Altered Spatial Distribution Research Articles

Antiangiogenic Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors have Differential Efficacy in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma in Bone.

TKIs showed different efficacy in synchronous bone and lung metastases and did not eradicate tumors as single agents but induced extensive reprogramming of the BM microenvironment. This resulted in a significant decrease in neoangiogenic blood vessels, bone remodeling, and immune cell infiltration (including CD8 T cells) with altered spatial distribution.

Characterizing upper limb motor dysfunction with temporal and spatial distribution of muscle synergy extracted from high-density surface electromyography.

Objective.To promote the development of objective and comprehensive motion function assessment for patients, based on high-density surface electromyography (HD-sEMG), this study investigates the temporal and spatial variations of neuromuscular activities related to upper limb motor dysfunction.Approach.Patients with unilateral upper limb motor dysfunction and healthy controls were enrolled in the study. HD-sEMG was collected from both arms while they were performing eight hand and wrist movements. Muscle synergies were extracted from the HD-sEMG. Symmetry of bilateral upper limb synergies and synergy differences between motions were proposed as spatial indicators to measure alterations in synergy spatial distribution. Additionally, as a temporal characteristic, the correlation of bilateral upper limb activation coefficient was proposed to describe the coordination control of the central nervous system. All temporal and spatial indicators were compared between patients and healthy subjects.Main results.The patients showed a significant decrease (p< 0.05) in the symmetry of bilateral upper limb synergy spatial distribution and correlation of bilateral upper limb activation coefficient. Patients with motor dysfunction also showed an increase in synergy similarity between motions, indicating altered spatial distribution of muscle synergies.Significance.These findings provide valuable insights into specific patterns associated with motor dysfunction, informing motor function assessment, and guiding targeted interventions and rehabilitation strategies for neurologically disordered patients.

Gut microbiota-brain bile acid axis orchestrates aging-related neuroinflammation and behavior impairment in mice

Emerging evidence shows that disrupted gut microbiota-bile acid (BA) axis is critically involved in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. However, the alterations in spatial distribution of BAs among different brain regions that command important functions during aging and their exact roles in aging-related neurodegenerative diseases are poorly understood. Here, we analyzed the BA profiles in cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and hypothalamus of young and natural aging mice of both sexes. The results showed that aging altered brain BA profiles sex- and region- dependently, in which TβMCA was consistently elevated in aging mice of both sexes, particularly in the hippocampus and hypothalamus. Furthermore, we found that aging accumulated-TβMCA stimulated microglia inflammation in vitro and shortened the lifespan of C. elegans, as well as behavioral impairment and neuroinflammation in mice. In addition, metagenomic analysis suggested that the accumulation of brain TβMCA during aging was partially attributed to reduction in BSH-carrying bacteria. Finally, rejuvenation of gut microbiota by co-housing aged mice with young mice restored brain BA homeostasis and improved neurological dysfunctions in natural aging mice. In conclusion, our current study highlighted the potential of improving aging-related neuro-impairment by targeting gut microbiota-brain BA axis.

Spatial-temporal pattern of colorectal cancer mortality in a Northeastern Brazilian State.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancer types worldwide. Its increasing mortality trends, especially in emerging countries, are a concern. The aim of this study was to analyse mortality trends and spatial patterns of CRC in the state of Sergipe, Brazil, from 1990 to 2019. Trends were calculated using data from the Online Mortality Atlas and Joinpoint Regression Program 4.8.0.1. Spatial analyses were performed using the empirical Bayesian model and Moran indices calculated by TerraView 4.2.2 between 1990 to 1999, 2000 to 2009 and 2010 to 2019. A total of 1585 deaths were recorded during the study period, with 58.42% among females. Trends were increasing and constant for both sexes and all age groups studied. The highest mean annual percent change was 6.2 {95% Confidence interval (CI) 3.4;9.0} for males aged +65 years and 4.5 (95% CI 3.2;5.8) for females aged 50-64 years. There was positive spatial autocorrelation for both sexes in all periods studied when using the Moran index for Bayesian rates. In summary, a consistent trend of increasing colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality has been observed overall. Nevertheless, an altered spatial distribution among males has emerged over the studied period.

Anomaly Detection in Species Distribution Patterns: A Spatio-Temporal Approach for Biodiversity Conservation

Monitoring and maintaining biodiversity are crucial for the ecological balance and overall health of ecosystems. Detecting anomalies in species distribution patterns is essential for identifying areas of concern and implementing timely conservation measures. This paper introduces an approach to detect anomalies in spatiotemporal species activity data by integrating time series analysis, machine learning techniques, and spatial statistics. Our method identifies distribution patterns of various species and groups regions with similar patterns, enabling the segmentation of the study area into distinct categories. Within these categorized regions, we apply a combination of clustering algorithms and outlier detection techniques to pinpoint anomalous behaviors in species distribution. In order to confirm the reliability of our findings, we cross-reference them with verified data acquired through field observations or other credible data sources. These corroborations indicate that anomalies are frequently indicative of sudden variations in species numbers or unexpected alterations in spatial distribution at certain places and times. To gain a more robust understanding of how species are distributed, we curate a data set that excludes these anomalous observations and use it to develop a predictive algorithm. Our analysis shows that a predictive model trained on this refined, anomaly-free dataset achieves a lower normalized mean square error (NMSE), which suggests a higher level of predictive accuracy as compared to a model trained on data containing anomalies. Utilizing this methodology can facilitate the creation of effective conservation plans and contribute to more sustainable ecosystem management.

Acute intermittent hypoxia enhances strength, and modulates spatial distribution of muscle activation in persons with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury

Acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH) is an emerging technique for facilitating neural plasticity in individuals with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI). A single sequence of AIH enhances hand grip strength and ankle plantarflexion torque, but underlying mechanisms are not yet clear. We sought to examine how AIH-induced changes in magnitude and spatial distribution of the electromyogram (EMG) of the biceps and triceps brachii contributes to improved strength. Seven individuals with iSCI visited the laboratory on two occasions, and received either AIH or Sham AIH intervention in a randomized order. AIH consisted of 15 brief (∼60s) periods of low oxygen (fraction of inspired O2 = 0.09) alternating with 60s of normoxia, whereas Sham AIH consisted of repeated exposures to normoxic air. High-density surface EMG of biceps and triceps brachii was recorded during maximal elbow flexion and extension. We then generated spatial maps which distinguished active muscle regions prior to and 60 min after AIH or Sham AIH. After an AIH sequence, elbow flexion and extension forces increased by 91.7 ± 88.4% and 51.7 ± 57.8% from baseline, respectively, whereas there was no difference after Sham AIH. Changes in strength were associated with an altered spatial distribution of EMG and increased root mean squared EMG amplitude in both biceps and triceps brachii muscles. These data suggest that altered motor unit activation profiles may underlie improved volitional strength after a single dose of AIH and warrant further investigation using single motor unit analysis techniques to further elucidate mechanisms of AIH-induced plasticity.

Comparative Effects of Domain-Specific Human Monoclonal Antibodies Against LGI1 on Neuronal Excitability.

Autoantibodies to leucine-rich glioma inactivated protein 1 (LGI1) cause an autoimmune limbic encephalitis with frequent focal seizures and anterograde memory dysfunction. LGI1 is a neuronal secreted linker protein with 2 functional domains: the leucine-rich repeat (LRR) and epitempin (EPTP) regions. LGI1 autoantibodies are known to interfere with presynaptic function and neuronal excitability; however, their epitope-specific mechanisms are incompletely understood. We used patient-derived monoclonal autoantibodies (mAbs), which target either LRR or EPTP domains of LGI1 to investigate long-term antibody-induced alteration of neuronal function. LRR- and EPTP-specific effects were evaluated by patch-clamp recordings in cultured hippocampal neurons and compared with biophysical neuron modeling. Kv1.1 channel clustering at the axon initial segment (AIS) was quantified by immunocytochemistry and structured illumination microscopy techniques. Both EPTP and LRR domain-specific mAbs decreased the latency of first somatic action potential firing. However, only the LRR-specific mAbs increased the number of action potential firing together with enhanced initial instantaneous frequency and promoted spike-frequency adaptation, which were less pronounced after the EPTP mAb. This also led to an effective reduction in the slope of ramp-like depolarization in the subthreshold response, suggesting Kv1 channel dysfunction. A biophysical model of a hippocampal neuron corroborated experimental results and suggests that an isolated reduction of the conductance of Kv1-mediated K+ currents largely accounts for the antibody-induced alterations in the initial firing phase and spike-frequency adaptation. Furthermore, Kv1.1 channel density was spatially redistributed from the distal toward the proximal site of AIS under LRR mAb treatment and, to a lesser extant, under EPTP mAb. These findings indicate an epitope-specific pathophysiology of LGI1 autoantibodies. The pronounced neuronal hyperexcitability and SFA together with dropped slope of ramp-like depolarization after LRR-targeted interference suggest disruption of LGI1-dependent clustering of K+ channel complexes. Moreover, considering the effective triggering of action potentials at the distal AIS, the altered spatial distribution of Kv1.1 channel density may contribute to these effects through impairing neuronal control of action potential initiation and synaptic integration.

Relocalization of Translation Termination and Ribosome Recycling Factors to Stress Granules Coincides with Elevated Stop-Codon Readthrough and Reinitiation Rates upon Oxidative Stress.

Upon oxidative stress, mammalian cells rapidly reprogram their translation. This is accompanied by the formation of stress granules (SGs), cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein condensates containing untranslated mRNA molecules, RNA-binding proteins, 40S ribosomal subunits, and a set of translation initiation factors. Here we show that arsenite-induced stress causes a dramatic increase in the stop-codon readthrough rate and significantly elevates translation reinitiation levels on uORF-containing and bicistronic mRNAs. We also report the recruitment of translation termination factors eRF1 and eRF3, as well as ribosome recycling and translation reinitiation factors ABCE1, eIF2D, MCT-1, and DENR to SGs upon arsenite treatment. Localization of these factors to SGs may contribute to a rapid resumption of mRNA translation after stress relief and SG disassembly. It may also suggest the presence of post-termination, recycling, or reinitiation complexes in SGs. This new layer of translational control under stress conditions, relying on the altered spatial distribution of translation factors between cellular compartments, is discussed.

Effect of Acoustic fMRI-Scanner Noise on the Human Resting State

Our knowledge about the human resting state is predominantly based on either electroencephalographic (EEG) or functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) methods. While EEG recordings can be performed in seated posture in quiet conditions, the fMRI environment presents a substantial contrast with supine and restricted posture in a narrow tube that is filled with acoustic scanner noise (ASN) at a chainsaw-like volume level. However, the influence of these diverging conditions on resting-state brain activation is neither well studied nor broadly discussed. In order to promote data as a source of sharper hypotheses for future studies, we investigated alterations in EEG-frequency-band power (delta, theta, alpha, beta, gamma) and spatial power distribution as well as cortical vigilance measures in different postures and ASN surroundings over the course of time. Participants (N = 18) underwent three consecutive resting-state EEG recordings with a fixed posture and ASN setting sequence; seated, supine, and supine with ASN (supnoise) using an MRI simulator. The results showed that compared to seated, supnoise, the last instance within the posture sequence, was characterized by lower power and altered spatial power distribution in all assessed frequency bands. This might also have been an effect of time alone. In delta, theta, alpha, and beta, the power of supnoise was also reduced compared to supine, as well as the corresponding distribution maps. The vigilance analysis revealed that in supine and supnoise, the highest and lowest vigilance stages were more dominant compared to the seated and earliest posture condition within the sequence. Hence, our results demonstrate that the differences in recording settings and progress of time are related to changes in cortical arousal and vigilance regulation, findings that should be taken into account more profoundly for hypothesis generation as well as analytic strategies in future resting-state studies.

Wandering maidens in the Acropolis Propylaia: some considerations on the spatial setting of the cults of the Charites, Artemis and Hermes, their administration and related cult images

AbstractThis paper aims to develop a holistic view on the cults of the Charites, Artemis and Hermes which can plausibly be located in the Acropolis Propylaia. Based on the combined analysis of the spatial and architectural setting, which changed in the course of the erection of the Mnesiklean Propylaia in 437–432 BC, along with the imagery and textual evidence for these cults, I propose that due to the altered spatial distribution and the rotated building axes, initially separate cults were fused together. Consequently, iconographical shifts occur in the modes of depiction of these three divinities. The Charites, who were attached in Archaic imagery to Hermes, in the Classical period become iconographically intertwined with Artemis. The iconographic shift is detectable especially in the new cult images1 for Hermes Propylaios and Artemis Epipyrgidia with the Charites, which had been created by the sculptor Alkamenes, presumably by order of the Athenian state. This article should not be seen as a contribution to the analysis of copies (Kopienkritik) for known statue types or an architectural study; instead, its focus lies in the concepts of visualization of divine images, which were developed for a highly specific spatial setting in the cultic landscape of the Athenian Acropolis.

Infection patterns and new definitive host records for New Zealand gordiid hairworms (phylum Nematomorpha).

Some parasites modify the phenotype of their host in order to increase transmission to another host or to an environment suitable for reproduction. This phenomenon, known as host manipulation, is found across many parasite taxa. Freshwater hairworms are known for the behavioural changes they cause in their terrestrial arthropod hosts, increasing their likelihood of entering water to exit the host and reproduce. Understanding how infected arthropods move around in the natural environment could help uncover alterations in spatial distribution or movement induced by hairworms in their terrestrial definitive hosts. Moreover, few hairworm-host records exist for New Zealand, so any additional record could help elucidate their true host specificity. Here, we investigated whether infected terrestrial arthropods were more likely to approach streams in two subalpine communities of invertebrates, using a spatial grid of specialised pitfall traps. Although hairworm infection could not explain the movements of arthropod hosts near streams, we found several new host records for hairworms, including the first records for the recently described Gordionus maori. We also found some new host-parasite associations for mermithid nematodes. These records show that the host specificity of hairworms is quite low, suggesting that their diversity and distribution may be greater than what is currently known for New Zealand.

Oligomerization and Spatial Distribution of Kvβ1.1 and Kvβ2.1 Regulatory Subunits.

Members of the regulatory Kvβ family modulate the kinetics and traffic of voltage-dependent K+ (Kv) channels. The crystal structure of Kv channels associated with Kvβ peptides suggests a α4/β4 composition. Although Kvβ2 and Kvβ1 form heteromers, evidence supports that only Kvβ2.1 forms tetramers in the absence of α subunits. Therefore, the stoichiometry of the Kvβ oligomers fine-tunes the activity of hetero-oligomeric Kv channel complexes. We demonstrate that Kvβ subtypes form homo- and heterotetramers with similar affinities. The Kvβ1.1/Kvβ2.1 heteromer showed an altered spatial distribution in lipid rafts, recapitulating the Kvβ1.1 pattern. Because Kvβ2 is an active partner of the Kv1.3-TCR complex at the immunological synapse (IS), an association with Kvβ1 would alter this location, shaping the immune response. Differential regulation of Kvβs influences the traffic and architecture of the Kvβ heterotetramer, modulating Kvβ-dependent physiological responses.

Limitations to Propagule Dispersal Will Constrain Postfire Recovery of Plants and Fungi in Western Coniferous Forests

AbstractMany forest species are adapted to long-interval, high-severity fires, but the intervals between severe fires are decreasing with changes in climate, land use, and biological invasions. Although the effects of changing fire regimes on some important recovery processes have previously been considered, the consequences for the dispersal of propagules (plant seeds and fungal spores) in forest communities have not. We characterize three mechanisms by which changing fire regimes disrupt propagule dispersal in mesic temperate, boreal, and high-elevation forests: reduced abundance and altered spatial distributions of propagule source populations, less effective dispersal of propagules by wind, and altered behavior of animal dispersers and propagule predators. We consider how disruptions to propagule dispersal may interact with other factors that are also influenced by fire regime change, potentially increasing risk of forest conversion. Finally, we highlight urgent research topics regarding how dispersal limitation may shape twenty-first century forest recovery after stand-replacing fire.

Intramuscular lipid concentration increased in localized regions of the lumbar muscles following 60 day bedrest

BACKGROUND CONTEXTProlonged bedrest induces accumulation of intramuscular lipid concentration (ILC) in the lumbar musculature; however, spatial distribution of ILC has not been determined. Artificial gravity (AG) mitigates some adaptations induced by 60 day bedrest by creating a head-to-feet force while participants are in a supine position. PURPOSETo quantify the spatial distribution of accumulation of ILC in the lumbar musculature after 60 day bedrest, and whether this can be mitigated by AG exposure. STUDY DESIGNProspective longitudinal study. PATIENT SAMPLETwenty-four healthy individuals (8 females) participated in the study: Eight received 30 min continuous AG (cAG); Eight received 6 × 5 min AG (iAG), interspersed with rests; Eight were not exposed to AG (CRTL). OUTCOME MEASURESFrom 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), axial images were selected to assess lumbar multifidus (LM), lumbar erector spinae (LES), quadratus lumborum (QL), and psoas major (PM) muscles from L1/L2 to L5/S1 intervertebral disc levels. Chemical shift-based 2‐echo lipid and/or water Dixon sequence was used to measure tissue composition. Each lumbar muscle was segmented into four equal quartiles (from medial to lateral). METHODSParticipants arrived at the facility for the baseline data collection before undergoing a 60 day strict 6° head-down tilt (HDT) bedrest period. MRI of the lumbopelvic region was conducted at baseline and Day-59 of bedrest. Participants performed all activities, including hygiene, in 6° HDT and were discouraged from moving excessively or unnecessarily. RESULTSAt the L4/L5 and L5/S1 intervertebral disc levels, 60-day bedrest induced a greater increase in ILC in medial and lateral regions (∼+4%) of the LM than central regions (∼+2%; p<.05). A smaller increase in ILC was induced in the lateral region of LES (∼+1%) at L1/L2 and L2/L3 than at the centro-medial region (∼+2%; p<.05). There was no difference between CRTL and intervention groups. CONCLUSIONSInhomogeneous spatial distribution of accumulation of ILC was found in the lumbar musculature after 60 day bedrest. These findings might reflect pathophysiological mechanisms related to muscle disuse and contribute to localized lumbar spine dysfunction. Altered spatial distribution of ILC may impair lumbar spine function after prolonged body unloading, which could increase injury risk to vulnerable soft tissues, such as the lumbar intervertebral discs. These novel results may represent a new biomarker of lumbar deconditioning for astronauts, bedridden, sedentary individuals, or those with chronic back pain. Changes are potentially modifiable but not by the AG protocols tested here.

Differential and Altered Spatial Distribution of Complement Expression in Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

PurposeDysregulation of the alternative complement pathway is a major pathogenic mechanism in age-related macular degeneration. We investigated whether locally synthesized complement components contribute to AMD by profiling complement expression in postmortem eyes with and without AMD.MethodsAMD severity grade 1 to 4 was determined by analysis of postmortem acquired fundus images and hematoxylin and eosin stained histological sections. TaqMan (donor eyes n = 39) and RNAscope/in situ hybridization (n = 10) were performed to detect complement mRNA. Meso scale discovery assay and Western blot (n = 31) were used to measure complement protein levels.ResultsThe levels of complement mRNA and protein expression were approximately 15- to 100-fold (P < 0.0001–0.001) higher in macular retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)/choroid tissue than in neural retina, regardless of AMD grade status. Complement mRNA and protein levels were modestly elevated in vitreous and the macular neural retina in eyes with geographic atrophy (GA), but not in eyes with early or intermediate AMD, compared to normal eyes. Alternative and classical pathway complement mRNAs (C3, CFB, CFH, CFI, C1QA) identified by RNAscope were conspicuous in areas of atrophy; in those areas C3 mRNA was observed in a subset of IBA1+ microglia or macrophages.ConclusionsWe verified that RPE/choroid contains most ocular complement; thus RPE/choroid rather than the neural retina or vitreous is likely to be the key site for complement inhibition to treat GA or earlier stage of the disease. Outer retinal local production of complement mRNAs along with evidence of increased complement activation is a feature of GA.

Heterogeneity of human intestinal intraepithelial T cells and their abnormal distribution in Crohn’s disease revealed at high resolution

Abstract Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic transmural inflammation of intestinal segments caused by dysregulated interaction between microbiome and gut immune system. Recurrent/relapsing CD and resistance to medical treatments result in complications requiring surgery. High-dimensional single-cell profiling approaches, such as scRNA-seq and mass cytometry, have been recently performed on intestinal specimens from patients with IBD and controls. However, most of these studies have analyzed whole mucosal biopsies or the lamina propria (LP) compartment, while few have addressed the intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) compartment. Here, we profiled T cells purified from the IEL and LP from terminal ileum resections of adult severe CD cases by single cell technologies. Our study defined a vast heterogeneity of T cell lineages in the IEL compartment. IEL included, among others, unique γδT cell subsets: NKp30+γδ T cells expressing RORγt, which produced IL-26 upon NKp30 engagement and a subset expressing PDGFD and CSF1, which may act on epithelial cells, IEL ILC1s, and macrophages, respectively. We have also observed long-lived memory TCF7+CD8+ T cells expressing DC chemoattractants and TFH subsets that may respond to distinct glutathione-conjugated lipids. CD IEL showed a significant increase of activated TH17, coupled with decreased CD8+ T cells, γδT cells, TFH, and Treg. Conversely, the LP showed increased CD8+ T cells and reduced CD4+ T cells with a relative increase of TH17 over Treg/TFH. Results provide an unbiased view of diversity of cell lineages and their functional states in the intestinal mucosa of controls and CD and identify an altered spatial distribution of T cell subsets between the IEL and the LP compartments.

Creating the Healthiest Nation: Climate Change and Environmental Health Impacts in Nigeria: A Narrative Review

Climate change is a “threat multiplier and a prime cause of universal threat to health in the 21st century, including 4th industrial revolution. The health effects of climate change will increase dramatically over the next few years and pose a risk to human life and the well-being of billions of people. As we all know, the milieu is fundamental to our sustained earth survival and environmental changes (natural and artificial) affect it either to the benefit or detriment of humans. Climate change is one of such changes in the physical environment which has grave consequences for the existence of mankind. Climate change is interestingly, no longer a speculative subject. There is a good international scientific consensus existing to show that this phenomenon is real and if recent global warming movements continue, temperature rise, ocean levels and more frequently weather conditions that is extreme (storms, heat-waves, droughts, floods, cyclones, etc.) may perhaps cause severe food shortages, loss of shelter, water, livelihoods, extinction of flora and fauna species. In the recent past, the earth has witnessed devastating weather-related events in different portions of the globe including hurricanes (e.g., Katrina and Rita in USA), tsunamis, typhoons, flooding especially in the Asian Continent, wild fires especially in Australia, USA, etc. Currently, the on-going flood incident in Pakistan that has so far claimed about 1,600 lives and rendered another four million people homeless is a sad reminder of the ugly and devastating consequences of global warming on the environment. There is no gainsaying the fact that humankind is paying dearly for the massive alterations in the environment that have induced changes in climate. This is because of frequent incidence of changes in climate related disasters in the world today. There is hardly any month that passes without an incident occurring in one part of the globe or another since the advent of the 21st century. Changes in climate has significant and potentially devastating health consequences, whether through direct actions (e.g., deaths resulting from heat wave and weather disasters) or disruption of complex biological methods (e.g., changes in infectious diseases patterns, supplies in fresh water and production of food).The report of the fourth assessment of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have globally submitted that “it is estimated that the health of millions of people is affected, for instance, malnutrition increases; deaths increase, diseases and injury; burden of increase diarrheal diseases; frequency of increased cardio-respiratory diseases caused by high levels of ground-level ozone in cities due to climate change; besides altered spatial distribution of some communicable diseases”. The association amongst changes in climate, its drivers, systemic effects, health and socioeconomic growth, mitigation and adaptation has been specified.

Mass Spectrometry Quantification, Localization, and Discovery of Feeding-Related Neuropeptides in Cancer borealis.

The crab Cancer borealis nervous system is an important model for understanding neural circuit dynamics and modulation, but the identity of neuromodulatory substances and their influence on circuit dynamics in this system remains incomplete, particularly with respect to behavioral state-dependent modulation. Therefore, we used a multifaceted mass spectrometry (MS) method to identify neuropeptides that differentiate the unfed and fed states. Duplex stable isotope labeling revealed that the abundance of 80 of 278 identified neuropeptides was distinct in ganglia and/or neurohemal tissue from fed vs unfed animals. MS imaging revealed that an additional 7 and 11 neuropeptides exhibited altered spatial distributions in the brain and the neuroendocrine pericardial organs (POs), respectively, during these two feeding states. Furthermore, de novo sequencing yielded 69 newly identified putative neuropeptides that may influence feeding state-related neuromodulation. Two of these latter neuropeptides were determined to be upregulated in PO tissue from fed crabs, and one of these two peptides influenced heartbeat in ex vivo preparations. Overall, the results presented here identify a cohort of neuropeptides that are poised to influence feeding-related behaviors, providing valuable opportunities for future functional studies.

Language Neuroplasticity in Brain Tumor Patients Revealed by Magnetoencephalography.

Little is known about language impairment in brain tumor patients, especially in the presurgical phase. Impairment in this population may be missed because standardized tests fail to capture mild deficits. Additionally, neuroplasticity may also contribute to minimizing language impairments. We examined 14 presurgical patients with brain tumors in the language-dominant hemisphere using magnetoencephalography (MEG) while they performed a demanding picture-word interference task, that is, participants name pictures while ignoring distractor words. Brain tumor patients had behavioral picture-naming effects typically observed in healthy controls. The MEG responses also showed the expected pattern in its timing and amplitude modulation typical of controls, but with an altered spatial distribution of right hemisphere sources, in contrast to the classic left hemisphere source found in healthy individuals. This finding supports tumor-induced neural reorganization of language before surgery. Crucially, the use of electrophysiology allowed us to show the "same" neuronal response in terms of its timing and amplitude modulation in the right hemisphere, supporting the hypothesis that the processes performed by the right hemisphere following reorganization are similar in nature to those (previously) performed by the left hemisphere. We also identified one participant with a fast-growing tumor affecting large parts of critical language areas and underlying ventral and dorsal white matter tracts who showed a deviant pattern in behavior and in the MEG event-related responses. In conclusion, our results attest to the validity of using a demanding picture-naming task in presurgical patients and provide evidence for neuroplasticity, with the right hemisphere performing similar computations as the left hemisphere typically performs.

A semi-automated machine learning-aided approach to quantitative analysis of centrosomes and microtubule organization.

Microtubules (MTs) promote important cellular functions including migration, intracellular trafficking, and chromosome segregation. The centrosome, comprised of two centrioles surrounded by the pericentriolar material (PCM), is the cell's central MT-organizing center. Centrosomes in cancer cells are commonly numerically amplified. However, the question of how the amplification of centrosomes alters MT organization capacity is not well studied. We developed a quantitative image-processing and machine learning-aided approach for the semi-automated analysis of MT organization. We designed a convolutional neural network-based approach for detecting centrosomes, and an automated pipeline for analyzing MT organization around centrosomes, encapsulated in a semi-automatic graphical tool. Using this tool, we find that breast cancer cells with supernumerary centrosomes not only have more PCM protein per centrosome, which gradually increases with increasing centriole numbers, but also exhibit expansion in PCM size. Furthermore, cells with amplified centrosomes have more growing MT ends, higher MT density and altered spatial distribution of MTs around amplified centrosomes. Thus, the semi-automated approach developed here enables rapid and quantitative analyses revealing important facets of centrosomal aberrations.