bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Interannual Environmental Changes on Juvenile Fish Settlement in Coastal Nurseries: The Case of the Adriatic Sea
Authors: Matić-Skoko Sanja , Vrdoljak Dario , Uvanović Hana , Pavičić Mišo , Tutman Pero , Bojanić Varezić Dubravka , Kovačić Marcelo
Published: February 2022

This study tested generality in the settlement and recruitment patterns of juvenile fish in the coastal Mediterranean as driven by interannual environmental differences. A multivariate analysis of juvenile fish community data, sampled over three consecutive years, was conducted to elucidate the interannual changes of new settlers’ occurrence and abundance in different nurseries along the eastern Adriatic coast. Sites were assigned to four groups of nurseries based on water type (marine or transitional) and geographical position (north or south). Statistically significant interannual differences were found in temperature but not in salinity. In general, species occurrence significantly fluctuated between years and seasons. The highest total abundance of juveniles was observed in the significantly warmer year 2018 within all study groups. Defined groups expressed significant annual differences in species richness and abundance related to variations in water temperature and salinity as environmental factors for the same consecutive years. Nurseries within transitional waters in the north are more prone to interannual water temperature changes. The associated community composition differed most from those recorded in southern marine waters, where groups were mostly defined by salinity influence and were least sensitive to interannual temperature fluctuations. The cold and rainy spring in 2019 caused late settlement and longer retention of specific economically and ecologically important fish species in the nurseries. The results suggested that settlers’ delay or retention due to negative temperature deviation in the spawning period were linked to the nurseries located in the northern transitional waters that are under a stronger coastal influence. These delays can have ecological consequences on population dynamics and on inter- and intraspecific relationships within specific nursery communities.
Multifunctional Coding Metasurface With Left and Right Circularly Polarized and Multiple Beams
Authors: Li Sijia , Li Zhuoyue , Han Bowen , Huang Guoshuai , Liu Xiaobin , Yang Huanhuan , Cao Xiangyu
Published: February 2022

In this paper, a multifunctional coding metasurface (MCMS) has been proposed to realize dual-circularly polarized beams and beam focusing with transmission and reflection. The phase of transmissive wave is controlled by rotating the elements, and the corresponding element, which consists of two quadrate voids etched on a single layer substrate, is designed for the metasurface with Pancharatnam-Berry (PB) phase. The phase distribution of the circularly polarized four-beam is determined according to the convolution theorem of patterns and the phase compensation principle. In order to validate the proposed metasurface, the multifunctional meta-device is fabricated and measured to illustrate the four-beam with left circular polarization in transmissive space and the right circularly polarized four-beam in reflective space by MCMS with x-polarized incidence. The experimental results heavily agree with the simulated data. The MCMS has potential applications in wireless communications due to its low profile, compact, and lightweight features.
Application of Materials Genome Methods in Thermoelectrics
Authors: Cao Yan , Sheng Ye , Li Xin , Xi Lili , Yang Jiong
Published: February 2022

Materials genome methods have played an essential role in accelerating the discovery of high-performance novel materials, and include high-throughput calculation, database construction, and machine learning. Over the past decades, these approaches have been increasingly used in lithium battery materials, solar cells, transparent conductors, and thermoelectrics. Thermoelectrics are functional materials that can directly convert electricity into heat and vice versa, offering new ideas for conventional power generation and refrigeration. The application of high-throughput methods can achieve more efficient screening of new thermoelectric materials and accelerate experimental development. This review summarizes the recent progress in the application of materials genome methods for different thermoelectric materials, such as half-Heuslers, diamond-like structures, oxides, and other materials. Finally, current advances in machine learning for thermoelectrics are discussed. The progress of the theoretical design of thermoelectrics has driven the development of high-performance thermoelectrics.
Assessment of Extramammary Paget Disease by Two-Photon Microscopy
Authors: Hristu Radu , Eftimie Lucian G. , Stanciu Stefan G. , Glogojeanu Remus R. , Gheorghita Pavel , Stanciu George A.
Published: February 2022

Two-photon microscopy techniques are non-linear optical imaging methods which are gaining momentum in the investigation of fixed tissue sections, fresh tissue or even for in vivo experiments. Two-photon excited fluorescence and second harmonic generation are two non-linear optical contrast mechanisms which can be simultaneously used for offering complementary information on the tissue architecture. While the former can originate from endogenous autofluorescence sources (e.g., NADH, FAD, elastin, keratin, lipofuscins, or melanin), or exogenous eosin, the latter is generated in fibrillar structures within living organisms (e.g., collagen and myosin). Here we test the ability of both these contrast mechanisms to highlight features of the extramammary Paget disease on fixed tissue sections prepared for standard histological examination using immunohistochemical markers and hematoxylin and eosin staining. We also demonstrate the label-free abilities of both imaging techniques to highlight histological features on unstained fixed tissue sections. The study demonstrated that two-photon microscopy can detect specific cellular features of the extramammary Paget disease in good correlation with histopathological results.
Assessment of Mutations Associated With Genomic Variants of SARS-CoV-2: RT-qPCR as a Rapid and Affordable Tool to Monitoring Known Circulating Variants in Chile, 2021
Authors: Angulo Jenniffer , Martinez-Valdebenito Constanza , Pardo-Roa Catalina , Almonacid Leonardo I. , Fuentes-Luppichini Eugenia , Contreras Ana Maria , Maldonado Constanza , Le Corre Nicole , Melo Francisco , Medina Rafael A. , Ferrés Marcela
Published: February 2022

Since the first report of SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans, the virus has mutated to develop new viral variants with higher infection rates and more resistance to neutralization by antibodies elicited after natural SARS-CoV-2 infection or by vaccines. Therefore, rapid identification of viral variants circulating in the population is crucial for epidemiological assessment and efforts to contain the resurgence of the pandemic. Between January and November 2021, we performed a large variant RT-qPCR-based screening of mutations in the spike protein of 1851 SARS-CoV-2-positive samples derived from outpatients from the UC-Christus Health Network in Chile. In a portion of samples (n = 636), we validated our RT-qPCR-pipeline by WGS, obtaining a 99.2% concordance. Our results indicate that from January to March 2021 there was a dominance of non-identifiable variants by the RT-qPCR-based screening; however, throughout WGS we were able to identify the Lambda (C.37) variant of interest (VOI). From March to July, we observed the rapid emergence of mutations associated with the Gamma variant (P.1), which was quickly replaced by the appearance of a combination of samples harboring mutations associated with the Delta variant (B.1.617.2), which predominated until the end of the study. Our results highlight the applicability of cost-effective RT-qPCR-based screening of mutations associated with known variants of concern (VOC), VOI and variants under monitoring (VUM) of SARS-CoV-2, being a rapid and reliable tool that complements WGS-based surveillance.
Non-alcoholic/Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease and Helicobacter pylori Additively Increase the Risk of Arterial Stiffness
Authors: Choi Ji Min , Park Hyo Eun , Han Yoo Min , Lee Jooyoung , Lee Heesun , Chung Su Jin , Lim Seon Hee , Yim Jeong Yoon , Chung Goh Eun
Published: February 2022

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection have a close association with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is characterized by metabolic dysfunction in NAFLD. We investigated the synergistic effects of NAFLD/MAFLD and Hp infection on the risk of arterial stiffness in an asymptomatic population.

Methods

We included individuals who underwent abdominal ultrasonography, anti-Hp IgG antibody evaluations and cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) during health screening tests between January 2013 and December 2017. Arterial stiffness was defined using CAVI. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the independent and synergistic effects of NAFLD/MAFLD and Hp infection on the risk of arterial stiffness.

Results

Among 3,195 subjects (mean age 54.7 years, 68.5% male), the prevalence of increased arterial stiffness was 36.4%. In the multivariate analysis, subjects with NAFLD but without Hp infection and those with both NAFLD and Hp infection had a significantly higher risk of increased arterial stiffness [odds ratio (OR) 1.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15–2.26, and OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.63–3.06, respectively], than subjects without Hp infection and NAFLD. Regarding MAFLD, Hp infection additively increased the risk of arterial stiffness in subjects with MAFLD (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.64–2.78).

Conclusions

An interactive effect of Hp infection on the risk of arterial stiffness in individuals with NAFLD/MAFLD was observed. Hp infection additively increases the risk of arterial stiffness in subjects with NAFLD or MAFLD.
The Biogeography of Fungal Communities Across Different Chinese Wine-Producing Regions Associated With Environmental Factors and Spontaneous Fermentation Performance
Authors: Li Ruilong , Yang Siyu , Lin Mengyuan , Guo Sijiang , Han Xiaoyu , Ren Mengmeng , Du Le , Song Yinghui , You Yilin , Zhan Jicheng , Huang Weidong
Published: February 2022

Chinese Marselan grapes are believed to possess the potential to become a characteristic regional variety, whose quality is internationally recognized. The fermentation-related mycobiota from six climatically diverse Marselan-producing regions in China were analyzed via high-throughput sequencing (HTS), while the influence of environmental factors was evaluated as well. The results implied that the phyla Ascomycota and genus Aureobasidium dominated the fungal communities in 166 Marselan must and fermented samples. Significant differences were detected in the fungal microbiota from the regions, as well as the wineries, while these discrepancies decreased as the fermentation progressed. Moreover, the discrepancy in fungal communities between the wineries exceeded the variation involving the regions. Geoclimatic elements (Gc) and physicochemical indexes (Pi) exerted a significant effect on the fungal must consortium, explaining 58.17% of the taxonomic information. Furthermore, a correlation was proposed between the spontaneous fermentation performance and their association with fungal taxonomic composition. In addition to depicting a fundamental landscape of fungal biogeography patterns across Chinese main wine-producing regions, we firstly proposed the correlation between the must polyphenol content and fungal microbiota, which may provide a new strategy for harnessing autochthonous “microbial terroir.”
Metagenetic and Volatilomic Approaches to Elucidate the Effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Starter Cultures on Sicilian Table Olives
Authors: Vaccalluzzo Amanda , Celano Giuseppe , Pino Alessandra , Calabrese Francesco Maria , Foti Paola , Caggia Cinzia , Randazzo Cinzia
Published: February 2022

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of selected Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains on both microbiota composition and volatile organic compound profile of Sicilian table olives. Two mixed cultures, named O1 and O2, were set up for pilot-plan scale fermentations at 5% of NaCl. Uninoculated table olives at 5 and 8% (C5 and C8) of salt were used as control. The fermentation process was monitored until 80 days through a dual approach, which included both classical microbiological and 16S amplicon-based sequencing and volatilomics analyses. Compared with control samples (C5 and C8), experimental samples, inoculated with starter cultures (O1 and O2), exhibited a faster acidification with a more pronounced drop in pH. Metagenetics data revealed significant differences of microbiota composition among samples, highlighting the dominance of lactobacilli in both experimental samples; a high occurrence of Enterobacter genus only in control samples with 5% of NaCl; and the presence of Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium, Klebsiella, and Raoultella genera only in control samples with 8% of NaCl. Furthermore, microbiota composition dynamics, through the fermentation process, significantly affected the volatile organic compounds of the final products, whereas no compounds involved in off-odors metabolites were detected in all samples investigated. In conclusion, the addition of the proposed starter cultures and the use of low concentrations of sodium chloride positively affected the microbiota and volatile organic compounds, ensuring the microbiological safety and the pleasant flavors of the final product.
Respiratory Mucosal Immunity: Kinetics of Secretory Immunoglobulin A in Sputum and Throat Swabs From COVID-19 Patients and Vaccine Recipients
Authors: Ren Cuiping , Gao Yong , Zhang Cong , Zhou Chang , Hong Ying , Qu Mingsheng , Zhao Zhirong , Du Yinan , Yang Li , Liu Boyu , Wang Siying , Han Mingfeng , Shen Yuxian , Liu Yan
Published: February 2022

While IgM and IgG response to SARS-CoV-2 has been extensively studied, relatively little is known about secretory IgA (sIgA) response in respiratory mucosa. Here we report IgA response to the SARS-CoV-2 in sputum, throat swabs, and serum with nucleocapsid protein (NP) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) in a cohort of 28 COVID-19 patients and 55 vaccine recipients. The assays showed sIgA in respiratory mucosa could be detected on the first day after illness onset (AIO), and the median conversion time for sIgA in sputum, throat swabs, and serum was 3, 4, and 10 days, respectively. The positive rates of sIgA first week AIO were 100% (24/28) and 85.7% (24/28) in sputum and throat swabs, respectively, and were both 100% during the mid-onset (2–3 weeks AIO). During the recovery period, sIgA positive rates in sputum and throat swabs gradually decreased from 60.7% (17/28) and 57.1% (16/28) 1 month AIO and the sIgA antibodies were all undetectable 6 months AIO. However, serum IgA positive rate was still 100% at 4 months and 53.6% (15/28) at 6 months. Throat swabs obtained from volunteers who received inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines by intramuscular delivery all showed negative results in IgA ELISA. These findings will likely improve our understanding of respiratory mucosal immunity of this emerging disease and help in containing the pandemic and developing vaccines.
Recovery Infectious Enterovirus 71 by Bac-to-Bac Expression System in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Lu Baojing , Tang Qi , Wang Qianyun , Liu Xuejuan , Peng Hui , Zhu Binbin , Xie Li , Li Zeng , Wang Hanzhong , Zheng Zhenhua , Wang Linding , Li Bao
Published: February 2022

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is one of the most important etiological agents for hand–foot–mouth disease. Compared with coxsackievirus A16 infection, EV71 infection is often associated with severe central nervous system complications, such as encephalitis, encephalomyelitis, and acute flaccid paralysis in infants and young children. In this study, we constructed a recombinant baculovirus with T7 ribonucleic acid polymerase under the control of a cytomegalovirus promoter and simultaneously engineered the T7 promoter upstream of a full-length EV71 complementary deoxyribonucleic acid. After transduction into mammalian cells, typical cytopathic effects (CPEs) and VP1 signals were detected in cells transfected with recombinant baculovirus. Additionally, viral particles located in the cytoplasm of human rhabdomyosarcoma cells (Rd) and Vero cells were observed by electron microscope, indicating that EV71 was recovered using a Bac-to-Bac expression system in vitro. After four passages, the rescued virus had a growth curve and plaque morphology similar to those of the parental virus. Furthermore, the Vp1 gene and the protein from the mouse brain were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry after intracerebral injection of purified recombinant baculovirus. Typical CPEs were observed after inoculation of the supernatant from mouse brain to Rd cells, revealing a reconstruction of EV71 in vivo. Thus, we established a new approach to rescue EV71 based on a baculovirus expression system in vitro and in vivo, which may provide a safe and convenient platform for fundamental research and a strategy to rescue viruses that currently lack suitable cell culture and animal models.
External Stresses Affect Gonococcal Type 4 Pilus Dynamics
Authors: Kraus-Römer Sebastian , Wielert Isabelle , Rathmann Isabel , Grossbach Jan , Maier Berenike
Published: February 2022

Bacterial type 4 pili (T4P) are extracellular polymers that serve both as adhesins and molecular motors. Functionally, they are involved in adhesion, colony formation, twitching motility, and horizontal gene transfer. T4P of the human pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae have been shown to enhance survivability under treatment with antibiotics or hydrogen peroxide. However, little is known about the effect of external stresses on T4P production and motor properties. Here, we address this question by directly visualizing gonococcal T4P dynamics. We show that in the absence of stress gonococci produce T4P at a remarkably high rate of ∼200 T4P min–1. T4P retraction succeeds elongation without detectable time delay. Treatment with azithromycin or ceftriaxone reduces the T4P production rate. RNA sequencing results suggest that reduced piliation is caused by combined downregulation of the complexes required for T4P extrusion from the cell envelope and cellular energy depletion. Various other stresses including inhibitors of cell wall synthesis and DNA replication, as well as hydrogen peroxide and lactic acid, inhibit T4P production. Moreover, hydrogen peroxide and acidic pH strongly affect pilus length and motor function. In summary, we show that gonococcal T4P are highly dynamic and diverse external stresses reduce piliation despite the protective effect of T4P against some of these stresses.
Cell–Cell Communication Alterations via Intercellular Signaling Pathways in Substantia Nigra of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Huang Maoxin , Xu Liang , Liu Jin , Huang Pei , Tan Yuyan , Chen Shengdi
Published: February 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative movement disorder characterized with dopaminergic neuron (DaN) loss within the substantia nigra (SN). Despite bulk studies focusing on intracellular mechanisms of PD inside DaNs, few studies have explored the pathogeneses outside DaNs, or between DaNs and other cells. Here, we set out to probe the implication of intercellular communication involving DaNs in the pathogeneses of PD at a systemic level with bioinformatics methods. We harvested three online published single-cell/single-nucleus transcriptomic sequencing (sc/snRNA-seq) datasets of human SN (GSE126838, GSE140231, and GSE157783) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and integrated them with one of the latest integration algorithms called Harmony. We then applied CellChat, the latest cell–cell communication analytic algorithm, to our integrated dataset. We first found that the overall communication quantity was decreased while the overall communication strength was enhanced in PD sample compared with control sample. We then focused on the intercellular communication where DaNs are involved, and found that the communications between DaNs and other cell types via certain signaling pathways were selectively altered in PD, including some growth factors, neurotrophic factors, chemokines, etc. pathways. Our bioinformatics analysis showed that the alteration in intercellular communications involving DaNs might be a previously underestimated aspect of PD pathogeneses with novel translational potential.
Functional Neuroanatomy of the Rat Nucleus Incertus–Medial Septum Tract: Implications for the Cell-Specific Control of the Septohippocampal Pathway
Authors: Szlaga Agata , Sambak Patryk , Trenk Aleksandra , Gugula Anna , Singleton Caitlin E. , Drwiega Gniewosz , Blasiak Tomasz , Ma Sherie , Gundlach Andrew L. , Blasiak Anna
Published: February 2022

The medial septum (MS) is critically involved in theta rhythmogenesis and control of the hippocampal network, with which it is reciprocally connected. MS activity is influenced by brainstem structures, including the stress-sensitive, nucleus incertus (NI), the main source of the neuropeptide relaxin-3 (RLN3). In the current study, we conducted a comprehensive neurochemical and electrophysiological characterization of NI neurons innervating the MS in the rat, by employing classical and viral-based neural tract-tracing and electrophysiological approaches, and multiplex fluorescent in situ hybridization. We confirmed earlier reports that the MS is innervated by RLN3 NI neurons and documented putative glutamatergic (vGlut2 mRNA-expressing) neurons as a relevant NI neuronal population within the NI–MS tract. Moreover, we observed that NI neurons innervating MS can display a dual phenotype for GABAergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission, and that 40% of MS-projecting NI neurons express the corticotropin-releasing hormone-1 receptor. We demonstrated that an identified cholecystokinin (CCK)-positive NI neuronal population is part of the NI–MS tract, and that RLN3 and CCK NI neurons belong to a neuronal pool expressing the calcium-binding proteins, calbindin and calretinin. Finally, our electrophysiological studies revealed that MS is innervated by A-type potassium current-expressing, type I NI neurons, and that type I and II NI neurons differ markedly in their neurophysiological properties. Together these findings indicate that the MS is controlled by a discrete NI neuronal network with specific electrophysiological and neurochemical features; and these data are of particular importance for understanding neuronal mechanisms underlying the control of the septohippocampal system and related behaviors.
Preventing Multiple Sclerosis: The Pediatric Perspective
Authors: Hardy Duriel , Chitnis Tanuja , Waubant Emmanuelle , Banwell Brenda
Published: February 2022

Pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (MS) is a predominantly relapsing-remitting neuroinflammatory disorder characterized by frequent relapses and high magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesion burden early in the disease course. Current treatment for pediatric MS relies on early initiation of disease-modifying therapies designed to prevent relapses and slow progression of disability. When considering the concept of MS prevention, one can conceptualize primary prevention (population- or at-risk population interventions that prevent the earliest facet of MS pathobiology and hence reduce disease incidence), or secondary prevention (prevention of disease consequence, such as reducing relapse frequency and lesion accrual, enhancing focal lesion repair, promoting CNS resilience against the more global facets of disease injury, and ultimately, preventing progression of neurological disability). Studying the pediatric MS population provides a unique opportunity to explore early-life exposures that contribute to the development of MS including perinatal and environmental risk determinants. Research is ongoing related to targeting these risk factors for potential MS primary prevention. Here we review these key risk factors, their proposed role in the pathogenesis of MS, and their potential implications for primary MS prevention.
Acute to Subacute Atraumatic Entrapment Neuropathies in Patients With CMT1A: A Report of a Distinct Phenotypic Variant of CMT1A
Authors: Chen Zhiyong , Saini Monica , Neo Shermyn X. M. , Ng Peng-Soon , Koh Jasmine S. , Prasad Kalpana , Verma Kamal , Davila Sonia , Lim Weng Khong , Phua Ziqun , Li Michelle M. , Kang Corrine , Tay Karine S. S. , Chai Josiah Y. H.
Published: February 2022

Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1A (CMT1A) is typically characterised as a childhood-onset, symmetrical, length-dependent polyneuropathy with a gradual progressive clinical course. Acute to subacute neurological deterioration in CMT1A is rare, and has been reported secondary to overlap pathologies including inflammatory neuropathy. We identified two patients with CMT1A who presented with acute to subacute, atraumatic, entrapment neuropathies as an initial symptom. A superimposed inflammatory neuropathy was excluded. Both patients had a diffuse demyelinating polyneuropathy, with markedly low motor nerve conduction velocities (<20 m/s). In both patients, we demonstrated symptomatic and asymptomatic partial conduction blocks at multiple entrapment sites. Nerve ultrasound findings in our patients demonstrated marked diffuse nerve enlargement, more pronounced at non-entrapment sites compared to entrapment sites. We discuss ways to distinguish this condition from its other differentials. We propose pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this condition. We propose that CMT1A with acute to subacute, atraumatic, entrapment neuropathies to be a distinct phenotypic variant of CMT1A.
A Nomogram That Includes Neutrophils and High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Can Predict the Prognosis of Acute Ischaemic Stroke
Authors: Wang Nan , Liu Hongbing , Tian Mengke , Liang Jing , Sun Wenxian , Zhang Luyang , Pei Lulu , Liu Kai , Sun Shilei , Wu Jun , Gao Yuan , Xu Yuming , Wang Yilong , Song Bo
Published: February 2022

Lipids are implicated in inflammatory responses affecting acute ischaemic stroke prognosis. Therefore, we aimed to develop a predictive model that considers neutrophils and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to predict its prognosis. This prospective study enrolled patients with acute ischaemic stroke within 24 h of onset between January 2015 and December 2017. The main outcome was a modified Rankin Scale score ≥3 at the 90th day of follow-up. Patients were divided into training and testing sets. The training set was divided into four states according to the median of neutrophils and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in all patients. Through binary logistic regression analysis, the relationship between factors and prognosis was determined. A nomogram based on the results was developed; its predictive value was evaluated through internal and external validations. Altogether, 1,090 patients were enrolled with 872 (80%) and 218 (20%) in the training and testing sets, respectively. In the training set, the major outcomes occurred in 24 (10.4%), 24 (11.6%), 37 (17.2%), and 49 (22.3%) in states 1–4, respectively (P = 0.002). Validation of calibration and decision curve analyses showed that the nomogram showed better performance. The internal and external testing set receiver operating characteristics verified the predictive value [area under the curve = 0.794 (0.753–0.834), P < 0.001, and area under the curve = 0.973 (0.954–0.992), P < 0.001, respectively]. A nomogram that includes neutrophils and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol can predict the prognosis of acute ischaemic stroke, thus providing us with an effective visualization tool.
Differential Diagnosis of Akinetic Mutism and Disorder of Consciousness Using Diffusion Tensor Tractography: A Case Report
Authors: Byun Dong Hyun , Jang Sung Ho
Published: February 2022

This paper presents a case in whom a differential diagnosis of akinetic mutism with a disorder of consciousness was made using diffusion tensor tractography (DTT). A 69-year-old female patient was diagnosed with subarachnoid hemorrhage, intraventricular hemorrhage, and intracerebral hemorrhage produced by the subarachnoid hemorrhage. She exhibited impaired consciousness with a Coma Recovery Scale-Revised score of 13 until 1 month after onset. Her impaired consciousness recovered slowly to a normal state according to the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (23 points: full score) at 7 weeks after onset. On the other hand, she exhibited the typical clinical features of akinetic mutism (no spontaneous movement [akinesia] or speech [mutism]). On the DTT performed at 1-month, the upper, and lower dorsal ascending reticular activating systems, which are related to a disorder of consciousness, showed an almost normal state. In contrast, the prefronto-caudate and prefronto-thalamic tracts, which are related to akinetic mutism, showed severe injuries. These DTT results suggested that the patient's main clinical features were not a disorder of consciousness but akinetic mutism. Therefore, DTT for the ascending reticular activating system, and the prefronto-caudate and prefronto-thalamic tracts could provide additional evidence for a differential diagnosis of DOC and AM at the early stages of stroke.
Development and Clinical Application of Positron Emission Tomography Imaging Agents for Monoamine Oxidase B
Authors: Meyer Jeffrey H. , Braga Joeffre
Published: February 2022

Monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) is a high-density protein in the brain mainly found on outer mitochondrial membranes, primarily in astroglia, but additionally in serotonergic neurons and in the substantia nigra in the midbrain. It is an enzyme that participates in the oxidative metabolism of important monoamines including dopamine, norepinephrine, benzylamine, and phenylethylamine. Elevated MAO-B density may be associated with astrogliosis and inhibiting MAO-B may reduce astrogliosis. MAO-B density is elevated in postmortem sampling of pathology for many neuropsychiatric diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and alcohol use disorder. Initial development of positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agents focused on analogs of [11C]L-deprenyl, with the most commonly applied being the deuterium substituted [11C]L-deprenyl-D2. This latter radiotracer was modeled with an irreversible trapping compartment reflecting its irreversible binding to MAO-B. Subsequently, [11C]SL25.1188, a reversible binding MAO-B radioligand with outstanding properties including high specific binding and excellent reversibility was developed. [11C]SL25.1188 PET was applied to discover a substantive elevation of MAO-B binding in the prefrontal cortex in major depressive disorder (MDD) with an effect size of more than 1.5. Longer duration of MDD was associated with greater MAO-B binding throughout most gray matter regions in the brain, suggesting progressive astrogliosis. Important applications of [11C]L-deprenyl-D2 PET are detecting a 40% loss in radiotracer accumulation in cigarette smokers, and substantial occupancy of novel therapeutics like EVT301 and sembragiline. Given the number of diseases with elevations of MAO-B density and astrogliosis, and the advance of [11C]SL25.1188, clinical applications of MAO-B imaging are still at an early stage.
More Than Meets the Eye: Art Engages the Social Brain
Authors: van Leeuwen Janneke E. P. , Boomgaard Jeroen , Bzdok Danilo , Crutch Sebastian J. , Warren Jason D.
Published: February 2022

Here we present the viewpoint that art essentially engages the social brain, by demonstrating how art processing maps onto the social brain connectome—the most comprehensive diagram of the neural dynamics that regulate human social cognition to date. We start with a brief history of the rise of neuroaesthetics as the scientific study of art perception and appreciation, in relation to developments in contemporary art practice and theory during the same period. Building further on a growing awareness of the importance of social context in art production and appreciation, we then set out how art engages the social brain and outline candidate components of the “artistic brain connectome.” We explain how our functional model for art as a social brain phenomenon may operate when engaging with artworks. We call for closer collaborations between the burgeoning field of neuroaesthetics and arts professionals, cultural institutions and diverse audiences in order to fully delineate and contextualize this model. Complementary to the unquestionable value of art for art’s sake, we argue that its neural grounding in the social brain raises important practical implications for mental health, and the care of people living with dementia and other neurological conditions.
Neural Correlates of Listening to Varying Synchrony Between Beats in Samba Percussion and Relations to Feeling the Groove
Authors: Engel Annerose , Hoefle Sebastian , Monteiro Marina Carneiro , Moll Jorge , Keller Peter E.
Published: February 2022

Listening to samba percussion often elicits feelings of pleasure and the desire to move with the beat—an experience sometimes referred to as “feeling the groove”- as well as social connectedness. Here we investigated the effects of performance timing in a Brazilian samba percussion ensemble on listeners’ experienced pleasantness and the desire to move/dance in a behavioral experiment, as well as on neural processing as assessed via functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Participants listened to different excerpts of samba percussion produced by multiple instruments that either were “in sync”, with no additional asynchrony between instrumental parts other than what is usual in naturalistic recordings, or were presented “out of sync” by delaying the snare drums (by 28, 55, or 83 ms). Results of the behavioral experiment showed increasing pleasantness and desire to move/dance with increasing synchrony between instruments. Analysis of hemodynamic responses revealed stronger bilateral brain activity in the supplementary motor area, the left premotor area, and the left middle frontal gyrus with increasing synchrony between instruments. Listening to “in sync” percussion thus strengthens audio-motor interactions by recruiting motor-related brain areas involved in rhythm processing and beat perception to a higher degree. Such motor related activity may form the basis for “feeling the groove” and the associated desire to move to music. Furthermore, in an exploratory analysis we found that participants who reported stronger emotional responses to samba percussion in everyday life showed higher activity in the subgenual cingulate cortex, an area involved in prosocial emotions, social group identification and social bonding.
Cerebral Metabolic Analysis of Patients With Colorectal Cancer and Chronic Enteritis: Inquiry Into Gut-Brain Crosstalk
Authors: Ma Jie , Wu Jia-Jia , Xing Xiang-Xin , Huo Bei-Bei , Gao Xin , Ma Zhen-Zhen , Li Si-Si , Zheng Mou-Xiong , Hua Xu-Yun , Xu Jian-Guang
Published: February 2022

Gut-brain crosstalk has been demonstrated previously. However, brain metabolic patterns of colorectal cancer and chronic enteritis remain unclear. A better understanding of gut-brain crosstalk from a radiological perspective is necessary. We conducted a retrospective study in which we acquired 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in 45 colorectal cancer cases, 45 age- and sex-matched chronic enteritis patients, and 45 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. We calculated a scaled sub-profile pattern based on principal component analysis and metabolic connectivity to explore the brain metabolic model and analyzed correlations between various brain regions and cancer to identify potential neuroimaging markers for non-pharmaceutical therapies. We found a characteristic cerebral metabolic pattern in colorectal cancer patients, which mainly involved visceral sensation and both affective and cognitive psychological processes. The metabolic patterns of patients with colorectal cancer and chronic enteritis were similar but not identical. The metabolic connectivity of the postcentral gyrus and paracentral lobule was found to be significantly different between the controls and patients with colorectal cancer (p < 0.05, false discovery rate correction). The maximal standard uptake value of the cancer focus in colorectal cancer patients was negatively correlated with the dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus (p < 0.05). Patients with colorectal cancer may show abnormal glucose cerebral metabolism characterized by “point-line-surface.” This preliminary study revealed the cerebral metabolic characteristics and neurobiological mechanisms of colorectal cancer and chronic enteritis (ChiCTR2000041020; registered December 16, 2020).
Assessment of Sarcopenia Related Quality of Life Using SarQoL® Questionnaire in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Iacob Speranta , Mina Victor , Mandea Matei , Iacob Razvan , Vadan Roxana , Boar Voichita , Ionescu Georgeta , Buzescu Dan , Gheorghe Cristian , Gheorghe Liana
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Sarcopenia, malnutrition, physical deconditioning, and frailty contribute to a significantly altered quality of life (QoL) in patients with cirrhosis and sarcopenia.

Aim

To investigate the sarcopenia-linked alterations of QoL by SarQoL® questionnaire in patients with end-stage liver disease.

Methods

Consecutive patients with liver cirrhosis, admitted to our department between May and August 2021, completed the SarQoL® questionnaire by themselves. They were evaluated for sarcopenia according to the 2019 European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) definition [hand grip cut-offs and skeletal muscle index (SMI) calculation at CT scan].

Results

A total of 71 patients with liver cirrhosis were included in the study, with a median age of 54 years. Sarcopenia was present in 31.2% of patients with Child-Pugh class A, in 58.3% with class B, and in 93.5% with class C. The SarQoL® score was statistically significant and lower in Child-Pugh class C vs. class B and class A (70.2 vs. 66.5 vs. 52.5 points, p = 0.0002). The SarQoL® score was evaluated according to different complications of cirrhosis, with statistically significant lower scores in patients with sarcopenia (p < 0.0001), in patients with ascites requiring paracentesis (p = 0.0006), and in patients with hepatic encephalopathy (p < 0.0001). A cut-off level of 75.9 points for SarQoL® score can accurately detect sarcopenia in patients with end-stage liver disease [area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve of.823, SE of 92.1%, SP of 45.5%, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 66 and 83.3%, respectively, correctly classified 73.2% of cirrhotic patients with sarcopenia].

Conclusions

The use of SarQoL® questionnaire in cirrhotic patients can, at the same time, evaluate the quality of life and identify subjects with sarcopenia and altered QoL.
Impact of a Nutrition Education Intervention on Salt/Sodium Related Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of University Students
Authors: Cheikh Ismail Leila , Hashim Mona , Jarrar Amjad H. , Mohamad Maysm N. , Al Daour Rameez , Al Rajaby Radhiya , AlWatani Sara , AlAhmed Amna , Qarata Shaikha , Maidan Fatima , Saleh Sheima T. , Stojanovska Lily , Al Dhaheri Ayesha S.
Published: February 2022

Background

Salt reduction strategies help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) by reducing high blood pressure. This study aimed to assess salt related knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) before and after administering an evidence-based nutrition education workshop.

Methods

Ninety non-medical university students were recruited to investigate KAP related to dietary salt intake. The KAP components were assessed before, immediately after, and 4-weeks after administering an evidence-based educational workshop and leaflet.

Results

Knowledge and attitudes related to salt improved significantly immediately post-intervention but were not fully retained after 4-weeks. Five of the 13 evaluated practices improved after 4-weeks: trying to buy low-salt foods increased from 10 to 19% (P = 0.022), rarely adding salt to food during cooking increased from 5 to 16% (P = 0.019), rarely adding salt to food at the table increased from 29 to 42% (P = 0.011), tried to reduce salt intake increased from 26 to 41% (P = 0.014), and tried to use spices to reduce salt increased from 31 to 45% (P = 0.044).

Conclusions

The educational intervention had a positive impact on salt-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices, but the effect was not fully retained on the long-term. Periodic educational interventions should be considered to refresh knowledge and reinforce practices.
Low Dose of Sucralose Alter Gut Microbiome in Mice
Authors: Zheng Zibin , Xiao Yingping , Ma Lingyan , Lyu Wentao , Peng Hao , Wang Xiaorong , Ren Ying , Li Jinjun
Published: February 2022

Sucralose is a non-nutritive artificial sweetener (NNS) used in foods or beverages to control blood glucose levels and body weight gain. The consumption of NNS has increased in recent years over the world, and many researches have indicated long-term sucralose administration altered the gut microbiome composition of mice. These studies all focus on the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defined acceptable daily intake (ADI), approximately 5 mg/kg BW/day for human. In our study, mice were given with T1-4 (0.0003, 0.003, 0.03, and 0.3 mg/mL) of sucralose, respectively, Control group mice were given normal water. In particular, 0.3 mg/mL of sucralose was equal to the ADI (5 mg/kg BW/day). After 16 weeks, all mice were weighted and sacrificed, the liver of each mouse was isolated and weighed, segments of jejunum, ileum and colon were collected for H&E-stained. The contents of jejunum, ileum, cecum and colon were collected for 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The results showed sucralose administration affects the intestinal barrier function evidenced by distinct lymphocyte aggregation in ileum and colon while not change the mice body weight. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the mice gut microbiome suggested sucralose administration significantly changed the composition of gut microbiota, especially in T1 and T4 group. For example, a reduction of probiotics abundance (Lachnoclostridium and Lachnospiraceae) was found in cecum of T4 group mice compared with Control group. On the other hand, Allobaculum, which was reported positively correlated with diabetes, was increased in the T1 and T4 group. In addition, the potential pathogens, including Tenacibaculum, Ruegeria, Staphylococcus were also increased in jejunum, ileum and colon by sucralose administration in T1 and T4 group. These new findings indicate that low dose of sucralose (T1) alter gut microbiome in mice, and these adverse health effects are equal to ADI level (T4). Overall, our study provides guidance and suggestions for the use of sucralose in foods and beverages.
Distinct Roles of m5C RNA Methyltransferase NSUN2 in Major Gynecologic Cancers
Authors: Wang Lingfang , Zhang Jian , Su Yingfeng , Maimaitiyiming Yasen , Yang Siqi , Shen Zhangjin , Lin Shitong , Shen Shizhen , Zhan Guankai , Wang Fenfen , Hsu Chih-Hung , Cheng Xiaodong
Published: February 2022

RNA methylation has recently emerged as an important category of epigenetic modifications, which plays diverse physiopathological roles in various cancers. Recent studies have confirmed the presence of 5-methylcytosine (m5C) modification on mammalian mRNAs, mainly modified by NOP2/Sun RNA methyltransferase family member 2 (NSUN2), but little is known about the underlying functions of m5C. Gynecologic cancers are malignancies starting from women’s reproductive organs. The prevalence of gynecologic cancers leads to a massive economic burden and public health concern. In this study, we investigated the potential biological functions of NSUN2 in common gynecologic cancers including cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer. Remarkably, distinct scenarios were found. The levels of NSUN2 did not show alteration in endometrial cancer, and in ovarian cancer, depletion of upregulated NSUN2 did not reduce carcinogenesis in cancer cells, suggesting that the upregulated NSUN2 might be an incidental effect. On the contrary, NSUN2 played a role in tumorigenesis of cervical cancer; depletion of upregulated NSUN2 notably inhibited migration and invasion of cancer cells, and only wild-type but not catalytically inactive NSUN2 rescued these malignant phenotypes of cancer cells. Mechanistically, NSUN2 promoted migration and invasion by leading to m5C methylation on keratin 13 (KRT13) transcripts, and methylated KRT13 transcripts would be recognized and stabilized by an m5C reader, Y-box binding protein 1 (YBX1). Collectively, these results not only displayed the nature of diversity among human malignancies, but also demonstrated a novel NSUN2-dependent m5C-YBX1-KRT13 oncogenic regulatory pathway.
Insights Into Ferroptosis, a Novel Target for the Therapy of Cancer
Authors: Wang Hong-Tao , Ju Jie , Wang Shao-Cong , Zhang Yu-Hui , Liu Cui-Yun , Wang Tao , Yu Xue , Wang Fei , Cheng Xue-Ru , Wang Kun , Chen Zhao-Yang
Published: February 2022

Ferroptosis is a new form of programmed cell death (PCD) characterized by an excess iron accumulation and subsequent unbalanced redox states. Ferroptosis is different from the already reported PCD and has unique morphological features and biochemical processes. Ferroptosis was first elaborated by Brent R. Stockwell’s lab in 2012, in which small molecules erastin and RSL-3 induce PCD in Ras mutant cell lines. Ferroptosis involves various physiological processes and occurrence of disease and especially shows strong potential in cancer treatment. Development of small molecule compounds based on Stockwell’s research was found to kill cancer cells, and some FDA-approved drugs were discovered to result in ferroptosis of cancer cells. Radiotherapy and checkpoint therapy have been widely used as a treatment for many types of cancer. Recently, some papers have reported that chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and checkpoint therapy induce ferroptosis of cancer cells, which provides new strategies for cancer treatment. Nevertheless, the limitless proliferation of tumor cells and the lack of cell death mechanisms are important reasons for drug resistance for tumor therapy. Therefore, we reviewed the molecular mechanism of ferroptosis and sensitivity to ferroptosis of different cancer cells and tumor treatment strategy.