bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Homogenization of Macroinvertebrate Assemblages and Asiatic Clam Corbicula fluminea Invasion in a River of the Arid Patagonian Plateau, Argentina
Authors: Labaut Yeny , Macchi Pablo A. , Archuby Fernando M. , Darrigran Gustavo
Published: October 2021

The invasion of the Asiatic clamCorbicula flumineain South America has already reached Patagonia. Despite the well-known direct and indirect impacts that this species exerts on fresh-water ecosystems, particularly on benthic communities, few studies have been undertaken on its effect on the composition and structure of aquatic macroinvertebrate assemblages. This study evaluated the effects of the invasion of the Asiatic clamC. flumineaon the aquatic macroinvertebrate assemblages of the Limay River, one of the most important rivers of the arid plateau of Argentinian Patagonia. As this river is currently in the process of being invaded, it was possible to compare invaded and non-invaded sites. Invaded sites displayed a certain homogenization of their constituent species and functional composition. Non-metric multidimensional scaling, similarity analysis and similarity percentages showed negative or positive influence of the presence of this species on the abundance of some taxa, due to competition for resources in this low-productivity Patagonian ecosystem. The deposition of the faeces and pseudo-faeces ofC. flumineaenriches the organic content of the sediments. However, its pedal feeding can function as a competitive strategy: by consuming its own deposited organic matter when food is scarce, the amount available to other macroinvertebrates is reduced. This paper is the first contribution on the impact of this invasion on northern Patagonia’s aquatic macroinvertebrate assemblages.
Chromosomal Microarray Analysis as First-Tier Genetic Test for Schizophrenia
Authors: Chen Chia-Hsiang , Cheng Min-Chih , Hu Tsung-Ming , Ping Lieh-Yung
Published: October 2021

Schizophrenia is a chronic, devastating mental disorder with complex genetic components. Given the advancements in the molecular genetic research of schizophrenia in recent years, there is still a lack of genetic tests that can be used in clinical settings. Chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) has been used as first-tier genetic testing for congenital abnormalities, developmental delay, and autism spectrum disorders. This study attempted to gain some experience in applying chromosomal microarray analysis as a first-tier genetic test for patients with schizophrenia. We consecutively enrolled patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder from a clinical setting and conducted genome-wide copy number variation (CNV) analysis using a chromosomal microarray platform. We followed the 2020 “Technical Standards for the interpretation and reporting of constitutional copy-number variants: a joint consensus recommendation of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) and the Clinical Genome Resource (ClinGen)” to interpret the clinical significance of CNVs detected from patients. We recruited a total of 60 patients (36 females and 24 males) into this study. We detected three pathogenic CNVs and one likely pathogenic CNV in four patients, respectively. The detection rate was 6.7% (4/60, 95% CI: 0.004–0.13), comparable with previous studies in the literature. Also, we detected thirteen CNVs classified as uncertain clinical significance in nine patients. Detecting these CNVs can help establish the molecular genetic diagnosis of schizophrenia patients and provide helpful information for genetic counseling and clinical management. Also, it can increase our understanding of the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Hence, we suggest CMA is a valuable genetic tool and considered first-tier genetic testing for schizophrenia spectrum disorders in clinical settings.
Network-Based Identification and Experimental Validation of Drug Candidates Toward SARS-CoV-2 via Targeting Virus–Host Interactome
Authors: Fang Jiansong , Wu Qihui , Ye Fei , Cai Chuipu , Xu Lvjie , Gu Yong , Wang Qi , Liu Ai-lin , Tan Wenjie , Du Guan-hua
Published: October 2021

Graphical Abstract

In silico identification of drug candidates on COVID-19 via targeting virus–host interactome.
The MID1 Protein: A Promising Therapeutic Target in Huntington’s Disease
Authors: Heinz Annika , Schilling Judith , van Roon-Mom Willeke , Krauß Sybille
Published: October 2021

Huntington’s disease (HD) is caused by an expansion mutation of a CAG repeat in exon 1 of the huntingtin (HTT) gene, that encodes an expanded polyglutamine tract in the HTT protein. HD is characterized by progressive psychiatric and cognitive symptoms associated with a progressive movement disorder. HTT is ubiquitously expressed, but the pathological changes caused by the mutation are most prominent in the central nervous system. Since the mutation was discovered, research has mainly focused on the mutant HTT protein. But what if the polyglutamine protein is not the only cause of the neurotoxicity? Recent studies show that the mutant RNA transcript is also involved in cellular dysfunction. Here we discuss the abnormal interaction of the mutant HTT transcript with a protein complex containing the MID1 protein. MID1 aberrantly binds to CAG repeats and this binding increases with CAG repeat length. Since MID1 is a translation regulator, association of the MID1 complex stimulates translation of mutant HTT mRNA, resulting in an overproduction of polyglutamine protein. Thus, blocking the interaction between MID1 and mutant HTT mRNA is a promising therapeutic approach. Additionally, we show that MID1 expression in the brain of both HD patients and HD mice is aberrantly increased. This finding further supports the concept of blocking the interaction between MID1 and mutant HTT mRNA to counteract mutant HTT translation as a valuable therapeutic strategy. In line, recent studies in which either compounds affecting the assembly of the MID1 complex or molecules targeting HTT RNA, show promising results.
Altered Frequency and Phenotype of HLA-G-Expressing DC-10 in Type 1 Diabetes Patients at Onset and in Subjects at Risk to Develop the Disease
Authors: Amodio Giada , Mandelli Alessandra , Curto Rosalia , Rancoita Paola M. V. , Stabilini Angela , Bonfanti Riccardo , de Pellegrin Maurizio , Bosi Emanuele , Di Serio Clelia , Battaglia Manuela , Gregori Silvia
Published: October 2021

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disease resulting in progressive destruction of β-cells. Several factors affecting lymphocyte and antigen-presenting cells, including dendritic cells (DCs), contribute to defective maintenance of tolerance in T1D. DC-10 are a subset of human DCs involved in IL-10-mediated tolerance. A precise monitoring of DC-10 in the peripheral blood is possible thanks to the discovery of specific biomarkers. DC-10, being cells that naturally express HLA-G, may be used for the appropriate staging of the disease. By enumerating and phenotypically characterizing DC-10 in the peripheral blood of subjects at different stages of T1D development—first-degree relatives (FDRs) of T1D patients, without (Abneg) or with (Abpos) autoantibodies, T1D patients at onset, and age-matched healthy controls (HCs)—we showed that DC-10 contain a high proportion of HLA-G-expressing cells as compared with monocytes. We reported that a low frequency of DC-10 during disease development is paralleled with the increased proportion of pro-inflammatory cDC2 cells. Moreover, DC-10 number and phenotype differ from Abneg FDRs, Abpos FDRs, and T1D patients compared with HCs, and DC-10 from T1D patients express low levels of CD83. Finally, multiple regression analysis, considering DC-10 and HLA-G-related parameters, showed that Abneg FDRs are more similar to subjects with autoimmunity than to HCs. This is the first demonstration that impairment in DC-10 number and phenotype, specifically CD83 expression, is associated with risk of developing T1D, suggesting a possible use of CD83+ DC-10 to stratify individuals at risk of T1D in conjunction with classical prognostic factors.
Insights From Single Cell RNA Sequencing Into the Immunology of Type 1 Diabetes- Cell Phenotypes and Antigen Specificity
Authors: Hanna Stephanie J. , Tatovic Danijela , Thayer Terri C. , Dayan Colin M.
Published: October 2021

In the past few years, huge advances have been made in techniques to analyse cells at an individual level using RNA sequencing, and many of these have precipitated exciting discoveries in the immunology of type 1 diabetes (T1D). This review will cover the first papers to use scRNAseq to characterise human lymphocyte phenotypes in T1D in the peripheral blood, pancreatic lymph nodes and islets. These have revealed specific genes such as IL-32 that are differentially expressed in islet –specific T cells in T1D. scRNAseq has also revealed wider gene expression patterns that are involved in T1D and can predict its development even predating autoantibody production. Single cell sequencing of TCRs has revealed V genes and CDR3 motifs that are commonly used to target islet autoantigens, although truly public TCRs remain elusive. Little is known about BCR repertoires in T1D, but scRNAseq approaches have revealed that insulin binding BCRs commonly use specific J genes, share motifs between donors and frequently demonstrate poly-reactivity. This review will also summarise new developments in scRNAseq technology, the insights they have given into other diseases and how they could be leveraged to advance research in the type 1 diabetes field to identify novel biomarkers and targets for immunotherapy.
Ontogeny-Specific Skeletal Deformities in Atlantic Haddock Caused by Larval Oil Exposure
Authors: Olsvik Pål A. , Sørhus Elin , Meier Sonnich , Torvanger Ingrid , Thorbjørnsen Maja , Thorsen Anders , Sørensen Lisbet , Fjelldal Per Gunnar , Karlsen Ørjan , Guimaraes Igo G. , Lie Kai K.
Published: October 2021

Bone deformities are one of the main effects of crude oil exposure in marine fish larvae. Craniofacial and jaw deformities, if severe enough, may restrict feeding and ultimately kill the developing larvae. This study aimed to examine the impact of dispersed crude oil on bone development in Atlantic haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) larvae, a fish species spawning in areas approached for oil and gas exploration in the North Atlantic Ocean. Atlantic haddock larvae were exposed to low (60 μg oil/L), high (600 μg oil/L), or pulsed (0–600, average 60 μg oil/L over time) dispersed crude oil from 0 to 18 days post hatch (dph). Endpoints included survival and growth, bone integrity, and transcriptional parameters, which were assessed during (0–18 dph) and after exposure until the fish reached 8 months of age (243 dph). The results showed that the larvae in the high treatment group had reduction in growth at 2–19, 44, 134, and 243 dph. Craniofacial abnormalities were most severe at 8 and 19 dph. These deformities were not present at 44 dph, possibly because the larvae with deformed jaws failed to feed properly and died. Higher prevalence of spinal deformities was observed in haddocks that survived for 243 dph. Three genes encoding proteins critical for osteoblast function, sp7, postn, and col10a1, were downregulated in the high treatment group larvae. We discuss possible mechanisms of action in the developing larvae after oil exposure. In conclusion, this study shows that larval exposure to oil can potentially have long-term effects on growth and bone integrity in Atlantic haddock.
The Risk for Novel and Disappearing Environmental Conditions in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Blenckner Thorsten , Ammar Yosr , Müller-Karulis Bärbel , Niiranen Susa , Arneborg Lars , Li Qiang
Published: October 2021

Future climate biogeochemical projections indicate large changes in the ocean with environmental conditions not experienced at present referred to as novel, or may even disappear. These climate-induced changes will most likely affect species distribution via changes in growth, behavior, evolution, dispersal, and species interactions. However, the future risk of novel and disappearing environmental conditions in the ocean is poorly understood, in particular for compound effects of climate and nutrient management changes. We map the compound risk of the occurrence of future novel and disappearing environmental conditions, analyze the outcome of climate and nutrient management scenarios for the world’s largest estuary, the Baltic Sea, and the potential consequences for three charismatic species. Overall, the future projections show, as expected, an increase in environmental novelty over time. The future nutrient reduction management that improves the eutrophication status of the Baltic Sea contributes to large novel and disappearing conditions. We show the consequences of novel and disappearing environmental conditions for fundamental niches of three charismatic species under different scenarios. This first step toward comprehensively analyzing environmental novelty and disappearing conditions for a marine system illustrates the urgent need to include novelty and disappearing projection outputs in Earth System Models. Our results further illustrate that adaptive management is needed to account for the emergence of novelty related to the interplay of multiple drivers. Overall, our analysis provides strong support for the expectation of novel ecological communities in marine systems, which may affect ecosystem services, and needs to be accounted for in sustainable future management plans of our oceans.
Drop-On-Demand Lubrication of Gears: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Mirza M. , Yilmaz M. , Thieme E. , Lohner T. , Venner C. H.
Published: October 2021

Different lubrication methods such as oil dip or injection lubrication are used in gearboxes to lubricate tribological contacts and to dissipate frictional heat. To improve resource and energy efficiency, novel needs-based lubrication methods like the drop-on-demand lubrication are being developed. It includes an ink-jet nozzle driven by a piezo element to generate picoliter droplets injected to tribological contacts. This study evaluates the feasibility of drop-on-demand lubrication of gears. Friction measurements in rolling-sliding contacts indicate the formation of typical elastohydrodynamic contacts. Power loss measurements of gears show a similar behavior compared to continuous minimum quantity lubrication. Hence, the study confirms that the operation of gears with drop-on-demand lubrication is possible. It introduces the possibility of dynamic and flexible oil supply on a contact needs-based level.
Diversity of Rotavirus Strains in Children; Results From a Community-Based Study in Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Jasmin , Shrestha Sanjaya K. , Strand Tor A. , Dudman Susanne , Dembinski Jennifer L. , Vikse Rose , Andreassen Ashild K.
Published: October 2021

Objective: The objectives of this study were to describe the incidence and genetic diversity of Rotavirus (RV) infection among children up to 3 years of age in a community in Nepal.

Methods: We investigated community-acquired cases of asymptomatic and symptomatic RV infections in children from birth to 36 months of age in a community-based birth cohort in Bhaktapur, Nepal. Monthly surveillance and diarrheal stool samples were collected from 240 children enrolled at birth, of which 238 completed the 3 years of follow-up. Samples were screened for rotavirus by Enzyme Immuno Assay (EIA). All RV screened positives were further genotyped by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction for the capsid genes VP7 and VP4.

Results: In total, 5,224 stool samples were collected from 238 children, followed from birth to 36 months of age. Diarrhea occurred in 92.4% (230/238) of all children in the cohort. During the 3 years study period, RV was more frequently seen in children with symptoms (7.6%) than in non-symptomatic children (0.8%). The highest RV detection rate was found in younger children between 3 and 21 months of age. Although rotavirus is known as winter diarrhea, it was detected throughout the year except in August. The highest positivity rate was observed in the months between December and March, with a peak in January. Four common G types were seen: G2 (30%), G1 (29%), G12 (19%), and G9 (16%). The most predominant genotypes seen were G2P[4] (30%), followed by G1P[8] (27.0%), G12P[6] (14.0%), G9P[8] (10%), and remaining were mixed, partial, and untyped.

Conclusion: Our study confirms that rotavirus is a common cause of gastroenteritis in young children in the community. The prevalence and pathogenicity of rotavirus infection differed by age. There was substantial variability in circulating strains in the community samples compared to samples collected from hospitals. This shows the importance of including community-based surveillance systems to monitor the diversity of circulating rotavirus strains in Nepal.
Health-Related Quality of Life in Predominantly Young Parental Living Liver Donors: A Cross-Sectional Study in China
Authors: Shi Yue-Xian , Zhang Hai-Ming , Chen Jing , Huang Ya-Qi , Yu Ming-Ming , Jin Yin-Hui , Wang Wen-Ru , Gao Wei
Published: October 2021

Objective: The health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of donors deserves attention and must be considered for a long time. Many of the published studies had small sample sizes, and research from mainland China, in particular, is scant. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the HRQoL of living liver donors and identify the influencing factors of the HRQoL in mainland China.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. The data were collected from the liver transplantation center, the Tianjin First Center Hospital, China. Living liver donors older than 18 years and at a minimum of 1-month, post-donation was included. The HRQoL was evaluated using the Medical Outcome Study Short form 36 (SF-36). Sociodemographic and clinical-related variables, HRQoL status, and its potential impact factors were analyzed.

Results: A total of 382 living liver donors completed the survey. The median number of months post-donation was 25, and parental donors (99.2%) were the most frequent relationship. The majority of the participants (372, 97.4%) donated their left lateral lobes. Thirty-two (8.4%) donors suffered complications, and of them, 7 suffered from biliary leakage (1.8%), which was the most common one in this study. The physical functioning (PF), role–physical (RP), bodily pain (BP), general health (GH), social functioning (SF), role–emotional (RE), and mental health (MH) scores among the living liver donors were significantly better than those of the Chinese norms. Short-time post-donation [odds ratio (OR): 0.008; p < 0.001] and male recipients (OR:0.195; p = 0.024) were associated with the likelihood of a poor physical related quality of life.

Conclusions: Despite, in general, good HRQoL outcomes, we also believed that liver donation has an obvious influence on the physical functions of liver donors. More attention and long-term follow-ups are necessary for donors at higher risk based on identified influencing factors and correlates.
Genetic Mutations in TNFSF11 Were Associated With the Chronicity of Hepatitis C Among Chinese Han Population
Authors: Huang Peng , Hou Yu-Qing , Wu Jing-Jing , Wang Yi-Di , Ye Xiang-Yu , Zang Feng , Yu Rong-Bin , Yang Sheng
Published: October 2021

Background: Recently, several studies have reported that the host immune response can be related to the RANKL/RANK/OPG signaling pathway. However, the associations of TNFSF11, TNFRSF11A, and TNFRSF11B gene polymorphisms in the RANKL/RANK/OPG pathway with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection outcomes remain unclear.

Methods: In this case-control study, 768 persistent HCV infection and 503 spontaneous HCV clearance cases, and 1,259 control subjects were included. The Taman-MGB probe method was utilized to detect TNFSF11 rs9525641, TNFRSF11A rs8686340, and TNFRSF11B rs2073618 genotypes. The distribution of three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) genotypes was analyzed using stata14.0.

Results: SNPs rs9525641, rs8086340, and rs2073618 genotype frequencies followed the Hardy-Weinberg natural population equilibrium (p = 0.637, 0.250, and 0.113, respectively). Also, rs9525641 was significantly associated with HCV chronicity risk in recessive (OR = 1.203, 95% CI: 1.018–1.420, p = 0.030) and additive models (OR = 1.545, 95% CI: 1.150–2.075, p = 0.004). The stratified analysis showed that rs9525641 variant genotypes were associated with HCV chronicity among people older than 50 years (OR =1.562, 95% CI: 1.079–2.262, p = 0.018), females (OR = 1.667, 95% CI: 1.145–2.429, p = 0.008), ALT <40 U/L (OR = 1.532, 95% CI: 1.074–2.286, p = 0.018), and AST < 40 U/L (OR = 1.552, 95% CI: 1.095–2.201, p = 0.014).

Conclusion:TNFRSF11 rs9525641 was significantly associated with HCV chronicity in the Chinese population.
Deltaproteobacterium Strain KaireiS1, a Mesophilic, Hydrogen-Oxidizing and Sulfate-Reducing Bacterium From an Inactive Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Chimney
Authors: Adam Nicole , Han Yuchen , Laufer-Meiser Katja , Bährle Rebecca , Schwarz-Schampera Ulrich , Schippers Axel , Perner Mirjam
Published: October 2021

A novel deltaproteobacterial, mesophilic, hydrogen-oxidizing, and sulfate-reducing bacterium (strain KaireiS1) was highly enriched from an inactive chimney located in the active zone of the Kairei hydrothermal vent field (Central Indian Ridge) in the Indian Ocean. Based on 16S rRNA gene analyses, strain KaireiS1 is the currently only cultured representative of a cluster of uncultured Deltaproteobacteria, positioned within the Desulfobulbaceae family, between the Desulfobulbus genus and the “Cable Bacteria.” A facultative autotrophic lifestyle of KaireiS1 is indicated by its growth in the absence of organic compounds, measurements of CO2-fixation rates, and activity measurements of carbon monoxide dehydrogenase, the key enzyme of the reductive Acetyl-CoA pathway. Apart from hydrogen, strain KaireiS1 can also use propionate, lactate, and pentadecane as electron donors. However, the highest cell numbers were reached when grown autotrophically with molecular hydrogen. Hydrogen uptake activity was found in membrane and soluble fractions of cell-free extracts and reached up to 2,981±129 nmol H2*min−1*mg−1 of partially purified protein. Commonly, autotrophic sulfate-reducing bacteria from the Deltaproteobacteria class, thriving in hydrothermal vent habitats are described as thermophiles. Given its physiological characteristics and specific isolation source, strain KaireiS1 demonstrates a previously unnoticed potential for microbial sulfate reduction by autotrophs taking place at moderate temperatures in hydrothermal vent fields.
Diversity of Marine 1,3-Xylan-Utilizing Bacteria and Characters of Their Extracellular 1,3-Xylanases
Authors: Sun Hai-Ning , Yu Chun-Mei , Fu Hui-Hui , Wang Peng , Fang Zai-Guang , Zhang Yu-Zhong , Chen Xiu-Lan , Zhao Fang
Published: October 2021

1,3-xylan is present in the cell walls of some red and green algae and is an important organic carbon in the ocean. However, information on its bacterial degradation is quite limited. Here, after enrichment with 1,3-xylan, the diversity of bacteria recovered from marine algae collected in Hainan, China, was analyzed with both the 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and the culture-dependent method. Bacteria recovered were affiliated with more than 19 families mainly in phyla Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes, suggesting a high bacterial diversity. Moreover, 12 strains with high 1,3-xylanase-secreting ability from genera Vibrio, Neiella, Alteromonas, and Gilvimarinus were isolated from the enrichment culture. The extracellular 1,3-xylanases secreted by Vibrio sp. EA2, Neiella sp. GA3, Alteromonas sp. CA13-2, and Gilvimarinus sp. HA3-2, which were taken as representatives due to their efficient utilization of 1,3-xylan for growth, were further characterized. The extracellular 1,3-xylanases secreted by these strains showed the highest activity at pH 6.0–7.0 and 30–40°C in 0–0.5M NaCl, exhibiting thermo-unstable and alkali-resistant characters. Their degradation products on 1,3-xylan were mainly 1,3-xylobiose and 1,3-xylotriose. This study reveals the diversity of marine bacteria involved in the degradation and utilization of 1,3-xylan, helpful in our understanding of the recycling of 1,3-xylan driven by bacteria in the ocean and the discovery of novel 1,3-xylanases.
Structural and Catalytic Characterization of TsBGL, a β-Glucosidase From Thermofilum sp. ex4484_79
Authors: Chen Anke , Wang Dan , Ji Rui , Li Jixi , Gu Shaohua , Tang Rong , Ji Chaoneng
Published: October 2021

Beta-glucosidase is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of the glycosidic bonds of cellobiose, resulting in the production of glucose, which is an important step for the effective utilization of cellulose. In the present study, a thermostable β-glucosidase was isolated and purified from the Thermoprotei Thermofilum sp. ex4484_79 and subjected to enzymatic and structural characterization. The purified β-glucosidase (TsBGL) exhibited maximum activity at 90°C and pH 5.0 and displayed maximum specific activity of 139.2μmol/min/mgzne against p-nitrophenyl β-D-glucopyranoside (pNPGlc) and 24.3μmol/min/mgzen against cellobiose. Furthermore, TsBGL exhibited a relatively high thermostability, retaining 84 and 47% of its activity after incubation at 85°C for 1.5h and 90°C for 1.5h, respectively. The crystal structure of TsBGL was resolved at a resolution of 2.14Å, which revealed a classical (α/β)8-barrel catalytic domain. A structural comparison of TsBGL with other homologous proteins revealed that its catalytic sites included Glu210 and Glu414. We provide the molecular structure of TsBGL and the possibility of improving its characteristics for potential applications in industries.
Evaluating Sexual Dimorphism of the Muscle Spindles and Intrafusal Muscle Fibers in the Medial Gastrocnemius of Male and Female Rats
Authors: Gartych Magdalena , Jackowiak Hanna , Bukowska Dorota , Celichowski Jan
Published: October 2021

This study sought to investigate the sexual dimorphism of muscle spindles in rat medial gastrocnemius muscle. The muscles were cut transversely into 5–10 and 20 μm thick serial sections and the number, density, and morphometric properties of the muscle spindles were determined. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the number of muscle spindles of male (14.45 ± 2.77) and female (15.00 ± 3.13) rats. Muscle mass was 38.89% higher in males (1.08 vs. 0.66 g in females), making the density of these receptors significantly higher (p < 0.01) in females (approximately one spindle per 51.14 mg muscle mass vs. one per 79.91 mg in males). There were no significant differences between the morphometric properties of intrafusal muscle fibers or muscle spindles in male and female rats (p > 0.05): 5.16 ± 2.43 and 5.37 ± 2.27 μm for male and female intrafusal muscle fiber diameter, respectively; 5.57 ± 2.20 and 5.60 ± 2.16 μm for male and female intrafusal muscle fiber number, respectively; 25.85 ± 10.04 and 25.30 ± 9.96 μm for male and female shorter muscle spindle diameter, respectively; and 48.99 ± 20.73 and 43.97 ± 16.96 μm for male and female longer muscle spindle diameter, respectively. These findings suggest that sexual dimorphism in the muscle spindles of rat medial gastrocnemius is limited to density, which contrasts previous findings reporting differences in extrafusal fibers diameter.
Review on Emotion Recognition Based on Electroencephalography
Authors: Liu Haoran , Zhang Ying , Li Yujun , Kong Xiangyi
Published: October 2021

Emotions are closely related to human behavior, family, and society. Changes in emotions can cause differences in electroencephalography (EEG) signals, which show different emotional states and are not easy to disguise. EEG-based emotion recognition has been widely used in human-computer interaction, medical diagnosis, military, and other fields. In this paper, we describe the common steps of an emotion recognition algorithm based on EEG from data acquisition, preprocessing, feature extraction, feature selection to classifier. Then, we review the existing EEG-based emotional recognition methods, as well as assess their classification effect. This paper will help researchers quickly understand the basic theory of emotion recognition and provide references for the future development of EEG. Moreover, emotion is an important representation of safety psychology.
Association Between Patient Activation and Medication Adherence in Patients With Stroke: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sui Weijing , Wan Li-hong
Published: October 2021

Background: Medication adherence is key to secondary prevention in patients with stroke. Poor medication adherence can lead to recurrence, disability, or even death in stroke survivors. Patient activation is associated with increased healthy behaviors and improved clinical outcomes in many chronic diseases. However, the association between patient activation and medication adherence in patients with stroke remains unclear.

Objective: The study aimed to explore the influence of patient activation on the medication adherence of patients with stroke and to analyze the reasons for medication nonadherence.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional design with convenience sampling was used in this study. A total of 119 patients with stroke were recruited from a tertiary hospital in Guangzhou. A social-demographic and clinical data form, a self-developed medication adherence questionnaire, and the 13-item Patient Activation Measure (PAM-13) were used. Univariate analysis and multiple linear regression analysis with dummy variables were conducted to investigate the associations between medication adherence and patient activation. Data were analyzed with IBM® SPSS® version 25.0.

Results: The mean PAM-13 score in patients with stroke was 51.56 ± 12.58. A low level of patient activation was reported by up to 66.4% of the patients. The self-reported medication adherence questionnaire score was 5.59 ± 1.52. A low level of medication adherence was reported by up to 59.7% of the patients, while a moderate level was reported by 34.4%, and a high level was reported by only 5.9%. In the multiple stepwise regression analysis, patient activation was found to be an independent influencing factor of medication adherence in patients with stroke (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Medication adherence was poor in patients in Guangzhou, China, following an ischemic stroke. Patient activation as the independent influencing factor identified in this study will support healthcare givers to develop the tailored intervention to improve medication adherence among patients with stroke in China.
Altered Hypothalamic Functional Connectivity Following Total Sleep Deprivation in Young Adult Males
Authors: Qi Jing , Li Bo-Zhi , Zhang Ying , Pan Bei , Gao Yu-Hong , Zhan Hao , Liu Yong , Shao Yong-Cong , Zhang Xi
Published: October 2021

Background: Sleep deprivation can markedly influence vigilant attention that is essential to complex cognitive processes. The hypothalamus plays a critical role in arousal and attention regulation. However, the functional involvement of the hypothalamus in attentional impairments after total sleep deprivation (TSD) remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to investigate the alterations in hypothalamic functional connectivity and its association with the attentional performance following TSD.

Methods: Thirty healthy adult males were recruited in the study. Participants underwent two resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scans, once in rested wakefulness (RW) and once after 36 h of TSD. Seed-based functional connectivity analysis was performed using rs-fMRI for the left and right hypothalamus. Vigilant attention was measured using a psychomotor vigilance test (PVT). Furthermore, Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship between altered hypothalamic functional connectivity and PVT performance after TSD.

Results: After TSD, enhanced functional connectivity was observed between the left hypothalamus and bilateral thalamus, bilateral anterior cingulate cortex, right amygdala, and right insula, while reduced functional connectivity was observed between the left hypothalamus and bilateral middle frontal gyrus (AlphaSim corrected, P < 0.01). However, significant correlation between altered hypothalamic functional connectivity and PVT performance was not observed after Bonferroni correction (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: Our results suggest that TSD can lead to disrupted hypothalamic circuits, which may provide new insight into neural mechanisms of attention impairments following sleep deprivation.
Improvement Using Planomics Features on Prediction and Classification of Patient-Specific Quality Assurance Using Head and Neck Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy Plan
Authors: Li Bing , Chen Junying , Guo Wei , Mao Ronghu , Zheng Xiaoli , Cheng Xiuyan , Cui Tiantian , Lou Zhaoyang , Wang Ting , Li Dingjie , Tao Hongyan , Lei Hongchang , Ge Hong
Published: October 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the utility of a new plan feature (planomics feature) for predicting the results of patient-specific quality assurance using the head and neck (H&N) volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plan.

Methods: One hundred and thirty-one H&N VMAT plans in our institution from 2019 to 2021 were retrospectively collected. Dosimetric verification for all plans was carried out using the portal dosimetry system integrated into the Eclipse treatment planning system based on the electronic portal imaging devices. Gamma passing rates (GPR) were analyzed using three gamma indices of 3%/3 mm, 3%/2 mm, and 2%/2 mm with a 10% dose threshold. Forty-eight conventional features affecting the dose delivery accuracy were used in the study, and 2,476 planomics features were extracted based on the radiotherapy plan file. Three prediction and classification models using conventional features (CF), planomics features (PF), and hybrid features (HF) combining two sets of features were constructed by the gradient boosting regressor (GBR) and Ridge classifier for each GPR of 3%/3 mm, 3%/2 mm, and 2%/2 mm, respectively. The absolute prediction error (APE) and the area under the curve (AUC) were adopted for assessing the performance of prediction and classification models.

Results: In the GPR prediction, the average APE of the models using CF, PF, and HF was 1.3 ± 1.2%/3.6 ± 3.0%, 1.7 ± 1.5%/3.8 ± 3.5%, and 1.1 ± 1.0%/4.1 ± 3.1% for 2%/2 mm; 0.7 ± 0.6%/2.0 ± 2.0%, 1.0±1.1%/2.2 ± 1.8%, and 0.6 ± 0.6%/2.2 ± 1.9% for 3%/2 mm; and 0.4 ± 0.3%/1.2 ± 1.2%, 0.4±0.5%/1.3 ± 1.0%, and 0.3±0.3%/1.2 ± 1.1% for 3%/3 mm, respectively. In the regression prediction, three models give a similar modeling performance for predicting the GPR. The classification results were 0.67 ± 0.03/0.66 ± 0.07, 0.77 ± 0.03/0.73 ± 0.06, and 0.78 ± 0.02/0.75 ± 0.04 for 3%/3 mm, respectively. For 3%/2 mm, the AUCs of the training and testing cohorts were 0.64 ± 0.03/0.62 ± 0.07, 0.70 ± 0.03/0.67 ± 0.06, and 0.75 ± 0.03/0.71 ± 0.07, respectively, and for 2%/2 mm, the average AUCs of the training and testing cohorts were 0.72 ± 0.03/0.72 ± 0.06, 0.78 ± 0.04/0.73 ± 0.07, and 0.81 ± 0.03/0.75 ± 0.06, respectively. In the classification, the PF model has a better classification performance than the CF model. Moreover, the HF model provides the best result among the three classifications models.

Conclusions: The planomics features can be used for predicting and classifying the GPR results and for improving the model performance after combining the conventional features for the GPR classification.
Chitosan Oligosaccharide Ameliorates Metabolic Syndrome Induced by Overnutrition via Altering Intestinal Microbiota
Authors: Wang Yihua , Liu Shili , Tang Di , Dong Rui , Feng Qiang
Published: October 2021

Chitosan oligosaccharides (COS) play a prebiotic role in many ways, whereas its function on microbiota is not fully understood. In this study, the effects of COS on metabolic syndrome were initially investigated by testing changes in the physiological indicators after adding COS to the diet of mice with high fat (group H) and low fat (group L). The results showed that COS markedly inhibited the accumulation of body weight and liver fat induced by high-fat diet, as well as restored the elevated concentration of blood glucose and fasting insulin to normal levels. Next, changes of the murine intestinal microbiota were examined. The results exhibited that COS reduced with-in-sample diversity, while the between-sample microbial diversity enhanced. Specifically, COS enriched Clostridium paraputrificum and Clostridium ramosum in the mice on a high-fat diet, while the abundance of Clostridium cocleatum was reduced. As a comparison, Parabacteroides goldsteinii and Bacteroides uniformis increased their abundance in response to COS in the low-fat diet group. Noticeably, a large amount of Akkermansia muciniphila was enriched in both high-fat or low-fat diet groups. Among the differential fecal bacteria, Clostridium ramosume was found to be positively interacted with Faecalibacterim prausnitzii and Clostridium paraputrificum; Clostridium paraputrificum had a positive interactions with Lactococcus chungangensis and Bifidobacterium mongoliense, suggesting that COS probably ameliorate metabolic syndrome through the microbiota in view of the lipid-lowering effects of these interacted bacteria. Furthermore, the gene expression data revealed that COS improved the functions related to intestinal barrier and glucose transport, which could be the trigger and consequence of the variations in gut microbiota induced by COS. Additionally, correlation analysis found that intestinal bacteria are related to physiological parameters, which further supports the mediating role of gut microbiota in the beneficial effect of COS. In summary, our research results provide new evidence for the prebiotic effects of COS.
N6-Methyladenosine Modification of PTTG3P Contributes to Colorectal Cancer Proliferation via YAP1
Authors: Zheng Yang , Wang Yue , Liu Yiyang , Xie Longfei , Ge Jinnian , Yu Guilin , Zhao Guohua
Published: October 2021

Background

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged to have irreplaceable roles in the epigenetic regulation of cancer progression, but their biological functions in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain unclear.

Methods

LncRNA expression profiles in CRC tissue and their normal counterpart were explored. Through gain and loss of function approaches, the role of lncRNA PTTG3P was validated in relevant CRC cells and subcutaneous tumor model. The correlations of PTTG3P expression with clinical outcomes were assessed.

Results

PTTG3P was upregulated in CRC tissues and was closely correlated with unsatisfactory prognosis. PTTG3P facilitated glycolysis and proliferation, and the transcriptional regulator YAP1 was necessary for PTTG3P-induced proliferation. Mechanistically, the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) subunit METTL3 increased PTTG3P expression by influencing its stability, while insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2) could identify PTTG3P m6A methylation status and bind to it. IGF2BP2 knockdown partly recovered PTTG3P expression induced by METTL3, indicating that METTL3-regulated PTTG3P expression depended on the presence of IGF2BP2. Finally, rescue assays validated the critical role of the METTL3/PTTG3P/YAP1 axis on CRC proliferation.

Conclusions

PTTG3P is an independent prognostic biomarker for CRC. The METTL3/PTTG3P/YAP1 axis promotes the progression of CRC and is a promising treatment target.
Expression of Microtubule-Associated Proteins in Relation to Prognosis and Efficacy of Immunotherapy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Luo Jieyan , Hu Qipeng , Gou Maling , Liu Xiaoke , Qin Yi , Zhu Jiao , Cai Chengzhi , Tian Tian , Tu Zegui , Du Yijia , Deng Hongxin
Published: October 2021

Background

Microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) have been considered to play significant roles in the tumor evolution of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Nevertheless, mRNA transcription levels and prognostic value of distinct MAPs in patients with NSCLC remain to be clarified.

Methods

In this study, the Oncomine database, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database, and Human Protein Atlas were utilized to analyze the relationship between mRNA/protein expression of different MAPs and clinical characteristics in NSCLC patients, including tumor type and pathological stage. The correlation between the transcription level of MAPs and overall survival (OS) of NSCLC patients was analyzed by Kaplan–Meier plotter. Besides, 50 frequently altered neighbor genes of the MAPs were screened out, and a network has been constructed via the cBioPortal and Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) dataset. Meanwhile, we performed Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis on the expression data of MAPs and their 50 frequently altered neighbor genes in NSCLC tissues. Furthermore, The Cancer Immunome Atlas (TCIA) was utilized to analyze the relationship between MAP expression and the response to immunotherapy. Finally, we used reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to verify the expression of MAPs in 20 patients with NSCLC.

Results

The present study discovered that the mRNA transcription levels of MAP7/7D2 were enriched in NSCLC tissues, while those of the MAP2/4/6/7D3 were lower in NSCLC specimens than those in control specimens. The mRNA transcription level of MAP6 was significantly associated with the advanced stage of NSCLC. Besides, survival analysis indicated that higher mRNA expressions of MAP2/4/6/7/7D3 were correlated considerably with favorable OS of NSCLC patients, whereas increased mRNA expression levels of MAP1A/1S were associated with poor OS. Moreover, the expression of MAP1A/1B/1S/4/6/7D1/7D3 was significantly correlated with immunophenoscore (IPS) in NSCLC patients.

Conclusions

Our analysis indicated that MAP1A/1S could serve as potential personalized therapeutic targets for patients with NSCLC, and the enriched MAP2/4/6/7/7D3 expression could serve as a biomarker for favorable prognosis in NSCLC. Besides, the expression of MAP1A/1B/1S/4/6/7D1/7D3 was closely related to the response to immunotherapy. Taken together, MAP expression has potential application value in the clinical treatment and prognosis assessment of NSCLC patients, and further verifiable experiments can be conducted to verify our results.
One to Two Cycles of Consolidation Chemotherapy With Capecitabine After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy Does Not Benefit Low-Risk Patients With Locally Advanced Middle-Low Rectal Cancer
Authors: Sheng Xueqing , Li Shuai , Zhang Yangzi , Geng Jianhao , Wang Hongzhi , Zhu Xianggao , Quan Jizhong , Li Yongheng , Cai Yong , Wang Weihu
Published: October 2021

Background and Objective

Organ preservation can enable locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients with clinical complete response (cCR) after neoadjuvant treatment to maintain quality of life. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether one or two cycles of capecitabine after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) without extending the interval between the end of NCRT and surgery could increase the complete response (CR) rate in low-risk middle-low LARC patients.

Material and Methods

We retrospectively evaluated middle-low LARC patients with low risk defined as clinical T2-3b, mesorectal fascia-clear, and extramural vascular invasion-negative by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), treated between January 2015 and July 2019. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether consolidation chemotherapy was administered after NCRT. Patients in the consolidation chemotherapy group received one or two cycles of capecitabine (1000 mg/m2 twice daily from days 1 to 14). The main outcome was the CR rate, including pathological CR (pCR) and cCR.

Results

A total of 169 patients, 105 in the consolidation chemotherapy group and 64 in the non-consolidation chemotherapy group, were included in the study, and the median follow-up was 37.2 months (range, 0.4–71.2 months). Seventeen patients achieved cCR and the remaining 152 underwent surgery after neoadjuvant treatment. There was no significant difference in the CR rate (39.0% vs. 35.9%, p=0.686), ypT0-2N0 rate (65.2% vs. 63.3%, p=0.812), or ypN0 rate (83.7% vs. 88.3%, p=0.503) between the consolidation chemotherapy and non-consolidation chemotherapy groups. Among the patients achieved cCR, 3 (17.6%) experienced regrowth in the rectum and 2 (11.8%) experienced distant metastasis. There was also no significant difference in the 3-year disease-free survival (87.4% vs 85.9%, p=0.971) in patients who underwent surgery between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that normal Carcinoma Embryonic Antigen (CEA) levels (p = 0.001) were associated with a higher CR rate. Moreover, there were no significant differences in the incidences of grade ≥2 acute toxicities during neoadjuvant treatment.

Conclusion

Although there was no increase in treatment-related toxicities between the two groups, simply adding one or two cycles of capecitabine after NCRT might be insufficient to benefit low-risk middle-low LARC patients.
Effects of Multiple Filters on Liver Tumor Segmentation From CT Images
Authors: Vo Vi Thi-Tuong , Yang Hyung-Jeong , Lee Guee-Sang , Kang Sae-Ryung , Kim Soo-Hyung
Published: October 2021

Segmentation of liver tumors from Computerized Tomography (CT) images remains a challenge due to the natural variation in tumor shape and structure as well as the noise in CT images. A key assumption is that the performance of liver tumor segmentation depends on the characteristics of multiple features extracted from multiple filters. In this paper, we design an enhanced approach based on a two-class (liver, tumor) convolutional neural network that discriminates tumor as well as liver from CT images. First, the contrast and intensity values in CT images are adjusted and high frequencies are removed using Hounsfield units (HU) filtering and standardization. Then, the liver tumor is segmented from entire images with multiple filter U-net (MFU-net). Finally, a quantitative analysis is carried out to evaluate the segmentation results using three different methods: boundary-distance-based metrics, size-based metrics, and overlap-based metrics. The proposed method is validated on CT images from the 3Dircadb and LiTS dataset. The results demonstrate that the multiple filters are useful for extracting local and global feature simultaneously, minimizing the boundary distance errors, and our approach demonstrates better performance in heterogeneous tumor regions of CT images.