Borg, D. | Search bioRxiv

bioRxiv2021

The ratio of cytotoxic lymphocytes to M2-like macrophages is prognostic in immunogenic tumors

Immune cells in the microenvironment shape tumor development and progression. The prognostic value of T-cell-based immune scores exceeds those of clinical parameters in colon cancer, but reflects only a part of the anti-tumor immune response. Here, we assessed 15 distinct immune cell classes and identified a simple prognostic signature based on pro- and anti-tumoral immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. The ratio of cytotoxic lymphocytes to tumor supportive macrophages predicted survival better than the state-of-art immune score in colon cancer and had the highest relative contribution to survival prediction when compared to established clinical parameters. This signature was prognostic also in other cancers with high mutation burden, such as those of the lung, bladder, esophagus, and melanomas, supporting broad clinical applicability. One Sentence SummaryThe CD8/M2 ratio in tumor tissue defines prognosis in immunogenic cancers

cancer biology↗

bioRxiv2020

Do Motoneurons Slow With Aging? A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis With Meta-Regression

Nervous system maladaptation is linked to the loss of maximal strength production and motor control with aging. Motor unit discharge rates are a critical determinant of force production; thus, lower discharge rates could be a mechanism underpinning maximal strength and motor control losses during aging. This meta-analysis summarized the findings of studies comparing motor unit discharge rates between young and older adults, and examined the effect of distinct muscles and contraction intensities on the magnitude of discharge rates difference between these two groups. Eligible studies were combined in a meta-analysis, including tested contraction intensities and muscles in different levels, to investigate whether there were differences in discharge rates between younger and older adults. Motor unit discharge rates were higher in younger adults compared to older adults, with a pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) for all studies of 0.63 (95%CI= 0.27 to 0.99). Contraction intensity had a significant effect on the pooled SMD, with a 1% increase in intensity associated with a 0.009 (95%CI= 0.003 to 0.015) change in the pooled SMD. These findings suggest that the reductions in motor unit discharge rates, especially at higher contraction intensities, may be an important mechanism underpinning age-related losses in maximal strength production.

physiology↗