bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial and Short-Term Temporal Patterns of Octocoral Assemblages in the West Philippine Sea
Authors: Lalas Jue Alef A. , Lim Romina Therese S. , Cabasan Joey P. , Segumalian Christine S. , Luciano Rhea Mae A. , Valino Darryl Anthony M. , Jacinto Melchor R. , Arceo Hazel O. , Baria-Rodriguez Maria Vanessa
Published: January 2022

Octocorals are relatively understudied than other coral reef organisms despite their ecological and economic values. The Philippines is known to have high marine biodiversity, but information on octocorals is lacking. This study investigated spatial and temporal variations in the assemblage of octocorals in selected reef sites in the West Philippine Sea (WPS)- the Kalayaan Island Group (i.e., Pag-asa, Sabina, Lawak, and Northeast Investigator) and Ulugan in 2017 and 2019. Results showed high octocoral taxonomic richness (at least 10 families) in the study sites. Mean percent octocoral cover in WPS was 5.35% SE ± 0.55, with Sabina having the highest octocoral cover in both years. Significant differences in octocoral cover were observed among sites in both years, but among-station differences were only observed in 2017. Octocoral assemblage also differed among sites in both years (ANOSIM:R> 0.5,p< 0.05), wherein different octocoral taxa dominated in different sites. In particular, variations were driven by high cover of holaxonians, nephtheids, and coelogorgiids in Sabina, and clavulariids, tubiporiids, and xeniids in Northeast Investigator in 2017. In 2019, significant variations were driven by high cover of helioporiids in Pag-asa, while Sabina had higher abundance of holaxonians, nephtheids, alcyoniids, and xeniids. Short-term temporal variation on octocoral cover in monitoring stations in Pag-asa was not observed (Kruskal-Wallis,p> 0.05), although the overall mean octocoral cover increased from 1.23% ± SE 0.47 in 2017 to 2.09% SE ± 0.37 in 2019. Further, there was no significant change in the octocoral assemblage in Pag-asa between years (ANOSIM,R= 0.11,p= 0.07). This study highlights high octocoral taxonomic richness in the WPS relative to other sites in the Indo-Pacific Region and provides baseline information on the octocoral assemblages, which can be useful for future ecological studies and marine biodiversity conservation efforts.
Benthic Cyanobacterial Diversity and Antagonistic Interactions in Abrolhos Bank: Allelopathy, Susceptibility to Herbivory, and Toxicity
Authors: Ribeiro Felipe de Vargas , Caires Taiara Aguiar , Simões Marcela Alvarenga de Almeida , Hargreaves Paulo Iiboshi , Villela Livia Bonetti , Fistarol Giovana de Oliveira , Cazelgrandi Alexandre Brauns , Pereira-Filho Guilherme Henrique , Moura Rodrigo Leão de , Pereira Renato Crespo , Salomon Paulo Sergio
Published: January 2022

Benthic cyanobacterial mats (BCMs) are conspicuous components of coral reef communities, where they play key ecological roles as primary producers among others. BCMs often bloom and might outcompete neighboring benthic organisms, including reef-building corals. We investigated the cyanobacterial species composition of three BCMs morphotypes from the marginal reef complex of Abrolhos Bank (Southeastern Brazil). Also, we assessed their allelopathic effects on coral zooxanthellae, their susceptibility to herbivory by fish, and their toxicity to brine shrimp nauplii. Morphology and 16S rDNA sequencing unveiled the cyanobacteria Moorena bouillonii, Okeania erythroflocculosa, Adonisia turfae, Leptolyngbya sp., and Halomicronema sp. as components of BCMs from Abrolhos. BCMs cell-free filtrates and extracts exerted an allelopathic effect by reducing the growth of the ex hospite Symbiodinium sp. in culture. BCMs-only treatments remained untouched in field susceptibility assays in contrast to macroalgae only and mixed BCMs-macroalgae treatments that had the macroalgae fully removed by reef fish. Crude aqueous extracts from BCMs were toxic to brine shrimps in acute assays. Besides unveiling the diversity of BCMs consortia in Abrolhos, our results cast some light on their allelopathy, antiherbivory, and toxicity properties. These antagonistic interactions might promote adverse cascading effects during benthic cyanobacteria blooms and in gradual shifts to BCMs-dominated states.
Association Between Perforating Scleral Vessel and Myopic Maculopathy: A Cross-Sectional Study of a Chinese Cohort
Authors: Yu Huimin , Sun Jinfu , Luo Huan , Wang Zhitao , Sun Xufang
Published: January 2022

Purpose: To investigate the association between perforating scleral vessel (PSV) and different types of myopic maculopathy (MM) in a highly myopic population.

Methods: In total, 188 highly myopic eyes (117 participants) were enrolled. Each participant underwent detailed history taking and ocular examinations. Based on fundus photographs and optical coherence tomography, patients were subdivided into the non-MM group and MM group. Based on a new classification system (ATN), MM cases were classified as myopic atrophy maculopathy (MAM), myopic tractional maculopathy (MTM), and myopic neovascular maculopathy (MNM). The number of PSV and the macular choroidal thickness (mChT) were measured.

Results: Compared with non-MM group, MM group was characterized by relatively larger age (48.40 vs. 32.34; p < 0.001), longer axial length (AL, 29.72 vs. 27.75, p < 0.001), thinner mChT (52.90 vs. 122.52; p < 0.001), and lower PSV counts (6.73 vs. 9.47, p ≤ 0.001). The non-MM group had higher PSV counts in total area (0–9 mm, 9.47 vs. 6.73, p < 0.001) and perifovea area (3–9 mm, 7.25 vs. 4.71, p < 0.001) compared to the MM group. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that PSV count had no association with MAM (p = 0.2419) and MTM (p = 0.5678). Total PSV count [odds ratio (OR) 0.78, 95% CI 0.64–0.95, p = 0.0149] and perifovea PSV count (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.65–0.98, p = 0.0299) were both protective factors for MNM. The stratified analysis revealed that in groups with AL <28 mm, or mChT <50 μm, or mChT ≥100 μm, or eyes with cilioretinal artery, PSV count had no significant association with MNM.

Conclusion: Higher PSV counts in perifovea area (3–9 mm centered fovea) and total area (0–9 mm centered fovea) were protective factors for MNM, whereas PSV count had no association with MAM and MTM. These findings may provide novel insights into the mechanisms of pathologic myopia.
Forensic Impact of the Omics Science Involved in the Wound: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ros Aurelia Collados , Bacci Stefano , Luna Aurelio , Legaz Isabel
Published: January 2022

Background: In forensic autopsies, examining the wounds is one of the most critical aspects to clarify the causal relationship between the cause of death and the wounds observed on the corpse. However, on many occasions, it is difficult to differentiate antemortem injuries from post-mortem injuries, mainly when they occur very close to the moment of death. At present, various studies try to find biomarkers and clarify the molecular mechanisms involved in a wound due to the high variability of conditions in which they occur, thus being one of the most challenging problems in forensic pathology. This review aimed to study the omics data to determine the main lines of investigation emerging in the diagnosis of vital injuries, time of appearance, estimation of the age and vitality of the wound, and its possible contributions to the forensic field.

Methods: A systematic review of the human wound concerning forensic science was carried out by following PRISMA guidelines.

Results: This study sheds light on the role of omics research during the process of wounding, identifying different cytokines and other inflammatory mediators, as well as cells involved in the specific stage of the wound healing process, show great use in estimating the age of a wound. On the other hand, the expression levels of skin enzymes, proteins, metal ions, and other biomarkers play an essential role in differentiating vital and post-mortem wounds. More recent studies have begun to analyze and quantify mRNA from different genes that encode proteins that participate in the inflammation phase of a wound and miRNAs related to various cellular processes.

Conclusions: This study sheds light on the role of research in the molecular characterization of vital wounds, heralding a promising future for molecular characterization of wounds in the field of forensic pathology, opening up an important new area of research.

Systematic Review Registration: URL: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#myprospero, Identifier: CRD42021286623.
Dietary Correlates of Oral and Gut Microbiota in the Water Monitor Lizard, Varanus salvator (Laurenti, 1768)
Authors: Du Yu , Chen Jun-Qiong , Liu Qian , Fu Jian-Chao , Lin Chi-Xian , Lin Long-Hui , Li Hong , Qu Yan-Fu , Ji Xiang
Published: January 2022

Numerous studies have demonstrated that food shapes the structure and composition of the host’s oral and gut microbiota. The disorder of oral and gut microbiota may trigger various host diseases. Here, we collected oral and gut samples from wild water monitor lizards (Varanus salvator) and their captive conspecifics fed with bullfrogs, eggs, and depilated chicken, aiming to examine dietary correlates of oral and gut microbiota. We used the 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology to analyze the composition of the microbiota. Proteobacteria and Bacteroidota were the dominant phyla in the oral microbiota, and so were in the gut microbiota. The alpha diversity of microbiota was significantly higher in the gut than in the oral cavity, and the alpha diversity of oral microbiota was higher in captive lizards than in wild conspecifics. Comparing the relative abundance of oral and gut bacteria and their gene functions, differences among different animal groups presumably resulted from human contact in artificial breeding environments and complex food processing. Differences in gene function might be related to the absolute number and/or the taxonomic abundance of oral and gut microorganisms in the wild and the water environment. This study provides not only basic information about the oral and gut microbiota of captive and wild water monitor lizards, but also an inference that feeding on frogs and aquatic products and reducing human exposure help water monitor lizards maintain a microbiota similar to that in the wild environment.
Co-occurrence Interaction Networks of Extremophile Species Living in a Copper Mining Tailing
Authors: Galvez Gabriel , Ortega Jaime , Fredericksen Fernanda , Aliaga-Tobar Victor , Parra Valentina , Reyes-Jara Angélica , Pizarro Lorena , Latorre Mauricio
Published: January 2022

Copper mining tailings are characterized by high concentrations of heavy metals and an acidic pH, conditions that require an extreme adaptation for any organism. Currently, several bacterial species have been isolated and characterized from mining environments; however, very little is known about the structure of microbial communities and how their members interact with each other under the extreme conditions where they live. This work generates a co-occurrence network, representing the bacterial soil community from the Cauquenes copper tailing, which is the largest copper waste deposit worldwide. A representative sampling of six zones from the Cauquenes tailing was carried out to determine pH, heavy metal concentration, total DNA extraction, and subsequent assignment of Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs). According to the elemental concentrations and pH, the six zones could be grouped into two sectors: (1) the “new tailing,” characterized by neutral pH and low concentration of elements, and (2) the “old tailing,” having extremely low pH (~3.5) and a high concentration of heavy metals (mainly copper). Even though the abundance and diversity of species were low in both sectors, the Pseudomonadaceae and Flavobacteriaceae families were over-represented. Additionally, the OTU identifications allowed us to identify a series of bacterial species with diverse biotechnological potentials, such as copper bioleaching and drought stress alleviation in plants. Using the OTU information as a template, we generated co-occurrence networks for the old and new tailings. The resulting models revealed a rearrangement between the interactions of members living in the old and new tailings, and highlighted conserved bacterial drivers as key nodes, with positive interactions in the network of the old tailings, compared to the new tailings. These results provide insights into the structure of the soil bacterial communities growing under extreme environmental conditions in mines.
Kaposi’s Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus, but Not Epstein-Barr Virus, Co-infection Associates With Coronavirus Disease 2019 Severity and Outcome in South African Patients
Authors: Blumenthal Melissa J. , Lambarey Humaira , Chetram Abeen , Riou Catherine , Wilkinson Robert J. , Schäfer Georgia
Published: January 2022

In South Africa, the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is occurring against the backdrop of high Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), tuberculosis and non-communicable disease burdens as well as prevalent herpesviruses infections such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). As part of an observational study of adults admitted to Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa during the period June–August 2020 and assessed for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, we measured KSHV serology and KSHV and EBV viral load (VL) in peripheral blood in relation to COVID-19 severity and outcome. A total of 104 patients with PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were included in this study. 61% were men and 39% women with a median age of 53 years (range 21–86). 29.8% (95% CI: 21.7–39.1%) of the cohort was HIV positive and 41.1% (95% CI: 31.6–51.1%) were KSHV seropositive. EBV VL was detectable in 84.4% (95% CI: 76.1–84.4%) of the cohort while KSHV DNA was detected in 20.6% (95% CI: 13.6–29.2%), with dual EBV/KSHV infection in 17.7% (95% CI: 11.1–26.2%). On enrollment, 48 [46.2% (95% CI: 36.8–55.7%)] COVID-19 patients were classified as severe on the WHO ordinal scale reflecting oxygen therapy and supportive care requirements and 30 of these patients [28.8% (95% CI: 20.8–38.0%)] later died. In COVID-19 patients, detectable KSHV VL was associated with death after adjusting for age, sex, HIV status and detectable EBV VL [p = 0.036, adjusted OR = 3.17 (95% CI: 1.08–9.32)]. Furthermore, in HIV negative COVID-19 patients, there was a trend indicating that KSHV VL may be related to COVID-19 disease severity [p = 0.054, unstandardized co-efficient 0.86 (95% CI: –0.015–1.74)] in addition to death [p = 0.008, adjusted OR = 7.34 (95% CI: 1.69–31.49)]. While the design of our study cannot distinguish if disease synergy exists between COVID-19 and KSHV nor if either viral infection is indeed fueling the other, these data point to a potential contribution of KSHV infection to COVID-19 outcome, or SARS-CoV-2 infection to KSHV reactivation, particularly in the South African context of high disease burden, that warrants further investigation.
Oral Prevotella Species and Their Connection to Events of Clinical Relevance in Gastrointestinal and Respiratory Tracts
Authors: Könönen Eija , Gursoy Ulvi K.
Published: January 2022

Prevotella is recognized as one of the core anaerobic genera in the oral microbiome. In addition, members of this genus belong to microbial communities of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. Several novel Prevotella species, most of them of oral origin, have been described, but limited knowledge is still available of their clinical relevance. Prevotella melaninogenica is among the anaerobic commensals on oral mucosae from early months of life onward, and other early colonizing Prevotella species in the oral cavity include Prevotella nigrescens and Prevotella pallens. Oral Prevotella species get constant access to the gastrointestinal tract via saliva swallowing and to lower airways via microaspiration. At these extra-oral sites, they play a role as commensals but also as potentially harmful agents on mucosal surfaces. The aim of this narrative review is to give an updated overview on the involvement of oral Prevotella species in gastrointestinal and respiratory health and disease.
Major Bloodstream Infection-Causing Bacterial Pathogens and Their Antimicrobial Resistance in South Korea, 2017–2019: Phase I Report From Kor-GLASS
Authors: Kim Dokyun , Yoon Eun-Jeong , Hong Jun Sung , Choi Min Hyuk , Kim Hyun Soo , Kim Young Ree , Kim Young Ah , Uh Young , Shin Kyeong Seob , Shin Jeong Hwan , Park Jeong Su , Park Kyoung Un , Won Eun Jeong , Kim Soo Hyun , Shin Jong Hee , Kim Jung Wook , Lee SungYoung , Jeong Seok Hoon
Published: January 2022

To monitor national antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the Korea Global AMR Surveillance System (Kor-GLASS) was established. This study analyzed bloodstream infection (BSI) cases from Kor-GLASS phase I from January 2017 to December 2019. Nine non-duplicated Kor-GLASS target pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter spp., and Salmonella spp., were isolated from blood specimens from eight sentinel hospitals. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, AMR genotyping, and strain typing were carried out. Among the 20,041 BSI cases, 15,171 cases were caused by one of the target pathogens, and 12,578 blood isolates were collected for the study. Half (1,059/2,134) of S. aureus isolates were resistant to cefoxitin, and 38.1% (333/873) of E. faecium isolates were resistant to vancomycin. Beta-lactamase-non-producing ampicillin-resistant and penicillin-resistant E. faecalis isolates by disk diffusion method were identified, but the isolates were confirmed as ampicillin-susceptible by broth microdilution method. Among E. coli, an increasing number of isolates carried the blaCTX–M–27 gene, and the ertapenem resistance in 1.4% (30/2,110) of K. pneumoniae isolates was mostly (23/30) conferred by K. pneumoniae carbapenemases. A quarter (108/488) of P. aeruginosa isolates were resistant to meropenem, and 30.5% (33/108) of those carried acquired carbapenemase genes. Over 90% (542/599) of A. baumannii isolates were imipenem-resistant, and all except one harbored the blaOXA–23 gene. Kor-GLASS provided comprehensive AMR surveillance data, and the defined molecular mechanisms of resistance helped us to better understand AMR epidemiology. Comparative analysis with other GLASS-enrolled countries is possible owing to the harmonized system provided by GLASS.
Bacterial Detection and Recovery From Poultry Litter
Authors: Plumblee Lawrence Jodie R. , Cudnik Denice , Oladeinde Adelumola
Published: January 2022

The level of pathogens in poultry litter used for raising broiler chickens is critical to the overall health of a broiler chicken flock and food safety. Therefore, it is imperative that methods used for determining bacterial concentration in litter are accurate and reproducible across studies. In this perspective, we discuss the shortcomings associated with current methods used for bacterial quantification and detection from litter and assess the efficacy of one method for pathogen and commensal (Campylobacter, Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus spp.) recovery. The limit of quantitation and detection for this method differed between pathogens, and the recovery rate (∼138–208%) was higher for Salmonella, E. coli, and Enterococcus compared to Campylobacter (24%). Our results suggest that pathogen recovery from litter is highly variable and pathogen concentrations need to be reported in dry weight before comparisons can be made between studies.
Circular RNAs in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: An Updated Review
Authors: Xu Derong , Ma Xuexiao , Sun Chong , Han Jialuo , Zhou Chuanli , Wong Sunny Hei , Chan Matthew T. V. , Wu William K. K.
Published: January 2022

Low back pain, a common medical condition, could result in severe disability and inflict huge economical and public health burden. Its pathogenesis is attributed to multiple etiological factors, including intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Emerging evidence suggests that circular RNAs (circRNAs), a major type of regulatory non-coding RNA, play critical roles in cellular processes that are pertinent to IDD development, including nucleus pulposus cell proliferation and apoptosis as well as extracellular matrix deposition. Increasing number of translational studies also indicated that circRNAs could serve as novel biomarkers for the diagnosis of IDD and/or predicting its clinical outcomes. Our review aims to discuss the recent progress in the functions and mechanisms of newly discovered IDD-related circRNAs.
Potential Value of Cerebrospinal Fluid Progranulin in the Identification of Postoperative Delirium in Geriatrics Patients Undergoing Knee Replacement: The Perioperative Neurocognitive Disorder and Biomarker LifestylE Study
Authors: Wang Bin , Sun Xiujie , Wang Jiahan , Deng Xiyuan , Lin Yanan , Liu Fanghao , Dong Rui , Lin Xu , Bi Yanlin
Published: January 2022

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether progranulin (PGRN) levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were associated with postoperative delirium (POD) in geriatric patients undergoing knee replacement.

Method: A total of 600 Han Chinese patients aged 65–90 years and who underwent unilateral total knee arthroplasty were included in the Perioperative Neurocognitive Disorder And Biomarker LifestylE (PNDABLE) study from June 2020 to November 2020. All participants were assessed using the Confusion Assessment Method and the Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale on postoperative days 1–7 (or before discharge) by an anesthesiologist. CSF PGRN and CSF biomarkers of POD were measured by ELISA. We analyzed the risk and protective factors of POD using the multivariate logistic regression, and the associations between CSF PGRN and CSF biomarkers of POD using multiple linear regression. We also explored whether the influence of CSF PGRN on POD was mediated by POD core pathology in linear regression models.

Results: Postoperative delirium incidence was 9.7% (53/545). There were significant differences in preoperative CSF PGRN between patients with POD and non-POD (NPOD). As for CSF biomarkers, CSF Aβ40, T-tau, and P-tau were risk factors for POD, while CSF PGRN, Aβ42, and Aβ42/Aβ40 were protective factors for POD, as shown by the multivariate logistic regression analysis. CSF PGRN was positively associated with CSF Aβ42 and was negatively associated with CSF Aβ40, T-tau, and P-tau in patients with POD. We found that the AUC was 0.795 (95% CI = 0.706, 0.867) for PGRN between POD and NPOD groups. We found the influence of CSF PGRN on POD was mediated by POD core pathology. The effect was considered partial mediation with the proportion of mediation varying from 44.92 to 62.07%.

Conclusion: Cerebrospinal fluid PGRN may be a reasonably good prognostic factor for POD development. Overall, amyloid pathology and tau protein might partially mediate the influence of PGRN on POD.

Clinical Trial Registration:www.clinicaltrials.gov, identifier ChiCTR2000033439.
An Improved Fusion Paired Group Lasso Structured Sparse Canonical Correlation Analysis Based on Brain Imaging Genetics to Identify Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Wang Shuaiqun , Wu Xinqi , Wei Kai , Kong Wei
Published: January 2022

Brain imaging genetics can demonstrate the complicated relationship between genetic factors and the structure or function of the humankind brain. Therefore, it has become an important research topic and attracted more and more attention from scholars. The structured sparse canonical correlation analysis (SCCA) model has been widely used to identify the association between brain image data and genetic data in imaging genetics. To investigate the intricate genetic basis of cerebrum imaging phenotypes, a great deal of other standard SCCA methods combining different interested structed have now appeared. For example, some models use group lasso penalty, and some use the fused lasso or the graph/network guided fused lasso for feature selection. However, prior knowledge may not be completely available and the group lasso methods have limited capabilities in practical applications. The graph/network guided approaches can use sample correlation to define constraints, thereby overcoming this problem. Unfortunately, this also has certain limitations. The graph/network conducted methods are susceptible to the sign of the sample correlation of the data, which will affect the stability of the model. To improve the efficiency and stability of SCCA, a sparse canonical correlation analysis model with GraphNet regularization (FGLGNSCCA) is proposed in this manuscript. Based on the FGLSCCA model, the GraphNet regularization penalty is imposed in our study and an optimization algorithm is presented to optimize the model. The structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging (sMRI) and gene expression data are used in this study to find the genotype and characteristics of brain regions associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Experiment results shown that the new FGLGNSCCA model proposed in this manuscript is superior or equivalent to traditional methods in both artificially synthesized neuroimaging genetics data or actual neuroimaging genetics data. It can select essential features more powerfully compared with other multivariate methods and identify significant canonical correlation coefficients as well as captures more significant typical weight patterns which demonstrated its excellent ability in finding biologically important imaging genetic relations.
Cellular Physiology and Pathophysiology of EAAT Anion Channels
Authors: Kovermann Peter , Engels Miriam , Müller Frank , Fahlke Christoph
Published: January 2022

Excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) optimize the temporal resolution and energy demand of mammalian excitatory synapses by quickly removing glutamate from the synaptic cleft into surrounding neuronal and glial cells and ensuring low resting glutamate concentrations. In addition to secondary active glutamate transport, EAATs also function as anion channels. The channel function of these transporters is conserved in all homologs ranging from archaebacteria to mammals; however, its physiological roles are insufficiently understood. There are five human EAATs, which differ in their glutamate transport rates. Until recently the high-capacity transporters EAAT1, EAAT2, and EAAT3 were believed to conduct only negligible anion currents, with no obvious function in cell physiology. In contrast, the low-capacity glutamate transporters EAAT4 and EAAT5 are thought to regulate neuronal signaling as glutamate-gated channels. In recent years, new experimental approaches and novel animal models, together with the discovery of a human genetic disease caused by gain-of-function mutations in EAAT anion channels have enabled identification of the first physiological and pathophysiological roles of EAAT anion channels.
Local and Transient Changes of Sleep Spindle Density During Series of Prefrontal Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Patients With a Major Depressive Episode
Authors: Izuno Takuji , Saeki Takashi , Hirai Nobuhide , Yoshiike Takuya , Sunagawa Masataka , Nakamura Motoaki
Published: January 2022

The neuromodulatory effects of brain stimulation therapies notably involving repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on nocturnal sleep, which is critically disturbed in major depression and other neuropsychiatric disorders, remain largely undetermined. We have previously reported in major depression patients that prefrontal rTMS sessions enhanced their slow wave activity (SWA) power, but not their sigma power which is related to sleep spindle activity, for electrodes located nearby the stimulation site. In the present study, we focused on measuring the spindle density to investigate cumulative effects of prefrontal rTMS sessions on the sleep spindle activity. Fourteen male inpatients diagnosed with medication-resistant unipolar or bipolar depression were recruited and subjected to 10 daily rTMS sessions targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). All-night polysomnography (PSG) data was acquired at four time points: Adaptation, Baseline, Post-1 (follow-up after the fifth rTMS session), and Post-2 (follow-up after the tenth rTMS session). Clinical and cognitive evaluations were longitudinally performed at Baseline, Post-1, and Post-2 time points to explore associations with the spindle density changes. The PSG data from 12 of 14 patients was analyzed to identify sleep spindles across the sleep stages II–IV at four electrode sites: F3 (frontal spindle near the stimulation site), F4 (contralateral homologous frontal region), P3 (parietal spindle in the hemisphere ipsilateral to the stimulation site), and P4 (contralateral parietal region). Statistical analysis by two-way ANOVA revealed that spindle density at F3 increased at Post-1 but decreased at Post-2 time points. Moreover, the local and transient increase of spindle density at F3 was associated with the previously reported SWA power increase at F3, possibly reflecting a shared mechanism of thalamocortical synchronization locally enhanced by diurnal prefrontal rTMS sessions. Clinical and cognitive correlations were not observed in this dataset. These findings suggest that diurnal rTMS sessions transiently modulate nocturnal sleep spindle activity at the stimulation site, although clinical and cognitive effects of the local changes warrant further investigation.
Mapping of Language-and-Memory Networks in Patients With Temporal Lobe Epilepsy by Using the GE2REC Protocol
Authors: Banjac Sonja , Roger Elise , Cousin Emilie , Mosca Chrystèle , Minotti Lorella , Krainik Alexandre , Kahane Philippe , Baciu Monica
Published: January 2022

Preoperative mapping of language and declarative memory functions in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients is essential since they frequently encounter deterioration of these functions and show variable degrees of cerebral reorganization. Due to growing evidence on language and declarative memory interdependence at a neural and neuropsychological level, we propose the GE2REC protocol for interactive language-and-memory network (LMN) mapping. GE2REC consists of three inter-related tasks, sentence generation with implicit encoding (GE) and two recollection (2REC) memory tasks: recognition and recall. This protocol has previously been validated in healthy participants, and in this study, we showed that it also maps the LMN in the left TLE (N = 18). Compared to healthy controls (N = 19), left TLE (LTLE) showed widespread inter- and intra-hemispheric reorganization of the LMN through reduced activity of regions engaged in the integration and the coordination of this meta-network. We also illustrated how this protocol could be implemented in clinical practice individually by presenting two case studies of LTLE patients who underwent efficient surgery and became seizure-free but showed different cognitive outcomes. This protocol can be advantageous for clinical practice because it (a) is short and easy to perform; (b) allows brain mapping of essential cognitive functions, even at an individual level; (c) engages language-and-memory interaction allowing to evaluate the integrative processes within the LMN; (d) provides a more comprehensive assessment by including both verbal and visual modalities, as well as various language and memory processes. Based on the available postsurgical data, we presented preliminary results obtained with this protocol in LTLE patients that could potentially inform the clinical practice. This implies the necessity to further validate the potential of GE2REC for neurosurgical planning, along with two directions, guiding resection and describing LMN neuroplasticity at an individual level.
Efficiency and Stability of Step-To Gait in Slow Walking
Authors: Hirayama Kento , Otaka Yohei , Kurayama Taichi , Takahashi Toru , Tomita Yutaka , Inoue Seigo , Honaga Kaoru , Kondo Kunitsugu , Osu Rieko
Published: January 2022

As humans, we constantly change our movement strategies to adapt to changes in physical functions and the external environment. We have to walk very slowly in situations with a high risk of falling, such as walking on slippery ice, carrying an overflowing cup of water, or muscle weakness owing to aging or motor deficit. However, previous studies have shown that a normal gait pattern at low speeds results in reduced efficiency and stability in comparison with those at a normal speed. Another possible strategy is to change the gait pattern from normal to step-to gait, in which the other foot is aligned with the first swing foot. However, the efficiency and stability of the step-to gait pattern at low speeds have not been investigated yet. Therefore, in this study, we compared the efficiency and stability of the normal and step-to gait patterns at intermediate, low, and very low speeds. Eleven healthy participants were asked to walk with a normal gait and step-to gait on a treadmill at five different speeds (i.e., 10, 20, 30, 40, and 60 m/min), ranging from very low to normal walking speed. The efficiency parameters (percent recovery and walk ratio) and stability parameters (center of mass lateral displacement) were analyzed from the motion capture data and then compared for the two gait patterns. The results suggested that step-to gait had a more efficient gait pattern at very low speeds of 10–30 m/min, with a larger percent recovery, and was more stable at 10–60 m/min in comparison with a normal gait. However, the efficiency of the normal gait was better than that of the step-to gait pattern at 60 m/min. Therefore, step-to gait is effective in improving gait efficiency and stability when faced with situations that force us to walk slowly or hinder quick walking because of muscle weakness owing to aging or motor deficit along with a high risk of falling.
Hyperexcitability and Homeostasis in Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Liu Xiaopeng , Kumar Vipendra , Tsai Nien-Pei , Auerbach Benjamin D.
Published: January 2022

Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is a leading inherited cause of autism and intellectual disability, resulting from a mutation in the FMR1 gene and subsequent loss of its protein product FMRP. Despite this simple genetic origin, FXS is a phenotypically complex disorder with a range of physical and neurocognitive disruptions. While numerous molecular and cellular pathways are affected by FMRP loss, there is growing evidence that circuit hyperexcitability may be a common convergence point that can account for many of the wide-ranging phenotypes seen in FXS. The mechanisms for hyperexcitability in FXS include alterations to excitatory synaptic function and connectivity, reduced inhibitory neuron activity, as well as changes to ion channel expression and conductance. However, understanding the impact of FMR1 mutation on circuit function is complicated by the inherent plasticity in neural circuits, which display an array of homeostatic mechanisms to maintain activity near set levels. FMRP is also an important regulator of activity-dependent plasticity in the brain, meaning that dysregulated plasticity can be both a cause and consequence of hyperexcitable networks in FXS. This makes it difficult to separate the direct effects of FMR1 mutation from the myriad and pleiotropic compensatory changes associated with it, both of which are likely to contribute to FXS pathophysiology. Here we will: (1) review evidence for hyperexcitability and homeostatic plasticity phenotypes in FXS models, focusing on similarities/differences across brain regions, cell-types, and developmental time points; (2) examine how excitability and plasticity disruptions interact with each other to ultimately contribute to circuit dysfunction in FXS; and (3) discuss how these synaptic and circuit deficits contribute to disease-relevant behavioral phenotypes like epilepsy and sensory hypersensitivity. Through this discussion of where the current field stands, we aim to introduce perspectives moving forward in FXS research.
The Energy Homeostasis Principle: A Naturalistic Approach to Explain the Emergence of Behavior
Authors: Vicencio-Jimenez Sergio , Villalobos Mario , Maldonado Pedro E. , Vergara Rodrigo C.
Published: January 2022

It is still elusive to explain the emergence of behavior and understanding based on its neural mechanisms. One renowned proposal is the Free Energy Principle (FEP), which uses an information-theoretic framework derived from thermodynamic considerations to describe how behavior and understanding emerge. FEP starts from a whole-organism approach, based on mental states and phenomena, mapping them into the neuronal substrate. An alternative approach, the Energy Homeostasis Principle (EHP), initiates a similar explanatory effort but starts from single-neuron phenomena and builds up to whole-organism behavior and understanding. In this work, we further develop the EHP as a distinct but complementary vision to FEP and try to explain how behavior and understanding would emerge from the local requirements of the neurons. Based on EHP and a strict naturalist approach that sees living beings as physical and deterministic systems, we explain scenarios where learning would emerge without the need for volition or goals. Given these starting points, we state several considerations of how we see the nervous system, particularly the role of the function, purpose, and conception of goal-oriented behavior. We problematize these conceptions, giving an alternative teleology-free framework in which behavior and, ultimately, understanding would still emerge. We reinterpret neural processing by explaining basic learning scenarios up to simple anticipatory behavior. Finally, we end the article with an evolutionary perspective of how this non-goal-oriented behavior appeared. We acknowledge that our proposal, in its current form, is still far from explaining the emergence of understanding. Nonetheless, we set the ground for an alternative neuron-based framework to ultimately explain understanding.
Increasing Seaweed Consumption in the Netherlands and Portugal and the Consequences for the Intake of Iodine, Sodium, and Exposure to Chemical Contaminants: A Risk-Benefit Study
Authors: Vellinga Reina Elisabeth , Sam Matthijs , Verhagen Hans , Jakobsen Lea Sletting , Ravn-Haren Gitte , Sugimoto Minami , Torres Duarte , Katagiri Ryoko , Thu Beate Julie , Granby Kit , Hoekstra Jeljer , Temme Elisabeth Helena Maria
Published: January 2022

Background: Seaweed has a high potential for nourishing the future planet. However, besides being beneficial, it also contains adverse components; this poses the question whether consumption of seaweed foods overall contributes beneficially or detrimentally to human health, and hence if their consumption should be promoted or restricted.

Methods: This study evaluated the impact of substituting regular foods with seaweed foods in the diet, both in terms of nutritional quality (via iodine and sodium) and food safety (via arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury). Food consumption data from the Netherlands and Portugal (adults aged >18 years) were used, in which 10% of the amounts of pasta, bacon, and lettuce consumed were replaced by seaweed-derived products made from kelp (Saccharina latissima). Using Monte Carlo Risk Assessment software (MCRA), long-term nutrient intake and exposure to contaminants were assessed. The results obtained for the Netherlands and Portugal were compared with data from Japan, a country that has a high natural consumption of seaweed.

Results: This low-tier risk-benefit study reveals that an increased seaweed consumption (as assessed by the 10% replacement with seaweed products) has no consequences in terms of intake of sodium and exposure to cadmium, lead, and mercury, and the associated (absence of) adverse health aspects. The alternative scenario almost doubled the mean iodine intake in the Netherlands (to 300 μg/day) and Portugal (to 208 μg/day) and increased the average exposure to arsenic levels in the Netherlands (to 1.02 μg/kg bw/day) and Portugal (to 1.67 μg/kg bw/day).

Conclusion: The intake of iodine and exposure to arsenic in the Netherland and Portugal were certainly higher due to the modeled increase of seaweed foods. If seaweed consumption increases close to the 10% substitution, the public health consequences thereof may trigger further research.
Influence of the Type of Breastfeeding and Human Milk Polyamines on Infant Anthropometric Parameters
Authors: Muñoz-Esparza Nelly C. , Vásquez-Garibay Edgar M. , Guzmán-Mercado Elizabeth , Larrosa-Haro Alfredo , Comas-Basté Oriol , Latorre-Moratalla M. Luz , Veciana-Nogués M. Teresa , Vidal-Carou M. Carmen
Published: January 2022

Feeding choices in the early months of life are key determinants of growth during infancy. Polyamines participate in cell proliferation and differentiation, and it has also been suggested that polyamine metabolism plays a role in adipogenesis. As the main exogenous source of polyamines in the infant is human milk, the aim of this work was to study if the type of breastfeeding received and the polyamine intake from human milk has an influence on infant anthropometric parameters. A cohort of 78 full-term healthy newborns was followed up until 4 months of age; 55 were fully and 23 partially breastfed. Anthropometric measurements were taken at 2 and 4 months, when human milk samples were also collected for analysis of polyamine content by UHPLC-FL. Fully breastfed infants had a better anthropometric profile than those partially breastfed (p < 0.05). Furthermore, polyamine intake in partially breastfed infants was significantly lower compared to those fully breastfed. However, only two of the 15 anthropometric indicators evaluated (triceps skinfold and mean upper arm circumference) showed a significant inverse association with polyamine content in human milk and intake (p < 0.05). Infant growth and body composition differ according to the type of breastfeeding received. Based on the weak associations between polyamines and anthropometric indicators, it is not possible to conclude the influence of polyamines in infant growth and body composition.
Effects of Intravenous Infusion of Lidocaine on Short-Term Outcomes and Survival in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Ovarian Cancer: A Retrospective Propensity Score Matching Study
Authors: Zhang Hao , Gu Jiahui , Qu Mengdi , Sun Zhirong , Huang Qihong , Cata Juan P. , Chen Wankun , Miao Changhong
Published: January 2022

Background

Intravenous lidocaine has been shown to reduce opioid consumption and is associated with favourable outcomes after surgery. In this study, we explored whether intraoperative lidocaine reduces intraoperative opioid use and length of stay (LOS) and improves long-term survival after primary debulking surgery for ovarian cancer and explored the correlation between SCN9A expression and ovarian cancer prognosis.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients who underwent primary debulking surgery(PDS) for ovarian cancer from January 2015 to December 2018. The patients were divided into non-lidocaine and lidocaine [bolus injection of 1.5 mg/kg lidocaine at the induction of anaesthesia followed by a continuous infusion of 2 mg/(kg∙h) intraoperatively] groups. Intraoperative opioid consumption, the verbal numeric rating scale (VNRS) at rest and LOS were recorded. Propensity score matching was used to minimize bias, and disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared between the two groups.

Results

After propensity score matching(PSM), the demographics were not significantly different between the groups. The intraoperative sufentanil consumption in the lidocaine group was significantly lower than that in the non-lidocaine group (Mean: 35.6 μg vs. 43.2 μg, P=0.035). LOS was similar between the groups (12.0 days vs. 12.4 days, P=0.386). There was a significant difference in DFS between the groups (32.3% vs. 21.6%, P=0.015), and OS rates were significantly higher in the lidocaine group than in the non-lidocaine group (35.2% vs. 25.6%, P=0.042). Multivariate analysis indicated that intraoperative lidocaine infusion was associated with prolonged OS and DFS.

Conclusion

Intraoperative intravenous lidocaine infusion appears to be associated with improved OS and DFS in patients undergoing primary debulking surgery for ovarian cancer. Our study has the limitations of a retrospective review. Hence, our results should be confirmed by a prospective randomized controlled trial.
Application of Real-World Data to External Control Groups in Oncology Clinical Trial Drug Development
Authors: Yap Timothy A. , Jacobs Ira , Baumfeld Andre Elodie , Lee Lauren J. , Beaupre Darrin , Azoulay Laurent
Published: January 2022

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assess overall survival are considered the “gold standard” when evaluating the efficacy and safety of a new oncology intervention. However, single-arm trials that use surrogate endpoints (e.g., objective response rate or duration of response) to evaluate clinical benefit have become the basis for accelerated or breakthrough regulatory approval of precision oncology drugs for cases where the target and research populations are relatively small. Interpretation of efficacy in single-arm trials can be challenging because such studies lack a standard-of-care comparator arm. Although an external control group can be based on data from other clinical trials, using an external control group based on data collected outside of a trial may not only offer an alternative to both RCTs and uncontrolled single-arm trials, but it may also help improve decision-making by study sponsors or regulatory authorities. Hence, leveraging real-world data (RWD) to construct external control arms in clinical trials that investigate the efficacy and safety of drug interventions in oncology has become a topic of interest. Herein, we review the benefits and challenges associated with the use of RWD to construct external control groups, and the relevance of RWD to early oncology drug development.