bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The comparison of sex differences in depression-like behaviors and neuroinflammatory changes in a rat model of depression induced by chronic stress
Authors: Xia Juan , Wang Haoyin , Zhang Cai , Liu Baiping , Li Yuyu , Li Kangwei , Li Peng , Song Cai
Published: January 2023

Background

Clinical prevalence of major depression is higher in women than men, while the psychoneuroimmunological mechanisms underlying the differences between the two sexes are not fully understood.

Methods

The present study explored sex differences in the behaviors and depressive pathological mechanisms induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). Depression- and anxiety-like behaviors were assessed by the sucrose preference test (SPT), force swimming test (FST), open field test (OFT), and elevated plus-maze (EPM). The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure cytokine concentrations, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to measure monoamine neurotransmitters and metabolite contents, and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and western blotting (WB) were used to measure glial parameters in the hippocampus.

Results

Under control conditions, female rats exhibited shorter immobility times in the FST, lower interferon (IFN)-γ, and interleukin (IL)-4 levels in the hippocampus, lower norepinephrine (NE) and homovanillic acid (HVA), and higher p75 and glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) expression than male rats. CUMS markedly reduced rat body weight gain, sucrose preference, locomotor activity, number of entries into the central zone and rearing in the OFT, as well as the number of entries into and time spent in open arms of the EPM; however, CUMS increased the immobility times of the rats of both sexes in the FST. Interestingly, more pronounced changes in sucrose preference and locomotor activity were observed in female rats than in males. Consistently, CUMS-increased glucocorticoid concentration, M1 microglial marker CD11b, and peripheral IL-1β and IL-4, while decreased hippocampal IL-10, serotonin (5-HT), dopamine metabolite 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), and norepinephrine metabolite 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) were more significant in females than in males.

Conclusion

These data revealed possible mechanisms by which females suffer more depression than males at least in a stressful environment.
The role of pulse timing in cardiac defibrillation
Authors: Steyer Joshua , Lilienkamp Thomas , Luther Stefan , Parlitz Ulrich
Published: January 2023

Life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias require immediate defibrillation. For state-of-the-art shock treatments, a high field strength is required to achieve a sufficient success rate for terminating the complex spiral wave (rotor) dynamics underlying cardiac fibrillation. However, such high energy shocks have many adverse side effects due to the large electric currents applied. In this study, we show, using 2D simulations based on the Fenton-Karma model, that also pulses of relatively low energy may terminate the chaotic activity if applied at the right moment in time. In our simplified model for defibrillation, complex spiral waves are terminated by local perturbations corresponding to conductance heterogeneities acting as virtual electrodes in the presence of an external electric field. We demonstrate that time series of the success rate for low energy shocks exhibit pronounced peaks which correspond to short intervals in time during which perturbations aiming at terminating the chaotic fibrillation state are (much) more successful. Thus, the low energy shock regime, although yielding very low temporal average success rates, exhibits moments in time for which success rates are significantly higher than the average value shown in dose-response curves. This feature might be exploited in future defibrillation protocols for achieving high termination success rates with low or medium pulse energies.
Triglyceride-glucose index and the incidence of stroke: A meta-analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Liao Canlin , Xu Haixiong , Jin Tao , Xu Ke , Xu Zhennan , Zhu Lingzhen , Liu Mingfa
Published: January 2023

Background

Insulin resistance (IR) is involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. As a new indicator, the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index has greater operability for the evaluation of insulin resistance. Previous studies have shown inconsistent results in evaluating the association between the TyG index and stroke incidence in people without stroke at baseline. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically assess this association through a meta-analysis.

Methods

Cohort studies with the multivariate-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) association between the TyG index and stroke were obtained by searching the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases before 16 December 2021. We pooled the adjusted HR along with 95% CI using a random-effects model. The primary outcome was stroke including ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. We conducted subgroup analyses stratified by study design, ethnicity, characteristics of participants, weight of studies, and length of follow-up duration. Review Manager 5.3 and Stata 17 were used to perform the meta-analysis.

Results

Eight cohort studies with 5,804,215 participants were included. The results showed that participants with the highest TyG index category at baseline compared to those with the lowest TyG index category were independently associated with a higher risk of stroke (HR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.24–1.29, I2 = 0%, P < 0.001). This finding was consistent with the results of the meta-analysis with the TyG index analyzed as a continuous variable (HR per each-unit increment of the TyG index: 1.13, 95% CI 1.09–1.18, I2 = 0%, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis had no significant effects (for subgroup analysis, all P > 0.05). No significant heterogeneity was observed among the included cohort studies.

Conclusion

A higher TyG index may be independently associated with a higher risk of stroke in individuals without stroke at baseline. The aforementioned findings need to be verified by a large-scale prospective cohort study to further clarify the underlying pathophysiological mechanism between the TyG index and stroke.
Epileptic high-frequency oscillations occur in neonates with a high risk for seizures
Authors: Kuhnke Nicola , Wusthoff Courtney J. , Swarnalingam Eroshini , Yanoussi Mina , Jacobs Julia
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Scalp high-frequency oscillations (HFOs, 80–250 Hz) are increasingly recognized as EEG markers of epileptic brain activity. It is, however, unclear what level of brain maturity is necessary to generate these oscillations. Many studies have reported the occurrence of scalp HFOs in children with a correlation between treatment success of epileptic seizures and the reduction of HFOs. More recent studies describe the reliable detection of HFOs on scalp EEG during the neonatal period.

Methods

In the present study, continuous EEGs of 38 neonates at risk for seizures were analyzed visually for the scalp HFOs using 30 min of quiet sleep EEG. EEGs of 14 patients were of acceptable quality to analyze HFOs.

Results

The average rate of HFOs was 0.34 ± 0.46/min. About 3.2% of HFOs occurred associated with epileptic spikes. HFOs were significantly more frequent in EEGs with abnormal vs. normal background activities (p = 0.005).

Discussion

Neonatal brains are capable of generating HFOs. HFO could be a viable biomarker for neonates at risk of developing seizures. Our preliminary data suggest that HFOs mainly occur in those neonates who have altered background activity. Larger data sets are needed to conclude whether HFO occurrence is linked to seizure generation and whether this might predict the development of epilepsy.
Case report: p.Glu134del SOD1 mutation in two apparently unrelated ALS patients with mirrored phenotype
Authors: Gianferrari Giulia , Martinelli Ilaria , Simonini Cecilia , Zucchi Elisabetta , Fini Nicola , Carra Serena , Moglia Cristina , Mandrioli Jessica
Published: January 2023

With upcoming personalized approaches based on genetics, it is important to report new mutations in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) genes in order to understand their pathogenicity and possible patient responses to specific therapies. SOD1 mutations are the second most frequent genetic cause of ALS in European populations. Here, we describe two seemingly unrelated Italian patients with ALS carrying the same SOD1 heterozygous c.400_402 deletion (p.Glu134del). Both patients had spinal onset in their lower limbs, progressive muscular weakness with respiratory involvement, and sparing bulbar function. In addition to the clinical picture, we discuss the possible pathogenic role of this unfamiliar SOD1 mutation.
Exploring the prognostic differences in patients of Chiari malformation type I with syringomyelia undergoing different surgical methods
Authors: Zhang Mingchu , Hu Yan , Song Dengpan , Duan Chengcheng , Wei Mingkun , Zhang Longxiao , Lei Shixiong , Guo Fuyou
Published: January 2023

Background

The best surgical treatment of Chiari malformation patients with syringomyelia remains controversial, and whether cerebellar tonsillectomy should be performed has not been decided.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of posterior fossa decompression with duraplasty (PFDD) and Posterior fossa decompression with resection of tonsils (PFDRT) in patients of Chiari malformation type I (CM-I) with syringomyelia and explore relevant factors affecting prognosis.

Patients and methods

We retrospectively analyzed 182 adult patients of CM-I with syringomyelia who underwent PFDD or PFDRT over a 6-year period, and analyzed their clinical manifestations, imaging features, and follow-up data. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Chicago Chiari Outcome Scale (CCOS), and imaging outcomes were assessed using the syrinx remission rate. Difference comparisons were performed to compare the differences between different surgical groups. Influencing factors associated with outcome were investigated using bivariate analysis and multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

There were statistically significant differences in CCOS score (p = 0.034) and syrinx remission rates (p = 0.046) between the PFDRT group and the PFDD group after surgery. Regression analysis showed that preoperative motor dysfunction, cerebellar-related symptoms and different surgical methods may have influenced the CCOS score and that brainstem-related symptoms and age may have influenced the syrinx remission rates in the total patient group (p < 0.05). Regression analysis showed that the duration of symptoms, cerebellar-related symptoms and preoperative syrinx diameter may have influenced the CCOS score and that the preoperative cerebellar tonsillar hernia distance may have influenced the postoperative syrinx remission rate in the PFDRT group (p < 0.05). Age and length of hospital stay may have influenced the CCOS score, and brainstem-related symptoms and age may have influenced the syrinx remission rates in the PFDD group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study showed that the CCOS score in the PFDRT group was better than that in the PFDD group. Preoperative motor dysfunction, cerebellar-related symptoms, and different surgical methods in patients of CM-I with syringomyelia affected postoperative CCOS score. Both the duration of symptoms and the age of the patients should be actively considered as factors influencing prognosis. Symptomatic CM-I patients with syringomyelia should undergo surgical treatment as early as possible.
Case report: Motor neuron disease phenotype associated with symptomatic copper deficiency: Challenging diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Benkirane Adam , Warlop Thibault , Ivanoiu Adrian , Baret Pierre , Wiame Elsa , Haufroid Vincent , Duprez Thierry , Hantson Philippe
Published: January 2023

Copper deficiency is an acquired condition that can lead to neurologic dysfunctions, such as myelopathy, motor neuron impairment, polyneuropathy, cognitive impairment, and optic nerve neuropathy. Associated biological findings are low serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels with low copper urinary excretion. We report the case of a previously healthy 59-year-old man who presented a complex neurological picture starting with symptoms and radiological signs consistent with degenerative myelopathy in the presence of persisting low serum copper and ceruloplasmin despite oral and intravenous copper supplementation. Over time, his symptoms evolved into a motor neuron disease evocating an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) phenotype. The potential role of copper deficiency is discussed, together with the difficulties in biomonitoring copper supplementation.
Large-scale cross-sectional online survey on patient-neurologist communication, burden of disease assessment and disease monitoring in people with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Christ Monika , Schuh Katrin , Bayas Antonios
Published: January 2023

Background

Management of multiple sclerosis (MS) requires a high level of communication between health care professionals (HCPs) and people with MS (pwMS) including profound investigation and discussion of symptoms to identify therapeutic needs. For treatment decisions, monitoring of disease activity is important, in this respect self-monitoring devices and apps, as well as magnetic resonance imaging are important tools.

Methods

MS Perspectives is a cross-sectional online survey conducted in Germany which was designed to collect data, among others, on the communication between pwMS and HCPs regarding treatment goals, symptom assessment, usage of devices and apps to self-monitor health functions, as well as to identify patients' attitude toward the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Between December 2021 and February 2022, 4,555 pwMS completed the survey.

Results

In total, 63.7% of participants reported that treatment goals have been discussed with their HCPs. Symptoms worsening in the past 12 months independent of relapses was more often reported by pwMS than inquired by HCPs, according to patients' report. Devices or apps for health monitoring were used by less than half of participants. Frequency of MRI controls was much lower in participants with longer compared to shorter disease duration (47.5 vs. 86.3%). The proportion of patients with annual or semiannual scans was highest among pwMS receiving infusion therapy (93.5%), followed by oral medication (82.5%) and injectables (73.4%), and lowest for pwMS without immunotherapy (58.2%).

Conclusion

MS Perspectives identified a rather low patient involvement regarding treatment goals and symptom assessment in clinical practice. Regarding this and our findings for health self-monitoring and MRI usage, strategies for improving patient-HCP communication and disease monitoring may be considered.
Addition of high-intensity interval training to a moderate intensity continuous training cardiovascular rehabilitation program after ischemic cerebrovascular disease: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lapointe Thalia , Houle Julie , Sia Ying-Tung , Payette Marika , Trudeau François
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) is usually recommended for stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients. High intensity interval training (HIIT) has emerged as a potentially effective method for increasing cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) among clinical populations. Its effectiveness remains to be demonstrated after stroke. A combined program of HIIT and MICT was designed to create a realistic exercise program implemented for a clinical setting to help patients become more active.

Purpose

This study aimed to compare the effects of a 6-month exercise program with either MICT only or a combination of HIIT and MICT and a control group in terms of CRF, cardiovascular risk factors, functionality, cognitive function (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) and depression markers (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale).

Methods

This randomized controlled trial started with 52 participants (33 men and 19 women, mean age: 69.2 ± 10.7) divided into three groups: HIIT + MICT combined, MICT, and control. Both exercise groups consisted of 4 weekly sessions including supervised and at-home exercise. Outcomes were assessed at T0 (baseline measure), T6 (end of exercise protocols), and T12 (follow-up), 40 participants having completed the 12-month follow-up.

Results

At T6, both HIIT+MICT and MICT programs provided a similar increase of CRF (3 ml·min-1·kg-1) from baseline (p < 0.01), while the control group showed a global slight decrease. Despite some decrease of CRF at T12 compared to T6, improvement persisted 6 months post-intervention (HIIT + MICT: p < 0.01 and MICT: p < 0.05). The control group decreased compared with baseline (p < 0.05). The two exercise programs induced a comparable increase in self-reported physical activity and a decrease in anxiety and depression markers. Participants in HIIT + MICT and MICT programs declared a good degree of acceptability assessed by the Acceptability and Preferences Questionnaire.

Conclusion

A 6-month HIIT + MICT combined program and a standard MICT program induced similar improvements in CRF, self-reported physical activity and anxiety and depression markers among patients with prior ischemic stroke or TIA compared with a control group. These effects appear to persist over time. Addition of HIIT was safe and considered acceptable by participants. Our results do not support any superiority of the combination HIIT + MICT nor disadvantage vs. MICT in this population.
Increases in sensory noise predict attentional disruptions to audiovisual speech perception
Authors: Fisher Victoria L. , Dean Cassandra L. , Nave Claire S. , Parkins Emma V. , Kerkhoff Willa G. , Kwakye Leslie D.
Published: January 2023

We receive information about the world around us from multiple senses which combine in a process known as multisensory integration. Multisensory integration has been shown to be dependent on attention; however, the neural mechanisms underlying this effect are poorly understood. The current study investigates whether changes in sensory noise explain the effect of attention on multisensory integration and whether attentional modulations to multisensory integration occur via modality-specific mechanisms. A task based on the McGurk Illusion was used to measure multisensory integration while attention was manipulated via a concurrent auditory or visual task. Sensory noise was measured within modality based on variability in unisensory performance and was used to predict attentional changes to McGurk perception. Consistent with previous studies, reports of the McGurk illusion decreased when accompanied with a secondary task; however, this effect was stronger for the secondary visual (as opposed to auditory) task. While auditory noise was not influenced by either secondary task, visual noise increased with the addition of the secondary visual task specifically. Interestingly, visual noise accounted for significant variability in attentional disruptions to the McGurk illusion. Overall, these results strongly suggest that sensory noise may underlie attentional alterations to multisensory integration in a modality-specific manner. Future studies are needed to determine whether this finding generalizes to other types of multisensory integration and attentional manipulations. This line of research may inform future studies of attentional alterations to sensory processing in neurological disorders, such as Schizophrenia, Autism, and ADHD.
Automated seizure onset zone locator from resting-state functional MRI in drug-resistant epilepsy
Authors: Banerjee Ayan , Kamboj Payal , Wyckoff Sarah N. , Sussman Bethany L. , Gupta Sandeep K. S. , Boerwinkle Varina L.
Published: January 2023

Objective

Accurate localization of a seizure onset zone (SOZ) from independent components (IC) of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) improves surgical outcomes in children with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). Automated IC sorting has limited success in identifying SOZ localizing ICs in adult normal rs-fMRI or uncategorized epilepsy. Children face unique challenges due to the developing brain and its associated surgical risks. This study proposes a novel SOZ localization algorithm (EPIK) for children with DRE.

Methods

EPIK is developed in a phased approach, where fMRI noise-related biomarkers are used through high-fidelity image processing techniques to eliminate noise ICs. Then, the SOZ markers are used through a maximum likelihood-based classifier to determine SOZ localizing ICs. The performance of EPIK was evaluated on a unique pediatric DRE dataset (n= 52). A total of 24 children underwent surgical resection or ablation of an rs-fMRI identified SOZ, concurrently evaluated with an EEG and anatomical MRI. Two state-of-art techniques were used for comparison: (a) least squares support-vector machine and (b) convolutional neural networks. The performance was benchmarked against expert IC sorting and Engel outcomes for surgical SOZ resection or ablation. The analysis was stratified across age and sex.

Results

EPIK outperformed state-of-art techniques for SOZ localizing IC identification with a mean accuracy of 84.7% (4% higher), a precision of 74.1% (22% higher), a specificity of 81.9% (3.2% higher), and a sensitivity of 88.6% (16.5% higher). EPIK showed consistent performance across age and sex with the best performance in those < 5 years of age. It helped achieve a ~5-fold reduction in the number of ICs to be potentially analyzed during pre-surgical screening.

Significance

Automated SOZ localization from rs-fMRI, validated against surgical outcomes, indicates the potential for clinical feasibility. It eliminates the need for expert sorting, outperforms prior automated methods, and is consistent across age and sex.
Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on brain cytokine levels in rats
Authors: Ethridge Victoria T. , Gargas Nathan M. , Sonner Martha J. , Moore Raquel J. , Romer Shannon H. , Hatcher-Solis Candice , Rohan Joyce G.
Published: January 2023

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has shown therapeutic potential to mitigate symptoms of various neurological disorders. Studies from our group and others used rodent models to demonstrate that tDCS modulates synaptic plasticity. We previously showed that 30 min of 0.25 mA tDCS administered to rats induced significant enhancement in the synaptic plasticity of hippocampal neurons. It has also been shown that tDCS induces expression of proteins known to mediate synaptic plasticity. This increase in synaptic plasticity may underly the observed therapeutic benefits of tDCS. However, the anti-inflammatory benefits of tDCS have not been thoroughly elucidated. Here we report that three sessions of tDCS spaced 1–3 weeks apart can significantly reduce levels of several inflammatory cytokines in brains of healthy rats. Rats receiving tDCS experienced enhanced synaptic plasticity without detectable improvement in behavioral tests or significant changes in astrocyte activation. The tDCS-mediated reduction in inflammatory cytokine levels supports the potential use of tDCS as a countermeasure against inflammation and offers additional support for the hypothesis that cytokines contribute to the modulation of synaptic plasticity.
Research hotspots and trends in visceral pain research: A global comprehensive bibliometric analysis
Authors: Guan Le , Liu Yang , Wu Bin , Chen Aiqin , Tao Wucheng , Lin Chun
Published: January 2023

Background

Visceral pain is a complex and heterogeneous disorder that is considered more prominent compared to somatic pain, due to its multiple and complex causes and accompanying emotional and mood disorders. Research has become increasingly extensive over the years, but a bibliometric analysis of this field is lacking. The aim of this study was to analyze global research trends in visceral pain over the past 40 years through visual analysis.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive search of the literature from January 1981 to December 2021 using the Web of Science core database. The medical subject term ‘visceral pain’ was searched. We used CiteSpace and VOSviewer for bibliometric analysis and network visualization, including top-ranked authors, keywords, research collaborations, and literature co-occurrence network analysis.

Results

A total of 5,047 articles were included in the analysis. The number of articles on visceral pain has continued to grow steadily over the past 40 years. The United States (1,716 articles), University of California (159 articles), and Neurogastroenterology and Motility (276 articles) were the country, institution, and journal with the most publications, respectively. Keyword analysis showed that inflammation, visceral hypersensitivity, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), anxiety, and quality of life were the research trends and priorities in this research field.

Conclusion

Visceral pain-related research has received increasing attention in recent decades. However, there are still many unresolved issues in the field of visceral pain, such as the specific molecular mechanisms and clinical treatments between visceral pain and inflammation, IBD, IBS, anxiety, and quality of life, which may require further exploration based on modern scientific and technological means and more basic research, especially for the therapeutic targets of visceral pain, which may become a hot spot for future research and provide guidance for the treatment of clinical diseases related to visceral pain.
Developmental control of noradrenergic system by SLITRK1 and its implications in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders
Authors: Hatayama Minoru , Aruga Jun
Published: January 2023

SLITRK1 is a neuronal transmembrane protein with neurite development-and synaptic formation-controlling abilities. Several rare variants of SLITRK1 have been identified and implicated in the pathogenesis of Tourette’s syndrome, trichotillomania, and obsessive–compulsive disorder, which can be collectively referred to as obsessive–compulsive-spectrum disorders. Recent studies have reported a possible association between bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, including a revertant of modern human-specific amino acid residues. Although the mechanisms underlying SLITRK1-associated neuropsychiatric disorders are yet to be fully clarified, rodent studies may provide some noteworthy clues. Slitrk1-deficient mice show neonatal dysregulation of the noradrenergic system, and later, anxiety-like behaviors that can be attenuated by an alpha 2 noradrenergic receptor agonist. The noradrenergic abnormality is characterized by the excessive growth of noradrenergic fibers and increased noradrenaline content in the medial prefrontal cortex, concomitant with enlarged serotonergic varicosities. Slitrk1 has both cell-autonomous and cell-non-autonomous functions in controlling noradrenergic fiber development, and partly alters Sema3a-mediated neurite control. These findings suggest that transiently enhanced noradrenergic signaling during the neonatal stage could cause neuroplasticity associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. Studies adopting noradrenergic signal perturbation via pharmacological or genetic means support this hypothesis. Thus, Slitrk1 is a potential candidate genetic linkage between the neonatal noradrenergic signaling and the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders involving anxiety-like or depression-like behaviors.
Cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB) transcription factor in astrocytic synaptic communication
Authors: Kim Jooyoung , Kaang Bong-Kiun
Published: January 2023

Astrocytes are known to actively participate in synaptic communication by forming structures called tripartite synapses. These synapses consist of presynaptic axon terminals, postsynaptic dendritic spines, and astrocytic processes where astrocytes release and receive transmitters. Although the transcription factor cyclic AMP response element (CRE)-binding protein (CREB) has been actively studied as an important factor for mediating synaptic activity-induced responses in neurons, its role in astrocytes is relatively unknown. Synaptic signals are known to activate various downstream pathways in astrocytes, which can activate the CREB transcription factor. Therefore, there is a need to summarize studies on astrocytic intracellular pathways that are induced by synaptic communication resulting in activation of the CREB pathway. In this review, we discuss the various neurotransmitter receptors and intracellular pathways that can induce CREB activation and CREB-induced gene regulation in astrocytes.
Causal associations of tea intake with COVID-19 infection and severity
Authors: Baranova Ancha , Song Yuqing , Cao Hongbao , Yue Weihua , Zhang Fuquan
Published: January 2023

Tea ingredients can effectively inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection at adequate concentrations. It is not known whether tea intake could impact the susceptibility to COVID-19 or its severity. We aimed to evaluate the causal effects of tea intake on COVID-19 outcomes. We performed Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to assess the causal associations between tea intake (N = 441,279) and three COVID-19 outcomes, including SARS-CoV-2 infection (122,616 cases and 2,475,240 controls), hospitalized COVID-19 (32,519 cases and 2,062,805 controls), and critical COVID-19 (13,769 cases and 1,072,442 controls). The MR analyses indicated that genetic propensity for tea consumption conferred a negative causal effect on the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection (OR: 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.78–0.97, P = 0.015). No causal effects on hospitalized COVID-19 (0.84, 0.64–1.10, P = 0.201) or critical COVID-19 (0.73, 0.51–1.03, P = 0.074) were detected. Our study revealed that tea intake could decrease the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, highlighting the potential preventive effect of tea consumption on COVID-19 transmission.
Urate oxidase from tea microbe Colletotrichum camelliae is involved in the caffeine metabolism pathway and plays a role in fungal virulence
Authors: He Shengnan , Qiao Xiaoyan , Zhang Shuhan , Xia Jinglin , Wang Lei , Liu Shouan
Published: January 2023

Tea is one of the most well-known, healthy beverages in the world. Tea plants produce caffeine as a secondary metabolite. Colletotrichum camelliae is one of the most important microbes frequently isolated from tea fields, and it causes anthracnose disease in tea plant. In the present work, we performed molecular microbiology and transcriptomic analyses of the C. camelliae - tea plant interaction to investigate the mechanism of fungal virulence and plant defense. Upon infection of tea plant with C. camelliae, we observed alterations in the expression of fungal transcripts, including those of many genes associated with caffeine metabolism, such as those encoding various transporters, xanthine dehydrogenase, and urate oxidase (UOX). In particular, the deletion of C. camelliae urate oxidase (CcUOX), which is involved in the caffeine metabolism pathway, reduced fungal tolerance to caffeine, and impaired fungal virulence. CcUOX is involved in caffeine metabolism by the degradation of uric acid contents. C. camelliaeΔCcUOX mutants impaired uric acid degradation in vivo. The CcUOX gene was cloned from C. camelliae, overexpressed in Escherichia coli, and the recombinant CcUOX protein displayed maximum activity at 30°C and a pH of 4.0. The recombinant CcUOX efficiently reduced uric acid in vitro suggesting a promising application in caffeine-contaminated environment management and in producing food with low purine contents to prevent uric acid related human diseases, such as hyperuricemia and gout.
Dietary intake of animal-based products and likelihood of follicular lymphoma and survival: A population-based family case-control study
Authors: Odutola Michael K. , van Leeuwen Marina T. , Bassett Julie K. , Bruinsma Fiona , Turner Jennifer , Seymour John F. , Prince Henry Miles , Milliken Samuel T. , Hertzberg Mark , Roncolato Fernando , Opat Stephen S. , Lindeman Robert , Tiley Campbell , Trotman Judith , Verner Emma , Harvey Michael , Underhill Craig R. , Benke Geza , Giles Graham G. , Vajdic Claire M.
Published: January 2023

Background

The association between dietary intake of foods of animal origin and follicular lymphoma (FL) risk and survival is uncertain. In this study, we examined the relationship between dietary intake of dairy foods and fats, meat, fish and seafoods, and the likelihood of FL and survival.

Methods

We conducted a population-based family case-control study in Australia between 2011 and 2016 and included 710 cases, 303 siblings and 186 spouse/partner controls. We assessed dietary intake of animal products prior to diagnosis (the year before last) using a structured food frequency questionnaire and followed-up cases over a median of 6.9 years using record linkage to national death data. We examined associations with the likelihood of FL using logistic regression and used Cox regression to assess association with all-cause and FL-specific mortality among cases.

Results

We observed an increased likelihood of FL with increasing daily quantity of oily fish consumption in the year before last (highest category OR = 1.96, CI = 1.02–3.77; p-trend 0.06) among cases and sibling controls, but no associations with spouse/partner controls. We found no association between the likelihood of FL and the consumption of other types of fish or seafood, meats or dairy foods and fats. In FL cases, we found no association between meat or oily fish intake and all-cause or FL-specific mortality.

Conclusion

Our study showed suggestive evidence of a positive association between oily fish intake and the likelihood of FL, but findings varied by control type. Further investigation of the potential role of environmental contaminants in oily fish on FL etiology is warranted.
Butyrate and hexanoate-enriched triglycerides increase postprandrial systemic butyrate and hexanoate in men with overweight/obesity: A double-blind placebo-controlled randomized crossover trial
Authors: van Deuren Thirza , Smolders Lotte , Hartog Anita , Bouwman Freek G. , Holst Jens J. , Venema Koen , Blaak Ellen E. , Canfora Emanuel E.
Published: January 2023

Background

Short chain fatty acids (SCFA) are increasingly recognized for their potential ability to alleviate obesity-associated chronic low-grade inflammation and disturbed energy homeostasis. Evidence suggests that an increase in circulating SCFA might be necessary to induce beneficial alterations in energy metabolism.

Objective

To compare the bioaccessibility of two different SCFA-enriched triglycerides: Akovita SCT (butyrate and hexanoate esterified with long chain fatty acids) and tributyrin/caproin (solely butyrate and hexanoate) and investigate whether the SCFA from orally administrated Akovita SCT reach the circulation and affect postprandial metabolism in men with overweight/obesity.

Methods

The site, speed, and amount of SCFA release from Akovita SCT and tributyrin/caproin were assessed in a validated In vitro Model of the stomach and small intestine (TIM-1). Subsequently, a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized crossover study was conducted at Maastricht University with fourteen men with overweight/obesity (BMI 25–35 kg/m2) of which twelve men finished all testdays and were included for analysis. The participants received a liquid high fat mixed meal test containing either a low (650 mg), medium (1,325 mg), or high dose (2,000 mg) of Akovita SCT or a placebo (sunflower oil) in randomized order. Blood was sampled at baseline and after ingestion for 6 h for the primary outcome plasma butyrate and hexanoate concentration. Secondary outcomes included hydrogen breath, appetite, gastrointestinal complaints, circulating glucagon-like peptide 1, free fatty acids, glucose, triglycerides, insulin, and cytokines concentrations.

Results

In TIM-1, tributyrin/caproin was rapidly cleaved in the gastric compartment whereas the release of SCFA from Akovita SCT occurred predominantly in the small intestine. In vivo, all doses were well-tolerated. The medium dose increased (P < 0.05) and the high dose tended to increase (P < 0.10) postprandial circulating butyrate and both doses increased circulating hexanoate (P < 0.05) compared to placebo. Nevertheless, Akovita SCT supplementation did not affect any secondary outcomes compared to placebo.

Conclusion

Esterifying SCFA-enriched triglycerides with long chain fatty acids delayed SCFA release from the glycerol backbone. Akovita SCT increased postprandial circulating butyrate and hexanoate without changing metabolic parameters in men with overweight/obesity. Future randomized clinical trials should investigate whether long-term Akovita SCT supplementation can aid in the treatment or prevention of metabolic disorders.

Clinical trial registration

www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04662411.
Roasting treatments affect oil extraction rate, fatty acids, oxidative stability, antioxidant activity, and flavor of walnut oil
Authors: Li Huankang , Han Jiajia , Zhao Zhongkai , Tian Jinhu , Fu Xizhe , Zhao Yue , Wei Changqing , Liu Wenyu
Published: January 2023

Introduction

The quality of pressed walnut oil can be improved by moderate roasting treatment.

Methods

This study compared physicochemical characteristics and antioxidant ability of walnut oils pressed from differently roasted pretreated walnuts, analyzed the correlation among these indicators by using Pearson correlation coefficient and correlation coefficient heatmap, and evaluated the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of walnut oil under optimal pretreatment roasting conditions using headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS).

Results

Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were able to remarkably distinguish walnut oil produced by different roasting processes. In addition, correlation analysis showed that there was a significant impact among indicators. There were 73 VOCs were identified in the optimum roasted treated walnut oil, consisting of 30 aldehydes, 13 alcohols, 11 ketones, 10 esters, 5 acids, 2 oxygen-containing heterocycles, 1 nitrogen-containing heterocycle and 1 other compound. GC-IMS results showed that aldehydes contributed significantly to the volatile flavor profile of walnut oil, especially (E)-2-heptenal, (E)-2-pentenal and hexenal.

Discussion

The properties of walnut oil based on varying roasting pretreatment of walnut kernels were significantly differentiated. Roasting at 120°C for 20 min is a suitable pretreatment roasting condition for pressing walnut oil. Roasting at 120°C for 20 min is a suitable pretreatment roasting condition for pressing walnut oil.
Healthy dietary patterns, foods, and risk of glioma: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Shu Long , Yu Dan , Jin Fubi
Published: January 2023

Background

Accumulating epidemiological evidence has shown the favorable associations between healthy dietary patterns and risk of glioma, although the results remain inconclusive.

Objective

We therefore carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the evidence from previous published studies, and to clarify the effects of healthy dietary patterns, typical healthy foods on glioma.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wan fang data were searched from inception up to September 2022 for eligible studies. Two authors independently performed the literature search, study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment. Heterogeneity across studies was estimated using the Cochran’s Q test and I2 statistic. According to heterogeneity, the fixed-effects model or random-effects model was selected to obtain the relative risk (RR) of the merger. Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis and publication bias were also used for our analysis.

Results

Twenty-four articles that met the selection criteria, involving 7,278 glioma cases and 2,143,528 participants, were included in our analysis. There was a reduced risk of glioma in the highest compared with the lowest categories of healthy dietary patterns (RR = 0.58; 95% CI: 0.44–0.77; P < 0.0001). Moreover, compared with the lowest intakes, the highest intakes of vegetables (RR = 0.84; 95% CI: 0.73–0.96; P = 0.012) and fruits (RR = 0.85; 95% CI: 0.72–1.00; P = 0.045) significantly reduce the risk of glioma. However, the intakes of fresh fish, nuts, whole grains, and dairy products showed no statistically significant associations with the risk of glioma (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Findings from this systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that higher intakes of healthy dietary patterns, vegetables, and fruits are significantly associated with the lower risk of glioma. Further studies, particularly with prospective design, are required to confirm our findings.
Analysis of bacterial diversity and functional differences of Jiang-flavored Daqu produced in different seasons
Authors: Wang Lamei , Cheng Yuxin , Hu Xiaoxia , Huang Yongguang
Published: January 2023

High-temperature Daqu is an important saccharifying fermenting starter for brewing Jiang-flavored Baijiu. This paper analyzed the diversity characteristics of bacterial communities of Jiang-flavored Daqu (JFDQ) with seasonal changes through Illumina HiSeq sequencing and multivariate statistical methods. Results showed that 21 phyla, 529 genera, and 47 core bacterial genera were identified from the 48 composite samples. Among them, eight functional genera were only found in the summer-produced Daqu (Propionigenium, etc.). Pantoea, Bacillus, Lentibacillus, and Oceanobacillus, respectively, served as the representative functional bacterial genera of the four seasons. Functional prediction analysis showed that Amino acid metabolism Carbohydrate metabolism, Lipid metabolism, Metabolism of cofactors and vitamins, and Nucleotide metabolism (relative abundance > 1%) were the most critical microbial functions in JFDQ, and these key enzymes involved in acetoin biosynthesis, and acetyl-CoA biosynthesis were more abundant in the summer than in the winter. The functional microorganisms community in this paper would provide valuable suggestions about the seasonal production of JFDQ, guiding the Baijiu brewing processes.
The degree of doneness affected molecular changes and protein digestibility of pork
Authors: Han Yu , Liu Hui , Li Qian , Zhao Di , Shan Kai , Ke Weixin , Zhang Miao , Li Chunbao
Published: January 2023

The degree of doneness has been shown to have a great impact on eating quality of meat, however, it is little known whether it affects protein digestibility of meat. In this study, we explored molecular changes and protein digestibility of pork under different degree of doneness. Pork chops were cooked in a 100°C water bath for about 26 min and a gradient decrease in doneness was obtained from outer to inner layers of samples. Compared with the raw samples, the cooked samples’ active and total sulfhydryl contents, surface hydrophobicity, and turbidity increased but its solubility decreased. The inner layers with lower doneness contained higher α-helix, and fluorescence intensities of tryptophan and tyrosine residues than the outer layers with higher doneness. The pepsin and pancreatin digestibility of meat proteins in the inner layers were higher than those of the outer layers. Molecular simulation analysis showed that the most abundant protein in pork, i.e., myosin in the outer layers were more stable with an increased number of hydrogen bonds, making it difficult to be digested. These findings provided a new insight into the heterogeneity of meat nutritional quality due to the existence of doneness gradient.
Optimal cut-off value of waist circumference-to-height ratio to predict central obesity in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic studies
Authors: Eslami Maysa , Pourghazi Farzad , Khazdouz Maryam , Tian Jing , Pourrostami Kumars , Esmaeili-Abdar Zahra , Ejtahed Hanieh-Sadat , Qorbani Mostafa
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Waist circumference-to-height ratio (WHtR) is a simple anthropometric index with good screening power and fast interpretation for early detection of childhood abdominal obesity. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to determine the best cut-off value of WHtR to use in clinical setting.

Methods

Comprehensive searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science by the end of March 2021. Observational studies investigated the best WHtR cut-off to detect abdominal obesity in children and adolescents were included. Thirteen articles (n = 180,119) were included in this systematic review and eight documents were included in the meta-analysis.

Results

The overall optimal cut-off was 0.49 with pooled sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of 0.93 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.93–0.96), 0.88 (95% CI: 0.85–0.91) and 102.6 (95% CI: 50.7–207.5), respectively. The optimal WHtR cut-off to predict abdominal obesity in girls and boys were both 0.49.

Discussion

The current study shows that we could use this cut-off as a simple index for predicting abdominal obesity in children and adolescents without the need for any charts in practice.
The impact of 1.5-T intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging in pediatric tumor surgery: Safety, utility, and challenges
Authors: Becerra Victoria , Hinojosa José , Candela Santiago , Culebras Diego , Alamar Mariana , Armero Georgina , Echaniz Gastón , Artés David , Munuera Josep , Muchart Jordi
Published: January 2023

Objective

In this study, we present our experience with 1.5-T high-field intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (ioMRI) for different neuro-oncological procedures in a pediatric population, and we discuss the safety, utility, and challenges of this intraoperative imaging technology.

Methods

A pediatric consecutive-case series of neuro-oncological surgeries performed between February 2020 and May 2022 was analyzed from a prospective ioMRI registry. Patients were divided into four groups according to the surgical procedure: intracranial tumors (group 1), intraspinal tumors (group 2), stereotactic biopsy for unresectable tumors (group 3), and catheter placement for cystic tumors (group 4). The goal of surgery, the volume of residual tumor, preoperative and discharge neurological status, and postoperative complications related to ioMRI were evaluated.

Results

A total of 146 procedures with ioMRI were performed during this period. Of these, 62 were oncology surgeries: 45 in group 1, two in group 2, 10 in group 3, and five in group 4. The mean age of our patients was 8.91 years, with the youngest being 12 months. ioMRI identified residual tumors and prompted further resection in 14% of the cases. The mean time for intraoperative image processing was 54 ± 6 min. There were no intra- or postoperative security incidents related to the use of ioMRI. The reoperation rate in the early postoperative period was 0%.

Conclusion

ioMRI in pediatric neuro-oncology surgery is a safe and reliable tool. Its routine use maximized the extent of tumor resection and did not result in increased neurological deficits or complications in our series. The main limitations included the need for strict safety protocols in a highly complex surgical environment as well as the inherent limitations on certain patient positions with available MR-compatible headrests.