bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
cGAS-STING pathway as a potential trigger of immunosenescence and inflammaging
Authors: Schmitz Carine Raquel Richter , Maurmann Rafael Moura , Guma Fatima T. C. R. , Bauer Moisés Evandro , Barbé-Tuana Florencia Maria
Published: March 2023

Aging is associated with an increased incidence of autoimmune diseases, despite the progressive decline of immune responses (immunosenescence). This apparent paradox can be explained by the age-related chronic low-grade systemic inflammation (inflammaging) and progressive dysregulation of innate signaling. During cellular aging, there is an accumulation of damaged DNA in the cell’s cytoplasm, which serves as ubiquitous danger-associated molecule, promptly recognized by DNA sensors. For instance, the free cytoplasmic DNA can be recognized, by DNA-sensing molecules like cGAS-STING (cyclic GMP-AMP synthase linked to a stimulator of interferon genes), triggering transcriptional factors involved in the secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators. However, the contribution of this pathway to the aging immune system remains largely unknown. Here, we highlight recent advances in understanding the biology of the cGAS-STING pathway, its influence on the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), and its modulation of the immune system during sterile inflammation. We propose that this important stress sensor of DNA damage is also a trigger of immunosenescence and inflammaging.
Breeding honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) for low and high Varroa destructor population growth: Gene expression of bees performing grooming behavior
Authors: Morfin Nuria , Harpur Brock A. , De la Mora Alvaro , Guzman-Novoa Ernesto
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Social organisms, including honey bees (Apis mellifera L.), have defense mechanisms to control the multiplication and transmission of parasites and pathogens within their colonies. Self-grooming, a mechanism of behavioral immunity, seems to contribute to restrain the population growth of the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor in honey bee colonies. Because V. destructor is the most damaging parasite of honey bees, breeding them for resistance against the mite is a high priority of the beekeeping industry.

Methods

A bidirectional breeding program to select honey bee colonies with low and high V. destructor population growth (LVG and HVG, respectively) was conducted. Having high and low lines of bees allowed the study of genetic mechanisms underlying self-grooming behavior between the extreme genotypes. Worker bees were classified into two categories: ‘light groomers’ and ‘intense groomers’. The brains of bees from the different categories (LVG-intense, LVG-light, HVG-intense, and HVG-light) were used for gene expression and viral quantification analyses. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with the LVG and HVG lines were identified.

Results

Four odorant-binding proteins and a gustatory receptor were identified as differentially expressed genes. A functional enrichment analysis showed 19 enriched pathways from a list of 219 down-regulated DEGs in HVG bees, including the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) term of oxidative phosphorylation. Additionally, bees from the LVG line showed lower levels of Apis rhabdovirus 1 and 2, Varroa destructor virus -1 (VDV-1/DWV-B), and Deformed wing virus-A (DWV-A) compared to bees of the HVG line. The difference in expression of odorant-binding protein genes and a gustatory receptor between bee lines suggests a possible link between them and the perception of irritants to trigger rapid self-grooming instances that require the activation of energy metabolic pathways.

Discussion

These results provide new insights on the molecular mechanisms involved in honey bee grooming behavior. Differences in viral levels in the brains of LVG and HVG bees showed the importance of investigating the pathogenicity and potential impacts of neurotropic viruses on behavioral immunity. The results of this study advance the understanding of a trait used for selective breeding, self-grooming, and the potential of using genomic assisted selection to improve breeding programs.
Hydrodynamic response analysis for a new semi-submersible vessel-shaped fish farm platform based on numerical simulation
Authors: Pang Guoliang , Zhang Song , Liu Haiyang , Zhu Shiyao , Yuan Taiping , Li Gen , Han Xiangxi , Huang Xiaohua
Published: March 2023

Due to polluted environments, limited resources, and restricted space in coastal aquaculture, the use of a large-scale aquaculture platform in deep-sea areas has become more important in fish farming. However, the environment in the deep sea is complex and harsh, which threatens the safety of the fish farm platform due to extreme weather. In this work, we developed a new semi-submersible vessel-shaped truss fish farm platform with single-point mooring, considering different operating conditions. The dynamic performance of the platform was analyzed numerically. Firstly, a numerical model of the fish farm platform was created. A physical model test was then executed to verify the numerical model. The results from the numerical model were found to be in good agreement with the experimental results. Subsequently, the dynamic response of the platform under different wave conditions was analyzed based on the validated numerical model. The results showed that the new semi-submersible vessel-shaped fish farm platform had good adaptability to extreme sea conditions. The experimental and numerical analyses of the hydrodynamic responses of the fish farm platform facilitated the design, analysis, and application of the large deep-sea fish farm platform.
Risk characteristics of China’s marine disasters and trends since 2000
Authors: Wang Yebao , Ding Yana , Geng Ruiying , Chen Chuntao
Published: March 2023

Understanding the risk characteristics of marine disasters is of great importance for disaster prevention and mitigation. In this study, we considered four types of marine disasters typical in China, including storm surges, rough seas, harmful algal blooms, and oil spills to identify risk characteristics. Disaster risk was analyzed based on the theory that the marine disaster risk consists of hazard, exposure, and vulnerability. These three factors have been analyzed based on statistical data from a collection of historical documents and official records. The following characteristics were identified. First, the occurrence frequency of storm surges and rough waves has remained stable over the past few decades, but the occurrence frequency of red tides and oil spills has shown a downward trend. Second, storm surges were found to be the main cause of economic losses, while rough seas were the main cause of death. Economic losses and fatalities have shown a downward trend against the backdrop of a growing economy and population. Third, there are clear regional differences in the spatial distribution of all disasters, so it is necessary to formulate disaster prevention and mitigation plans according to the spatial differentiation of risks. Based on the various disaster prevention and mitigation measures taken by the government, this study makes some recommendations for future actions that the government should take from the perspective of risk composition. The risk analysis paradigm for marine disasters provided in this study is expected to be used for future marine disaster prevention and mitigation.
Recent advances in microwave-absorbing materials fabricated using organic conductive polymers
Authors: Peymanfar Reza , Dogari Haniyeh , Selseleh-Zakerin Elnaz , Hedayatzadeh Mohammad Hossein , Daneshvar Sara , Amiri-Ramsheh Nasim , Ghafuri Hossein , Mirkhan Ali , Ji Guangbin , Aslibeiki Bagher
Published: March 2023

Microwave-absorbing materials are widely utilized in military and civilian applications. Moreover, their environmental potential to refine electromagnetic pollution has promoted their importance. An ideal conjugated organic polymer for use as a microwave-absorbing material should possess high porosity, low density, a long conjugated backbone, a narrow energy band gap, proper conductive and relaxation loss, and vast specific surface area. This review describes the conductive polymer types used as microwave-absorbing material and their composites toward improving microwave-absorbing capability. Additionally, recent developments in synthetic strategies and structural properties of pure carbon-based microwave-absorbing materials and other conjugated structures having heteroatoms in their chains are discussed. In the field of microwave absorbers, the predominant microwave-absorbing mechanisms among conductive polymers and their composites as well as the special mechanisms for tuning microwave-absorbing characteristics, including metamaterial and quasi-antenna features, are dissected. This review sheds new light on architecting low-density and high-performance microwave-absorbing structures and offers new prospects in tailoring conjugated polymers based on their dominant mechanisms.
Disruption of estrogen receptor beta’s DNA binding domain impairs its tumor suppressive effects in triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Aspros Kirsten G. M. , Emch Michael J. , Wang Xiyin , Subramaniam Malayannan , Hinkle Megan L. , Rodman Esther P. B. , Goetz Matthew P. , Hawse John R.
Published: March 2023

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive sub-type of the disease which accounts for a disproportionately high percentage of breast cancer morbidities and mortalities. For these reasons, a better understanding of TNBC biology is required and the development of novel therapeutic approaches are critically needed. Estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) is a reported tumor suppressor that is expressed in approximately 20% of primary TNBC tumors, where it is associated with favorable prognostic features and patient outcomes. Previous studies have shown that ERβ mediates the assembly of co-repressor complexes on DNA to inhibit the expression of multiple growth promoting genes and to suppress the ability of oncogenic transcription factors to drive cancer progression. To further elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which ERβ elicits its anti-cancer effects, we developed MDA-MB-231 cells that inducibly express a mutant form of ERβ incapable of directly binding DNA. We demonstrate that disruption of ERβ’s direct interaction with DNA abolishes its ability to regulate the expression of well characterized immediate response genes and renders it unable to suppress TNBC cell proliferation. Loss of DNA binding also diminishes the ability of ERβ to suppress oncogenic NFκB signaling even though it still physically associates with NFκB and other critical co-factors. These findings enhance our understanding of how ERβ functions in this disease and provide a model system that can be utilized to further investigate the mechanistic processes by which ERβ elicits its anti-cancer effects.
Effects of the visual environment on object localization in posterior cortical atrophy and typical Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Ocal Dilek , McCarthy Ian D. , Poole Teresa , Primativo Silvia , Suzuki Tatsuto , Tyler Nick , Frost Chris , Crutch Sebastian J. , Yong Keir X. X.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Visual processing deficits in Alzheimer's disease are associated with diminished functional independence. While environmental adaptations have been proposed to promote independence, recent guidance gives limited consideration to such deficits and offers conflicting recommendations for people with dementia. We evaluated the effects of clutter and color contrasts on performances of everyday actions in posterior cortical atrophy and memory-led typical Alzheimer's disease.

Methods

15 patients with posterior cortical atrophy, 11 with typical Alzheimer's disease and 16 healthy controls were asked to pick up a visible target object as part of two pilot repeated-measures investigations from a standing or seated position. Participants picked up the target within a controlled real-world setting under varying environmental conditions: with/without clutter, with/without color contrast cue and far/near target position. Task completion time was recorded using a target-mounted inertial measurement unit.

Results

Across both experiments, difficulties locating a target object were apparent through patient groups taking an estimated 50–90% longer to pick up targets relative to controls. There was no evidence of effects of color contrast when locating objects from standing/seated positions and of any other environmental conditions from a standing position on completion time in any participant group. Locating objects, surrounded by five distractors rather than none, from a seated position was associated with a disproportionately greater effect on completion times in the posterior cortical atrophy group relative to the control or typical Alzheimer's disease groups. Smaller, not statistically significant but directionally consistent, ratios of relative effects were seen for two distractors compared with none.

Discussion

Findings are consistent with inefficient object localization in posterior cortical atrophy relative to typical Alzheimer's disease and control groups, particularly with targets presented within reaching distance among visual clutter. Findings may carry implications for considering the adverse effects of visual clutter in developing and implementing environmental modifications to promote functional independence in Alzheimer's disease.
Membrane lipid adaptation of soil Bacteroidetes isolates to temperature and pH
Authors: Hellequin Eve , Collin Sylvie , Seder-Colomina Marina , Véquaud Pierre , Anquetil Christelle , Kish Adrienne , Huguet Arnaud
Published: March 2023

3-hydroxy fatty acids (3-OH FAs) are characteristic components of the Gram-negative bacterial membrane, recently proposed as promising temperature and pH (paleo) proxies in soil. Nevertheless, to date, the relationships between the 3-OH FA distribution and temperature/pH are only based on empirical studies, with no ground truthing work at the microbial level. This work investigated the influence of growth temperature and pH on the lipid composition of three strains of soil Gram-negative bacteria belonging to the Bacteroidetes phylum. Even though non-hydroxy FAs were more abundant than 3-OH FAs in the investigated strains, our results suggest that 3-OH FAs are involved in the membrane adaptation of these bacteria to temperature. The strains shared a common adaptation mechanism to temperature, with a significant increase in the ratio of anteiso vs. iso or normal 3-OH FAs at lower temperature. In contrast with temperature, no common adaptation mechanism to pH was observed, as the variations in the FA lipid profiles differed from one strain to another. We suggest that models reconstructing environmental changes in soils should include the whole suite of 3-OH FAs present in the membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, as all of them could be influenced by temperature or pH at the microbial level.
Microbiota-derived metabolites in regulating the development and physiology of Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Feng Min , Gao Baizhen , Garcia L. Rene , Sun Qing
Published: March 2023

Microbiota consist of microorganisms that provide essential health benefits and contribute to the animal’s physiological homeostasis. Microbiota-derived metabolites are crucial mediators in regulating host development, system homeostasis, and overall fitness. In this review, by focusing on the animal model Caenorhabditis elegans, we summarize key microbial metabolites and their molecular mechanisms that affect animal development. We also provide, from a bacterial perspective, an overview of host-microbiota interaction networks used for maintaining host physiological homeostasis. Moreover, we discuss applicable methodologies for profiling new bacterial metabolites that modulate host developmental signaling pathways. Microbiota-derived metabolites have the potential to be diagnostic biomarkers for diseases, as well as promising targets for engineering therapeutic interventions against animal developmental or health-related defects.
Isolation and characterization of a novel Tenacibaculum species and a corresponding bacteriophage from a Mediterranean fish hatchery: Description of Tenacibaculum larymnensis sp. nov. and Tenacibaculum phage Larrie
Authors: Tsertou Maria Ioanna , Triga Adriana , Droubogiannis Stavros , Kokkari Constantina , Anasi Grammatiki , Katharios Pantelis
Published: March 2023

Tenacibaculum larymnensis sp. nov., a novel species of the Tenacibaculum genus was isolated from a commercial fish hatchery in Greece. The novel species is phylogenetically close to T. discolor and was biochemically and genetically characterized. The genome of T. larymnensis has 3.66 Mbps length, 31.83% GC content and the genomic analysis demonstrated that it harbors a wide enzymatic repertoire suggestive of increased degrading capacity but also several virulence factors including hemolysins, secretion systems, transporters, siderophores, pili and extracellular proteins. Using the novel strain, a virulent bacteriophage designated as Tenacibaculum phage Larrie was isolated and characterized. Larrie is a novel Siphovirus with relatively large genome, 77.5 kbps with 111 ORFs, a GC content of 33.7% and an exclusively lytic lifestyle. The new phage-host system can serve as an efficient model to study microbial interactions in the aquatic environment which contribute to the nutrient cycling.
Ultrasound can increase biofilm formation by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium spp.
Authors: Racioppo Angela , Speranza Barbara , Altieri Clelia , Sinigaglia Milena , Corbo Maria Rosaria , Bevilacqua Antonio
Published: March 2023

The main goal of this research was to study the effect of an Ultrasound (US) treatment on biofilm formation of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (strains c19 and DSM 1055), Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis DSM 10140, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum DSM 20219, and Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis DSM 20088. From a methodological point of view, each microorganism was treated through six US treatments, different for the power (10, 30, or 50% of the net power, 130 W), the duration (2, 6, or 10 min) and the application of pulses (0 or 10 s). After the treatment, a biofilm of the strains was let to form on glass slides and the concentration of sessile cells was analyzed for 16 days. Biofilms formed by untreated microorganisms were used as controls. As a first result, it was found that US significantly increased the concentration of sessile cells of B. longum subsp. infantis, while for some other strains US treatment could not affect the formation of biofilm while improving its stability, as found for L. plantarum DSM1055 after 16 days. The variable mainly involved in this positive effect of US was the duration of the treatment, as biofilm formation and stability were improved only for 2 min-treatments; on the other hand, the effect of power and pulses were strain-dependent. In conclusion, the results suggest practical implication of a US pre-treatment for various fields (improvement of adhesion of microorganisms useful in food or in the gut, biomedical and environmental industries), although further investigations are required to elucidate the mode of action.
Organization of the bacterial nucleoid by DNA-bridging proteins and globular crowders
Authors: Joyeux Marc
Published: March 2023

The genomic DNA of bacteria occupies only a fraction of the cell called the nucleoid, although it is not bounded by any membrane and would occupy a volume hundreds of times larger than the cell in the absence of constraints. The two most important contributions to the compaction of the DNA coil are the cross-linking of the DNA by nucleoid proteins (like H-NS and StpA) and the demixing of DNA and other abundant globular macromolecules which do not bind to the DNA (like ribosomes). The present work deals with the interplay of DNA-bridging proteins and globular macromolecular crowders, with the goal of determining the extent to which they collaborate in organizing the nucleoid. In order to answer this question, a coarse-grained model was developed and its properties were investigated through Brownian dynamics simulations. These simulations reveal that the radius of gyration of the DNA coil decreases linearly with the effective volume ratio of globular crowders and the number of DNA bridges formed by nucleoid proteins in the whole range of physiological values. Moreover, simulations highlight the fact that the number of DNA bridges formed by nucleoid proteins depends crucially on their ability to self-associate (oligomerize). An explanation for this result is proposed in terms of the mean distance between DNA segments and the capacity of proteins to maintain DNA–bridging in spite of the thermal fluctuations of the DNA network. Finally, simulations indicate that non-associating proteins preserve a high mobility inside the nucleoid while contributing to its compaction, leading to a DNA/protein complex which looks like a liquid droplet. In contrast, self-associating proteins form a little deformable network which cross-links the DNA chain, with the consequence that the DNA/protein complex looks more like a gel.
Characterization of a highly conserved MUC5B-degrading protease, MdpL, from Limosilactobacillus fermentum
Authors: Leo Fredrik , Svensäter Gunnel , Lood Rolf , Wickström Claes
Published: March 2023

MUC5B is the predominant glycoprotein in saliva and is instrumental in the establishment and maintenance of multi-species eubiotic biofilms in the oral cavity. Investigations of the aciduric Lactobacillaceae family, and its role in biofilms emphasizes the diversity across different genera of the proteolytic systems involved in the nutritional utilization of mucins. We have characterized a protease from Limosilactobacillus fermentum, MdpL (Mucin degrading protease from Limosilactobacillus) with a high protein backbone similarity with commensals that exploit mucins for attachment and nutrition. MdpL was shown to be associated with the bacterial cell surface, in close proximity to MUC5B, which was sequentially degraded into low molecular weight fragments. Mapping the substrate preference revealed multiple hydrolytic sites of proteins with a high O-glycan occurrence, although hydrolysis was not dependent on the presence of O-glycans. However, since proteolysis of immunoglobulins was absent, and general protease activity was low, a preference for glycoproteins similar to MUC5B in terms of glycosylation and structure is suggested. MdpL preferentially hydrolyzed C-terminally located hydrophobic residues in peptides larger than 20 amino acids, which hinted at a limited sequence preference. To secure proper enzyme folding and optimal conditions for activity, L. fermentum incorporates a complex system that establishes a reducing environment. The importance of overall reducing conditions was confirmed by the activity boosting effect of the added reducing agents L-cysteine and DTT. High activity was retained in low to neutral pH 5.5–7.0, but the enzyme was completely inhibited in the presence of Zn2+. Here we have characterized a highly conserved mucin degrading protease from L. fermentum. MdpL, that together with the recently discovered O-glycanase and O-glycoprotease enzyme groups, increases our understanding of mucin degradation and complex biofilm dynamics.
Biofilm formation of two genetically diverse Staphylococcus aureus isolates under beta-lactam antibiotics
Authors: Liang Jinglong , Huang Teng Yi , Mao Yuzhu , Li Xuejie
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Our aim was to evaluate the biofilm formation of 2 genetically diverse Staphylococcus aureus isolates, 10379 and 121940, under different concentrations of beta-lactam antibiotics on biomass content and biofilm viability.

Methods

Biofilm formation and methicillin resistance genes were tested using PCR and multiplex PCR. PCR was combined with bioinformatics analysis to detect multilocal sequence typing (MLST) and SCCmec types, to study the genetical correlation between the tested strains. Then, the crystal violet (CV) test and XTT were used to detect biomass content and biofilm activity. Antibiotic susceptibility was tested using a broth dilution method. According to their specific MIC, different concentrations of beta-lactam antibiotics were used to study its effect on biomass content and biofilm viability.

Results

Strain 10379 carried the icaD, icaBC, and MRSA genes, not the icaA, atl, app, and agr genes, and MLST and SCCmec typing was ST45 and IV, respectively. Strain 121940 carried the icaA, icaD, icaBC, atl, and agr genes, not the aap gene, and MLST and SCCmec typed as ST546 and IV, respectively. This suggested that strains 10379 and 121940 were genotypically very different. Two S. aureus isolates, 10379 and 121940, showed resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics, penicillin, ampicillin, meropenem, streptomycin and kanamycin, some of which promoted the formation of biofilm and biofilm viability at low concentrations.

Conclusion

Despite the large differences in the genetic background of S. aureus 10379 and 121940, some sub-inhibitory concentrations of beta-lactam antibiotics are able to promote biomass and biofilm viability of both two isolates.
Simultaneous silencing of juvenile hormone metabolism genes through RNAi interrupts metamorphosis in the cotton boll weevil
Authors: Vasquez Daniel D. N. , Pinheiro Daniele H. , Teixeira Lays A. , Moreira-Pinto Clidia E. , Macedo Leonardo L. P. , Salles-Filho Alvaro L. O. , Silva Maria C. M. , Lourenço-Tessutti Isabela T. , Morgante Carolina V. , Silva Luciano P. , Grossi-de-Sa Maria F.
Published: March 2023

The cotton boll weevil (CBW) (Anthonomus grandis) is one of the major insect pests of cotton in Brazil. Currently, CBW control is mainly achieved by insecticide application, which is costly and insufficient to ensure effective crop protection. RNA interference (RNAi) has been used in gene function analysis and the development of insect control methods. However, some insect species respond poorly to RNAi, limiting the widespread application of this approach. Therefore, nanoparticles have been explored as an option to increase RNAi efficiency in recalcitrant insects. Herein, we investigated the potential of chitosan–tripolyphosphate (CS-TPP) and polyethylenimine (PEI) nanoparticles as a dsRNA carrier system to improve RNAi efficiency in the CBW. Different formulations of the nanoparticles with dsRNAs targeting genes associated with juvenile hormone metabolism, such as juvenile hormone diol kinase (JHDK), juvenile hormone epoxide hydrolase (JHEH), and methyl farnesoate hydrolase (MFE), were tested. The formulations were delivered to CBW larvae through injection (0.05–2 µg), and the expression of the target genes was evaluated using RT-qPCR. PEI nanoparticles increased targeted gene silencing compared with naked dsRNAs (up to 80%), whereas CS-TPP-dsRNA nanoparticles decreased gene silencing (0%–20%) or led to the same level of gene silencing as the naked dsRNAs (up to 50%). We next evaluated the effects of targeting a single gene or simultaneously targeting two genes via the injection of naked dsRNAs or dsRNAs complexed with PEI (500 ng) on CBW survival and phenotypes. Overall, the gene expression analysis showed that the treatments with PEI targeting either a single gene or multiple genes induced greater gene silencing than naked dsRNA (∼60%). In addition, the injection of dsJHEH/JHDK, either naked or complexed with PEI, significantly affected CBW survival (18% for PEI nanoparticles and 47% for naked dsRNA) and metamorphosis. Phenotypic alterations, such as uncompleted pupation or malformed pupae, suggested that JHEH and JHDK are involved in developmental regulation. Moreover, CBW larvae treated with dsJHEH/JHDK + PEI (1,000 ng/g) exhibited significantly lower survival rate (55%) than those that were fed the same combination of naked dsRNAs (30%). Our findings demonstrated that PEI nanoparticles can be used as an effective tool for evaluating the biological role of target genes in the CBW as they increase the RNAi response.
Interaction of gut microbiota with the tumor microenvironment: A new strategy for antitumor treatment and traditional Chinese medicine in colorectal cancer
Authors: Li Tingting , Han Liang , Ma Simin , Lin Weiji , Ba Xin , Yan Jiahui , Huang Ying , Tu Shenghao , Qin Kai
Published: March 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer-related death. In recent years, the relationship between gut microbiota and CRC has attracted increasing attention from researchers. Studies reported that changes in the composition of gut microbiota, such as increase in the number of Fusobacterium nucleatum and Helicobacter hepaticus, impair the immune surveillance by affecting the intestinal mucosal immunity and increase the risk of tumor initiation and progression. The tumor microenvironment is the soil for tumor survival. Close contacts between gut microbiota and the tumor microenvironment may directly affect the progression of tumors and efficacy of antitumor drugs, thus influencing the prognosis of patients with CRC. Recently, many studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine can safely and effectively improve the efficacy of antitumor drugs, potentially through remodeling of the tumor microenvironment by regulated gut microbiota. This article describes the effect of gut microbiota on the tumor microenvironment and possible mechanisms concerning the initiation and progression of CRC, and summarizes the potential role of traditional Chinese medicine.
HSV: The scout and assault for digestive system tumors
Authors: Li Sheng , Li Qingbo , Ren Yi , Yi Jia , Guo Jinhe , Kong Xianbin
Published: March 2023

More than 25% of all malignant tumors are digestive system tumors (DSTs), which mostly include esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, gallbladder cancer and cholangiocarcinoma, and colorectal cancer. DSTs have emerged as one of the prominent reasons of morbidity and death in many nations and areas around the world, posing a serious threat to human life and health. General treatments such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgical resection can poorly cure the patients and have a bad prognosis. A type of immunotherapy known as oncolytic virus therapy, have recently shown extraordinary anti-tumor effectiveness. One of the viruses that has been the subject of the greatest research in this field, the herpes simplex virus (HSV), has shown excellent potential in DSTs. With a discussion of HSV-1 based on recent studies, we outline the therapeutic effects of HSV on a number of DSTs in this review. Additionally, the critical function of HSV in the detection of cancers is discussed, and some HSV future possibilities are shown.
Can anxiety-like behavior and spatial memory predict the extremes of skilled walking performance in mice? An exploratory, preliminary study
Authors: Schiavo Aniuska , Martins Lucas Athaydes , Wearick-Silva Luís Eduardo , Orso Rodrigo , Xavier Léder Leal , Mestriner Régis Gemerasca
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Skilled walking is influenced by memory, stress, and anxiety. While this is evident in cases of neurological disorders, memory, and anxiety traits may predict skilled walking performance even in normal functioning. Here, we address whether spatial memory and anxiety-like behavior can predict skilled walking performance in mice.

Methods

A cohort of 60 adult mice underwent a behavioral assessment including general exploration (open field), anxiety-like behavior (elevated plus maze), working and spatial memory (Y-maze and Barnes maze), and skilled walking performance (ladder walking test). Three groups were established based on their skilled walking performance: superior (SP, percentiles ≥75), regular (RP, percentiles 74–26), and inferior (IP, percentiles ≤25) performers.

Results

Animals from the SP and IP groups spent more time in the elevated plus maze closed arms compared to the RP group. With every second spent in the elevated plus maze closed arms, the probability of the animal exhibiting extreme percentiles in the ladder walking test increased by 1.4%. Moreover, animals that spent 219 s (73% of the total time of the test) or more in those arms were 4.67 times more likely to exhibit either higher or lower percentiles of skilled walking performance.

Discussion

We discuss and conclude anxiety traits may influence skilled walking performance in facility-reared mice.
Continuous versus discrete robotic feedback for brain-computer interfaces aimed for neurorehabilitation
Authors: Carino-Escobar Ruben I. , Rodríguez-García Martín E. , Carrillo-Mora Paul , Valdés-Cristerna Raquel , Cantillo-Negrete Jessica
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) can allow control of external devices using motor imagery (MI) decoded from electroencephalography (EEG). Although BCI have a wide range of applications including neurorehabilitation, the low spatial resolution of EEG, coupled to the variability of cortical activations during MI, make control of BCI based on EEG a challenging task.

Methods

An assessment of BCI control with different feedback timing strategies was performed. Two different feedback timing strategies were compared, comprised by passive hand movement provided by a robotic hand orthosis. One of the timing strategies, the continuous, involved the partial movement of the robot immediately after the recognition of each time segment in which hand MI was performed. The other feedback, the discrete, was comprised by the entire movement of the robot after the processing of the complete MI period. Eighteen healthy participants performed two sessions of BCI training and testing, one with each feedback.

Results

Significantly higher BCI performance (65.4 ± 17.9% with the continuous and 62.1 ± 18.6% with the discrete feedback) and pronounced bilateral alpha and ipsilateral beta cortical activations were observed with the continuous feedback.

Discussion

It was hypothesized that these effects, although heterogenous across participants, were caused by the enhancement of attentional and closed-loop somatosensory processes. This is important, since a continuous feedback timing could increase the number of BCI users that can control a MI-based system or enhance cortical activations associated with neuroplasticity, important for neurorehabilitation applications.
Alpha1-antitrypsin protects the immature mouse brain following hypoxic-ischemic injury
Authors: Zhang Shan , Li Wendong , Xu Yiran , Li Tao , Ek Joakim , Zhang Xiaoli , Wang Yafeng , Song Juan , Zhu Changlian , Wang Xiaoyang
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Preterm brain injury often leads to lifelong disabilities affecting both cognitive and motor functions, and effective therapies are limited. Alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT), an endogenous inhibitor of serine proteinases with anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and cytoprotective properties, might be beneficial in treating preterm brain injury. The aim of this study was to investigate whether AAT has neuroprotective effects in a mouse preterm brain injury model.

Methods: Preterm brain injury was induced on postnatal day 5, and mouse pups’ right common carotid arteries were cut between two ligations followed by hypoxia induction. Brain injury was evaluated through immunohistochemistry staining and magnetic resonance imaging. Fluoro-Jade B and immunohistochemistry staining were performed to investigate the neuronal cell death and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. The motor function and anxiety-like behaviors were revealed by CatWalk gait analysis and the open field test.

Results: After hypoxia-ischemia (HI) insult, brain injury was alleviated by AAT treatment, and this was accompanied by reduced BBB permeability, reduced neuronal cell death and caspase-3 activation, and inhibition of microglia activation. In addition, AAT administration significantly improved HI-induced motor function deficiencies in mice. The neuroprotective effect of AAT was more pronounced in male mice.

Conclusion: AAT treatment is neuroprotective against preterm brain injury in neonatal mice, and the effect is more pronounced in males.
Serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin as a potential biomarker for cognitive decline in spinal cord injury
Authors: Zhang Qinghao , Li Ziteng , Xie Liangyu , Cao Shengnan , Cui Zhonghao , Shi Bin , Chen Yuanzhen
Published: March 2023

Objective

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipoprotein (NGAL), a protein encoded by the lipocalcin-2 (LCN2) gene, has been reported to be involved in multiple processes of innate immunity, but its relationship with spinal cord injury (SCI) remains unclear. This study set out to determine whether NGAL played a role in the development of cognitive impairment following SCI.

Methods

At the Neck-Shoulder and Lumbocrural Pain Hospital, a total of 100 SCI patients and 72 controls were enrolled in the study through recruitment. Through questionnaires, baseline data on the participants' age, gender, education level, lifestyle choices (drinking and smoking) and underlying illnesses (hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and hyperlipidemia) were gathered. The individuals' cognitive performance was evaluated using the Montreal Cognitive Scale (MoCA), and their serum NGAL levels were discovered using ELISA.

Results

The investigation included 72 controls and 100 SCI patients. The baseline data did not differ substantially between the two groups, however the SCI group's serum NGAL level was higher than the control group's (p < 0.05), and this elevated level was adversely connected with the MoCA score (p < 0.05). According to the results of the ROC analysis, NGAL had a sensitivity of 58.24% and a specificity of 86.72% for predicting cognitive impairment following SCI.

Conclusions

The changes in serum NGAL level could serve as a biomarker for cognitive impairment in SCI patients, and this holds true even after taking in account several confounding variables.
Blood biomarkers of secondary outcomes following concussion: A systematic review
Authors: Swaney Ella E. K. , Cai Tengyi , Seal Marc L. , Ignjatovic Vera
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Blood biomarkers have been identified as an alternative tool for predicting secondary outcomes following concussion. This systematic review aimed to summarize the literature on blood biomarkers of secondary outcomes following concussion in both pediatric and adult cohorts.

Methods

A literature search of Embase, Medline and PubMed was conducted. Two reviewers independently assessed retrieved studies to determine inclusion in systematic review synthesis.

Results

A total of 1771 unique studies were retrieved, 58 of which were included in the final synthesis. S100B, GFAP and tau were identified as being associated with secondary outcomes following concussion. Seventeen percent of studies were performed in a solely pediatric setting.

Conclusions

Validation of biomarkers associated with secondary outcomes following concussion have been largely limited by heterogeneous study cohorts and definitions of concussion and mTBI, presenting a hurdle for translation of these markers into clinical practice. Additionally, there was an underrepresentation of studies which investigated pediatric cohorts. Adult markers are not appropriate for children, therefore pediatric specific markers of secondary outcomes following concussion present the biggest gap in this field.
Proximal-type epithelioid sarcoma of the perineum: A case report and literature review
Authors: Xia Shijun , Wu Wenjiang , Ma Lijuan
Published: March 2023

Proximal-type epithelioid sarcoma of the perineum is a rare soft-tissue malignancy, and only 55 cases have been reported in the English literature to date. This tumor has an indetectable early symptom and frequent recurrences. Here, we present the case of a 31-year-old man with proximal-type epithelioid sarcoma of the perineum who underwent wide excision. Further, we reviewed the current literature regarding differential diagnosis and management of this disease.
Development and validation of a MRI-based combined radiomics nomogram for differentiation in chondrosarcoma
Authors: Li Xiaofen , Lan Min , Wang Xiaolian , Zhang Jingkun , Gong Lianggeng , Liao Fengxiang , Lin Huashan , Dai Shixiang , Fan Bing , Dong Wentao
Published: March 2023

Objective

This study aims to develop and validate the performance of an unenhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based combined radiomics nomogram for discrimination between low-grade and high-grade in chondrosarcoma.

Methods

A total of 102 patients with 44 in low-grade and 58 in high-grade chondrosarcoma were enrolled and divided into training set (n=72) and validation set (n=30) with a 7:3 ratio in this retrospective study. The demographics and unenhanced MRI imaging characteristics of the patients were evaluated to develop a clinic-radiological factors model. Radiomics features were extracted from T1-weighted (T1WI) images to construct radiomics signature and calculate radiomics score (Rad-score). According to multivariate logistic regression analysis, a combined radiomics nomogram based on MRI was constructed by integrating radiomics signature and independent clinic-radiological features. The performance of the combined radiomics nomogram was evaluated in terms of calibration, discrimination, and clinical usefulness.

Results

Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, only one clinic-radiological feature (marrow edema OR=0.29, 95% CI=0.11-0.76, P=0.012) was found to be independent predictors of differentiation in chondrosarcoma. Combined with the above clinic-radiological predictor and the radiomics signature constructed by LASSO [least absolute shrinkage and selection operator], a combined radiomics nomogram based on MRI was constructed, and its predictive performance was better than that of clinic-radiological factors model and radiomics signature, with the AUC [area under the curve] of the training set and the validation set were 0.78 (95%CI =0.67-0.89) and 0.77 (95%CI =0.59-0.94), respectively. DCA [decision curve analysis] showed that combined radiomics nomogram has potential clinical application value.

Conclusion

The MRI-based combined radiomics nomogram is a noninvasive preoperative prediction tool that combines clinic-radiological feature and radiomics signature and shows good predictive effect in distinguishing low-grade and high-grade bone chondrosarcoma, which may help clinicians to make accurate treatment plans.
Characteristics and postoperative dynamic changes in circulating CD4+ helper T lymphocytes in patients with breast cancer
Authors: Lu Yan , Zhang Qiaohong , Wang Jiang , Zhang Longyi
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Circulating CD4+ helper T cell (Th) subsets provide potentially important information on disease progression in several cancers. In this study, we explored the characteristics and postoperative dynamic changes in circulating CD4+Th subsets in patients with breast cancer.

Methods

Circulating CD4+Th subsets, including CD4+ naive T cells (Tn), CD4+ central memory T cells (Tcm), CD4+ effector memory T cells (Tem), CD4+CD57+T, and CD4+PD-1+T, were detected with multiparameter flow cytometry. T-test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test were used to compare differences between groups for normally and non-normally distributed continuous variables, respectively. Postoperative dynamic changes in CD4+Th subsets were assessed using the paired-sample rank-sum test.

Results

Seventy-five patients with invasive breast cancer and fifty-three patients with benign breast tumors were enrolled. Compared with that in patients with benign tumors, the proportion of CD4+Tn in patients with breast cancer patients decreased, whereas the proportion and absolute number of CD4+CD57+T and CD4+PD-1+T increased. Moreover, the proportion of CD4+PD-1+T was correlated with the clinicopathology of breast cancer. After tumor resection, the proportion and absolute number of CD4+Tcm significantly decreased, while those of CD4+Tem significantly increased, compared with preoperative values. Tumor resection caused significant changes in the proportion and absolute number of CD4+CD57+T and CD4+PD-1+ T, both of which showed significant decreases.

Discussion

We found significant changes in circulating CD4+Th subsets in patients with breast cancer. Additionally, complete tumor resection can benefit the patient as it balances the patient’s immunosuppression and immune stress and improves the immune exhaustion and immunosenescence states.
Pan-cancer analysis identifies LIFR as a prognostic and immunological biomarker for uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Fang , Wang Yali , Li Hongjuan , Li Li , Yang Xiaofeng , You Xiaoyan , Tang Lina
Published: March 2023

Background

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) exhibits significant tumor-promoting function, while its cognate receptor (LIFR) is considered to act as either a tumor promoter or suppressor. Dysregulation of LIF and LIFR is associated with the initiation, progression and metastasis of multiple cancer entities. Although increasing numbers of studies are revealing an indispensable critical role of LIFR in tumorigenesis for various different cancers, no systematic analysis of LIFR has appeared thus far.

Methods

Here, we comprehensively analyzed the expression profile and prognostic value of LIFR, and correlations between LIFR and the infiltration of immune cells and clinicopathological parameters across different tumor types using several bioinformatic tools. The expression profile of LIFR in various tumor types and clinical stages was investigated using the TIMER2 and GEPIA2 databases. Genetic alternations of LIFR were extracted from cBioPortal. The prognostic value of LIFR was assessed using GEPIA2 and Sanger box databases, and correlations between LIFR expression and immune infiltration were analyzed using the CIBERSORT method and TIMER2 database. The correlations between LIFR expression and immune and stromal scores were assessed using ESTIMATE. We also analyzed correlations between LIFR and immunoregulators. Finally, we detected an effect of LIFR on Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma (UCEC) and evaluated the expression level of LIFR in clinical UCEC samples.

Results

Aberrant expression of LIFR in cancers and its prognosis ability, especially in UCEC was documented. Significantly lower levels of LIFR expression level correlated with better prognosis in multiple tumor types. LIFR expression was positively correlated with the abundance of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and endothelial cells in the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, LIFR expression was strongly associated with the presence of immune modulators and checkpoint genes. Overexpression of LIFR suppressed the migration and invasion of UCEC cells in vitro.

Conclusion

Our pan-cancer detection data provided a novel understanding of the roles of LIFR in oncogenesis.
Biological functions, mechanisms, and clinical significance of circular RNA in colorectal cancer
Authors: Fang Guida , Xu Dalai , Zhang Tao , Wang Gang , Qiu Lei , Gao Xuzhu , Miao Yongchang
Published: March 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide due to the lack of effective diagnosis and prognosis biomarkers and therapeutic targets, resulting in poor patient survival rates. Circular RNA (circRNA) is a type of endogenous non-coding RNA (ncRNA) with a closed-loop structure that plays a crucial role in physiological processes and pathological diseases. Recent studies indicate that circRNAs are involved in the diagnosis, prognosis, drug resistance, and development of tumors, particularly in CRC. Therefore, circRNA could be a potential new target for improving CRC diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. This review focuses on the origin and biological functions of circRNA, summarizes recent research on circRNA’s role in CRC, and discusses the potential use of circRNAs as clinical biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, as well as therapeutic targets for CRC treatment.