of neuroinflammation, can be assessed using [18F]GE-180 18 kDa translocator protein positron emission tomography (TSPO-PET). However, the commonly used 60–90 min post-injection (p.i.) time window was not yet proven to be suitable for post-stroke neuroinflammation assessment. In this study, we compare semi-quantitative estimates derived from late time frames to quantitative estimates calculated using a full 0–90 min dynamic scan in a mouse photothrombotic stroke (PT) model.

Materials and Methods

Six mice after PT and six sham mice were included in the study. For a half of the mice, we acquired four serial 0–90 min scans per mouse (analysis cohort) and calculated standardized uptake value ratios (SUVRs; cerebellar reference) for the PT volume of interest (VOI) in five late 10 min time frames as well as distribution volume ratios (DVRs) for the same VOI. We compared late static 10 min SUVRs and the 60–90 min time frame of the analysis cohort to the corresponding DVRs by linear fitting. The other half of the animals received a static 60–90 min scan and was used as a validation cohort. We extrapolated DVRs by using the static 60–90 min p.i. time window, which were compared to the DVRs of the analysis cohort.

Results

We found high linear correlations between SUVRs and DVRs in the analysis cohort for all studied 10 min time frames, while the fits of the 60–70, 70–80, and 80–90 min p.i. time frames were the ones closest to the line of identity. For the 60–90 min time window, we observed an excellent linear correlation between SUVR and DVR regardless of the phenotype (PT vs. sham). The extrapolated DVRs of the validation cohort were not significantly different from the DVRs of the analysis group.

Conclusion

Simplified quantification by a reference tissue ratio of the late 60–90 min p.i. [18F]GE-180 PET image can replace full quantification of a dynamic scan for assessment of microglial activation in the mouse PT model.
Morphological, Molecular, and Growth Characteristics of a Cryptic Species, Strombidium parasulcatum n. sp. (Alveolata: Ciliophora: Oligotrichida)
Authors: Tsai Sheng-Fang , Lee Meng-Lun , Chiang Kuo-Ping
Published: February 2022

A new marine planktonic ciliate from Taiwan, Strombidium parasulcatum sp. n., is described based on live observations, protargol staining, and molecular data. Its morphological characters are similar to those of Strombidium sulcatum Claparède and Lachmann, 1859 sensu Song et al., 2000 but differ from S. sulcatum sensu Fauré-Fremiet, 1912 and sensu Fauré-Fremiet and Ganier, 1970 by several morphological characters. The 18S rRNA gene sequences of the two forms display 76 base pair differences (about 5%), indicating that they should be considered separate species. The highest observed specific growth rates of S. parasulcatum in culture were 1.79 day–1 over 1 day and 1.52 day–1 over 2 days, both starting at day 5. Bacteria appear to be an important food resource for the cultivation of this medium-sized oligotrich ciliate. This and other recent studies suggest that cryptic species may be common in the genus Strombidium, and an integrative approach including morphological, ecological, and molecular data should be used to address this question.
Response of a Coastal Microbial Community to Olivine Addition in the Muping Marine Ranch, Yantai
Authors: Ren Hongwei , Hu Yubin , Liu Jihua , Zhang Zhe , Mou Liang , Pan Yanning , Zheng Qiang , Li Gang , Jiao Nianzhi
Published: February 2022

Spreading olivine powder in seawater to enhance alkalinity through weathering reactions has been proposed as a potential solution to control atmospheric CO2 concentration. Attention has usually been paid to the chemical properties of seawater after the addition of olivine within lab and modeling studies. However, both microbial acclimation and evolution in such manipulated natural environments are often overlooked, yet they are of great importance for understanding the biological consequences of whether olivine addition is a feasible approach to mitigating climate change. In this study, an olivine addition experiment was conducted to investigate variation in bacterial diversity and community composition in the surface and bottom seawater of a representative marine ranch area in the Muping, Yantai. The results show that the composition of the particle-attached microbial community was particularly affected by the application of olivine. The relative abundance of biofilm-forming microbes in particle-attached fraction increased after the addition of olivine, while no significant variation in the free-living bacterial community was observed. Our study suggests that olivine addition would reshape the bacterial community structure, especially in particle-attached microenvironments. Therefore, the risk evaluation of alkalinity enhancement should be further studied before its large-scale application as a potential ocean geoengineering plan.
18F-APN-1607 Tau Positron Emission Tomography Imaging for Evaluating Disease Progression in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Xu Xiaojun , Ruan Weiwei , Liu Fang , Gai Yongkang , Liu Qingyao , Su Ying , Liang Zhihou , Sun Xun , Lan Xiaoli
Published: February 2022

Purpose

18F-APN-1607 is a novel tau positron emission tomography (PET) tracer characterized with high binding affinity for 3− and 4-repeat tau deposits. The aim was to analyze the spatial distribution of 18F-APN-1607 PET imaging in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) subjects with different stages and to investigate the relationship between the change of tau deposition and overall disease progression.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the 18F-APN-1607 PET imaging of 31 subjects with clinically and imaging defined as AD. According to the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, patients were divided into three groups, namely, mild (≥21, n = 7), moderate (10–20, n = 16), and severe (≤9, n = 8). PET imaging was segmented to 70 regions of interest (ROIs) and extracted the standard uptake value (SUV) of each ROI. SUV ratio (SUVR) was calculated from the ratio of SUV in different brain regions to the cerebellar cortex. The regions were defined as positive and negative with unsupervised cluster analysis according to SUVR. The SUVRs of each region were compared among groups with the one-way ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis H test. Furthermore, the correlations between MMSE score and regional SUVR were calculated with Pearson or Spearman correlation analysis.

Results

There were no significant differences among groups in gender (χ2 = 3.814, P = 0.161), age of onset (P = 0.170), age (P = 0.109), and education level (P = 0.065). With the disease progression, the 18F-APN-1607 PET imaging showed the spread of tau deposition from the hippocampus, posterior cingulate gyrus (PCG), and lateral temporal cortex (LTC) to the parietal and occipital lobes, and finally to the frontal lobe. Between the mild and moderate groups, the main brain areas with significant differences in 18F-APN-1607 uptake were supplementary motor area (SMA), cuneus, precuneus, occipital lobule, paracentral lobule, right angular gyrus, and parietal, which could be used for early disease progression assessment (P < 0.05). There were significant differences in the frontal lobe, right temporal lobe, and fusiform gyrus between the moderate and severe groups, which might be suitable for the late-stage disease progression assessment (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

18F-APN-1607 PET may serve as an effective imaging marker for visualizing the change pattern of tau protein deposition in AD patients, and its uptake level in certain brain regions is closely related to the severity of cognitive impairment. These indicate the potential of 18F-APN-1607 PET for the in vivo evaluation of the progression of AD.
Gli2-Mediated Shh Signaling Is Required for Thalamocortical Projection Guidance
Authors: Callejas-Marin Antuca , Moreno-Bravo Juan Antonio , Company Verónica , Madrigal M. Pilar , Almagro-García Francisca , Martínez Salvador , Puelles Eduardo
Published: February 2022

The thalamocortical projections are part of the most important higher level processing connections in the vertebrates and follow a highly ordered pathway from their origin in the thalamus to the cerebral cortex. Their functional complexities are not only due to an extremely elaborate axon guidance process but also due to activity-dependent mechanisms. Gli2 is an intermediary transcription factor in the Sonic hedgehog (Shh) pathway. During neural early development, Shh has an important role in dorsoventral patterning, diencephalic anteroposterior patterning, and many later developmental processes, such as axon guidance and cell migration. Using a Gli2 knockout mouse line, we have studied the role of Shh signaling mediated by Gli2 in the development of the thalamocortical projections during embryonic development. In wild-type brains, we have described the normal trajectory of the thalamocortical axons into the context of the prosomeric model. Then, we have compared it with the altered thalamocortical axons course in Gli2 homozygous embryos. The thalamocortical axons followed different trajectories and were misdirected to other territories probably due to alterations in the Robo/Slit signaling mechanism. In conclusion, the alteration of Gli2-mediated Shh signaling produces an erroneous specification of several territories related with the thalamocortical axons. This is translated into a huge modification in the pathfinding signaling mechanisms needed for the correct wiring of the thalamocortical axons.
Alcohol-Induced Neuroinflammatory Response and Mitochondrial Dysfunction on Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: León Brandon Emanuel , Kang Shinwoo , Franca-Solomon Gabriela , Shang Pei , Choi Doo-Sup
Published: February 2022

Mitochondria are essential organelles central to various cellular functions such as energy production, metabolic pathways, signaling transduction, lipid biogenesis, and apoptosis. In the central nervous system, neurons depend on mitochondria for energy homeostasis to maintain optimal synaptic transmission and integrity. Deficiencies in mitochondrial function, including perturbations in energy homeostasis and mitochondrial dynamics, contribute to aging, and Alzheimer’s disease. Chronic and heavy alcohol use is associated with accelerated brain aging, and increased risk for dementia, especially Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, through neuroimmune responses, including pro-inflammatory cytokines, excessive alcohol use induces mitochondrial dysfunction. The direct and indirect alcohol-induced neuroimmune responses, including pro-inflammatory cytokines, are critical for the relationship between alcohol-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. In the brain, alcohol activates microglia and increases inflammatory mediators that can impair mitochondrial energy production, dynamics, and initiate cell death pathways. Also, alcohol-induced cytokines in the peripheral organs indirectly, but synergistically exacerbate alcohol’s effects on brain function. This review will provide recent and advanced findings focusing on how alcohol alters the aging process and aggravates Alzheimer’s disease with a focus on mitochondrial function. Finally, we will contextualize these findings to inform clinical and therapeutic approaches towards Alzheimer’s disease.
EasyFlyTracker: A Simple Video Tracking Python Package for Analyzing Adult Drosophila Locomotor and Sleep Activity to Facilitate Revealing the Effect of Psychiatric Drugs
Authors: Qu Susu , Zhu Qingjie , Zhou Han , Gao Yuan , Wei Yi , Ma Yuan , Wang Zhicheng , Sun Xueting , Zhang Lei , Yang Quanjun , Kong Lei , Zhang Li
Published: February 2022

The mechanism of psychiatric drugs (stimulant and non-stimulant) is still unclear. Precision medication of psychiatric disorders faces challenges in pharmacogenetics and pharmacodynamics research due to difficulties in recruiting human subjects because of possibility of substance abuse and relatively small sample sizes. Drosophila is a powerful animal model for large-scale studies of drug effects based on the precise quantification of behavior. However, a user-friendly system for high-throughput simultaneous tracking and analysis of drug-treated individual adult flies is still lacking. It is critical to quickly setup a working environment including both the hardware and software at a reasonable cost. Thus, we have developed EasyFlyTracker, an open-source Python package that can track single fruit fly in each arena and analyze Drosophila locomotor and sleep activity based on video recording to facilitate revealing the psychiatric drug effects. The current version does not support multiple fruit fly tracking. Compared with existing software, EasyFlyTracker has the advantages of low cost, easy setup and scaling, rich statistics of movement trajectories, and compatibility with different video recording systems. Also, it accepts multiple video formats such as common MP4 and AVI formats. EasyFlyTracker provides a cross-platform and user-friendly interface combining command line and graphic configurations, which allows users to intuitively understand the process of tracking and downstream analyses and automatically generates multiple files, especially plots. Users can install EasyFlyTracker, go through tutorials, and give feedback on http://easyflytracker.cibr.ac.cn. Moreover, we tested EasyFlyTracker in a study of Drosophila melanogaster on the hyperactivity-like behavior effects of two psychiatric drugs, methylphenidate and atomoxetine, which are two commonly used drugs treating attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in human. This software has the potential to accelerate basic research on drug effect studies with fruit flies.
Role of Habenula in Social and Reproductive Behaviors in Fish: Comparison With Mammals
Authors: Ogawa Satoshi , Parhar Ishwar S.
Published: February 2022

Social behaviors such as mating, parenting, fighting, and avoiding are essential functions as a communication tool in social animals, and are critical for the survival of individuals and species. Social behaviors are controlled by a complex circuitry that comprises several key social brain regions, which is called the social behavior network (SBN). The SBN further integrates social information with external and internal factors to select appropriate behavioral responses to social circumstances, called social decision-making. The social decision-making network (SDMN) and SBN are structurally, neurochemically and functionally conserved in vertebrates. The social decision-making process is also closely influenced by emotional assessment. The habenula has recently been recognized as a crucial center for emotion-associated adaptation behaviors. Here we review the potential role of the habenula in social function with a special emphasis on fish studies. Further, based on evolutional, molecular, morphological, and behavioral perspectives, we discuss the crucial role of the habenula in the vertebrate SDMN.
Deprivation Has Inconsistent Effects on Delay Discounting: A Review
Authors: Downey Haylee , Haynes Jeremy M. , Johnson Hannah M. , Odum Amy L.
Published: February 2022

Delay discounting, the tendency for outcomes to be devalued as they are more temporally remote, has implications as a target for behavioral interventions. Because of these implications, it is important to understand how different states individuals may face, such as deprivation, influence the degree of delay discounting. Both dual systems models and state-trait views of delay discounting assume that deprivation may result in steeper delay discounting. Despite early inconsistencies and mixed results, researchers have sometimes asserted that deprivation increases delay discounting, with few qualifications. The aim of this review was to determine what empirical effect, if any, deprivation has on delay discounting. We considered many kinds of deprivation, such as deprivation from sleep, drugs, and food in humans and non-human animals. For 23 studies, we analyzed the effect of deprivation on delay discounting by computing effect sizes for the difference between delay discounting in a control, or baseline, condition and delay discounting in a deprived state. We discuss these 23 studies and other relevant studies found in our search in a narrative review. Overall, we found mixed effects of deprivation on delay discounting. The effect may depend on what type of deprivation participants faced. Effect sizes for deprivation types ranged from small for sleep deprivation (Hedge's gs between −0.21 and 0.07) to large for opiate deprivation (Hedge's gs between 0.42 and 1.72). We discuss possible reasons why the effect of deprivation on delay discounting may depend on deprivation type, including the use of imagined manipulations and deprivation intensity. The inconsistency in results across studies, even when comparing within the same type of deprivation, indicates that more experiments are needed to reach a consensus on the effects of deprivation on delay discounting. A basic understanding of how states affect delay discounting may inform translational efforts.
N-3 PUFA Deficiency Affects the Ultrastructural Organization and Density of White Matter Microglia in the Developing Brain of Male Mice
Authors: Decoeur Fanny , Picard Katherine , St-Pierre Marie-Kim , Greenhalgh Andrew D. , Delpech Jean-Christophe , Sere Alexandra , Layé Sophie , Tremblay Marie-Eve , Nadjar Agnès
Published: February 2022

Over the last century, westernization of dietary habits has led to a dramatic reduction in dietary intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs). In particular, low maternal intake of n-3 PUFAs throughout gestation and lactation causes defects in brain myelination. Microglia are recognized for their critical contribution to neurodevelopmental processes, such as myelination. These cells invade the white matter in the first weeks of the post-natal period, where they participate in oligodendrocyte maturation and myelin production. Therefore, we investigated whether an alteration of white matter microglia accompanies the myelination deficits observed in the brain of n-3 PUFA-deficient animals. Macroscopic imaging analysis shows that maternal n-3 PUFA deficiency decreases the density of white matter microglia around post-natal day 10. Microscopic electron microscopy analyses also revealed alterations of microglial ultrastructure, a decrease in the number of contacts between microglia and myelin sheet, and a decreased amount of myelin debris in their cell body. White matter microglia further displayed increased mitochondrial abundance and network area under perinatal n-3 PUFA deficiency. Overall, our data suggest that maternal n-3 PUFA deficiency alters the structure and function of microglial cells located in the white matter of pups early in life, and this could be the key to understand myelination deficits during neurodevelopment.