bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neurocognitive health of older adults experiencing homelessness in Oakland, California
Authors: Mullady Sandeepa Satya-Sriram , Castellanos Stacy , Lopez Lucia , Aguirre Gloria , Weeks John , King Stephen , Valle Karen , Goode Collette , Tsoy Elena , Possin Katherine , Miller Bruce , Kushel Margot , Lanata Serggio
Published: July 2022

Background and objectives

The homeless population in the US is aging. Cognitive impairment is prevalent in this population, yet little is known about the neurologic etiologies of such impairment. Addressing this gap in knowledge is important because homeless older adults with cognitive impairment due to neurodegenerative disease may need lifelong tailored support to obtain and maintain housing. In this study, we characterized the neurocognitive health of a sample of adults who experienced homelessness for the first time after age 50 using gold standard behavioral neurology examination practices.

Methods

We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study of older adults who first experienced homelessness after age 50. We recruited our sample purposively from an ongoing longitudinal cohort study of adults who were aged 50 and over and homeless when they entered the cohort. For this sub study, we enrolled a convenience sample from those who reported their first episode of homelessness after age 50. We did not exclude individuals based on history of substance use. Neurologists conducted a structured neurocognitive history intake, neurological examination, neuropsychological evaluation, and functional assessment between November 2020 and February 2021. We screened all participants for neurocognitive disorders using gold standard clinical research diagnostic criteria.

Results

We evaluated 25 participants, most were men (76%) and Black (84%), with a median age of 61 years. The most common neurocognitive complaints included deficits in recent episodic memory (n = 15, 60%), executive functions (n = 13, 52%), and behavior/mood, with apathy being the most common complaint (n = 20, 80%). Neuropsychological testing revealed a high prevalence of socioemotional deficits (n = 20, 80%). Common neurological examination deficits included difficulties with coordination, such as impaired Luria task (n = 16, 64%), signs of distal peripheral neuropathy (n = 8, 32%), anosmia/hyposmia (n = 4, 21%), and signs of mild Parkinsonism (n = 5, 20%). The most common diagnoses were MCI (n = 7, 28%), bvFTD (n = 4, 16%), AD (n = 4, 16%), and DLB (n = 2, 8%).

Discussion

Our findings suggest that neurocognitive concerns and examination deficits are common among older homeless adults. Specific neurocognitive disorders may be overrepresented in this population, particularly frontotemporal disorders. Longitudinal studies involving brain biomarkers are needed to characterize the neurocognitive health of this vulnerable population more precisely.
Stroke care during the COVID-19 pandemic: Case numbers, treatments, and mortality in two large German stroke registries
Authors: Brunssen Alicia , Rücker Viktoria , Heuschmann Peter , Held Jana , Hermanek Peter , Berlis Ansgar , Hecht Martin , Berger Klaus
Published: July 2022

Background and purpose

At the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, an alarming decline in hospitalizations for stroke was reported in several countries, including Germany. We assessed hospitalization numbers and indicators of the quality of stroke care in 2020 during the pandemic containment measures.

Materials and methods

The analysis was based on data of two large stroke quality assurance registries in the north and the south of Germany (Qualitätssicherung Schlaganfall Nordwestdeutschland and Bayerische Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Qualitätssicherung in der stationären Versorgung). We included 395 hospitals with 467,931 documented cases in 2018–2020. The time interval between admission and thrombolysis, frequency of systemic thrombolysis and intra-arterial therapy (IAT), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score on admission and in-hospital mortality were assessed. Changes in the second (Q2) and fourth (Q4) quarters of 2020 were compared to corresponding quarters in 2019 by chi-squared tests.

Results

Hospitalization numbers decreased in the two stroke registries by 8% and 10% in Q2 of 2020 and by 5% and 15% in Q4 of 2020 compared to the same quarters in 2019, respectively. The decline was particularly seen in women and patients with transient ischemic attacks. In cases with cerebral infarction, no increase in NIHSS scores on admission was observed, and the proportion of patients with a time interval between admission and thrombolysis of ≤60 min was unchanged. No clear pattern was found in the frequency of systemic thrombolysis and IAT. In one of the registries, in-hospital mortality of patients with cerebral infarction increased in Q2 of 2020 compared to Q2 of 2019.

Conclusion

Case numbers slightly decreased under pandemic conditions, while our quarterly analysis indicated that the quality of stroke care was largely unchanged throughout the year 2020.
Neural activity during solo and choral reading: A functional magnetic resonance imaging study of overt continuous speech production in adults who stutter
Authors: Garnett Emily O. , Chow Ho Ming , Limb Sarah , Liu Yanni , Chang Soo-Eun
Published: July 2022

Previous neuroimaging investigations of overt speech production in adults who stutter (AWS) found increased motor and decreased auditory activity compared to controls. Activity in the auditory cortex is heightened, however, under fluency-inducing conditions in which AWS temporarily become fluent while synchronizing their speech with an external rhythm, such as a metronome or another speaker. These findings suggest that stuttering is associated with disrupted auditory motor integration. Technical challenges in acquiring neuroimaging data during continuous overt speech production have limited experimental paradigms to short or covert speech tasks. Such paradigms are not ideal, as stuttering primarily occurs during longer speaking tasks. To address this gap, we used a validated spatial ICA technique designed to address speech movement artifacts during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanning. We compared brain activity and functional connectivity of the left auditory cortex during continuous speech production in two conditions: solo (stutter-prone) and choral (fluency-inducing) reading tasks. Overall, brain activity differences in AWS relative to controls in the two conditions were similar, showing expected patterns of hyperactivity in premotor/motor regions but underactivity in auditory regions. Functional connectivity of the left auditory cortex (STG) showed that within the AWS group there was increased correlated activity with the right insula and inferior frontal area during choral speech. The AWS also exhibited heightened connectivity between left STG and key regions of the default mode network (DMN) during solo speech. These findings indicate possible interference by the DMN during natural, stuttering-prone speech in AWS, and that enhanced coordination between auditory and motor regions may support fluent speech.
Anticipatory attention is a stable state induced by transient control mechanisms
Authors: Noah Sean , Meyyappan Sreenivasan , Ding Mingzhou , Mangun George R.
Published: July 2022

Anticipatory attention is a neurocognitive state in which attention control regions bias neural activity in sensory cortical areas to facilitate the selective processing of incoming targets. Previous electroencephalographic (EEG) studies have identified event-related potential (ERP) signatures of anticipatory attention, and implicated alpha band (8–12 Hz) EEG oscillatory activity in the selective control of neural excitability in visual cortex. However, the degree to which ERP and alpha band measures reflect related or distinct underlying neural processes remains to be further understood. To investigate this question, we analyzed EEG data from 20 human participants performing a cued object-based attention task. We used support vector machine (SVM) decoding analysis to compare the attentional time courses of ERP signals and alpha band power. We found that ERP signals encoding attentional instructions are dynamic and precede stable attention-related changes in alpha power, suggesting that ERP and alpha power reflect distinct neural processes. We proposed that the ERP patterns reflect transient attentional orienting signals originating in higher order control areas, whereas the patterns of synchronized oscillatory neural activity in the alpha band reflect a sustained attentional state. These findings support the hypothesis that anticipatory attention involves transient top-down control signals that establish more stable neural states in visual cortex, enabling selective sensory processing.
Intra and inter: Alterations in functional brain resting-state networks in patients with functional constipation
Authors: Zhang Dan , Zhou Zai-Long , Xing Ting , Zhou Mei-Yu , Wan Ye-Ming , Chang Shu-Chen , Wang Ya-Li , Qian Hai-Hua
Published: July 2022

Background

Functional constipation (FCon), is a symptom-based functional gastrointestinal disorder without an organic etiology and altering brain structure and function. However, previous studies mainly focused on isolated brain regions involved in brain plasticity. Therefore, little is known about the altered large-scale interaction of brain networks in FCon.

Methods

For this study, we recruited 20 patients with FCon and 20 healthy controls. We used group independent component analysis to identify resting-state networks (RSNs) and documented intra- and inter-network alterations in the RSNs of the patients with FCon.

Results

We found 14 independent RSNs. Differences in the intra-networks included decreased activities in the bilateral caudate of RSN 3 (strongly related to emotional and autonomic processes) and decreased activities in the left precuneus of RSN 10 (default mode network). Notably, the patients with FCon exhibited significantly decreased interactive connectivity between RSNs, mostly involving the connections to the visual perception network (RSN 7–9).

Conclusion

Compared with healthy controls, patients with FCon had extensive brain plastic changes within and across related RSNs. Furthermore, the macroscopic brain alterations in FCon were associated with interoceptive abilities, emotion processing, and sensorimotor control. These insights could therefore lead to the development of new treatment strategies for FCon.
Transcranial ultrasound stimulation applied in ischemic stroke rehabilitation: A review
Authors: Guo Jiecheng , Lo Wai Leung Ambrose , Hu Huijing , Yan Li , Li Le
Published: July 2022

Ischemic stroke is a serious medical condition that is caused by cerebral vascular occlusion and leads to neurological dysfunction. After stroke, patients suffer from long-term sensory, motor and cognitive impairment. Non-invasive neuromodulation technology has been widely studied in the field of stroke rehabilitation. Transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS), as a safe and non-invasive technique with deep penetration ability and a tiny focus, is an emerging technology. It can produce mechanical and thermal effects by delivering sound waves to brain tissue that can induce the production of neurotrophic factors (NFs) in the brain, and reduce cell apoptosis and the inflammatory response. TUS, which involves application of an acoustic wave, can also dissolve blood clots and be used to deliver therapeutic drugs to the ischemic region. TUS has great potential in the treatment of ischemic stroke. Future advancements in imaging and parameter optimization will improve the safety and efficacy of this technology in the treatment of ischemic stroke.
Sex-specific stress and biobehavioral responses to human experimenters in rats
Authors: Faraji Jamshid , Ambeskovic Mirela , Sauter Nevyn , Toly Jaxson , Whitten Kera , Lopes Nayara Antunes , Olson David M. , Metz Gerlinde A. S.
Published: July 2022

Important factors influencing the outcome of animal experiments in preclinical research are often overlooked. In the current study, the reaction of female and male rats toward the biological sex of a human experimenter was investigated in terms of anxiety-like behaviors and physiological stress responses, as measured by infrared (IR) thermography, circulating corticosterone (CORT) and oxytocin levels. Female rats displayed consistently exacerbated anxiety-related behaviors along with elevated body surface temperature during repeated exposure to male experimenters. Experimental stress further intensified thermal responses to a male experimenter, especially in female rats. The behavioral responses to a male experimenter in females were associated with higher circulating CORT and lower oxytocin levels. Similar responses were induced by a T-shirt worn by a human male. The findings suggest that psychophysiological responses of female rats to a male experimenter are influenced by both visual and olfactory cues. The results emphasize the need to not only consider sex differences in experimental animals, but also standardize and report the experimenter’s biological sex to avoid ambiguity in the generation and interpretation of results.
Cerebral blood flow network differences correlated with cognitive impairment in mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Duan Min , Liu Yin , Li Fengfang , Lu Liyan , Chen Yu-Chen
Published: July 2022

Purpose

To examine whether the cerebral blood flow (CBF) and CBF connectivity differences are sex-specific and whether these differences are correlated with cognitive impairment in mTBI.

Methods

Resting-state perfusion magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 40 patients with acute mTBI and 40 healthy controls by using pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling within 14 days following injury. The differences in normalized CBF were first compared and CBF connectivity of the brain regions with significant CBF differences were compared next. The association between the normalized CBF and CBF connectivity differences and cognitive function were further investigated.

Results

Men patients had lower normalized CBF in the frontal gyrus, temporal gyrus and hippocampus and decreased negative CBF connectivity between brain regions including the hippocampus, temporal gyrus, postcentral gyrus and lenticular nucleus, putamen, compared with men controls. Women patients had lower normalized CBF in the frontal gyrus, however had higher normalized CBF in the temporal gyrus and hippocampus, compared with women controls. Additionally, women patients showed increased positive CBF connectivity between the seed region of interest (ROI) of the right inferior temporal gyrus and temporal gyrus and frontal gyrus, and had increased positive CBF connectivity between the seed ROI of the right hippocampus and the temporal gyrus. Furthermore, men patients had higher CBF in the right middle temporal gyrus and left precentral gyrus than women patients.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence of sex differences in both decreased and increased CBF and CBF connectivity and association with cognitive outcome in the acute stage after mTBI.
Effects of 3-methylmethcathinone on conditioned place preference and anxiety-like behavior: Comparison with methamphetamine
Authors: Chen Yang , Zhang Libo , Ding Zengbo , Wu Xianwen , Wang Guibin , Shi Jie
Published: July 2022

3-Methylmethcathinone (3-MMC), a drug belonging to synthetic cathinones family, raised public attention due to its harmful health effects and abuse potential. Although it has similar properties to other cathinone derivatives, the behavioral effects of 3-MMC remain largely unknown. In the present research, we evaluated the rewarding effect of 3-MMC using conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm and its effect on anxiety-like behavior using elevated plus maze (EPM) and compared with methamphetamine (METH). Then, we performed a whole-brain c-Fos mapping to identify the specific brain regions in response to 3-MMC exposure and explored the changes of synaptic transmission in nucleus accumbens (NAc) using patch-clamp recording after chronic 3-MMC and METH exposure. 3-MMC induced CPP at higher doses of 3 or 10 mg/kg in rats and acute exposure of 3 mg/kg 3-MMC to rats produced anxiolytic-like effect, while anxiety-like behavior was increased after 7 days of injection with 3-MMC. Whole-brain immunostaining revealed increased c-Fos expression in anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), NAc and ventral tegmental area (VTA) after chronic 3-MMC injection compared with saline, which was similar to METH. Especially, 3-MMC induced more neural activation of VTA compared with METH. Finally, we found that amplitude of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs) in NAc was decreased after chronic 3-MMC injection, while frequency of sIPSCs and spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) were not affected. Taken together, our results revealed the addictive potential of 3-MMC and its effect on anxiety-like behavior, which warn the risks of 3-MMC abuse and justify the control of synthetic cathinones. And 3-MMC selectively inhibit inhibitory but not excitatory transmission onto neurons in NAc, which may contribute to its effects.
ALBI grade for outcome prediction in patients affected by hepatocellular carcinoma treated with transarterial radioembolization
Authors: Gelardi Fabrizia , Rodari Marcello , Pini Cristiano , Zanca Roberta , Artesani Alessia , Tosi Giovanni , Chiti Arturo , Sollini Martina
Published: July 2022

Introduction and aim

Diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) often occurs when the disease is unresectable and therapeutic options are limited. The extent of disease and liver function according to Child-Pugh (C-P) classification are the main prognostic factors guiding clinicians in the management of HCC. The integration of albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade is emerging to assess liver function on account of its objectivity and reproducibility. Our aim was to investigate the value of the ALBI grade in predicting the outcome in patients treated with transarterial radioembolization (TARE).

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled patients with advanced and unresectable HCC treated with TARE in our institution. All patients underwent a preliminary dosimetric study before Yttrium-90 resin microsphere TARE. Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC), C-P, and ALBI scores were established at the time of TARE. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and survival after TARE were assessed with the Kaplan-Meier method. Survival analyses were stratified according to ALBI grade, C-P, and BCLC classification. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional regression models determined the association between prognostic factors and clinical outcomes.

Results

In total, 72 patients were included in the study, showing an OS of 51 months. The ALBI grade identified groups of patients with different prognoses both in the whole cohort and within the C-P classes, especially between ALBI 1 and ALBI 2. This result is confirmed also within BCLC classes. In treatment naïve patients, the ALBI grade was not able to predict outcomes, whereas the presence and degree of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) significantly affected prognosis.

Conclusions

The ALBI grade provided a more accurate prognostic stratification than the C-P classification in patients with intermediate and advanced HCC treated with TARE. However, the outcome of HCC is affected not only by liver function but also by disease-related characteristics, such as disease burden and degree of PVT. Including the ALBI grade in clinical guidelines may improve the management of patients affected by HCC.
Prognostic Nutritional Index Predicts Response and Prognosis in Cancer Patients Treated With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ni Liwei , Huang Jing , Ding Jiyuan , Kou Junyan , Shao Tingting , Li Jun , Gao Liujie , Zheng Wanzhen , Wu Zhen
Published: July 2022

Objective

To investigate the association between pretreatment prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and clinical survival outcomes for advanced-stage cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive literature search to identify eligible studies concerning the relationship between pretreatment PNI and survival outcomes in advanced cancer patients treated with ICIs. Published data were extracted and pooled odds ratio (pOR) for objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and pooled hazard ratio (pHR) for overall survival (OS), progressive-free survival (PFS), along with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated.

Results

Twelve studies with 1,359 participants were included in our study. A higher level of PNI indicated a greater ORR (pOR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.52–3.10) and favorable DCR (pOR = 2.48, 95% CI = 1.87–3.29). Low PNI was associated with a shorter OS (pHR = 2.24, 95% CI = 1.57–3.20) and unfavorable PFS (pHR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.37–1.88).

Conclusion

Low PNI might be an effective biomarker of poor tumor response and adverse prognosis of advanced cancer patients with ICIs. Further studies are needed to verify the prognostic value of PNI in clinical practice.
Higher dietary inflammatory index is associated with increased all-cause mortality in adults with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Yan Li-Jun , Zhang Fei-Ran , Ma Chan-Shan , Zheng Yang
Published: July 2022

Background

Diet property grounded on inflammatory potential, evaluated by the dietary inflammatory index (DII), has been proven to be connected with mortality, while studies of adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are scarce.

Objective

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the interrelationships between DII and all-cause mortality among adults with CKD.

Methods

In the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001–2006, we identified and evaluated data of 4,554 adults with CKD. DII scores were calculated from 24 h of dietary consumption at baseline. Vital status was followed through 31 December 2015. The association of all-cause mortality with DII score was assessed using the Kaplan–Meier curve and the Cox regression analysis.

Results

After an average follow-up of 132.103 months, a total of 1,246 (27.36%) deaths were recorded. The death rates in the DII tertile categories were 24.04, 26.81, and 31.23%, respectively. The Kaplan–Meier curve showed increased death risks for the high DII tertile as compared with the low DII tertile. After we adjusted for a broad range of possible confounders, the estimation between extreme tertiles of DII scores presented a positive and significant association with all-cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR): 1.21, 95% CI: 1.05–1.39].

Conclusion

Our results confirm the hypothesis that proinflammatory diets contribute to the increased all-cause mortality in adults with CKD.
Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of naturally occurring glucosinolates from by-products of Camelina sativa L. and their effect on human colorectal cancer cell line
Authors: Pagliari Stefania , Giustra Chiara Maria , Magoni Chiara , Celano Rita , Fusi Paola , Forcella Matilde , Sacco Grazia , Panzeri Davide , Campone Luca , Labra Massimo
Published: July 2022

The food waste generated by small and medium agro-industrial enterprises requires appropriate management and valorization in order to decrease environmental problems and recover high-value products, respectively. In this study, the Camelina sativa seed by-product was used as a source of glucosinolates. To begin, the chemical profile of the extract obtained using an international organization for standardization (ISO) procedure was determined by UPLC-HRMS/MS analysis. In addition, an extraction method based on ultrasound-assisted extraction was developed as an alternative and green method to recover glucosinolates. Main parameters that affect extraction efficiency were optimized using a response surface design. Under optimized conditions, the extract showed an improvement in extraction yield with a reduction in organic solvent amount compared to those obtained using the ISO procedure. Finally, the extract obtained with the ultrasound-assisted method was purified, tested on human colorectal cancer cell lines, and showed promising results.
Phytochemical differences of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) leaves from different germplasms and their regulatory effects on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in Matin-Darby canine kidney cell lines
Authors: Liu Yi , Xiao Ai-Ping , Cheng Hao , Liu Liang-Liang , Kong Kin Weng , Liu Hong-Yan , Wu Ding-Tao , Li Hua-Bin , Gan Ren-You
Published: July 2022

The increasing demand of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) has attracted more interest in exploring its phytochemical profile and bioactivities, such as anti-inflammatory effect. In this study, the phytochemicals of different hemp leaves were investigated, with the content order: total saponins content (TSC) > total alkaloids content (TAC) > total phenolics content (TPC) > total flavonoids content (TFC) > cannabinoids. Hemp leaves from Shanxi accumulated higher flavonoids and cannabinoids (i.e., THC, CBD, and CBN), while phenolics were more abundant in those from Hunan. A lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory Matin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell model was established to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of hemp leaf extracts. Hemp leaf extracts, especially the D129 and c7, significantly increased cell viability of LPS-induced inflammatory MDCK cells, and D132 significantly decreased the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) and the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity. Except for c12, other hemp leaf extracts obviously decreased the cell morphological damage of LPS-induced inflammatory MDCK cells. The correlation analysis revealed that cannabinol (CBN) and TPC showed the strongest correlation with anti-inflammatory activities, and hierarchical clustering analysis also showed that hemp germplasms from Shanxi might be good alternatives to the common cultivar Ym7 due to their better anti-inflammatory activities. These results indicated that hemp leaves were effective in LPS-induced inflammatory MDCK cells, and flavonoids and cannabinoids were potential geographical markers for distinguishing them, which can provide new insights into the anti-inflammatory effect of hemp leaves and facilitate the application of hemp leaves as functional ingredients against inflammatory-related disorders.
Lifestyle and chronic kidney disease: A machine learning modeling study
Authors: Luo Wenjin , Gong Lilin , Chen Xiangjun , Gao Rufei , Peng Bin , Wang Yue , Luo Ting , Yang Yi , Kang Bing , Peng Chuan , Ma Linqiang , Mei Mei , Liu Zhiping , Li Qifu , Yang Shumin , Wang Zhihong , Hu Jinbo
Published: July 2022

Background

Individual lifestyle varies in the real world, and the comparative efficacy of lifestyles to preserve renal function remains indeterminate. We aimed to systematically compare the effects of lifestyles on chronic kidney disease (CKD) incidence, and establish a lifestyle scoring system for CKD risk identification.

Methods

Using the data of the UK Biobank cohort, we included 470,778 participants who were free of CKD at the baseline. We harnessed the light gradient boosting machine algorithm to rank the importance of 37 lifestyle factors (such as dietary patterns, physical activity (PA), sleep, psychological health, smoking, and alcohol) on the risk of CKD. The lifestyle score was calculated by a combination of machine learning and the Cox proportional-hazards model. A CKD event was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73 m2, mortality and hospitalization due to chronic renal failure, and self-reported chronic renal failure, initiated renal replacement therapy.

Results

During a median of the 11-year follow-up, 13,555 participants developed the CKD event. Bread, walking time, moderate activity, and vigorous activity ranked as the top four risk factors of CKD. A healthy lifestyle mainly consisted of whole grain bread, walking, moderate physical activity, oat cereal, and muesli, which have scored 12, 12, 10, 7, and 7, respectively. An unhealthy lifestyle mainly included white bread, tea >4 cups/day, biscuit cereal, low drink temperature, and processed meat, which have scored −12, −9, −7, −4, and −3, respectively. In restricted cubic spline regression analysis, a higher lifestyle score was associated with a lower risk of CKD event (p for linear relation < 0.001). Compared to participants with the lifestyle score < 0, participants scoring 0–20, 20–40, 40–60, and >60 exhibited 25, 42, 55, and 70% lower risk of CKD event, respectively. The C-statistic of the age-adjusted lifestyle score for predicting CKD events was 0.710 (0.703–0.718).

Conclusion

A lifestyle scoring system for CKD prevention was established. Based on the system, individuals could flexibly choose healthy lifestyles and avoid unhealthy lifestyles to prevent CKD.
Consumption of aquatic products and meats in Chinese residents: A nationwide survey
Authors: Wang Qihe , Liu Sana , Wang Huijun , Su Chang , Liu Aidong , Jiang Liying
Published: July 2022

Objective

To provide the most recent national estimates for the consumption of aquatic products and meats among Chinese residents.

Methods

This study was conducted in 14 provinces of China, using a multi-stage stratified random cluster sampling method and a population-proportional sampling procedure. Aquatic products and meats consumption was measured by a 3-day, 24-h dietary recall. Chinese residents aged 3 years and above (n = 24,106) completed a face-to-face dietary interview.

Results

The average daily consumption of meat and aquatic products for the all-aged population was 70.9 g and 48.0 g, respectively, which aligned with Dietary Guidelines (40–75 g/d) for Chinese Residents (2016). On the one hand, intake of aquatic products among Chinese people was relatively insufficient, especially for adolescents and elder people (<40 g/d). On the other hand, males, mainly aged 19–60, generally consumed too much meat (>80 g/d), and 19–44 grouping consumed more than 70 g/d of red meat. Besides, urban residents and individuals with higher socioeconomic status (SES) have exhibited comprehensively healthy dietary preferences than rural ones and those with a lower SES do. Women and the higher SES group tend to be closer to the dietary guidelines for the Chinese.

Conclusions

The consumption of meat and aquatic products varied with age, gender, region and SES. Detecting patterns in consumption is particularly relevant for policy makers, researchers and health professionals in the formulation of dietary recommendations and estimating potential health outcomes.
Association of gut microbiota with sort-chain fatty acids and inflammatory cytokines in diabetic patients with cognitive impairment: A cross-sectional, non-controlled study
Authors: Du Yage , Li Xiaoying , An Yu , Song Ying , Lu Yanhui
Published: July 2022

Emerging evidence suggests that gut microbiota, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and inflammatory cytokines play important roles in the pathogenesis of diabetic cognitive impairment (DCI). However, little is known about alterations of gut microbiota and SCFA levels as well as the relationships between inflammatory cytokines and cognitive function in Chinese DCI patients. Herein, the differences in the gut microbiota, plasma SCFAs, and inflammatory cytokines in DCI patients and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients were explored. A cross-sectional study of 30 DCI patients and 30 T2DM patients without mild cognitive impairment (MCI) was conducted in Tianjin city, China. The gut microbiota, plasma SCFAs, and inflammatory cytokines were determined using 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and Luminex immunofluorescence assays, respectively. In addition, the correlation between gut microbiota and DCI clinical characteristics, SCFAs, and inflammatory cytokines was investigated. According to the results, at the genus level, DCI patients presented a greater abundance of Gemmiger, Bacteroides, Roseburia, Prevotella, and Bifidobacterium and a poorer abundance of Escherichia and Akkermansia than T2DM patients. The plasma concentrations of acetic acid, propionic acid, isobutyric acid, and butyric acid plummeted in DCI patients compared to those in T2DM patients. TNF-α and IL-8 concentrations in plasma were significantly higher in DCI patients than in T2DM patients. Moreover, the concentrations of acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and isovaleric acid in plasma were negatively correlated with TNF-α, while those of acetic acid and butyric acid were negatively correlated with IL-8. Furthermore, the abundance of the genus Alloprevotella was negatively correlated with butyric acid, while that of Holdemanella was negatively correlated with propanoic acid and isobutyric acid. Fusobacterium abundance was negatively correlated with propanoic acid. Clostridium XlVb abundance was negatively correlated with TNF-α, while Shuttleworthia abundance was positively correlated with TNF-α. It was demonstrated that the gut microbiota alterations were accompanied by a change in SCFAs and inflammatory cytokines in DCI in Chinese patients, potentially causing DCI development. These findings might help to identify more effective microbiota-based therapies for DCI in the future.
Effects of Moringa oleifera leaves on hemoglobin and serum retinol levels and underweight status among adolescent girls in rural Bangladesh
Authors: Khanam Mansura , Sanin Kazi Istiaque , Ara Gulshan , Sultana Rita Razia , Boitchi Anika Bushra , Farzana Fahmida Dil , Haque Md. Ahshanul , Ahmed Tahmeed
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Moringa oleifera has been used for centuries due to its medicinal properties and health benefits. The plant has antifungal, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory properties. We aimed to evaluate the effect of consumption of Moringa leaves, along with a regular diet on serum hemoglobin and retinol and underweight status among rural Bangladeshi adolescent girls.

Methods

This school-based quasi-experimental study involved 226 adolescent girls (12–14 years-old). Intervention group (n = 113) received a meal comprising rice, concentrated dal, and fried potato with Moringa pakora (oil-fried snack); the control group (at a different school in an adjacent area with similar population demographics) received calorie-matched meal without Moringa pakora for 6 months. We used generalized liner regression (GLM) analysis, to explore the effect of the intervention among the groups between baseline and endline.

Results

Mean age of the intervention and control groups were 12.7 ± 0.7 and 13.3 ± 0.8 years, respectively. After adjusting for maternal education, absenteeism, asset index, BMI-for-age Z-score, GLM regression showed significant positive changes in hemoglobin (intervention vs. control: coef = 0.41, P = 0.010) and serum retinol (coef = 0.27, P = 0.00). No significant changes in weight was observed between groups.

Conclusion

Consumption of Moringa leaves has the potential to improving hemoglobin and serum retinol level and should be encouraged as regular diet.
Association of Pathway Mutations With Survival in Taiwanese Breast Cancers
Authors: Yang Po-Sheng , Chao Ying-Ting , Lung Chun-Fan , Liu Chien-Liang , Chang Yuan-Ching , Li Ker-Chau , Hsu Yi-Chiung
Published: July 2022

Breast cancer is the most common invasive cancer in women worldwide. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) provides a high-resolution profile of cancer genome. Our study ultimately gives the insight for genetic screening to identify the minority of patients with breast cancer with a poor prognosis, who might benefit from the most intensive possible treatment. The detection of mutations can polish the traditional method to detect high-risk patients who experience poor prognosis, recurrence and death early. In total, 147 breast cancer tumors were sequenced with targeted sequencing using a RainDance Cancer Hotspot Panel. The average age of all 147 breast cancer patients in the study was 51.7 years, with a range of 21–77 years. The average sequencing depth was 5,222x (range 2,900x-8,633x), and the coverage was approximately 100%. A total of 235 variants in 43 genes were detected in 147 patients by high-depth Illumina sequencing. A total of 219 single nucleotide variations were found in 42 genes from 147 patients, and 16 indel mutations were found in 13 genes from 84 patients. After filtering with the 1000 Genomes database and for synonymous SNPs, we focused on 54 somatic functional point mutations. The functional point mutations contained 54 missense mutations in 22 genes. Additionally, mutation of genes within the RET, PTEN, CDH1, MAP2K4, NF1, ERBB2, RUNX1, PIK3CA, FGFR3, KIT, KDR, APC, SMO, NOTCH1, and FBXW7 in breast cancer patients were with poor prognosis. Moreover, TP53 and APC mutations were enriched in triple-negative breast cancer. APC mutations were associated with a poor prognosis in human breast cancer (log-rank P<0.001). Our study identified tumor mutation hotspot profiles in Taiwanese breast cancer patients, revealing new targetable gene mutations in Asian breast cancer patients.
Pathological impact and medical applications of electromagnetic field on melanoma: A focused review
Authors: Duan Yunxiao , Wu Xiaowen , Gong Ziqi , Guo Qian , Kong Yan
Published: July 2022

Electromagnetic Field (EMF) influences melanoma in various ways. EMF can be classified into extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field, low-frequency magnetic field, static moderate magnetic field, strong electromagnetic field, alternating magnetic field, and magnetic nanoparticles. Each type of EMF influences melanoma development differently, and the detailed influence of each specific type of EMF on melanoma is reviewed. Furthermore, EMF influences melanoma cell polarity and hence affects drug uptake. In this review, the impacts of EMF on the effectiveness of drugs used to treat melanoma are listed according to drug types, with detailed effects according to the types of EMF and specific melanoma cell lines. EMF also impacts clinical therapies of melanoma, including localized magnetic hyperthermia, focalized thermotherapy, proton radiation treatment, nanostructure heating magnetic hyperthermia, radiation therapy, Polycaprolactone-Fe3O4 fiber mat-based bandage, and optune therapy. Above all, EMF has huge potential in melanoma treatment.
Improved Survival With Surgical Treatment of Primary Lung Lesions in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer With Brain Metastases: A Propensity‐Matched Analysis of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Database
Authors: Wang Qing , Li Jing , Liang Xiaohua , Zhan Qiong
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with Brain metastases (BM) is an advanced disease with poor prognosis and low survival rate. Our study evaluated the survival benefit of primary lung resection with mediastinal lymph node dissection in NSCLC patients with BM using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End-result (SEER) databases.

Methods

All cases analyzed were from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. The data of the patients with BM of NSCLC from 2010 to 2016 was retrospectively analyzed. Patients (N=203) patients who underwent radical surgical treatment for primary lung lesions and patients (N=15500) who did not undergo surgery were compared. We successfully analyzed patients using propensity score matching (PSM). Kaplan‐Meier and Cox‐ regression analyses were applied to assess prognosis.

Results

The median survival in the surgery group was longer than in the control group (27 months vs 5 months; P < 0.001) in the overall sample, 21 months longer compared to the control group (27 months vs 6 months; P<0.001) in a PSM cohort. Cox regression analysis showed that underwent surgery patients in the propensity-matched sample had a significantly lower risk of mortality (HR:0.243, 95%CI: 0.162-0.365, P < 0.001) compared with untreated patients. Multivariate analysis identified the following as independent risk factors for NSCLC with BM: no primary resection surgery, age >65 years, worse differentiation, squamous cell carcinoma, lymphatic metastasis, no systemic therapy. Subgroup analysis revealed that radical resection of the primary lung provided a survival benefit regardless of marital status, tumor size, tumor grade, tumor T stage, and mediastinal lymph node metastasis after PSM.

Conclusion

Radical resection of primary lung can improve the survival of NSCLC patients with BM. Male, age>65years, poorly differentiated tumor, tumor size>5cm, and mediastinal lymph node metastasis were factors for poor survival.
AXL Promotes Metformin-Induced Apoptosis Through Mediation of Autophagy by Activating ROS-AMPK-ULK1 Signaling in Human Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Hong Jun , Maacha Selma , Pidkovka Nataliya , Bates Andreia , Salaria Safia N. , Washington Mary K. , Belkhiri Abbes
Published: July 2022

AXL receptor tyrosine kinase promotes an invasive phenotype and chemotherapy resistance in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). AXL has been implicated in the regulation of autophagy, but the underlying molecular mechanism remains poorly understood. Herein, we investigate the mechanistic role of AXL in autophagy as well as metformin-induced effects on the growth and survival of EAC. We demonstrate that AXL mediates autophagic flux through activation of AMPK-ULK1 signaling in a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent mechanism by glucose starvation. AXL positively regulates basal cellular ROS levels without significantly affecting mitochondrial ROS production in EAC cells. Pharmacological inhibition of cellular ROS using Trolox abrogates glucose starvation-induced AMPK signaling and autophagy. We demonstrate that AXL expression is required for metformin-induced apoptosis in EAC cells in vitro. The apoptosis induction by metformin is markedly attenuated by inhibition of autophagy through genetic silencing of Beclin1 or ATG7 autophagy mediators, thereby confirming the requirement of intact autophagy for enhancing metformin-induced apoptosis in EAC cells. Our data indicate that metformin-induced autophagy displays a pro-apoptotic function in EAC cells. We show that the metformin-induced suppression of tumor growth in vivo is highly dependent on AXL expression in a tumor xenograft mouse model of EAC. We demonstrate that AXL promotes metformin-induced apoptosis through activation of autophagy in EAC. AXL may be a valuable biomarker to identify tumors that are sensitive to metformin. Therefore, AXL expression could inform the selection of patients for future clinical trials to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of metformin in EAC.
Case report: Two novel intergenic region-ALK fusions in non-small-cell lung cancer resistant to alectinib: A report of two cases
Authors: Liao Shan , Sun Huiying , Wu Jianhua , Lu Hao , Fang Yisheng , Wang Yuanyuan , Liao Wangjun
Published: July 2022

Background

The anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) mutation, also known as the diamond mutation in non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), has been treated with tremendous success since it was first reported in 2007. Alectinib, a second generation ALK-Tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), has been reported to have significantly longer progression- free survival (PFS) than first generation ALK inhibitors in untreated ALK positive NSCLC. However, the clinical efficacy of ALK-TKIs on rare ALK fusions remains unclear. In recent years, with the popularity of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, an increasing number of novel ALK fusion partners have been reported, but the responses are heterogeneous among different ALK fusions. Considering the inconsistent reactions, the clinical efficacy of ALK-TKIs in rare ALK gene fusions remains to be evaluated in more cases.

Methods

To seek for individualized therapy, the tumor tissues acquired during biopsy were sent for genomic testing by NGS based on a 139-gene panel and a 425-gene panel in a centralized clinical testing center (GENESEEQ Technology Inc, Nanjing, China). See Supplementary Material for more details about the methods for DNA-based NGS, RNA-based NGS.

Results

We present two cases of patients with lung adenocarcinoma harboring two novel Intergenic Region (IGR)-ALK rearrangements detected by DNA sequencing, which had limited clinical response to ALK-TKIs but showed sensitivity to chemotherapy combined with bevacizumab therapy in patient 2, with a PFS of over 1 year up till the last follow‐up assessment.

Conclusions

In summary, our cases emphasize the need for comprehensive molecular analysis of different ALK fusion partners at the DNA level to formulate accurate treatment strategies and provide a certain therapeutic reference for these two types of novel IGR-ALK fusions.
Inflammation and Invasion in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells Exposed to Electronic Cigarette Vapor Extract
Authors: Robin Hannah P. , Trudeau Courtney N. , Robbins Adam J. , Chung Emily J. , Rahman Erum , Strickland Olivia L. Gangmark , Jordan Scott , Licari Frank W. , Winden Duane R. , Reynolds Paul R. , Arroyo Juan A.
Published: July 2022

Electronic cigarettes (eCig) represent a new avenue of tobacco exposure that involves heating oil-based liquids and the delivery of aerosolized flavors with or without nicotine, yet little is known about their overall health impact. The oral cavity is an anatomic gateway for exposure that can be compromised by activating myriad of signaling networks. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSSC) is a common malignancy affecting 30,000 people in the United States each year. Our objective was to determine the impact of eCig and nicotine on gingival OSSC invasion and their secretion of pro-inflammatory molecules. Gingiva-derived Ca9-22 cells and tongue-derived Cal27 cells were exposed to eCig vapor extract (EVE) generated from Red Hot or Green Apple (Apple) flavored eCig solution +/- nicotine for 6 hours. Isolation of protein lysates and collection conditioned media was done after treatment. Real-time cellular invasion was assessed using a RTCA DP instrument. Protein expression was determined using western blot. Compared to controls, we observed: elevated NF-kB, TNF-α, ERK, JNK, MMP-13 and cell invasion by Ca9-22 treated with Apple EVE; increased TNF-α and JNK by Ca9-22 treated with Red Hot EVE; and increased TNF-α and JNK by Cal27 cells treated with both Apple and Red Hot EVE. We conclude that eCig flavoring and nicotine orchestrated differential cell invasion and inflammatory effects. This study provides an important initial step in dissecting mechanisms of cancerous invasion and molecular avenues employed by OSCC.
Reduction of H3K27cr Modification During DNA Damage in Colon Cancer
Authors: Liao Meijian , Chu Weiwei , Sun Xiaolin , Zheng Wendan , Gao Shoucui , Li Danhua , Pei Dongsheng
Published: July 2022

DNA damage plays an essential role in the initiation and development of colon cancer. Histone crotonylation is a newly discovered post-translational modification that is thought to promote gene expression. Whether histone crotonylation plays a role in DNA damage of cancer remains unknown, as does the putative underlying molecular mechanism. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between histone crotonylation and DNA damage of colon cancer using multiple bioinformatics analysis and western blotting. We discovered that genes with promoter occupied by histone crotonylation were associated with the activity of DNA damage in colon cancer patients. Additionally, we uncovered that the level of crotonylation on Lys27 of histone H3 (H3K27cr) decreased during camptothecin and etoposide treatment. Interestingly, sirtuin 6 was found to regulate the cellular level of H3K27cr. Taking these data together, our study provided a new perspective about histone crotonylation and DNA damage in colon cancer.