bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of hepatic steatosis on outcomes of colorectal cancer patients with liver metastases: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Shengjie , Peng Renze , Zhou Leiming
Published: September 2022

Background

It is unclear how hepatic steatosis impacts patient prognosis in the case of colorectal cancer with liver metastases (CRLM). The purpose of this review was to assess the effect of hepatic steatosis on patient survival and disease-free survival (DFS) in the case of CRLM.

Methods

We examined the databases of PubMed, CENTRAL, Embase, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect for studies reporting outcomes of CRLM patients with and without hepatic steatosis. We performed a random-effects meta-analysis using multivariable adjusted hazard ratios (HR).

Results

Nine studies reporting data of a total of 14,197 patients were included. All patients had undergone surgical intervention. Pooled analysis of seven studies indicated that hepatic steatosis had no statistically significant impact on patient survival in CRLM (HR: 0.92 95% CI: 0.82, 1.04, I2 = 82%, p = 0.18). Specifically, we noted that there was a statistically significant improvement in cancer-specific survival amongst patients with hepatic steatosis (two studies; HR: 0.85 95% CI: 0.76, 0.95, I2 = 41%, p = 0.005) while there was no difference in overall survival (five studies; HR: 0.97 95% CI: 0.83, 1.13, I2 = 78%, p = 0.68). On meta-analysis of four studies, we noted that the presence of hepatic steatosis resulted in statistically significant reduced DFS in patients with CRLM (HR: 1.32 95% CI: 1.08, 1.62, I2 = 67%, p = 0.007).

Conclusion

The presence of hepatic steatosis may not influence patient survival in CRLM. However, scarce data is suggestive of poor DFS in CRLM patients with hepatic steatosis. Further prospective studies taking into account different confounding variables are needed to better assess the effect of hepatic steatosis on outcomes of CRLM.

Systematic review registration

[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#searchadvanced], identifier [CRD42022320665].
Assessment of antibiotic storage practices, knowledge, and awareness related to antibiotic uses and antibiotic resistance among household members in post-conflict areas of Pakistan: Bi-central study
Authors: Khan Faiz Ullah , Mallhi Tauqeer Hussain , Khan Qasim , Khan Farman Ullah , Hayat Khezar , Khan Yusra Habib , Ahmad Tawseef , Fang Yu
Published: September 2022

Background

The storage of antimicrobials at home is frequently in-practice in various developing countries, resulting an irrational use, antibiotic resistance, and toxicities. This condition may worsen more in conflict zones where health facilities are limited. This study aimed to determine the storage and use of leftover antibiotics among households (HHs) along with knowledge and awareness about antibiotics and antibiotic resistance (ABR).

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed. Members of HHs were invited to participate in the survey while using a convenient sampling technique. The data were obtained using a validated questionnaire and analyzed through SPSS.

Results

A total of 96 HHs were randomly selected from two districts (n = 50, n = 46), with most of the participants being men between the ages of 18 and 28 (n = 45, 46.9%) years. The majority of HHs (n = 32, 33.3%) had six to eight total family members, with one to two chronic diseases (n = 63, 65.6%), individual families (n = 60, 62.5%), and with (n = 35, 36.5%) LRTIs (lower respiratory tract infections). The HHs were aware of the word “antibiotic” (n = 59, 61.5%) and gave correct replies to amoxicillin as an antibiotic (n = 42, 43.8%); on the other hand, HHs also thought of paracetamol as an antibiotic (n = 45, 47.9%). They identified the most common brands of antibiotics easily, and a majority of them (n = 69, 71.9%) had never heard of ABR before and had lower levels of awareness. The most stored antibiotic at home (n=38, 39.6%) was azithromycin (J01FA10). In addition, they had multiple needless (1–2, n = 62, 64.6%; 3–4, n = 29, 30.2%) and antibiotics in their houses. Age had a strong association (p = 0.017, H = 12) affected the mean knowledge scores related to antibiotic use. Association of education levels (p = 0.001, H = 52.8) and occupation (p = 0.04, H = 10) with proper antibiotics use were found to be significant. However, family members with more than one chronic illness (p = 0.09, H = 0.8) showed a significant relationship with their awareness of antibiotics.

Conclusion

Participants generally stored various antibiotics of different classes in their homes. Lack of knowledge related to the appropriate usage of antibiotics, use of leftover antibiotics, and awareness related to ABR were unknown to the participants.
Withdrawal of antibiotic growth promoters in China and its impact on the foodborne pathogen Campylobacter coli of swine origin
Authors: Wen Renqiao , Li Chao , Zhao Mengyu , Wang Hongning , Tang Yizhi
Published: September 2022

Antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) have been used as feed additives to improve feed efficiency in food animals for more than six decades. However, the wide use of AGPs has led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens of animal origin, posing a significant threat to food safety and public health. China prohibited the addition of AGPs to animal feed from July 2020. The impacts caused by the withdrawal of AGPs on the prevalence and antibiotic resistance of foodborne pathogens have not been illustrated. Here, a total of 471 strains of Campylobacter were isolated from pigs from three pig farms and two slaughterhouses in Sichuan Province for 4 consecutive years (2018–2021), including 2 years before and 2 years after the ban on AGPs in China. The isolation rate of Campylobacter had a slight increase after prohibiting the addition of AGPs to the feed. Contrary to what we expected, the antibiotic susceptibility test and WGS data showed that the antibiotic resistance to gentamicin and florfenicol and the abundance of virulence genes increased significantly after the ban of AGPs. Comparison of the isolates of swine origin with isolates of human origin indicated the potential of antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter transmission from pigs to humans. These data suggested that phasing out AGPs may lead to increased use of therapeutic antimicrobials, promoting the prevalence and transmission of both antibiotic resistance and virulence genes.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and phosphorus supply accelerate main medicinal component production of Polygonum cuspidatum
Authors: Sun Rui-Ting , Zhang Ze-Zhi , Liu Ming-Yang , Feng Xiang-Cao , Zhou Nong , Feng Hai-Dong , Hashem Abeer , Abd_Allah Elsayed Fathi , Harsonowati Wiwiek , Wu Qiang-Sheng
Published: September 2022

The medicinal plant Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. Et Zucc is rich in stilbenes (e.g., polygonin and resveratrol) and anthraquinones (e.g., emodin) for the therapy of human diseases, while how to increase the growth and medicinal composition concentrations of P. cuspidatum has become an urgent issue. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of inoculation with an arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus, Funneliformis mosseae, on plant growth, phosphorus (P) acquisition, medicinal component concentrations, and expressions of resveratrol synthesis-associated enzyme genes of P. cuspidatum at two P levels (0 M and 0.2 M). P supply (0.2 M) stimulated root AM fungal colonization rate. F. mosseae inoculation significantly improved growth performance (height, diameter, and biomass) and root morphology (diameter, length, and projected area), irrespectively of substrate P levels. P supply and F. mosseae distinctly increased soil acid and neutral phosphatase activities, as well as root P concentrations. P supply increased root physcion and resveratrol concentrations in inoculated and uninoculated plants, along with up-regulated expressions of PcCHS1, PcCRS1, PcRS11, and PcSTS. AM plants represented significantly higher root aloe-emodin, chrysophanol, emodin, physcion, polydatin, and resveratrol concentrations than non-AM plants irrespective of P levels, coupled with up-regulated expressions of PcCHS1, PcCHS2, PcRS11, PcRS, and PcSTS. It is concluded that 0.2 M P supply and F. mosseae inoculation promoted chrysophanol, physcion, polydatin, and resveratrol concentrations of P. cuspidatum, with the increase in resveratrol associated with up-regulated expressions of related genes.
Human milk microbiome is shaped by breastfeeding practices
Authors: Lopez Leyva Lilian , Gonzalez Emmanuel , Solomons Noel W. , Koski Kristine G.
Published: September 2022

There is evidence that breastfeeding practices may impact the milk microbiota diversity and differential abundance at the genera level; however, the possibility that distinct feeding practices, such as exclusive (EBF) and non-exclusive breastfeeding (non-EBF), might alter the milk microbiome at the species level has not been explored. This cross-sectional study analyzed the milk microbiome of 64 Mam-Mayan indigenous mothers from San Juan Ostuncalco in Guatemala. Two breastfeeding practices [exclusive (EBF) vs non-exclusive (non-EBF)] were analyzed at two stages of lactation [early (5–46 days post-partum) vs late (109–184 days post-partum)]. EBF was defined as offering only human milk and non-EBF was defined as feeding the infant herbal teas (agüitas) and/or complementary foods while continuing to breastfeed. Results identified four clusters with distinct microbial communities that segregated bacterial species by both breastfeeding practices and stage of lactation. Comparison among these clusters identified several notable patterns. First, during EBF, the microbiome differed by stage of lactation where there was a shift in differential abundance from Actinobacteria and Firmicutes in early to Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria species in late lactation. Second, a similar comparison between non-EBF mothers by stage of lactation also identified a higher differential abundance of Actinobacteria and Firmicutes species in early lactation, but only Proteobacteria and not Bacteroidetes in late lactation, indicating a further shift in the milk microbial ecosystem with fewer oral bacteria present in late lactation. Third, comparisons between EBF and non-EBF mothers at both early and late lactation showed that mothers who exclusively breastfed had more differentially abundant species in early (11 vs 1) and late (13 vs 2) lactation. Fourth, EBF at early and late lactation had more commensal and lactic acid bacteria, including Lactobacillus gasseri, Granulicatella elegans, Streptococcus mitis, and Streptococcus parasanguinis, compared to those who did not exclusively breastfeed. Collectively, these results show that EBF has more differentially abundant bacteria, including commensal and lactic acid bacteria, and that the addition of agüitas (herbal teas) and/or complementary foods modify the milk microbiome composition by reducing the oral bacteria and introducing more environmentally sourced bacteria to the ecosystem.
Characterization of two conserved cell death elicitor families from the Dothideomycete fungal pathogens Dothistroma septosporum and Fulvia fulva (syn. Cladosporium fulvum)
Authors: Tarallo Mariana , McDougal Rebecca L. , Chen Zhiyuan , Wang Yan , Bradshaw Rosie E. , Mesarich Carl H.
Published: September 2022

Dothistroma septosporum (Ds) and Fulvia fulva (Ff; previously called Cladosporium fulvum) are two closely related Dothideomycete fungal species that cause Dothistroma needle blight in pine and leaf mold in tomato, respectively. During host colonization, these pathogens secrete virulence factors termed effectors to promote infection. In the presence of corresponding host immune receptors, however, these effectors activate plant defenses, including a localized cell death response that halts pathogen growth. We identified two apoplastic effector protein families, Ecp20 and Ecp32, which are conserved between the two pathogens. The Ecp20 family has four paralogues in both species, while the Ecp32 family has four paralogues in D. septosporum and five in F. fulva. Both families have members that are highly expressed during host infection. Members of the Ecp20 family have predicted structural similarity to proteins with a β-barrel fold, including the Alt a 1 allergen from Alternaria alternata, while members of the Ecp32 family have predicted structural similarity to proteins with a β-trefoil fold, such as trypsin inhibitors and lectins. Using Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transient transformation assays, each family member was assessed for its ability to trigger cell death in leaves of the non-host species Nicotiana benthamiana and N. tabacum. Using this approach, FfEcp20-2, DsEcp20-3, and FfEcp20-3 from the Ecp20 family, and all members from the Ecp32 family, except for the Ds/FfEcp32-4 pair, triggered cell death in both species. This cell death was dependent on secretion of the effectors to the apoplast. In line with recognition by an extracellular immune receptor, cell death triggered by Ds/FfEcp20-3 and FfEcp32-3 was compromised in N. benthamiana silenced for BAK1 or SOBIR1, which encode extracellular co-receptors involved in transducing defense response signals following apoplastic effector recognition. We then investigated whether DsEcp20-3 and DsEcp20-4 triggered cell death in the host species Pinus radiata by directly infiltrating purified protein into pine needles. Strikingly, as in the non-host species, DsEcp20-3 triggered cell death, while DsEcp20-4 did not. Collectively, our study describes two new candidate effector families with cell death-eliciting activity from D. septosporum and F. fulva and provides evidence that members of these families are recognized by plant immune receptors.
Effects of high-altitude hypoxic environment on colonic inflammation, intestinal barrier and gut microbiota in three-way crossbred commercial pigs
Authors: Luo Chengzeng , Sun Guangming , Duan Jiujun , Han Haiyu , Zhong Ruqing , Chen Liang , Wangdui Basang , Zhu Yanbin , Wang Zirong , Zhang Hongfu
Published: September 2022

In recent years, the three-way crossbred commercial pigs are extensively cultured in Tibet. However, there have been few studies about the effect of high-altitude hypoxic environment on intestinal health of them. Therefore, we selected Tibetan pigs (TP) and the three-way crossbred commercial pigs (CP-H) living in the Tibet (3,500–3,700 m in altitude) as a positive control group and treatment group, respectively. The three-way crossbred commercial pigs (CP-L) living at altitudes 800–1,000 m sea level were selected as a negative control group. The colonic chyme, colonic mucosa, colonic tissue and serum samples were collected for the detection of gut microbiota and intestinal inflammation. The results showed that high-altitude hypoxic environment promoted the occurrence of colonic inflammation, disrupted the colonic barrier to some extent. And Hematoxylin–Eosin (HE) staining revealed that mild inflammatory cell infiltration was observed in colon of CP-H. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that the microbial community composition of CP-H was changed compared with CP-L. Gut bacterial communities formed distinctly different clusters in principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) space, and Chao 1 index of CP-H was also decreased. At the genus level, Terrisporobacter showed greater enrichment in the CP-H than lower-altitude pigs. Colstridium-sensu-stricto-1 showed lower enrichment in the CP-H than lower-altitude pigs. However, the concentration of valeric acid in colonic chyme of CP-H was higher than CP-L and TP. Correlation analysis indicated that Terrisporobacter was positively associated with the relative mRNA expression level of IL-1β and the content of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and was negatively correlated with the relative mRNA expression level of IL-10. The Streptococcus was positively associated with the concentrations of valerate. In summary, high-altitude hypoxic environment changed compositions of gut microbiota, promoted the occurrence of colonic inflammation, and disrupted intestinal barrier of the three-way crossbred commercial pigs.
Exploring the effect of wilting on fermentation profiles and microbial community structure during ensiling and air exposure of king grass silage
Authors: Chen Rong , Li Mao , Yang Jinsong , Chen Liwei , Zi Xuejuan , Zhou Hanlin , Tang Jun
Published: September 2022

In order to better understand the effect of wilting treatment on silage, we study analyzed the fermentation quality of unwilted (CK) and wilted (WT) king grass silage, and the dynamic changes of microorganisms in silage and aerobic exposure. After 30 days of silage, WT silage significantly reduced the pH of the silage (p < 0.05) and increased the contents of lactic acid and acetic acid (p < 0.05), but did not reduce the content of Ammonia-N (p > 0.05). Wilting treatment increased bacterial and fungal diversity during silage but decreased fungal diversity during aerobic exposure. The relative abundance of Lactococcus and Enterococcus in wilting silage increased. In the aerobic exposure stage, the relative abundance of Klebsiella decreased, but the relative abundance of Enterobacter increased in wilting treatment silage. In addition, the relative abundance of Acinetobacter and Ignatzschineria increased after 5 days of aerobic exposure. In contrast with unwilted silage, wilting treatment silage after aerobic exposure had no Candida, but the relative abundance of Wickerhamomyces increased. The results showed that wilting treatment could raise the silage quality of king grass. However, WT silage did not inhibit the reproduction of harmful microorganisms during aerobic exposure and did not significantly improve the aerobic stability of silage.
Zinc-finger antiviral protein-mediated inhibition of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus growth is antagonized by the coronaviral nucleocapsid protein
Authors: Sungsuwan Suttipun , Kadkanklai Supasek , Mhuantong Wuttichai , Jongkaewwattana Anan , Jaru-Ampornpan Peera
Published: September 2022

Coronaviruses have long posed a major threat not only to human health but also to agriculture. Outbreaks of an animal coronavirus such as porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) can cause up-to-100% mortality in suckling piglets, resulting in devastating effects on the livestock industry. Understanding how the virus evades its host’s defense can help us better manage the infection. Zinc-finger antiviral protein (ZAP) is an important class of host antiviral factors against a variety of viruses, including the human coronavirus. In this study, we have shown that a representative porcine coronavirus, PEDV, can be suppressed by endogenous or porcine-cell-derived ZAP in VeroE6 cells. An uneven distribution pattern of CpG dinucleotides in the viral genome is one of the factors contributing to suppression, as an increase in CpG content in the nucleocapsid (N) gene renders the virus more susceptible to ZAP. Our study revealed that the virus uses its own nucleocapsid protein (pCoV-N) to interact with ZAP and counteract the activity of ZAP. The insights into coronavirus-host interactions shown in this work could be used in the design and development of modern vaccines and antiviral agents for the next pandemic.
Effect of tea polyphenols on the fermentation quality, protein preservation, antioxidant capacity and bacterial community of stylo silage
Authors: Huang Yinchao , Qiu Chenchen , Wang Yimin , Zhang Wei , He Liwen
Published: September 2022

The present study was aimed to evaluate the improvement potential of tea polyphenols (TPP) on silage characteristics and bacterial community. Stylo ensiled with TPP (0, 0.2 or 0.4%, on a fresh basis) were analyzed for fermentation parameter, protein fraction, antioxidant activity and bacterial community after 7, 14, 30 and 60 days fermentation. The addition of TPP resulted in the decrease (P < 0.05) of pH values (5.09 vs. 4.91), dry matter loss (11.77 vs. 8.02% DM), butyric acid concentration (1.64 vs. 1.02% DM) and ammonia-N proportion (13.69 vs. 8.98% CP, on Day 30) of stylo silage as well as the increase (P < 0.01) of lactic acid bacteria population (6.17 vs. 7.54 cfu/g FM) and true protein content (6.03 vs. 7.44% DM), particularly at the first 30 days of ensiling. It somewhat enhanced the antioxidant capacity of style silage at the early stage, and altered the bacterial community of stylo silage, with Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 and Lachnoclostridium_5 much decreased but Enterobacter and Clostridium still being the dominant genera. It is suggested that TPP could help improve fermentation quality and nutrient preservation of stylo silage, and delay proteolysis process and antioxidant decay.
Trivialities in metabolomics: Artifacts in extraction and analysis
Authors: Verpoorte R. , Kim H. K. , Choi Y. H.
Published: September 2022

The aim of this review is to show the risks of artifact formation in metabolomics analyses. Metabolomics has developed in a major tool in system biology approaches to unravel the metabolic networks that are the basis of life. Presently TLC, LC-MS, GC-MS, MS-MS and nuclear magnetic resonance are applied to analyze the metabolome of all kind of biomaterials. These analytical methods require robust preanalytical protocols to extract the small molecules from the biomatrix. The quality of the metabolomics analyses depends on protocols for collecting and processing of the biomaterial, including the methods for drying, grinding and extraction. Also the final preparation of the samples for instrumental analysis is crucial for highly reproducible analyses. The risks of artifact formation in these steps are reviewed from the point of view of the commonly used solvents. Examples of various artifacts formed through chemical reactions between solvents or contaminations with functional groups in the analytes are discussed. These reactions involve, for example, the formation of esters, trans-esterifications, hemiacetal and acetal formation, N-oxidations, and the formation of carbinolamines. It concerns chemical reactions with hydroxyl-, aldehyde-, keto-, carboxyl-, ester-, and amine functional groups. In the analytical steps, artifacts in LC may come from the stationary phase or reactions of the eluent with analytes. Differences between the solvent of the injected sample and the LC-mobile phase may cause distortions of the retention of analytes. In all analytical methods, poorly soluble compounds will be in all samples at saturation level, thus hiding a potential marker function. Finally a full identification of compounds remains a major hurdle in metabolomics, it requires a full set of spectral data, including methods for confirming the absolute stereochemistry. The putative identifications found in supplemental data of many studies, unfortunately, often become “truly” identified compounds in papers citing these results. Proper validation of the protocols for preanalytical and analytical procedures is essential for reproducible analyses in metabolomics.
Impaired dynamic cerebral autoregulation: A potential mechanism of orthostatic hypotension and dementia in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Chen Hongxiu , Xu Erhe , Zhou Fubo , Li Qiuping , Zeng Jingrong , Mei Shanshan , Xing Yingqi
Published: September 2022

Background

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) and cognitive impairment are common non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). This study aimed to investigate whether impaired dynamic cerebral autoregulation (dCA) is associated with OH and Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD), and analyze the related risk factors in patients with PDD.

Materials and methods

We enrolled 89 patients with PD and 20 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs). Cognition and different cognitive domains were assessed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale. Non-invasive continuous beat-to-beat blood pressure and cerebral blood flow velocity were assessed using a servo-controlled finger plethysmograph and transcranial Doppler, respectively. dCA was examined using supine and orthostatic changes with transfer function analysis to derive the autoregulatory parameters of phase, gain, and coherence. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the risk factors for PDD.

Results

We found that 21 (23.6%) patients with PD had OH. These patients showed worse cognitive performance in specific cognitive tasks, such as language and orientation. The patients with OH also had poorer dCA; the very low frequency (VLF) phase in two different postures was lower than that in patients without OH as well as HCs (both P < 0.05). And the normalized gain in the VLF and low frequency (LF) in standing position was higher in PD patients with and without OH than in HCs. PDD patients also had significantly higher LF normalized gain when standing than patients without dementia (P = 0.015), indicating impaired dCA. LF normalized gain in standing (odds ratio: 3.756, 95% confidence interval: 1.241–11.367) and education were significantly associated with PDD.

Conclusion

Diminished dCA may represent a potential mechanism for OH and cognitive impairment and low educational level might be a significant factor contributing to the increased risk of PDD.
Reduced phonemic fluency in progressive supranuclear palsy is due to dysfunction of dominant BA6
Authors: Isella Valeria , Licciardo Daniele , Ferri Francesca , Crivellaro Cinzia , Morzenti Sabrina , Appollonio Ildebrando , Ferrarese Carlo
Published: September 2022

Background

Reduced phonemic fluency is extremely frequent in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), but its neural correlate is yet to be defined.

Objective

We explored the hypothesis that poor fluency in PSP might be due to neurodegeneration within a dominant frontal circuit known to be involved in speech fluency, including the opercular area, the superior frontal cortex (BA6), and the frontal aslant tract connecting these two regions.

Methods

We correlated performance on a letter fluency task (F, A, and S, 60 s for each letter) with brain metabolism as measured with Fluoro-deoxy-glucose Positron Emission Tomography, using Statistical Parametric Mapping, in 31 patients with PSP.

Results

Reduced letter fluency was associated with significant hypometabolism at the level of left BA6.

Conclusion

Our finding is the first evidence that in PSP, as in other neurogical disorders, poor self-initiated, effortful verbal retrieval appears to be linked to dysfunction of the dominant opercular-aslant-BA6 circuit.
Effects of rTMS treatment on global cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Tianjiao , Sui Youxin , Lu Qian , Xu Xingjun , Zhu Yi , Dai Wenjun , Shen Ying , Wang Tong
Published: September 2022

Background

Although repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been extensively studied in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), the clinical evidence remains inconsistent. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of rTMS on global cognitive function in patients with AD.

Methods

An integrated literature search using 4 databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library) was performed to identify English language articles published up to October 6, 2021. We pooled Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog) scores using a random-effects model via RevMan 5.4 software. We calculated estimates of mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The primary outcomes were pre-post treatment changes in global cognition as measured using MMSE and ADAS-Cog immediately after rTMS treatment, and the secondary outcome was duration of cognitive improvement (1–1.5 and ≥3 months).

Results

Nine studies with 361 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that rTMS significantly improved global cognitive function immediately following rTMS treatment [(MD) 1.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.41–2.22, p < 0.00001, MMSE; 2.72, 95% CI, 1.77–3.67, p < 0.00001, ADAS-Cog], and the therapeutic effects persisted for an extended duration (2.20, 95% CI, 0.93–3.47, p =0.0007, MMSE; 1.96, 95% CI, 0.96–2.95, p = 0.0001, ADAS-Cog). Subgroup analyses showed that high frequency rTMS targeted to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) for over 20 sessions induced the greatest cognitive improvement, with effects lasting for more than 1 month after the final treatment. There were no significant differences in dropout rate (p > 0.05) or adverse effect rate (p > 0.05) between the rTMS and control groups.

Conclusions

Repetitive TMS is a potentially effective treatment for cognitive impairment in AD that is safe and can induce long-lasting effects. Our results also showed that ADAS-cog and MMSE differed in determination of global cognitive impairment.

Systematic review registration

http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, PROSPERO CRD42022315545.
Catheter ablation and cognitive function in atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Pengfei , Chen Zhuhong , Pan Deng , Miao Lina , Shi Yujiao , Guo Ming , Du Jianpeng
Published: September 2022

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a risk factor for cognitive dysfunction. Although catheter ablation (CA) is one of the main treatments for AF, whether it can improve cognitive function in patients with AF remains unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the cognitive outcome post-CA procedure.

Methods

Two investigators independently searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CNKI, WanFang, and VIP databases from inception to September 2021 for all the potentially eligible studies. The outcomes of interest included dementia or cognitive disorder through scoring or recognized classification criteria. Heterogeneity was determined by using Cochrane's Q test and calculating the I2. A random-effects model was used to incorporate the potential effects of heterogeneity. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess the methodological quality of each included study, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) method was adopted to evaluate the quality of evidence.

Result

Thirteen studies including 40,868 patients were included, among which 12,086 patients received AF ablation. Meta-analysis indicated that patients with AF ablation had a lower risk of dementia incidence in comparison to patients with AF without ablation [hazard ratio (HR): 0.60, 95% CI: 0.43 to 0.84, p = 0.003 I2 = 40%]. Significant differences were observed in the incidence of new-onset dementia [risk ratio (RR): 0.43, 95% CI: 0.28 to 0.65, p < 0.0001 I2 = 84%]; the changes in the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score [weighted mean difference (WMD): 1.00, 95% CI: 0.36 to 1.64, p < 0.005 I2 = 0%] and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score (WMD: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.69 to 1.26, p < 0.00001 I2 = 0%]. However, in subgroup analysis, we did not observe significant changes in MoCA score at < 3 months (WMD: 1.20, 95% CI: −0.19 to 2.58, p = 0.09 I2 = 50%) and changes in cognitive function scores between the radiofrequency group and cryoballoon group [standard mean difference (SMD): 0.39, 95% CI: −0.47 to 1.24, p = 0.38 I2 = 87%]. The NOS indicated that included studies were moderate to high quality, while the quality of evidence assessed by GRADE was low in 2 and very low in 2.

Conclusion

We analyzed the related cognitive outcomes after AF ablation. In the overall population, AF ablation had a positive trend for improving cognitive function at >3 months post-procedure. However, AF ablation might not be related to the improvement of cognitive function at < 3 months.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier: CRD42021285198.
Early predictors of visual and axonal outcomes after acute optic neuritis
Authors: Nguyen Minh N. L. , Zhu Chao , Kolbe Scott C. , Butzkueven Helmut , White Owen B. , Fielding Joanne , Kilpatrick Trevor J. , Egan Gary F. , Klistorner Alexander , van der Walt Anneke
Published: September 2022

Background

Predicting long-term visual outcomes and axonal loss following acute optic neuritis (ON) is critical for choosing treatment. Predictive models including all clinical and paraclinical measures of optic nerve dysfunction following ON are lacking.

Objectives

Using a prospective study method, to identify 1 and 3 months predictors of 6 and 12 months visual outcome (low contrast letter acuity 2.5%) and axonal loss [retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and multifocal evoked potential (mfVEP) amplitude] following acute ON.

Methods

In total, 37 patients of acute ON onset were evaluated within 14 days using between-eye asymmetry of visual acuity, color vision (Ishihara plates), optical coherence tomography, mfVEP, and optic nerve magnetic resonance imaging [magnetic transfer ratio (MTR) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)].

Results

Visual outcome at 6 and 12 months was best predicted by Ishihara asymmetry at 1 and 3 months following ON onset. Axonal loss at 6 and 12 months was reliably predicted by Ishihara asymmetry at 1 month. Optic nerve MTR and DTI at 3 months post-acute ON could predict axonal loss at 6 and 12 months.

Conclusions

Simple Ishihara asymmetry testing 1 month after acute ON onset can best predict visual outcome and axonal loss at 6 and 12 months in a clinical or research setting.
Individuals with cerebral palsy show altered responses to visual perturbations during walking
Authors: Sansare Ashwini , Arcodia Maelyn , Lee Samuel C. K. , Jeka John , Reimann Hendrik
Published: September 2022

Individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) have deficits in processing of somatosensory and proprioceptive information. To compensate for these deficits, they tend to rely on vision over proprioception in single plane upper and lower limb movements and in standing. It is not known whether this also applies to walking, an activity where the threat to balance is higher. Through this study, we used visual perturbations to understand how individuals with and without CP integrate visual input for walking balance control. Additionally, we probed the balance mechanisms driving the responses to the visual perturbations. More specifically, we investigated differences in the use of ankle roll response i.e., the use of ankle inversion, and the foot placement response, i.e., stepping in the direction of perceived fall. Thirty-four participants (17 CP, 17 age-and sex-matched typically developing controls or TD) were recruited. Participants walked on a self-paced treadmill in a virtual reality environment. Intermittently, the virtual scene was rotated in the frontal plane to induce the sensation of a sideways fall. Our results showed that compared to their TD peers, the overall body sway in response to the visual perturbations was magnified and delayed in CP group, implying that they were more affected by changes in visual cues and relied more so on visual information for walking balance control. Also, the CP group showed a lack of ankle response, through a significantly reduced ankle inversion on the affected side compared to the TD group. The CP group showed a higher foot placement response compared to the TD group immediately following the visual perturbations. Thus, individuals with CP showed a dominant proximal foot placement strategy and diminished ankle roll response, suggestive of a reliance on proximal over distal control of walking balance in individuals with CP.
Interpretable evaluation for the Brunnstrom recovery stage of the lower limb based on wearable sensors
Authors: Chen Xiang , Hu DongXia , Zhang RuiQi , Pan ZeWei , Chen Yan , Xie Longhan , Luo Jun , Zhu YiWen
Published: September 2022

With the increasing number of stroke patients, there is an urgent need for an accessible, scientific, and reliable evaluation method for stroke rehabilitation. Although many rehabilitation stage evaluation methods based on the wearable sensors and machine learning algorithm have been developed, the interpretable evaluation of the Brunnstrom recovery stage of the lower limb (BRS-L) is still lacking. The paper propose an interpretable BRS-L evaluation method based on wearable sensors. We collected lower limb motion data and plantar pressure data of 20 hemiplegic patients and 10 healthy individuals using seven Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) and two plantar pressure insoles. Then we extracted gait features from the motion data and pressure data. By using feature selection based on feature importance, we improved the interpretability of the machine learning-based evaluation method. Several machine learning models are evaluated on the dataset, the results show that k-Nearest Neighbor has the best prediction performance and achieves 94.2% accuracy with an input of 18 features. Our method provides a feasible solution for precise rehabilitation and home-based rehabilitation of hemiplegic patients.
Pain assessment during physiotherapy and noxious stimuli in patients with disorders of consciousness: A preliminary study
Authors: Shen Jianzhong , Tang Shanchun , Yan Bingyang , Xie Donghua , Fang Tingting , Chen Lidan , Li Guoyun
Published: September 2022

Objectives

The primary purpose of this study is to determine whether patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC) (unresponsive wakefulness syndrome, UWS; minimally conscious state, MCS) experience pain during physiotherapy and noxious stimuli in a larger patient population.

Materials and methods

The patients’ level of consciousness was measured with the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R). Additionally, the Nociception Coma Scale-revised (NCS-R) was used to assess their pain response. The NCS-R total scores between UWS and MCS at baseline, physiotherapy and noxious stimulus were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test (Wilcoxon rank-sum test) and the Kruskal-Wallis H test with Bonferroni correction.

Results

The study enrolled 93 participants. There was a statistically significant difference in NCS-R total scores between the three conditions (H = 215.25, p < 0.001). At baseline, there was no statistically significant difference between MCS and UWS (U = 378, z = –1.35, p = 0.178). While there was a statistically significant difference between MCS and UWS during physiotherapy (U = 1,362, z = –3.06, p < 0.01) and under noxious stimuli (U = 5142.5, z = –11.22, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Physiotherapy improved the activity responsiveness of DOC patients, and patients experienced less potential pain. However, some DOC patients, especially MCS patients, perceived pain under the noxious stimuli.
Folate contents in insects as promising food components quantified by stable isotope dilution
Authors: Weber Nadine , Kouřimská Lenka , Kulma Martin , Petříčková Dora , Seufert Franziska , Rychlik Michael
Published: September 2022

Concerning the increasing population, edible insects are of growing interest due to several advantages such as sustainable production and as a source of high-quality nutrients. One of the less studied nutrients are folates, in the context of insects is folates, which play an important role in human metabolism. In the article, we describe how six different insect species are reared and extracted for five common folate vitamers by high-performance liquid chromatography interfaced with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). For this purpose, house crickets (Acheta domesticus—adults), Jamaican field crickets (Gryllus assimilis—adults), discoid cockroaches (Blaberus discoidalis—nymphs), migratory locusts (Locusta migratoria—adults), mealworms (Tenebrio molitor), and lesser mealworms (Alphitobius diaperinus) were investigated. The total folate content differs between 59.1 ± 6.50 and 143 ± 11.1 μg/100 g. Also, the feed, which was adapted to the needs of the insects and differed for some species, was extracted for their total folate content. The four different feed compositions (rapeseed, chicken feed, bramble leaves, and a mix of chicken feed, wheat bran, and carrot/apples) showed a folate content of about 100 μg/100 g, except for hay, where the content was 300 μg/100 g. In general, the insect folate content is comparable to other food and seems to be a promising source of folates. However, the amount of consumption needed to meet the requirement must also be considered. Moreover, the effect of different influencing factors is not yet entirely clear and needs further investigation.
Assessment of the neuroprotective potential of d-cycloserine and l-serine in aluminum chloride-induced experimental models of Alzheimer’s disease: In vivo and in vitro studies
Authors: Tozlu Özlem Özdemir , Türkez Hasan , Okkay Ufuk , Ceylan Onur , Bayram Cemil , Hacımüftüoğlu Ahmet , Mardinoğlu Adil
Published: September 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain accompanied by synaptic dysfunction and neurodegeneration. No effective treatment has been found to slow the progression of the disease. Therapeutic studies using experimental animal models have therefore become very important. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the possible neuroprotective effect of D-cycloserine and L-serine against aluminum chloride (AlCl3)-induced AD in rats. Administration of AlCl3 for 28 days caused oxidative stress and neurodegeneration compared to the control group. In addition, we found that aluminum decreases α-secretase activity while increasing β-secretase and γ-secretase activities by molecular genetic analysis. D-cycloserine and L-serine application resulted in an improvement in neurodegeneration and oxidative damage caused by aluminum toxicity. It is believed that the results of this study will contribute to the synthesis of new compounds with improved potential against AlCl3-induced neurodegeneration, cognitive impairment, and drug development research.
Digestion of protein and toxic gluten peptides in wheat bread, pasta and cereal and the effect of a supplemental enzyme mix
Authors: Freitas Daniela , Gómez-Mascaraque Laura G. , Brodkorb André
Published: September 2022

There has been an increasing interest in the relationship between wheat digestibility and potential toxicity to the host. However, there is a lack of understanding about temporal profile of digestion of wheat proteins from different food matrices under physiologically relevant conditions. In this study, digestion of three wheat-based foods (bread, pasta and cereal) was conducted based on the INFOGEST semi-dynamic protocol in the absence and presence of a commercial supplemental enzyme preparation (a Glutalytic® based supplement, which will be marketed as Elevase®). Protein hydrolysis (OPA- ortho-phthalaldehyde - assay), molecular weight distribution (SEC-HPLC) and potential toxicity (R5 antibody-based competitive ELISA), were assessed. Our results demonstrated that under normal conditions, the complexity of the food influenced the temporal profile of protein hydrolysis and gluten breakdown throughout simulated gastric and intestinal digestion. However, treatment with the enzyme supplement significantly and acutely increased protein hydrolysis and gluten degradation in the gastric stage, and this enhanced digestion was maintained into the intestinal environment. These findings highlight the limitations of temporal gastric proteolysis and gluten degradation under normal conditions to different food types. They also show that supplemental enzyme mixes can effectively accelerate the breakdown of protein and hydrolysis of toxic gliadin fractions from the early stages of gastric digestion, thereby reducing intestinal exposure and potentially limiting the sensitization of the host.
The recent advances of cancer associated fibroblasts in cancer progression and therapy
Authors: Wu Chenxi , Gu Jianmei , Gu Hongbing , Zhang XiaoXin , Zhang Xu , Ji Runbi
Published: September 2022

As an abundant component of tumor microenvironment, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are heterogeneous cell populations that play important roles in tumor development, progression and therapeutic resistance. Multiple sources of cells can be recruited and educated to become CAFs, such as fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells and adipocytes, which may explain the phenotypic and functional heterogeneity of CAFs. It is widely believed that CAFs regulate tumor progression by remodeling extracellular matrix, promoting angiogenesis, and releasing soluble cytokines, making them a promising cancer therapy target. In this review, we discussed about the origin, subpopulation, and functional heterogeneity of CAFs, with particular attention to recent research advances and clinical therapeutic potential of CAFs in cancer.
VISTA is associated with immune infiltration and predicts favorable prognosis in TNBC
Authors: Zhang Mi , Zhang Juan , Liu Na , Wang Biyuan , Zhou Yan , Yang Jin
Published: September 2022

Background

V-domain Ig-containing suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA), a critical immune checkpoint protein, can regulate the immune system. Nevertheless, little information is available on the expression level of VISTA and its clinical significance as well. The immunological and prognostic role of VISTA in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) still remains unclear.

Methods

The clinical significance and expression of VISTA in TNBC were examined using RNA sequencing and clinical data. Cancer single-cell state atlas (CancerSEA), gene set enrichment analyses (GSEA), single sample GSEA, ESTIMATE algorithm, immunohistochemistry (IHC) were utilized to assess the functions of VISTA.

Results

VISTA was down-regulated and closely associated with good prognosis in TNBC. The expression of VISTA was higher in Immunity-H group and immunomodulatory (IM) subtype. The level of VISTA expression in TNBC gradually increased with the degree of stromal tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (sTILs) infiltration. In addition, the high expression of VISTA was strongly linked to higher proportion of CD8 (+) T cell and M1 macrophages.

Conclusion

VISTA was remarkably correlated with a favorable prognosis and high immune infiltration in patients with TNBC.