bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Semi-quantitative risk assessment of marine mammal oil exposure: A case study in the western Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Ramírez-León M. Rafael , Sosa-Nishizaki Oscar , Pérez-Brunius Paula , Romo-Curiel Alfonsina E. , Ramírez-Mendoza Zurisaday , Fajardo-Yamamoto Arturo , Herzka Sharon Z. , García-Aguilar María C.
Published: January 2023

Marine mammals are highly vulnerable to oil spills, although the effects at both individual and population levels are not fully understood. A first approximation to evaluate the possible consequences of oil spills on marine life is using ecological risk assessments, which are analytical tools used to assess the likelihood of adverse environmental effects due to exposure to stressors derived from human activities. We developed a semi-quantitative framework to evaluate the risk of oil spill exposure on marine mammals that combines the likelihood of exposure based on species-specific biological and ecological traits, and the feasibility of encounter, which considers not only the overlap between the distribution of the species and the total affected area by a spill but also considers the distribution of spilled oil within this area, thus reducing the uncertainty in the estimate. We applied our framework to assess the risk of exposure of eight cetaceans to scenarios of large heavy oil (API gravity<22) spills originating from three hypothetical deep-water wells in the western Gulf of Mexico. High habitat suitability areas obtained using the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) modeling approach were used as a proxy for the geographic regions where each species is likely to be distributed, and oil spill scenarios were generated using numerical models incorporating transport, dispersion, and oil degradation. The analysis allowed identifying those species for which there is a significant risk of exposure in each spill scenario. However, our results suggest that the risk does not appear to be high for any species under any scenario. The information generated by our risk assessment is key to developing management plans in those areas of the Gulf of Mexico where deep-water activities of the hydrocarbon industry are currently being developed or planned.
Biologically Important Areas II for cetaceans within U.S. and adjacent waters – Hawaiʻi Region
Authors: Kratofil Michaela A. , Harnish Annette E. , Mahaffy Sabre D. , Henderson E. Elizabeth , Bradford Amanda L. , Martin Stephen W. , Lagerquist Barbara A. , Palacios Daniel M. , Oleson Erin M. , Baird Robin W.
Published: January 2023

In this assessment we incorporated published and unpublished information to delineate and score Biologically Important Areas (BIAs) for cetaceans in the Hawaiʻi region following standardized criteria. Twenty-six cetacean species have been documented in Hawaiʻi. Eleven odontocete species have distinct small populations resident to one or more island areas: rough-toothed dolphins, pantropical spotted dolphins, common bottlenose dolphins, spinner dolphins, short-finned pilot whales, false killer whales, pygmy killer whales, melon-headed whales, Blainville’s beaked whales, Cuvier’s beaked whales, and dwarf sperm whales. Eight species of mysticetes have been documented, although their occurrence and behavior are poorly understood, with the exception of breeding humpback whales and, more recently, common minke whales. Thirty-five BIAs were delineated or revised from the initial 2015 effort: 33 for small and resident odontocete populations and two for humpback whale reproductive areas. Hierarchical BIAs reflecting core areas of use or population-specific ranges were delineated for nine species. Reproductive watch list areas were designated for common minke whales in the main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) and humpback whales in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI); these areas did not meet the criteria for a BIA due to limited supporting information. All but three BIAs were in the MHI, reflecting the disparities in research effort between this region and the NWHI. Spatial extents of BIA boundaries ranged from 457 km2to 138,001 km2(median = 8,299 km2). Scores (range: 1-3) for Data Support and Boundary Certainty were moderate to high (mean = 2.40 and 2.43, respectively), while Intensity and Importance scores were slightly lower (mean = 1.94 and 1.89, respectively). Many of the Hawaiʻi species have been extensively studied over several decades; accordingly, this region ranks among the highest in terms of Data Support relative to other regions. BIAs presented here describe known ranges of small resident populations, intensities of use, and uncertainties in important areas for cetaceans in Hawaiʻi based on the best available data, and have also revealed knowledge gaps to guide future research efforts.
Short-term responses of phytoplankton size-fractionated structure and photosynthetic physiology to thermal effluent in a subtropical coastal bay
Authors: Hu Simin , Zhang Chen , Liu Qingxia , Li Tao , Huang Hui , Liu Sheng
Published: January 2023

Elevated water temperature caused by the thermal discharge from power plants can exert multiple ecological impacts on the phytoplankton community in coastal ecosystems. Most recent studies have focused on the reshaping effects on the community structure; however, the short-term response of phytoplankton physiology to thermal discharge remains unclear. This study conducted research on the scope of thermal discharge from the nuclear power plant and the size-fractionated phytoplankton structure combined with photosynthetic physiology in Daya Bay, China. The thermal discharge significantly affected the surface temperature in the outlet regions, and the thermal plume mainly diffused along the northeast coast of the outfall site, resulting in a significant difference in the surface temperature between the inlet and outlet transects (p<0.05). Elevated surface temperatures decreased the total chlorophyll a concentrations by 33.19% at the outlet regions, with pico-phytoplankton decreasing the most. Chlorophyll a concentrations were higher at sites further away from the outlets, indicating that elevated water temperature might stimulate the rapid growth of phytoplankton, especially nano-phytoplankton which replaced pico-phytoplankton as the dominant group at stations away from the outlets. Significant negative correlations were observed between the photochemical quantum yield (Fv/Fm) and temperature (p<0.05), and the relative electron transport rate (rETR) and temperature (p<0.05). Phytoplankton showed a normal photosynthetic physiological state at most sites with a surface temperature<33°C but was severely affected at the outlet site with a 5°C rise, decreasing from ~0.5 on the inlet transect to 0.07. During the diurnal survey, the high temperatures near the outlet at midday had a compensatory effect on phytoplankton’s light suppression. The results indicated that the physiological state of phytoplankton was clearly influenced by the thermal discharge with diurnal variation, and different size-fractionated phytoplankton groups exhibited heterogeneous responses. The findings may provide further insights into the ecological impacts of thermal discharges as well as global warming in subtropical regions.
Tribological properties of carbon nanotube/polymer composites:A mini-review
Authors: Miao Ye , Chen Qinghui , Li Yonggui , Zhuo Dongxian , Wang Rui
Published: January 2023

With the development of modern industry, the requirements for mechanical equipment are increasingly stringent, and increasing attention has been paid to reducing wear or lubrication in the movement of mechanical structural parts. Polymers are widely used in the field of mechanical structural parts due to their high processing performance and comprehensive performance. However, the relatively weak mechanical and tribological properties of polymers limit their further application in mechanical equipment lubrication. Incorporation of fillers is a common method to improve the friction properties of polymers. Among various fillers, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are considered the ideal fillers to significantly improve the tribological properties of polymers. Therefore, this paper reviews the tribological properties of carbon nanotube modified polymer materials. The tribological wear mechanism of polymers and the influence of friction-reducing fillers on the tribological properties of polymers and the related lubrication mechanism explanation are outlined, and the factors influencing the tribological properties of composites by carbon nanotubes and the related lubrication mechanism explanation are analyzed. The presented review will be beneficial for the production of high-performance polymer nanocomposites.
The development and validation of screening tools for semi-automated surveillance of surgical site infection following various surgeries
Authors: Shitrit Pnina , Chowers Michal Y. , Muhsen Khitam
Published: January 2023

Background

Surveillance of surgical site infections (SSIs) is essential for better prevention. We developed a screening method for SSIs in adults.

Methods

The training dataset included data from patients who underwent orthopedic surgeries (N = 1,090), colorectal surgeries (N = 817), and abdominal hysterectomies (N = 523) during 2015–2018. The gold standard for the validation of the screening tool was the presence of SSI as determined by a trained infection control practitioner, via manual full medical record review, using the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention criteria. Using multivariable regression models, we identified the correlates of SSI. Patients who had at least one of these correlates were classified as likely to having SSI and those who did not have any of the correlates were classified as unlikely to have SSI. We calculated the sensitivity and specificity of this tool compared to the gold standard and applied the tool to a validation dataset (N = 1,310, years 2019–2020).

Results

SSI was diagnosed by an infection control specialist in 8.2, 5.2, and 31.2% of the patients in the training dataset who underwent hysterectomies, orthopedic surgeries and colorectal surgeries, respectively, vs. 6.2, 6.6, and 25.5%, respectively, in the validation dataset. The correlates of SSI after abdominal hysterectomy were prolonged hospitalization, ordering wound or blood culture, emergency room visit and reoperation; in orthopedic surgery, emergency room visit, wound culture, reoperation, and documentation of SSI, and in colorectal surgeries prolonged hospitalization, readmission, and ordering wound or blood cultures. Area under the curve was >90%. The sensitivity and specificity (95% CI) of the screening tool were 98% (88–100) and 58% (53–62), for abdominal hysterectomy, 91% (81–96) and 82% (80–84) in orthopedic surgeries and 96% (90–98) and 62% (58–66) in colorectal surgeries. The corresponding values for the validation dataset were 89% (67–97) and 75% (69–80) in abdominal hysterectomy; 85% (72–93) and 83% (80–86) in orthopedic surgeries and 98% (93–99) and 59% (53–64) in colorectal surgeries. The number of files needed to be fully reviewed declined by 61–66.

Conclusion

The presented semi–automated simple screening tool for SSI surveillance had good sensitivity and specificity and it has great potential of reducing workload and improving SSI surveillance.
Case report: Highly differentiated endometrial adenocarcinoma that collided with uterine cervical carcinosarcoma
Authors: Fan Xue , Hu Haoyue , Liu Yang , Tan Songtao , Xie Meng , Zhang Fang
Published: January 2023

Uterine collision tumor is a rare pathological type composed of two or more malignant tumors. The components of these malignant tumors do not have histological mixing and are separated by the normal mesenchyme. Collision cancer is very rare, with uterine collision tumors being even rarer. Only a few cases have been reported in relation to uterine collision tumors. At present, there is no standard treatment guideline for uterine collision tumors, and a comprehensive treatment composed of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy is suggested. In this study, we report a 54-year-old female patient diagnosed with highly differentiated endometrial adenocarcinoma with cervical carcinosarcoma. The endometrial adenocarcinoma component invaded the deep myometrium (> 1/2 layer), involving the cervical glands and interstitium. The regional lymph node metastasis from endometrial adenocarcinoma was also detected. The patient underwent “transabdominal tumor cytoreduction (total hysterectomy + right adnexal resection + greater omentectomy + pelvic lymph node dissection + para-aortic lymph node dissection) + pelvic adhesion release.” In addition, she has completed adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy. After reviewing previous reports of collision tumors in different positions of the uterus, we found that collision tumors between the cervix and uterine body are very uncommon. In addition, we have not found any reports on the metastasis of sarcoid components, no matter what the composition is.
Molecular acclimation of Halobacterium salinarum to halite brine inclusions
Authors: Favreau Charly , Tribondeau Alicia , Marugan Marie , Guyot François , Alpha-Bazin Beatrice , Marie Arul , Puppo Remy , Dufour Thierry , Huguet Arnaud , Zirah Séverine , Kish Adrienne
Published: January 2023

Halophilic microorganisms have long been known to survive within the brine inclusions of salt crystals, as evidenced by the change in color for salt crystals containing pigmented halophiles. However, the molecular mechanisms allowing this survival has remained an open question for decades. While protocols for the surface sterilization of halite (NaCl) have enabled isolation of cells and DNA from within halite brine inclusions, “-omics” based approaches have faced two main technical challenges: (1) removal of all contaminating organic biomolecules (including proteins) from halite surfaces, and (2) performing selective biomolecule extractions directly from cells contained within halite brine inclusions with sufficient speed to avoid modifications in gene expression during extraction. In this study, we tested different methods to resolve these two technical challenges. Following this method development, we then applied the optimized methods to perform the first examination of the early acclimation of a model haloarchaeon (Halobacterium salinarum NRC-1) to halite brine inclusions. Examinations of the proteome of Halobacterium cells two months post-evaporation revealed a high degree of similarity with stationary phase liquid cultures, but with a sharp down-regulation of ribosomal proteins. While proteins for central metabolism were part of the shared proteome between liquid cultures and halite brine inclusions, proteins involved in cell mobility (archaellum, gas vesicles) were either absent or less abundant in halite samples. Proteins unique to cells within brine inclusions included transporters, suggesting modified interactions between cells and the surrounding brine inclusion microenvironment. The methods and hypotheses presented here enable future studies of the survival of halophiles in both culture model and natural halite systems.
Current understanding of the immune potential of B-cell subsets in malarial pathogenesis
Authors: Kalkal Meenu , Das Jyoti
Published: January 2023

In the past several decades, our understanding of how B cells are generated and what function they perform has continued to advance. It is widely accepted that B-cell subsets play a critical role in mediating immune response. Surprisingly, human and murine malarial infections cause major alterations in the composition of B-cell subsets in both the spleen and periphery. Multiple B-cell subsets are well characterized in murine models following primary and secondary infection, although in human malarial infection, these subsets are not well defined. Furthermore, a rare known function of B cells includes the potential role of regulating the activities of other cells in the body as regulatory cells. Plasmodium infection strongly alters the frequency of these regulatory B cells indicating the immunoregulatory function of B cells in malarial. It is important to note that these subsets, taken together, form the cellular basis of humoral immune responses, allowing protection against a wide array of Plasmodium antigens to be achieved. However, it remains a challenge and an important area of investigation to understand how these B-cell subsets work together to provide protection against Plasmodium infection.
Proteolysis modification targeting protein corona affects ultrasound-induced membrane homeostasis of saccharomyces cerevisiae: Analysis of lipid relative contributions on membrane properties
Authors: Zheng Zi-Yi , Xie Guo , Tan Gui-Liang , Liu Wen-Li
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Protein corona (PCN) adsorbed on the surface of nanoparticles has brought new research perspectives for the interaction between nanoparticles and microorganisms. In this study, the responses of saccharomyces cerevisiae’ membrane lipid composition, the average length of the fatty acyl chains and the average number of unsaturation of fatty acids to ultrasound combined with nano-Fe3O4@PCN with time-limited proteolysis (nano-Fe3O4@TLP-PCN) was investigated.

Methods

Lipidomic data was obtained using Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with a Q-Exactive plus mass spectrometer. The membrane potential, proton motive force assay and the membrane lipid oxidation were measured using Di-BAC4(3), DISC3(5) and C11-BODIPY581/591 as the probes. Combined with the approach of feasible virtual samples generation, the back propagation artificial neural network (BP-ANN) model was adopted to establish the mapping relationship between lipids and membrane properties.

Results

The time-limited proteolysis targeting wheat PCN-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles resulted in regular changes of hydrodynamic diameters, ζ-potentials, and surface hydrophobicity. In addition, with the prolongation of PCN proteolysis time, disturbances of 3 S.cerevisiae membrane characteristics, and membrane lipidomic remodeling in response to ultrasound+ nano-Fe3O4@PCN were observed. The analysis of relative importance which followed revealed that ergosterol, phosphatidylserine, and phosphatidylinositol phosphate had the greatest influence on membrane potential. For membrane lipid oxidation, ceramide, phosphatidylethanolamine, and sitosterol ester contribute 16.2, 14.9, and 13.1%, respectively. The relative contributions of six lysolecithins to the dissipation of proton motive force remained limited.

Discussion

An adaptation mechanism of cell membrane to proteolyzed PCN, wherein lipidome remodeling could preserved functional membrane phenotypes was revealed. Furthermore, it is highlighted that the relative importances of SiE, Cer, PE and PIP in determining membrane potential, PMF dissipation and membrane lipid oxidation by establishing FVSG-BP-ANN model.
Microbial food webs share similar biogeographic patterns and driving mechanisms with depths in oligotrophic tropical western Pacific Ocean
Authors: Shao Qianwen , Sun Dong , Fang Chen , Feng Yunzhi , Wang Chunsheng
Published: January 2023

Microbial food web (MFW) dominates the energy flow in oligotrophic tropical open ocean pelagic ecosystems. Understanding biogeographic patterns and driving mechanisms of key components of the MFW is one of the central topics in current marine ecology. Investigations were conducted along an 1,100-km horizontal gradient and in the full-water column vertical gradient of the oligotrophic tropical western Pacific Ocean. High-throughput sequencing and association networking methods were used to analyze the community structure and interspecies interactions of MFW. The structure of MFW significantly differed with depths, but not across horizontal gradients. Bacteria and microeukaryotes were interconnected and had more predominantly positive and negative linkages in the aphotic layers. Key components of MFW exhibited similar biogeographic patterns and driving mechanisms. Geographic distance exerted minimal effects on the distribution patterns of the microbial food web, while environmental factors played more important roles, especially for temperature and inorganic nutrients. Stochastic processes were more important in the microbial food webs of the 5–200  m layer than the >500  m layer, and drift explained the majority of stochastic processes. Moreover, only a weak but not significant driving force for North Equatorial Current on the east–west connectivity of the microbial food web was found in the upper layers. This knowledge is a critical fundamental data for future planning of marine protected areas targeting the protection of tuna fishing in the western Pacific Ocean.
Sulfur enhancement effects for uranium bioleaching in column reactors from a refractory uranium ore
Authors: Li Qian , Yang Yu , Ma Jinfang , Sun Jing , Li Guangyue , Zhang Ruiyong , Cui Zhao , Li Ting , Liu Xiaobei
Published: January 2023

The feasibility of sulfur enhancement for uranium bioleaching in column reactors was assessed with a designed mixed Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans and Leptospirillum ferriphilum from a refractory uranium ore. The uranium extraction reached 86.2% with the sulfur enhancement (1 g/kg) in 77 days leaching process, increased by 12.6% vs. the control without sulfur addition. The kinetic analysis showed that uranium bioleaching with sulfur enhancement in columns followed an internal diffusion through the product layer-controlled model. Ore residue characteristics indicated that sulfur enhancement could strengthen the porosity of passivation layer, improving the ore permeability. Notably, bacterial community analysis showed that sulfur enhancement at 1 g/kg could make the iron-oxidizing and sulfur-oxidizing bacteria on the ore surface maintain a good balance (approx. 1:1), and thus decomposing ore more effectively. Lastly, a possible mechanism model for uranium bioleaching with sulfur enhancement was proposed.
Soil bacterial community response to continuous cropping of cotton
Authors: Ma Zheng , Li Peng , Yang Chuanzhen , Feng Zili , Feng Hongjie , Zhang Yalin , Zhao Lihong , Zhou Jinglong , Zhu Heqin , Wei Feng
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Long-term continuous cropping may result in the outbreak and proliferation of soil-borne diseases, as well as reduction in annual crop production. Overcoming the obstacles of continuous cropping is critical for the long-term growth of modern agriculture. Soil microbes are essential for plant health, but the consequences of continuous cropping on soil microbiome are still poorly understood.

Methods

This study analyzed changes in soil bacterial community composition of Aksu (AKS) and Shihezi (SHZ) in Xinjiang Province during 1–20  years of continuous cropping by 16S amplicon sequencing. The results showed that the incidence of cotton Verticillium wilt rose with the number of cropping years. The bacterial alpha diversity in the AKS soil grew as the number of continuous cropping years increased, however it declined in the SHZ soil.

Results

The results of beta diversity analysis showed that there were significant differences in soil bacterial communities between different continuous cropping years and between different soils. The results of community composition changes at the level of main phyla and genus showed that the relative abundance of Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Streptomyces decreased with the increase of continuous cropping years in the AKS and the SHZ soils. In addition, Actinobacteria, Propionibacteriales, and Nocardioidaceae were significantly enriched during the early stages of continuous cropping. Network analysis showed that long-term (≥8  years) continuous cropping interfered with the complexity of soil bacterial co-occurrence networks and reduced collaboration between OTUs.

Discussion

These findings suggested that continuous cropping and soil origin jointly affected the diversity and structural of bacterial communities, and the loss of Nocardioidaceae and Streptomyces in Actinobacteria might be one of the reasons of continuous cropping obstacles.
Serum vitamin levels in multiple system atrophy: A case-control study
Authors: Chen Daji , Wan Linlin , Chen Zhao , Yuan Xinrong , Liu Mingjie , Tang Zhichao , Fu You , Zhu Sudan , Zhang Xuewei , Qiu Rong , Tang Beisha , Jiang Hong
Published: January 2023

Aim

There is increasing evidence suggesting that vitamins may play important roles in the pathogenesis of multiple system atrophy (MSA). The purpose of this study was to detect the changes of serum vitamin levels and investigate their correlation with disease severity in MSA patients.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 244 MSA patients, 200 Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients and 244 age-gender matched healthy controls were recruited. Serum vitamin levels were measured, including vitamin A, B1, B2, B9 (folate), B12, C, D, and E. Relevant clinical scales were used to assess the disease severity of MSA patients.

Results

Compared with the healthy controls, decreased serum folate levels and increased serum vitamin A and C levels were detected in MSA patients. Similar differences were also observed in the gender-based subgroup analysis. There were no differences detected between MSA and PD patients. In MSA patients, significant correlation was found between vitamin A, folate, or vitamin C and relevant clinical scales or laboratory findings. In addition, ROC analysis showed potential diagnostic value of the combination of vitamin A, folate, and vitamin C in distinguishing MSA patients from healthy controls.

Conclusion

There were significant changes in the blood vitamin spectrums of MSA patients, suggesting that dysregulation of vitamins homeostasis might play an important role in the pathogenesis of MSA.
Relationship between glycemic control and cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lin Yufeng , Gong Zhongying , Ma Chunchao , Wang Zhiyun , Wang Kaiyuan
Published: January 2023

Background

Diabetes mellitus, or hyperglycemia, is an independent risk factor for cognitive impairment. Here we systematically analyzed whether glycemic control could improve cognitive impairment in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), hyperglycemia, or insulin resistance.

Methods

Three databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library) and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for randomized controlled trials analyzing the relationship between glycemic control and cognitive function assessments, published from database inception to June 2022. Patients in experimental groups were treated with antidiabetic drugs, while control groups were treated with a placebo or alternative antidiabetic drugs. Data analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 and StataSE-64, and standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

Results

Thirteen studies comprising 19,314 participants were included. Analysis revealed that glycemic control significantly attenuated the degree of decline in cognitive function assessment scores (SMD  =  0.15; 95% CI 0.05, 0.26; p  <  0.00001), and funnel plots confirmed no publication bias. Seven studies used Mini-Mental State Examination as the primary cognitive function assessment, showing that glycemic control significantly delayed the degree of decline in cognitive function assessment scores (SMD  =  0.18; 95% CI 0.03, 0.34; p  =  0.02). Similar results were seen in two studies using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale, but without significant difference (SMD  =  0.05; 95% CI-0.10, 0.21; p  =  0.51). One study using Auditory Word Learning Test (AVLT) showed that glycemic control significantly delayed the decline in cognitive function assessment scores (SMD  =  0.52; 95% CI 0.11,0.93; p  =  0.01), and another used Wechsler Memory Scale Revised, showing similar results (SMD  =  1.45; 95% CI 0.86, 2.04; p  <  0.00001). Likewise, a study that used Modified Mini-Mental State scale showed that glycemic control significantly delayed the decline in cognitive function assessment scores (SMD  =  -0.10; 95% CI-0.16, −0.03; p  =  0.005). Lastly, one study used AVLT subtests to show that glycemic control delayed the decline in cognitive function assessment scores, although not statistically significant (SMD  =  0.09; 95% CI-0.53, 0.71; p  =  0.78).

Conclusion

Glycemic control through antidiabetic treatment correlates with the improvement of cognitive impairment in patients with DM, hyperglycemia or insulin resistance. However, further studies are needed to validate the results of this study.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO, identifier CRD42022342260.
Adaptive load feedback robustly signals force dynamics in robotic model of Carausius morosus stepping
Authors: Zyhowski William P. , Zill Sasha N. , Szczecinski Nicholas S.
Published: January 2023

Animals utilize a number of neuronal systems to produce locomotion. One type of sensory organ that contributes in insects is the campaniform sensillum (CS) that measures the load on their legs. Groups of the receptors are found on high stress regions of the leg exoskeleton and they have significant effects in adapting walking behavior. Recording from these sensors in freely moving animals is limited by technical constraints. To better understand the load feedback signaled by CS to the nervous system, we have constructed a dynamically scaled robotic model of theCarausius morosusstick insect middle leg. The leg steps on a treadmill and supports weight during stance to simulate body weight. Strain gauges were mounted in the same positions and orientations as four key CS groups (Groups 3, 4, 6B, and 6A). Continuous data from the strain gauges were processed through a previously published dynamic computational model of CS discharge. Our experiments suggest that under different stepping conditions (e.g., changing “body” weight, phasic load stimuli, slipping foot), the CS sensory discharge robustly signals increases in force, such as at the beginning of stance, and decreases in force, such as at the end of stance or when the foot slips. Such signals would be crucial for an insect or robot to maintain intra- and inter-leg coordination while walking over extreme terrain.
Electron microscopy analysis of astrocyte-synapse interactions shows altered dynamics in an Alzheimer’s disease mouse model
Authors: Kater Mandy S. J. , Badia-Soteras Aina , van Weering Jan R. T. , Smit August B. , Verheijen Mark H. G.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Astrocyte-synapse bi-directional communication is required for neuronal development and synaptic plasticity. Astrocytes structurally interact with synapses using their distal processes also known as leaflets or perisynaptic astrocytic processes (PAPs). We recently showed that these PAPs are retracted from hippocampal synapses, and involved in the consolidation of fear memory. However, whether astrocytic synaptic coverage is affected when memory is impaired is unknown.

Methods

Here, we describe in detail an electron microscopy method that makes use of a large number of 2D images to investigate structural astrocyte-synapse interaction in paraformaldehyde fixed brain tissue of mice.

Results and discussion

We show that fear memory-induced synaptic activation reduces the interaction between the PAPs and the presynapse, but not the postsynapse, accompanied by retraction of the PAP tip from the synaptic cleft. Interestingly, this retraction is absent in the APP/PS1 mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease, supporting the concept that alterations in astrocyte-synapse coverage contribute to memory processing.
Neural stem cells and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells compete for remyelination in the corpus callosum
Authors: Moyon Sarah , Holloman Mara , Salzer James L.
Published: January 2023

A major therapeutic goal in demyelinating diseases, such as Multiple Sclerosis, is to improve remyelination, thereby restoring effective axon conduction and preventing neurodegeneration. In the adult central nervous system (CNS), parenchymal oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (pOPCs) and, to a lesser extent, pre-existing oligodendrocytes (OLs) and oligodendrocytes generated from neural stem cells (NSCs) in the sub-ventricular zone (SVZ) are capable of forming new myelin sheaths. Due to their self-renewal capabilities and the ability of their progeny to migrate widely within the CNS, NSCs represent an additional source of remyelinating cells that may be targeted to supplement repair by pOPCs. However, in demyelinating disorders and disease models, the NSC contribution to myelin repair is modest and most evident in regions close to the SVZ. We hypothesized that NSC-derived cells may compete with OPCs to remyelinate the same axons, with pOPCs serving as the primary remyelinating cells due to their widespread distribution within the adult CNS, thereby limiting the contribution of NSC-progeny. Here, we have used a dual reporter, genetic fate mapping strategy, to characterize the contribution of pOPCs and NSC-derived OLs to remyelination after cuprizone-induced demyelination. We confirmed that, while pOPCs are the main remyelinating cells in the corpus callosum, NSC-derived cells are also activated and recruited to demyelinating lesions. Blocking pOPC differentiation genetically, resulted in a significant increase in the recruitment NSC-derived cells into the demyelinated corpus callosum and their differentiation into OLs. These results strongly suggest that pOPCs and NSC-progeny compete to repair white matter lesions. They underscore the potential significance of targeting NSCs to improve repair when the contribution of pOPCs is insufficient to affect full remyelination.
Acute bacterial encephalitis complicated with recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma associated with Elizabethkingia miricola infection: A case report
Authors: Zhuo Xiaohuang , Zhou Yongzhao , Liu Ling
Published: January 2023

Elizabethkingia miricola (E. miricola) is an extremely rare pathogenic bacterium, which causes serious infections in patients with primary immunodeficiency or tumors, and it is often misdiagnosed. E. miricola has rarely been known to cause a neurologic infection. We describe the first case of acute bacterial encephalitis associated with E. miricola infection in a man with recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma, which was successfully cured by antibiotics. The patient initially presented with recurrent episodes of fever and later showed impaired consciousness but these symptoms were alleviated with antibiotic therapy including cefoperazone/sulbactam. This study highlights that rapid and accurate pathogen detection via metagenomic next-generation sequencing and early use of appropriate antibiotics can improve the prognosis of patients with suspected neurologic E. miricola infection. Early treatment for underlying primary diseases can also significantly improve the outcomes of patients.
Comprehensive conservative treatment for multiple metastases of skull osteosarcoma: A case report
Authors: Jiang Dawei , Wang Jingming , Chen Qian , Wu Junyi , Xu Ming , Yu Xiuchun
Published: January 2023

Background

Skull osteosarcoma is relatively rare, and it is difficult to be diagnosed according to medical history and imaging examination due to the complex structure and diverse components of the brain. Consequently, there is only a limited number of patients who can undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy before the operation. Although neoadjuvant chemotherapy plays an important role in the treatment of osteosarcoma, there is still a “bottleneck” in the current treatment method which when pulmonary metastasis occurs, or surgical treatment is not Enneking appropriate. Under such circumstances, the choice of treatment can be an issue.

Case

A 16-year-old male patient with multiple metastases of skull osteosarcoma was reported. The patient suffered not only tinnitus and hearing loss in the right ear but also right facial paralysis and headache. The preoperative brain MRI showed a tumor in the right cerebellopontine angle (CPA) area. He underwent skull tumor resection at another hospital in November 2018, during which process the biopsy revealed epithelioid osteoblastoma-like osteosarcoma. The patient had supplemental radiotherapy 1 month after surgery because of tumor recurrence. 32 months afterward, pulmonary metastases and multiple bone metastases were found. Then the patient underwent multiple conservative treatments which include Denosumab, Anlotinib, and DIA (cisplatin + ifosfamide + doxorubicin) chemotherapy at our hospital. After a series of 6 cycles of treatment, the patient can walk without aid. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and Alkaline phosphatase (AKP) returned to a normal level. Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) metabolism in all bone metastases decreased to normal except for the ones in the proximal left femur, and the FDG metabolism in the left femur is significantly lower than that before treatment. Multiple bone metastases showed different extents of high-density calcification, and the volume of the local bone metastases has been reduced significantly. The patient‘s condition stayed stable at latest follow-up.

Conclusion

We found that multiple conservative treatments, which include Denosumab, Anlotinib and DIA chemotherapy, can improve patients' life quality, and help avoid further osteolytic destruction for patients with skull osteosarcoma and multiple metastases. Its specific mechanism and scope of the application still need to be further studied.
Long-term stroke and major bleeding risk in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation: A comparative analysis between non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants and warfarin using a clinical data warehouse
Authors: Lee Hancheol , Hong Jung Hwa , Seo Kwon-Duk
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) has been the drug of choice for preventing ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) since 2014. Many studies based on claim data revealed that NOACs had comparable effect to warfarin in preventing ischemic stroke with fewer hemorrhagic side effects. We analyzed the difference in clinical outcomes according to the drugs in patients with AF based on the clinical data warehouse (CDW).

Methods

We extracted data of patients with AF from our hospital's CDW and obtained clinical information including test results. All claim data of the patients were extracted from National Health Insurance Service, and dataset was constructed by combining it with CDW data. Separately, another dataset was constructed with patients who could obtain sufficient clinical information from the CDW. The patients were divided NOAC and warfarin groups. The occurrence of ischemic stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, gastrointestinal bleeding, and death were confirmed as clinical outcome. The factors influencing the risk of clinical outcomes were analyzed.

Results

The patients who were diagnosed AF between 2009 and 2020 were included in the dataset construction. In the combined dataset, 858 patients were treated with warfarin, 2,343 patients were treated with NOACs. After the diagnosis of AF, the incidence of ischemic stroke during follow-up was 199 (23.2%) in the warfarin group, 209 (8.9%) in the NOAC group. Intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 70 patients (8.2%) among the warfarin group, 61 (2.6%) of the NOAC group. Gastrointestinal bleeding occurred in 69 patients (8.0%) in the warfarin group, 78 patients (3.3%) in the NOAC group. NOAC's hazard ratio (HR) of ischemic stroke was 0.479 (95% CI 0.39–0.589, p < 0.0001), HR of intracranial hemorrhage was 0.453 (95% CI 0.31–0.664, p < 0.0001), and HR of gastrointestinal bleeding was 0.579 (95% CI 0.406–0.824, p = 0.0024). In the dataset constructed using only CDW, the NOAC group also had a lower risk of ischemic stroke and intracranial hemorrhage than warfarin group.

Conclusions

In this CDW based study, NOACs are more effective and safer than warfarin in patients with AF even with long-term follow-up. NOACs should be used to prevent ischemic stroke in patients with AF
Craniopharyngioma involving the anterior, middle, and posterior cranial fossa in adults: A case report
Authors: Tian Bin , Li Ming , Du Xiaolin , Zhou Hui , Zhou Kun , Li Shiguang
Published: January 2023

Craniopharyngioma (CP) is a rare benign tumor that develops from the residual epithelial cells of the craniopharynx, accounting for < 5% of intracranial tumors. It is common for CPs to grow in the sellar/parasellar region and extend suprasellar. The pathology classifies CPs into adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas (ACP) and papillary craniopharyngiomas (PCP). The PCP is mainly solid and occurs only in adults. ACP is predominantly cystic and more common in childhood and adolescent. Multilocular cystic ACP involving the anterior, middle, and posterior cranial fossa is rare in adults. Here, we report a case of a 46-year-old adult male patient who presented with recurrent headaches for 1 year with choking and hoarseness. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed multiple cystic masses in the anterior, middle, and posterior cranial fossa. Initial hypotheses included the following: CP, colloid cyst, enterogenous cyst, epidermoid cyst, and dermoid cyst. Subsequently, the patient underwent surgery and postoperative histopathology diagnosed ACP. Adults with ACP involving the anterior, middle, and posterior cranial fossae are uncommon. This is a rare condition that radiologists should be aware of.
Case report: A novel approach of closed-loop brain stimulation combined with robot gait training in post-stroke gait disturbance
Authors: Shima Atsushi , Miyake Tomoaki , Tanaka Kazuki , Ogawa Akari , Omae Erika , Nagamori Yui , Miyata Yusuke , Ohata Koji , Maki Takakuni , Ono Yumie , Mima Tatsuya , Takahashi Ryosuke , Koganemaru Satoko
Published: January 2023

Most post-stroke patients have long-lasting gait disturbances that reduce their daily activities. They often show impaired hip and knee joint flexion and ankle dorsiflexion of the lower limbs during the swing phase of gait, which is controlled by the corticospinal tract from the primary motor cortex (M1). Recently, we reported that gait-synchronized closed-loop brain stimulation targeting swing phase-related activity in the affected M1 can improve gait function in post-stroke patients. Subsequently, a gait-training robot (Orthobot®) was developed that could assist lower-limb joint movements during the swing phase of gait. Therefore, we investigated whether gait-synchronized closed-loop brain stimulation combined with robot-assisted training targeting the swing phase could enhance the recovery of post-stroke gait disturbance. A 57-year-old female patient with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis underwent closed-loop brain stimulation combined with robot-assisted training for 10 min 2 years after left pons infarction. For closed-loop brain stimulation, we used transcranial oscillatory electrical current stimulation over the lesioned M1 foot area with 1.5 mA of DC offset and 0–3 mA of sine-wave formed currents triggered by the paretic heel contact to set the maximum current just before the swing phase (intervention A; two times repeated, A1 and A2). According to the N-of-1 study design, we also performed sham stimulation (intervention B) and control stimulation not targeting the swing phase (intervention C) combined with robot-assisted training in the order of A1-B-A2-C interventions. As a result, we found larger improvements in gait speed, the Timed Up and Go test result, and muscle strength after the A1 and A2 interventions than after the B and C interventions. After confirming the short-term effects, we performed an additional long-term intervention twice a week for 5 weeks, for a total of 10 sessions. Gait parameters also largely improved after long-term intervention. Gait-synchronized closed-loop brain stimulation combined with robot-assisted training targeting the swing phase of gait may promote the recovery of gait function in post-stroke patients. Further studies with a larger number of patients are necessary.
Frontal and parietal lobes play crucial roles in understanding the disorder of consciousness: A perspective from electroencephalogram studies
Authors: Liu Yesong , Li Zhaoyi , Bai Yang
Published: January 2023

Background

Electroencephalogram (EEG) studies have established many characteristics relevant to consciousness levels of patients with disorder of consciousness (DOC). Although the frontal and parietal brain regions were often highlighted in DOC studies, their electro-neurophysiological roles in constructing human consciousness remain unclear because of the fragmented information from literatures and the complexity of EEG characteristics.

Methods

Existing EEG studies of DOC patients were reviewed and summarized. Relevant findings and results about the frontal and parietal regions were filtered, compared, and concluded to clarify their roles in consciousness classification and outcomes. The evidence covers multi-dimensional EEG characteristics including functional connectivity, non-linear dynamics, spectrum power, transcranial magnetic stimulation-electroencephalography (TMS-EEG), and event-related potential.

Results and conclusion

Electroencephalogram characteristics related to frontal and parietal regions consistently showed high relevance with consciousness: enhancement of low-frequency rhythms, suppression of high-frequency rhythms, reduction of dynamic complexity, and breakdown of networks accompanied with decreasing consciousness. Owing to the limitations of EEG, existing studies have not yet clarified which one between the frontal and parietal has priority in consciousness injury or recovery. Source reconstruction with high-density EEG, machine learning with large samples, and TMS-EEG mapping will be important approaches for refining EEG awareness locations.
Inferring the basis of binaural detection with a modified autoencoder
Authors: Smith Samuel S. , Sollini Joseph , Akeroyd Michael A.
Published: January 2023

The binaural system utilizes interaural timing cues to improve the detection of auditory signals presented in noise. In humans, the binaural mechanisms underlying this phenomenon cannot be directly measured and hence remain contentious. As an alternative, we trained modified autoencoder networks to mimic human-like behavior in a binaural detection task. The autoencoder architecture emphasizes interpretability and, hence, we “opened it up” to see if it could infer latent mechanisms underlying binaural detection. We found that the optimal networks automatically developed artificial neurons with sensitivity to timing cues and with dynamics consistent with a cross-correlation mechanism. These computations were similar to neural dynamics reported in animal models. That these computations emerged to account for human hearing attests to their generality as a solution for binaural signal detection. This study examines the utility of explanatory-driven neural network models and how they may be used to infer mechanisms of audition.