bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drivers of plankton community structure in intermittent and continuous coastal upwelling systems–from microbes and microscale in-situ imaging to large scale patterns
Authors: Schmid Moritz S. , Sponaugle Su , Thompson Anne W. , Sutherland Kelly R. , Cowen Robert K.
Published: November 2023

Eastern Boundary Systems support major fisheries whose early life stages depend on upwelling production. Upwelling can be highly variable at the regional scale, with substantial repercussions for new productivity and microbial loop activity. Studies that integrate the classic trophic web based on new production with the microbial loop are rare due to the range in body forms and sizes of the taxa. Underwater imaging can overcome this limitation, and with machine learning, enables fine resolution studies spanning large spatial scales. We used the In-situ Ichthyoplankton Imaging System (ISIIS) to investigate the drivers of plankton community structure in the northern California Current, sampled along the Newport Hydrographic (NH) and Trinidad Head (TR) lines, in OR and CA, respectively. The non-invasive imaging of particles and plankton over 1644km in the winters and summers of 2018 and 2019 yielded 1.194 billion classified plankton images. Combining nutrient analysis, flow cytometry, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the microbial community with mesoplankton underwater imaging enabled us to study taxa from 0.2µm to 15cm, including prokaryotes, copepods, ichthyoplankton, and gelatinous forms. To assess community structure, >2000 single-taxon distribution profiles were analyzed using high resolution spatial correlations. Co-occurrences on the NH line were consistently significantly higher off-shelf while those at TR were highest on-shelf. Random Forests models identified the concentrations of microbial loop associated taxa such as protists, Oithona copepods, and appendicularians as important drivers of co-occurrences at NH line, while at TR, cumulative upwelling and chlorophyll a were of the highest importance. Our results indicate that the microbial loop is driving plankton community structure in intermittent upwelling systems such as the NH line and supports temporal stability, and further, that taxa such as protists, Oithona copepods, and appendicularians connect a diverse and functionally redundant microbial community to stable plankton community structure. Where upwelling is more continuous such as at TR, primary production may dominate patterns of community structure, obscuring the underlying role of the microbial loop. Future changes in upwelling strength are likely to disproportionately affect plankton community structure in continuous upwelling regions, while high microbial loop activity enhances community structure resilience.
Quantification of the extremely intensified East Korea Warm Current in the summer of 2021: offshore and coastal variabilities
Authors: Pak Gyundo , Lee Kyung-Jae , Lee Seung-Woo , Jin Hyunkeun , Park Jae-Hyoung
Published: November 2023

In this study, we investigate the record-breaking intensification and abrupt weakening of the East Korea Warm Current (EKWC) in the summer of 2021. We analyzed the ocean data assimilation products resolving this event to examine the association between the abrupt changes in the EKWC and various oceanic/atmospheric factors. The results indicate that during the summer of 2021, the EKWC extended northward beyond its climatology, reaching up to 40°N with the maximum speed of 1.16 m s-1 on August 1. In mid-August, the EKWC underwent a rapid weakening, returning to its climatological level. We could attribute the temporal variability in the anomalous EKWC in 2021 to the distinct temporal variability in the dynamic height anomalies between coastal and offshore regions. The offshore variability in the dynamic height anomaly, which is related to warm eddy variability, led to an anomalously increased EKWC velocity (up to 0.59 m s-1) during the EKWC peak velocity period in 2021. However, anomalous coastal downwelling induced by a weak northerly wind anomaly decelerated the EKWC by -0.06 m s-1 in the same period. In mid-August, a typhoon-related northerly wind induced a sudden rise in the coastal dynamic height anomaly, resulting in a rapid weakening of the EKWC. Our findings suggest that changes in geostrophic current related to warm eddies and typhoons have substantially contributed to the temporal variability in the EKWC, improving our understanding of the temporal variability in the western boundary currents.
Effects of polystyrene nanoplastic exposure on energy metabolism, lipid metabolism, and amino acid changes in Monopterus albus
Authors: Liu Huaqiang , Zhou Wenzong , Zhou Zihan , Yu Cigang , Tye Gee Jun , Lv Weiwei , Jiang Qichen
Published: November 2023

Nanoplastics (NPs) have emerged as contaminants in recent years and have attracted widespread attention because of their ecotoxicological effects. This study aimed to document the effects of different concentrations of NPs on the Monopterus albus. M. albus. M. albus were orally administered three different concentrations of 100 nm polystyrene NPs (0.05%, 0.5%, and 1% of the feed) for 35 days. The effects of different NPs concentrations on energy metabolism, enzyme biomarker responses, gene expression responses, and amino acid changes were investigated in M. albus after exposure. The results revealed that the gene expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose-6-phosphatase was up-regulated after the ingestion of high concentrations of NPs. The gluconeogenic pathway was inhibited, lactic acid (LA) content was increased, anaerobic glycolysis was used to produce LA to power the organism, and the accumulation of NPs led to a decrease in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in liver tissues. There were increases in the relative liver content of glutamine, glycine, and methionine, which may be due to antioxidation in the liver. The stress may caused by NPs leads to the formation of some glutamylated amino acids, which are converted into glutathione to play an antioxidant role. NPs also induced lipotoxicity of the liver organoid by increasing lipid accumulation, these include methyl tetradecanoate (myristate), pentadecanoic acid, eicosanoic acid (arachidic acid), heptadecanoic acid (margaric acid), 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid, and doconexent (Docosahexaenoic acid). Interestingly, some immune-related metabolites, such as 9-octadecenoic acid (oleic acid) and 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (linoleic acid), were significantly reduced, and these changes were probably caused by disturbances in hepatic lipid metabolism following NPs exposure.
Variability and energy budget of the baroclinic tides in the Arabian Sea
Authors: Ma Jingyi , Guo Daquan , Zhan Peng , Hoteit Ibrahim
Published: November 2023

A 3D high-resolution general ocean circulation model was implemented and validated to study the characteristics and seasonal variability of the internal tides in the Arabian Sea (AS). Three major source locations of internal tides were identified: Socotra Island, the northeastern shelf area of AS, and the Maldives. Around Socotra Island, internal tides propagate both southward and northward, before quickly dissipating. The internal tides generated in the northeastern AS split into two branches: Branch-I propagates perpendicular to the shelf, whereas Branch-II propagates more southernly. The internal tides originated in the Maldives propagate almost latitudinally both eastwards and westwards. Generally, the internal tides in the AS are more pronounced in January as shown by the forcing function, energy flux, and conversion rate. The hourly average conversion rate for the entire domain, including the AS, the Red Sea, and the Arabian Gulf – was 34.28 GW in January and 20.51 GW in July, suggesting a slightly larger barotropic-to-baroclinic conversion rate in January, probably due to the strong stratification around 100 meters in winter.
Effects of low and high frequency actuation on aerodynamic performance of a supercritical airfoil
Authors: Abdolahipour Soheila
Published: November 2023

The main objective of this study is to investigate the effects of low and high frequency actuation in improving the aerodynamic performance of the supercritical airfoil with the approach of using it in a high-lift or flight control device. For this purpose, a flow control numerical simulation is performed on a supercritical airfoil with NASA SC(2)-0714 cross section using a pulsed jet at the chord-based Reynolds number of 1 × 106. The pulsed jet actuation with different reduced frequencies of 0.2, 1, 1.2, 2.4, 4, 6, and 12 is implemented on the upper side of the airfoil surface upstream of the separation point of the uncontrolled case. The aerodynamic efficiency improvements are investigated by extracting the results of time-averaged and instantaneous aerodynamic forces for all cases. The study compares the flow streamline, Q-criterion contour, and surface pressure distribution to examine how the separated flow configuration over the airfoil responds to different actuation frequencies. The results indicate that pulsed jet actuation effectively postpones the flow separation. A comparison of the time-averaged aerodynamic coefficients at different actuation frequencies revealed that utilizing a low actuation frequency range maximizes lift, while a high frequency range minimizes drag. In addition, the aerodynamic efficiency of the supercritical airfoil improves across all controlled scenarios, with the optimal increase in aerodynamic efficiency of 28.62% achieved at an actuation frequency of F+ = 1.
A narrative review of music therapy for neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer’s disease and rationale for protocolized music teletherapy
Authors: Wang Sonya G. , Cevasco-Trotter Andrea M. , Silverman Michael J. , Yuan Shauna H.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) constitutes a major societal problem with devastating neuropsychiatric involvement in over 90% of those diagnosed. The large spectrum of AD neuropsychiatric symptoms leads to polypharmacological prescribing that, in turn, poses a major risk for increased side effects. Non-pharmacological interventions such as music therapy (MT) are therefore recommended as first-line treatments. The amalgamation of an aging population, long lifespan, and shortage of qualified music therapists limits access to MT services for AD.

Objective

The purpose of this paper is to provide a rationale for a protocolized music teletherapy (MTT) intervention to increase accessibility for MT as a psychosocial intervention for neuropsychiatric symptoms in people with AD by conducting a narrative review of the existing MT and AD literature.

Methods

We conducted a narrative review of MT and MTT publications indexed in PubMed and Google Scholar wherein authors used the Neuropsychiatric Inventory. We examined the impact of MT on neuropsychiatric symptoms of AD and identified MTT as a way to increase access to clinical services.

Results

MT can have positive impacts on neuropsychiatric symptoms in AD. However, we identified an ensuing need for protocolized MT interventions, access to services, and increased awareness. MTT is an option that can address these needs.

Discussion

Although MT can have positive effects on neuropsychiatric symptoms and can be beneficial and safe for individuals with AD, the current approach to MT practice is enormously heterogeneous with studies demonstrating variable therapist qualifications, uses of music, therapy approaches, and clinical populations. Congruently, the existing literature indicates that MT has not been standardized with protocolized interventions, making it difficult for clinicians and researchers to objectively assess the evidence, and thus, prescribe MT interventions. The lack of MT standardization, coupled with a low number of music therapists relative to people with AD, result in a lack of awareness that hinders access to MT as a psychosocial treatment for neuropsychiatric symptoms in people with AD. We therefore propose that protocolized MTT interventions are needed to increase access to better address neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with AD.
Advances in melanoma: epidemiology, diagnosis, and prognosis
Authors: Waseh Shayan , Lee Jason B.
Published: November 2023

Unraveling the multidimensional complexities of melanoma has required concerted efforts by dedicated community of researchers and clinicians battling against this deadly form of skin cancer. Remarkable advances have been made in the realm of epidemiology, classification, diagnosis, and therapy of melanoma. The treatment of advanced melanomas has entered the golden era as targeted personalized therapies have emerged that have significantly altered the mortality rate. A paradigm shift in the approach to melanoma classification, diagnosis, prognosis, and staging is underway, fueled by discoveries of genetic alterations in melanocytic neoplasms. A morphologic clinicopathologic classification of melanoma is expected to be replaced by a more precise molecular based one. As validated, convenient, and cost-effective molecular-based tests emerge, molecular diagnostics will play a greater role in the clinical and histologic diagnosis of melanoma. Artificial intelligence augmented clinical and histologic diagnosis of melanoma is expected to make the process more streamlined and efficient. A more accurate model of prognosis and staging of melanoma is emerging based on molecular understanding melanoma. This contribution summarizes the recent advances in melanoma epidemiology, classification, diagnosis, and prognosis.
The progress and prospect of sentinel lymph node mapping in endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Shi Jiayan , Shi ZhiXian , Chen Qianrun , Bian Ce
Published: November 2023

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) refers to the initial site of the lymphatic drainage from a primary tumor area. Identifying the SLN and analyzing tumor involvement can predict the status of the remaining lymph nodes. Accordingly, sentinel lymph node mapping (SLN mapping) has been brought up and widely applied to cancer therapy for its illuminating role in clinical lymph node resection. Sufficient information to guide surgical pathological staging and adjuvant treatment in endometrial cancer can be rendered by SLN mapping, hence minimizing surgery injury and reducing the incidence of complications. Evidence suggests that using SLN mapping does not affect progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of endometrial cancer patients. Furthermore, there is increasing evidence that using SLN mapping has a high detection rate (DR), sensitivity, and negative predictive value (NPV) for patients with early-stage lower-risk endometrial cancer. This review aims to systematically summarize the advances and application prospects of SLN mapping in endometrial cancer, with an expectation of furnishing reference for the clinical application.
The role of ferroptosis in virus infections
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhu Junda , Ren Shuning , Zhang Zihui , Niu Kang , Li Hua , Wu Wenxue , Peng Chen
Published: November 2023

Regulated cell death (RCD) is a strategy employed by host cells to defend invasions of pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria. Ferroptosis is a type of RCD characterized by excessive accumulation of iron and lipid peroxidation. While ferroptosis is primarily considered as a mechanism associated with tumorigenesis, emerging evidence begin to suggest that it may play essential role during virus infections. Recent studies illustrated that activation of ferroptosis could either induce or prohibit various types of RCDs to facilitate virus replication or evade host surveillance. More experimental evidence has demonstrated how viruses regulate ferroptosis to influence replication, transmission, and pathogenesis. This review summarizes ferroptosis-related metabolism, including iron metabolism, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant metabolism. Furthermore, we discuss the interplay between viral infections and host ferroptosis process, with a focus on the mechanism of how viruses exploit ferroptosis for its own replication. Understanding how ferroptosis impacts virus infection can offer valuable insights into the development of effective therapeutic strategies to combat virus infections.
Virulence and resistance patterns of Vibrio cholerae non-O1/non-O139 acquired in Germany and other European countries
Authors: Schmidt Katarzyna , Scholz Holger C. , Appelt Sandra , Michel Jana , Jacob Daniela , Dupke Susann
Published: November 2023

Global warming has caused an increase in the emergence of Vibrio species in marine and estuarine environments as well as fresh water bodies. Over the past decades, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has evolved among Vibrio species toward various antibiotics commonly used for the treatment of Vibrio infections. In this study, we assessed virulence and resistance patterns of Vibrio cholerae non-O1/non-O139 strains derived from Germany and other European countries. A total of 63 clinical and 24 environmental Vibrio cholerae non-O1/non-O139 strains, collected between 2011 and 2021, were analyzed. In silico antibiotic resistances were compared with resistance phenotypes according to EUCAST breakpoints. Additionally, genetic relatedness between isolates was assessed by two cgMLST schemes (SeqSphere +, pubMLST). Both cgMLST schemes yielded similar results, indicating high genetic diversity among V. cholerae non-O1/non-O139 isolates. Some isolates were found to be genetically closely related (allelic distance < 20), which suggests an epidemiological link. Thirty-seven virulence genes (VGs) were identified among 87 V. cholerae non-O1/non-O139 isolates, which resulted in 38 virulence profiles (VPs). VPs were similar between clinical and environmental isolates, with the exception of one clinical isolate that displayed a higher abundance of VGs. Also, a cluster of 11 environmental isolates was identified to have the lowest number of VGs. Among all strains, the predominant virulence factors were quorum sensing protein (luxS), repeats-in-toxins (rtxC/rtxD), hemolysin (hlyA) and different type VI secretion systems (T6SS) genes. The genotypic profiles revealed antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) associated with resistance to beta-lactams, quinolones, macrolides, tetracycline, antifolate, aminoglycosides, fosfomycin, phenicols and sulfonamide. Carbapenemase gene VCC-1 was detected in 10 meropenem-resistant V. cholerae non-O1/non-O139 isolates derived from surface water in Germany. The proportion of resistance among V. cholerae non-O1/non-O139 species isolates against first line treatment (3rd generation cephalosporin, tetracycline and fluoroquinolone) was low. Empirical treatment would likely have been effective for all of the clinical V. cholerae non-O1/non-O139 isolates examined. Nevertheless, carbapenem-resistant isolates have been present in fresh water in Germany and might represent a reservoir for ARGs. Monitoring antimicrobial resistance is crucial for public health authorities to minimize the risks for the human population.
Developing a multi-epitope vaccine candidate to combat porcine epidemic diarrhea virus and porcine deltacoronavirus co-infection by employing an immunoinformatics approach
Authors: Hou Wei , Wu Heqiong , Wang Wenting , Wang Ruolan , Han Wang , Wang Sibei , Wang Bin , Wang Haidong
Published: November 2023

Coinfection of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) and porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) is common in pig farms, but there is currently no effective vaccine to prevent this co-infection. In this study, we used immunoinformatics tools to design a multi-epitope vaccine against PEDV and PDCoV co-infection. The epitopes were screened through a filtering pipeline comprised of antigenic, immunogenic, toxic, and allergenic properties. A new multi-epitope vaccine named rPPMEV, comprising cytotoxic T lymphocyte-, helper T lymphocyte-, and B cell epitopes, was constructed. To enhance immunogenicity, the TLR2 agonist Pam2Cys and the TLR4 agonist RS09 were added to rPPMEV. Molecular docking and dynamics simulation were performed to reveal the stable interactions between rPPMEV and TLR2 as well as TLR4. Additionally, the immune stimulation prediction indicated that rPPMEV could stimulate T and B lymphocytes to induce a robust immune response. Finally, to ensure the expression of the vaccine protein, the sequence of rPPMEV was optimized and further performed in silico cloning. These studies suggest that rPPMEV has the potential to be a vaccine candidate against PEDV and PDCoV co-infection as well as a new strategy for interrupting the spread of both viruses.
Extracellular electron uptake from a cathode by the lactic acid bacterium Lactiplantibacillus plantarum
Authors: Tejedor-Sanz Sara , Li Siliang , Kundu Biki Bapi , Ajo-Franklin Caroline M.
Published: November 2023

A subset of microorganisms that perform respiration can endogenously utilize insoluble electron donors, such as Fe(II) or a cathode, in a process called extracellular electron transfer (EET). However, it is unknown whether similar endogenous EET can be performed by primarily fermentative species like lactic acid bacteria. We report for the first time electron uptake from a cathode by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, a primarily fermentative bacteria found in the gut of mammals and in fermented foods. L. plantarum consumed electrons from a cathode and coupled this oxidation to the reduction of both an endogenous organic (pyruvate) and an exogenous inorganic electron acceptor (nitrate). This electron uptake from a cathode reroutes glucose fermentation toward lactate degradation and provides cells with a higher viability upon sugar exhaustion. Moreover, the associated genes and cofactors indicate that this activity is mechanistically different from that one employed by lactic acid bacteria to reduce an anode and to perform respiration. Our results expand our knowledge of the diversity of electroactive species and of the metabolic and bioenergetic strategies used by lactic acid bacteria.
The splicing factor SR2 is an important virulence factor of Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Wu Xiao-Jing , Gao Jin , Zheng Xiao-Nan , Elsheikha Hany M. , Li Ting-Ting , Kou Yong-Jie , Wang Meng , Zhu Xing-Quan
Published: November 2023

Serine/arginine-rich (SR) proteins are key factors with important roles in constitutive and alternative splicing (AS) of pre-mRNAs. However, the role of SR splicing factors in the pathogenicity of T. gondii remains largely unexplored. Here, we investigated the role of splicing factor SR2, a homolog of Plasmodium falciparum SR1, in the pathogenicity of T. gondii. We functionally characterized the predicted SR2 in T. gondii by gene knockout and studied its subcellular localization by endogenous protein HA tagging using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing. The results showed that SR2 was localized in the nucleus and expressed in the tachyzoite and bradyzoite stages. In vitro studies including plaque formation, invasion, intracellular replication, egress and bradyzoite differentiation assays showed that deletion of SR2 in type I RH strain and type II Pru strains had no significant effect on the parasite growth and bradyzoite differentiation (p > 0.05). Interestingly, the disruption of SR2 in RH type I (p < 0.0001) and Pru type II (p < 0.05) strains resulted in varying degrees of attenuated virulence. In addition, disruption of SR2 in type II Pru strain significantly reduced brain cyst burden by ~80% (p < 0.0001). Collectively, these results suggest that splicing factor SR2 is important for the pathogenicity of T. gondii, providing a new target for the control and treatment of toxoplasmosis.
Exploring the interplay between Fusobacterium nucleatum with the expression of microRNA, and inflammatory mediators in colorectal cancer
Authors: Bostanghadiri Narjess , Razavi Shabnam , Shariati Aref , Talebi Malihe , Mirkalantari Shiva , Emami Razavi Amirnader , Darban-Sarokhalil Davood
Published: November 2023

Background

Fusobacterium nucleatum has been recognized as an important key bacterium in the cause and spread of colorectal carcinogenesis. Nevertheless, the clinical relevance of F. nucleatum in colorectal cancer (CRC) and its effect on immune factors and the tumor microenvironment have not been fully elucidated.

Materials and methods

The frequency of F. nucleatum was measured in 100 paired tumor and normal tissue specimens by TaqMan quantification Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR). The mRNA expression levels of cytokines (IL-6, IL-10, IL-12β, IL-17, TNF-α, TLR-2, and TLR-4), and miRNAs (miR-21, miR-31) were examined. Eventually, any potential correlations between the molecular and clinicopathological features of the neoplastic samples and the abundance of F. nucleatum were analyzed.

Results

The relative frequency of F. nucleatum was significantly increased in cancerous tissue compared to adjacent non-tumor tissues. Furthermore, the high level of F. nucleatum was significantly associated with histological grade III and IV CRC tissues (P = 0.027 and P = 0.022, respectively) and perineural invasion-positive patients (P = 0.037). In addition, the expression levels of IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α,IL-12β, TLR-2, and TLR-4 as well as miR-21 and miR-31 showed a significant increase in the cancer group. A notable correlation was also observed between the high status of F. nucleatum and the expression of IL-6, TNF-α and miR-21.

Conclusion

Our results emphasize the importance of F. nucleatum and changes in the expression of genes involved in CRC. Studying the microbial profile and gene expression changes in CRC patients may be a promising approach to improve screening methods and provide therapeutic strategies.
Evaluation of risk factors for impulse control disorder in Parkinson’s disease in northern China
Authors: Ren Wenhua , Qi Yumeng , Liu Yan , Yan YaYun , Zheng Xiaoqi , Jin ShuXian , Chang Ying
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Impulse control disorder (ICD) is a common non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s disease (PD), but its risk factors are still controversial. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ICD in northern China and analyze the risk factors associated with ICD, multiple ICDs, and four subtypes.

Methods

A total of 285 PD patients were enrolled in this study. Each patient was screened using the Questionnaire for Impulse and Compulsive Control Disorders (QUIP). Stepwise regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors, and a prediction model was developed.

Results

The prevalence of ICD in the study population was 11.6%. Stepwise regression analysis showed that ICD was associated with disease duration, motor symptoms, dyskinesia, depression, REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and cognitive decline; multiple ICDs were related to coffee history, motor symptoms, dyskinesia, depression, apathy and RBD. The prediction model demonstrated good performance with AUC values of 0.93, 0.88, and 0.66 on the balanced train set, balanced test set, and the original imbalanced data set, respectively.

Conclusion

The risk factors for PD-ICD are complex and influenced by regional economic and cultural backgrounds. Clarifying these factors and developing predictive models can help to delay or even prevent the development of ICD through early screening and intervention.
The impact of cognitive reserve on delayed neurocognitive recovery after major non-cardiac surgery: an exploratory substudy
Authors: Kainz Elena , Juilfs Neelke , Harler Ulrich , Kahl Ursula , Mewes Caspar , Zöllner Christian , Fischer Marlene
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Delayed neurocognitive recovery is a common and severe complication after surgery and anesthesia with an adverse impact on daily living, morbidity, and mortality. High cognitive reserve may mitigate the development of delayed neurocognitive recovery, however, supporting data is lacking. We aimed to assess the association between cognitive reserve and delayed neurocognitive recovery in the early postoperative period.

Methods

This is a substudy of two prospective observational studies. Adult patients undergoing elective major non-cardiac surgery, who were fluent in German, were eligible for study participation. Patients with any pre-existing central nervous system disorders were excluded. Cognitive reserve was assessed using the Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire. Delayed neurocognitive recovery was defined as a decline in cognitive function compared with baseline assessments and was evaluated with a battery of neuropsychological tests on the day of hospital admission and between day three post procedure and before hospital discharge.

Results

A total of 67 patients with a median age of 67 [IQR: (63–73)] years were included in our analysis. We found delayed neurocognitive recovery in 22.4% of patients. There was a significant association between Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire total score and the occurrence of delayed neurocognitive recovery in the early postoperative period [OR = 0.938, (95% CI, 0.891; 0.988), p = 0.015].

Conclusion

Higher cognitive reserve in elderly patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery decreases the risk for subsequent delayed neurocognitive recovery in the early postoperative period.
Smartphone use in Neurology: a bibliometric analysis and visualization of things to come
Authors: Tatum William O. , Acton Emily K. , Freund Brin , de la Cruz Gutierrez Manuel , Feyissa Anteneh M. , Brigham Tara
Published: November 2023

Background and objectives

Smartphones are a ubiquitous part of society with increasing use as a healthcare tool. We aimed to analyze the published literature on smartphone usage within the field of Neurology to define the scientific landscape and forecast future research initiatives.

Methods

We performed a bibliometric review of smartphone uses in Neurology based on a search of two Web of Science databases from inception through September 16, 2022. This librarian-guided review was conducted using Bibliometrix for data assessment and visualization. Temporal trends in publications, citation counts, collaborations, and author affiliations were among key metrics evaluated. VOS viewer identified hot spots based on generating co-occurrences and bibliographic coupling mapping.

Results

Our search found 3,920 publications. The U.S. produced the most topic-based publications, collaborating most frequently with U.K., Canada, and China-based authors. The most prolific institutions included Karolinska Institute, University of Sydney, and University of Pittsburgh. Bioelectromagnetics, Stroke, and Neurology were the most cited journals. Rapid growth in scientific production occurred in recent years, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hotspots and keyword co-occurrence included telehealth, machine learning, and self-management. Temporal trends reflect transitioning from a focus of initial publications regarding mobile phone safety to more recent application of smartphones as “smart” tools for single modality diagnosis, monitoring, management, and treatment of neurological diseases.

Discussion

There has been rapid expansion of the published literature on smartphone uses in Neurology. Initial focus on smartphones and health risk has shifted to uses for neurological disease diagnosis, detection, and management, with relevance as a global interface for collaboration and clinical practice.
Advances in neuroproteomics for neurotrauma: unraveling insights for personalized medicine and future prospects
Authors: Kobeissy Firas , Goli Mona , Yadikar Hamad , Shakkour Zaynab , Kurup Milin , Haidar Muhammad Ali , Alroumi Shahad , Mondello Stefania , Wang Kevin K. , Mechref Yehia
Published: November 2023

Neuroproteomics, an emerging field at the intersection of neuroscience and proteomics, has garnered significant attention in the context of neurotrauma research. Neuroproteomics involves the quantitative and qualitative analysis of nervous system components, essential for understanding the dynamic events involved in the vast areas of neuroscience, including, but not limited to, neuropsychiatric disorders, neurodegenerative disorders, mental illness, traumatic brain injury, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and other neurodegenerative diseases. With advancements in mass spectrometry coupled with bioinformatics and systems biology, neuroproteomics has led to the development of innovative techniques such as microproteomics, single-cell proteomics, and imaging mass spectrometry, which have significantly impacted neuronal biomarker research. By analyzing the complex protein interactions and alterations that occur in the injured brain, neuroproteomics provides valuable insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying neurotrauma. This review explores how such insights can be harnessed to advance personalized medicine (PM) approaches, tailoring treatments based on individual patient profiles. Additionally, we highlight the potential future prospects of neuroproteomics, such as identifying novel biomarkers and developing targeted therapies by employing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). By shedding light on neurotrauma’s current state and future directions, this review aims to stimulate further research and collaboration in this promising and transformative field.
Phenobarbital does not worsen outcomes of neonatal hypoxia on hippocampal LTP on rats
Authors: Sanchez-Brualla Irene , Ghosh Anjik , Gibatova Viktoriya A. , Quinlan Sean , Witherspoon Eric , Vicini Stefano , Forcelli Patrick A.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Neonatal hypoxia is a common cause of early-life seizures. Both hypoxia-induced seizures (HS), and the drugs used to treat them (e.g., phenobarbital, PB), have been reported to have long-lasting impacts on brain development. For example, in neonatal rodents, HS reduces hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP), while PB exposure disrupts GABAergic synaptic maturation in the hippocampus. Prior studies have examined the impact of HS and drug treatment separately, but in the clinic, PB is unlikely to be given to neonates without seizures, and neonates with seizures are very likely to receive PB. To address this gap, we assessed the combined and separate impacts of neonatal HS and PB treatment on the development of hippocampal LTP.

Methods

Male and female postnatal day (P)7 rat pups were subjected to graded global hypoxia (or normoxia as a control) and treated with either PB (or vehicle as a control). On P13-14 (P13+) or P29-37 (P29+), we recorded LTP of the Schaffer collaterals into CA1 pyramidal layer in acute hippocampal slices. We compared responses to theta burst stimulation (TBS) and tetanization induction protocols.

Results

Under the TBS induction protocol, female rats showed an LTP impairment caused by HS, which appeared only at P29+. This impairment was delayed compared to male rats. While LTP in HS males was impaired at P13+, it normalized by P29+. Under the tetanization protocol, hypoxia produced larger LTP in males compared to female rats. PB injection, under TBS, did not exacerbate the effects of hypoxia. However, with the tetanization protocol, PB – on the background of HS – compensated for these effects, returning LTP to control levels.

Discussion

These results point to different susceptibility to hypoxia as a function of sex and age, and a non-detrimental effect of PB when administered after hypoxic seizures.
Adrenergic mechanisms of absence status epilepticus
Authors: Sitnikova Evgenia
Published: November 2023

Absence status epilepticus is a prolonged, generalized absence seizure that lasts more than half an hour. The mechanisms underlying the absence of status epilepticus are still not entirely understood. In this study, the study concentrates on alpha2-adrenergic mechanisms of absence status using the WAG/Rij rat model. In this model, a prolonged spike–wave activity was associated with a specific behavioral state in transition between sedation («alpha2-wakefulness»)-resembled absence status in human patients. Pharmacological activation of alpha2-adrenoreceptors may target the locus coeruleus (presynaptic alpha2-adrenoreceptors) and the thalamic part of the seizure-generating thalamocortical system (postsynaptic alpha2B-adrenoreceptors). The duration of EEG-behavioral correlates of absence status was not dose-dependent and was predetermined by the intensity of absence seizures at baseline. This model could help scientists better understand the underlying causes of absence status and develop more effective and personalized treatments for each individual.
Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation on upper limb motor function with stroke: a functional near-infrared spectroscopy pilot study
Authors: Wang Likai , Gao Fei , Dai Yongli , Wang Zhan , Liang Feng , Wu Jingyi , Wang Mengchun , Wang Litong
Published: November 2023

Background

Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) emerges as a promising neuromodulatory technique. However, taVNS uses left ear stimulation in stroke survivors with either left or right hemiparesis. Understanding its influence on the cortical responses is pivotal for optimizing post-stroke rehabilitation protocols.

Objective

The primary objective of this study was to elucidate the influence of taVNS on cortical responses in stroke patients presenting with either left or right hemiparesis and to discern its potential ramifications for upper limb rehabilitative processes.

Methods

We employed functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to ascertain patterns of cerebral activation in stroke patients as they engaged in a “block transfer” task. Additionally, the Lateralization Index (LI) was utilized to quantify the lateralization dynamics of cerebral functions.

Results

In patients exhibiting left-side hemiplegia, there was a notable increase in activation within the pre-motor and supplementary motor cortex (PMC-SMC) of the unaffected hemisphere as well as in the left Broca area. Conversely, those with right-side hemiplegia displayed heightened activation in the affected primary somatosensory cortex (PSC) region following treatment.

Significantly, taVNS markedly amplified cerebral activation, with a pronounced impact on the left motor cortical network across both cohorts. Intriguingly, the LI showcased consistency, suggesting a harmonized enhancement across both compromised and uncompromised cerebral regions.

Conclusion

TaVNS can significantly bolster the activation within compromised cerebral territories, particularly within the left motor cortical domain, without destabilizing cerebral lateralization. TaVNS could play a pivotal role in enhancing upper limb functional restoration post-stroke through precise neuromodulatory and neuroplastic interventions.
Combining brain-computer interfaces with deep reinforcement learning for robot training: a feasibility study in a simulation environment
Authors: Vukelić Mathias , Bui Michael , Vorreuther Anna , Lingelbach Katharina
Published: November 2023

Deep reinforcement learning (RL) is used as a strategy to teach robot agents how to autonomously learn complex tasks. While sparsity is a natural way to define a reward in realistic robot scenarios, it provides poor learning signals for the agent, thus making the design of good reward functions challenging. To overcome this challenge learning from human feedback through an implicit brain-computer interface (BCI) is used. We combined a BCI with deep RL for robot training in a 3-D physical realistic simulation environment. In a first study, we compared the feasibility of different electroencephalography (EEG) systems (wet- vs. dry-based electrodes) and its application for automatic classification of perceived errors during a robot task with different machine learning models. In a second study, we compared the performance of the BCI-based deep RL training to feedback explicitly given by participants. Our findings from the first study indicate the use of a high-quality dry-based EEG-system can provide a robust and fast method for automatically assessing robot behavior using a sophisticated convolutional neural network machine learning model. The results of our second study prove that the implicit BCI-based deep RL version in combination with the dry EEG-system can significantly accelerate the learning process in a realistic 3-D robot simulation environment. Performance of the BCI-based trained deep RL model was even comparable to that achieved by the approach with explicit human feedback. Our findings emphasize the usage of BCI-based deep RL methods as a valid alternative in those human-robot applications where no access to cognitive demanding explicit human feedback is available.
Validation of time-dependent shift using the pulsed sphere benchmarks
Authors: Palmer Camille J. , Northrop Jordan , Palmer Todd S. , Reynolds Aaron J.
Published: November 2023

The detailed behavior of neutrons in a rapidly changing time-dependent physical system is a challenging computational physics problem, particularly when using Monte Carlo methods on heterogeneous high-performance computing architectures. A small number of algorithms and code implementations have been shown to be performant for time-independent (fixed source and k-eigenvalue) Monte Carlo, and there are existing simulation tools that successfully solve the time-dependent Monte Carlo problem on smaller computing platforms. To bridge this gap, a time-dependent version of ORNL’s Shift code has been recently developed. Shift’s history-based algorithm on CPUs, and its event-based algorithm on GPUs, have both been observed to scale well to very large numbers of processors, which motivated the extension of this code to solve time-dependent problems. The validation of this new capability requires a comparison with time-dependent neutron experiments. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s (LLNL) pulsed sphere benchmark experiments were simulated in Shift to validate both the time-independent as well as new time-dependent features recently incorporated into Shift. A suite of pulsed-sphere models was simulated using Shift and compared to the available experimental data and simulations with MCNP. Overall results indicate that Shift accurately simulates the pulsed sphere benchmarks, and that the new time-dependent modifications of Shift are working as intended. Validated exascale neutron transport codes are essential for a wide variety of future multiphysics applications.
Gluten cross contact in oats: retrospective database analysis 2011 to 2023
Authors: Thompson Tricia , Keller Amy
Published: November 2023

It is long-established that oats are at substantial risk for cross contact with gluten-containing grain. Specially processed gluten-free oats, whether purity protocol or mechanically/optically sorted, made it possible for this grain to be included in a gluten-free diet in the U.S. Gluten Free Watchdog (GFWD) (Manchester, Massachusetts, United States) has been assessing the gluten content of labeled gluten-free foods since 2011. In 2022, there was an apparent increase in the number of oat products testing with quantifiable gluten at or above 5 mg/kg or parts per million (ppm). The purpose of the present study was to assess the levels of gluten in foods containing oats to determine if there were any trends. In this retrospective database analysis, GFWD product test reports from April 2011 to May 1, 2023 were searched using the term “oat.” The search identified 213 individual packages of food that contained the word “oat” in the ingredients list. The test results for these packages of food were reviewed. Of these, 24 (11%) tested with quantifiable gluten greater than or equal to 5 mg/kg (ppm). The percentage of oats testing with quantifiable gluten varied per year but spiked in 2022 at 35%. It is not possible to know for certain what caused this increase. The drought during the oat growing season of 2021 could be a major factor. This drought impacted oat crops in both the US and Canada and led to one of the worst oat crops going back over 150 years. One limitation of this study is that it was a retrospective analysis. Different numbers of oat products were tested each year and these were often different brands of oats and different oat formulations. To assess the level of gluten cross contact in oats going forward a much larger prospective study should be conducted.
Development and visualization of a risk prediction model for metabolic syndrome: a longitudinal cohort study based on health check-up data in China
Authors: Liu Wenxi , Tang Xiao , Cui Tongcheng , Zhao Hui , Song Guirong
Published: November 2023

Aim

Our study aimed to construct a practical risk prediction model for metabolic syndrome (MetS) based on the longitudinal health check-up data, considering both the baseline level of physical examination indicators and their annual average cumulative exposure, and to provide some theoretical basis for the health management of Mets.

Methods

The prediction model was constructed in male and female cohorts, separately. The shared set of predictive variables screened out from 49 important physical examination indicators by the univariate Cox model, Lasso-Cox model and the RSF algorithm collectively was further screened by Cox stepwise regression method. The screened predictors were used to construct prediction model by the Cox proportional hazards regression model and RSF model, respectively. Subsequently, the better method would be selected to develop final MetS predictive model according to comprehensive comparison and evaluation. Finally, the optimal model was validated internally and externally by the time-dependent ROC curve (tdROC) and concordance indexes (C-indexes). The constructed predictive model was converted to a web-based prediction calculator using the “shiny” package of the R4.2.1 software.

Results

A total of 15 predictors were screened in the male cohort and 9 predictors in the female cohort. In both male and female cohorts, the prediction error curve of the RSF model was consistently lower than that of the Cox proportional hazards regression model, and the integrated Brier score (IBS) of the RSF model was smaller, therefore, the RSF model was used to develop the final prediction model. Internal validation of the RSF model showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of tdROC for 1 year, 3 years and 5 years in the male cohort were 0.979, 0.991, and 0.983, and AUCs in the female cohort were 0.959, 0.975, and 0.978, respectively, the C-indexes calculated by 500 bootstraps of the male and female cohort RSF models are above 0.7. The external validation also showed that the model has good predictive ability.

Conclusion

The risk predictive model for MetS constructed by RSF in this study is more stable and reliable than Cox proportional hazards regression model, and the model based on multiple screening of routine physical examination indicators has performed well in both internal and external data, and has certain clinical application value.