bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combining 99mTc-GSA single-photon emission-computed tomography and Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for staging liver fibrosis
Authors: Tokorodani Ryotaro , Kume Toshiaki , Daisaki Hiromitu , Hayashi Naoya , Iwasa Hitomi , Yamagami Takuji 
Published: February 2023

Preoperative assessment of the degree of liver fibrosis is important to determine treatment strategies. In this study, galactosyl human serum albumin single-photon emission-computed tomography and ethoxybenzyl (EOB) contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used to assess the changes in hepatocyte function after liver fibrosis, and the standardized uptake value (SUV) was combined with gadolinium EOB-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid to evaluate its added value for liver fibrosis staging.
A total of 484 patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent liver resection between January 2010 and August 2018 were included. Resected liver specimens were classified based on pathological findings into nonfibrotic and fibrotic groups (stratified according to the Ludwig scale). Galactosyl human serum albumin-single-photon emission-computed tomography and EOB contrast-enhanced MRI examinations were performed, and the mean SUVs (SUVmean) and contrast enhancement indices (CEIs) were obtained. The diagnostic value of the acquired SUV and CEIs for fibrosis was assessed by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).
In the receiver operating characteristic analysis, SUV + CEI showed the highest AUC in both fibrosis groups. In particular, in the comparison between fibrosis groups, SUV + CEI showed significantly higher AUCs than SUV and CEI alone in discriminating between fibrosis (F3 and 4) and no or mild fibrosis (F0 and 2) (AUC: 0.879, vs SUV [P = 0.008], vs. CEI [P = 0.023]), suggesting that the combination of SUV + CEI has greater diagnostic performance than the individual indices.
Combining the SUV and CEI provides high accuracy for grading liver fibrosis, especially in differentiating between grades F0 and 2 and F3–4. SUV and gadolinium EOB-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid-enhanced MRI can be noninvasive diagnostic methods to guide the selection of clinical treatment options for patients with liver diseases.
Extensive Extramedullary Involvement at Presentation in B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Sharma Siddharth , Singh Vijay , Ora Manish , Nazar Aftab Hasan , Gambhir Sanjay 
Published: February 2023

AbstractExtensive extramedullary involvement as presentation is uncommon in pediatric B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. A 7-year-old boy was diagnosed with painless parotid gland enlargement. He had pancytopenia and significantly raised serum lactate dehydrogenase. Fine-needle aspiration cytology from the parotid was suggestive of lymphoid malignancy. Flow cytometry and bone marrow biopsy suggested B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.18F-FDG PET/CT revealed extensive bone marrow disease and the involvement of the spleen, pancreas, kidneys, and the parotid, submandibular, and lacrimal glands. He had negligible physiological brain uptake.
Impact of neuromodulation on post-stroke aphasia: a multimodal randomized controlled study
Authors: Zheng Zhong Sheng , Wang Kevin Xing-Long , Millan Henry , Lee Sharon , Howard Melissa , Rothbart Aaron , Frohlich Joel , Rosario Emily , Schnakers Caroline 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundTranscranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with speech and language therapy (SLT) may increase the effectiveness of recovery in post-stroke aphasia. However, inconsistent responses have been observed, in part due to small sample sizes, limited comprehensive assessments, and poor mechanistic understanding of intervention related recovery.MethodsUsing a double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled design, we investigated the efficacy of anodal Broca’s tDCS combined with SLT over five 20-minute daily sessions in 45 chronic stroke patients. EEG and DTI were used to explore treatment-mediated neuroplastic mechanisms. The primary outcome measures were linguistic skills evaluated by the Western Aphasia Battery-Revised before and after the intervention.ResultsCompared to sham (SLT + placebo), tDCS patients improved significantly more in aphasia quotient, auditory verbal comprehension, and spontaneous speech. While tDCS improved both expressive and receptive domains, sham only improved expressive language. EEG showed recovery in both groups to rely predominantly on the contralesional side, particularly the right middle temporal area (T4). While tDCS induced recovery correlated with changes in the faster frequencies (e.g., alpha, beta), sham mediated recovery correlated with changes in the slower frequencies (e.g., theta, delta). Furthermore, reduced beta coherence between T3 and T4 was associated with repetition gains specific to tDCS. Furthermore, improved spontaneous speech in tDCS was associated with decreased mean diffusivity in superior cerebellar peduncle. Given this region’s connectivity with contralateral cortical regions, this finding extends and aligns with the EEG signatures of neuroplasticity in right-lateralized cortical regions, highlighting the role of cerebro-cerebellar connections in language recovery.ConclusionsOur findings support the use of anodal Broca’s tDCS for enhancing both expressive and receptive language domains in chronic aphasia. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first multimodal neuroimaging (EEG, DTI) study to uncover mechanistic differences between tDCS and behavioral mediated aphasia recovery, and the first to identify a cerebellar white matter marker of language recovery following tDCS.Clinical Trial Registrationhttp://www.clinicaltrials.gov[NCT03699930]
Detection ofSalmonellaTyphi bacteriophages in surface waters as a scalable approach to environmental surveillance
Authors: Shrestha Sneha , Da Silva Kesia Esther , Shakya Jivan , Yu Alexander T. , Katuwal Nishan , Shrestha Rajeev , Shakya Mudita , Shahi Sabin Bikram , Naga Shiva Ram , LeBoa Christopher , Aiemjoy Kristen , Bogoch Isaac I. , Saha Senjuti , Tamrakar Dipesh , Andrews Jason R. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractEnvironmental surveillance, using detection ofSalmonellaTyphi DNA, has emerged as a potentially useful tool to identify typhoid-endemic settings; however, it is relatively costly and requires molecular diagnostic capacity. We sought to determine whetherS. Typhi bacteriophages are abundant in water sources in a typhoid-endemic setting, using low-cost assays. We collected drinking and surface water samples from urban, peri-urban and rural areas in 4 regions of Nepal. We performed a double agar overlay withS. Typhi to assess the presence of bacteriophages. We isolated and tested phages against multiple strains to assess their host range. We performed whole genome sequencing of isolated phages, and generated phylogenies using conserved genes.S. Typhi-specific bacteriophages were detected in 54.9% (198/361) of river water samples and 6.3% (1/16) drinking water samples from the Kathmandu Valley and Kavrepalanchok. Water samples collected within or downstream of population-dense areas were more likely to be positive (72.6%, 193/266) than those collected upstream from population centers (5.3%, 5/95) (p=0.005). In urban Biratnagar and rural Dolakha, where typhoid incidence is low, only 6.7% (1/15, Biratnagar) and 0% (0/16, Dolakha) samples contained phages. AllS. Typhi phages were unable to infect otherSalmonellaand non-Salmonellastrains, nor a Vi-knockoutS. Typhi strain. Representative strains fromS. Typhi lineages were variably susceptible to the isolated phages. Phylogenetic analysis showed thatS. Typhi phages belonged to two different viral families (AutographiviridaeandSiphoviridae) and clustered in three distinct groups.S. Typhi bacteriophages were highly abundant in surface waters of typhoid-endemic communities but rarely detected in low typhoid burden communities. Bacteriophages recovered were specific forS. Typhi and required Vi polysaccharide for infection. Screening small volumes of water with simple, low-cost plaque assays enables detection ofS. Typhi phages and should be further evaluated as a scalable tool for typhoid environmental surveillance.HighlightsTyphoid phages are detectable in surface water using simple assays, in communities with high typhoid burden.Bacteriophages are highly specific forS. Typhi and required Vi polysaccharide for infection.S. Typhi phages have a broad lytic activity against theS. Typhi strains circulating in Nepal.Phage plaque assay can be used as a low-cost tool to identify communities where typhoid is endemic.The high abundance of phages in river water suggest that this could be an alternative to molecular methods for environmental surveillance for typhoid.
Computational modeling of seizure onset patterns to underpin their underlying mechanisms
Authors: Shokooh Leila Abrishami , Lesage Frédéric , Nguyen Dang Khoa 
Published: February 2023

AbstractIn the study of epilepsy, it is of crucial importance to understand the transition from interictal into ictal activities (ictogenesis). Different mechanisms have been suggested for the generation of ictal activity; yet, it remains unclear whether different physiological mechanisms underly different seizure onset patterns. Herein, by implementing a computational model that takes into account some of the most relevant physiological events (e.g., depolarization block, collapse, and recovery of inhibitory activities) and different scenarios of imbalanced excitatory-inhibitory activities, we explored if seizures with different onset patterns stem from different underlying mechanisms. Our model revealed that depending on the excitation level, seizures could be generated due to both enhancement and collapse of inhibition for specific range of parameters. Successfully reproducing some of the commonly observed seizure onset patterns, our findings indicated that different onset patterns can arise from different underlying mechanisms.Significance StatementVarious seizure onset patterns have been reported; however, it yet remains unknown whether seizures with distinct onset patterns originate from different underlying mechanisms. The common belief on seizure generation focuses on the imbalance between synaptic excitation and inhibition which has led to the identification of distinct and, in some cases, even contradictory mechanisms for seizure initiation. In this study, by incorporating some of these various physiological mechanisms in a unified framework, we reproduced some commonly observed seizure onset patterns. Our results suggest the existence of different mechanisms responsible for the generation of seizures with distinct onset patterns which can enhance our understanding of seizure generation mechanisms with significant implications on developing therapeutic measures in seizure control.
Divergent selection in Mediterranean pine stands on local spatial scales
Authors: Budde Katharina B. , Rellstab Christian , Heuertz Myriam , Gugerli Felix , Verdú Miguel , Pausas Juli G. , González-Martínez Santiago C. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe effects of selection on an organism’s genome are hard to detect on small spatial scales, as gene flow can erase signatures of local adaptation. Most genome scans to detect signatures of environmental selection are performed on large spatial scales, however divergent selection on the local scale (e.g. between contrasting soil conditions) has also been demonstrated, in particular for herbaceous plants. Here we hypothesize that in topographically complex landscapes, microenvironment variability is strong enough to leave a selective footprint in genomes of long-lived organisms. To test this, we investigated paired south- versus north-facingPinus pinasterstands in a Mediterranean mountain area. While north-facing (mesic) stands experience less radiation, south facing (xeric) stands represent especially harsh conditions, particularly during the dry summer season. Outlier detection revealed five putatively adaptive loci out of 4,034, two of which encoded non-synonymous substitutions. Additionally, one locus showed consistent allele frequency differences in all three stand pairs indicating divergent selection despite high gene flow on the local scale. Functional annotation of these candidate genes revealed biological functions related to abiotic stress response in other species. Our study highlights how divergent selection shapes the functional genetic variation within populations of long-lived forest trees on local spatial scales.
Recognition of commensal bacterial peptidoglycans definesDrosophilagut homeostasis and lifespan
Authors: Onuma Taro , Yamauchi Toshitaka , Kosakamoto Hina , Kadoguchi Hibiki , Kuraishi Takayuki , Murakami Takumi , Mori Hiroshi , Miura Masayuki , Obata Fumiaki 
Published: February 2023

AbstractCommensal microbes in animals have a profound impact on tissue homeostasis, stress resistance, and ageing. We previously showed inDrosophila melanogasterthatAcetobacter persiciis a member of the gut microbiota that promotes ageing and shortens fly lifespan. However, the molecular mechanism by which this specific bacterial species changes lifespan and physiology remains unclear. The difficulty in studying longevity using gnotobiotic flies is the high risk of contamination during ageing. To overcome this technical challenge, we used a bacteria-conditioned diet enriched with bacterial products and cell wall components. Here, we demonstrate that anA. persici-conditioned diet shortens lifespan and increases intestinal stem cell (ISC) proliferation. Feeding adult flies a diet conditioned withA. persici, but not withLactiplantibacillus plantarum, can decrease lifespan but increase resistance to paraquat or oral infection ofPseudomonas entomophila, indicating that the bacterium alters the trade-off between lifespan and host defence. A transcriptomic analysis using fly intestine revealed thatA. persicipreferably induces antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), whileL. plantarumupregulates amidase peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs). The specific induction of these Imd target genes by peptidoglycans from two bacterial species is due to the stimulation of the receptor PGRP-LC in the anterior midgut for AMPs or PGRP-LE from the posterior midgut for amidase PGRPs. Heat-killedA. persicialso shortens lifespan and increases ISC proliferation via PGRP-LC, but it is not sufficient to alter the stress resistance. Our study emphasizes the significance of peptidoglycan specificity in determining the gut bacterial impact on healthspan. It also unveils the postbiotic effect of specific gut bacterial species, which turns flies into a “live fast, die young” lifestyle.Author SummaryMicrobiota plays a vital role in our health, but it can also have a negative impact on the lifespan of certain model organisms, such as the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Despite its impact, the molecular mechanism behind how gut bacteria limits host lifespan remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the mechanism that one specific species of microbiota shortens lifespan and disrupts gut homeostasis of the aged flies, using a “fermented” fly diet. We found that the specific effects of this bacterium on fly healthspan were due to its capability of stimulating a specific receptor in the gut that recognizes peptidoglycan, a component of bacterial cell wall. Paradoxically, the same bacterium also increases stress resistance and defence against oral infection of a pathogen. Our study provides insight into the mechanisms underlying how certain members of the microbiota can lead to a “life fast, die young” lifestyle.
The tetrapeptide sequence of IL-1β regulates its recruitment and activation by inflammatory caspases
Authors: Exconde Patrick M. , Hernandez-Chavez Claudia , Bray Mark B. , Lopez Jan L. , Srivastava Tamanna , Egan Marisa S. , Zhang Jenna , Shin Sunny , Discher Bohdana M. , Taabazuing Cornelius Y. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe mammalian innate immune system uses germline-encoded cytosolic pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) to detect intracellular danger signals. At least six of these PRRs are known to form multiprotein complexes called inflammasomes which activate cysteine proteases known as caspases. Canonical inflammasomes recruit and activate caspase-1 (CASP1), which in turn cleaves and activates inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and IL-18, as well as the pore forming protein, gasdermin D (GSDMD), to induce pyroptotic cell death. In contrast, non-canonical inflammasomes, caspases-4/-5 (CASP4/5) in humans and caspase-11 (CASP11) in mice, are activated by intracellular LPS to cleave GSDMD, but their role in direct processing of inflammatory cytokines has not been established. Here we show that active CASP4/5 directly cleave IL-18 to generate the active species. Surprisingly, we also discovered that CASP4/5/11 cleave IL-1β at D27 to generate a 27 kDa fragment that is predicted to be inactive and cannot signal to the IL-1 receptor. Mechanistically, we discovered that the sequence identity of the P4-P1 tetrapeptide sequence adjacent to the caspase cleavage site (D116) regulates the recruitment and processing of IL-1β by inflammatory caspases to generate the bioactive species. Thus, we have identified new substrates of the non-canonical inflammasomes and reveal key mechanistic details regulating inflammation.
Soil microbial relative resource limitation exhibited contrasting seasonal patterns along an elevational gradient in Yulong Snow Mountain
Authors: Zhang Dandan , Wu Baoyun , Li Jinsheng , Cheng Xiaoli 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Microbial relative resource limitations represented by enzyme stoichiometry reflect the relationship between microbial nutrient requirements and nutrient status in soil, but the issue on whether alterations in environments along elevational gradients affect the magnitude of microbial relative resource limitations remains unresolved.

Here, we examined seasonal patterns in microbial relative carbon (C) and phosphorus (P) limitations indicated by vector lengths and angles using relative proportional enzymatic activities and key controlling factors along an elevational gradient in the Yulong Snow Mountain. We also analysed the relationships between microbial metabolic processes and microclimates (i.e. soil moisture and temperature), soil properties (i.e. pH and soil texture), and microbial attributes (i.e. microbial biomass and fungal: bacterial ratio).

We found that soil microbial relative C limitation decreased with increasing elevations, with lower levels observed in the dry season than in the wet season. In contrast, soil microbial relative P limitation varied significantly with elevations, with linearly increasing trends in wet seasons but unimodal trends in dry seasons. Meanwhile, we found higher relative C limitation in the coniferous forest but higher relative P limitation in the broad‐leaved forest. Notably, soil microbial relative C limitation was primarily affected by the soil microenvironment (i.e. soil temperature) and substrate quantity (i.e. the ratio of soil dissolved organic C to available P), whereas soil microbial relative P limitation could be alleviated by increasing microbial relative C limitation combined with increasing soil pH. Additionally, the significant linear pattern of the C use efficacy with elevations was only observed in the wet seasons, which was directly influenced by soil microclimates and microbial relative C limitation.

Overall, our results provided important information for better understanding the essential role of microbial processes in the regulation of C and P cycling in vulnerable subtropical mountain ecosystems.

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Development of effluent‐free dry‐peeling method for shallots (Allium cepa L. aggregatum): Spectral characterization of mid and long infrared peak wavelengths for maximizing the peeling performance
Authors: Deepika Sakthivel , Sutar Parag Prakash 
Published: February 2023

AbstractDifferent wavelength emitting infrared (IR) lamps (transparent quartz tungsten (TQT), ruby‐coated quartz tungsten (RCQT), and ceramic) were used for dry peeling and evaluating the spectral characteristics of emitted radiations. The maximum temperatures for ceramic, RCQT, and TQT were 560, 662, and 861°C, respectively. The peak wavelength determined by Wien's law was between 3.37 and 21.47 µm. Comparatively, longer wavelength was emitted by ceramic lamp. The spectral emissive power determined by Stefan Boltzmann's law was 1.14–37.49 kW m−2 using the IR emitters at different power levels. The radiant efficiency was higher for the ceramic lamp. The peak wavelength and emissive power had a major influence on the peeling performance and quality during IR peeling. The optimized parameters for IR dry peeling of shallots are 60 mm distance between lamp and product, 59.74% IR power level, 15 min of heating time using the ceramic (peak wavelength 8.16 µm) lamp.Practical Application: Infrared dry peeling of shallots is a sustainable alternative to traditional peeling methods that leaves adverse environmental footprints. Spectral characteristics of the infrared lamp can be used to determine the suitable emitter for the dry‐peeling operation. It is necessary to check the wavelength emitted by the source for designing the IR system based on the food product and application. This study will be helpful in food processing industries to use an effective infrared lamp that can efficiently peel the agricultural product and sustainably maintain quality.
Thalassaemia—A global view
Authors: Hokland Peter , Daar Shahina , Khair Wael , Sheth Sujit , Taher Ali T. , Torti Lorenza , Hantaweepant Chattree , Rund Deborah 
Published: February 2023

SummaryThe thalassaemias are a group of genetic disorders of haemoglobin which are endemic in the tropics but are now found worldwide due to migration. Basic standard of care therapy includes regular transfusions to maintain a haemoglobin level of around 10 g/dL, together with iron chelation therapy to prevent iron overload. Novel therapies, bone marrow transplantation, and gene therapy are treatment options that are unavailable in many countries with stressed economies. This Wider Perspectives article presents the strategies for management of an adolescent refugee patient with beta thalassaemia, as it would be performed by expert haematologists in six countries: Italy, Lebanon, Oman, the Sudan, Thailand and the United States. The experienced clinicians in each country have adapted their practice according to the resources available, which vary greatly. Even in the current modern era, providing adequate transfusions and chelation is problematic in many countries. On the other hand, ensuring adherence to therapy, particularly during adolescence, is a similar challenge seen in all countries. The concluding section highlights the disparities in available therapies and puts the role of novel therapies into a societal context.