bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between abnormal lipid metabolism and tumor
Authors: Li Chunyu , Wang Fei , Cui Lili , Li Shaoxin , Zhao Junyu , Liao Lin
Published: May 2023

Metabolic Reprogramming is a sign of tumor, and as one of the three major substances metabolism, lipid has an obvious impact. Abnormal lipid metabolism is related to the occurrence of various diseases, and the proportion of people with abnormal lipid metabolism is increasing year by year. Lipid metabolism is involved in the occurrence, development, invasion, and metastasis of tumors by regulating various oncogenic signal pathways. The differences in lipid metabolism among different tumors are related to various factors such as tumor origin, regulation of lipid metabolism pathways, and diet. This article reviews the synthesis and regulatory pathways of lipids, as well as the research progress on cholesterol, triglycerides, sphingolipids, lipid related lipid rafts, adipocytes, lipid droplets, and lipid-lowering drugs in relation to tumors and their drug resistance. It also points out the limitations of current research and potential tumor treatment targets and drugs in the lipid metabolism pathway. Research and intervention on lipid metabolism abnormalities may provide new ideas for the treatment and survival prognosis of tumors.
Does forestry public-private partnership promote the development of China’s forestry economy?
Authors: Yang Chuwei , Shang Hangbiao
Published: May 2023

In 2016, China began to introduce the public-private partnership (PPP) model in forestry to explore the promotion and modern development of the nation’s forestry industry. Based on the New Governance Theory, this study explores whether PPP, as an essential investment and financing model, can impact China’s forestry economy. Based on provincial-level panel data from 2011 to 2020 in China, this study examines the effects of PPP on China’s forestry economy using the difference-in-differences (DID) model. This study tests the robustness of the effects using a multi-stage propensity score matching-DID model and explores the mechanism of the effect. The relevant results are threefold. 1) PPP in forestry can significantly enhance China’s forestry economy. 2) PPP in forestry can enhance the forestry economy through industrial structure and technological innovation effects. 3) Although forestry PPP has effectively promoted economic growth in forestry, the initial implementation process will have a negative ecological impact. This study provides a scientific basis for promoting forestry PPP and improving China’s forestry economy’s high-quality and sustainable development.
The interactive effect of grazing and fertilizer application on soil properties and bacterial community structures in a typical grassland in the central Inner Mongolia Plateau
Authors: Qi Le , Zhang Min , Yin Jingjing , Ren Weibo , Sun Siyuan , Chen Zhe , Yuan Ting , Guo Luyao
Published: May 2023

Appropriate grazing pressure and fertilizer application of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are effective measures to increase grassland productivity. In this study, we report on the interactive effects of grazing intensity and fertilizer application on soil properties, enzyme characteristics, and soil bacterial community compositions. The experiment was set up in a typical grassland in Xilingol, Inner Mongolia, and had 12 treatments (CC, CN, CP, CNP, LC, LN, LP, LNP, HC, HN, HP, and HNP). These consisted of three grazing intensity levels crossed with four fertilizer application treatments: no fertilizer, N fertilizer, P fertilizer addition alone, and both N and P fertilizers addition, subjected to field sampling and laboratory analysis. The results showed that soil alkaline hydrolysis nitrogen was increased by 15 and 13.6% in LN over LC in the 0–10 and 10–20 cm soil depth layers, respectively. Soil available P was 135.6% higher in LP than in LC at 0–10 cm but similar between LP and LC at 10–20 cm. Soil urease activity rose by 46.8 and 39.3% in 0–10 cm soil and was augmented by 63.1 and 60.3% in 10–20 cm soil of LN and LP relative to LC, respectively. Soil catalase (CAT) activity was decreased in response to LNP by 29.4, 23.5, and 26.5% vis-à-vis LC, LN, and LP in the 0–10 cm layer. Soil CAT activity also decreased in 0–20 cm layer for HN and HNP in comparison with HP. The relative abundance of Actinobacteria increased by 38.1 and 45.0% in HC over that in CC and LC, respectively, in 0–10 cm soil; compared with LC, it increased by 35.8 and 21.7% in LN and LNP, respectively. The relative abundance of Proteobacteria was increased in LNP versus LC in 0–10 cm soil. Overall, fertilizer application coupled with a light grazing intensity promoted key soil properties and the relative abundance of a dominant bacterial phylum.
Bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis reveals a causal effect of interleukin-18 levels on postherpetic neuralgia risk
Authors: Liang Xiao , Fan Yuchao
Published: May 2023

Background

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a debilitating complication of herpes zoster, characterized by persistent neuropathic pain that significantly impairs patients’ quality of life. Identifying factors that determine PHN susceptibility is crucial for its management. Interleukin-18 (IL-18), a pro-inflammatory cytokine implicated in chronic pain, may play a critical role in PHN development.

Methods

In this study, we conducted bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to assess genetic relationships and potential causal associations between IL-18 protein levels increasing and PHN risk, utilizing genome-wide association study (GWAS) datasets on these traits. Two IL-18 datasets obtained from the EMBL’s European Bioinformatics Institute database which contained 21,758 individuals with 13,102,515 SNPs and Complete GWAS summary data on IL-18 protein levels which contained 3,394 individuals with 5,270,646 SNPs. The PHN dataset obtained from FinnGen biobank had 195,191 individuals with 16,380,406 SNPs.

Results

Our findings from two different datasets of IL-18 protein levels suggest a correlation between genetically predicted elevations in IL-18 protein levels and an increased susceptibility to PHN.(IVW, OR and 95% CI: 2.26, 1.07 to 4.78; p = 0.03 and 2.15, 1.10 to 4.19; p =0.03, respectively), potentially indicating a causal effect of IL-18 protein levels increasing on PHN risk. However, we did not detect any causal effect of genetic liability to PHN risk on IL-18 protein levels.

Conclusion

These findings suggest new insights into identifying IL-18 protein levels increasing at risk of developing PHN and may aid in the development of novel prevention and treatment approaches for PHN.
Engineering tandem CD33xCD146 CAR CIK (cytokine-induced killer) cells to target the acute myeloid leukemia niche
Authors: Alberti Gaia , Arsuffi Corinne , Pievani Alice , Salerno Domenico , Mantegazza Francesco , Dazzi Francesco , Biondi Andrea , Tettamanti Sarah , Serafini Marta
Published: May 2023

In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), malignant stem cells hijack the normal bone marrow niche where they are largely protected from the current therapeutic approaches. Thus, eradicating these progenitors is the ultimate challenge in the treatment of this disease. Specifically, the development of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) against distinct mesenchymal stromal cell subpopulations involved in the maintenance of leukemic stem cells within the malignant bone marrow microenvironment could represent a new strategy to improve CAR T-cell therapy efficacy, which is still unsuccessful in AML. As a proof of concept, we generated a novel prototype of Tandem CAR, with one specificity directed against the leukemic cell marker CD33 and the other against the mesenchymal stromal cell marker CD146, demonstrating its capability of simultaneously targeting two different cell types in a 2D co-culture system. Interestingly, we could also observe an in vitro inhibition of CAR T cell functionality mediated by stromal cells, particularly in later effector functions, such as reduction of interferon-gamma and interleukin-2 release and impaired proliferation of the CAR+ effector Cytokine-Induced Killer (CIK) cells. Taken together, these data demonstrate the feasibility of a dual targeting model against two molecules, which are expressed on two different target cells, but also highlight the immunomodulatory effect on CAR CIK cells exerted by stromal cells, confirming that the niche could be an obstacle to the efficacy of CAR T cells. This aspect should be considered in the development of novel CAR T cell approaches directed against the AML bone marrow niche.
Seasonality influences key physiological components contributing to Culex pipiens vector competence
Authors: Field Eleanor N. , Smith Ryan C.
Published: May 2023

Mosquitoes are the most important animal vector of disease on the planet, transmitting a variety of pathogens of both medical and veterinary importance. Mosquito-borne diseases display distinct seasonal patterns driven by both environmental and biological variables. However, an important, yet unexplored component of these patterns is the potential for seasonal influences on mosquito physiology that may ultimately influence vector competence. To address this question, we selected Culex pipiens, a primary vector of the West Nile virus (WNV) in the temperate United States, to examine the seasonal impacts on mosquito physiology by examining known immune and bacterial components implicated in mosquito arbovirus infection. Semi-field experiments were performed under spring, summer, and late-summer conditions, corresponding to historically low-, medium-, and high-intensity periods of WNV transmission, respectively. Through these experiments, we observed differences in the expression of immune genes and RNA interference (RNAi) pathway components, as well as changes in the distribution and abundance of Wolbachia in the mosquitoes across seasonal cohorts. Together, these findings support the conclusion that seasonal changes significantly influence mosquito physiology and components of the mosquito microbiome, suggesting that seasonality may impact mosquito susceptibility to pathogen infection, which could account for the temporal patterns in mosquito-borne disease transmission.
The neurofunctional network of syntactic processing: cognitive systematicity and representational specializations of objects, actions, and events
Authors: Gonering Brennan , Corina David P.
Published: May 2023

Theoretical accounts of syntax are broadly divided into lexicalist or construction-based viewpoints, where lexicalist traditions argue that a great deal of syntactic information is stored in lexical representations, while construction-based views argue for separate representations of multiword syntactic structures. Moreover, a strict autonomy between syntactic and semantic processing has been posited based on the grammatical well-formedness of non-sense sentences such as This round table is square. In this paper, we provide an overview of these competing conceptions of syntactic structure and the role of syntax in grammar. We review converging neuroimaging, electrophysiological, behavioral, electrocorticographic, and computational modeling evidence that challenge these views. In particular, we show that a temporal lobe ventral stream is crucial in processing phrases involving nouns and attributive adjectives, while a dorsal stream involving left parietal regions, including the angular gyrus, is crucial in processing constructions involving verbs and relational adjectives. We additionally support this interpretation by examining divergent pathways in the visual system for processing object information and event/spatial information, on the basis of integration across visual and auditory modalities. Our interpretation suggests that combinatorial operations which combine words into phrases cannot be isolated to a single anatomical location, as has been previously proposed—instead, it is an instantiation of a more general neural computation, one that is implemented across various brain regions and can be utilized in service of constructing linguistic phrases. Based on this orientation, we explore how abstract syntactic constructions, such as the transitive construction, both mirror and could emerge from semantics. These abstract construction representations are argued to be distinct from, and stored in regions functionally downstream from, lexical representations of verbs. Comprehension therefore involves the integration of both representations via feedforward and feedback connections. We implicate the IFG in communicating across the language network, including correctly integrating nominal phrases with the overall event representation and serving as one interface between processing streams. Overall, this approach accords more generally with conceptions of the development of cognitive systematicity, and further draws attention to a potential role for the medial temporal lobe in syntactic behaviors, often overlooked in current neurofunctional accounts of syntactic processing.
Assignment of tracks from tagged Atlantic bluefin tuna Thunnus thynnus to potential stocks using behavioural differences and habitat partitioning
Authors: Dedman Simon , Aalto Emilius A. , Stokesbury Michael J. W. , Schallert Robert J. , Castleton Michael R. , Block Barbara A.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Atlantic bluefin tuna (ABT) are large, migratory pelagic predators of high economic importance. ABT are currently managed as two independent stocks assigned to discrete spawning areas (Gulf of Mexico, and Mediterranean); however, stock overlap outside spawning areas makes accurate assignment of catch to stock-of-origin difficult.

Methods

Within this two-stock paradigm, we characterised stock-specific spatial distributions and behaviours by comparing habitat usage and vertical movement behaviours of 118 electronically tagged adult ABT spatially assigned to the GOM and Med spawning grounds. These spatial and behavioural differences were used in tests to probabilistically assign unknown individuals (which did not visit the GOM/Med spawning areas) to a stock.

Results

This new methodological approach using existing tag data, enables increased assignment of a track to a potential stock, to be achieved before genetic assignments. We identified certain markedly different movement patterns, range extents, depth use preferences (and associated area usage), migration directness and speeds, corresponding distance from shore, and mesopelagic-layer visitation. The probabilistic assignment approach had 97% in-bag testing accuracy, then assigned 190 individuals to a stock, doubling the number of assigned stock-of-origin tracks in our dataset, and potentially revealing novel movement and behaviour patterns among pre-spawning-age ABT.

Discussion

This approach can be easily adapted to other study species, more stocks, and different testing variables, hopefully serving as a useful addition to the fisheries management toolkit.
Sea level variation in the Arctic Ocean since 1979 based on ORAS5 data
Authors: Jin Ying , Chen Meixiang , Yan Han , Wang Tao , Yang Jie
Published: May 2023

The Arctic is currently experiencing unprecedented changes across all components of the climate system, primarily driven by global warming. As an important indicator of climate change in the Arctic, sea level reflects variations in both the atmosphere and ocean. This paper analyzes the sea level variation of the Arctic Ocean over the past four decades using ORAS5 data, which is the product of the latest reanalysis-analysis system produced by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). ORAS5 accurately reproduces the main spatial features of the climatology and temporal evolution of sea surface height (SSH) in the Arctic Ocean, as observed by satellite altimeters, and reveals that seasonal variability is the most significant property of the sea level variation in this region. The seasonal cycle of SSH is closely linked to atmospheric circulation and sea ice formation. The first two dominant modes of the annual-mean SSH in the Arctic Ocean exhibit significant decadal variability. The first mode can be explained by the Ekman transport of wind related to the Arctic Oscillation (AO), which leads to antiphase changes in SSH on the continental shelves and in the deep basins. The second mode shows an antiphase oscillation of SSH between the Eurasian and Canadian Arctic Archipelago (CAA) sides and is driven by the wind anomaly associated with the Arctic dipole anomaly (DA). Due to the decadal variations associated with climate modes, particularly the AO, sea level in the Arctic Ocean has been continuously rising since the mid-1990s or early 2000s, with the most rapid sea level rise occurring in the Beaufort Sea.
High-accuracy detection of supraspinatus fatty infiltration in shoulder MRI using convolutional neural network algorithms
Authors: Saavedra Juan Pablo , Droppelmann Guillermo , García Nicolás , Jorquera Carlos , Feijoo Felipe
Published: May 2023

Background

The supraspinatus muscle fatty infiltration (SMFI) is a crucial MRI shoulder finding to determine the patient’s prognosis. Clinicians have used the Goutallier classification to diagnose it. Deep learning algorithms have been demonstrated to have higher accuracy than traditional methods.

Aim

To train convolutional neural network models to categorize the SMFI as a binary diagnosis based on Goutallier’s classification using shoulder MRIs.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed. MRI and medical records from patients with SMFI diagnosis from January 1st, 2019, to September 20th, 2020, were selected. 900 T2-weighted, Y-view shoulder MRIs were evaluated. The supraspinatus fossa was automatically cropped using segmentation masks. A balancing technique was implemented. Five binary classification classes were developed into two as follows, A: 0, 1 v/s 3, 4; B: 0, 1 v/s 2, 3, 4; C: 0, 1 v/s 2; D: 0, 1, 2, v/s 3, 4; E: 2 v/s 3, 4. The VGG-19, ResNet-50, and Inception-v3 architectures were trained as backbone classifiers. An average of three 10-fold cross-validation processes were developed to evaluate model performance. AU-ROC, sensitivity, and specificity with 95% confidence intervals were used.

Results

Overall, 606 shoulders MRIs were analyzed. The Goutallier distribution was presented as follows: 0 = 403; 1 = 114; 2 = 51; 3 = 24; 4 = 14. Case A, VGG-19 model demonstrated an AU-ROC of 0.991 ± 0.003 (accuracy, 0.973 ± 0.006; sensitivity, 0.947 ± 0.039; specificity, 0.975 ± 0.006). B, VGG-19, 0.961 ± 0.013 (0.925 ± 0.010; 0.847 ± 0.041; 0.939 ± 0.011). C, VGG-19, 0.935 ± 0.022 (0.900 ± 0.015; 0.750 ± 0.078; 0.914 ± 0.014). D, VGG-19, 0.977 ± 0.007 (0.942 ± 0.012; 0.925 ± 0.056; 0.942 ± 0.013). E, VGG-19, 0.861 ± 0.050 (0.779 ± 0.054; 0.706 ± 0.088; 0.831 ± 0.061).

Conclusion

Convolutional neural network models demonstrated high accuracy in MRIs SMFI diagnosis.
3% diquafosol sodium eye drops in Chinese patients with dry eye: a phase IV study
Authors: Wang Wenying , Sun Xiaonan , Zhao Jiangyue , Hao Jilong , Zhao Shaozhen , Yan Xiaoming , Shen Ye , Jin Xiuming , Cheng Yan , Wang Linnong , Xu Jianjiang , Zhao Peiquan , Liu Hai , Zeng Siming , Wang Xu , Dong Weili , Xue Jinsong , Chen Wei , Guo Ping , Li Li , Zhang Lijun , Liu Dachuan , Chen Baihua , Lin Zhouqiao , Fu Yanjiang , Liang Lingyi , Dong Yanling , Yang Weizhong , Deng Yingping , Li Guigang , Pan Zhiqiang
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The efficacy and safety of 3% diquafosol sodium eye drops in Chinese patients with dry eye in the real-world setting remains unclear.

Methods

3099 patients with dry eye symptoms were screened according to Asia Dry Eye Society latest recommendation. Among them, 3000 patients were enrolled for a phase IV study. We followed up with multiple clinical characteristics including corneal fluorescein staining, tear break up time, Schirmer’s tests, visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and others. The follow ups were performed at baseline, 2 weeks and 4 weeks after treatment.

Results

Based on the results of corneal fluorescein staining and tear break up time, all age and gender subgroups exhibited obvious alleviation of the symptoms among the patients with dry eye, and the data in elderly group showed the most significant alleviation. All the adverse drug reactions (ADRs, 6.17%) were recorded, among which 6% local ocular ADRs were included. Meanwhile, mild ADRs (91.8%) accounted for the most. Most of the ADRs (89.75%) got a quick and full recovery, with an average time at 15.6 days. 1.37% of patients dropped out of the study due to ADRs.

Discussion

The use of 3% diquafosol sodium eye drop is effective and safe in the treatment of dry eye, with a low incidence of ADRs showing mild symptoms. This trial was registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ID: ChiCTR1900021999 (Registration Date: 19/03/2019).
Empyema caused by Fusobacterium nucleatum with squamous cell carcinoma of the lung: a case report and literature review
Authors: Sun Yue , Dong Han , Zhang Na , Zhao Peng , Qi Yuan , Yang Xin , Wang Lingling
Published: May 2023

Background

Fusobacterium nucleatum is a common oral symbiotic flora that can cause respiratory tract, oral nervous system, obstetric and skin infections. Fusobacterium nucleatum infections are mostly caused by aspiration. The clinical manifestations of pulmonary infections with Fusobacterium nucleatum can include simple pneumonia, lung abscesses, empyema, etc.

Case presentation

We described the case of a 49-year-old man with a 1-year history of intermittent cough and sputum production who had worsened over the last 4 days with fever and right chest pain. After thoracentesis and catheter drainage were performed, Fusobacterium nucleatum was detected in the pleural effusion by using next-generation sequencing. Meanwhile, a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the right lung was made by fiberoptic bronchoscopy. The patient's condition improved significantly after percutaneous drainage and long-term intravenous antibiotic treatment.

Conclusions

This is the first case reported of empyema due to Fusobacterium nucleatum infection in a patient with squamous cell carcinoma.
Case report: A rare case of acute hemolysis in advanced rectal cancer after XELOX and nivolumab treatment: analysis of drug-dependent antibodies
Authors: Zhao Dengke , Song Qiao , Wu Chunyan , Wang Shuye
Published: May 2023

Objective

To investigate the mechanism, in vitro differential test and clinical significance of hemolytic anemia after receiving oxaliplatin and nivolumab treatment.

Methods

We encountered a male patient with stage IV rectal cancer who experienced acute hemolysis during the ninth cycle of treatment with XELOX combined with nivolumab and cetuximab. The patient's blood samples were collected and tested for the presence of oxaliplatin or nivolumab antibodies on red blood cells.

Results

Direct antiglobulin testing of red blood cells incubated with oxaliplatin was strongly positive, whereas cells incubated with nivolumab were negative, which suggested that oxaliplatin was responsible for the hemolysis. After short-term highdose glucocorticoid treatment, human normal immunoglobulin infusion, and other symptomatic treatments, the patient's condition rapidly improved, and he continued to receive nivolumab treatment without further hemolysis.

Conclusion

Attention should be paid to the possibility of acute hemolysis when using oxaliplatin and nivolumab, and it is important to recognize and manage this adverse event early. We detected oxaliplatin-related antibodies on the surface of red blood cells in vitro, which provided evidence for the following treatments.
Microbiological profiling and knowledge of food preservation technology to support guidance on a neutropenic diet for immunocompromised patients
Authors: De Bock Thomas , Jacxsens Liesbeth , Maes Femke , Van Meerhaeghe Svenya , Reygaerts Marina , Uyttendaele Mieke
Published: May 2023

The current society consists of an increasing number of people vulnerable to infections. For certain people with severe immunodeficiency, a neutropenic or low-microbial diet is being prescribed, which substitutes high-risk foods that are more likely to contain human (opportunistic) pathogens with lower-risk alternatives. These neutropenic dietary guidelines are typically set up from a clinical and nutritional perspective, rather than from a food processing and food preservation perspective. In this study, the current guidelines in use by the Ghent University Hospital were evaluated based on the current knowledge of food processing and preservation technologies and the scientific evidence on microbiological quality, safety, and hygiene of processed foods. Three criteria are identified to be important: (1) the microbial contamination level and composition; (2) the potential presence of established foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella spp. (to which a zero-tolerance policy is recommended); and (3) an increased vigilance for L. monocytogenes as an opportunistic foodborne pathogen with a high mortality rate in immunocompromised individuals (to which a zero-tolerance policy should apply). A combination of these three criteria was used as a framework for the evaluation of the suitability of foodstuffs to be included in a low-microbial diet. Differences in processing technologies, initial contamination of products, etc., however, lead to a high degree of variability in microbial contamination and make it difficult to unambiguously accept or reject a certain type of foodstuff without prior knowledge of the ingredients and the processing and preservation technologies applied during manufacturing and subsequent storage conditions. A restricted screening on a selection of (minimally processed) plant-based foodstuffs on the retail market in Flanders, Belgium supported decision-making on the inclusion of these food types in a low-microbial diet. Still, when determining the suitability of a foodstuff to be included in a low-microbial diet, not only the microbiological status but also nutritional and sensorial properties should be assessed, which requires multidisciplinary communication and collaboration.
Microbial landscapes of the rhizosphere soils and roots of Luffa cylindrica plant associated with Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Qu Ling , Dai Kang , Wang Jie , Cao Li , Rao Zhongchen , Han Richou
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The root-knot nematodes (RKN), especially Meloidogyne spp., are globally emerging harmful animals for many agricultural crops.

Methods

To explore microbial agents for biological control of these nematodes, the microbial communities of the rhizosphere soils and roots of sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica) infected and non-infected by M. incognita nematodes, were investigated using culture-dependent and -independent methods.

Results

Thirty-two culturable bacterial and eight fungal species, along with 10,561 bacterial and 2,427 fungal operational taxonomic units (OTUs), were identified. Nine culturable bacterial species, 955 bacterial and 701 fungal OTUs were shared in both four groups. More culturable bacterial and fungal isolates were detected from the uninfected soils and roots than from the infected soils and roots (except no fungi detected from the uninfected roots), and among all samples, nine bacterial species (Arthrobacter sp., Bacillus sp., Burkholderia ambifaria, Enterobacteriaceae sp., Fictibacillus barbaricus, Microbacterium sp., Micrococcaceae sp., Rhizobiaceae sp., and Serratia sp.) were shared, with Arthrobacter sp. and Bacillus sp. being dominant. Pseudomonas nitroreducens was exclusively present in the infested soils, while Mammaliicoccus sciuri, Microbacterium azadirachtae, and Priestia sp., together with Mucor irregularis, Penicillium sp., P. commune, and Sordariomycetes sp. were found only in the uninfected soils. Cupriavidus metallidurans, Gordonia sp., Streptomyces viridobrunneus, and Terribacillus sp. were only in the uninfected roots while Aspergillus sp. only in infected roots. After M. incognita infestation, 319 bacterial OTUs (such as Chryseobacterium) and 171 fungal OTUs (such as Spizellomyces) were increased in rhizosphere soils, while 181 bacterial OTUs (such as Pasteuria) and 166 fungal OTUs (such as Exophiala) rose their abundance in plant roots. Meanwhile, much more decreased bacterial or fungal OTUs were identified from rhizosphere soils rather than from plant roots, exhibiting the protective effects of host plant on endophytes. Among the detected bacterial isolates, Streptomyces sp. TR27 was discovered to exhibit nematocidal activity, and B. amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus sp. P35, and M. azadirachtae to show repellent potentials for the second stage M. incognita juveniles, which can be used to develop RKN bio-control agents.

Discussion

These findings provided insights into the interactions among root-knot nematodes, host plants, and microorganisms, which will inspire explorations of novel nematicides.
Counteracting action of Bacillus stratosphericus and Staphylococcus succinus strains against deleterious salt effects on Zea mays L.
Authors: Oliva Gianmaria , Vigliotta Giovanni , Terzaghi Mattia , Guarino Francesco , Cicatelli Angela , Montagnoli Antonio , Castiglione Stefano
Published: May 2023

The salinization of soil is the process of progressive accumulation of salts such as sulfates, sodium, or chlorides into the soil. The increased level of salt has significant effects on glycophyte plants, such as rice, maize, and wheat, which are staple foods for the world's population. Consequently, it is important to develop biotechnologies that improve crops and clean up the soil. Among other remediation methods, there is an environmentally friendly approach to ameliorate the cultivation of glycophyte plants in saline soil, namely, the use of microorganisms tolerant to salt with growth-promoting features. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can improve plant growth by colonizing their roots and playing a vital role in helping plants to establish and grow in nutrient-deficient conditions. Our research aimed to test in vivo halotolerant PGPR, isolated and characterized in vitro in a previous study conducted in our laboratory, inoculating them on maize seedlings to improve their growth in the presence of sodium chloride. The bacterial inoculation was performed using the seed-coating method, and the produced effects were evaluated by morphometric analysis, quantization of ion contents (sodium, potassium), produced biomass, both for epigeal (shoot) and hypogeal (root) organs, and by measuring salt-induced oxidative damage. The results showed an increase in biomass and sodium tolerance and even a reduction of oxidative stress in seedlings pretreated with a PGPR bacterial consortium (Staphylococcus succinus + Bacillus stratosphericus) over the control. Moreover, we observed that salt reduces growth and alters root system traits of maize seedlings, while bacterial treatment improves plant growth and partially restores the root architecture system in saline stress conditions. Therefore, the PGPR seed-coating or seedling treatment could be an effective strategy to enhance sustainable agriculture in saline soils due to the protection of the plants from their inhibitory effect.
Mutations identified in engineered Escherichia coli with a reduced genome
Authors: Kotaka Yuto , Hashimoto Masayuki , Lee Ken-ichi , Kato Jun-ichi
Published: May 2023

Characterizing genes that regulate cell growth and survival in model organisms is important for understanding higher organisms. Construction of strains harboring large deletions in the genome can provide insights into the genetic basis of cell growth compared with only studying wild-type strains. We have constructed a series of genome-reduced strains with deletions spanning approximately 38.9% of the E. coli chromosome. Strains were constructed by combining large deletions in chromosomal regions encoding nonessential gene groups. We also isolated strains Δ33b and Δ37c, whose growth was partially restored by adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE). Genome sequencing of nine strains, including those selected following ALE, identified the presence of several Single Nucleotide Variants (SNVs), insertions, deletions, and inversions. In addition to multiple SNVs, two insertions were identified in ALE strain Δ33b. The first was an insertion at the promoter region of pntA, which increased cognate gene expression. The second was an insertion sequence (IS) present in sibE, encoding the antitoxin in a toxin-antitoxin system, which decreased expression of sibE. 5 strains of Δ37c independently isolated following ALE harboring multiple SNVs and genetic rearrangements. Interestingly, a SNV was identified in the promoter region of hcaT in all five strains, which increased hcaT expression and, we predict, rescued the attenuated Δ37b growth. Experiments using defined deletion mutants suggested that hcaT encodes a 3-phenylpropionate transporter protein and is involved in survival during stationary phase under oxidative stress. This study is the first to document accumulation of mutations during construction of genome-reduced strains. Furthermore, isolation and analysis of strains derived from ALE in which the growth defect mediated by large chromosomal deletions was rescued identified novel genes involved in cell survival.
Metabolomics analysis in rat hearts with ischemia/reperfusion injury after diazoxide postconditioning
Authors: Xiang Cen , Yu Shoujia , Ren Qiyang , Jiang Boyi , Li Jing , Zhang Donghang , Wei Yiyong
Published: May 2023

Background: Diazoxide is a selective mitochondrial-sensitive potassium channel opening agent that has a definite effect on reducing myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI). However, the exact effects of diazoxide postconditioning on the myocardial metabolome remain unclear, which might contribute to the cardioprotective effects of diazoxide postconditioning.

Methods: Rat hearts subjected to Langendorff perfusion were randomly assigned to the normal (Nor) group, ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) group, diazoxide (DZ) group and 5-hydroxydecanoic acid + diazoxide (5-HD + DZ) group. The heart rate (HR), left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), and maximum left ventricular pressure (+dp/dtmax) were recorded. The mitochondrial Flameng scores were analysed according to the ultrastructure of the ventricular myocardial tissue in the electron microscopy images. Rat hearts of each group were used to investigate the possible metabolic changes relevant to MIRI and diazoxide postconditioning.

Results: The cardiac function indices in the Nor group were better than those in the other groups at the end point of reperfusion, and the HR, LVDP and +dp/dtmax of the Nor group at T2 were significantly higher than those of the other groups. Diazoxide postconditioning significantly improved cardiac function after ischaemic injury, and the HR, LVDP and +dp/dtmax of the DZ group at T2 were significantly higher than those of the I/R group, which could be abolished by 5-HD. The HR, LVDP and +dp/dtmax of the 5-HD + DZ group at T2 were significantly lower than those of the DZ group. The myocardial tissue in the Nor group was mostly intact, while it exhibited considerable damage in the I/R group. The ultrastructural integrity of the myocardium in the DZ group was higher than that in the I/R and 5-HD + DZ groups. The mitochondrial Flameng score in the Nor group was lower than that in the I/R, DZ and 5-HD + DZ groups. The mitochondrial Flameng score in the DZ group was lower than that in the I/R and 5-HD + DZ groups. Five metabolites, namely, L-glutamic acid, L-threonine, citric acid, succinate, and nicotinic acid, were suggested to be associated with the protective effects of diazoxide postconditioning on MIRI.

Conclusion: Diazoxide postconditioning may improve MIRI via certain metabolic changes. This study provides resource data for future studies on metabolism relevant to diazoxide postconditioning and MIRI.
Lower extremity robotic exoskeleton devices for overground ambulation recovery in acquired brain injury—A review
Authors: Karunakaran Kiran K. , Pamula Sai D. , Bach Caitlyn P. , Legelen Eliana , Saleh Soha , Nolan Karen J.
Published: May 2023

Acquired brain injury (ABI) is a leading cause of ambulation deficits in the United States every year. ABI (stroke, traumatic brain injury and cerebral palsy) results in ambulation deficits with residual gait and balance deviations persisting even after 1 year. Current research is focused on evaluating the effect of robotic exoskeleton devices (RD) for overground gait and balance training. In order to understand the device effectiveness on neuroplasticity, it is important to understand RD effectiveness in the context of both downstream (functional, biomechanical and physiological) and upstream (cortical) metrics. The review identifies gaps in research areas and suggests recommendations for future research. We carefully delineate between the preliminary studies and randomized clinical trials in the interpretation of existing evidence. We present a comprehensive review of the clinical and pre-clinical research that evaluated therapeutic effects of RDs using various domains, diagnosis and stage of recovery.
Inflammation condition sensitizes Piezo1 mechanosensitive channel in mouse cerebellum astrocyte
Authors: Yu Donggyeom , Ahmed Ajan , Jayasi Jazmine , Womac Andres , Sally Olajuwon , Bae Chilman
Published: May 2023

Piezo1 mechanosensitive ion channel (MSC) plays a significant role in human physiology. Despite several research on the function and expression of Piezo1 in the nervous system, its electrophysiological properties in neuroinflammatory astrocytes remain unknown. We tested whether astrocytic neuroinflammatory state regulates Piezo1 using electrical recordings, calcium imaging, and wound healing assays on cultured astrocytes. In this study, we determined whether neuroinflammatory condition regulates astrocytic Piezo1 currents in astrocytes. First, we performed electrophysiological recordings on the mouse cerebellum astrocytes (C8-S) under lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammatory condition. We found that LPS treatment significantly increased MSC currents in C8-S. The half-maximal pressure of LPS treated MSC currents was left-shifted but the slope sensitivity was not altered by LPS treatment. LPS-induced increase of MSC currents were further augmented by Piezo1 agonist, Yoda1 but were normalized by Piezo1 inhibitor, GsMTx4. Furthermore, silencing Piezo1 in LPS treated C8-S normalized not only MSC currents but also calcium influx and cell migration velocity. Together, our results show that LPS sensitized Piezo1 channel in C8-S astrocytes. These findings will suggest that astrocytic Piezo1 is a determinant of neuroinflammation pathogenesis and may in turn become the foundation of further research into curing several neuronal illnesses and injury related inflammation of neuronal cells.
Bevacizumab is associated with cerebral microstructural alterations: a DTI study in high-grade glioma
Authors: Kassubek Rebecca , Lulé Dorothée , Ludolph Albert C. , Kassubek Jan , Müller Hans-Peter
Published: May 2023

Background

For recurrent high-grade glioma, especially glioblastoma, no standard of care treatment exists. Due to the prolongation of progression-free survival and a cortiocosteroid-sparing effect, bevacizumab is often used in this condition. Despite initial clinical responses, there is growing evidence that bevacizumab may potentiate microstructural alterations which may cause cognitive decline, mostly affecting learning and memory.

Methods

To investigate bevacizumab-associated microstructural damage of defined regions of interest (ROIs) in the white matter, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was performed in 10 patients with a case history or third-party report for neurological dysfunction concerning cognitive performance. Serial DTI data before and under bevacizumab were collected and longitudinal changes of fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) were assessed in mesiotemporal (hippocampal), frontal, and occipital regions.

Results

The longitudinal DTI data under bevacizumab compared to DTI prior to bevacizumab demonstrated a significant decrease in FA and increase in AD and RD both in mesiotemporal (hippocampal) regions and in frontal regions, whereas occipital regions showed no significant alterations in DTI metrics.

Conclusion

The regionally impaired microstructure in mesiotemporal (hippocampal) regions and in frontal regions is in line with the fact that neurocognitive impairment in learning and memory is mostly related to hippocampal integrity and attentional control in frontal regions. Further studies could investigate the potential of DTI to assess bevacizumab-associated microstructural damages in vulnerable brain regions.
Research hotspots and trends on spinal cord stimulation for pain treatment: a two-decade bibliometric analysis
Authors: Yang Sheng , Zhong Sen , Fan Yunshan , Zhu Yanjie , Xu Ningze , Liao Yue , Fan Guoxin , Liao Xiang , He Shisheng
Published: May 2023

Background

Chronic pain poses a significant social burden. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is considered to be the most promising treatment for refractory pain. The aim of this study was to summarize the current research hotspots on SCS for pain treatment during the past two decades and to predict the future research trends by bibliometric analysis.

Methods

The literature over the last two decades (2002–2022) which was related to SCS in pain treatment was obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection. Bibliometric analyses were conducted based on the following aspects: (1) Annual publication and citation trends; (2) Annual publication changes of different publication types; (3) Publications and citations/co-citations of different country/institution/journal/author; (4) Citations/co-citation and citation burst analysis of different literature; and (5) Co-occurrence, cluster, thematic map, trend topics, and citation burst analysis of different keywords. (6) Comparison between the United States and Europe. All analyses were performed on CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and R bibliometrix package.

Results

A total of 1,392 articles were included in this study, with an increasing number of publications and citations year by year. The most highly published type of literature was clinical trial. United States was the country with the most publications and citations; Johns Hopkins University was the institution with the most publications; NEUROMODULATION published the most papers; the most published author was Linderoth B; and the most cited paper was published in the PAIN by Kumar K in 2007. The most frequently occurring keywords were “spinal cord stimulation,” “neuropathic pain,” and “chronic pain,” etc.

Conclusion

The positive effect of SCS on pain treatment has continued to arouse the enthusiasm of researchers in this field. Future research should focus on the development of new technologies, innovative applications, and clinical trials for SCS. This study might facilitate researchers to comprehensively understand the overall perspective, research hotspots, and future development trends in this field, as well as seek collaboration with other researchers.
Two sides of the same coin: distinct neuroanatomical patterns predict crystallized and fluid intelligence in adults
Authors: Xu Hui , Xu Cheng , Yang Zhenliang , Bai Guanghui , Yin Bo
Published: May 2023

Background

Crystallized intelligence (Gc) and fluid intelligence (Gf) are regarded as distinct intelligence components that statistically correlate with each other. However, the distinct neuroanatomical signatures of Gc and Gf in adults remain contentious.

Methods

Machine learning cross-validated elastic net regression models were performed on the Human Connectome Project Young Adult dataset (N = 1089) to characterize the neuroanatomical patterns of structural magnetic resonance imaging variables that are associated with Gc and Gf. The observed relationships were further examined by linear mixed-effects models. Finally, intraclass correlations were computed to examine the similarity of the neuroanatomical correlates between Gc and Gf.

Results

The results revealed distinct multi-region neuroanatomical patterns predicted Gc and Gf, respectively, which were robust in a held-out test set (R2 = 2.40, 1.97%, respectively). The relationship of these regions with Gc and Gf was further supported by the univariate linear mixed effects models. Besides that, Gc and Gf displayed poor neuroanatomical similarity.

Conclusion

These findings provided evidence that distinct machine learning-derived neuroanatomical patterns could predict Gc and Gf in healthy adults, highlighting differential neuroanatomical signatures of different aspects of intelligence.
Alpha synuclein post translational modifications: potential targets for Parkinson’s disease therapy?
Authors: Brembati Viviana , Faustini Gaia , Longhena Francesca , Bellucci Arianna
Published: May 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder with motor symptoms. The neuropathological alterations characterizing the brain of patients with PD include the loss of dopaminergic neurons of the nigrostriatal system and the presence of Lewy bodies (LB), intraneuronal inclusions that are mainly composed of alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) fibrils. The accumulation of α-Syn in insoluble aggregates is a main neuropathological feature in PD and in other neurodegenerative diseases, including LB dementia (LBD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA), which are therefore defined as synucleinopathies. Compelling evidence supports that α-Syn post translational modifications (PTMs) such as phosphorylation, nitration, acetylation, O-GlcNAcylation, glycation, SUMOylation, ubiquitination and C-terminal cleavage, play important roles in the modulation α-Syn aggregation, solubility, turnover and membrane binding. In particular, PTMs can impact on α-Syn conformational state, thus supporting that their modulation can in turn affect α-Syn aggregation and its ability to seed further soluble α-Syn fibrillation. This review focuses on the importance of α-Syn PTMs in PD pathophysiology but also aims at highlighting their general relevance as possible biomarkers and, more importantly, as innovative therapeutic targets for synucleinopathies. In addition, we call attention to the multiple challenges that we still need to face to enable the development of novel therapeutic approaches modulating α-Syn PTMs.