bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular dissection of Janus kinases as drug targets for inflammatory diseases
Authors: Kwon Sunghark
Published: December 2022

The Janus kinase (JAK) family enzymes are non-receptor tyrosine kinases that phosphorylate cytokine receptors and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins in the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Considering that JAK-STAT signal transduction is initiated by the binding of ligands, such as cytokines to their receptors, dysfunctional JAKs in the JAK-STAT pathway can lead to severe immune system-related diseases, including autoimmune disorders. Therefore, JAKs are attractive drug targets to develop therapies that block abnormal JAK-STAT signaling. To date, various JAK inhibitors have been developed to block cytokine-triggered signaling pathways. However, kinase inhibitors have intrinsic limitations to drug selectivity. Moreover, resistance to the developed JAK inhibitors constitutes a recently emerging issue owing to the occurrence of drug-resistant mutations. In this review, we discuss the role of JAKs in the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and analyze the structures of JAKs, along with their conformational changes for catalysis. In addition, the entire structure of the murine JAK1 elucidated recently provides information on an interaction mode for dimerization. Based on updated structural information on JAKs, we also discuss strategies for disrupting the dimerization of JAKs to develop novel JAK inhibitors.
Serious adverse events and coping strategies of CAR-T cells in the treatment of malignant tumors
Authors: Chen Xiujin , Li Peng , Tian Bin , Kang Xin
Published: December 2022

Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells technology has been successfully used in the treatment of B cell-derived hematological tumors and multiple myeloma. CAR-T cells are also being studied in a variety of solid tumors. Current clinical reports on CAR-T cells in the treatment of malignant tumors are abundant. The tumor-killing activity of CAR-T cells and the unique adverse effects of CAR-T cells have been confirmed by many studies. There is evidence that serious adverse events can be life-threatening. CAR-T cells therapy is increasingly used in clinical settings, so it is important to pay attention to its serious adverse events. In this review, we summarized the serious adverse events of CAR-T cells in the treatment of malignant tumors by reading literature and searching relevant clinical studies, and discussed the management and treatment of serious adverse events in an effort to provide theoretical support for clinicians who deal with such patients.
Immunogenicity and safety of an inactivated enterovirus 71 vaccine coadministered with trivalent split-virion inactivated influenza vaccine: A phase 4, multicenter, randomized, controlled trial in China
Authors: Chen Yaping , Xiao Yanhui , Ye Ying , Jiang Feng , He Hanqing , Luo Linyun , Chen Haiping , Shi Lubin , Mu Qiuyue , Chen Wei , Guo Xue , Zhang Min , Li Jun , Guan Qinghu , Chen Zhiping , Yang Xiaoming
Published: December 2022

Background

Few data exist on the immunogenicity and safety of an inactivated enterovirus 71 vaccine (EV71 vaccine) coadministered with trivalent split-virion inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV3) in infants.

Methods

This trial was a phase 4, randomized, controlled trial. Infants aged 6-11 months were eligible, with no history of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) and no history of EV71 vaccine or any influenza vaccine. Eligible infants were randomly assigned to EV71+IIV3 group, EV71 group or IIV3 group. Blood samples were collected on day 0 and 56.

Results

Between September 2019 and June 2020, 1151 infants met eligibility criteria and 1134 infants were enrolled. 1045 infants were included in the per-protocol population, including 347 in the EV71+IIV3 group, 343 in the EV71 group, and 355 in the IIV3 group. The seroconversion rate (98.56% vs 98.54%; seroconversion rates difference of 0.02% [95% CI: 0.70-0.98]) and GMT (419.05 vs 503.72; GMT ratio of 0.83 [95% CI 0.70 - 0.98]) of EV71 neutralizing antibodies in the EV71+IIV3 group was not inferior to those in the EV71 group. The non-inferiority results for influenza virus antibodies (A/H1N1, A/H3N2 and B) showed that the seroconversion rates and GMTs of the EV71+IIV3 group were non-inferiority to those of the IIV3 group. Systemic and local adverse event rates were similar between groups. None of serious adverse events (SAEs) were related to vaccination.

Conclusions

Coadministration of the EV71 vaccine with IIV3 was safe and did not interfere with immunogenicity. These findings support a viable immunization strategy for infants with the EV71 vaccine coadministered with IIV3 in China.

This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT04091880.
Diversity of interstitial nemerteans of the genus Ototyphlonemertes (Nemertea: Monostilifera: Ototyphlonemertidae) in the South China Sea, with a comment on the distribution pattern of the genus
Authors: Liu Hai-Long , Kajihara Hiroshi , Sun Shi-Chun
Published: December 2022

The genus Ototyphlonemertes Diesing, 1863, consisting of 33 named species and numerous unnamed morphospecies/molecular entities, is a unique group of nemerteans that possess cerebral statocysts and specifically live in coarse-grained sands. Only eight named species of this genus have yet been recorded from the Indo-Polynesian biogeographic province, which harbors the highest marine biodiversity in the world. In recent years, Ototyphlonemertes were collected from eight sites along the South China Sea coasts. Nine species/entities were revealed by four phylogenetic markers (COI, 16S, 18S, 28S) analyzed by three species delimitation methods: Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD), Poisson Tree Process (PTP), and Generalized Mixed Yule Coalescent model (GMYC). Six entities are described as new species based on integration of morphological and molecular species delimitations: Ototyphlonemertes conicobasis sp. nov., Ototyphlonemertes coralli sp. nov., Ototyphlonemertes similis sp. nov., Ototyphlonemertes sinica sp. nov., Ototyphlonemertes subrubra sp. nov., and Ototyphlonemertes yingge sp. nov. No morphological differences were detected between two entities and Ototyphlonemertes chernyshevi Kajihara et al., 2018, despite large genetic differences, so are treated as candidate species. Ototyphlonemertes ani Chernyshev, 2007 is first recorded in China. Based mostly on results of phylogenetic analyses, two previously established subgenera are re-defined, and a new subgenus, Procso subgen. nov., is established. Through reviewing the existing studies, we recognize 101 species/entities of Ototyphlonemertes, which are distributed in 18 marine biogeographic provinces. Most (88.1%) of them are endemic to a single biogeographic province, and evolutionary lineages endemic to a geographic area are not uncommon. Maximum diversity has been recorded in the Indo-Polynesian Province (22 species), though sampling to date has covered only a small part of the biogeographic province.
Unraveling site fidelity and residency patterns of sperm whales in the insular oceanic waters of Macaronesia
Authors: Ferreira Rita , Steiner Lisa , Martín Vidal , Fusar Poli Francesca , Dinis Ana , Kaufmann Manfred , Fernandez Marc , Alves Filipe
Published: December 2022

Knowledge of the distribution and residency of pelagic marine megafauna, particularly deep-diving species, is scarce due to their high mobility over difficult-to-access oceanic areas and long periods underwater. However, the threatened status of many of these species, such as the sperm whalePhyseter macrocephalus, increases the need to obtain quantitative data to support conservation measures. In the warm temperate waters of Macaronesia (Eastern North Atlantic), sperm whales occur year-round in a set of island systems (the Azores, Madeira, and the Canaries), mainly in social groups of females and juveniles with the occasional visits of mature males. Although it is known that they perform inter-archipelago movements, information on site fidelity and residency times is still scarce. Here, based on photographic-identification data, site fidelity and residency times of sperm whales were estimated for subareas of the Azores and the Madeira archipelagos, with a preliminary assessment for a subarea of the Canaries. The Azores and Madeira subareas presented similar proportions of individuals with recaptures (~25%), mainly inter-annual, while in the subarea of the Canaries, only <10% of the individuals were recaptured. Standardized Site Fidelity Indexes showed very low values (<0.01) for both the Azores and Madeira subareas. Lagged identification rates based on models including emigration and reimmigration estimated that an average of 44.8 individuals (SE=4.9) spent 12.9 days (SE=1.5) in the Azores before leaving for 99.1 days (SE=12.5), while 8.4 individuals (SE=16.1) spent 0.8 day (SE=6.6) in Madeira before leaving for 8.6 days (SE=6.9), with a very low mortality rate. This study i) indicates a degree of residency of about ¼ of the identified individuals for the Azores and Madeira subareas and ii) supports that these oceanic archipelagos constitute an important habitat for a Vulnerable species in the Atlantic. Moreover, it also highlights the importance of combining data from opportunistic and dedicated surveys and joint national and international efforts toward the conservation of marine megafauna.
Evaluation of an ultrafiltration membrane for the removal of fish viruses and bacteria in aquaculture water
Authors: Mota Vasco C. , Brenne Hanne , Kojen Morten , Marhaug Kine Rivers , Jakobsen Margit Ertresvåg
Published: December 2022

Ultrafiltration (UF) membranes are used to successfully remove waterborne virus and bacteria from wastewater and drinking water. However, UF membrane application in aquaculture water treatment is limited. In this study we evaluate the performance of a capillary polyethersulfone UF membrane to remove two benchmark waterborne fish pathogens: i) the infectious pancreatic necrosis virus - IPNV, which is an unenveloped icosahedral virus, and ii) the bacterium Aeromonas salmonicida, which is a Gram-negative, facultative anaerobic bacilli. Moreover, the UF membrane bench-scale unit was tested at two temperatures according to salmonid aquaculture: low (4 - 7°C) and high (16 - 19°C). Sterilised natural seawater was spiked with laboratory cultured pathogens, the water was filtrated, and the membrane permeate collected. Both pathogen solution and permeate were evaluated using a cell culture method to estimate the colony-forming units (CFU/ml) for bacteria presence, a median tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50/ml) assay for virus presence, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) for both bacteria and virus presence. The membrane permeate was negative for both virus and bacteria for all analysis and for both low and high temperatures. The results from this bench-scale study are encouraging for the application of UF membrane technology in aquaculture water treatment to prevent virus and bacteria outbreaks. Further studies should validate this UF membrane technology results in commercial aquaculture conditions.
The geographic problem in cephalopod genomics
Authors: Vecchione Michael , Sweeney Michael J. , Rothman Paula L.
Published: December 2022

Publications describing genomes of various cephalopod species have recently proliferated. Some papers have involved large geographic distances between the collection locality of sequenced specimens and the type locality of the presumed species. However, cryptic species have been demonstrated in many cephalopods. Therefore, even if the sequenced specimen is very similar morphologically to the species in question, the likelihood that it is a member of the species in question decreases with increasing distance from the type locality. An associated problem is that many publications do not provide information adequate to determine the source locality for the genomic sequence. We reviewed a decade of literature on mitochondrial genomes of cephalopods and found a total of 43 publications containing 48 species within 23 genera. Of the 48 species, only 17 could be evaluated for our geographic question. Distances between sampling locality and type locality of the named species ranged from 0 nautical miles (sampled at type locality) to half-way around the world. Where data were present for distance calculation, the average for the 17 species was 3785 km (2044 nmi).
Evaluation of Polycladia myrica mediated selenium nanoparticles (PoSeNPS) cytotoxicity against PC-3 cells and antiviral activity against HAV HM175 (Hepatitis A), HSV-2 (Herpes simplex II), and Adenovirus strain 2
Authors: Touliabah Hussein Elsayed , El-Sheekh Mostafa Mohamed , Makhlof Mofida Elsayed Mohmed
Published: December 2022

Introduction

The trace element selenium is an essential micronutrient for the health of humans, animals, and microbesMany researchers have recently become interested in selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) because of their biocompatibility, bioavailability, and low toxicity. Consequently, selenium nanoparticles are widely used in various biomedical applications and wastewater bioremediation due to their greater bioactivity. Green biosynthesis of nanoparticles is common and preferable nowadays.

Methods

In this work, the selenium nanoparticles were synthesized using the brown seaweed Polycladia myrica aqueous extract and characterized using seven parameters, SEM, TEM, UV spectra, Zeta potential, EDX, X-ray differaction and FTIR, then examined for their cytotoxicity using PC-3 cells and normal mammalian cells from the African green monkey kidney (Vero) were used to test the effectiveness of the produced Polycladia myrica mediated selenium nanoparticles as an anticancer agent and antiviral activity against HAV HM175 (Hepatitis A), HSV-2 (Herpes simplex II), and Adenovirus strain 2.

Results

The phycosynthesized nanoparticles exhibit antiviral activity (40.25 ± 2.61, 8.64 ± 0.82, and 17.39 ± 1.45%) against HAV-10, Adenovirus, and HSV-2, respectively. The IC50 values of the two cell types human prostate PC-3 and Vero were 123.51 ± 4.07 g/mL and 220.53 ± 6.89 g/ mL, respectively. The maximum inhibitory percent was 86.15 ± 2.31 against PC-3 cells. At the same time, at a concentration of 125 g/mL.

Disscusion

This work showed that PoSeNPS have good antiviral activity against HAV-10 virus with an antiviral percent of 40.25%, despite weak antiviral activity against Adenovirus and HSV-2 with antiviral percent (8.64% and 17.39%), respectively. The cytotoxicity effect of these nanoparticles was determined against PC-3 with a maximum inhibitory percent of 80.53%. These nanoparticles have no hazardous effect against normal Vero cells as the viability percent was (78.39% and 49.23%) for Vero cells and PC-3 cells, respectively, at 125 μg/mL.
Assisted sexual reproduction of Acropora cervicornis for active restoration on Florida’s Coral Reef
Authors: Koch Hanna R. , Matthews Briana , Leto Celia , Engelsma Cody , Bartels Erich
Published: December 2022

Given the rapid, global decline in the health and abundance of coral reefs, increased investments in restoration-based interventions -including asexual and sexual propagation- are being made by coral reef scientists at research institutions, but also at zoos and aquariums. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is an independent, non-profit marine science organization dedicated to the conservation and restoration of Florida’s Coral Reef, and does so, using science-based strategies. In order to promote the long-term persistence, resilience, and adaptive potential of restored coral populations on Florida’s Coral Reef, Mote scientists are performing critical research and restoration activities related to assisted sexual reproduction (ASR). The objective of this study was to optimize ASR of Acropora cervicornis by (1) evaluating broodstock compatibility for genets actively used within Mote’s restoration gene pool, (2) optimizing larval settlement by testing spectral cues, (3) and optimizing the grow-out of sexual recruits by testing the impact of light on growth, survival, and algal symbiont uptake in the presence of adult corals or not. Overall, we found that corals and genets spawned with high synchrony, both within and across years, and in terms of predicted spawning times related to nights after the full moon and minutes after sunset. Across two years, overall fertilization success was high (~95%), but we did find one pair of genets that was not compatible. During settlement, larvae preferred pink and purple-colored substrates, which was consistent with our expectation that they would select substrates similar in color to crustose coralline algae (CCA). Interestingly though, they only did so when a matching chemical cue from CCA was also present, indicating that larvae integrate multiple cues simultaneously to determine the most appropriate place to settle. Growth and symbiont uptake were faster in recruits reared in the presence of adult corals and additional lighting, but survivorship was not different through the first ten weeks post-settlement between treatments. A subset of corals was outplanted using two different techniques based on single or clustered corals. We report the initial 1-month survival results. We also provide a detailed protocol and general recommendations for ASR based on years of coral sexual propagation experience.
Assessing the 3D structural behavior of RC library buildings with/without non-structural elements considering shake table tests and 3D numerical analyses
Authors: Karalar Memduh , Çavuşlu Murat , Ozturk Hakan , Mert Necati , Ahmad Mahmood , Sabri Mohanad Muayad Sabri
Published: December 2022

In this study, it is aimed to reveal how anchored and unanchored non-structural elements (NEs) in reinforcement concrete (RC) library structures change the earthquake behaviors of these structures. A library structure is selected for three-dimensional (3D) analysis. First, seismic shake table tests are performed for selected NEs modeled with/without anchorage to the structure. Owing to these seismic tests, the largest seismic displacement values that occurred during 10 different earthquakes on each anchored and unanchored NE are acquired. Then, special seismic loads (e.g., high bookcase loads and heavy table loads) of anchored and unanchored NEs are calculated, taking into account the ASCE/SEI 7-16 seismic design code and the 2018 Turkish Building Earthquake Code (TBEC). Seismic spring values of NEs are calculated using the obtained seismic forces and maximum seismic displacements for the NEs. Then, these spring values are applied to the base of the NEs in the 3D model of the structure, and 10 different earthquake analyses are conducted for the library structures with anchored and unanchored NEs. According to the numerical results, the seismic effects of NEs on the earthquake behavior of RC library structures are evaluated for two different seismic design codes in detail, and it is concluded that NEs should not be neglected while modeling and analyzing RC library structures. It is seen from the seismic analyses that for the TBEC, 37, 56, and 126 mm maximum seismic displacements are observed on the library structure for structures without NEs, structures with unanchored NEs, and structures with anchored NEs, respectively. Moreover, for the ASCE code, 32, 45, and 119 mm maximum displacements are seen on the library structure for structures without NEs, structures with unanchored NEs, and structures with anchored NEs, respectively. It is clearly understood that anchored or unanchored NEs have different seismic effects on the 3D earthquake behavior of library structures.
Developing a regional environmental corrosion model for Q235 carbon steel using a data-driven construction method
Authors: Li Yufan , Fu Dongmei , Cheng Xuequn , Zhang Dawei , Chen Yunxiang , Hao Wenkui , Chen Yun , Yang Bingkun
Published: December 2022

Studying the impact of the environment on metal corrosion is of considerable significance for the safety assessment of buildings and the life prediction of equipment. We developed a new regional environmental corrosion model (RECM) to predict the atmospheric corrosion of Q235 carbon steel based on measured environmental data and corrosion rates obtained from one-year-long static coupon tests. The corrosion of metals varies depending on the environment; therefore, the ability of the model to distinguish such differences is crucial for accurately predicting corrosion. Herein, the regions in which the test sites were located were divided based on the basic principles of atmospheric corrosion. Furthermore, random forest was used to assess the importance of various environmental factors in the corrosion process within each region, which established a close relationship between corrosion and environmental conditions. Our results showed that the accuracy of the RECM is higher than that of the dose-response function of the ISO9223-2012 standard. The method of model construction can be realized automatically using a computer.
Liver transplantation in Acute-on-Chronic liver failure: Timing of transplantation and selection of patient population
Authors: Li Xue , Zhang Liang , Pu Chunmei , Tang Shanhong
Published: December 2022

Acute-on-Chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a clinical syndrome with high short-term mortality. Alcoholic ACLF is prevalent in European and American countries, while hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related ACLF is more common in the Asia-Pacific region. There is still a lack of a unified definition standard for ACLF, due to various etiologies and pathogeneses in different continents. Currently, liver transplantation (LT) is the most effective treatment for liver failure. However, the shortage of liver sources is still a global problem, which seriously limits the clinical application of an LT. Premature LT aggravates the shortage of liver resources to a certain extent, and too much delay significantly increases the risk of complications and death. Therefore, this study reviews the current literature on LT in the treatment of ACLF and discusses further the challenges for ACLF patients, the timing of LT for ACLF, and the choice of the patient population.
Fat embolism syndrome in a patient that sustained a femoral neck fracture: A case report
Authors: Otter L. A. S. den , Vermin B. , Goeijenbier M.
Published: December 2022

Background

We present a case of a patient with a femoral neck fracture that shows neurological impairment and respiratory distress 1 day after trauma, caused by the Fat Embolism Syndrome with the presence of Cerebral Fat Embolisms.

Case summary

A 75 year old female remained unresponsive after a hemi arthroplasty was performed because of a 1 day old femoral neck fracture. She rapidly developed respiratory insufficiency and an obstructive shock with right ventricle dilatation on transthoracic echocardiography. The diffusion-weighted MRI brain images showed the “Starfield” pattern, a radiologic phenomenon typical for FES. During 3 weeks of ICU admission the neurologic state slowly ameliorated.

Conclusion

The rare FES is a clinical diagnosis with mainly respiratory, neurologic and dermatologic symptoms in the setting of a trauma patient. Fat embolisms are able to reach the brain without the presence of a patent foramen ovale to cause neurological symptoms. Diagnosing FES remains challenging but the distinctive “Starfield” pattern on MRI scans is promising.
Fecal microbiota transplantation in non-communicable diseases: Recent advances and protocols
Authors: Hamamah Sevag , Gheorghita Roxana , Lobiuc Andrei , Sirbu Ioan-Ovidiu , Covasa Mihai
Published: December 2022

Fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) is a therapeutic method that aims to restore normal gut microbial composition in recipients. Currently, FMT is approved in the USA to treat recurrent and refractory Clostridioides difficile infection and has been shown to have great efficacy. As such, significant research has been directed toward understanding the potential role of FMT in other conditions associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, neuropsychiatric disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, decompensated cirrhosis, cancers and graft-versus-host disease. This review examines current updates and efficacy of FMT in treating conditions other than Clostridioides difficile infection. Further, protocols for administration of FMT are also discussed including storage of fecal samples in stool banks, inclusion/exclusion criteria for donors, fecal sample preparation and methods of treatment administration. Overall, understanding the mechanisms by which FMT can manipulate gut microbiota to provide therapeutic benefit as well as identifying potential adverse effects is an important step in clarifying its long-term safety and efficacy in treating multiple conditions in the future.
An alternative model for assessing mortality risk in Stevens Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis using a random forests classifier: A pilot study
Authors: Shareef Omar , Kwan James T. , Lau Sarina , Tahboub Mohammad Ali , Saeed Hajirah N.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Mortality risk prediction is an important part of the clinical assessment in the Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) patient. The SCORTEN and ABCD-10 scoring systems have been used as predictive clinical tools for assessing this risk. However, some of the metrics required in calculating these scores, such as the total body surface area (TBSA) involvement, are difficult to calculate. In addition, TBSA involvement is calculated in a variety of ways and is observer dependent and subjective. The goal of this study was to develop an alternative method to predict mortality in patients with SJS/TEN.

Methods

Data was split into training and test datasets and preprocessed. Models were trained using five-fold cross validation. Out of several possible candidates, a random forests model was evaluated as being the most robust in predictive power for this dataset. Upon feature selection, a final random forests model was developed which was used for comparison against SCORTEN.

Results

The differences in both accuracy (p = 0.324) and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) (p = 0.318) between the final random forests model and the SCORTEN and ABCD-10 models were not statistically significant. As such, this alternative method performs similarly to SCORTEN while only requiring simple laboratory tests from the day of admission.

Discussion

This new alternative can make the mortality prediction process more efficient, along with providing a seamless implementation of the patient laboratory tests directly into the model from existing electronic health record (EHR) systems. Once the model was developed, a web application was built to deploy the model which integrates with the Epic EHR system on the Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) Application Programming Interface (API); this only requires the patient medical record number and a date of the lab tests as parameters. This model ultimately allows clinicians to calculate patient mortality risk with only a few clicks. Further studies are needed for validation of this tool.
Bibliometric and visualized analysis of exercise and osteoporosis from 2002 to 2021
Authors: Li Fan , Xie Weixin , Han Yi , Li Zhanchun , Xiao Jie
Published: December 2022

Background

Bibliometric analysis was designed to investigate a systematic understanding of developments in exercise and osteoporosis research over the past 20 years.

Methods

Relevant publications from the Web of Science Core Collection were downloaded on April 26, 2022. CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and the online bibliometric analysis platform were used to conduct this scientometric study.

Results

A total of 5518 publications were in 1202 academic journals with 137405 co-cited references in by 5637 institutions from 98 countries/regions. The country leading the research was the USA. The University of Melbourne was the most active institution. Osteoporosis International was the most productive journal concerning exercise and osteoporosis research. According to the burst references, “low-level vibration,” “high-frequency” and “resistance exercise” have been recognized as the hotspots research in the domain. The keywords co-occurrence analysis identified “skeletal muscle,” “sarcopenia” and “mesenchymal stem cell” as the important future research directions.

Conclusion

This study was the first comprehensive metrological and statistical analysis of exercise and osteoporosis research over the past 20 years. Our findings would provide guidance to understand the research frontiers and hot directions in the near future.
Application of orthokeratology on myopia control and its effect on ocular surface and meibomian gland function in Chinese myopic adolescents
Authors: Hui Wang , Xiao-feng Hu , Song-guo Li , Jing-jing Wang , Xuan Huang , Yong Tao
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the influence of orthokeratology (OK) on myopia control and ocular surface and meibomian gland function in myopic adolescents.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted over a 12-month period. The subjects were classified into two groups, namely, the OK lens group and the frame glasses control group. Axial length, corneal curvature, ocular surface, and meibomian gland parameters were measured at baseline, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after wearing OK lenses.

Results

The axial length growth rate in the OK group was significantly slower than in the control group (P < 0.01). The naked eye vision and the ocular surface disease index (OSDI) scores recorded 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after wearing OK lenses were significantly higher than the scores recorded before wearing OK lenses. There was no significant difference in other ocular parameters at each follow-up time point compared with pre-wearing (P > 0.05). After using the OK lens for 6 months, the OSDI score and corneal fluorescein staining (CFS) score increased significantly (P < 0.001), but there were no significant differences in other parameters among the groups. No infectious keratitis occurred during the study.

Conclusion

These results provide evidence that the use of OK lenses can control the axial growth and progress rate of myopia compared with frame glasses. During the 12-month follow-up, although wearing OK lenses may have aggravated dry eye symptoms, each patient’s ocular surface and meibomian gland function did not change significantly, indicating that the use of OK lenses is a relatively safe modality for the control of myopia in adolescents.
Soil diazotrophic abundance, diversity, and community assembly mechanisms significantly differ between glacier riparian wetlands and their adjacent alpine meadows
Authors: Chen Danhong , Hou Haiyan , Zhou Shutong , Zhang Song , Liu Dong , Pang Zhe , Hu Jinming , Xue Kai , Du Jianqing , Cui Xiaoyong , Wang Yanfen , Che Rongxiao
Published: December 2022

Global warming can trigger dramatic glacier area shrinkage and change the flux of glacial runoff, leading to the expansion and subsequent retreat of riparian wetlands. This elicits the interconversion of riparian wetlands and their adjacent ecosystems (e.g., alpine meadows), probably significantly impacting ecosystem nitrogen input by changing soil diazotrophic communities. However, the soil diazotrophic community differences between glacial riparian wetlands and their adjacent ecosystems remain largely unexplored. Here, soils were collected from riparian wetlands and their adjacent alpine meadows at six locations from glacier foreland to lake mouth along a typical Tibetan glacial river in the Namtso watershed. The abundance and diversity of soil diazotrophs were determined by real-time PCR and amplicon sequencing based on nifH gene. The soil diazotrophic community assembly mechanisms were analyzed via iCAMP, a recently developed null model-based method. The results showed that compared with the riparian wetlands, the abundance and diversity of the diazotrophs in the alpine meadow soils significantly decreased. The soil diazotrophic community profiles also significantly differed between the riparian wetlands and alpine meadows. For example, compared with the alpine meadows, the relative abundance of chemoheterotrophic and sulfate-respiration diazotrophs was significantly higher in the riparian wetland soils. In contrast, the diazotrophs related to ureolysis, photoautotrophy, and denitrification were significantly enriched in the alpine meadow soils. The iCAMP analysis showed that the assembly of soil diazotrophic community was mainly controlled by drift and dispersal limitation. Compared with the riparian wetlands, the assembly of the alpine meadow soil diazotrophic community was more affected by dispersal limitation and homogeneous selection. These findings suggest that the conversion of riparian wetlands and alpine meadows can significantly alter soil diazotrophic community and probably the ecosystem nitrogen input mechanisms, highlighting the enormous effects of climate change on alpine ecosystems.
Long-lasting BDNF signaling alterations in the amygdala of adolescent female rats exposed to the activity-based anorexia model
Authors: Mottarlini Francesca , Rizzi Beatrice , Targa Giorgia , Fumagalli Fabio , Caffino Lucia
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe psychiatric disorder characterized by a pathological fear of gaining weight, excessive physical exercise, and emotional instability. Since the amygdala is a key region for emotion processing and BDNF has been shown to play a critical role in this process, we hypothesized that alteration in the amygdalar BDNF system might underline vulnerability traits typical of AN patients.

Methods: To this end, adolescent female rats have been exposed to the Activity-Based Anorexia (ABA) protocol, characterized by the combination of caloric restriction and intense physical exercise.

Results: The induction of the anorexic phenotype caused hyperactivity and body weight loss in ABA animals. These changes were paralleled by amygdalar hyperactivation, as measured by the up-regulation of cfos mRNA levels. In the acute phase of the pathology, we observed reduced Bdnf exon IX, exon IV, and exon VI gene expression, while mBDNF protein levels were enhanced, an increase that was, instead, uncoupled from its downstream signaling as the phosphorylation of TrkB, Akt, and S6 in ABA rats were reduced. Despite the body weight recovery observed 7 days later, the BDNF-mediated signaling was still downregulated at this time point.

Discussion: Our findings indicate that the BDNF system is downregulated in the amygdala of adolescent female rats under these experimental conditions, which mimic the anorexic phenotype in humans, pointing to such dysregulation as a potential contributor to the altered emotional processing observed in AN patients. In addition, since the modulation of BDNF levels is observed in other psychiatric conditions, the persistent AN-induced changes of the BDNF system in the amygdala might contribute to explaining the onset of comorbid psychiatric disorders that persist in patients even beyond recovery from AN.
The absence of AQP4/TRPV4 complex substantially reduces acute cytotoxic edema following ischemic injury
Authors: Sucha Petra , Hermanova Zuzana , Chmelova Martina , Kirdajova Denisa , Camacho Garcia Sara , Marchetti Valeria , Vorisek Ivan , Tureckova Jana , Shany Eyar , Jirak Daniel , Anderova Miroslava , Vargova Lydia
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Astrocytic Aquaporin 4 (AQP4) and Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) channels form a functional complex that likely influences cell volume regulation, the development of brain edema, and the severity of the ischemic injury. However, it remains to be fully elucidated whether blocking these channels can serve as a therapeutic approach to alleviate the consequences of having a stroke.

Methods and results

In this study, we usedin vivomagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to quantify the extent of brain lesions one day (D1) and seven days (D7) after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) in AQP4 or TRPV4 knockouts and mice with simultaneous deletion of both channels. Our results showed that deletion of AQP4 or TRPV4 channels alone leads to a significant worsening of ischemic brain injury at both time points, whereas their simultaneous deletion results in a smaller brain lesion at D1 but equal tissue damage at D7 when compared with controls. Immunohistochemical analysis 7 days after pMCAO confirmed the MRI data, as the brain lesion was significantly greater in AQP4 or TRPV4 knockouts than in controls and double knockouts. For a closer inspection of the TRPV4 and AQP4 channel complex in the development of brain edema, we applied a real-time iontophoretic methodin situto determine ECS diffusion parameters, namely volume fraction (α) and tortuosity (λ). Changes in these parameters reflect alterations in cell volume, and tissue structure during exposure of acute brain slices to models of ischemic conditionsin situ, such as oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD), hypoosmotic stress, or hyperkalemia. The decrease in α was comparable in double knockouts and controls when exposed to hypoosmotic stress or hyperkalemia. However, during OGD, there was no decrease in α in the double knockouts as observed in the controls, which suggests less swelling of the cellular components of the brain.

Conclusion

Although simultaneous deletion of AQP4 and TRPV4 did not improve the overall outcome of ischemic brain injury, our data indicate that the interplay between AQP4 and TRPV4 channels plays a critical role during neuronal and non-neuronal swelling in the acute phase of ischemic injury.
Worldwide productivity and research trend of publications concerning glioma-associated macrophage/microglia: A bibliometric study
Authors: Liu Yu-yang , Yao Ren-qi , Long Li-yan , Liu Yu-xiao , Tao Bing-Yan , Liu Hong-yu , Liu Jia-lin , Li Ze , Chen Ling , Yao Yong-ming
Published: December 2022

Glioma-associated macrophage/microglia (GAM) represents a key player in shaping a unique glioma ecosystem to facilitate tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. Numerous studies have been published concerning GAM, but no relevant bibliometric study has been performed yet. Our bibliometric study aimed to comprehensively summarize and analyze the global scientific output, research hotspots, and trendy topics of publications on GAM over time. Data on publications on GAM were collected using the Web of Science (WoS). The search date was 16 January 2022, and the publications were collected from 2002 to 2021. Totally, 1,224 articles and reviews were incorporated and analyzed in the current study. It showed that the annual publications concerning GAM kept increasing over the past 20 years. The United States had the largest number of publications and total citations. Holland, Kettenmann, and Gutmann were the top three authors in terms of citation frequency. Neuro-oncology represented the most influential journal in GAM studies, with the highest H-index, total citations, and publication numbers. The paper published by Hambardzumyan in 2016 had the highest local citations. Additionally, the analysis of keywords implied that “prognosis,” “tumor microenvironment,” and “immunotherapy” might become research hotspots. Furthermore, trendy topics in GAM studies suggested that “immune infiltration,” “immune microenvironment,” “bioinformatics,” “prognosis,” and “immunotherapy” deserved additional attention. In conclusion, this bibliometric study comprehensively analyzed the publication trend of GAM studies for the past 20 years, in which the research hotspots and trendy topics were also uncovered. This information offered scholars critical references for conducting in-depth studies on GAM in the future.
Potential role of serum hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha as a biomarker of delayed cerebral ischemia and poor clinical outcome after human aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: A prospective, longitudinal, multicenter, and observational study
Authors: Cai Ye-Yan , Zhuang Yao-Kun , Wang Wen-Jian , Jiang Feng , Hu Jie-Miao , Zhang Xiao-Le , Zhang Li-Xin , Lou Xiao-Hui
Published: December 2022

Objective

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha (HIF-1α) functions as a crucial transcriptional mediator in hypoxic and ischemic brain response. We endeavored to assess the prognostic significance of serum HIF-1α in human aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).

Methods

In this prospective, longitudinal, multicenter, and observational study of 257 patients with aSAH and 100 healthy controls, serum HIF-1α levels were quantified. Univariate analyses, followed by multivariate analyses, were performed to discern the relationship between serum HIF-1α levels and severity and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) plus poststroke 6-month poor outcome [extended Glasgow outcome scale (GOSE) scores of 1–4]. Predictive efficiency was determined under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

There were significantly increased serum HIF-lα levels after aSAH, in comparison to controls (median, 288.0 vs. 102.6 pg/ml; P < 0.001). Serum HIF-lα levels were independently correlated with Hunt–Hess scores [β, 78.376; 95% confidence interval (CI): 56.446–100.305; P = 0.001] and modified Fisher scores (β, 52.037; 95% CI: 23.461–80.614; P = 0.002). Serum HIF-lα levels displayed significant efficiency for discriminating DCI risk [area under ROC curve (AUC), 0.751; 95% CI: 0.687–0.815; P < 0.001] and poor outcome (AUC, 0.791; 95% CI: 0.736–0.846; P < 0.001). Using the Youden method, serum HIF-1α levels >229.3 pg/ml predicted the development of DCI with 92.3% sensitivity and 48.4% specificity and serum HIF-1α levels >384.0 pg/ml differentiated the risk of a poor prognosis with 71.4% sensitivity and 81.1% specificity. Serum HIF-1α levels >229.3 pg/ml were independently predictive of DCI [odds ratio (OR), 3.061; 95% CI: 1.045–8.965; P = 0.041] and serum HIF-1α levels >384.0 pg/ml were independently associated with a poor outcome (OR, 2.907; 95% CI: 1.403–6.024; P = 0.004). The DCI predictive ability of their combination was significantly superior to those of Hunt–Hess scores (AUC, 0.800; 95% CI: 0.745–0.855; P = 0.039) and modified Fisher scores (AUC, 0.784; 95% CI: 0.726–0.843; P = 0.004). The prognostic predictive ability of their combination substantially exceeded those of Hunt–Hess scores (AUC, 0.839; 95% CI: 0.791–0.886; P < 0.001) and modified Fisher scores (AUC, 0.844; 95% CI: 0.799–0.890; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Elevated serum HIF-lα levels after aSAH, in independent correlation with stroke severity, were independently associated with DCI and 6-month poor outcome, substantializing serum HIF-lα as a potential prognostic biomarker of aSAH.
Role of the right anterior insula for the emergence of flow—A combined task-based fMRI activation and connectivity study
Authors: Ulrich Martin , Niemann Filip , Grön Georg
Published: December 2022

The emergence of flow is a situation of high salience because externally oriented attention on the task and access to resources for goal-directed behavior are enhanced, while internally oriented or self-related cognition is decreased. The right anterior insula has been reported as a causal out-flow hub of the salience resting-state network, orchestrating the engagement of the central executive network (CEN) and the disengagement of the default-mode network (DMN) during a functional challenge. In the present study, we employed a combined task-based activation and connectivity analysis to investigate the role of the right anterior insula during the emergence of flow. A sample of 41 healthy male subjects was confronted with a functional challenge that permitted the emergence of flow during BOLD-based functional magnetic resonance imaging. Comparing connectivity changes in the right anterior insula during the flow condition against connectivity changes associated with control conditions of boredom and overload, relatively increased couplings were observed with the left and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Activation data for these regions did, however, not show the flow-typical inverted U-shaped (invU) response pattern. Relatively decreased functional couplings encompassed ventral aspects of the striatum, but neither the amygdala nor the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC). For the ventral striatum, activation data were consistent with the flow-typical U-shaped activation pattern, which supports the notion that under the high salience of autotelic situations, the anterior insula is much less positively coupled with the ventral striatum than under boundary conditions of boredom and overload. Taken together, present functional connectivity results were in alignment with the assumed role of the right anterior insula under conditions of different salience. However, this particular region does not appear to mediate the most typical flow-associated activation patterns.
The role of face masks within in-patient psychotherapy: Results of a survey among inpatients and healthcare professionals
Authors: Erschens Rebecca , Adam Sophia Helen , Weisshap Chiara , Giel Katrin Elisabeth , Wallis Hannah , Herrmann-Werner Anne , Festl-Wietek Teresa , Mazurak Nazar , Zipfel Stephan , Junne Florian
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Face-to-face medical and psychotherapeutic treatments during the Corona pandemic often involve patients and health care providers wearing face masks. We performed a pilot survey assessing the subjective experience of wearing face masks during psychotherapy sessions regarding (i) feasibility, (ii) psychotherapeutic treatment and (iii) communication, emotion and working alliance in patients and healthcare professionals.

Methods

A total of n = 62 inpatients (RR = 95.4%) and n = 33 healthcare professionals (RR = 86.8%) at an academic department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy participated in this survey anonymously. The items of the questionnaire were created by the interprofessional expert team and were based on existing instruments: (i) the Therapeutic Relationship Questionnaire and (ii) the German translation of Yalom’s Questionnaire on Experiencing in Group Psychotherapy.

Results

The majority of patients rate their psychotherapy as highly profitable despite the mask. In individual therapy, face masks seem to have a rather low impact on subjective experience of psychotherapy and the relationship to the psychotherapist. Most patients reported using alternative facial expressions and expressions. In the interactional group therapy, masks were rather hindering. On the healthcare professional side, there were more frequent negative associations of face masks in relation to (i) experiencing connectedness with colleagues, (ii) forming relationships, and (iii) therapeutic treatment.

Discussion

Information should be given to patients about the possible effects of face masks on the recognition of emotions, possible misinterpretations and compensation possibilities through alternative stimuli (e.g., eye area) and they should be encouraged to ask for further information. Especially in group therapy, with patients from other cultural backgrounds and in cases of need for help (e.g., hearing impairment) or complex disorders, appropriate non-verbal gestures and body language should be used to match the intended emotional expression.