bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative and qualitative assessment of pine seedlings under controlled undergrowth disturbance: Fire and soil scarification
Authors: Przybylski Paweł , Jastrzȩbowski Szymon , Ukalski Krzysztof , Tyburski Łukasz , Konatowska Monika
Published: October 2022

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) is the most widespread forest tree species in Central Europe. The range of Scots pine depends on the influence of forest management on stand species composition, as the potential for the natural regeneration of Scots pine monocultures is smaller than the current range of the species. To achieve regeneration, pine requires specific ecological conditions, including adequate soil preparation. The literature notes that the effective natural regeneration of pine requires fire or mixing the organic soil layer with the mineral layer. This hypothesis was critically evaluated carrying out work with the main objective of comparing the germination and growth dynamic of pine seedlings in two variants, simulating fire or soil scarification against natural conditions. The research focused on analyzing the growth of pine seedlings from germination to the final number of seedlings, which remained unchanged until the end of the experiment. The evaluation was carried out in soil monoliths from Kampinos National Park (KNP), in which seeds from a homogeneous mother stand were planted. The quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the seedlings were statistically evaluated, including analyses of their root system characteristics. The results confirmed the positive effect of mixing an organic and mineral layer at the germination stage and during the subsequent growth of the pine. The seedlings had a high survival rate (65.3%). However, the positive effect of fire on the regenerative capacity of pine could not be confirmed; the number of obtained seedlings (29.5%) was significantly lower than in the control variant. In addition, the “fire variant” was characterized by high seedling mortality immediately after germination. Root systems were important for the survival of the seedlings, the development of which was affected by the tested variant. The analyses performed may have implications for the development of research on the possible natural regeneration of Pines after natural disturbances. Additional topic that needs further research is the response of seedling root systems to changes in soil conditions.
Defensive patterns of chestnut genotypes (Castanea spp.) against the gall wasp, Dryocosmus kuriphilus
Authors: Lombardero María J. , Ayres Matthew P. , Álvarez-Álvarez Pedro , Castedo-Dorado Fernando
Published: October 2022

Plants draw from various genetically controlled defenses to protect against herbivores and pathogens. The efficacy of alternative defenses can vary with the biology and phylogeny of the enemy.Dryocosmus kuriphilus, an invasive gall maker native to China, has become one of the main pests of chestnut trees around the world. We studied genetic variation in resistance and susceptibility toD. kuriphiluswithin a replicated blocked planting of 12 chestnut genotypes established in Galicia, Spain in 2004. We found very high genetic variation in susceptibility toD. kuriphilus. We evaluated if the variation was due to host selection by the wasp, differential efficacy of inducible defenses in the trees, or variability in susceptibility of the plant to manipulation by the gallmaker. We assessed host selection by counting number of eggs laid by females in tree buds and comparing preferences with phytochemistry. We also measured inducible changes in phytochemistry within and around galls, gall physical characteristics, parasitism, and insect fitness. The effective defense mechanisms in resistant genotypes involved (1) hypersensitive reactions to eggs or neonates within buds and (2) early precise abscission of nascent galls from expanding leaves. Surprisingly, the genetic resistance toD. kuriphilusof the chestnut genotypes we tested was not related to phenols, terpenes, and primary nutrition.
m7G regulator-mediated methylation modification patterns define immune cell infiltration and patient survival
Authors: Wang Lu , Hu Xing , Liu Xiaoni , Feng Yingmei , Zhang Yuan , Han Jing , Liu Xuqing , Meng Fankun
Published: October 2022

Numerous studies have demonstrated the important roles of epigenetic modifications in tumorigenesis, progression and prognosis. However, in hepatocellular carcinoma, the potential link between N7-methylguanosine (m7G) modification and molecular heterogeneity and tumor microenvironment (TME) remains unclear.

Method

We performed a comprehensive evaluation of m7G modification patterns in 816 hepatocellular carcinoma samples based on 24 m7G regulatory factors, identified different m7G modification patterns, and made a systematic correlation of these modification patterns with the infiltration characteristics of immunocytes. Then, we built and validated a scoring tool called m7G score.

Results

In this study, we revealed the presence of three distinct m7G modification patterns in liver cancer, with remarkable differences in the immunocyte infiltration characteristics of these three subtypes. The m7G scoring system of this study could assess m7G modification patterns in individual hepatocellular carcinoma patients, could predict TME infiltration characteristics, genetic variants and patient prognosis. We also found that the m7G scoring system may be useful in guiding patients’ clinical use of medications.

Conclusions

This study revealed that m7G methylation modifications exerted a significant role in formation of TME in hepatocellular carcinoma. Assessing the m7G modification patterns of single patients would help enhance our perception of TME infiltration characteristics and give significant insights into immunotherapy efficacy.
Non-antibiotic antimicrobial polydopamine surface coating to prevent stable biofilm formation on satellite telemetry tags used in cetacean conservation applications
Authors: Smies Ariana , Wales Jeremy , Hennenfent Maureen , Lyons Laura , Dunn Caleigh , Robbins Jooke , Lee Bruce P. , Zerbini Alexandre , Rajachar Rupak M.
Published: October 2022

Satellite telemetry tags, used to monitor the migratory behavior of cetaceans, have the potential to be a vehicle for infection due to their invasive nature. Antibiotic coatings have been previously employed to reduce the chances of infection via the formation of a stable biofilm on the surface of the tags. However, increased use of antibiotics has the potential to lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. To prevent the formation of antibiotic-resistant pathogens, a polydopamine surface coating that, when exposed to oxygen, releases low doses (~40-100µM) of hydrogen peroxide over a prolonged period (>24 hours) can be used to replace current antibiotic coatings used in the field. These pDA coatings can reduce bacterial adhesion from model bacteria from the two most common genotypes found on the skin of cetaceans (Psychrobacter and Tenacibaculum). The adhesion of Psychrobacter bacteria was reduced by 80% (p<0.01) while Tenacibaculum was reduced by 70% (p<0.001). When the bacteria were dosed with a non-lethal quantity of hydrogen peroxide (200µM) prior to being exposed to pDA surface coatings, there was no decrease in the efficacy of the coatings. This indicates a resistance to hydrogen peroxide will not be formed quickly. Overall, the polydopamine surface coatings were able to reduce the adhesion of model bacteria strains on the surface of medical grade stainless steel, which could increase the functional tag service life while reducing the chances of infection.
Design of sustainable geopolymeric matrices for encapsulation of treated radioactive solid organic waste
Authors: Santi Andrea , Mossini Eros , Magugliani Gabriele , Galluccio Francesco , Macerata Elena , Lotti Paolo , Gatta Giacomo Diego , Vadivel Dhanalakshmi , Dondi Daniele , Cori Davide , Nonnet Hélène , Mariani Mario
Published: October 2022

Among radioactive by-products generated by nuclear technologies, solid organic waste is drawing attention because of difficult management and incompatibility with the disposal strategies traditionally adopted. Recently, geopolymers have been proposed as valid and green alternatives to cement-based matrices. In this work, novel geopolymeric formulations have been studied at laboratory scale to encapsulate ashes from incineration of surrogate solid organic waste and to further pursue sustainability and circular economy goals. Indeed, the most widely used precursor of literature geopolymers, calcined kaolin, has been totally replaced by natural raw materials and recycled industrial by-products. In addition, a highly zeolitized volcanic tuff has been chosen to further improve the intrinsic cation-exchange capacity of the geopolymer, hence enhancing waste-matrix interaction. The alkaline activation of the precursors, achieved without silicates of any metal, resulted in a promisingly durable geopolymeric matrix, whose chemical composition has been optimised to provide compressive strength above 10 MPa after 28 days of curing. A water-saturated sealed chamber provided the optimal curing condition to limit the efflorescence and improve the mechanical properties. At least 20 wt% loading of treated surrogate waste was achieved, without compromising workability, setting time, and compressive strength, the latter remaining within acceptable values. In order to demonstrate matrix durability, leaching behaviour and thermal stability were preliminarily assessed by immersion tests and thermogravimetric analyses, respectively. The leachability indices of constituent elements resulted far above 6, which is the generally agreed requirement for cement-based matrices. Moreover, the mechanical resistance was not worsened by the water immersion. The preliminarily obtained results confirm the promising properties of the new matrix for the immobilization of nuclear waste.
Can the balance evaluation systems test be used to identify system-specific postural control impairments in older adults with chronic neck pain?
Authors: Madsalae Thanya , Thongprong Tanapat , Chinkulprasert Chatchada , Boonsinsukh Rumpa
Published: October 2022

Background

Older adults with chronic neck pain (CNP) demonstrate impaired postural control. The Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest) is used to assess systems underlying postural control impairments, but its use in CNP has not been reported. This study assessed whether the BESTest can identify postural control impairments in CNP as well as the level of BESTest item difficulty by Rasch analysis.

Materials and methods

This cross-sectional study recruited thirty young adults (YOUNG) aged 20–40 years and eighty older adults aged 60 years or older [without neck pain (OLD) = 60, with chronic neck pain (CNP) = 20]. Questionnaires were administered to collect demographic data, intensity of neck pain (VAS), patient’s self-rated neck pain and disability (NDI), and balance confidence in daily activities (ABC). The BESTest was used to assess postural control.

Results

The CNP group showed the lowest ABC scores. Compared to the YOUNG group, the BESTest score was significantly lower in the OLD group, while the CNP group showed the lowest score, suggesting that balance control deteriorated from the normal aging process and further declined in the CNP group, especially in biomechanical constraints, transitions–anticipatory postural adjustment, and reactive postural response (p < 0.05). Using scores from these three sections, the BESTest was accurate at the cutoff score of 48.5 out of 51 for differentiating the older adults whose daily life are affected by neck problems (using the NDI as a reference) with a high AUC (0.79), sensitivity (72%), and specificity (69%). The Rasch analysis revealed that the Timed Up and Go with dual task test was the most difficult BESTest item for all groups, whereas 14 items showed more difficulty for the CNP group.

Conclusion

The BESTest can be used to identify postural control impairments in CNP patients, even those with moderate pain and mild disability with a high level of physical functioning. The combined score of biomechanical constraints, transitions–anticipatory postural adjustment, and reactive postural response domains was suggested for the detection of older adults whose daily lives are affected by neck problems. This will also help clinicians consider the management of neck pain to prevent falls in CNP.
Long-term gynecological complications after conservative treatment of placenta accreta spectrum
Authors: Herzberg Shmuel , Ezra Yossef , Haj Yahya Rani , Weiniger Carolyn F. , Hochler Hila , Kabiri Doron
Published: October 2022

Objective

To examine the association between conservative treatment for PAS (placenta accreta spectrum) and subsequent gynecological and fertility complications.

Methods

All women who underwent conservative treatment for PAS between January 1990 and December 2000 were included in this retrospective cohort study conducted in a tertiary teaching hospital. Gynecological and fertility complications experienced after the index delivery were collected from the medical records and telephone questionnaires. This data was compared to an age and parity-matched control group of women without PAS.

Results

The study group included 134 women with PAS managed conservatively and 134 controls with normal deliveries matched by parity and age. Women in the PAS group required significantly more postpartum operative procedures such as hysteroscopy or D&C (OR = 6.6; 95%CI: 3.36–13.28; P = <0.001). Following the index delivery, there were 345 pregnancies among 107 women who attempted conception following conservative treatment for PAS vs. 339 pregnancies among 105 women who attempted conception in the control group. Among women who attempted conception following conservative treatment for PAS 99 (92.5%) delivered live newborns (a total of 280 deliveries) vs. 94 (89.5%) in the control group, (a total of 270 live newborns, p = 0.21). The need for fertility treatments was not different between the two groups (OR = 1.22; 95%CI: 0.51–2.93; P = 0.66).

Conclusion

After conservative treatment for PAS, significantly more women required complementary procedures due to retained placenta and/or heavy vaginal bleeding. There was no evidence of fertility impairment in women post-conservative treatment for PAS.
Radiological patterns and pulmonary function values of lung involvement in primary Sjögren’s syndrome: A pilot analysis
Authors: Mormile Ilaria , Mormile Mauro , Rossi Francesca Wanda , Williams Michela , Valente Tullio , Candia Claudio , Granata Francescopaolo , Rega Roberto , Orlandi Martina , Matucci-Cerinic Marco , Molino Antonio , de Paulis Amato
Published: October 2022

Background

Lung involvement in primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) may vary from 9 to 90%. Interstitial lung disease and tracheobronchial alterations are the most typical findings. The evidence of primarily emphysematous changes at computed tomography of the chest of pSS patients has occasionally been described but poorly characterized. This study aims to assess pulmonary involvement and the impact on respiratory function in a cohort of pSS patients.

Materials and methods

A total of 22 consecutive patients diagnosed with pSS underwent pulmonary function tests to investigate the presence of ventilatory impairment and evaluate the exchanges of alveolar gases. All patients underwent a chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRTC).

Results

Dynamic volumes were within the normal range in 21 patients (95.4%). A reduction in the diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) was observed in 18 patients (81.8%). Ten (45.5%) patients showed a mild degree deficit, while 8 patients (36%) showed a moderate degree deficit. Analysis of DLCO revealed a significant difference between pSS patients and controls [t(30.98) = −10.77; p < 0.001], showing a higher DLCO value for the healthy controls (mean ± SE; 101.27 ± 6.08) compared to pSS patients (mean ± SE; 65.95 ± 12.78). Emphysema was found in 21 (94.5%) patients and was the most widespread pulmonary injury. Tracheal thickness was reduced in 15 (67%) patients. Micronodules were observed in 10 (45%) patients in all the pulmonary fields. Bronchial wall thickening and bronchiectasis were observed in 8 (36%) patients, mainly in the lower lobes. Ground glass was found in 5 (22.5%) patients in lower and higher lobes. Cysts were observed in two patients (9%).

Conclusion

The reduction of the DLCO could be related to early emphysematous alterations in the absence of spirometric alterations and relevant respiratory symptoms. In conclusion, emphysema might be seen as an early pulmonary involvement mark in patients suffering from pSS.
Characteristics of the plasmid-mediated colistin-resistance gene mcr-1 in Escherichia coli isolated from a veterinary hospital in Shanghai
Authors: Lin Hongguang , Chen Wenxin , Zhou Rushun , Yang Jie , Wu Yong , Zheng Jiaomei , Fei Shuyue , Wu Guiting , Sun Zhiliang , Li Jiyun , Chen Xiaojun
Published: October 2022

The mobile colistin-resistance (mcr)-1 gene is primarily detected in Enterobacteriaceae species, such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica, and represents a significant public health threat. Herein, we investigated the prevalence and characteristics of mcr-1-positive E. coli (MCRPEC) in hospitalized companion animals in a pet hospital in Shanghai, China, from May 2021 to July 2021. Seventy-nine non-duplicate samples were collected from the feces (n = 52) and wounds (n = 20) of cats and dogs and the surrounding hospital environment (n = 7). Seven MCRPEC strains, identified using screening assays and polymerase chain reaction, exhibited multidrug-resistant phenotypes in broth-microdilution and agar-dilution assays. Based in whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatics analyses, all seven isolates were determined to belong to sequence type (ST) 117. Moreover, the Incl2 plasmid was prevalent in these MCRPEC isolates, and the genetic environment of the seven E. coli strains was highly similar to that of E. coli SZ02 isolated from human blood. The isolates also harbored the β-lactamase gene blaCTX-M-65, and florfenicol resistance gene floR, among other resistance genes. Given that horizontal transfer occurred in all seven strains, E. coli plasmid transferability may accelerate the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria and may be transmitted from companion animals to humans. Therefore, the surveillance of MCRPEC isolates among companion animals should be strengthened.
Metabarcoding assessment of fungal diversity in brown algae and sponges of Mauritius
Authors: Wong Chin Jessica Mélanie , Puchooa Daneshwar , Bahorun Theeshan , Neergheen Vidushi S. , Aullybux Aadil Ahmad , Beedessee Girish , Nazurally Nadeem , Alrefaei Abdulwahed Fahad , Jeewon Rajesh
Published: October 2022

Marine fungi are largely associated with second most inhabitants of the marine ecosystem such as sponges and algae. They are important colonizers and play vital ecological roles, such as nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and symbiosis with other organisms. High throughput sequencing methods have been used successfully to reveal unknown fungal communities associated with a number of hosts particularly in the marine environment. However, the diversity of marine fungi associated with sponges and brown algae in Mauritius remains largely unknown. Traditional methods based on culturing do not provide reliable estimate of fungal diversity as only those that are able to grow under laboratory conditions are dominant; in addition, a large proportion of fungi, cultured in vitro remain most of the time unidentifiable, given that there are no sporulating structures to be examined morphologically. To overcome these limitations, we employed Illumina sequencing to unravel fungi species present in the sponges, Iotrochota sp. and Biemna sp. and the brown algae Turbinaria conoides, Sargassum pfeifferae, and Sargassum obovatum, collected from the north of Mauritius. Diversity analyses revealed that Biemna sp. had the highest diversity from the sampled sponges with fungi from 24 orders being recovered while from brown algae; Turbinaria conoides had the highest diversity with recovery of fungal taxa of the orders Botryosphaeriales, Chaetothyriales, Eurotiales, Hypocreales, and Mucorales with the latter four orders being common in both sampled algae and sponges. Beta diversity analyses revealed clustering only in the algae, Turbinaria conoides, and Sargassum pfeifferae and not in the co-occurring sponges, indicating that sampling location did not have much influence on fungal diversity. Our findings provide the first amplicon sequencing based insights of the fungal communities associated with macro-algae and sponges in Mauritius and supplements research on the fungal community existing in the oceans around the world.
An overview of structural approaches to study therapeutic RNAs
Authors: Mollica Luca , Cupaioli Francesca Anna , Rossetti Grazisa , Chiappori Federica
Published: October 2022

RNAs provide considerable opportunities as therapeutic agent to expand the plethora of classical therapeutic targets, from extracellular and surface proteins to intracellular nucleic acids and its regulators, in a wide range of diseases. RNA versatility can be exploited to recognize cell types, perform cell therapy, and develop new vaccine classes. Therapeutic RNAs (aptamers, antisense nucleotides, siRNA, miRNA, mRNA and CRISPR-Cas9) can modulate or induce protein expression, inhibit molecular interactions, achieve genome editing as well as exon-skipping. A common RNA thread, which makes it very promising for therapeutic applications, is its structure, flexibility, and binding specificity. Moreover, RNA displays peculiar structural plasticity compared to proteins as well as to DNA. Here we summarize the recent advances and applications of therapeutic RNAs, and the experimental and computational methods to analyze their structure, by biophysical techniques (liquid-state NMR, scattering, reactivity, and computational simulations), with a focus on dynamic and flexibility aspects and to binding analysis. This will provide insights on the currently available RNA therapeutic applications and on the best techniques to evaluate its dynamics and reactivity.
Semi-supervised segmentation of metastasis lesions in bone scan images
Authors: Lin Qiang , Gao Runxia , Luo Mingyang , Wang Haijun , Cao Yongchun , Man Zhengxing , Wang Rong
Published: October 2022

To develop a deep image segmentation model that automatically identifies and delineates lesions of skeletal metastasis in bone scan images, facilitating clinical diagnosis of lung cancer–caused bone metastasis by nuclear medicine physicians. A semi-supervised segmentation model is proposed, comprising the feature extraction subtask and pixel classification subtask. During the feature extraction stage, cascaded layers which include the dilated residual convolution, inception connection, and feature aggregation learn the hierarchal representations of low-resolution bone scan images. During the pixel classification stage, each pixel is first classified into categories in a semi-supervised manner, and the boundary of pixels belonging to an individual lesion is then delineated using a closed curve. Experimental evaluation conducted on 2,280 augmented samples (112 original images) demonstrates that the proposed model performs well for automated segmentation of metastasis lesions, with a score of 0.692 for DSC if the model is trained using 37% of the labeled samples. The self-defined semi-supervised segmentation model can be utilized as an automated clinical tool to detect and delineate metastasis lesions in bone scan images, using only a few manually labeled image samples. Nuclear medicine physicians need only attend to those segmented lesions while ignoring the background when they diagnose bone metastasis using low-resolution images. More images of patients from multiple centers are typically needed to further improve the scalability and performance of the model via mitigating the impacts of variability in size, shape, and intensity of bone metastasis lesions.
Neurobiological mechanisms of mood disorders: Stress vulnerability and resilience
Authors: Marcolongo-Pereira Clairton , Castro Fernanda Cristina de Abreu Quintela , Barcelos Rafael Mazioli , Chiepe Kelly Cristina Mota Braga , Rossoni Junior Joamyr Victor , Ambrosio Roberta Passamani , Chiarelli-Neto Orlando , Pesarico Ana Paula
Published: October 2022

Stress is an important factor in the development of several human pathologies. The response of rodents and humans to stress depends on many factors; some people and rodents develop stress-related mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety in humans, depression-like and anxiety-like behavior in mice and rats, while others report no new psychological symptoms in response to chronic or acute stress, and are considered susceptible and resilient to stress, respectively. Resilience is defined as the ability to thrive in the face of adversity and is a learned process that can help protect against occupational stressors and mental illnesses. There is growing interest in the underlying mechanisms involved in resilience and vulnerability to depression caused by stress, and some studies have demonstrated that individual variability in the way animals and humans respond to stress depends on several mechanisms, such as oxidative stress, neuronal plasticity, immunology and genetic factors, among others not discussed in this review, this review provides a general overview about this mechanism.
Multi-user motion recognition using sEMG via discriminative canonical correlation analysis and adaptive dimensionality reduction
Authors: Wang Jinqiang , Cao Dianguo , Li Yang , Wang Jiashuai , Wu Yuqiang
Published: October 2022

The inability of new users to adapt quickly to the surface electromyography (sEMG) interface has greatly hindered the development of sEMG in the field of rehabilitation. This is due mainly to the large differences in sEMG signals produced by muscles when different people perform the same motion. To address this issue, a multi-user sEMG framework is proposed, using discriminative canonical correlation analysis and adaptive dimensionality reduction (ADR). The interface projects the feature sets for training users and new users into a low-dimensional uniform style space, overcoming the problem of individual differences in sEMG. The ADR method removes the redundant information in sEMG features and improves the accuracy of system motion recognition. The presented framework was validated on eight subjects with intact limbs, with an average recognition accuracy of 92.23% in 12 categories of upper-limb movements. In rehabilitation laboratory experiments, the average recognition rate reached 90.52%. The experimental results suggest that the framework offers a good solution to enable new rehabilitation users to adapt quickly to the sEMG interface.
Neural circuits provide insights into reward and aversion
Authors: Chen Wanqi
Published: October 2022

Maladaptive changes in the neural circuits associated with reward and aversion result in some common symptoms, such as drug addiction, anxiety, and depression. Historically, the study of these circuits has been hampered by technical limitations. In recent years, however, much progress has been made in understanding the neural mechanisms of reward and aversion owing to the development of technologies such as cell type-specific electrophysiology, neuronal tracing, and behavioral manipulation based on optogenetics. The aim of this paper is to summarize the latest findings on the mechanisms of the neural circuits associated with reward and aversion in a review of previous studies with a focus on the ventral tegmental area (VTA), nucleus accumbens (NAc), and basal forebrain (BF). These findings may inform efforts to prevent and treat mental illnesses associated with dysfunctions of the brain’s reward and aversion system.
Clinical application of multicolor imaging in Leber hereditary optic neuropathy
Authors: Cheng Yufang , He Lu , Miao Qingmei , Wang Wenyu , Yuan Jiajia , Chen Changzheng
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To characterize features of retinal never fiber in Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) using multicolor (MC) imaging and color fundus photography (CFP).

Methods

Ninety-two eyes of patients with LHON underwent MC imaging, optic disc spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and CFP. Two independent observers graded RNFL visibility scores and two other experts determined never fiber bundle defects from four-quadrant readings. CFP, standard MC, infrared reflectance (IR), green reflectance (GR), blue reflectance (BR), and green-blue-enhanced (BG) imaging were compared.

Results

Agreement on never fiber bundle defects was substantial for CFP, standard MC, GR, BR, and BG images relative to IR. It was shown that BR (2.71 ± 0.55) had the best mean RNFL visibility score, BG (2.69 ± 0.52), GR (2.69 ± 0.56), standard MC (2.04 ± 0.79), CFP (1.80 ± 0.82), and IR (0.45 ± 0.59) followed. Agreement on temporal area defects was relatively improved. Youden's indices for CFP (78.21%), standard MC (84.48%), GR (90.92%), BR (89.64%), and BG (90.99%) indicated good detection of defects in the papillomacular bundle (PMB)/ high suspicion of patients with LHON, particularly for BG and GR. According to the proportion of never fiber bundle defects, standard MC, GR, BR, and BG can roughly determine the LHON clinical stage, especially in subacute and chronic stages, and standard MC is superior for patients with LHON of all stages. The stage judged by MC was consistent with the course inferred by pRNFL thickness.

Conclusion

As an adjunct to SD-OCT, the MC image, particularly the GR and BG can delineate RNFL more effectively than CFP. The MC image may be a useful adjunct to OCT for detecting or monitoring never fiber bundle defects, providing inexpensive and rapid methods that can quickly identify patients with high suspicion of LHON.
Alterations in whole-brain dynamic functional stability during memory tasks under dexmedetomidine sedation
Authors: Liu Lin-Lin , He Jian-Long , Yuen Vivian Man-Ying , Xu Xuebing , Guan Xuan , Qiu Yan , Wang Yingzi , Jian Chao-Jun , Wen Zhibo , Liu Ke-Xuan
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to explore the neurological effects of dexmedetomidine-induced sedation on memory using functional stability, a whole-brain voxel-wise dynamic functional connectivity approach.

Methods

A total of 16 participants (10 men) underwent auditory memory task-related fMRI in the awake state and under dexmedetomidine sedation. Explicit and implicit memory tests were conducted 4 h after ceasing dexmedetomidine administration. One-sample Wilcoxon signed rank test was applied to determine the formation of explicit and implicit memory in the two states. Functional stability was calculated and compared voxel-wise between the awake and sedated states. The association between functional stability and memory performance was also assessed.

Results

In the awake baseline tests, explicit and implicit memory scores were significantly different from zero (p < 0.05). In the tests under sedation, explicit and implicit memory scores were not significantly different from zero. Compared to that at wakeful baseline, functional stability during light sedation was reduced in the medial prefrontal cortex, left angular gyrus, and right hippocampus (all clusters, p < 0.05, GRF-corrected), whereas the left superior temporal gyrus exhibited higher functional stability (cluster p < 0.05, GRF-corrected). No significant associations were observed between functional stability and memory test scores.

Conclusions

The distribution and patterns of alterations in functional stability during sedation illustrate the modulation of functional architecture by dexmedetomidine from a dynamic perspective. Our findings provide novel insight into the dynamic brain functional networks underlying consciousness and memory in humans.
Influence of contrast and texture based image modifications on the performance and attention shift of U-Net models for brain tissue segmentation
Authors: You Suhang , Reyes Mauricio
Published: October 2022

Contrast and texture modifications applied during training or test-time have recently shown promising results to enhance the generalization performance of deep learning segmentation methods in medical image analysis. However, a deeper understanding of this phenomenon has not been investigated. In this study, we investigated this phenomenon using a controlled experimental setting, using datasets from the Human Connectome Project and a large set of simulated MR protocols, in order to mitigate data confounders and investigate possible explanations as to why model performance changes when applying different levels of contrast and texture-based modifications. Our experiments confirm previous findings regarding the improved performance of models subjected to contrast and texture modifications employed during training and/or testing time, but further show the interplay when these operations are combined, as well as the regimes of model improvement/worsening across scanning parameters. Furthermore, our findings demonstrate a spatial attention shift phenomenon of trained models, occurring for different levels of model performance, and varying in relation to the type of applied image modification.
Local extreme map guided multi-modal brain image fusion
Authors: Zhang Yu , Xiang Wenhao , Zhang Shunli , Shen Jianjun , Wei Ran , Bai Xiangzhi , Zhang Li , Zhang Qing
Published: October 2022

Multi-modal brain image fusion targets on integrating the salient and complementary features of different modalities of brain images into a comprehensive image. The well-fused brain image will make it convenient for doctors to precisely examine the brain diseases and can be input to intelligent systems to automatically detect the possible diseases. In order to achieve the above purpose, we have proposed a local extreme map guided multi-modal brain image fusion method. First, each source image is iteratively smoothed by the local extreme map guided image filter. Specifically, in each iteration, the guidance image is alternatively set to the local minimum map of the input image and local maximum map of previously filtered image. With the iteratively smoothed images, multiple scales of bright and dark feature maps of each source image can be gradually extracted from the difference image of every two continuously smoothed images. Then, the multiple scales of bright feature maps and base images (i.e., final-scale smoothed images) of the source images are fused by the elementwise-maximum fusion rule, respectively, and the multiple scales of dark feature maps of the source images are fused by the elementwise-minimum fusion rule. Finally, the fused bright feature map, dark feature map, and base image are integrated together to generate a single informative brain image. Extensive experiments verify that the proposed method outperforms eight state-of-the-art (SOTA) image fusion methods from both qualitative and quantitative aspects and demonstrates great application potential to clinical scenarios.
Steady state visual evoked potentials in schizophrenia: A review
Authors: Schielke Alexander , Krekelberg Bart
Published: October 2022

Over the past decades, researchers have explored altered rhythmic responses to visual stimulation in people with schizophrenia using steady state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs). Here we systematically review studies performed between 1954 and 2021, as identified on PubMed. We included studies if they included people with schizophrenia, a control group, reported SSVEPs as their primary outcome, and used quantitative analyses in the frequency domain. We excluded studies that used SSVEPs to primarily quantify cognitive processes (e.g., attention). Fifteen studies met these criteria. These studies reported decreased SSVEPs across a range of frequencies and electrode locations in people living with schizophrenia compared to controls; none reported increases. Null results, however, were common. Given the typically modest number of subjects in these studies, this is consistent with a moderate effect size. It is notable that most studies targeted frequencies that fall within the alpha and beta band, and investigations of frequencies in the gamma band have been rare. We group test frequencies in frequency bands and summarize the results in topographic plots. From the wide range of approaches in these studies, we distill suggested experimental designs and analysis choices for future experiments. This will increase the value of SSVEP studies, improve our understanding of the mechanisms that result in altered rhythmic responses to visual stimulation in schizophrenia, and potentially further the development of diagnostic tools.
Gut microbial evidence chain in high-salt diet exacerbates intestinal aging process
Authors: Liu Tian-hao , Zhao Lin , Zhang Chen-yang , Li Xiao-ya , Wu Tie-long , Dai Yuan-yuan , Sheng Ying-yue , Ren Yi-lin , Xue Yu-zheng
Published: October 2022

Although excessive salt consumption appears to hasten intestinal aging and increases susceptibility to cardiovascular disease, the molecular mechanism is unknown. In this study, mutual validation of high salt (HS) and aging fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in C56BL/6 mice was used to clarify the molecular mechanism by which excessive salt consumption causes intestinal aging. Firstly, we observed HS causes vascular endothelial damage and can accelerate intestinal aging associated with decreased colon and serum expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and increased malondialdehyde (MDA); after transplantation with HS fecal microbiota in mice, vascular endothelial damage and intestinal aging can also occur. Secondly, we also found intestinal aging and vascular endothelial damage in older mice aged 14 months; and after transplantation of the older mice fecal microbiota, the same effect was observed in mice aged 6–8 weeks. Meanwhile, HS and aging significantly changed gut microbial diversity and composition, which was transferable by FMT. Eventually, based on the core genera both in HS and the aging gut microbiota network, a machine learning model was constructed which could predict HS susceptibility to intestinal aging. Further investigation revealed that the process of HS-related intestinal aging was highly linked to the signal transduction mediated by various bacteria. In conclusion, the present study provides an experimental basis of potential microbial evidence in the process of HS related intestinal aging. Even, avoiding excessive salt consumption and actively intervening in gut microbiota alteration may assist to delay the aging state that drives HS-related intestinal aging in clinical practice.
Circadian disruption and cancer- and treatment-related symptoms
Authors: Amidi Ali , Wu Lisa M.
Published: October 2022

Cancer patients experience a number of co-occurring side- and late-effects due to cancer and its treatment including fatigue, sleep difficulties, depressive symptoms, and cognitive impairment. These symptoms can impair quality of life and may persist long after treatment completion. Furthermore, they may exacerbate each other’s intensity and development over time. The co-occurrence and interdependent nature of these symptoms suggests a possible shared underlying mechanism. Thus far, hypothesized mechanisms that have been purported to underlie these symptoms include disruptions to the immune and endocrine systems. Recently circadian rhythm disruption has emerged as a related pathophysiological mechanism underlying cancer- and cancer-treatment related symptoms. Circadian rhythms are endogenous biobehavioral cycles lasting approximately 24 hours in humans and generated by the circadian master clock – the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus. The suprachiasmatic nucleus orchestrates rhythmicity in a wide range of bodily functions including hormone levels, body temperature, immune response, and rest-activity behaviors. In this review, we describe four common approaches to the measurement of circadian rhythms, highlight key research findings on the presence of circadian disruption in cancer patients, and provide a review of the literature on associations between circadian rhythm disruption and cancer- and treatment-related symptoms. Implications for future research and interventions will be discussed.
Caspase activation counteracts interferon signaling after G2 checkpoint abrogation by ATR inhibition in irradiated human cancer cells
Authors: Eek Mariampillai Adrian , Hauge Sissel , Øynebråten Inger , Rødland Gro Elise , Corthay Alexandre , Syljuåsen Randi G.
Published: October 2022

Recent studies suggest that inhibition of the ATR kinase can potentiate radiation-induced antitumor immune responses, but the extent and mechanisms of such responses in human cancers remain scarcely understood. We aimed to assess whether the ATR inhibitors VE822 and AZD6738, by abrogating the G2 checkpoint, increase cGAS-mediated type I IFN response after irradiation in human lung cancer and osteosarcoma cell lines. Supporting that the checkpoint may prevent IFN induction, radiation-induced IFN signaling declined when the G2 checkpoint arrest was prolonged at high radiation doses. G2 checkpoint abrogation after co-treatment with radiation and ATR inhibitors was accompanied by increased radiation-induced IFN signaling in four out of five cell lines tested. Consistent with the hypothesis that the cytosolic DNA sensor cGAS may detect DNA from ruptured micronuclei after G2 checkpoint abrogation, cGAS co-localized with micronuclei, and depletion of cGAS or STING abolished the IFN responses. Contrastingly, one lung cancer cell line showed no increase in IFN signaling despite irradiation and G2 checkpoint abrogation. This cell line showed a higher level of the exonuclease TREX1 than the other cell lines, but TREX1 depletion did not enhance IFN signaling. Rather, addition of a pan-caspase inhibitor restored the IFN response in this cell line and also increased the responses in the other cell lines. These results show that treatment-induced caspase activation can suppress the IFN response after co-treatment with radiation and ATR inhibitors. Caspase activation thus warrants further consideration as a possible predictive marker for lack of IFN signaling.
Case report: Rare isolated cystic hepatic metastasis of a patient with squamous cell lung carcinoma history and the prognosis
Authors: Liu Chunbao , Chen Xiaomin , Su Hang , Xia Liang , Lu Diyu
Published: October 2022

Cystic hepatic metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma usually develops from necrosis due to insufficient blood supply, yet metastasis initially resembling simple liver cyst is rare. Here, we present a case of a patient with squamous cell lung carcinoma history who found an isolated cystic mass in the liver. Historical MR studies indicated that the mass did not exist 12 months ago and emerged as a small cystic lesion 7 months ago. Radiological findings and tumor markers level suggested metastasis, while 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/CT showed moderate tracer uptakes in solid parts of the mass. Pathological study after surgery confirmed metastatic squamous cell carcinoma. Chemotherapy plus recombinant human endostatin and sintilimab therapy was employed after surgery; however, the patient developed remote metastasis of osteolytic lesions in the humerus bone and thoracic vertebra. Our case indicates that metastasis should be taken into consideration in emerging cystic hepatic lesion with malignant history.
Increased pain unpleasantness and pain-related fMRI activation in the periaqueductal gray in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Anderson Alison R. , Monroe Todd B. , Dietrich Mary S. , Bruehl Stephen P. , Iversen W. Larkin , Cowan Ronald L. , Failla Michelle D.
Published: October 2022

Background

Pain continues to be underrecognized and undertreated in people with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The periaqueductal gray (PAG) is essential to pain processing and modulation yet is damaged by AD. While evidence exists of altered neural processing of pain in AD, there has not been a focused investigation of the PAG during pain in people with AD.

Purpose

To investigate the role of the PAG in sensory and affective pain processing for people living with AD.

Methods

Participants from a larger study completed pain psychophysics assessments and then a perceptually-matched heat pain task (warmth, mild, and moderate pain) during a functional MRI scan. In this cross-sectional study, we examined blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) responses in the PAG and other pain-related regions in participants with AD (n = 18) and cognitively intact older adults (age- and sex-matched, n = 18). Associations of BOLD percent signal change and psychophysics were also examined.

Results

There were significant main effects of AD status on the temperature needed to reach each perception of warmth or pain, where people with AD reached higher temperatures. Furthermore, participants with AD rated mild and moderate pain as more unpleasant than controls. PAG BOLD activation was greater in AD relative to controls during warmth and mild pain percepts. No significant differences were found for moderate pain or in other regions of interest. Greater PAG activation during mild pain was associated with higher affective/unpleasantness ratings of mild pain in participants with AD but not in controls.

Conclusion

Results suggest a role for the PAG in altered pain responses in people with AD. The PAG is the primary source of endogenous opioid pain inhibition in the neuroaxis, thus, altered PAG function in AD suggests possible changes in descending pain inhibitory circuits. People with AD may have a greater risk of suffering from pain compared to cognitively intact older adults.